Sellers want rising home values, but buyers need affordable housing. Unfortunately, these two concepts are often mutually exclusive. Sellers may not feel as positively about the markets right now, but as long as your house is your "home," you shouldn't be feeling as much pressure as someone who bought a property simply to "flip" it for profit.
If your income remains level, and home prices are falling, it actually makes you richer. How so? Because now you can buy more home for the money.
Ultimately, lower home prices will benefit buyers and the economy. Imagine what your children or grandchildren would be facing if home prices had continued their meteoric rise of a few years ago.
It's easy to see that affordable housing is more important than wild appreciation (which must correct itself eventually). Widespread homeownership results in economic growth, so try to understand and not to fear lower home prices.
Michael Sinton
Broker/Owner
For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.WeSellCentralNJ.com.
First, you can deduct from your income the interest paid on your mortgage. That applies to second homes, too. You may even be able to deduct your loan's insurance premiums. If you've taken out a home equity loan, that interest is also deductible, regardless of how you've used the money.
If you've sold or plan to sell your home, profits up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples) are free from taxation. While some restrictions apply, you won't get that kind of bargain on the sale of stocks, bonds, or other investments.
Now to get back to that mortgage interest deduction: it's almost guaranteed that if you hold a home loan, the interest deduction will help you reach the threshold for claiming all sorts of other itemized deductions above and beyond the standard amount allowed.
So just simply owning a home puts you in the happy position of being able to claim myriad other deductions from your taxable income. Real estate agents are not tax advisers, but they recognize a good deal when they see one!
Michael Sinton
Broker/Owner
For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.WeSellCentralNJ.com.
82 percent of those polled reported that buyers unimpressed by a home's "curb appeal" won’t be interested in a closer look. Additionally, 90 percent of the agents explained that a sale depends greatly on first impressions walking through the front door.
That same number also reported that the appearance of a home's exterior is equally important as the interior features and condition. When buyers see your home from the street and the front walk, they feel that what they see is what they get.
When you're ready to list, work hard on your curb appeal and make sure the interior displays the same pride of ownership. Then have professional photographs accompany your listing on the Internet, as well as other marketing tools.
These photos may be the buyers’ first "first impression" to look closer. The more pictures you offer, the better your chance for a quick sale. Listings with one photo sold for 91 percent of the listing price, while those with six or more pictures sold for 95 percent of the asking price. When you do the math, you’ll see that an attractive home plus attractive marketing is the formula for success!
Michael Sinton
Broker/Owner
For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.WeSellCentralNJ.com.
Webster's dictionary defines an agent as "a person, firm, etc. empowered to act for another." For an "agency" relationship to exist, there must be a "principal" and an "agent." The principal is the person who empowers another to act as his representative, while the agent is the person empowered to act.
In real estate, an agency relationship is created when a seller signs a "listing agreement." The seller gives the broker authority to act on his behalf to locate a purchaser. The agent must be loyal to his principal, exercise competence, and when negotiating a sale, the agent must protect the principal's financial interests. The agent must also treat all third parties honestly and fairly.
It is also possible for an agency relationship to exist between a buyer and a broker. When this occurs, the broker's fiduciary loyalty is to the buyer, and all sellers must be treated honestly and fairly. In certain situations, the broker can represent both a buyer and seller as a disclosed dual agent. In that case, the broker represents both parties equally.
Whether buying or selling, it is critical to understand which parties make up the agency relationships. If in doubt, give us a call and we’d be happy to go over the details of agency relationships for your clarification.
For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.WeSellCentralNJ.com.
America's Leading Discount Real Estate Company! We offer "Full Service With Savings"! That's right - FULL SERVICE!! Give us a call, email or check our website for details- www.WeSellCentralNJ.com
Increased awareness of "non-traditional" business models, like that of Assist-2-Sell, has spawned a national debate about the differences between "traditional" real estate companies and "discount" real estate companies. People involved in the discussion try to characterize real estate companies as being either "traditional" or "discount." It would be more accurate to differentiate using three categories:
As a "discounter," Assist-2-Sell is often inaccurately lumped in with the third category, "Limited Service/Discounted Commission." A key difference between Assist-2-Sell and others in the "discount" real estate space is the level of service. Assist-2-Sell discovered early on that while sellers love the discounted commission, they still need and want full-service. Assist-2-Sell franchise offices are full-service real estate brokerages staffed by experienced, licensed real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS®, as well as state and local REALTOR® associations. They take care of everything home sellers need from a real estate company, but charge a lower commission.
How is Assist-2-Sell different from "traditional" real estate companies?
The most obvious difference between Assist-2-Sell and "traditional" real estate companies lies in the commission structure. Traditional firms typically charge home sellers a high commission that is a percentage of the sale price. (Example: Six percent). Assist-2-Sell offices charge a low commission. (Example: As low as $595 + 2.98%!)
How is Assist-2-Sell different from other "discount" real estate companies?
Assist-2-Sell is a full-service discount real estate company. Other companies that discount their commission usually do so by taking away services. If they charge less, they are going to do less.
Some "Limited Service/Discounted Commission" companies are Internet-based and may only offer placement of the house in the MLS and rely on the MLS-selling broker to handle the entire transaction. While these models do have some appeal, Assist-2-Sell has found they are not a solution for the majority of home sellers who want and need full-service but don't want to pay a high commission.
How is Assist-2-Sell different from "For Sale by Owner" real estate companies?
Many homeowners decide to sell their home without the assistance of a real estate broker. Most "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) real estate companies simply help these homeowners advertise their house on the Internet. Assist-2-Sell is not a "For Sale by Owner" solution; it is a full-service real estate brokerage.
Dear Assist-2-Sell,
It had been over twenty-two years since we last sold a home. Essentially, we thought the process was not at all together different than our last dance with real estate. We were wrong. Things had changed. Fortunately, the daunting task actually proved to be far more painless than we anticipated. Mike, our sales agent matched his words with his actions and never over promised anything to us. In fact, he over delivered. All our expectations were more than met. We sold our home in Jackson Township faster than we have ever imagined and were well compensated for it. We found Mike and Assist-2-Sell an organization that we could really lean on. It sounds cliché, but they have the tools and resources of the "big" agencies, but the people skills and genuine compassion of a smaller agency. I have no doubt that the decision I made in working with Assist-2-Sell was the best choice I could have made for my family.
Charles M.
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Dear Mike,
Thanks so much for all the help in selling our Lawrenceville, New Jersey house.
After making the painful decision to sell our family home of 50 years, Assist-2-Sell made the process easy. We were very pleased that our house sold in two weeks during a depressed real estate market.
Thanks again for making the transition to our new lives as easy as possible.
Dr. Gary K. & Family
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Dear Mike,
Our entire family would like to thank you for the great service and assistance you've accorded us for purchasing our new home. I believe you are "heaven-sent" because out of the blue, your company contacted us to view that house which we never thought we'd come across before (in Mercer county). Nevertheless, you've been such a great part of our first-time being homeowners. A BIG THANKS!
Mervin M.
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Working at an Assist-2-Sell office is considerably different from working in a traditional office. We think you will find the difference refreshing and rewarding.
Comparison of traditional brokers and Assist-2-Sell
Traditional real estate brokers typically look to their agents to generate listings and sales. The broker recruits experienced agents from competitors and new agents from the general public or real estate schools. The experienced agents are appealing because they will hopefully bring with them a network of referral and repeat business. The fact that they are already trained is also a plus. The new agents, while requiring training and nurturing, are appealing to the traditional broker as they open the door to their "sphere of influence." This means their contact with friends, relatives, and acquaintances could bring more business. They hopefully also bring enthusiasm and a willingness to prospect for sellers and buyers.
In summary, the traditional brokers rely heavily on their agents to drive the business in the door.
The Assist-2-Sell concept is just the opposite. We believe that our concept needs to be strong enough to attract the business. We do not rely on agents to do the marketing of our concept. The broker/owner handles that aspect. While our competitive marketing programs attract business, we still need to get the message out to the consumers. We depend on our agents to provide the professional skills necessary to service the business we generate. Assist-2-Sell agents focus their efforts and energy on helping the buyers and sellers.
By offering home sellers superior marketing along with significant commission savings, they are attracted to Assist-2-Sell. At Assist-2-Sell, agents have plenty of opportunities to get face-to-face with sellers and buyers. Instead of spending most of their time looking for business, they spend most of it helping sellers and buyers. You'll also find that when you charge sellers less - they appreciate it. The relationship changes from adversarial to appreciative. Wouldn't it be nice not having to justify high fees?
How do agents make money when you charge so little?
Volume. Yes our agents may make less per closing than traditional agents; however, our agents typically have many more closings than the average traditional agents. End result - Assist-2-Sell agents make more.
There's more than money at stake!
While most Assist-2-Sell agents make above average incomes, money is not the only motivator. Quality of life is an important issue. When you work in an environment where you have more than enough business, the relationship between fellow agents in your office becomes less competitive and more collaborative. A true TEAM environment evolves. Everyone works together to deliver the best service for the sellers and buyers. We call it a "sense of community." Working Together Everyone Achieves More. Not many traditional offices can make this claim. In which environment would you rather work?
It Is Work
Assist-2-Sell agents are very busy. The best part is they are busy working with buyers and sellers, not searching for them. Typically an Assist-2-Sell office will generate many more times the leads as traditional offices. By relying on the concept and not the agents to generate business, Assist-2-Sell offices do not strive to fill lots of desks with agents. The average Assist-2-Sell agent will handle ten times the business as the average traditional agent. This means nine fewer agents requiring desk space and wasting time. You're surrounded by top Producers, and the best part is you'll become a top producer as well!
It is a full-time commitment
There's too much at stake for the consumer to turn the sale of their home over to part-time agents. The good news is that at Assist-2-Sell, you'll be successful enough to make real estate your full-time career. Your skills will improve faster with the experience and guidance you'll enjoy at Assist-2-Sell.
It is not for everyone
Some real estate agents are content with closing a few sales per year, making enough money, and not working too hard. These agents would not be happy and don't belong at Assist-2-Sell. The traditional world fits them best. Ours is a fast-paced, demanding, challenging world. Where do you see yourself fitting in? Don't permit yourself to make incorrect assumptions about what it must be like working at Assist-2-Sell. Be smart. Check us out. Give Mike a call or perhaps, call some of the agents working at Assist-2-Sell offices.
If you think you're ready to take your career to the next level, call or email for a confidential appointment immediately! Still not sure? Read an agent's testimonial below:
----- Agent Testimonial -----
"I have worked in the Mercerville, NJ office since June of 2006. As we all know the second half of last year was less than stellar. As of this writing, May, 2007, I have 15 listings with several more coming in over the next week.
To what do I owe this good fortune? It's rather simple - The Assist-2-Sell model of real estate, and the Broker of Record, Michael Sinton.
Some background on me might help you understand my satisfaction with this office and the program. I had been a co-owner of a nationally known brand of real estate for the prior four years. I wanted to sell my share in the business for a while, and when I found a willing buyer I jumped on the opportunity. That was in the late summer of 2005 during a very robust market, which was to change dramatically in the following months.
During my tenure with that company, I thought I had learned a lot about real estate. But guess what... I didn't.
When I came to the Mercerville office, I soon found out I knew very little. I work fairly well with people - I think I have strong interpersonal skills. That was only the tip of the iceberg. Each day became a challenge to learn something new about the process of real estate, as well as the impact of decisions on clients.
With the guidance of Michael Sinton, I feel I have learned more during the past year than I did in my prior endeavor. Michael has trusted me with all office-generated listing leads. Once I get to the table with a seller, it's a hands-down, win-win solution to the seller's situation, because no other real estate company can match the flexibility of our program.
We all know that when you're selling, you sell yourself first, the company second, and the product third. Believing in the product makes the company sale easier and the selling of self even easier than that.
All in all, it's a great relationship. Finding the right product from the right company makes every day enjoyable. Sure there are ups and downs in this business, just like any other, but remember the highs and forget the lows. When a door shuts a window of opportunity will open."
<Sales Associate>, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge
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