Corrine Negron

Why paying a discounted commission is NO bargain...

Here I am...again. Sitting across from a lovely couple, explaining (debating) my worth to them as a specialist in my field of expertise...Real Estate Sales. Nothing makes you squirm in your seat more than discussing money, especially having to justify why you are deserving of every last penny they will eventually pay me when I sell their house. Most people only have to address their income once with their employer, during the interview process and negotiate the terms involved. Then, maybe, here and there down the line--but even then, most raises are addressed in that initial hiring phase. In most cases, you are not asked to work for free, negotiate your salary if the company has a rough spot with a customer, or argue your worth to the company at every bump in the road. Ah...the life of a Realtor...everytime I go on a listing appointment, I face this inevitable conversation.

I am a full service agent, and my fee is 6%. Across the board, if I sell your house you will pay 6%. I am worth every penny...here's why:

- At the very beginning, my business partner and I spend hours studying the market and determining a list price for your home. I do not plug numbers into a software program and let it spit out a pretty pie chart with your price at the top. I study every feature of your home and then all the recent solds-pending-active of like properties.

- I come to you. To your house. For signatures, explanation...whatever you need, I am there. - I also pick up my phone.( If you pay 4-5%, that issue is a gamble.)

- I actually put pictures and a virtual tour online. Not dark,ugly pictures of a wall or ceiling... I spend time writing an ad for your home. It is more than 4 sentences, and it will talk about everything your home can offer a buyer.

- I blog your home. I prospect for buyers. Amazing, right? I don't put your home in MLS and sit back and wait for a buyer...I actually try to find one...what a thought!

- I pay for all the tools I use to market your property (that is top secret) out of my own pocket. I do not ask a seller to pay for anything until I sell it. If I don't sell, or you are unhappy --you do not pay anything.

-I call you. You will know about market conditions,ads,marketing,feedback for showings etc. because I contact you at least once every week. No guessing or wondering...

-I present any and all offers. In person, unless you are out of area. I will come to your home to get signatures at 9pm if you allow me to.

- I arrange paperwork and closing info with the title company for you. I handle every little, tiny, minute detail from everyone(buyer agent,buyer,home inspector,title company,lender...) for you. I am a master negotiator for your interests. I am at all inspections. I follow up (repeatedly) with all parties involved to be sure everyone is performing. I attend the closing. I get the sleepless nights, not you. I figure out ways to resolve the problems(and there always are) not you. My goal is to make this transition as pleasant as possible and create a customer for life. Essentially, from the moment I take a listing, I eat,sleep and breath it until it closes.

The other aspect that a seller must consider when selling... Of the 6% I collect, 3% will be paid to the buyers agent. If I automatically discount my fee, in most cases the discount will be to the buyers agent. We are all human, so let me ask you this...IF you were an agent, and you had an abundance of homes to show...would you show a home with a lesser commission? The answer to that is no! That percentage you are "saving" will be costing you time and aggravation on the market...and will eventually cost you more in continuing mortgage payments and unstable pricing in the long run. If I can sell your home quickly, get you the best price,give you least amount of time on market, least amount of stress with impeccable service...why would you not want to pay me for it? We all know that there are different calibers of doctors,lawyers...etc. You hire the best, because you want the best. You wouldn't hire a doctor because he/she is cheaper... Same goes for selling your home, this is the biggest investment most people have. Why would you base your decision on a percentage of commission? Realtors are not all created equal...and you get what you pay for.

Melbourne area FL Real Estate Sales and Solutions-Sue Farrell and Corrine Negron Exit 1st Class Realty is one of the areas fastest growing real estate firms. We specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Melbourne, Viera, Suntree, Baytree,Lake Washington,Eau Gallie,Palm Shores, Summer Brook,Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach,West Melbourne, Rockledge, Palm Bay and the surrounding areas. 321-543-7881

I thought today I would answer the million dollar question...If there is one real estate topic that people are bewildered about or completely misinformed...it would be this: WHAT IS A SHORT SALE?

Well, what is a short sale? It is when a seller has a mortgage balance that exceeds what the home is currently worth AND does not have the money to make up the difference AND has a financial hardship. Homeowners are under the impression that they can walk away from a home they own on a whim, with a savings account and be approved for a short sale. Sorry folks, not the truth!

What can you expect when BUYING a short sale property? Be prepared to wait...and then wait some more. The typical short sale takes somewhere between 3-6 months from contract to closing. Many buyers I work with think that the listing price is what the bank is willing to take for the property. Many times, it is a price to attract attention and ultimately...offers! It is not necessarily what a bank will accept. Once a property has a contract, the bank will assign a negotiator and order a BPO. A BPO is what the bank will use in order to determine market value and will respond accordingly. If the contract price is significantly lower than the BPO, usually the bank will either counter in price and terms or reject. The thought among buyers is that a short sale will be a steal; not true! It will be what FAIR market value is for the subject property. There are several factors that affect the amount of time it will take to get response/final approval from the bank: The amount of loans the property has, the bank/banks who hold the loan, If paperwork has been submitted by seller to the bank, who the negotiator is, how long the seller has been delinquent on payments, if there is PMI...etc. As a buyer trying to purchase a short sale, many things are out of you and your agents control...which can make the process a bit frustrating and stressful than a regular resale. Keep your eyes on the prize(your future home) and be patient. Know what to expect, and it won't be as frustrating.

What can you expect as a SELLER, selling a short sale property? It is a humbling and sad experience for most of the sellers I have worked with when selling your home as a short sale. The first step is having to fully accept the situation and let go of the property emotionally. The realization that there is a 3rd entity(the bank) that has no attachment and wants to be rid of your property from their books is hard for most to deal with. The next step is to get all of your financial paperwork in order and in to the bank. They will want all of your tax returns,bank statements, pay stubs..etc. You will also need to furnish a "hardship letter" explaining why you need to leave your house and what the events were leading up to this. Once you get a contract, the bank will most likely negotiate the price with both you and the buyers. Hiring an attorney is a good idea if you are trying to move on without a deficiency. Again, this is a painful and frustrating process...it is also time consuming. Typically 3-6 months... Keep in mind it is necessary to move on with your life...and try to be as cooperative with your bank as possible.

If you are in a situation where you are struggling with your payments, there are MANY programs for loan modification out there. You may qualify...get proactive!

Melbourne area FL Real Estate Sales and Solutions-Sue Farrell and Corrine Negron Exit 1st Class Realty is one of the areas fastest growing real estate firms. We specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Melbourne, Viera, Suntree, Baytree,Lake Washington,Eau Gallie,Palm Shores, Summer Brook,Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach,West Melbourne, Rockledge, Palm Bay and the surrounding areas. 321-543-7881

We are Sue Farrell and Corrine Negron and we specialize in helping buyer's and sellers invest in real estate in the central Florida east coast area including Melbourne, Viera, Suntree,Baytree,Summer Brook,Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, West Melbourne,Rockledge, Palm Bay and the surrounding areas.

We have over 23 years of experience in the real estate industry.We are a mother-daughter sales team. We are consistant multi-million dollar producers and top producers in our office at EXIT 1st Class Realty. If you are condsidering listing your property in the Central Florida ask us about our latest internet marketing systems. Our customers are always our top priority and we do go that extra mile and then some. We are huge about communicating with our customers, you are able to reach us anytime you need us. Together, we find great joy and success in helping people buy and sell their homes!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US....

"....They Went Way Beyond...a Godsend...They Treated our House as a Home, Not just Another Property...Performed Well in a Very Difficult Market...They Know Their Business!..."

"...A Problem Solver...A Gentle, Concerned Professional...They are Attentive,Supportive, and Kept us Well Informed at all Times...They made a Stressful Time for us Much Easier...They were There Every Step of the way with Good Advice, a Smile and a Hug if Necessary..."

"...I am Convinced that our Success was Based Strictly Upon your Insight of the Market...a Great Communicator...I LOVE Your Service!...They were Pleasant, Friendly and Approachable...I would Recommend them Highly..." "...Just when we were Losing Hope You Made it Possible for us and You Never Lost the Faith. You Made the Light Shine Brighter. Look at us, we are so very HAPPY now..."

We moved to Brevard county in 1989 and have never looked back. This amazing area is affordable and enjoyable year round with beautiful beaches, attractions close by, golf and gorgeous weather. We spend our free time with our families-whom we adore!

Melbourne area FL Real Estate Sales and Solutions-Sue Farrell and Corrine Negron Exit 1st Class Realty is one of the areas fastest growing real estate firms. We specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Melbourne, Viera, Suntree, Baytree, Summer Brook,Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach,West Melbourne, Rockledge, Palm Bay and the surrounding areas. 321-543-7881

Hello All!

My business partner and I have come across an incredible one stop resource in Melbourne, FL..

We have recently encountered issues within our own families dealing with senior care and what programs are available. We have found a way to make HUGE decisions regarding health and finance when your back is against the wall. This resource, One Senior Place, located in the Viera area of North Melbourne, FL is a wealth of info from Attorneys and Financial planning to Realtors(us!) and Hospice centers. Anyone who's life and mobility has suddenly changed, this wonderful one stop shop is for you! Check out the website and get plugged into a revolutionary virtual business community.

FREE Real Estate Consultations every Wed. from 9:30-12:30pm...OR Call US:

Sue Farrell and Corrine Negron

Coldwell Banker Sun Land Realty--321-543-7881

www.brevardsue.net

www.oneseniorplace.com

I live in Palm Bay, FL; one of the hardest hit areas in Brevard county due to Tropical Storm Fay. The devastation here is terrible. People close to me have lost everything they own due to flooding. Unfortunately, regular homeowner's insurance does not cover most types of flooding that have occurred in this area. Anything anyone can do monetarily to contribute would be so helpful!

For Realtors that have been affected by the flooding, you may be able to receive relief from the Florida Association of Realtors Disaster Relief Fund. Take digital pictures of the damage, and fill out an application and deliver to Melbourne Area Association of Realtors. You can call the association for more details. It is so great to know that our colleagues have this program available to other Realtors in need!