I can't tell you how many times a week I get asked what the difference is between a short sale and bank owned so thought I'd do my part to get the word out.
A short sale is a home that the seller still owns and usually occupies, however they are unable to sell the home for the full amount owed to the bank. Their mortgage company must approve the sale price of the home. These homes could be in preforeclosure or in foreclosure with an auction date pending.
A bank owned home is a home that has been foreclosed on by the mortgage company or bank that had a mortgage lien against it. The home is no longer occupied.
Currently in Western Washington, approximately 51% of homes are what we call "distressed properties", or short sales and bank owned homes. Many of these homes are in need of repair or have some deferred maintenance. Often times buyers will overlook these homes becasue of concerns about the cost to make repairs. Fortunately there is a mortgage for buyers called a 203k loan that can help with those needed repairs, making some of those homes a great buy!!
For more information about the 203K loan contact:
Sarah Cason @
Cobalt Mortgage
425.605.3100
sarah.cason@cobaltmortgage.com
Then call me to start searching for your dream home!
As we all know, having an internet presence is critical to the success of your business. But it takes more than merely having an internet presence, you need to beLocal and become the Authority Rock Star in your Marketplace! Next question will be, "I know but who's got the time necessary to do all that is needed?"
At beLocal we know that consumers go through a three step process before making their final choice. Whether it's looking for a great place to eat, the nearest spa or who to use for their real estate needs. We all do it, we search, evaluate and then decide.
SEO companies deliver on the search portion but stop short there because they don't help you with taking it to the next two steps, evaluate and decide. If you don't have the content be it educational, coupons, ability to make an appointment on line, or what ever else the consumer wants, you have failed at the evaluate step in the process and the client/consumer will not decide to use you or your business for their needs.
At beLocal we can help you with all three steps which ultimately takes the burden off your shoulders on how to grow your internet presence. We are business owenrs just like you and we know what it takes to be found on the internet and increase your leads and make the phone ring.
After all.....if you are doing anything other than what you do best (whatever your line of business is) you are not making good use of your time, unless of course your business is internet marketing!
What are you waiting for? beLocal and contact us today to discuss what we can do for you!!
Sandy Noll
Business Consultant Director
beLocal Group.com
425.890.0878
Recently while sitting at a new construction condo site, I had a buyer come through that was just out for a Sunday stroll. He decided to stop in just to have a look around. He wasn't "really" looking to make a home purchase, just curious he said.
After asking a few basic questions, we set out to view our models and I asked him what he was paying for rent. He told me $1400 per month, to which I replied, "Did you know you could own this condo and get the benefits of being a homeowner and have something to call your own, for less than you are paying in rent each month?"
At first he did not believe me, so after viewing our second model we went back to the office and I called my preferred lender. We worked up three different scenarios and Mr. Renter became Mr. Buyer!
It is true, with so much inventory and historically low interest rates, now more than ever, if you can afford to buy real estate you should!!
So before you sign another lease for 12 months, ask yourself....Buy vs Rent. You might be surprised by the answers you find!
Yesterday I was contacted by buyers who wanted to look at homes NOW, problem was they speak Vietnamese and I speak English. Their friend translated over the phone but was not going to be available to go with us to look at homes.
As my policy is to always have a Buyer Consultation prior to looking at homes, I explained the process to them and we agreed to look on Sunday. Honestly I thought they would hang up and find an agent available NOW and one who spoke Vietnamese. Nope, they called me (via their friend) last night with their MLS numbers of the three homes they wanted to see and to confirm our appointment for Sunday at 4pm.
Now the dilemma, I did not feel like I could do right by them when neither of us could understand the other. Not to mention the legalities of not being able to explain a Purchase & Sale Agreement. I sent an email to my market center looking for a Vietnamese speaking Broker, no responses. I looked in the KW White Pages and found 1 Broker, to far away. I sent an email to several Broker friends in the business, got one name from a colleague, who did not respond to my email or phone call. Finally I posted on Facebook what I needed.
A couple people responded that they knew people who spoke Vietnamese, but I really wanted to refer this client to another agent who spoke Vietnamese, I just thought that was in their best interest. Then Vicky Chrisner commented and reminded me about ActiveRain's referrals page! OMG how could I have forgotten about AR?? In addition Vicky posted a referral alert on Facebook to the Facebook world! (Thanks again Vicky, that was so nice of you!!).
Needless to say I posted on ActiveRain immediately and within a half hour I had 4 responses. Then by morning I had 5 more! Once again I was reminded of the power of the AR community! While several of the responses were to say sorry I don't speak Vietnamese, please call me next time, there were a couple good possibilities and I was given the ames of Brokers not on AR that might work.
Thank you Vicky for reminding me of a resource that was right there all along and got results quicker than any other resource! I did not end up going with an AR member, but you can guarantee I won't forget about the rain ever again!
One of my favorite charitable organizations is the Forgotten Children's Fund and it's that time of year again.
The North Pole is gearing up and The Forgotten Children's Fund North Pole is no exception and needs as many Elves as possible to help brighten the day for hundreds of children and their families.
Here's how it all began:
I had the opportunity to volunteer a few years ago at the North Pole wrapping and preparing gifts. Then on Christmas Eve, I along with Santa and 5 other Elves delivered food and gifts to several families. I can tell you this was a very moving experience. To arrive at someones home with boxes of food and coats and toys delivered by none other then Santa himself, put a smile on EVERY child's face. Tears flowed easily that day for everyone. Tears of joy at knowing we had just made a difference in the life of a child who might have received nothing!
I remember at our last stop, a single mother of three, couldn't thank us enough for having brought her son a bike. Many of these families do not live in the safest of neighborhoods and her son's bike had been stolen and that was all he had. She could not afford to buy him a new one so he just sat and stared out the window hoping his bike would be found. It was a heart warming feeling to know we brought a little hope to their lives.
My request for you is that you reach out and help this organization. I know times are tough and money is tight for everyone, but look deep into your heart and I believe you will find a way to support this extraordinary organization. Everything they provide is done so with donations from people just like you. Be it a monetary donation, time spent wrapping and preparing gifts, volunteering at the food or bike drives or delivering gifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it's all important and you are needed. When the day is done, you can take comfort in knowing you just made life a little better for a child who really is having a tough time for one reason or another!
For information on how you can help, visit the Forgotten Children's Fund website. Once on the website click on events or calendar.
I promise, you will not be disappointed you helped in any way. There is no greater joy then bringing a smile to a child's face! 
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Achieving your real estate goals is my number one priority. I'm your real estate professional for Kirkland and Woodinville and the Greater Seattle area throughout King and Snohomish Counties.
Achieving YOUR goals is my #1 priority. Whether buying or selling YOU will receive only the best! Backed by the fastest growing real estate company in the nation, YOU will be provided with top notch service, honesty and integrity. YOU deserve to have an agent that works hard for YOU, so pick up the phone now to call me and let's achieve YOUR goals!!!
Home in Foreclosure? Are you faced with the unfortunate decision of having to sell your home because you are in or are about to be in foreclosure. You need an agent experienced in the short sale process who'll negotiate with your lender and work hard to try to prevent your home from reaching the auction block! If you have equity and don't need a short sale but are in financial trouble, you need an agent who'll help you price your property right for a quick sale. As your agent, you will receive nothing short of working towards what is in your best interest.
Selling? An extensive search of the area you reside in is done to provide you with a current market analysis so you are well informed when setting the selling price of your home.
Buying? If you've made the decision to purchase your "Dream Home" or an investment property, then finding that perfect home is top priority. Need help with financing, inspections or insurance? Got you covered there too! From beginning to end achieving your goals is essential.
Auction? Looking to bid on a home at the county foreclosure auction? Having researched and successfully bidding on a home at the auction, enables me to educate you on the process so perhaps you can be successful too!
Having lived on the Eastside most of my life, I am very knowledgeable of the areas schools, amenities shopping and churches. I went to Moorlands, Northshore Jr High and Inglemoor and my boys will attend the same JR/SR Highs. My daughter attended schools in the Lake Washington school district, which is also a great district.
I love working with both buyers and sellers. Each has a specific goal and nothing brings me greater joy then to help a client achieve that goal. Even during difficult times such as foreclosure, my heart goes out to my clients and while I may have to deliver bad news, I am ALWAYS honest, straight forward and compassionate. My clients respect my honesty, even if it's not the news they wanted.
It was a lucky day when I called Sandy Noll to ask about a house that I thought she was listing. She listened carefully, responded appropriately and showed me only houses that fit my requirements. She went out of her way to take me on tours when my car was in transport, and she always returned voice and emails. I would recommend Sandy to anyone; she knows the Eastside and will guide newcomers to the best location for their circumstances.
Carole L
"Thank you so much for helping to make our home purchase as painless as possible. You gave excellent advice throughout. We were able to turn on the lights after you left by turning on the circuit box. Anyway everyone seems to enjoy the house even Reilly the dog. Thank you for the gift card, it was an unexpected bonus that we appreciate very much. Keep in touch and know that we will recommend you to our friends."
We placed our faith in a realtor we picked from a website. As it turned out Sandy was the perfect choice. We bought a short sale home and from the beginning we knew exactly to the day when the transaction would be completed. Sandy got us a great price, handled all the details and became a trusted friend in the process.
Don & JoAnn B.
).
"I had a very good experience with Sandy from the very beginning of my home search. As a first time homebuyer, Sandy was very patient with me and was willing to explain everything I did not know. Sandy also always got back to me very promptly with all my queries from the other parties and always guided me towards making the right decisions. I would absolutely recommend anyone else purchasing a home to go through Sandy."
Fazal
Good Morning Sandy:
This letter is long overdue! I wanted to send a special THANK YOU for being my real estate agent! You did an awesome job by:
- being available by phone and returned my calls right away.
- listening to my every need.
- being truthful and honest at all times.
- providing answers that were researched first.
- standing up for me when things didn't go right with the builder.
- being my agent until the last "punch list" item is off the list - this is amazing!
- being ethical and professional in everything you do.
- making me as your client feel important and number "1"!!
Sandy, I would definitely recommend you to anyone. You are fantastic and you know your business! I am truly a reference if you need one.
Thanks again for all your help and let's keep in touch!
Donna S.
If you are lucky to find a realtor who listen's to you to determine your needs and actually hears you (not placing you in a cookie cutter mold) and then goes to bat for your best interest, you will have met Sandy Noll. She was wonderful to work with. Very patient, very agressive when it was necessary and a genuinely nice person. How refreshing! She has restored my faith in realtors. You would do well to work with her. I'm so glad I did!
Rick Moreno
Sandy is a real estate agent like no other. Her high level of customer service, knowledge of the market, and can do attitude makes buying and selling a home very easy. She always goes above and beyond to get the job done! I highly recommend her to anyone who is buying or selling a home.
John Eisenbarth
Dear Sandy,
I wanted to thank you very much for all of your help and encouragement during the process of selling my home in December, 2005. Even though I found myself in the midst of foreclosure, your insistence to get my house on the market as soon as possible kept me from losing my equity to the bank. I appreciate your patience in working with me during that difficult time and would encourage anyone to use your services. Because of your diligent effort I had money to keep a roof over our head, and that means a lot. You did a great job.
Sincerely,
Donna M.
Edmonds, WA
Working with Sandy was great, we encountered some difficult tasks, involving lawyers,
while trying to buy our home. Sandy was quick to get us a great lawyer who put a stop to
all of our problems very fast. We also threw a vacation into the mix, she was there at
closing to get our keys so we would be able to come back to our very first home. If it was
not for her help we would most likely still be trying to buy our home.
Thanks
-Samantha
Sandy,
Thank you so much for your continuous help on the Sale of my Condo. You
were always there when I needed anything. You went above and beyond the standards of all other sales reps I have worked with. It would be my pleasure to work with you again on my next Sale or Purchase. I will recommend you to all my friends and family.
Cheers! Thanks again for the excellent services! You have been great!!!
Leann & Ryan A.
Sandy,
Thank you so much for helping us find our new home. We are so happy here!!! My husband is closer to his work, the school is awesome, the neighborhood is peaceful, the house is bigger for our growing family, we have "camp-outs"in the back yard, it's really an enjoyable place to be. Never in a million years would I have thought that we would be able to afford a house like this. Their was alot of searching involved, but after all this was our soon to be third house, so we wanted something that really fit our familys needs. We did end up moving to a place that we never thought we would end up, however I wouldn't change a thing. Sandy, you negotiated the closing costs to be included in the sale of the home, so nothing came out of our pocket. The rate on our home loan turned out really well too, thanks to your great referals and we got an awesome deal on the house as well. I can't say enough about our wonderful experience working with you. You are very knowledgeable in the area of construction of homes since you and your husband had your own company for a number of years, which was very helpful on those fixer-uppers. It is really hard to find someone that you trust in the real estate world, there is so many agents to choose from. You really need a person who is a "go-getter" someone you can depend on and trust. I can attest to Sandy at being a trustworthy, dependable agent. We spent so much time together in the car going from house to house.........................to house.
Thank you Sandy for all of your time and hard work from the whole Garcia family.
Dear Sandy Noll,
We truly appreciate all the hard work you put in to helping us locate, research, and purchase our property. The exceptional personal service provided by you certainly should be commended. Sandy, you were very knowledgeable and eager to help us find our first home. It showed that you truly cared and wanted to find a place we would both agree on. Sandy definitely made our first purchase simple and easy to understand. You can definitely count on our recommendations for your services to our friends.
Thank You,
Shane Wyman
Kristopher Samp
We hired Sandy to sell our house in 2006, she was on top of everything and was always ready to meet the needs of buyers and also do the best for us. I would recommend Sandy to handle any and all of your real estate needs in a timely and proffessional way.
Shirley Larson
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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