I know the Academy Awards will be given out this weekend and I'm wondering if the Real Estate industry has special awards for it's best agents and brokers. Do you vote?
Curious in Camas
Dear Curious,
No, We don't vote although it's something to think about. By coincidence, our awards took place this weekend as well as those in Hollywood. No red carpet but lots of clapping and cheering at the Century 21 Awards banquet. Our Century 21 Americana Properties was well represented on stage with many of our agents receiving big awards. Our Broker won for operating a top producing office. The awards are based on production and the top agents appear on stage year after year. We are always honored when we win an award, and yes, I have my share of Oscars too! Call me for your real estate needs.
Bev
Dear Bev,
Tell me again why I shouldn't try to sell my house without an agent. That's a lot of commission I could be saving. Besides, I know everything about my house that an agent wouldn't know. Please hurry your reply as I am going to order my signs next week.
Ready-to-go in Ridgefield
Dear Ready,
I don't have enough space here to give all the reasons but here are a few. Real estate agents are trained in the skills of negotiation-most folks are not and they end up giving away the farm. Security should be uppermost on your mind. Our lock box system allows us to print a list of every agent who entered your house. Who would show your house if you work during the day? Out of town buyers don't have time to wait to look at homes. Your agent pays for all the signs, advertising, and flyers-not to mention the Internet. Approximately 70% of todays buyers come to us via Internet. Our office walk-ins and calls from buyers totaled 31 last week. I don't think you would have that much traffic. There you are; I just got started and ran out of space - Don't order those signs - call me. Mine are already made.
Bev
Dear Bev,
My wife and I have been married for ten years. We work, have a full life, and have very happily been renting for all this time. We like the freedom from repairs, etc. However, my mother has been nagging at us for ages, telling us to buy a home. I don't see any reason to change our lives just because she believes in real estate as an investment. How do I get her to lighten up?
Setttled in Salmon Creek
Dear Setttled,
That's easy. You just tell your mother that you are buying a house. Everybody buys a house. Some of us buy it for ourselves and others, like you, choose to buy it for their landlords. Let's see; in ten years you have paid a third of his mortgage. In another twenty, you will have paid it all. I hope he's a really good friend of yours to be getting such a favor. Actually, if you both work and look at the tax advantage in writing off your interest and taxes, you could easily hire somebody to do the yard work, etc. Now be a good son and listen to your wise mother. I'll be waiting to hear from you - rates are low. Bev
Dear Bev,
I have already broken most of my New Year's resolutions and don't want to break the most important one, which is to get my house ready for sale. It seems like such a big job so I keep putting it off. Here it is almost February and nothing done. Of course, breaking all those other resolutions took up a lot of my time but now I want to move forward. Where do I start?
Breaker in Battle Ground
Dear Breaker,
I'm glad you got all the other less essential resolutions out the way and can start on the important stuff. Take a notepad and go from room to room jotting down what needs to be done. Put a heading for each room so you can identify it and write down the necessary repairs. For instance, "paint","replace switch plate","wash light fixture",and "box up clutter". Move on the next room - do the same until you know everything that needs doing. Do one room at a time. You'll be suprised at how gratifying it is to get each room done and crossed off the list. Leave the carpet cleaning for a final job after all else is done so it will be clean at selling time. Call me when you're almost done and we'll make a marketing plan for your newly refreshed house. Remember, it is now a sellers market!!!
Bev
Dear friends,
It's 2004 already and time to examine the overall picture of real estate in Clark County. We should be looking at the trends that have been with us for several years and decide whether there may be changes in the near future.
Our appreciation rate has continued upward at a helathy rate (7.2% in 2003) and our inventory is moving twice as fast as in previous years. Houses are selling quickly and buyers who dawdled are seeing increases in prices as they continue to shop. Builders are constructing homes as fast as they can but the development land available to them is becoming more and more scarce.
So, what do we see in 2004? There will be a continuation of the market as it is, with one BIG exception. If interest rates increase, there will be an immediate slowdown. Buyers are qualifying for loans based on monthly payments reflected in the present low interest rates. Should they go away, so will some buyers. If the appreciation rate rises higher than last year, we could price ourselves out of the market, much like what happened in California and other rapid growth areas.
So let's wish for the best - for you and for my industry - steady appreciation, more new homes, more jobs, low interest rates, and the reality of the American Dream for every family in Clark County.
And in all other aspects of your lives, I wish you the best for 2004!
Bev
Happy Holidays To You!!
2003 has been very busy year for our family at Century 21 Americana Properties. We have exceeded the goals we set last year and made many new friends in the community.
I personally would like to thank all of my past clients over the years for putting their faith and trust in me as their real estate agent. Thank you also for the many referrals of your friends and family memebers. It was a pleasure working with each and every one of you.
One of the real joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and to wish you the very best for the New Year.
Sincerely, Bev
Dear Bev,
Last month I listed my home with an agent who I liked and who promised me certain services. Yesterday she called to tell me that she was moving to another company and that her listing would would stay with the broker she had when she listed the property. She said he wouldn't release it so that she could list it with her new company. Can he do this?
Shook up in Salmon Creek
Dear Shook,
Every listing is a contract with the broker of the company where the agent is licensed. When that agent leaves his or her comapny, the listing doesn't go along. If the broker chooses, he can release it, but is under no obligation to do so. Most of what she promised to do for you would have beeen things her company would be doing. Certain types of advertising, Internet exposure, and the collective selling experience in the staff, are tools the agent used to obtain your listing. Those things are still there when she is gone. One bright note for you to think about; the agent who is assigned to take over the servicing of your listing will most likely be an experienced agent who will take care of your real estate needs in a professional manner. If you don't like the agent assigned, call the broker and he will replace him/her. Above all, keep an eye on your goal - to sell your property.
Bev
BUYER OR SELLERS MARKET? ?
Dear Bev, It seems that every time I go to sell, my agent tells me (with an accompanying long face), "we're in a Buyer's Market, you know." Then when I want to buy, I find myself in a Seller's Market. How do you know which is which? Or do you real estate agents just make that up! And, what difference does it make?
Between Transactions in Battle Ground
Dear Between,
The Buyer's Market happens when there are lots more listings out there than there are buyers. That puts the sellers into fierce competition with each other and consequently more concessions must be made. Lower offers are accepted and homes are on the market for long periods of time. Then, usually through lowered interest rates (which translates into more affordable monthly payments), the Seller's Market strikes. Within a short period of time, there are more buyers out there than houses available to buy. Now, the buyers are making concessions such as paying full price and having no contingencies and being approved by a lender before finding a house. This is our present market.Then, there's my Ideal Market, where the balance is about 45% to 55% in either direction and transactions happen in a smooth win-win manner. Oh, those were the days! If you want to sell now, all the signs are on your side. Please call me. My listings all get sold!
Bev
Dear Bev,
I have lots of kids(5), all under ten years old. We need a bigger house and of course need to sell before we can buy. We presently live in a 1500 square foot house and believe me; it gets cluttered just by us being here doing ordinary things. I can get the house shiny but how can I handle the long haul of being ready for showings? My kids are cute, but not enough to overcome a "what was that I just stepped on?" from a possible buyer. Got any tips?
Busting at the Seams in Battle Ground
Dear Busting,
How about a sit-down talk with the kids? You can illustrate the advantage of a new home, with lots of room for them and their friends? Get them in on the plans. Then, together, go through the house and pick out things you can temporaily do without like wagons and as many toys as possible. Be sure to pick some of your things too! Put everything in plastic bags and store them in the garage. It's bare essentials time. Then give a little job for each of them to do daily before they go to school. The younger ones can do small jobs too. Use stickers and coupons for prizes for the best job that week. Keep the living room off limits so something is ready at all times. I like to have a "Real Estate Meeting" with my client's children so they understand what a showing is and what kind of help I need to get their house sold. Sometimes i "Show" them the house so they have a good perspective of how a buyer will see it. You get it shiny and let them help keep it that way.
Bev
Dear Bev,
I read in the newspaper that interest rates are going up. Does this mean the real estate boom is over? I have a house to sell pretty soon but have been reluctant to put it on the market until I know exactly where I'll be moving. But then, I don't want to wake up some morning to find the interest rates are up and the rush of buyers is over. Am I too late to hop aboard the gravy train?
Fretting in Felida
Dear Fretting,
Interest rates are indeed on the rise. For how long and how high they will go is an unknown, but every seller and buyer should be paying attention. Think about this; the more brisk the market, the higher price the sellers get for their properties. If you put your house on the market when houses are moving quickly, you are more likely to get full price. Don't concentrate on having another home before your house is sold. You may have 30-60 days between your sale and closing in which to look for a new place. And, you will have more bargaining strength when you make an offer if your purchase is contingent upon the close of your sale in progress. At this point, the rates are just creeping up, and are still very favorable, so come on down to the station and hop aboard!
Bev
Dear Bev,
I have to sell my house this year and have been working like crazy to get it ready. It looks like November will be the soonest it can be shown at its best. Should I wait until after the holidays?
Wanting-To-Do-It-Right
Dear Wanting,
There are at least ten good reasons for listing your home during the holidays. I'll cover some of them here. Many other sellers will hold off listing until the first of the year;therefore, you will have less competition. Buyers who come to look at houses during the holiday season are serious buyers. If they didn't have to buy, they'd be at the mall with the rest of us. Traditionally, January is the biggest corporate transfer month and those transferes want a home waiting when they get to their new jobs. Holiday decor can make your home more attractive. Step back when you decorate so as not to over-embellish your house and make it appear smaller. An autumn wreath on the door for Thanksgiving and a fall bouquet on a table will give it a homey look. In December, restrain yourself; maybe use a smaller tree than last year and oh! The wonderful smells of the season will make for a wonderful atmophere. If you do all these things right, you may recieve more money for your home. If you want to know the other five reasons and get some sound experience advice, give me a call. Best of luck!
Bev
Dear Bev,
I can't stand my agent! When I first called on a house, he showed it to me. Then he told me about other houses and we looked at them. Pretty soon, we had spent a lot of time looking at stuff not meeting my criteria - now I can hardly stand to hear his voice. I would feel really guilty if I ditched him but I don't think I'll ever like anything he finds for me. What can I do?
Miserable in Minnehaha
Dear Mis,
That's a tough situation. You know what's fair but would give anything for this situation to just go away. And your right - you may never like anything he finds for you. I understand your frustration. We try to make the house hunting experience a fun and exciting time but sometimes personalities clash and those persoanl feelings get in the way of your objective - namely, finding a home. You do have some choices. You can tell him how you feel(leaving out the "I can't stand you" part) and go on your way. Or, you can find another agent, explain your situation, and ask if she would pay him a referral fee. That would compensate him for what he's done and get the guilt off your back. Be sure your new agent agrees to pay the fee before you go out shopping or you'll end up with two big guilts. We understand the referral business and pay referral fees on a regular basis. Where to find a new agent? Drop in at an office near the area in which you'd like to live or you could always call me.
Bev
Dear Bev,
What's with you real estate agents? I have been looking for a house for more than a month and when I see one advertised that I like and call about, the answer is always the same "That home has a pending sale." Where do I find the ones that are still on the market? Don't you put up signs? Are they big secrets? Are you saving them for your relatives?
Hot-Under-The-Collar in Heisson
Dear Hot-Under-The-Collar,
Easy there! This is a market of "sold" and "sold fast." By the time the property is advertised and the sign installed, the house has been on the market for several days. However, our multiple listing service requires us to enter a listing immediately, so it is available to all agents directly on their computer. I have a list of clients looking for homes with particualr features and I use a system that alerts me whenever any of the features are entered. I call it "Find If First Program." What I do require is a face to face with you so that I don't call about a lot of houses you won't buy. Sounds like you are trying to wing it on your own when being represented by an agent is crucial to obtaining the house you want. After all, it doesn't cost you anything to work with an agent but it could save you thousands. You need to have an agent you trust working for you around the clock; one who will call you the minute something comes up and who will successfully negotiate your purchase, even when the other offers are being presented, I am that kind of agent- Let's solve your problem together.
Bev
Dear Bev,
We just bought a piece of property out in the country and are presently building a home on it. We weren't required to have a survey in order to obtain our building permit. The acreage is long and narrow and one of the sides has a survey with a fence and the other one doesn't. We measured the footage stated in our legal description from the survey side and hung a ribbon on the other sides. The people who live next door haven't disputed that measurement or taken our ribbon down. Can we assume everybody is ok with our estimation?
Just Wondering - Just Outside Battle Ground
Dear Just,
No you can't. Until a licensed surveyor puts a marker there, the measurement is iffy at best. The footage mentioned in your legal description might be at an angle, and not straight across the lot. There could be a dispute later, if not with this owner, then with the next one. If there are no hard feelings at this time, why not negotiate a joint survey where you and your neighbor split the cost? You do this by knocking on his door and saying "I'm not positive about this measurement. Are you?" And the next thing you know, your problem is solved.
Bev
Dear Bev,
A couple of weeks ago you wrote about what a seller should do if he has a really special house with street appeal, etc. and how to prepare for multiple offers. Well, I'm a guy who wants to buy a house just like that. As a buyer caught in the middle of multiple offers, what advice do you have for me?
Looking in Lacamas
Dear Looking,
Let's go step by step with this one. First and foremost, have your letter of loan approval available when you start looking. Have a definite price in mind and stay looking within that price range. When you find your dream house have your agent get a copy of the seller's disclosure statement, review it, accept it, and send it along with your offer. Don't ask for a bunch of extras unless they are already on the listing as part of the sale. If your agent finds there will be more than one offer submitted with yours, come in with an offer higher than asking price. Add to that, a healthy amount of earnest money, no outside contigencies(like "I have to sell my house first") and you should be in good shape. A couple of weeks ago I brought my sellers with me to wait in the car while I presented their offer (there was another being presented). There was one change that had to be made and they signed it on the spot and got the house. Once again, the early bird got the house.
Bev
Dear Bev,
I am one of those lucky people who owns a house with great street appeal and a well-maintained interior. My agent, who is going to list it next week, told me that my property was exceptional and I should be prepared for multiple offers soon after the listing comes out. I'm confused! What should I be looking for and what do I do when I get an offer?
Puzzled in Pleasent Valley
Dear Puzzled,
When a property comes on the market with street appeal, a good neighborhood, fine schools and an inside that has been loved and cared for, we real estate agents can't get on the phone fast enough to call our buyers. We know - that is this market. the early bird gets the house! Consequently, you may have two or more written offers after a few showing. Usually, the offers are presented to you and your agent by the selling agent(who really wants it for their buyer) and you have to make a decision. What to look for? Loan approved buyer(not just qualified)with a letter stating so, large earnest money deposit(which tells you they are really earnest), a minimum of contingencies, an acceptable closing date, and finally, if all else is equal, price. Sometimes agents who know they are in traffic will encourage their buyers to make an offer higher than that listed. Although that will influence you, don't let it get in the way of your other requirements. I wish you the best. I am glad to hear you are using a professional to handle your real estate activities. Bev
Beverly Brissler Century 21 Americana Properties 2312 W. Main Street, #113 Battle Ground, WA 98604
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear friends,
Happy Holidays To You!!
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,
Dear Bev,