 175 S. Orem Blvd Orem, UT 84058 |
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March 30, 2007
One of my daughters got married today. She is the first of 5 children to take this step. It has been a few hectic days trying to make everything come together. I think the biggest surprise for me is the emotional tax. I had no idea it would be such an emotional time for me. I am so happy for her and I love the new addition to our family, he is wonderful. I guess this is a boring post for a real estate site but this is what is on my mind today. Be patient with me until Monday and I will get back to work.
Filed under: Personal, Real Estate — Susan @ 2:08 pm
March 26, 2007
I have had several people confront me about the buyer of a listing I recently sold. I thought it would be a good idea to explain a few things that apparently are not common knowledge.
This country has Equal Housing Laws. There are protected classes of people. and it is unlawful to discriminate against these classifications when selling a home.
When a seller puts his/herhome on the market, he/she cannot decide who can or cannot buy that home based on any other criteria than price, and terms of the deal.
In most cases, the seller as well as his/her agent do not even know the buyer. Most buyers have their own agent, who submits an offer to the seller’s agent. All negotiations are made through the agents who are each protecting their own client’s interests and privacy. Sellers and buyers rarely ever meet throughout the entire process.
By thinking that a seller or his/her agent should be picky about who they sell their house to is saying that you think they should risk ending up in jail. I am sure that no one would really expect that. I do not believe there are too many people out there that would knowingly expect his neighbor to break the law and discriminate against anyone or any class. Equal Housing laws were instituted for a reason. They really do protect us all.
Fair Housing Act
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents of legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability).
Filed under: Buying, Fair Housing, Real Estate, Selling — Susan @ 4:26 pm
March 23, 2007
There has been more than the usual amount of talk about repair issues (10.2 of the REPC) in our office lately. In every transaction, the buyer has the right, even though under contract, to do an inspection of the property and either move forward on the contract or cancel it based upon the results of the inspection. Too many buyers think they can spot problems on their own by doing a simple “walk-through”. It amazes me how many buyers forfeit the right to have a professional inspection done because it costs a few hundred dollars. I do not understand the mentality of being willing to invest in a $250,000 home, but not feeling right about spending $300-$400 to make sure the investment is sound. I strongly recommend to all my clients that they purchase a professional home inspection.
In Utah, the state approved Real Estate Purchase Contract, (REPC), states:
10.2 Condition of Property. Seller warrants that the Property will be in the following condition ON THE DATE SELLER DELIVERS PHYSICAL POSSESSION TO BUYER:
(a) the Property shall be broom-clean and free of debris and personal belongings. Any Seller or tenant moving-related damage to the Property shall be repaired at Seller’s expense;
(b) the heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing and sprinkler systems and fixtures, and the appliances and fireplaces will be in working order and fit for their intended purposes;
(c) the roof and foundation shall be free of leaks known to Seller;
(d) any private well or septic tank serving the Property shall have applicable permits, and shall be in working order and fit for its intended purpose; and
(e) the Property and improvements, including the landscaping, will be in the same general condition as they were on the date of Acceptance.
It is important for buyers and sellers to understand this obligation. In some cases, a seller may not be willing to guarantee these conditions. In these cases, the home is sold “as-is” which almost always results in a much reduced sale price. I have seen sellers that are unwilling to make the most minor repairs. It has been my experience that a repair that might cost $300 before the sale will end up costing the seller at least $3,000 when sold in “as-is” condition. It is almost always in the seller’s best interest to make the repairs before the sale.
Filed under: Buying, Real Estate, Selling — Susan @ 11:45 am
March 21, 2007
I just attended the CENTURY 21 convention in Las Vegas. I had a very good time but more importantly, I was able to come away with great new ideas and renewed enthusiasm for some of the old ones.
It was exciting to me to be around so many other CENTURY 21 agents and sit in meetings where everyone was enthusiastic about this profession and dedicated to improvement and being the best.
I admit I have been disappointed with the promotional campaign this last year from CENTURY 21 and was able to see the kick off the newest campaign at the convention. I am excited about it and I believe that the new ideas are a better representation of who we are and what we do. I have already seen one of the new commercials on television and look forward to seeing the rest as the year goes by. When you see one, I would like to know what you think.
The focus of this new campaign is “The Gold Standard.” They are emphasizing this by bringing back the CENTURY 21 Gold Jacket. They had gold jackets there for us to purchase. I bought one and am excited to wear it. In Las Vegas, everywhere we looked, there were other CENTURY 21 agents with their gold jackets on, obviously excited about the new campaign as well. CENTURY 21 has been the most recognized name in real estate for ever. It is and has always been my goal to be the best in my field, to stand above the rest and provide the most quality, professional service possible for all of my clients. Going to this convention was a confirmation to me that I have chosen the right real estate company to work for.
Filed under: Blogroll, Personal, Real Estate — Susan @ 2:21 pm
March 16, 2007
Spring is on its way and that triggers many to start searching for the home of their dreams while sellers get their homes ready for the market. Many families prefer to move during the summer months to avoid disrupting the school year for their children.
If you find yourself in the market for a new home this year, there are a few things to keep in mind. Buying a home is a challenging process and for most people it is the largest investment they will make during their lifetime. It is no wonder that 75% of homebuyers choose to use a real estate professional to guide them through the process.
There was a time when all real estate agents represented the seller. Buyers were on their own. Things have improved in that now more buyers than ever are choosing to have their own representation. In Utah, the law requires a real estate professional to have a representation agreement with his/her buyers. A few buyers, however, still insist they can go it alone. Actually, what happens is that they will find the home they like, then, call the name on the sign in front of the house. They end up being represented by the same agent that represents the seller. This is what the state calls a “Limited Agency”. Limited Agency transactions are fairly common but in this type of transaction, the agent must remain neutral, being careful not to do anything to weaken either client’s position. It can be tricky and in some cases by striving to not weaken either party’s position, he/she cannot help to strengthen either position either.
With that in mind, it would stand to reason that it is best that each party have their own representation. The seller’s agent will do all they can to do what is best for the seller such as getting the best price possible. The buyer’s agent will do all they can in the buyer’s best interest such as getting the lowest price possible. Just on the price issue alone, can you see what an awkward position an agent would be in if he represented both buyer and seller? There are many obstacles and situations during an escrow process in which it would be best to have a professional truly on your side.
The wise buyer will choose a REALTORÒ. Not all real estate professionals are REALTORSÒ. Being a REALTORÒ means that agent is a member of the National Association of REALTORSÒ and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.
The best way to find a good REALTORÒ is by referral. Ask your friends and family if they have had a good experience with someone. Try to find someone that is most familiar with the area you are looking to buy in. REALTORSÒ with designations behind their names are a good bet. Each designation means that they have gone above and beyond the state required education. Each designation is further proof that they care about providing the best, professional service. (Maybe I should talk about the specific designations in a later discussion.)
Interviewing agents is also a good strategy. Agents are just people and each agent will have his/her own personality. You should try to find someone that is a good fit to your own personality, someone that you feel comfortable working with. You should also feel confident in his/her abilities. You do not want a business relationship where you feel pressured or anxious.
The best part of choosing an excellent REALTORÒ to represent you as a buyer is that in most cases, his/her services are free to you. Typically, both the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent participate in the commission paid by the seller. So, find the best REALTORÒ the seller’s money can buy!
If you are in the market for a new home, please read my “letters from clients”. My past clients were more than happy to write these letters based on their experiences working with me. I am confident you will find enough referrals for my services there. Also, my services are typically free to buyers. I have earned my GRI designation and am more than halfway to earning my CRS. I continue to strive to educate myself above and beyond what is required by the state because I am committed to providing the best, professional service to my clients. I would be happy to talk to you about representing you in buying your next home.
Filed under: Blogroll, Buying, Real Estate, Selling — Susan @ 9:55 pm
March 10, 2007
Harry asks, “What do you think about Provo approving the student housing complex where the Joaquin Elementary school once stood? What about the fact that they have fewer parking spaces approved for the project than is supposed to be required?”
This is not the first time that I have had to scratch my head in confusion, if not frustration, at Provo City’s decisions. It is no surprise that once again they have chosen to do whatever they want and not what is lawful. I am guessing that the motive involves money, something like: the builder needed to have a certain number of units to make the project profitable but with the amount of space available; the increased number of units meant a sacrifice of parking space.
Provo City must have really wanted this to go through which leaves me wondering what they gain from this deal. It only makes sense that if Provo City believes an issue is important enough to pass strict and often insensible rules, codes and regulations then they should be willing and able to abide by their own rules, codes and regulations. It will interesting to see how this develops in the future.
Filed under: Blogroll, Real Estate — Susan @ 1:34 pm
March 6, 2007
Not too long ago, I have to admit that I did not even know what a “blog” was. Now, I am starting my own. It is kind of cool how things move along. I am excited about this new endeavor and a little anxious at the same time. I hope to address subjects that will be a benefit to my clients and anyone that may be looking for information on the Real Estate Market.
My plan is to write often but I already know it will not be everyday. I hope those that “tune-in” will find some value here. If you have a question that you are struggling to find answers for, feel free to ask. If I don’t know the answer, I will do my best to find it for you. I will greatly appreciate the input on ideas for topics. It will encourage me to write more often if I know I am really helping someone get information that is needed.
Ok, so this has been my first attempt. I am sure it can only get better from here. Thanks.
Filed under: Blogroll, Real Estate — Susan @ 11:29 pm
This is an example of a WordPress page, you could edit this to put information about yourself or your site so readers know where you are coming from. You can create as many pages like this one or sub-pages as you like and manage all of your content inside of WordPress.
Filed under: Blogroll — Susan @ 12:12 pm
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