Thank you Sheila and Gabe! So happy to have you in our real estate family!
Friday, March 12, 2010
One of the reasons I love my profession
Just in from the mailbox today and was pleasantly surprised by this sweet card from some clients. It is always nice to get something like this - and it's even more special when it is a surprise and comes from folks you really enjoy.
Thank you Sheila and Gabe! So happy to have you in our real estate family!
Thank you Sheila and Gabe! So happy to have you in our real estate family!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
What's the difference between a client and a customer?
You know it's funny....there are so many "things" to consider about real estate. Lots of folks want to consider saving some money by "representing" themselves rather than paying a professional for service. I can't tell you how many people have called me on a listing of mine and said they were going to save some money and buy the house without an agent. There are a few things they don't understand:
1- my client, in this case the property owner, is benefiting from my professional services
2- all information the individual tells me can and will be used in the best interest of my client. Although I will not ask them direct questions about their situation, my silence often leads to them disclosing much more information than they should
3- the fees for selling the property have already been negotiated. Because the buyer agent fees are paid by the seller, the buyer is not really saving anything, and the advice they will get from a professional agent will more than outweigh the perceived "savings" from representing themselves. In many of my listings, there is a very small, if any, reduction in the cost to the seller if we're working with another agent who is receiving a commission or a buyer who is "representing themselves" in the transaction. Why? Well, that's a whole different post!
So here's the deal...clients (those who have entered into a written agreement for professional representation) receive great benefit. It is important to understand that a "fiduciary relationship" is only established with a representation agreement. If you don't have one, you're a customer. If you don't have one, there is nobody working in your best interest.
Check out this chart from the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council for a better understanding of a client vs. a customer:
Who do you know that needs professional representation right now? Please, put them in touch with us!
1- my client, in this case the property owner, is benefiting from my professional services
2- all information the individual tells me can and will be used in the best interest of my client. Although I will not ask them direct questions about their situation, my silence often leads to them disclosing much more information than they should
3- the fees for selling the property have already been negotiated. Because the buyer agent fees are paid by the seller, the buyer is not really saving anything, and the advice they will get from a professional agent will more than outweigh the perceived "savings" from representing themselves. In many of my listings, there is a very small, if any, reduction in the cost to the seller if we're working with another agent who is receiving a commission or a buyer who is "representing themselves" in the transaction. Why? Well, that's a whole different post!
So here's the deal...clients (those who have entered into a written agreement for professional representation) receive great benefit. It is important to understand that a "fiduciary relationship" is only established with a representation agreement. If you don't have one, you're a customer. If you don't have one, there is nobody working in your best interest.
Check out this chart from the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council for a better understanding of a client vs. a customer:
Who do you know that needs professional representation right now? Please, put them in touch with us!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Check out the latest edition of our Housing Trends newsletter
The latest edition of our Housing Trends newsletter is ready for you to view and share with people you care about.
Want to know more about what this information means to buyers and sellers in the Austin area? Be sure and give us a call so we can make sure you fully understand what is going on, and what it means to you!
Buyers Who Wait May Lose a Lot
Money Magazine say's it's so! Potential home buyers who delay have a lot to lose.
First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes to cover the credit.
Other factors that should spur buyers:
Low mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March, 30-year rates will almost certainly rise to more than 6 percent.
Rising prices. About 30 percent of markets are already experiencing price increases. Prices are falling in 12 percent of markets, says Fiserv (but that only helps if you want to live there).
Source: Money Magazine, Beth Braverman (03/02/2010)
First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes to cover the credit.
Other factors that should spur buyers:
Low mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March, 30-year rates will almost certainly rise to more than 6 percent.
Rising prices. About 30 percent of markets are already experiencing price increases. Prices are falling in 12 percent of markets, says Fiserv (but that only helps if you want to live there).
Source: Money Magazine, Beth Braverman (03/02/2010)
Monday, March 1, 2010
The March Newsletter is here!
The March Edition of our monthly newsletter is now available for download!Filled with lots of news and tips - plus some interesting Austin market information. Who do you know that needs our help right now, so they can take advantage of the tax credit, low interest rates, and amazing housing opportunities available right now? Let's help them out!
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