Real Estate Blog

Lots of change and lots of good news to post.  This is the fourth post in the Age of Empowerment Series is a pleasure to write.  I’ll cover the good of people helpin’ people and cap with a relief to your wallet these days.

Let’s Begin….

Last Wednesday marked Blog Action Day. October 15th over 12,800 bloggers participated and wrote posts on the theme of poverty- the stats and the facts, their reflections and actions to rid the world of poverty.  These posts encouraged action always- regardless of any current economic times…and the reminder that curing poverty empowers us all.

12,800 bloggers- blogged 14,053 posts- read by 13,498,280 neighbors worldwide

Heating your house in tough financial times could be tricky. Luckily the grassroots campaign to save Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was successful.  $5.1 Billion was granted to assist low income families and seniors with their energy costs.

Learn more about how to continue this help in the post that appeared on the Lee Street blog earlier this week, “The trickle down effect of homeownership in tough times…you can make a difference”.

Pulling up the rear of this good news party train was a sigh of relief heard round the country as we filled up our gas tanks this week again to low prices….gas in my town is right around $2.75…I can’t even remember the last time it was this low.

That funny thing called supply and demand is working it out at the pump.

Check out what gas prices are in your neck of the woods.

Search for gas prices by US Zip Code

Got some good news to share? Connect2Agent would love to hear from you.  Please share by commenting below.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

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The Age of Empowerment Series (Lesson IV)

This past weekend I paid my gas bill. Not a big deal, except for a review of my past winter’s bill made me call the gas company and get on a budget plan. Sarah, the customer service representative at my local gas company, was open to answering some general questions about the state of heating homes and how the economy is affecting the ability for people to pay their gas bill.

Sarah’s frank conversation opened my eyes to the trickle-down effect of homeownership in tough times.

I live in Wisconsin, which has been feeling the economic pain from an induced shot of a troubed national economy. Last Monday, General Motors announced it will cease production of SUVs in its Janesville, Wisconsin plant by December 23, affecting 1,200 workers. Additionally, rumors of a Mercy Hospital consolidation in surrounding towns has people talking and worried.

It’s easy to look at the big picture when we take the financial perspective to Wall Street. That’s where the media eye is trained to go. What about the truly hyper-local picture - where one or both incomes of a two-family household might be in danger on Main Street? How do you pay for the mortgage/rent, car loan, gas for the car, daycare, senior care, health insurance, groceries - the true basics?

How do you pay to heat your home? In Wisconsin, where the weather is not yet cold enough to mandate the heat as necessary for living conditions, homeowners’ inability to pay has increased, according to Sarah. If you are shut off before the weather mandates your heat remains on, you will be required to pay a deposit, even with heating assistance, before your heat can be turned back on.

In September, I wrote about LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funding. It was created to help low-income and elderly families with their heating bills. My September 19 post, “Baby, it’s gonna be cold outside … keep heating assistance for low-income families alive”, was an update to a post I wrote last year about LIHEAP funding.

In that post, LIHEAP was trying to raise funding and the President had recently proposed a 22 percent cut in fiscal year 2009 for LIHEAP funding. I am happy to share this news from the LIHEAP website:

“September 30, 2008: President Signs FY09 CR with $5.1 Billion in LIHEAP Funding … This evening, the President signed a Continuing Resolution that increases funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to the Congressionally authorized level of $5.1 billion. This historic decision is the result of tireless work by the program’s champions in the House and Senate who recognized the vital need for more money in this program and refused to accept ‘no’ for an answer. ”

The website also recognizes the countless folks who continued to raise their voice in support of LIHEAP. The program will probably need an increase in funds as more people find themselves in a position where they are unable to pay their heating bill - but the first victory has come.

If you are in need of heating assistance, you can download an application by state or receive your state’s contact information at the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website.

I urge those who are not in need to lend their voice to support this effort, as I believe it will be needed. In the meantime, if you know of a neighbor in need, help by pointing them in the direction of this resource and by checking in. Use your knowlege to empower another.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

The rest is here:
The trickle-down effect of homeownership in tough times - you can make a difference

Say no to blame game playas.

You might have time to say that three times fast as you sit on hold, waiting for the customer service department of any major wireless carrier or utility service.

It is a running joke with my friends and family that it is a part-time job to question your bills or service these days. My latest experience is a glass of customer disservice on the rocks with a twist of lemonade.

Try it - here’s my glass.

I received a bill from my cell phone carrier. It stated I owed three times my monthly amount. I scanned the bill to see that they were charging me for three family plans. I have two cell phone lines that share one family plan and unlimited text messaging. I don’t even own three cell phones.

How could this be?

The first time I tried to call to straighten out my bill was after 5 pm. Big Mistake. I was put on hold for 1 1/2 hours, only to be hung up on. Lucky for me, I have a speaker phone. I was able to cook and eat dinner, discuss the day with my family, clean the dishes, check my email and get the kids in a bath before I was hung up on.

I tried again two days later, at 8 am. After telling three ” account specialists” in three different departments my request, I was connected to a man named Bill.

Bill did not transfer me. He corrected my bill, apologized for his company’s errors and reviewed my account to see if I was in the best package according to usage and price. This man was the cell phone God in my eyes, and I fell over myself on the phone telling him so.

After I showered Bill with compliments and accolades, I said to him “I am sorry if you took more time with me than you were allotted. I hope you don’t get in trouble for helping me for too long.” He simply said to me, “This is my job and that’s what I am here to do. The conversation doesn’t end with my customers until we can resolve the problem. Period.”

This man didn’t have to claim responsibility for his company’s errors. Heck, most times when I call to try and resolve something with customer service, the first thing they do is try to find a way to blame me. When that is unsuccessful, they try to find a way to blame someone else in their company. All that does is infuriate me as a consumer, and I try to find a way toward the exit door.

I can’t change my utility companies. They are the only ones that service my area. I can’t change my cell phone carrier. I upgraded my service and had to sign on for another two-year contract.

If I am a real estate buyer or seller, once my initial listing/buyer agreement expires, I don’t have to return if I am unhappy with your service.

• If you keep me on hold by not returning my calls or emails, I will not turn from prospect into customer.
• If you blame the attorney, home inspector, title company or mortgage broker rather than finding a solution to my problems, I will not use you again.
• If you blame the market for my inactivity, or if you blame me that I listed my house too high without having warned me from the get-go, I will not return.
• If you are not honest about your experience with my specific real estate needs and you try to service me beyond your abilities, I will not refer you to my friends and family.

Blame game playas - take accountability for your services, even in the most uncomfortable of situations. Even if it wasn’t initially “your fault.”

Consumers - Say no to blame game playas. Walk away and find an alternative - they aren’t worth your time or your money.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

Source:
Say no to blame game playas

The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to continue through November. As we have already witnessed with Gustav and Ike, a hurricane doesn’t have to rank the highest (category 4/5) to have a crushing impact.

You can’t stop the beasts from rearing their heads, but you can cushion yourself from the blow. In “Swiss Re Says Ike, Gustav to Cost It Net $300 Million (Update1)”, Warren Giles of Bloomberg informs, “Net claims from Ike will probably amount to $250 million (for Swiss Reinsurance Co.) and Gustav will cost it additional $50 million, the Zurich-based company said today in an e-mailed statement.”

Got disaster insurance? Check your policy today and make sure your coverage is sufficient. I want to revisit a post I wrote last November, “Homeowners: Do you have enough homeowner’s insurance coverage?” Read on and if you aren’t convinced to do a checkup on your insurance policy, please comment at the bottom of this post.

If you own a house in an area prone to natural disasters, how can you make sure you have enough homeowner’s insurance coverage?

I recently watched a video, “Home Insurance 9-1-1″, that provides a harrowing picture of the insurance industry. The video was co-produced by Bloomberg and NOW, a weekly magazine from PBS. It relays stories of homeowners who have suffered through wildfires, earthquakes and hurricanes, and lost their houses in the process.

One family in the video lost their house to a wildfire in Southern California. This family thought they had full replacement coverage that would guarantee the costs to rebuild their house. When they submitted a claim from their contractor, the insurance company did not pay the full estimate. They had to get a loan for $280,000 to cover the costs needed to rebuild their house.

Another family lost their house in an earthquake. This family was not aware that their insurance policy contained a replacement clause that did not fully cover the cost related to damage/replacement in the event of an earthquake.

The total bid to replace their house came in at $589,000. The insurance company offered $305,000, leaving this family a difference of $284,000 in total out-of-pocket expenses. They were still in mediation with the insurance company at the time the video aired, and had been for six months.

Most of the other families interviewed in the video suffered extensive damage or loss to their houses. In a room of approximately 30 homeowners, only two had received claim money from their insurance companies that covered the full cost to rebuild their houses.

The families who were interviewed strongly suggested that homeowners take the following precautions to protect themselves against being underinsured:

• Read your insurance policy: If you receive any changes or adjustments to your policy in the mail, make sure to review them thoroughly. Ask your insurance agent for specifics if you are unclear.
• Review changes in your policy: Some insurance companies change policies with terms that may be misleading. If your full replacement coverage is reworded to read “extended replacement,” there may be additional disclaimers or stipulations that can reduce the amount of money you are entitled to claim in the event of loss or destruction to your house.
• Take out sufficient coverage: Go to a contractor and find out how much it costs to buy a house. Insist on purchasing a policy for that amount. Do not leave yourself underinsured.
• Maintain extensive records: Many of the homeowners in the video had to provide extensive records of any maintenance or improvements that had been done to their houses, as well as receipts as proof for their belongings. Some of the insurance companies wanted photos and videos also.

Share your insurance stories

Have you had to make a claim with an insurance company because of damage to your house? Do you have any advice that you can share about your claim process? I invite you to share by commenting below.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

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Got disaster insurance? Check your policy today

Do you have debt you need to pay off because of home improvements? Do you need cash to pay for home repairs or house bills? There is an online practice called person-to-person lending or social lending, in which you can seek funding from individuals online and bypass the banks.

Approval from your online peers in a social lending network can help pay the mortgage.

Prosper is a social lending network. It lets consumers find individuals who are looking to lend money. To get a personal loan, you first need to complete a free registration form to become a member of the website. After you register, you’ll receive an email verification.

Click on the link provided in the email and it will activate your membership.

The next step is to verify your driver’s license number and Social Security number to prove your identity. You will also need to provide your checking account information so the funds can be electronically deposited when your loan has been approved.

The last step is to create a loan listing for lenders to bid on. Prosper provides a video tutorial on creating a good listing. The folks at Prosper emphasize that a good listing tells a story. Your story needs to explain how much of a loan you need and just as importantly, the reason why you need it.

A good listing includes photos and a budget that lists your monthly expenditures.

Prosper isn’t a great place for people with less-than-average credit scores (below 640) because of the perceived risk involved in lending to folks with lower credit. If your credit is less than average, you might want to consider credit counseling through a nonprofit organization before you put a loan listing on Prosper.

Have you been approved for a loan from your online peers? If you have used Prosper or another social lending site, I’d like to know about your loan experience. Please share by commenting below.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

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Approval from your online peers can help pay the mortgage

This is a post about gas. I’m not talking about the kind that makes you feel bloated or that fills your car, but the kind that heats your house and makes your water warm. I have enjoyed a nice, warm summer, an Indian summer in my cozy town in Southeastern Wisconsin. Opening up the storage closet today made me realize just how soon this warm weather will be replaced by cool fall days that will morph into blustery winter ones.

My energy bill will also go through a metamorphosis … that’s why I chose the ‘budget plan’ a year ago.

What about the renters and homeowners who won’t be helped by a budget plan? Where can financially distressed homeowners find assistance to offset the expenses of their heating bills? In 1982, a program called LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) was created to help low-income and elderly families with their heating bills.

Last year, I wrote about LIHEAP and a coalition of United States senators that requested President Bush to release a contingency fund to $20 million for the year 2008 for LIHEAP.

This hasn’t happened yet and it appears funding for LIHEAP has been cut back further. Some states have turned to renewable energy solutions, while others are tapping into state funds or borrowing from collective regional funds to assist homeowners in need.

It ain’t over ’til it’s over. Yes, the President has proposed a 22 percent cut in FY2009 for LIHEAP funding, but with the presidential campaign in its last heated, breathy months, this will be an issue picked up off the cutting-room floor.

Meanwhile, you don’t have to sit around and wait for movement to occur.

Here are three ways you can support LIHEAP funding:

1. Watch the election campaigns and listen to each candidate’s stance on LIHEAP funding.
2. Write your members of Congress to show your support for LIHEAP funding.
3. Visit and help a neighbor in need. This might be the fastest path and the one of least resistance.

Baby, it’s gonna be cold outside … keep heating assistance for low-income families alive.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

Excerpt from:

Have you ever played the game telephone? You say something to the person directly next to you, they whisper the “same message” in the next person’s ears and so it goes around the circle. By the time the last person receives the message, it’s usually all garbled and funky. Sometimes the message ends up not making any sense.

Perception is in the ears of the listener.

When you are working with a real estate buyer or seller, make sure all parties are present and accounted for when the most important decisions are being made. Letting one person relay information to the other party about big decisions - price negotiations, home inspection repair issues and last-minute closing mishaps - is setting the scene for a game of telephone.

You don’t know what will end up being the final words.

Sometimes, communicating with only one person can’t be avoided. You might have a spouse who is overseas or an in-law who just can’t travel because of health reasons.

Understood.

Here is where the power of the Internet kicks in. If you can’t meet both parties in person during the listing or home finding process, get confirmation online from the person who is M.I.A.

Don’t trust that your game of telephone is going to be successful.

As a Realtor, are you having a hard time broaching the topic with your clients? Think about the grief and misunderstandings that you’ll save your clients by establishing a clear line of communication with both parties.

You don’t want to get vetoed by the missing party after all signs were a “go.” Even presidential elections have absentee ballots.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

Here is the original post:
Perception is in the ears of the listener

The difference between a mediocre transaction and a great one is the care that goes into the process. You can be a home buyer and make an offer to purchase, then end up regretting your decision.

You can be a homeowner and accept an offer, only to feel remorse at the day of closing. It’s a business transaction and your mind confirms this … but your heart just won’t cooperate. If it’s such a wise financial move, then why doesn’t your gut feel better about it?

Has real estate lost that loving feeling?

“It used to be that home buyers fell in love with a house. Now it’s a commodity, an investment,” Pat Von Mosch, Connect2Agent member and real estate agent in Anoka Minnesota, shared with me. ”People are more upwardly mobile now. Real estate has become a fax/email deal. Sometimes I never even meet the other real estate agent.”

How very different it is from the coffee table deals of yesterday. It used to be typical for all parties to meet at some point, and almost all offers to the seller were presented from the listing in person to a homeowner. Now a homeowner receives an offer by cell phone, fax, email or text.

In a house purchase, our habits of brevity online won’t always cut it. Here’s how to make a change.

The ability to communicate in a high-touch world should sharpen our senses of communication and free our minds a little more. We can be enabled through words, song and video to make our point at the touch of a “Ctrl” command and a tap of the “Enter” key. As consumers, we are becoming good at expressing ourselves online … but sometimes we fall short when it comes to real estate.

Our habits of brevity and acronyms can leave a large margin of error.

We need to flex our old-school speech skills and become a bit more expansive when we’re talking real estate.

• If you see a listing you like online, do email it to your real estate agent. Make sure to include an explanation as to why it intrigues you.
• When your real estate agent asks what you think your house is worth, do speak up. Don’t just name a price. Explain where you got it from - remodeling in the kitchen, upgrades in the bathroom, your cul-de-sac location, a neighbor’s house down the street, a website online with a house value option, etc.
• Don’t skim the terms of the Purchase Agreement. Do read it word for word before you sign it. Do ask questions if you don’t understand. Don’t make an assumption that something is in there. It might not be.

Has real estate lost that loving feeling? Only if you let it. A real estate transaction’s success rests on communication.

Speak up and get involved.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

Continued here:
Has real estate lost that loving feeling?

Today is the 7th anniversary of 911. Almost a decade later, after the tragic events and strengths that united our country and our nation’s friends, I still remember where I was, how I felt and what I did on that day in 2001.

I remember that my family was in Door County Wisconsin for a family wedding; my cousin had just gotten married the day before. I remember coming into the living room where my brother was fixated on the TV, and then I remember watching the TV as a plane hit the second tower. I remember my dad, a New Yorker, pacing back and forth and saying that it was the “end of the world as we know it.”

I remember being relieved when I found out the day care in one of the Twin Towers had not been occupied that day. I remember worrying about what was next.

I remember the need to hug my children tight. I remember driving home how quiet the ride was, flags were at half mast, there were no planes in the sky. 911 - I remember.

What I learned today is that the events of that day are fresh in the minds of many.

I sent an email to my fellow co-workers at Connect2Agent, asking them to ” … answer the question what do you remember, starting each thought with “I remember … ”

Here are their memories of September 11th, 2001:

I remember that I was in my car and the confusion of trying to grasp the initial reports coming across the radio. I remember turning around and heading back to the day care provider with the need to hold my child. I remember the shock of watching the towers fall, it was a feeling that affected every cell of my body. I remember not knowing what to say. -Kristi

I remember the principal of the Christian school where I was teaching walking into my 4th grade classroom and encouraging me to turn on the TV, that “an attack” had taken place in New York. I remember that upon turning on the TV my students and I witnessed a plane flying into the 2nd tower. I remember turning off the TV and asking my students to join me in prayer for the victims of the crash, their families, and for the lost souls of the persons who planned and executed this tragedy.

I remember a new student to our school, in my classroom, wanting to find her mother, who was assisting the teacher in the 1st grade classroom. She explained that her uncle, her mother’s brother, was a New York City fireman. She was in tears. I walked her to the door and was met by her mother, also in tears. I remember finding time to call my oldest daughter, out of state at college, my son, who was home sleeping, and my youngest daughter, who was a freshman in high school.

I remember longing to hug each of them and assure them, and myself, that God was in control, and that I was there to help them in anyway I could. I remember calling my mother and sister, both out of state, later that day, and expressing my love to them. I remember feeling extremely small, powerless and humbled. I remember longing to feel a physical embrace from God. -Sharon

I remember it being such a scary and sad day. I was at work, 7 months pregnant with my son and wondering what kind of world I was bringing him into. I remember having contractions (probably from stress) and being so scared too, thinking - “What’s next?” I remember our office closed mid-day so everyone could go home and be with their families.

The rest of the day, my husband and I sat and watched in horror the devastation in NY. I remember crying as I watched those who could not find their family members and praying for each of them and our country. -Tricia

I remember being at work and the news coming through my desk radio. I remember how everyone stopped what they were doing, and the room fell silent with disbelief. I remember my mother crying with worry over family members who live in the areas where the destruction occurred.

I remember the days that followed, and the shock, dismay and grief that engulfed our country. I remember America rising as the phoenix from the dirt and debris, and forming a united front.

I remember a tragedy that did not break a nation, instead - it made us stronger and brought us together as never before. -Amber

I remember I was checking my email right before going into one of my classes at college, and a friend had sent me an email saying a plane just crashed into the Twin Towers. While I was concerned, the extreme seriousness of the situation did not completely register with me yet. I remember going on to class, where everyone was worried, trying to figure out what was going on, and no one could concentrate.

As I was walking out of the building after my class, I remember a TV in the hallway was on and a lot of students were gathered around, staring at the news. I stopped for a minute, then left and went straight home, where my roommate was glued to the TV.

I remember both of us sitting there in shock, watching everything replay over and over. We had just started working at the same place and had to go to work that afternoon. I remember riding in the car and looking outside at the clear blue sky; it was a beautiful, calm day which was a total contrast to what had just happened. Everything looked peaceful, but felt the opposite. I remember looking up in the sky and wondering if I would see any planes. My sense of security was gone. -Erin

I remember sitting in my vehicle in a parking lot across from one of my classroom buildings at Central Michigan University, studying for an exam because the library was still being constructed. I remember looking up to see hundreds of students pouring out of the building - some heading back to their dorms, others heading to their vehicles. I remember being confused and asking the guy who parked next to me, “What’s going on? Have classes been canceled?” I remember his reply didn’t make sense and at first I thought he was being a smart-assed kid telling me a line of b.s. I remember his facial expression was serious and sad.

I remember starting my vehicle and hearing the radio announcer say, “The World Trade Center is no more.” I remember listening in disbelief as the horror and tragedy of the morning’s events were told. I remember wanting to be with my (then) husband, and headed toward home. I remember crying non-stop on the long hour commute home. I remember holding my husband tightly. I remember feeling helpless. I remember watching the images on TV and my heart aching for the people.

I remember realizing the world had changed forever.

I will never forget. -Abbie

I invite readers to share their experience on this post. In the comments section, answer the question “What do you remember about September 11, 2001?” starting each thought with “I remember … ”

Thank you for sharing.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

Continued here:

“You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run” -Kenny Rogers

I was first introduced to this song by my parents at the age of seven and 27 years later, this refrain popped back into my head. I was thinking about successful real estate stories … the ones you don’t often hear about because the foreclosure and short sale stories are all the rage. Before the downturn of real estate, there were investors who flipped houses and made a killing. During the downturn, there were home buyers who traded spaces for something bigger and better for less than in years past.

Want proof? I don’t even have to get out my excavating gear and dig up fossils from the past. I am going to serve up two real-life examples and prove that real estate survivors are not extinct. I’ll do it effortlessly.

I won’t even have to dance around the issue and break a sweat. Watch me now.

If you’ve been a longtime reader of my blog, you will know that I sold my house on a short sale due to a divorce. My ex-husband and I had been through a bankruptcy due to a layoff he went through a few years after we purchased our house. Though we tried to recover, we were still feeling the after-effects of a loss in finances for a period of more than seven months.

The impending divorce left neither one of us in a position where we could carry our mortgage payments on one income and we were behind, so we sold on a short sale.

The short sale transaction closed in spring 2005 and by winter 2006, my ex-husband was able to contract on a new construction house. He had gained new employment, thereby increasing his income, and had paid down some debt in order to raise his credit score.

Even with his bankruptcy and short sale on file, he was approved for a mortgage. The builder, anxious to get the rest of his houses sold after a recent downturn in the marketplace, gave my ex-husband a deal on the sales price and some upgrades as incentive.

My ex-husband closed on his new house in spring 2007.

The next real estate survivor story that is at the top of my mind was relayed to me by Connect2Agent member Janell Hunter, who sells real estate in St. Charles County Missouri. A year ago, she was showing a house to a younger couple who became entranced with a house that was $350,000.

Having crunched some numbers, Hunter felt the home price was too high of a financial commitment for this young couple, and told them so. In the end, they really wanted the house and still ended up writing an offer to purchase on it.

The home inspection report came in and there were a few repairs that needed to be made. The seller refused to do anything and the deal fell apart. The real estate buyers, through Hunter’s help, ended up finding a great house and purchasing for $200,000. The house ended up being a perfect fit for this couple and they were enthralled with their end result. It was right next door to an elementary school where Mrs. Home Buyer was going to be working.

Hunter spoke with this young home buying couple recently and asked them if they were happy with their decision. Considering the shift in the market, the couple was extremely happy they ended up on the positive side of their housing equation.

Easy said and easy done. Real estate survivors are not extinct.

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

Excerpted from:
Real estate survivors are not extinct

Keep your ear to the ground or listen to the feedback from your listing agent after a showing and you might hear things like, “They wanted newer appliances” or “For the money they were just expecting some more updating - like newer carpeting, granite countertops …” and at this point your automatic reaction might be to start tuning out; suddenly everything you are hearing is in slow mo’ and sounds like the teacher from the Peanuts cartoon.

“Carpeting … granite countertops … mwah mwah mwah mwah.”

Time to start listening and switch from tune out to tune in, autosave and replay. What buyers want is your top priority to get your house sold. No, they won’t pay those 7-11 prices in many places anymore, but make no mistake, a convenience store lifestyle is what a home buyer wants … dig?

“Sellers are asking for more advice now, especially if they haven’t sold in awhile, they want to make sure they understand the complications,” Valarie Thompson, Connect2Agent member and real estate agent in Knoxville, shared with me. Clean isn’t good enough to sell a house anymore. Home buyers want newer appliances and minimal need for improvements.

“Real estate buyers are so busy with life in general. They want to walk through the door of their new home and go on living,” Thompson informed me.

Real estate buyers are looking at listings online to see what they like and what they don’t like. They view virtual tours and multiple photos of houses. If they don’t want to be bothered yet, the Internet allows them the anonymity to peruse houses and house prices in their desired location. Real estate sellers need to have their house accessible online for these window shoppers.

And they need to have it ready to go for serious home buyers.

In Knoxville, prices are down and it’s taking a little longer than the past couple years to sell property. The houses less than $200,000 are moving the quickest. Coupled with low interest rates and incentives, it’s like a candy store has opened for first-time home buyers.

There are still buyers in Knoxville. Thompson closed on a house a few weeks ago where the buyer was able to get 100 percent financing through a local credit union. This home buyer had an excellent credit rating and a good job. ”It was a smooth situation,” she said.

Sellers who are successful in Knoxville these days are motivated to sell. As Thompson says, “Sellers need to listen. Why would a buyer want to pay $300,000 and put in new countertops, appliances and other standard upgrades?” Today’s real estate buyer gives a whole new meaning to real estate - yesterday’s “nice to haves” are today’s “have to haves.”

A convenience store lifestyle is what a home buyer wants … dig?

Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

See the original post here:

Is a short sale a good option for a home seller looking to escape foreclosure? The answer is an undeniable yes. Is it a good move for a real estate buyer? The answer to this question depends on who you are talking to and what real estate market you are in.

Some real estate agents work the short sale market as their niche. They learn the ins and out of working with the banks and getting approval from them. The process is similar with every transaction, but each bank has different people behind desks making decisions. Even more complicated is that each bank has different departments–legal and loss mitigation–working on the short sale process and seemingly not working in conjuction with each other.

As a homeowner,