Ch Ch Ch Changes!!! This time for the better!

I feel that the word of the year or the anthem of the last 6 months has been change. With all the increased regulation and processing times I feel that the experience of home-ownership was starting to become a burden versus exciting. So I decided to make some changes that I know will help keep buying a home exciting and fun. Recently, I was able to throw a housewarming for a client, help another move and this is all because I made a change that got me out from behind the desk. Our job is in the field meeting, approving and working with our trusted partners and that was fading. The video below will describe five reasons I am excited to be a Loan Officer in 2010 and how I know this will help me help you!

Efficient Lenders Needed! Reason #1 on how my team can help!

With all the changes in the lending landscape I think that it is important to change as well in some ways. The era of increased documentation has lead to increased processing times and paperwork delays. How then can a Loan Officer find the time to help promote their mutual business partners, be present at the networking meetings, attend the open houses, create the flyer’s and have the important face to face meetings with the clients. Let’s also not forget picking up the phone when the agent calls.

This led me to make a change that I have been contemplating for over a year. The reason that I did not take the leap before was always a financial choice. However, much of my business has come from being there to help the homeowner and all other parties through the transaction. To facilitate phone calls, watch the market and be present and visible. The last six months I felt hunkered down in a cave dealing with paperwork upon paperwork to make sure that our deals closed. This lead to less face to face and less time to be ahead of the market with innovative ideas and  good all fashioned face to face business. I felt like a telemarketer not a loan officer.

I decided that I needed to make sure that the files moved even when I was not in the office. While I was out generating more business for myself and my partners I wanted to make sure that the file did not stagnate over an updated pay-stub. I decided that I would hire  a team member that is the best in the business when it comes to creating a sale-able clean loan package. Upfront we will do a lot of work to make sure that the back end the closing is as smooth as possible. Chris Kohler is going to be a valuable addition to the team and I feel privileged that he accepted the role. It has been 9 days that we have began and I think that we have really made it seamless. I have five reasons that I know will be positive for us and all those that we are blessed to work with. So here is the first reason that the new change I have employed will help your business in 2010!

Reason #1 : Two experienced professionals working on your closing

What does this mean?

• My new partnership with an experienced associate will make certain that the smallest details of a transaction (that make or break a deal) are quickly addressed and followed up on. Two sets of eyes are better than one and ensure that no point is overlooked on your purchase transaction.

• Your buyer will rarely wait, if at all to have their question answered.

• While I am Pre-approving your client on the spot, my inside team will make sure our other transactions are still moving forward in an efficient manner.

• Increased Time for Marketing, Open House & Tours

• Continuity in the transaction

• Imagine your life without a transaction coordinator. That is how I have been serving you over the years. Adding my associate will be like having a TA on the lending side so that we can focus on what we do best.

Stay Tuned for reasons 2-5. If you would like a copy of the power point to review at your leisure message me or if you want to hear more about the change in person let’s do coffee. I am really excited for 2010. May it be fabulous for you.

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PCAR Variety Show Fundraiser for CanTree and the Salvation Army

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to be part of an amazing fund raiser. Placer County Association of Realtors banded together with the food sponsor Capitol Mortgage and the Bar Host Chamber of Commerce to throw one heck of an event. Much of the credit for the organization of the event has to go to Val Berlin Douglas (North American Title) as she was responsible for corralling and organizing a bunch of entrepreneurial professional that like to wander around and do our own thing. Great job Val.

So what is a variety show. We did everything along the lines of musical skits that were pieces of movies like 13 going on 30′s Thriller dance a tribute to the man Michael Jackson and Santa Baby musical. There were several one and a half minute lip syncs done by many of the volunteers from artists like Rod Stewart (Geoffrey Poulos), Prince (Kevin Capps), Beyonce (Tami Hinkle), Katy Perry (Deb Newton) and so many more excellent solos. We even got a guest appearance from Willie Nelson (Bill Johnson).

The show started out with a bang and had two groups perform their stuff. That was followed by another round of songs and performances and finished off with all the solos. Then there was an encore presentation to end the night. Many of the attendees stayed after the scheduled performances to take part in some Karaoke set up and put together by Joe Crespillo of Sell State Realty First our emcee of the night.

I do not know the final count I think that it would be safe to say that we raised in the ball park of 3K -4K for the evening. This was my very first year to be a part of the event and one of the things that I learned and respected from all the volunteers is that they were all repeats. So many of the volunteers were on their 6th year of the event. I now know why. It is so much fun and the camaraderie was awesome. I was welcomed in as the newcomer and assisted and helped the entire evening.  We were able to get away from the normal stressful situations that are present in Real Estate transactions. We were able to do something that is above and beyond our own self interest which showed me the true values of the agents in this industry.

I want to say thank you to all the participants and all of the attendees that came together to make this event happen. I am already excited about what next year may bring!

Where does your Professional go when the deal hits a snag? You Deserve to Know!

In today’s market even the cleanest deal will have some hurdle or obstacle that will have to be explained. The question is when the going gets tough who is there to answer the questions and help you through the hurdle. Is it the Realtor? Is it the Loan Officer? Is it Both? Neither? Who is there by your side as a buyer and/or a seller when the road is bumpy?

I mention this because it gets to me a little bit. I think that as an industry we have to rally together to deliver the news. All too often professionals go into hibernation when the deal hits a bump. They do not answer their phone or they wait until they have it solved and call as if they did not ignore the previous 100 calls. Let’s look at this from a different angle for one minute:

I am a doctor and I just looked at X-rays for my client. I have found a mass that I have not quite determined what or how I will take care of it. I have a few ideas based on my expertise but want to do further research before providing the solution. In this case do I:

1. Inform the patient of my findings and let them know what I think may be the solutions
2. Send the patient home without any knowledge of the findings hoping that I will have the solution in a few days
3. Ignore all the inquiries I am getting from the curious nurse, patient, family members, etc.
   

I think that we all know the answer to this. It is our duty as a professional to let others know. If we do not have the answer and we have to consult other “doctors” as sometimes is the case we should let the parties know this. “Uncertainty” is one thing that every human I have ever met is inclined to dislike. We like to know what is going on and what we have to do to help the situation. Sometimes that will be nothing but knowing that we can do nothing but wait is better than not knowing what is going on at all.

I will be the first to admit that when I was first in the industry I did not like making the bad call. I still don’t but the difference between now and then is “I have been on both sides of the fence.” Solutions are derived from brainstorm and I still believe in the old saying “Two heads are better than one.”

Please feel free to let me know if you agree or disagree with this?

Flyer Boxes and Riders: Effective Marketing?

This question has been on my mind for quite some time. In my Neighborhood there are 2 homes that have been on the market forever.

House #1 – Beautiful home with a huge Backyard. 4000 square feet with a price point that is for middle to upper income buyers. So what is the problem? This particular home is on the second Real Estate Agent to list the property. Reputable company and a reputable Real Estate agent. However, the sign leaves a lot to be determined. The sign is equipped with a flyer box and a rider. The rider says huge backyard!Once you go in the home and look at the color choices that the previous homeowner make you think HGTV, “Color Correction.”I live right near the home so I have to look at the house everyday at least twice a day. Over the last 9 months that the home has been on the market only three times totaling three months or so have I actually seen a flyer in the box.

What the rider tells me every-time that I look at is: “major yard-work!”

What about the flyers?

Question #1 – If there is a flyer box don’t you think that there should be flyers?To me it is like the “Just reduced or price reduced” riders. They don’t make the property more attractive they make it seem like the seller is desperate. This is just my opinion. It also blends in with the sign.　If it were bright pink I would have to look every-time. If I was not in Real Estate I would never look twice at this house.

Question #2 – To be effective shouldn’t the riders excite a consumer?

 

House #2 -Beautiful home on a corner lot with a great Backyard and fully done inside. Again, in the same Income Category. Another Reputable company with the listing and in this case I do not know the Real Estate Agent that has the listing. This home has been listed for over a year with the same agent and the same sign.

This home has no rider and no flyer box.There has never been a flyer for this property. There has also never been one change to the sign except for when it was blown down by the wind. This is very forgettable and rather dull.

Question #1 – Aside from calling the agent how would anyone know the price?There is no website, virtual tour, flyer, rider or anything. It is the mysterious house. There has never been an open house. It has been over a year. Do you want to sell the place?

 

Question #2 – What exactly is selling this home?

What I want to know from Realtors is:

1) Are flyer boxes and riders effective? If so, what should they say and how often do you refill the box and change the flyer?

2) If you have a flyer box that is always empty is it a disadvantage? (like a web-page that does not load quickly.)

3) What does an effective rider say?

I feel that each of these homes are at a disadvantage for different reasons. If you have a flyer box make sure that it is filled. If you have a rider make sure that it communicates effectively what you are hoping. Ask the neighbors what they think. After all we do see it everyday.

If you have no flyer box and no descriptive riders can you at least have a website to go to or an 800 number?As always thank you for reading.

What do all of you think?

 

Matt Freeman

 

　

10 Benefits a Great Realtor will add to your Purchase Experience!

Congratulations! You have decided to take the steps to become a homeowner in today’s market. This is no small task and it can be overwhelming. Many new buyers start there search online on their own. In fact 82% of buyers start their search online. I understand that you do not want to be sold or bound to a Real Estate agent. I get it but you have to do your due diligence and hire a professional. Here are 10 benefites a great Realtor will add to your purchase experience:

1) Professional Advice – Real Estate agents are trained in the very thing you are looking to accomplish, Finding the right home. They can offer professional advice on Style, Location, and Price. They also have knowledge or professional contacts to make sure the structure, floor plan, area are all up to your standards. There is no substitute to Professional Advice.

2) No Cost to You – As a buyer you do not pay the commission of your selling agent. They are paid by the seller for finding you and selling the sellers home to you. It does not cost you anything. Their time they spend with you, the advice they give you, and all the additional benefits come at no expense to you until they find you the right home and you agree to buy it.

3) Negotiation - Realtors are skilled negotiators. A large portion of the job that they do is negotiating the right price and terms of your purchase. This can be the difference and to me very well could be the number one benefit.

4) Expanded Search - Agents not only have access to the local MLS but they also have access to a network of other agents that have inside knowledge on upcoming properties. This extends in most cases above and beyond their own company. Overtime Real Estate agents build strong relationships with colleagues. It is like water cooler talk. In the end you may be the beneficiary.

5) Knowledge of the Area - You may be familiar with the area that you are buying in and you may not. Agents are generally connected with the chamber of commerce, local churches, school associations and restaurants through their farm. Many agents concentrate on specific areas and know everything there is to know about that area.

6) Determine overall value to insure appropriate price – Agents have knowledge of values and sale prices that are accurate in your market. It is their job to stay current with market values and sales in today’s market. There are two markets going on today: The normal market and the distressed REO market. Realtors can help you navigate the two markets and help you to determine the appropriate value or price you may offer.

7) Limit Liability – An agent can limit your liability and make sure that you are protected as a buyer. There are time frames, contingency periods that a buyer must meet and there are contractual obligations to meet. Your agent will guide you through this process and help you to make educated decisions regarding your liability.

Emotion Manager - The market today can be very stressful for a buyer. It is essential to control your emotions. You cannot get attached to a property. If you write an offer on a short sale it is essential to understand that you may be waiting for a long period of time and your agent will help set that expectation keeping your emotions in check.

9) Simple Explanations to Complex Issues – Your agent will break down complex situations so that you can understand them fully. It can be very overwhelming upfront but your agent will break down a complex process and help you to understand the little pieces. This will be a major life-changing event and the Real Estate agent will help simplify it.

10) Experience only time and transactions can provide - Your agent has seen nearly all the situations that you may encounter during your purchase. From uncovering a hidden defect, loan issues, property not appraising, title defects, zoning, septic, well, inappropriate disclosure, and many more. They are there to help you understand the concerns that may arise and help work through any situation they may not have experienced.

If you are in the Sacramento Area or Sonoma County Area I recommend the following Real Estate Agents. I have worked with each and everyone of them at some point. In my opinion each of them comprises everyone of these benefits described above. Please contact me for their contact information as out of respect for them I will not post it.

Sacramento Area – Dayna Neuse Remax Gold Roseville , Peter Bond The Villa Group Roseville, Karen Wallace Lyon Real Estate Roseville, Robert Wallace Lyon Real Estate Roseville, Kevin Nakano Nakano Realty Elk Grove, Bryan Hill McMahon, Phillips Realty Roseville, Nathan Novelo Connect Realty Antelope, Joanie Cowan Lyon Real Estate and many others. I am sorry if I missed you here are there are too many of you too mention.

Sonoma County – Brook Terhune Platinum Real Estate Santa Rosa, Delia Nieto Coldwell Banker Santa Rosa, Larry Mitchell CPS Real Estate Santa Rosa.

In summary, it is imperative that you use the services of a qualified Real Estate agent. It is up to you to interview each and every Real Estate agent that you may want to work with. Determine who is a good fit for you. Communication is the key to every relationship and it is a two way street. Qualified Real Estate agents will help you have a successful buying experience.

House Hunting! 6 survival tips to help avoid house hunting blues.

Early this morning I got up just like I do every day and went through the morning routine. Coffee, reading, breakfast with the kids etc. You know the routine. Then I left to go to work for the day. While I was leaving the house the wierdest thhing happen to me. As I walked to the car my neigh bor was walking back to his house from the mailbox. I don’t talk to this neighbor very often. He is an older retired guy. As I was getting in the car he said to me: “Go Get Em! Don’t Stop Now.” Many of you may be asking the following question; What does this have to do with House Hunting?

Survival Tips

1) Accept the support around you – Talking only to your spouse or your colleagues about the frustrations of the offer righting stagge of the game can lead to more frustration. Talk to your professionals and ask them to explain to you why responses are so slow. Why the bank does not seem to care that you are trying to do the right thing by only submitting one offer at a time. Ask your professional to explain what may be an effective offer and why is it so hard to get in contract if it is a buyers market. Your professional should be able to help you at least understand the why of the above which will releive some of the frustration.

2) – Enjoy the Hunt – Make the house hunt a game. Enjoy the process of the whole thing. Write down items that you like from each of the houses on paper. Write down the qualities you must have and the items that you would like. Talk to your partner about how to work on the projects together and what colors you would do etc. It could very well be a long hunt. You have waited 20 plus years in most cases so dont get so excited that you forget to enjoy the process.

3) – Plan for It – If you have a written plan for the process that you fit into your normal calender then it does not disrupt ytour life so much. Schedule a time that you have specifically set aside for the viewing of homes. Schedule it like you schedule the gym or work or playdates for the kids. By doing this you avoid the feeling that the hunt has taken over your life. It helps to keep you from having the feeling that your life is off track and you are unorganized.

4) Know that you will be rejected – One of the hardest things to cope with is the rejection of an offer that you thought was a winning offer and the house was “EXACTLY” what you were looking for. Just like finding your life partner it will take work. It will take practice. It will take time. You have to lose some to learn what you don’t want and what you do want. When you do find the right partner or house in this case it is a constant work in progress. There will always be something that you would like to change or work on. You have to grow with the house and as you change you will want some things to change about the house. Don’t get discouraged by rejection get Encouraged. You are one step closer to your goal.

5) – Do not be in a hurry - You cannot rush such a major decision. You will be setting yourself up for disappointment. Just think about how often you hear a person say that they rushed into marriage and it was the wrong choice so they got divorced. Divorce is painful and can change someones life. Same with your house choice. Do not rush to get a tax credit or the interest rate that you have to have. All that will be there when the house you find comes around. whether you are 30 or 50 you did not miss the boat.

 6) – Be Emotionless – Yes, I know that this is much easier said than done. A better thing to say may be “don’t have unrealistic expectations.” Many times when you write your first offer you mentally move in. This means that when it is not accepted you have to move out or breakup. The song says “breaking up is hard to do.” If you leave out the emotion of the purchase and keep your furniture in your current residence until the loan is on record the process will feel better. I am not saying to not be excited I am simply saying to control the excitement. Contain to an acceptable level for you to handle. Try not to be too high or too low as each has its drawbacks.

Now that you know what to do in order to stay away from the House Hunting Blues I will leave you with the same words that my neighbor uttered to me this morning in the 36 degree weather “Go get em! Don’t Stop Now.”