Highlands County Talk

You can show us ALL the listings? REALLY?

Recently, we started working with a buyer who seemed puzzled when we told her that we can show her ALL listings in our MLS, not just our office listings. It made us wonder how many buyers are under the same impression and therefore end up working with several agents.

Why do we show you listings by other offices?
Our job is to find you a home that fits your Needs and suits your Wants. Chances are, we do not have a listing that fits your criteria, but another office does. Again, our job is to find you a home that fits your Needs and suits your Wants - that's all there is to it. For example, if you are looking for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom for under $100,000 (and there are plenty of them available), you will be able to pick from EVERY home that fits your criteria, no matter who has the listing.

Isn't it better to work with several agents at the same time?
No! Definetely not! Imagine how much time you will spend calling up several agents, and make appointments with them to see their listings. Each of them will ask your criteria and do a MLS search for you. Sally Selleragent will come up with the same 3 bedroom homes as Bob Buyeragent - after all there's only one MLS and the listprice of any particular home is the same no matter who is doing the search for you. If you feel comfortable with the agent you are working with, stay with that agent!

What is a Buyer's Agreement and why would I sign one?
Real Estate agents have to put food on the table just like you do and they do not get paid for any of their services unless they sell a home. We believe that if we make a commitment to you and take the time and financial resources to find your dreamhome, we can ask you to make a commitment to us. Unlike some other offices, we do not charge you a transaction fee, our services to you are completely free. By signing a Buyer's Agreement you make a commitment to work with us exclusively. Again, there is no fee, no financial commitment. In return, you will receive dedicated service from a trusted friend in real estate.

What is a "Limited Service Agreement"?

A Limited Service Agreement (in the state of Florida) is basically a flat fee MLS listing. The seller gives the broker the exclusive right to sell the property while still being able to sell on his own. The advantage to the seller is that he saves the listing agent's fee but benefits from access to professional real estate tools. Also, if the seller finds a buyer on his own, he saves the commission for the buyer agent as well.

In case that a buyer agent brings a buyer, the seller will pay the buyer agent a commission as specified in the Limited Service Agreement. This can either be a percentage of the final sale price or a fixed amount. Still, the seller will have saved half the commission.

If you are trying to sell on your own and would like a little professional help but would like to reserve the right to sell on your own, we would like to speak with your about the possibilities of a Limited Service Agreement.w\

Simply drop us a line or give us a call!

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I recently saw that you had posted an ad on Craigslist selling your home. With today's economy, many people are trying to sell their home because they're behind on their payment or because their ARM has gone up.
I represent a company that can help you keep your home!
We can help you:

* Re-negotiate your current loan
* Get a payment you can afford

Trust me when I tell you, you are NOT alone. We hear from many people everyday that are simply hitting on hard times but do not wish to lose their largest asset. Over 2 million families will lose their homes this year alone. Don't become just another statistic. Have a look to see how we can help you today!

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PLEASE, Stay clear of Foreclosure Rescue Scams!

Your mortgage lender or any legitimate financial counselor can help you explore your options in order to avoid foreclosure WITHOUT YOU HAVING TO PAY A FEE FOR THEIR ADVICE!

The OCC (The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) has posted a Consumer Advisory on their website and its worth reading:
http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/ADVISORY/2008-1.html

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low cost advice. Find a counselor near you at their website:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm