Suzanne McLaughlin

Confidence is my middle name. I know I'm capable of a lot. And, my clients understand that I'll go to the ends of the earth for them. Most of them think I'm a little off...marketing their properties in the dead of the night. But it's my passion. And, with so few "live" sellers these days, it's the least I can do. I mostly work for the banks....doing BPOs and listing their properties. Once in a while, I get a good one, but mostly I see the tragedies of lives left behind. When I get to talk to someone in the flesh, I get very enthused, and more often than not, they do, too. My marketing (or as some would say, "shark") skills kick in and I'm on the hunt for buyers. It's a chess match. Can I pull them in? Of course! I can't wait for the next open house!

When you hire a realtor what is the criteria that you use Commission? Experience? Market knowledge? What they consider to be fair market value for your home?

First, let's address the commission issue. Consider this, if an agent buckles under pressure from you to reduce his commission, how well will he or she negotiate on your behalf with a buyer's agent or bank? Perhaps the agent believes that he or she isn't worth that much. Or, perhaps they haven't considered that they would have a more vested interest in getting the property sold at the best price they can. If you pay an agent a full price commission, whatever that is, for example, 7%, they have a fair amount of "skin in the game". Top producing agents do well because they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and because they are skilled. Top agents are professionals who are trained to present their client's case in the best possible light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests. Isn't that what you're looking for?

Experienced agents handle all the paperwork---and they've seen the problems and obstacles that can crop up. Disclosures, offers, counteroffers, listing agreements and closing details--everyone is looking for more time, experienced agents handle the details for you.

Contrary to popular belief, agents do not select prices for sellers or buyers. However, experienced agents will guide you to the right choice. They listen to what you have to say and sometimes interpet that for you. You may say you want someting specific but you want something else that works better for your situation that you never thought of. Experienced buyer's agents these days even check on properties to show by interviewing the selling agent to be certain that the property can close! Thereby, not wasting your precious time and gas!

We have expert market knowledge in our area--Elk River, Zimmerman, Otsego, Andover, Ramsey, Princeton, Big Lake, Hanover, St. Michael, Albertville, Rogers, etc. When you need the best information, expert marketing and experienced negotiation skills, you will want to call us! And, later down the road, we'll still be the best of friends! Not that guy your neighbor still talks about! Trust us, we've heard the stories........

There seems to be little that the average American can do anymore. What are all the politicians thinking when our country is in such a mess? If we can't pull the housing market out soon, all consumer goods will continue to fall...no one buys carpet, countertops, cabinets, big screens, or if they do, it's on a much smaller scale than when the housing market was hot. We need local jobs for the local economy and that means housing must come back or we can send all of our money for oil and jobs overseas. I don't have the answers but who's answering the questions?

The new FHA loan limits are out earlier than expected. For our area it is now $365,000. Interest rates and mortgage insurance tend to be lower with FHA financing. And, it's easier than ever to buy with FHA since they don't have the strict criteria they used to. Work orders are now confined to health and safety issues.

There will be much more real estate economic news to follow now that this information has been released, so stay tuned!