Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Find the best REALTOR to Sell Your Home

Find the Best REALTOR® to Sell Your House
Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com

By: G. M. Filisko
Published: March 11, 2010

Ask detailed questions about their experience and skills to help you find the right agent for your home sale.
Working with the right real estate agent can mean the difference between getting prompt, expert representation and feeling like you're going it alone when selling your home. Here are 10 questions to ask when you're interviewing agents.

1. How long have you been selling homes?
Mastering real estate requires on-the-job experience. The more experience agents have, the more likely they'll be able to handle any curveballs thrown during your home sale.
2. What designations do you hold?
Designations like GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute) and CRS® (Certified Residential Specialist), which require that agents complete additional real estate training, show they're constantly learning. Ask if agents have designations and, if not, why not?
3. How many homes did you sell last year?
Agents may tout their company's success. An equally important question is how many homes they've personally sold in the past year; it's an indicator of how active and aggressive they are.
4. How many days on average did it take you to sell homes?
Ask agents to show you this data along with stats from their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) so you can see how many days, on average, their listings were on the market compared to the average for all properties in the MLS.
5. How close were the asking and sales prices of the homes you sold?
Sometimes sellers choose their agent because the agent's suggested listing price is higher than those suggested by other agents. A better factor is the difference between listing prices and the amount homes actually sold for. That can help you judge agents' skill at accurately pricing homes and marketing to the right buyers. It can also help you weed out agents trying to dazzle you with a lofty sales price just to get your listing.
6. How will you market my home?
The days of agents putting a For Sale sign in the yard and hoping for the best are long gone. Look for an agent who does aggressive and innovative marketing, especially on the Internet.
7. Will you represent me exclusively?
In most states, agents can represent the seller, the buyer, or both in a home sale. If your agent will also represent buyers, understand and consent to that dual representation.
8. How will you keep me informed?
If you want weekly updates by email, don't choose an agent who plans to contact you only if there's an offer.
9. Can you provide references?
Ask to talk to the last three customers the agent assisted. Call and ask if they'd work with the agent again and if the agent did anything that didn't sit well with them.
10. Are you a REALTOR®?
Ask whether agents are REALTORS®, which means they're members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). NAR has been an advocate of agent professionalism and a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.

Other web resources
More on choosing an agent (http://public.findlaw.com/abaflg/flg-4-2a.html)

Freddie Mac's tips on finding an agent (http://www.freddiemac.com/corporate/buyown/english/purchasing/hunting/agent.html)

More on REALTOR® designations (http://www.realtor.org/education/realtor_university/designation)

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who's worked with many real estate agents in the past 20 years. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Monday, August 30, 2010

8 Tips for Finding Your New Home

8 Tips for Finding Your New Home
Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko
Published: February 10, 2010


A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you.

House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you'll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. These eight tips will guide you through a smart homebuying process.
1. Know thyself
Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a multistory home? If you're leaning toward a fixer-upper, are you truly handy, or will you need to budget for contractors?
2. Research before you look
List the features you most want in a home and identify which are necessities and which are extras. Identify three to four neighborhoods you'd like to live in based on commute time, schools, recreation, crime, and price. Then hop onto REALTOR.com (http://REALTOR.com) to get a feel for the homes available in your price range in your favorite neighborhoods. Use the results to prioritize your wants and needs so you can add in and weed out properties from the inventory you'd like to view.
3. Get your finances in order
Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you're comfortable spending each month on housing. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.

Gather your financial records and meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter spelling out how much you're eligible to borrow. The lender won't necessarily consider the extra fees you'll pay when you purchase or your plans to begin a family or purchase a new car, so shop in a price range you're comfortable with. Also, presenting an offer contingent on financing will make your bid less attractive to sellers.
4. Set a moving timeline
Do you have blemishes on your credit that will take time to clear up? If you already own, have you sold your current home? If not, you'll need to factor in the time needed to sell. If you rent, when is your lease up? Do you expect interest rates to jump anytime soon? All these factors will affect your buying, closing, and moving timelines.
5. Think long term
Your future plans may dictate the type of home you'll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for five to 10 years? With a starter, you may need to adjust your expectations. If you plan to nest, be sure your priority list helps you identify a home you'll still love years from now.
6. Work with a REALTOR®
Ask people you trust for referrals to a real estate professional they trust. Interview agents to determine which have expertise in the neighborhoods and type of homes you're interested in. Because homebuying triggers many emotions, consider whether an agent's style meshes with your personality.

Also ask if the agent specializes in buyer representation. Unlike listing agents, whose first duty is to the seller, buyers' reps work only for you even though they're typically paid by the seller. Finally, check whether agents are REALTORS®, which means they're members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. NAR has been a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.
7. Be realistic
It's OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don't be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded.

On the flip side, don't be so swayed by a "wow" feature that you forget about other issues-like noise levels-that can have a big impact on your quality of life. Use your priority list to evaluate each property, remembering there's no such thing as the perfect home.
8. Limit the opinions you solicit
It's natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. But remain true to your list of wants and needs so the final decision is based on criteria you've identified as important.
More from HouseLogic
HOAs: What You Need to Know About Rules (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/hoas-what-you-need-to-know-about-rules/)

A Financial Plan for Your Home (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/a-financial-plan-for-your-home/)

When It Pays to Do It Yourself (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/when-it-pays-to-do-it-yourself/)
G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has found happiness in a brownstone in a historic Chicago neighborhood. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Funny Friday!!!!! Check out this video!!!

This video is too cute. And describes how we all feel. I love the Polar Bear he is my favorite.

Homeowners, buyers will be out this weekend. Make sure that you are prepared with curb appeal and a clean driveway. Make your home shine above the other listings in the neighborhood.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
http://www.buyingahouseafterforeclosure.com/
http://www.soldbyalicia.com/
AliciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

What's holding you back?

You maybe a For Sale By Owner, an expired, or maybe just someone thinking of moving. Either way this blog will help you.

"I do not want to list my house until I find one that I like?"

This is a phrase I hear a lot. The problem with these words, in the end, it will cost you a lot of money and maybe even your dream home. If you are looking for a new home and you have not listed your home yet please contact me. Time is of the essence when selling and purchasing a home.

If you do find that perfect home that you are looking for and you do not have your house listed, the seller of that home may not be willing to wait on the contingency on the sell of your home. There is the first disappointment. If they do accept contingency, then you will have to price your house so competively that you may loose at the closing table and this is where it will cost you a lot of money. On an average you are looking at loosing up to $27,000.00 if you do not list your home before you find the next one.

Know your REALTOR, ask them what their thoughts are. Interview them if they cannot answer all the questions about urgency, technology, and your personal needs then you may need another agent.

If you are not in the upstate, SC please still contact me and I will refer you to one of our REALTOR's that would be happy to assist you.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR'
http://www.soldbyalicia.com/
http://www.buyingahouseafterforeclosure.com/
AliciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198

Monday, August 23, 2010

Family Matters (Peace Family Reunion)

Normally, I speak out to my buyers on Monday's but today I want to speak out to EVERYONE, and talk about family.

This weekend was my Peace Family Reunion. Where my family for different parts of the east gather to celebrate what God has given us and the family that keeps growing. My Aunt Margaret and Uncle James were celebrating 73 years together. WoW!!! Is all I have to say. That is true love. I look at them and they still have spunk at 90 and 93. You cannot help but smile. And as we all sit there and celebrate the one's are with us. There is the calm in the room and the presence of the one's who have left us. One of the younger generations ask my cousin Denise to put the camera down and Denise made a comment that is so true. "One day the pictures we take will be all that are left of us." Memories in the making.

In all, family is the only thing we have that stays forever, and cannot be broken. Please hold tight to the family you have and make every opportunity you can to see them. If my 90 and 93 year old Aunt and Uncle can make it from Ohio to be with us for one weekend, I am sure we can drive 30 minutes at least once a month to see our families.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Opportunity Is Knocking

The $ 8,000.00 tax credit went away but it is still a great time to buy. That was just one door that closed on the market, there is still several doors and windows open.

One of those windows is distressed properties. Let me help define distress properties for you. These are homes that are in short sale or foreclosure or bank owned. 45 % of homes sold in the United States are distressed properties. The term distressed does not relate to the actual house condition it is the term for the finance situation. The house could be in fine shape and still be a distressed property.

There is a process to purchasing a distressed property but there will be equity in the home at the exchange of keys.

If you would like to know more information about purchasing a distressed property contact me.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
http://www.soldbyalicia.com/
http://www.buyingahouseafterforeclosure.com/
(864) 529-5198

Monday, August 16, 2010

School Year is Back

Most parents have jumped for joy after the small shock of your child walking back into school. What will this year bring?

A new home sounds like a plan to me. If you are in the market for a new home please contact me and we will walk through the process together.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
www.SoldByAlicia.com
www.BuyingAHouseAfterForeclosure.com
AliciaCrouch@kw.com

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Thursday--Time To Plan The Weekend

School starts back on Monday for Spartanburg County. Alright, school supplies purchased, school clothes purchased and ready. Now, let's do something fun for the weekend before our children hit the school year again.'

Hot? Why not hit Discovery Island Waterpark in Simpsonville, SC. This is a great way to cool off. Oh, and Mom, the yellow water slide is so much fun.

Legandary Shack Shakers will be at Ground Zero tonight.

Movies in the Park at Barnett Park in Spartanburg, SC on Friday Night shows start at 8:00.

Hotspot Skatepark is a great place for your children to go skate board in Spartanburg, SC.

The Other Guys beat out Inception in the Movie Theaters this week. This must be great because Inception was there for several weeks in a row.

Eat Pray Love is out with Julia Roberts this weekend. Have you heard Julia does not believe in using Botox? Wow, I thought that was a must for all celebrities of all ages.

Well seems like there is a lot to do in Spartanburg this weekend so take your children for a little fun before they have to hit the books on Monday.

Enjoy Your Weekend.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
www.SoldByAlicia.com
www.BuyingAHouseAfterForeclosure.com
(864) 529-5198
Keller Williams Realty

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

What does it take for SOLD to be on your home?

Every where you turn the For Sale signs are in the yard and there are less buyers. This lets us know that your home has to win the Beauty Contest and the Price Contest. WoW!!! How are we going to accomplish that?

With all of the foreclosures sitting on the market this will drive down the price of homes available now. You need to make yourself aware of the market surrounding your area. This does not mean what you have observed with your eyes but what your REALTOR has provided you.

It is so hard to be upfront, the appraisers do not count the tile floor, stainless appliances, granite tops, in his comparables, so this is where the beauty contest comes in, if your home has upgrades where other homes in the subdivison do not then you may win that beauty contest. Your price has to be appealing, if you are the best price and the best showing home, then the other homes on the market will sell yours for you.

Your main goal is to have a REALTOR who has the knowledge to market your home on the internet to ensure that you have the best exposure.

Contact us and we can let you know how we can help put the SOLD sign in your yard.

"Your Home Is My Top Priority!"
http://www.soldbyalicia.com/
AliciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198
Alicia Crouch, REALTOR

Monday, August 9, 2010

Buyers Resources

Buyers, you have surfed the internet this weekend. You may have seen several homes you like. So, what is your next step. Consult a REALTOR, call make an appointment to interview them. This is the person that will help you with the next purchase of your home, you need to know that you can work with them.

Do not be scared to say Can we meet at your office and let me tell you what I am looking for? This way you can get the personality of the REALTOR I find out if your home is their priority. Before you have your REALTOR schedule appointments for you to see potential homes have your pre-approval letter with you. This is very important most listing agents want a pre-approval letter with the offer. Do not miss that house you are looking for because you are not prepared.

Banks and lenders will be more than happy to provide you with this letter and if your REALTOR is truly a buyers agent they will want this before taking you out as well.

Things to ask while out at a property:
  1. Ask your REALTOR. What has sold in the area within the last 3 months and how much are the houses selling for?
  2. If the home is a foreclosure, ask them how long it has been on the market, this determines how strong your offer needs to be if you like the home.
  3. Remember if the home is a short sale. There is nothing short about a short sale. Be prepared to wait several months before closing. So, if the home you are looking at and like is a short sale make sure that your time line fits into waiting several months before a closing happens.
  4. Your REALTOR should be prepared with all the information and have a buyers package with them just in case you do decide to write an offer.
  5. Always go with what you gut feels. If you are standing in the home and you can imagine it being yours, then do not second guess yourself because it may not be there tomorrow.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
http://www.soldbyalicia.com/
AliciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198

Friday, August 6, 2010

TGIF!!!!!

It is Friday!!!! Buyers will be out this weekend. Sellers are you prepared?

Look at your curb appeal. Ride by if you need to or stand in the street. Do you like what you see? A buyer has to fall in love with the outside before they make a move to see the inside.

Grass cut, mulch refreshed, flowers in bloom, exterior clean. All of these things count.

Well, now they have seen the outside, they want to see the inside. Neutral colors all the way through. No bold colors. Some times buyers can not see past what is already decorated. They want move in ready. Arrange the furniture to where it is not cluttered. Give walking room. Always try and place low music when they are showing your home. Make it inviting.

Well happy selling. If you need help selling your home please contact me.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
www.SoldByAlicia.com
AliciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

714 S Gray Beaver Court Desirable District 6

Listed at $ 119,000.00 this home is Desirable district 6 located near shops and restauraunts. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1371 sq.ft. home is great for entertaining. Living room features picture window and fireplace. Kitchen opens to dinning room. Master bedroom is on main level of home. Privacy fence in backyard and single car garage.

Want to live on the Westside of town? Does $ 119,000.00 fit into your pre-approval then this is the home for you. Home built in 2008 and still shows like new.

Visit the links below for more information:

http://714SBeaverCourt.epropertysites.com

http://www.SoldByAlicia.com click on Featured Property page

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
Direct Line: (864) 529-5198
www.SoldByAlicia.com
AliciaCrouch@kw.com

Monday, August 2, 2010

Buyer Resources

Buyers when you are ready to start your home search contact a lender first and be pre-approved before you start looking for your new home.

Reason #1, you will know what you can afford and you will not end up falling in love with a home that you find out you are not qualified to purchase.

Reason #2, REALTOR's want to know what you can afford and know that you are serious in looking for a home. A pre-approval letter is mostly likely a requirement for an offer on a home.

You need to be well informed so you can make the right decisions in your move.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
www.SoldByAlicia.com
AliciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198