The former first family of Alaska recently bought a home in Scottsdale, Arizona. for $1.695 million. The gated home was previously sold one year ago for $803,650, according to public records.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Sarah Palin's new Arizona estate
The former first family of Alaska recently bought a home in Scottsdale, Arizona. for $1.695 million. The gated home was previously sold one year ago for $803,650, according to public records.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Let Your Seller Prospect Talk & Get Comfy with Your Commission
First of all You need to know as much as you can about the seller's situation and motivation before you can properly advise him. Heck, you need to know this stuff before you can decide if you even want the listing! So, besides the fact that the seller will love you if you let him talk more than you talk, it also gives you the opportunity to better understand if, and how you can best help.So, here's what to do when you get to the house. Have the seller show you around, ask questions, take notes, and really listen to the seller's answers. If this is the first time you've seen the inside of the seller's house, you can't really be expected to tell him what
it's worth; you have to go back to the office and do your homework. But the more you listen and show interest, the more that seller will be impressed with you - seriously! LISTEN, and the seller will trust you. Leave your sales pitch in the car.
Get Comfort with Your Commission Many new agents are nervous about the prospect of
discussing their commission with a potential seller. If this is the case for you, it will help tremendously if you’re 100% comfortable with the commission fee you're going to propose. If you have concerns that you're overcharging for your value, it will be crystal clear to the seller prospect. It can be a tough spot to be in for a new agent! On one hand,the rookie may not be confident in her listing expertise, and therefore her value, but on the other, she must HAVE confidence to negotiate effectively! Here’s the secret - you need to convince yourself that you're worth it before you can ever convince a seller.
http://www.realtytimes.com
it's worth; you have to go back to the office and do your homework. But the more you listen and show interest, the more that seller will be impressed with you - seriously! LISTEN, and the seller will trust you. Leave your sales pitch in the car.
Get Comfort with Your Commission Many new agents are nervous about the prospect of
discussing their commission with a potential seller. If this is the case for you, it will help tremendously if you’re 100% comfortable with the commission fee you're going to propose. If you have concerns that you're overcharging for your value, it will be crystal clear to the seller prospect. It can be a tough spot to be in for a new agent! On one hand,the rookie may not be confident in her listing expertise, and therefore her value, but on the other, she must HAVE confidence to negotiate effectively! Here’s the secret - you need to convince yourself that you're worth it before you can ever convince a seller.
http://www.realtytimes.com
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Home selling tips for FSBO
Once you decide to sell your home, it can be helpful to start thinking of yourself as a businessperson and a home-seller rather than as the home’s owner. By looking at the transaction from a purely financial perspective, you’ll distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property that you’ve undoubtedly created many memories in. Also, try to remember how you felt when you were shopping for that home. Most buyers will also be in an emotional state. If you can remember that you are selling not just a piece of property but also an image, a dream and a lifestyle, you’ll be more likely to put in the extra effort of staging and perhaps some minor remodelling to get top dollar for your home. These changes in appearance will not only help the sales price, they’ll also help you create that emotional distance because the home will look less familiar.
Although real estate agents command a hefty commission, trying to sell your home on your own, especially if you haven’t done it before, is probably ill advised. A good agent will help you set a fair and competitive selling price for your home that will increase your odds of a quick sale. An agent can also help take some of the high emotion out of the process by interacting directly with potential buyers so you don’t have to, and eliminating tire kickers who only want to look at your property but have no intention of putting in an offer.
An agent will also have more experience negotiating home sales than you do; potentially helping you get more money than you could on your own. Further, if any problems crop up during the process - and they commonly do - an experienced professional will be there to handle them for you. Finally, agents are familiar with all the paperwork and pitfalls involved in real estate transactions and can help make sure the process goes smoothly.
article source: http://www.yourrealestatetips.com
Although real estate agents command a hefty commission, trying to sell your home on your own, especially if you haven’t done it before, is probably ill advised. A good agent will help you set a fair and competitive selling price for your home that will increase your odds of a quick sale. An agent can also help take some of the high emotion out of the process by interacting directly with potential buyers so you don’t have to, and eliminating tire kickers who only want to look at your property but have no intention of putting in an offer.
An agent will also have more experience negotiating home sales than you do; potentially helping you get more money than you could on your own. Further, if any problems crop up during the process - and they commonly do - an experienced professional will be there to handle them for you. Finally, agents are familiar with all the paperwork and pitfalls involved in real estate transactions and can help make sure the process goes smoothly.
article source: http://www.yourrealestatetips.com
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Investing in Bank Owned Properties
The current economic climate has dramatically changed the real estate landscape. Locally, in the Portland/Vancouver metro area in the 12 months ending May 31, 2008, only 2% of the homes sold were Bank Owned or Short Sale properties. In the 12 months ending May 31, 2009, it was 11%. Today, 16% of the properties on the market for sale fall into these categories. In some markets around the country these statistics and trends are even more staggering.
With this market shift comes new challenges for buyers, sellers, brokers and lenders. There also seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to the differences between a Bank Owned asset (REO) and a Short-sale, who the parties are, paperwork, how to structure a winning deal and expectations of buyers, sellers, brokers and lenders. What follows is an overview that may help reduce this confusion.
read more: http://realtytimes.com
With this market shift comes new challenges for buyers, sellers, brokers and lenders. There also seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to the differences between a Bank Owned asset (REO) and a Short-sale, who the parties are, paperwork, how to structure a winning deal and expectations of buyers, sellers, brokers and lenders. What follows is an overview that may help reduce this confusion.
read more: http://realtytimes.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Existing Home Sales - July Report
Home Sales Pace
Sales were up in May of existing U.S. homes, the second month of increases in a row, and the first time a back-to-back monthly rise has been posted in almost four years. Sales climbed up by 2.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.77 million units, from a downwardly revised April total of 4.66 million. The new figure was down just 3.6 percent from the May 2008 sales pace of 4.95 million homes.
The national median price for existing homes rose in May to $173,000 from $166,600 in April, but fell 16.8 percent from a year earlier when the price was $209,700.
The NAR defines existing homes as all previously-owned single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and co-ops. The group “seasonally adjusts” the sales numbers to factor in things like inclement weather, school sessions, winter holidays, etc to smooth out the trends. The NAR also describes its sales data based on an annual pace. The monthly figure represents the total number of housing units that would be sold in one year if the current rate were to continue unchanged.
Sales Pace by Region
Sales were quite varied by region in May. The Midwest saw a large monthly uptick in sales with a 9.0 percent increase to 1.09 million units, but sales were still down there 4.4 percent from May 2008.
Sales also rose in the Northeast by 3.9 percent over April to 800,000 homes, but fell 10.1 percent in a year-over-year comparison.
The South saw no change in its sales from April to May with 1.74 million units, but the figure was still down 8.9 percent from one year previous.
The West was the only region to post a decline in monthly sales as they slipped 0.9 percent to 1.14 million units, but it was the only area to see a yearly gain, with an 11.8 percent increase.
Home Prices
The median home price, the point at which half of all homes are sold for more and half are sold for less, rose in May from April led by gains in all regions but the West. The West experienced a decrease in sales price to $197,700 from $204,200, and was also down 30.6 percent from one year ago.
The median price rose in the South to $157,400 in May, up from $147,900, but the price was down 9.9 percent from the year before.
In the Midwest, the median price grew to $145,800 from $138,800 in April, and was 10.4 percent below the price from May 2008.
The Northeast saw home prices pick up to $243,600 in May from $237,400, but it also had the largest yearly percentage decrease with 12.5 percent.
Inventory
The number of homes from sale in May drained to 3.798 million, a 3.5 percent decrease from 3.94 million in April, and at the current sales price the total inventory represented a 9.6-month supply, down from a 10.1-month supply the month before.
Article source:http://www.realestateabc.com
Sales were up in May of existing U.S. homes, the second month of increases in a row, and the first time a back-to-back monthly rise has been posted in almost four years. Sales climbed up by 2.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.77 million units, from a downwardly revised April total of 4.66 million. The new figure was down just 3.6 percent from the May 2008 sales pace of 4.95 million homes.
The national median price for existing homes rose in May to $173,000 from $166,600 in April, but fell 16.8 percent from a year earlier when the price was $209,700.
The NAR defines existing homes as all previously-owned single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and co-ops. The group “seasonally adjusts” the sales numbers to factor in things like inclement weather, school sessions, winter holidays, etc to smooth out the trends. The NAR also describes its sales data based on an annual pace. The monthly figure represents the total number of housing units that would be sold in one year if the current rate were to continue unchanged.
Sales Pace by Region
Sales were quite varied by region in May. The Midwest saw a large monthly uptick in sales with a 9.0 percent increase to 1.09 million units, but sales were still down there 4.4 percent from May 2008.
Sales also rose in the Northeast by 3.9 percent over April to 800,000 homes, but fell 10.1 percent in a year-over-year comparison.
The South saw no change in its sales from April to May with 1.74 million units, but the figure was still down 8.9 percent from one year previous.
The West was the only region to post a decline in monthly sales as they slipped 0.9 percent to 1.14 million units, but it was the only area to see a yearly gain, with an 11.8 percent increase.
Home Prices
The median home price, the point at which half of all homes are sold for more and half are sold for less, rose in May from April led by gains in all regions but the West. The West experienced a decrease in sales price to $197,700 from $204,200, and was also down 30.6 percent from one year ago.
The median price rose in the South to $157,400 in May, up from $147,900, but the price was down 9.9 percent from the year before.
In the Midwest, the median price grew to $145,800 from $138,800 in April, and was 10.4 percent below the price from May 2008.
The Northeast saw home prices pick up to $243,600 in May from $237,400, but it also had the largest yearly percentage decrease with 12.5 percent.
Inventory
The number of homes from sale in May drained to 3.798 million, a 3.5 percent decrease from 3.94 million in April, and at the current sales price the total inventory represented a 9.6-month supply, down from a 10.1-month supply the month before.
Article source:http://www.realestateabc.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Can anyone stage a home?
A Chicago Tribune article cites a National Association of Realtors (NAR) study validating the importance of staging your home before going on market. The article states, Owners..."cannot view their homes as the commodities they become once they are on the market."
The article says, "Staging the house so prospects see it in its best light "can have a profound affect." "Many HomeOwners don't know how to make their homes show well." "They fail to remove the clutter or put away all those personal items that distract visitors." "To them the house is wonderful as it is." "They don't look at it through the buyers eyes."and that where the problem is.
Most real estate agents are happy to refer their clients to Home Stagers. There's a conflict of interest between obtaining listings and critiquing your home. Some homeowners are not ready for constructive criticism. Without a Home Staging Professional, Realtors may have to rely on your broker open house to obtain the constructive criticism you need from their peers.
I always recommend that you start with a pen and paper. Walk through your property making some notes of the obvious things that you think may need to be get it done. Every perceived problem is likely matched with a price reduction.
most people automatically assume, major remodel expense, tearing down walls, ripping out cabinets, etc.But, that is not what Home Staging is about. If you see the other side of it you see. You spend zero dollars for real, with the exception of the staging fee, you spend almost nothing. And for the cost of the staging fee, and this is so important for the homeowner to understand, you will get your staging fee back, when your house sells quicker and for more than the one in your neighborhood.
The article says, "Staging the house so prospects see it in its best light "can have a profound affect." "Many HomeOwners don't know how to make their homes show well." "They fail to remove the clutter or put away all those personal items that distract visitors." "To them the house is wonderful as it is." "They don't look at it through the buyers eyes."and that where the problem is.
Most real estate agents are happy to refer their clients to Home Stagers. There's a conflict of interest between obtaining listings and critiquing your home. Some homeowners are not ready for constructive criticism. Without a Home Staging Professional, Realtors may have to rely on your broker open house to obtain the constructive criticism you need from their peers.
I always recommend that you start with a pen and paper. Walk through your property making some notes of the obvious things that you think may need to be get it done. Every perceived problem is likely matched with a price reduction.
most people automatically assume, major remodel expense, tearing down walls, ripping out cabinets, etc.But, that is not what Home Staging is about. If you see the other side of it you see. You spend zero dollars for real, with the exception of the staging fee, you spend almost nothing. And for the cost of the staging fee, and this is so important for the homeowner to understand, you will get your staging fee back, when your house sells quicker and for more than the one in your neighborhood.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Dealing with Real Estate Agents
Historically, real estate agents have represented the seller of a property. The seller, after all, is usually the one who pays their commission, and agents therefore have a fiduciary relationship with the seller. This in no way means that agents may operate outside the bounds of the law and ethical conduct of course. It just means that the real estate agent is just that, an authorized agent of the seller for a particular transaction. Another way to get an agent to take you seriously is to offer a fast closing. Nothing makes an agent salivate more than the thought of a commission check in ten days
More recent trends have introduced buyer's agents, who usually work on a fee basis exclusively for the buyer and the agents. Agents represent both seller and buyer, particularly in cases where the agent's company is the listing company. The higher the price, the higher their commission, so their reasoning is that agents never really have the buyer's best interests at heart. Sometimes you will get the opposite of an uncooperative agent - an overzealous agent. Be suspicious of an agent who tells you what a deal you are getting on a property. If it is such a good deal, why didn’t he buy it? Don’t take his word as to the value. Ask for a printout of comparable sales . Be aware that information contained in the MLS computer was entered by the listing broker and may be exaggerated. If a comparable sale shows the same square footage as the house you are looking at, take a drive by and see if it is accurate. Do your own assessment of value.
If you cannot finesse an agent, don’t be afraid to stand up to him. Some agents are unethical and will refuse to present your offer.The bottom line in dealing with a dual agent is to remember that the buyer and seller have conflicting interests in the price and other terms of the sale. It's very difficult for an agent to truly and equally represent both parties, since the conflicting interests make that inherently impossible. If you do choose to use an agent, be sure the exact nature of your relationship with the agent is clear, know what services the agent will be performing for you during the transaction, how the agent will be paid, and how any conflicts that arise will be handled.
More recent trends have introduced buyer's agents, who usually work on a fee basis exclusively for the buyer and the agents. Agents represent both seller and buyer, particularly in cases where the agent's company is the listing company. The higher the price, the higher their commission, so their reasoning is that agents never really have the buyer's best interests at heart. Sometimes you will get the opposite of an uncooperative agent - an overzealous agent. Be suspicious of an agent who tells you what a deal you are getting on a property. If it is such a good deal, why didn’t he buy it? Don’t take his word as to the value. Ask for a printout of comparable sales . Be aware that information contained in the MLS computer was entered by the listing broker and may be exaggerated. If a comparable sale shows the same square footage as the house you are looking at, take a drive by and see if it is accurate. Do your own assessment of value.
If you cannot finesse an agent, don’t be afraid to stand up to him. Some agents are unethical and will refuse to present your offer.The bottom line in dealing with a dual agent is to remember that the buyer and seller have conflicting interests in the price and other terms of the sale. It's very difficult for an agent to truly and equally represent both parties, since the conflicting interests make that inherently impossible. If you do choose to use an agent, be sure the exact nature of your relationship with the agent is clear, know what services the agent will be performing for you during the transaction, how the agent will be paid, and how any conflicts that arise will be handled.
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