Suzanne McLaughlin, Wright & Sherburne Counties Realtor

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Move or get out of the way.

How many of these truisms have you heard? Hardly as many as I have, I'm guessing. Life keeps going regardless of our circumstances. So, whether we like it or not, a great many changes are inevitable in the very near future. We can decide our own fate. Really, even if you don't believe you have any control, you do. At least to some extent...you can control your destiny. So, your attitude about your circumstances now and what you believe can be are really all that matters. So, take your future by the horns. Hold on or let go...which action feels better is only determined by your style and comfort level.

I'm a mover and changer. I only feel comfortable with many decisions to make, much to do and people to see. If you are not, I understand. But, you might feel more comfortable having someone who can take it all in stride assisting you with the details and explaining the decisions you need to make. When you need that someone, call me. You will not be disappointed, trust my friends and former clients!

As I was perusing the four or five industry-related blogs and websites I read each morning to get myself motivated and my clients informed, there was this bit of cheer....

78,179 homes were taken by lending institutions during the month of November, down 8% from October. In October - 84,868 homes gone. In all, a total of 1,014,618 homes have been affected by foreclosure since August 2007. Statistics are according to CNNMoney.com.

Now, why is this cheery? Because each time, the numbers drop, it gives us an opportunity to write to our Representatives to let them know that we need some legislation to help overcome the vacant and iced-up homes in our communities and to assist those who just lost a job to not lose the house, too. Now, I believe in personal responsibility all day long, but there are some individuals who just got blind-sided by the tough economy. They didn't burn up the plastic and there are no big toys in the garage.

I work in this business...foreclosures. It's not pretty, and it is hard, depressing work. (On the flip side, I'm acting president of the Elk River, Otsego, Zimmerman and Big Lake Habitat for Humanity, so I can give back, too.) I also see the devastation of those people who are in the short sale position. The banks make it so hard, if not impossible sometimes, to get out honorably. But, if it can be done, we can do it!

I would love to not have to do Broker Price Opinions for the banks for a month...in the last year, the only time I didn't have an order from a bank was Christmas week.

The flood isn't over yet, but with a little sanity in government, perhaps we can get some loan modification legislation passed that makes sense and helps to keep people in their homes.

These days, with all the property on the market at reduced prices, bank-owneds and short sales, it is difficult at best for a "real" seller to move his or her property in a reasonable period of time.

Does your realtor have the tools to get the job done? Have you "googled" him or her? If they are the "real deal", the name should pop up on the first page. That translates into the fact that they are familiar with all the Web 2.0 tools out there to sell property in this market.

If they discuss "staging", or show you print advertising, you might need to ask some tough questions.

"What websites do you post property to?"
"Do you network with agents across the country as well as locally?"

"Do you know how to correctly price my property for maximum exposure to the most buyers?"

"How many referrals have you had in the past year" This is a really good one!

"Do you use technology to its greatest advantage?"

At Sabinske & Associates, we all have Blackberries equipped with Mobile Matrix and Web access. We receive 30+ e-mails a day while we are out in the field and can instantly respond to agent's inquiries, buyer inquiries and referrals.

Banks trust us to sell their properties, you can, too.

Even during this amazing market, when we don't know what's in store for 2009, there are indications that markets are improving. We have been busier in the last two months than the previous two months. Closings are up, buyers are looking and purchase agreements are being accepted by banks.

If you don't understand the new real estate terminology, short sales, REO, BPO, deed-in-lieu or contract for deed, don't feel bad! Many of these terms haven't been used for twenty-plus years.

I work with the banks, I work with short sale sellers and I have helped quite a few buyers get into bank-owned properties which have gone through foreclosure.

I am here to answer any questions you have about any real estate matter. If you need a quick answer, great. If you want more in-depth information about your situation, we can set up an appointment. I'm here to help. Good luck and best wishes for 2009!

My broker sent an email this morning to one of our clients. And that prompted me to remind agents that our fiduciary responsibility to our clients can get long and involved. We have a seller who will likely (I'm not exactly sure) incur some tax implications when and if we finally get to close on his home. It appears that it may close before the end of the year, but it surely will close before the end of the decade, won't it? He has been advised to check with a tax attorney and/or an accountant to see what the ramifications of this transaction will be to his financial position. Please advise your clients about this as well so they aren't "surprised" by the IRS.