Has the "shifted market" got you down? Do you feel like none of your potential clients are EVER going to get off the fence and make a move???

Yes, I think we all feel that way sometimes. However, in an effort to take a proactive approach to the current market situation and my clients hesitation, I've decided to shift my thoughts to something faster that more people are leaning to now more than ever!

RENTALS! Yes, I said it... RENTALS... guess what. If your not showing properties or selling them...instead of "checking out" you may want to consider doing RENTALS. Of course, you can state your terms... only taking rentals that are "this much, " or in "this area," OF COURSE.

Just an idea.

Okay, it's "The Holiday's..." but does that mean the market will just STOP? NO... and guess what... it DOESN'T!

There are more and more people I talk to who say, "well, things will pick up in the spring, I don't really need to PUSH right now. It's the holidays, no one does anything."

This makes me cringe. This is a GREAT time to get something done ESPECIALLY because that is the mind set of SO MANY OTHER AGENTS! Maybe they are just burnt out, but there are ALWAYS listings to be taken, contracts to be sent off and deals to be CLOSED! No matter WHAT time of year it is!

Think of it THIS way... because it IS "that time of year," it makes some people who NEED to relocate even MORE motivated to find that home BEFORE their day of celebration!

Therefore, if YOU are that agent helping those people, then guess what... YOUR going to be THAT AGENT who closes that deal and gets paid. Case closed.

If you don't seek the business, it won't come to you. We are not in that market anymore. You get what you give, so give give give and you'll recieve... maybe JUST in time for the holidays! :-)

How to Buy a Great House

There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you. Below are just a few of the many factors -- you may think of others that are important to you.

Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples, or retirees.

SCOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your house.

Talk to people who live there.

Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends.

Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc.

NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS TO CONSIDER --

Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.

Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.

Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.

Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.

Research things like soil and water.

Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.

Find out if the neighborhood is near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.

Find out if the neighborhood belongs to a Homeowner’s Association.

How to Buy a Great House There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you. Below are just a few of the many factors -- you may think of others that are important to you. Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples, or retirees. SCOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD! It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your house.  Talk to people who live there.  Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends.  Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc. NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS TO CONSIDER --  Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.  Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.  Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.  Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.  Research things like soil and water.  Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.  Find out if the neighborhood is near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.  Find out if the neighborhood belongs to a Homeowner’s Association.

When your applying for a Real Estate Loan, it's EXTREEMLELY important that you follow these guidelines... if not, you will be VERY unhappy when your loan falls through...

The Ten Commandments

When Applying for a Real Estate Loan

1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.

2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!

3. Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.

4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.

5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.

6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.

7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.

8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.

9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.

10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.