Real Estate Today

Real Estate Today is brought to you by The Phoenix and Jennifer Daywalt, Phoenixville's Home Town Realtor, and the Top Realtor for 5 years! Jennifer not only works in Phoenixville but lives here! Jennifer can be reached at Re/Max Results Realty at 610-489-7355 or directly at 610-999-7693. Questions can be e-mailed to Jennifer at Sellinghomesjenn@aol.com. More information can be found at www.JenniferDaywalt.com!


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

10 Questions to Ask a Buyer's Agent

10 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK A BUYER'S AGENT
 
In any market it is invaluable for buyers to hire a buyer's agent.  There are many ways to locate one.  Perhaps you were at an Open House and made a connection with the Listing Agent.  Perhaps a Realtor showed you a home and you liked their style.  Or perhaps you see a Realtor's name all over town and have decided he/she is the one.
 
Here are 10 Questions you should be asking a Realtor prior to hiring them as your Buyer's Agent....
 
1.  When are you available to answer my questions and show me homes?
2.  Are you experienced with Foreclosures and Short Sales?
3.  How many homes have you sold in the area I am searching?
4.  Are you a Full-Time Realtor?  Is this all you do or do you have another job?
5.  Are you reachable by email, text messaging and cell phone?
6.  Will I be working with you directly or someone on your team?
7.  Do you charge a Broker Transaction Fee?
8.  Do you have experience with FHA and FHA203K financing?
9.  Will you go through every new listing that you send to me or will you have it automatically sent to me?
10.  Will you explain all aspects of the Agreement of Sale to me; all of the addendums, keep track of contingencies and attend settlement?
 
All of these questions will be very important and the answers even more important.  What you should be hearing from the buyer's agent is...
 
1.  A Realtor should be available during the day, the evenings and weekends to answer your call and show you homes.  You should expect to receive a call back within 1-3 hours of your initial phone call to the agent. 
 
2.  Even if you are not searching for Foreclosed properties or short sales the house you fall in love with may be just that.  You don't want to find out months later that the Realtor you have chosen has no experience in that type of home as it will be a disaster for you as a home buyer.  And if a Realtor is not experienced in Foreclosures and Short Sales by this point in time, chances are they don't have much experience.
 
3.  It's important to know how many homes an agent has sold in the areas you are searching.  They will then know and understand that particular market.  Why would you choose a Realtor from Philadelphia to sell you a home in Phoenixville?  It doesn't make much sense.  Not only are they further from the market, they won't have much knowledge of the market.  There are exceptions to this point so ask about their experience.
 
4.  It is so important to hire a Full-Time Realtor who devotes his/her time to Real Estate.  They have more time to stay up on the trends and the constantly changing market and you won't have to wait until they are done their "other" job to see homes or have a question answered.  Also those who are Full-Time tend to have much more experience and treat Real Estate as a Career instead of a part-time job or hobby.
 
5.  You want to be sure your Realtor is tech savvy.  If you are on the train returning from work and want to send a quick text or email to your Realtor they should be able to immediate access that information mobily and they should be able to respond.  There are Realtors who still do not give their cell phone number out.  Is that the type of service you want?
 
6.  If you are hiring a Realtor to represent you in purchasing a home why would you want to work with one of their team members?  In a team situation there is a lead agent who produces the leads and then gives those leads to other team members.  Some will work with buyers and some will work with listings.  It's really important to know that the Realtor you choose is the one you will be working with.  It just makes sense.
 
7.  It should cost you nothing to purchase a home.  A Broker Transaction Fee is just a fee that Realtors/Broker's collect.  I firmly believe there is no reason at all for Buyer's to pay this fee.
 
8.  If an agent has FHA and FHA203K experience then chances are they are an experienced Realtor.  And experience does not mean they went through that type of transaction once.  Experience means they have done this type of transaction over and over and understand the hurdles that can come into play and know immediately how to handle them.
 
9.  The MLS allows Realtors to be notified when a home that is similiar to what their buyers are searching for comes onto the market.  Some Realtors will set this search up so that they automatically just get sent to you and the Realtors don't even see the listings.  Others will be alerted themselves, take the time everyday to go through the listings to be sure it is what their buyers are searching for.  What type of service would you rather have?
 
10.  Your Realtor should be able to explain every aspect of the Agreement of Sale including contingencies and addendums.  They should keep track of when each contingency is due so that you the buyer do not end up in default.  They should also attend settlement with you in case a situation happens at the table.
 
If you follow this advice you should have a pleasant, exciting and smooth home buying transaction.  For any questions contact me at 610-999-7693 or at Sellinghomesjenn@aol.com.
 
 
Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor
RE/MAX Results Realty
Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 
www.JenniferDaywalt.remax.com
Author of "Ask The Realtor" Saturday The Phoenix Newspaper
Main Office 610-489-7355
Direct Line 610-999-7693

Follow me on Facebook
 

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Showing Your Home With Snow!

 
SHOWING YOUR HOME WITH SNOW IN THE AIR!
 
It can be frustrating to show your home with snow on the ground as you know potential buyers may be bringing the outdoor elements into your home.  But keep in mind that any buyer looking at your home in the winter months and with snow on the ground is a serious buyer so do not turn them away!
 
Instead make sure your home is warm and cozy...do not conserve energy during showings.  Have your window treatments open to allow as much light in as possible and have them open for evening showings with all lights on in your home.  Make sure your front walk and stairs are shoveled and salted including your driveway.  Keep outside lights on.  Snow can be beautiful in the evening with lights shining making the buyer feel cozy in your home.
 
If you are going to be close during showings light your fireplace, burn candles in the house (Do not overdo) and place cinnamon on the stove or bake cookies in the oven.  Make sure the inside of your home is spotless and put a small note by the front door for buyers to remove their shoes for the showing.  Most will understand.
 
Remember when it is cold and snowy outside buyers will love and cozy up to a warm, bright inviting inside.
 
For more information and tips on selling your home contact Jennifer Daywalt @ 610-999-7693 or Sellinghomesjenn@aol.com.  Follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/jenniferhilldaywalt


Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor
RE/MAX Results Realty
Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 
www.JenniferDaywalt.remax.com
Author of "Ask The Realtor" Saturday The Phoenix Newspaper
Main Office 610-489-7355
Direct Line 610-999-7693

Follow me on Facebook
 

Monday, December 20, 2010

Facing Foreclosure

FACING FORECLOSURE
 
Facing foreclosure is a scary situation that brings along an unknown future.  The first instinct is to save your home and if you can you should.  But if you find yourself getting into a situation that you will not be able to avoid contact a Realtor ASAP. 
 
A Realtor will be able to work with the bank and perhaps help you in avoiding foreclosure while selling your home.  Many times the homeowner not only avoids a foreclosure on their credit report but they also receive funds from the sale of the house so that they can start over.
 
The economy is difficult and it's a very exhausting situation to realize you may lose your home but try to minimize the damage by taking action before the bank does.  A Realtor will keep your information confidential.
 


Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor
Re/Max Results Realty
Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 
www.JenniferDaywalt.remax.com
Author of "Ask The Realtor" Saturday The Phoenix Newspaper
Main Office 610-489-7355
Direct Line 610-999-7693

Follow me on Facebook
 

Friday, December 17, 2010

Are You Prepared for The Spring Market?

 
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE SPRING MARKET?
 
I know you may think I have totally lost it at this point speaking about the Spring Market in the cold winter month of December however before you know it Spring will be here.  Keep in mind the Spring Market begins at the end of February.  The holidays are over and buyers are tired of the cold weather, ready to move on to better days.  The Spring market seems to start earlier each year.
 
If you are going to place your home on the market for sale in the "Spring" start preparing now.  Complete those repairs that you have been meaning to get to.  Paint the interior of your home if needed, replace carpets, clean hardwood floors.  Start getting the clutter out and packed.  If you complete just one project a weekend your home will be in terrific shape. 
 
You will have to be sure that your home outshines all the others as the competition may be fierce this Spring Market.  Getting your home on the market early will be important to avoid the rush of others putting their homes up for sale.  You will also catch the early Spring Fever Buyers.
 
Here are a few tips to be ready...
 
Speak to a local, FULL TIME Realtor.  Have them visit you at your home so they can make suggestions on what should be completed prior to putting your home on the market.  You will be able to complete those projects over the cold months and have a Realtor working for you prior to having your home on the market.
 
Complete those repairs including painting and replacing carpet or shining up the hardwood floors.  One project a weekend can put you in tip top shape for the Spring Market.
 
Take one room a weekend and pack away the clutter and complete a Spring Cleaning on each room.  Clean the baseboards, windows and the window sills, the floors.  Make everything shine.  When Spring Market comes our way your home will sparkle.
 
Ask your Realtor for their opinion on paint colors.  Do not paint your home white.  The trim should be a bright white but offset that trim with earth colors on the walls.
 
Looking forward to the Spring Market and meeting you!

Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor
Re/Max Results Realty
Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 
www.JenniferDaywalt.remax.com
Author of "Ask The Realtor" Saturday The Phoenix Newspaper
Main Office 610-489-7355
Direct Line 610-999-7693

Follow me on Facebook
 

Friday, December 10, 2010

Make Your Holidays Merry!

Make Your Holidays Merry...
 
If you have ever wanted to be in business for yourself a great opportunity just became available to you!  Formally the Moon Saloon this property has been beautifully renovated inside and out.  Features include 9 fully rented apartments, a 2700 sq. ft. warehouse, private parking lot and a large bar/restaurant.  This sale also includes an "R" Liquor License.  Great opportunity to make the year 2011 YOUR year.
 
For More information on this great property contact Jennifer Daywalt @ 610-999-7693.
 
 

Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor

RE/MAX Results Realty

Licensed in PA since 2001

Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Author of "Ask the Realtor" in the Phoenix

Phoenixville's Home Town Realtor

610-489-7355 Main Office

610-999-7693 Direct Line

610-482-9623 Direct Fax

 

Follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/JenniferHillDaywalt

 

 

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Are We There Yet?

 

Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor

RE/MAX Results Realty

Licensed in PA since 2001

Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Author of "Ask the Realtor" in the Phoenix

Phoenixville's Home Town Realtor

610-489-7355 Main Office

610-999-7693 Direct Line

610-482-9623 Direct Fax

 

Follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/JenniferHillDaywalt

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Perfect Christmas Gift...

The Perfect Christmas Gift
 
Give the gift that will last forever!  This gift will provide warmth and stability as well as happiness and pride.  It doesn't have to be the biggest and it doesn't have to be the best but it will be theirs.  This gift will help them build beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.  Give your love one the gift of a home!
 
 
 

Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor

Re/Max Results Realty

Licensed in PA since 2001

Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Author of "Ask the Realtor" in the Phoenix

Phoenixville's Home Town Realtor

610-489-7355 Main Office

610-999-7693 Direct Line

610-482-9623 Direct Fax

 

Follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/JenniferHillDaywalt

Friday, December 3, 2010

Preparing Your Home for Old Man Winter...

 

Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor

Re/Max Results Realty

Licensed in PA since 2001

Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Author of "Ask the Realtor" in the Phoenix

Phoenixville's Home Town Realtor

610-489-7355 Main Office

610-999-7693 Direct Line

610-482-9623 Direct Fax

 

Follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/JenniferHillDaywalt

 

Preparing Your Home For Old Man Winter! : Preparing Your Home for Old Man Win...

Jennifer Daywalt has sent you a link to a blog:

null

Blog: Preparing Your Home For Old Man Winter!
Post: Preparing Your Home for Old Man Winter...
Link: http://jdaywalt.blogspot.com/2010/12/preparing-your-home-for-old-man-winter.html

--
Powered by Blogger
http://www.blogger.com/