Thursday, May 16, 2013

In A Housing Recovery, Why Some People Can’t Sell Their Home?

Although Atlanta, GA House Prices Increased 10% in 2012, Prices Are Still Catching Up to 1999 Levels

After the dip in 2007 house prices rose in 2012 by 10% according to S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index for December 2012.  This measurement demonstrates just how far prices had fallen and nationally prices increased by 7.3% on average. Out of 20 states monitored, both Atlanta and Detroit have prices still below 2000 levels.  The survey showed that prices in Atlanta in December 2012 were at mid 1999 levels.

We should not lose optimism as there is a recovery of sorts.   It’s just not gone back to the heady days when supposed equity from every rising house prices provided a cash-cow for all other consumer spending from buying new cars to 50” flat screen TV’s.  Banks and other lenders want to cover their loan risks and make sure that borrowers are qualified and insured against loss of income.

It’s a fact that more than 50% of homes listed with real estate agents don’t sell on the first listing.  So if you are one of the guys who have been trying to sell for the last 6 months – 12 months, hearing talk about a housing recovery and hype about shortages of housing inventory does not relate to personal experience of many disillusioned sellers.  Many sellers site cases of similar properties on the same street selling fast in short sales at prices way below those still for sale at a “fair” market price.  To get a place sold you have to work with the right agent who knows how to market and price property in your area and can demonstrate evidence that they have a track record of selling in your neighborhood.
For your part you have to put your best foot forward for presentation outside and inside the house.  If the first photo promoting your house shows it’s covered in overgrown vegetation and trees not pruned back then don’t be surprised if nobody even comes to take a look inside.

The broader US economy will benefit from a genuine housing recovery leading to banks and lender confidence backed up with other equity loans to boost consumer spending which in turn helps the economy.

Sell Your Atlanta House Fast for Cash Today! We Buy PRETTY and UGLY Houses! We Pay Cash for Homes and We will Buy Your House Fast! We are Atlanta Real Estate Investors. We look forward to hearing from you today with your Atlanta Real Estate needs! Visit - http://workingwithhouses.com and http://atlantabuynow.com

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Real Estate Investor and A Realtor

Some people imagine that Real Estate Investors and Realtors do not rub along together harmoniously and while the two groups may not always see eye to eye, the idea that they are inevitably enemies is just an urban myth.  The truth is that investors and real estate agents have a more harmonious relationship than many imagine or suppose that they might.  Collaboration rather than confrontation is more likely in most cases, most of the time although all human relationships are subject to ups and downs just like the soap operas on TV but that’s just “Life Buoy”.

Investors Could Enjoy Advantages of Being a Licensed Realtor

Access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) could help investors to be the first one in a queue to snap up a genuine not to missed bargain.

Commissions are available to licensed agents on all successful transactions that an investor makes in addition to the profit made when selling.

Agents can collect a 3% – 5% co-op or commission even when another agent has the listing as opposed to some investors.

Realtors are great at networking and getting the inside information that makes a difference so partnerships and collaboration between realtors and investors is desirable if not mandatory.  Realtor groups can provide useful courses and guidance to become proficient in real estate processes leading to your improved efficiency and standing in the community as a respected professional in the field.
So, if you are an investor and you qualify as a real estate agent, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Sell Your Atlanta House Fast for Cash Today! We Buy PRETTY and UGLY Houses! We Pay Cash for Homes and We will Buy Your House Fast! We are Atlanta Real Estate Investors. We look forward to hearing from you today with your Atlanta Real Estate needs! Visit - http://workingwithhouses.com and http://atlantabuynow.com


Monday, May 13, 2013

The K.I.S.S. Theory In Real Estate

The KISS theory, we all have heard of it.  Keep It Simple…(you can choose your own last word).  A very powerful theory and concept to keep in mind with all things real estate.
Real Estate has the potential to be as complicated as we want to make it.  And there is no shortage of people out there that will make it complicated if given the opportunity.  Your goal as a professional in serving your clients in particular is to keep things simple every chance possible.  There is a rarely a reason to overcomplicate a real estate transaction whether buying or selling.

Today, I’m going to focus on three specific areas that should be common to most if not all real estate professionals where the KISS theory proves very effective in any real estate transaction.
The Marketing – whether you are an investor selling a property or you’re a listing agent listing a property, simplicity here is bliss.  Shoot for effectiveness.  Pick modes of marketing that have been proven to be effective, time and time again and do them well.  Very, very well.  There’s a lot of niche type marketing out there that you can try.  And lots of suggestion out there that for a small fee you can figure out how to do a hundred things under the sun that may or may not work.

Many of these things sometimes are guaranteed, sometimes are not, and sometimes are just free tips on Youtube.  Again, evaluate well.  Choose wisely but keep it simple.  The reality is that keeping up a bunch of marketing does take work and tracking it takes additional work.  So consider picking and choosing your spots that have proven to be the most effective time and time again and systemize it to the point of complete simplicity.  It works very well.

Communications – A wise friend of mine several years ago told me a phrase that I will never forget.  We had just sat down through an all day meeting in my past life of IT.  The seminar at our office was all about communication tips and ideas on how to work as a team.  This gentleman was in his 50s and at the conclusion of the event looked at me and he said, “Frank, I heard this exact same seminar about 25 years ago.  Most issues are almost always a communication problem.”  That phrase has stuck with me since.  Every time there is a problem, sure enough it is usually due to some kind of communication issue.  Or, most specifically miscommunication, or in some cases a lack of communication.  Reality is, we live very busy lives.  And it is an extraordinary easy to not prioritize communication to the level that It needs to be kept at.  Many times it’s because people fear that there going to be bothering someone.  And while that may be true, I have found repeatedly that it’s better to over communicate than under communicate.  I have never seen someone get upset for over communication beyond just being told, “Oh my, you’re talking quite a bit here.”  But for under communication we’ve seen problems from one end of creation to the other and the results can get pretty ugly in some cases.  So again keep it simple.  Communicate well, communicate effectively and never leave anything to assumption.  Always ensure and if possible document every pertinent communication that even has a slightest chance of impacting anything.  Trust me, when something goes astray, and you can point your finger back on something it does wonders for quelling, any potential fires that could brew and flare up from a situation.  Keep it simple and just communicate!

Paperwork – paperwork is one of those things where at least in our state, it does not have to be complicated to be effective to close a deal.  An example we run into sometimes is where people feel like everything needs to be on a state contract.  We have no problem with a state contract and we will gladly use it.  But, there is certainly no requirement to use it.  And we have found that Sellers in particular and Buyers really appreciate contracts that are much shorter and written in plain English rather than legal speak.  Attorneys have no problem with these contracts in our state which is a wonderful thing.  We also encourage Buyers and Sellers to, if they are concerned about their contract being too “simple” or too “short” that by all means they can review it with their attorney.  What we have found without exception is that they don’t have any problem with it with the only changes coming usually being specific concerns regarding a specific item on the contract or a special thing that the Buyers/Sellers would want us to notate.  An example of this would be just taking a statement ‘As-Is’, and highlighting it with something to the effect of ‘Seller selling the house As-Is and will not repair anything’ to which we say that’s fine, let’s plug it in.  We’ll both initial it and it’s all good.  We find that many people really do appreciate the simplicity of paperwork that is effective.  Have solid paperwork but again keep it simple as everyone loves to read in plain English.  And some people don’t even like to read so they really appreciate it!

There are many more factors we can talk about with regards to the K.I.S.S. theory in Real Estate these are just some common one to practically any Real Estate transaction.  Simplicity will allow your transaction to go so much more smoothly whether you are buying or selling a piece of property or working with someone to buy and sell it for you.  No matter what the case keep it simple use plain English and all parties have a higher likelihood of coming out satisfied in the end with the results.  Best wishes to your simplicity!

Sell Your Atlanta House Fast for Cash Today! We Buy PRETTY and UGLY Houses! We Pay Cash for Homes and We will Buy Your House Fast! We are Atlanta Real Estate Investors. We look forward to hearing from you today with your Atlanta Real Estate needs! Visit - http://workingwithhouses.com and http://atlantabuynow.com

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Find Your Real Estate Formula For Success

A lot of people are asking me why our houses sell fast.  What is my real estate formula?
Strategies and ways are all written in real estate motivational books.  We also hear stories from other investors that we come across with in the real estate industry.  Sure what they claimed works for them but does it really work for you?  Or are they just preaching to the converted? And are we just jumping on to a bandwagon in the hope that it’s a gravy train?  However, as the saying goes the proof of the pudding is in the eating.  After a few months and it’s not making money so there must be something wrong with your strategy.

Let’s say others don’t have the experience in the real estate or training, but if you have the flair and the talent there’s still a chance to be successful in this business.  So, it’s a question of dipping your toe in the water and taking a limited risk to find out that you’re on the right track.
Why not list down your key competences that you used to be successful in other jobs that you’ve done in the past and apply these in your real estate business?
If you worked in the department store where you’re in charge of direct sales then you already understand clients and how to approach and handle them.  So then, you’ve got a people skill which is very important in real estate!

If you have good computer skills and have worked as an administrator, this will help you to develop your website and e-marketing in your real estate business.

Or maybe mom and dad own a store and you observed the wheeling, dealing and trading wholesale goods then you know the concept of real estate wholesaling.

Or perhaps you’re one of those people who is a fanatical D.I.Y.-er.  Then, this is the right time for you in real estate business to apply your skills in rehabbing houses.

After listing down your key competences and finding out as to how passionate are you in real estate business, get a mentor to guide you along the way.   And mentors will ultimately help you  reach your goals faster.

So, who said there’s a secret formula?  The formula is not secret at all the main thing here is to utilize your own skills and channel them into your real estate business.

Sell Your Atlanta House Fast for Cash Today! We Buy PRETTY and UGLY Houses! We Pay Cash for Homes and We will Buy Your House Fast! We are Atlanta Real Estate Investors. We look forward to hearing from you today with your Atlanta Real Estate needs! Visit - http://workingwithhouses.com and http://atlantabuynow.com

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Good Reputation Is A Must In Real Estate Investing

If you are just starting out in Real Estate investing then consider this.  Are you in the business for a long term career that can bring you fulfillment and respectability in the real estate community or do you just want to make a fast buck before you cut and run?  There have been plenty of news articles recently about lenders breaking rules by giving loans to unqualified borrowers and overcharging loan arrangement fees.  This triggered lots of new rules and regulations to protect borrowers in the future but many unscrupulous lenders just walked away without punishment.  The thing is by ripping off people they damaged their reputations by showing such a lack of integrity.  Even without the additional consumer protection and new legislation to curb loan sharks from cheating unsuspecting borrowers, they would not find it so easy to continue cheating people once they heard about their sharp practices.

The same principles apply to real estate investing that you soon acquire a reputation based on your actions.  If you bilk subcontractors or vendors then word will soon spread that you are someone who cannot be trusted.  If you do rehabs using cheap materials and slapdash workmanship then your reputation will be as poor as the workmanship and you get poor results by cutting corners.  By trying to make maximum profits by unscrupulous cheating you may at worst end up being sued, in jail and out of business.  At best, you may carry on with no repeat business and a reputation as a shoddy profiteer who is not to be trusted.

It’s better to do business honestly, pay your dues and taxes and make sure your rehabs are of a quality that you would be happy to live with if you were buying that particular home.  Don’t cheat subcontractors, buyers or sellers and you can still make a decent living and hold your head up high with a clear conscience.  Many real estate buyers and real estate investors in wholesaling become repeat customers especially when they know they are dealing with someone with a good reputation for value and quality.   You know this makes sense so don’t go down the wrong road. Who knows you will probably make some good lifetime friends and future allies instead of making enemies on a mission to bring about your downfall.

Sell Your Atlanta House Fast for Cash Today! We Buy PRETTY and UGLY Houses! We Pay Cash for Homes and We will Buy Your House Fast! We are Atlanta Real Estate Investors. We look forward to hearing from you today with your Atlanta Real Estate needs! Visit - http://workingwithhouses.com and http://atlantabuynow.com

Friday, May 3, 2013

Real Estate Mentoring VS Real Estate Courses

So, if you’re even remotely interested in Real Estate today, undoubtedly you have probably looked online for education and seen a myriad of courses. Whether you are seeking to be an agent, a better marketer, a better investor or just get mentoring, the number of options available to you today is dizzying at times.  In some ways this is good because it encourages healthy competition.  At the same time it can be a problem.   Why because many people have been labeled “gurus” and the term “guru” has definitely developed a bit of a negative stigma with a lot of people where a lot has been promised yet little delivery occurs.  This part of the equation actually works both ways as there are several gurus out there who do charge a pretty penny but if you really maximize what they tell you, you really should see some if not a lot of success.  At the same time, there are materials out in the internet that are questionable at best relying on outdated methods.  The question is how do you know who is who?
 
These are the challenges you’ll have to go through as you decide on your real estate education.  While nothing beats firsthand experience, firsthand experience in Real Estate can be very expensive.  So, it’s usually best to avoid it whenever possible when you’re dealing transactions that have multiple zeroes at the end. We recommend a couple of things.  One, decide on what it is specifically you want to do.  The focus theory applies.  Focus is an acronym for Follow One Course Until Successful.  Let that sink in for a moment because this is usually the first place people go astray.  Focus = follow one course until successful.  How does this apply to real estate?  It’s very simple.  You pick one avenue in real estate and get really, really good at it.  The moment you start trying to do multiple things is usually when the problems begin.  You want to get to a point where you are very good at one thing.  So, if you’re going to be a real estate agent, a marketer, a wholesaler, a rehabber, a landlord, whatever the case, pick that method and get really good at it.  Once you’ve made that commitment now you are at the point where you have to make a decision.  Do I just want to leverage online education?  Do I want to do a home study courses?  Do I want to get a mentor or do I want a combination?  There is no right and wrong answer here.
 
Getting a mentor usually will cost you the most but will probably get you to your success the quickest as they will help you along the way.  However, you are paying for time and knowledge so there is usually a bigger cost to get in as people’s time is valuable.  And one must always respect that.  Do not fall into the trap of trying to determine what someone’s time should be worth.  That is not a decision that we can make for anyone and everyone is welcome to decide what their time is worth to them.  It simply up to you to decide if you are willing to pay for a particular persons help.  That being said, if you don’t want to put in the bucks for a mentor, you can just do a home study course.  There’s a ton of good home study courses out there.  It is often said that if your home study course gets you just one deal that more than pays for the course, it was probably well worth it.  For the most part there’s a lot of truth to that.  As always there are exceptions.  But usually most home study courses provide a few golden nuggets that can get you to get a deal to where you’ll make more than you paid for the course.  With home study courses now going for anywhere from 30 to 1000 dollars, this is not unreasonable as most real estate transactions will make you well plenty more.  (If they don’t, then that’s a separate discussion on itself).
 
Of course if you don’t do a home study course, you can always go with free content online.  When you go this route you’re basically depending on blogs, facebook groups, websites and YouTube primarily.  While there’s a ton of value to learning how to do stuff on these sites, what I have found is usually you don’t get the complete picture.  This is because you’re getting things in a snippets. Sometimes you get enough to put the entire deal together but sometimes you don’t.  I have seen people get burned going this route so caution is advised since they did not have the big picture for their transaction.  So, again you just have to decide how hard you want to work at it.  The beauty of a home study course is if it’s a good one it will bridge those gaps for you.  The amount you pay is more than worth the time you’ll save to trying to scour the internet for every little post.  The phrase “don’t jump over dollars to save a few penny” definitely applies here.
 
Eventually you will want a mentor.  With every successful person, there’s usually a mentor behind them.  We need the coaching and guidance of people that have paved the path before us and the time saved is huge.   So whatever path you choose, do plan on allocating some of the money you’re going to make for mentoring to continue growing yourself, not only as a person but for your business.  They ultimately help you reach your ultimate goals faster.
 
With the internet we have tons of options available today so evaluate your choices well.  And remember, Real Estate is not a get rich quick business.  Work hard and passionately and we look forward to seeing you on the other side.

Sell Your Atlanta House Fast for Cash Today! We Buy PRETTY and UGLY Houses! We Pay Cash for Homes and We will Buy Your House Fast! We are Atlanta Real Estate Investors. We look forward to hearing from you today with your Atlanta Real Estate needs! Visit - http://workingwithhouses.com and http://atlantabuynow.com

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Inman Park in Atlanta, Georgia

Inman Park is the first historic neighborhood, located on the east side of Atlanta.  It’s one of the city’s most beautiful communities with elegant Victorian homes, classic craftsman bungalows, wide shady streets and the convenience of an in-town living.  It’s one of my favorite towns in Atlanta.
Visitors and home seekers will be captivated by their unique and styled homes which attracted me so much!  And also the gorgeous people behind this community.

I travel here sometimes just to look at the homes and feel absolutely enchanted in the area.  I find it beautiful and such a wonderful community with attractive homes and parks.  There are so many shops and restaurants within walking distance.  There are plenty of places to eat and drink.  I can tell that it’s really joy to live here as I love to go in the shops and market to buy food!
As I walked along the corners, I really feel wonderful and relaxed.  Beautiful homes, landscape gardens and large trees make Inman Park very special.  Good place to walk and bike in a very nice neighborhood.  The new homes are nice as well, as the older ones.  If you’re planning and looking for home tours, this is the great place to be!

Homes are filled by the professionals who appreciate the charm of urban living, so no wonder; it is one of the peaceful communities in town.  It is full of character of hundred year old houses, windy streets and hidden parks as I’d love to see it.  The parks are very well maintained green spaces and organized. When we visit the park also, it’s really great for running and playing catch games because the area is very spacious.

As I watched the homes together with other people who made the tour also, I noticed how homeowners are very friendly, they invite us and talk about their place and give us information.  Of course, one of my goal when I travel and visit new places, is the festivals and events.  This is the one reason why I liked to visit here during the festival. It’s really enjoyable, unique and excellent performances; I was totally crazy by thousands of people on the street and roads are being closed off. The parade is one awaited part in the festival; you will see many people dancing in the street with costumes and you will see how happy they are. I highly recommend Inman Park Street Festival! 
Coffee shops here are also a perfect place to meet up and hang out with friends and for some business matters - as they have free access to internet connection.

This older neighborhood is surrounded by commercial establishments, very close to downtown Atlanta.  It’s great for the people who love to explore, hang- out and shop!   As an observer and traveler, I really like a place or town home like this, because it’s very convenient for us to go and shop in the malls and buy groceries.

Great location, interesting people, wonderful place, amazing houses are the best words I can describe this historic district.  Everything is in here!  What more could you want?   Do See for you yourself!

Sell Your Atlanta House Fast for Cash Today! We Buy PRETTY and UGLY Houses! We Pay Cash for Homes and We will Buy Your House Fast! We are Atlanta Real Estate Investors. We look forward to hearing from you today with your Atlanta Real Estate needs! Visit - http://workingwithhouses.com and http://atlantabuynow.com