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A LOOK AT THIRTY YEARS
On January 2nd, 1986 I opened a real estate office in Carlisle. I was twenty five years old, less than four years removed from Dickinson College, and had just obtained my Broker’s License a few weeks before.
I borrowed $7,500, rented a small portion of the office building that I now own and fully occupy, and hired my own mother for her “free secretarial services.” We had one salesperson – – just out of Millersville University and with no experience whatsoever.
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SELLING YOUR HOUSE OVER THE HOLIDAYS
Do you think we should take the house off the market? Should we wait until spring to put our house on the market? Do houses sell over the holidays?
These are all questions which I am frequently asked. I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer to any of them, but I have observed some patterns over my many years as a Real Estate Broker.
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our clients, friends, peers, and family a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving! As I approach the 30th Anniversary of the founding of our company, I am constantly reminded of the many blessings which have been bestowed upon us over these years.
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WHAT IS TRID?
By now, you have probably heard about TRID – – the big real estate change which occurred on October 3rd. The “TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure” was designed and implemented by the federal government in yet another over reaching attempt to “protect” consumers. TILA stands for “Truth in Lending Act” and RESPA stands for “Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act”. These two federal lending requirements are to be “Integrated” into a “Disclosure” that provides very firm rules as to the precision and advance notice to which lenders must adhere in providing information to borrowers.
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HOW FREE IS FREE?
A recent industry trend is for real estate companies or real estate teams to offer a “free” moving van to customers and clients utilizing their services. Well, I did a little checking into this.
You can rent the biggest U-Haul available for $39.95 a day plus $.78 a mile – – at least the last time I checked. Most residential moves are made within the course of one day.
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EXPERTS ANONYMOUS
When it comes to real estate, “EVERYONE IS AN EXPERT”. Trust me on this one.
I do a great deal of industry related reading and research. For the most part, this is to keep me current with trends in the industry and to assure that my company is complying with all the appropriate rules and regulations. Seldom, however, do I bother to read about what the “experts” think.
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THE VALUE OF USING A REALTOR
A 2014 study by the National Association of Realtors confirms that Agent-assisted home sales typically are 13% higher than For Sale by Owner sales (FSBOs). This is really impressive! Most folks choose the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route to “save” the commission. While commissions are negotiable, they generally range in the 5-6% range. Obviously, the use of a Realtor MORE than covers the cost – – by a wide margin, actually.
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THIS N’ THAT
As we find ourselves squarely into the traditional busy spring market, I thought I would pass along some “tid-bits” that I have taken from the numerous trade publications that I review frequently. For the most part, it remains good news:
Real Estate again named best long term investment. That is according to a recent Gallup Survey where respondents chose real estate ahead of stocks, gold, savings accounts, CD’s or bonds as the best long term investment. Real Estate also took the top spot last year.
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SO, YOU’VE GOT CASH…
SO, YOU’VE GOT CASH…
BIG DEAL!
Really, it’s not that big of a deal. You just think it is.
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“THE ROAD TO SUCCESS……”
…is always under construction”. This is another adage from my favorite baseball manager, Baltimore Orioles skipper Buck Showalter. So, what does it mean? Well, I think it speaks to the need to adapt and adjust to new and changing trends within your business or industry.