Selecting the right agent for you and your family is an important decision, and one that deserves some careful consideration. Buyers and sellers have different needs when it comes to real estate, so it’s important to understand what to expect from a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent.
A buyer’s agent should provide the following:
Expert negotiation
Mortgage services
Title services
Warranty services
Relocation services
Assistance with loan pre-approval
A needs assessment
Fast home-buying assistance
Online tools to make the process easier and more convenient
A dynamic Web site that will regularly push listings to you that meet your standards
Here is a set of questions to asker your agent.
If you’re looking for a seller’s agent, make sure they offer these services:
Expert negotiation
Real communication – on your terms and online
Find your next home fast
A well-trafficked Web site that offers buyers all the tools they need to search.
Pricing your home to sell
Innovative online marketing vs. heavy traditional mediums
An online portal for you to check daily online traffic on your property
Home preparation advice
Here is a list of questions to ask your listing agent.
Before choosing an agent also consider the following…
Agent Personality
There are a few traits that customers typically expect in a real estate agent—honesty, integrity and dedication. Beyond these qualities, it is important to find an agent who suits your personality. Purchasing a home is one of the most important transactions you’ll ever make and you want to make sure you are comfortable working with your agent. To find an agent who suits your personality, check out the Agent Selection Web page at RealLiving.com.
Forms of Communication
If you are tech-savvy consumer who wishes to communicate through digital mediums look for tech-savvy agents who are currently using social media. Check out real estate blog sites like Active Rain for agents who are in touch with Internet communication. If you frequent sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, or Twitter, then search for agents through these mediums. You’ll get a sample of an agent’s communication style by watching them interact with others online. Tech-savvy agents are also great for those who want fast and accurate information. They can quickly send the consumer a link to a new listing via text message, e-mail, tweet, etc.
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
New Listing at 231 Sorenson Dr Marysville Ohio
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Sparkling 3 bedroom and 2 ½ bath home with beautiful in ground pool just in time for summer! Walk in the front door and you can immediately see the care and maintenance that the current owners of this home have bestowed on this one owner home. First floor boasts formal dining room, open kitchen with breakfast nook, hardwood floors, laundry room, half bath and family room with huge bump out and full bath that is conveniently located adjacent to the pool! Brand new california shag carpeting throughout the 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs. Fresh paint throughout. Partially finished basement plus plenty of storage. 2 car attached garage. Amazing paradise like back yard with in ground pool, fenced yard, storage shed with electricity and mini basketball court! Close to schools. Great location and easy access to 33! Move right in!
Click here to see the brochure
or if we can answer any questions about this home or any other property
located in central Ohio please contact us
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Thursday, May 21, 2009
PRICE REDUCED 699 WEDGEWOOD DRIVE MARYSVILLE
PRICE REDUCED on this amazing 4 bedroom 2 ½ bath custom built home in golf course community. Elegant yet very family friendly from top to bottom floor. Wide plank hand stained cherry hardwood floors grace the majority of the first floor. White 6 panel doors and woodwork add to the charm. Chef kitchen with 42” cherry cabinets, large island with breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, built in wine rack plus adjoining dining space with sliding glass door to patio and wooded back yard. Family room with cozy fireplace. Multipurpose music room plus library with French doors and built in storage and bookshelves plus surround sound speakers. The second floor boasts 4 large bedrooms including the master suite with walk in closet and whirlpool tub plus a convenient second floor laundry. Recently finished lower level with poured wall foundation adds so much living space and square footage to this home! Spacious media room with surround sound speakers, game room is a fun place to entertain plus additional home office or hobby room. 2 car attached garage with bump out for lawn equipment and bicycles plus adjoining mud room. Maintenance free stucco and stone exterior! This home is definitely a 10! Call us and we will gladly set up a showing for you!
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tax Credit Ineligible for Down Payment
Bruno Capogreco a lender with Bank of America home loans here in Central Ohio just sent us an interesting article about the $8000 tax credit and the ever changing financing rules:
From the Arizona Republic
May 19, 2009
by J. Craig Anderson
Feds reverse rules to assist first-time home buyers
Federal officials on Monday reversed an earlier decision to allow first-time home buyers to use an $8,000 tax credit to borrow the down payment on a home.
A week earlier, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan had told the National Association of Home Builders that HUD would let banks and local governments offer short-term "bridge loans" to cover the down payment for first-time buyers eligible for the tax credit. The loans would have been available to applicants for federally insured mortgages such as Federal Housing Administration loans.
Lenders, home builders and real- estate agents had reacted favorably to the bridge-loan proposal, saying it would open up the housing market to more first-time buyers
However, not everyone was in favor of using the tax credit as collateral on a down-payment loan.
"That tax credit should be savings, not debt," said Patricia Garcia-Duarte, executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services in Phoenix.
Garcia-Duarte said the proposal too closely resembled a now-illegal practice known as seller-funded down-payment assistance, which allowed a home's seller to "gift" the down payment to a specific buyer through a non-profit organization.
Phoenix loan originator Dean Wegner was among the housing-industry professionals who had expressed enthusiasm about the bridge-loan plan.
Wegner said the program would have boosted local home sales, but he added that the bridge loans likely would have come with a high interest rate.
The loans also could have created income-tax issues, according to the IRS officials who shot down HUD's plan.
Still, Wegner remains optimistic that the government will seek other means to circumvent the FHA's required 3.5 percent down payment.
"They will probably come out with a zero-down FHA loan starting January 1, once the $8,000 goes away," he said.
Reach the reporter at 602-444-8681 or craig.anderson@arizonarepublic.com.
Here is the link to the full article
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2009/05/18/20090518biz-downpayment0519.html
If you have any financing questions, please contact
Bruno Capogreco
Home Loan Consultant
Bank of America, Home Loans
614-781-3434 x221
Bruno_Capogreco@bankofamerica.com
Contact us to learn more about real estate financing & news!
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
From the Arizona Republic
May 19, 2009
by J. Craig Anderson
Feds reverse rules to assist first-time home buyers
Federal officials on Monday reversed an earlier decision to allow first-time home buyers to use an $8,000 tax credit to borrow the down payment on a home.
A week earlier, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan had told the National Association of Home Builders that HUD would let banks and local governments offer short-term "bridge loans" to cover the down payment for first-time buyers eligible for the tax credit. The loans would have been available to applicants for federally insured mortgages such as Federal Housing Administration loans.
Lenders, home builders and real- estate agents had reacted favorably to the bridge-loan proposal, saying it would open up the housing market to more first-time buyers
However, not everyone was in favor of using the tax credit as collateral on a down-payment loan.
"That tax credit should be savings, not debt," said Patricia Garcia-Duarte, executive director of Neighborhood Housing Services in Phoenix.
Garcia-Duarte said the proposal too closely resembled a now-illegal practice known as seller-funded down-payment assistance, which allowed a home's seller to "gift" the down payment to a specific buyer through a non-profit organization.
Phoenix loan originator Dean Wegner was among the housing-industry professionals who had expressed enthusiasm about the bridge-loan plan.
Wegner said the program would have boosted local home sales, but he added that the bridge loans likely would have come with a high interest rate.
The loans also could have created income-tax issues, according to the IRS officials who shot down HUD's plan.
Still, Wegner remains optimistic that the government will seek other means to circumvent the FHA's required 3.5 percent down payment.
"They will probably come out with a zero-down FHA loan starting January 1, once the $8,000 goes away," he said.
Reach the reporter at 602-444-8681 or craig.anderson@arizonarepublic.com.
Here is the link to the full article
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2009/05/18/20090518biz-downpayment0519.html
If you have any financing questions, please contact
Bruno Capogreco
Home Loan Consultant
Bank of America, Home Loans
614-781-3434 x221
Bruno_Capogreco@bankofamerica.com
Contact us to learn more about real estate financing & news!
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Fresh Greens
Since I DID call this blog “Fresh Focus”, I should write about something fresh from time to time, dontcha think?
Jeri Amrine
Well, I think I have a garden! I only think so because I have never in my life been able to care for plants properly. When the helper at the nursery says to me, “Oh, you can’t kill this plant”, I think, “Really?!”. Well, she just didn’t know me very well. I don’t deliberately set out to be a plant-killer…I’m just not great at caring for them. Maybe there is such a thing as too much water. I think I kill them with love. Anyway, back to the garden….
Marty and I decided it may be a good idea to plant some veggies in an unused 10×10 patch of yard. We eat lots of veggies and they tend to get pricey at times. I really thought this idea was a lark until I spotted a few leafy things popping up out of one row. Holy moley!! Could this be romaine? Then, a few rows over, I think there are a few zucchini sprouts coming up. If so, hello neighbors…you will be getting some of those…they grow like crazy. I think we actually have an herb that is coming in, too. Cilantro, maybe? I am so excited!! I think Marty is, too, because he came home last night with 2 new tomato plants, green beans and basil. Check out what we have growing…
If we can keep the kids and dog out of the garden, we may get lucky and have some fruitful plants this year. Maybe I should stay out of the garden, too….
Jeri Amrine
Photographer
***Jeri is one of our friends who is an amazing photographer and I always enjoy reading her blog posts. She has graciously allowed us to repost some of her blogs here. If you need a photographer that can capture your families unique and special moments, please contact her! ******
If you need to find some land where you can plant your own garden, please call us
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Friday, May 15, 2009
Uniform Process for Short Sales Will Help Struggling Homeowners
Many of our potential buyers want to do about the process of purchasing a short sale property. Short sales homes can be great investments but the process of buying a short sale can test the patience of even the most patient of buyers. When a buyer wants to make an offer on a short sale home, we submit the offer and we wait, and we wait, and we wait for an answer from the bank as to whether our offer will or even can be accepted. Sometimes after waiting for a couple of months, the buyers still are not able to purchase this home because the bank will not allow the short sale. The National Association of Realtor put out a press release on 5/14/09 regarding the government intervention to streamline this process to not only help buyers that want to purchase these homes but also to aid sellers who need to sell their homes this way.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
The Voice For Real Estate®
500 New Jersey Avenue, NWWashington DC 20001
WASHINGTON (May 14, 2008) – Help is on the way for many homeowners who are facing foreclosure, thanks to new details under the Making Home Affordable Program announced today by the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Making Home Affordable Program is designed to help homeowners obtain modifications to their loan so they can afford to stay in their home. Where a modification is not possible, new incentives encourage the “quick private sale or voluntary transfer of property, which will save homeowners money and protect their financial future,” according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. The National Association of Realtors® expects that a uniform process for handling short sales and financial incentives will facilitate this process.
“NAR is pleased that the government is stepping in to help prevent foreclosures by streamlining the short-sale and deeds-in-lieu process,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “NAR has been calling for uniform short sales procedures and other initiatives that will help today’s homeowners in challenging economy.”
Short sales occur when a bank agrees to let homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage to sell their home for less than they owe on their mortgage. Visit http://www.treasury.gov/ for detailed information on the program changes.
“Many families are finding themselves with a mortgage that is higher than their current home value, and they are struggling,” said McMillan. “As Secretary Geithner noted, and as NAR has been advocating for many months, stemming the foreclosure crisis and stabilizing the housing market are critical to our economic recovery.”“We have heard from Realtors® that the extensive delay in the short sale process had caused many buyers to go elsewhere and have left many would-be sellers with no option but foreclosure. We are all pleased that the government has stepped in to help homeowners and those wishing to buy a home,” McMillan said.
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For Further Information Contact:
Mary Trupo, 202/383-1007mailto:202/383-1007mtrupo@realtors.org
Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the Web site’s “News Media” section in the NAR Media Center.
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSÒ and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate agents are REALTORSÒ. All REALTORSÒ are members of NAR
Contact us to learn more short sale properties:
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
The Voice For Real Estate®
500 New Jersey Avenue, NWWashington DC 20001
WASHINGTON (May 14, 2008) – Help is on the way for many homeowners who are facing foreclosure, thanks to new details under the Making Home Affordable Program announced today by the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Making Home Affordable Program is designed to help homeowners obtain modifications to their loan so they can afford to stay in their home. Where a modification is not possible, new incentives encourage the “quick private sale or voluntary transfer of property, which will save homeowners money and protect their financial future,” according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. The National Association of Realtors® expects that a uniform process for handling short sales and financial incentives will facilitate this process.
“NAR is pleased that the government is stepping in to help prevent foreclosures by streamlining the short-sale and deeds-in-lieu process,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “NAR has been calling for uniform short sales procedures and other initiatives that will help today’s homeowners in challenging economy.”
Short sales occur when a bank agrees to let homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage to sell their home for less than they owe on their mortgage. Visit http://www.treasury.gov/ for detailed information on the program changes.
“Many families are finding themselves with a mortgage that is higher than their current home value, and they are struggling,” said McMillan. “As Secretary Geithner noted, and as NAR has been advocating for many months, stemming the foreclosure crisis and stabilizing the housing market are critical to our economic recovery.”“We have heard from Realtors® that the extensive delay in the short sale process had caused many buyers to go elsewhere and have left many would-be sellers with no option but foreclosure. We are all pleased that the government has stepped in to help homeowners and those wishing to buy a home,” McMillan said.
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For Further Information Contact:
Mary Trupo, 202/383-1007mailto:202/383-1007mtrupo@realtors.org
Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the Web site’s “News Media” section in the NAR Media Center.
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSÒ and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate agents are REALTORSÒ. All REALTORSÒ are members of NAR
Contact us to learn more short sale properties:
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
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