Comparing Notes Quick, what is one of the best predictors that someone is ready to buy a home: A. They just got a promotion. B. They just got engaged. C. Their family got bigger (they had another child). D. Their best friend (or sibling or colleague) just bought a home. Answer: all of the above,...Read More
What’s That They Say About Messengers? The worst part of my job? (at least the last few years). Telling many would-be Sellers that they’re home is worth $20k — or $200k — less than they thought (and not infrequently, what they currently owe on it). Blunting the sting: the next home they want to purchase will...Read More
It’s hard enough — as a busy Realtor — keeping up with new listings, pre-list’s, pending sales, showings, inspections, walk-thru’s, closings, listing presentations, networking, etc. for a stable of a dozen or more concurrent clients. The last thing I’m interested in doing is becoming an expert on the various downpayment assistance programs that seem to...Read More
Where are the First-Time Home Buyers? Living With Their Parents, Unemployed, & in Debt Hey Chel you know it’s kinda funny Texas always seems so big But you know you’re in the largest state in the Union When you’re anchored down in Anchorage –Michelle Shocked; lyrics, “Anchored Down in Anchorage” Is there a connection between...Read More
Backdoor Price Increase Perhaps the key issue in housing at the moment — besides the just-released March Case-Shiller numbers showing that housing nationally touched a new low — is the initiative by lenders and some in Congress to mandate 20% down payments. In theory, the proposal makes a lot of sense: Buyers who put down 20%...Read More
Managing Client Expectations Real Estate Rule #1: It’s not a done deal till the Seller leaves the closing with a check. Real Estate Rule #2: It’s not an offer till the listing agent has it in hand. One of the most exciting pieces of news a listing agent can deliver to a Seller is that...Read More
