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Monday, July 6, 2009

Share the commission with a buyer! Hmmm!

Here's the scoop (and my take at the bottom). What do you think?

Buyer says I have found a house to buy. ALL I want you to do is write it up (the purchase offer) for me. Since all of the work of finding a house is done (remember, I found the house I want to buy), I want from you as a rebate, part of the Realtor's commission you earn. OK?

Let me be polite and diplomatic in how I want to respond. "NO WAY! ARE YOU NUTS?" Folks just really don't understand the nuts and bolts of the business or the full importance of what a Realtor does in the transaction. Finding the home is by far the easiest part of the process.

(Imagine the conversation with your Dr. " Dr. I have this growth on my belly that is causing me pain. Now since I made the diagnosis and I know it has to be removed, I've done some of your work for you. And since I found it myself and all you have to do is cut it out, well... I don't think it's fair to charge your full fee for the operation".. Hmmmm How would your physician respond, and would you really take the risk of a "cut fee" procedure?)

I estimate there is, at the very least, a solid 15 hours or so of basic wrangling, paper thrashing and shredding, contract negotiation and renegotiation, inspections to schedule, and deadlines to meet to keep you out of trouble (with regulations) and to make your purchase happen. This "real time effort" does not include any hand wringing or the churning stomach associated with the inevitable stress of keeping your contract on track..

Some of the things we may be asked to handle (even after the buyer has found their dream home) are:

* writing the offer and get required signatures
* preapproval letters initialed and delivered to all prties
* proper (and responsible) care of earnest deposit check
* submit offer to the listing agency
* if (should I say when) the offer is countered, prepare buyer's response and submit the counter offer
* if offer is accepted, get all the necessary disclosures and documents signed by both parties
* giving copy of the agreement, names/numbers/emails of all parties involved in the transaction - including copies to title company that will handle the closing
* get preliminary title report on the property and review with buyer
* provide the lender with copies of executed agreement
* coordinate bank appraisal access
* follow up with loan underwriter once property has been appraised and find out if property appraises for the amount of the loan.
* schedule inspections as necessary - make certain these are completed in a timely manner
* if not an REO (bank-owned) prepare request for repairs as needed following inspections
* negotiate request for repairs and/or credits
* outline and monitor timelines for contingency release for loan appraisal/approval
* monitor and outline buyer investigation periods for compliance
* have buyer release contingencies at the appropriate times or request extension
* give closing terms to Title Company escrow officer
* verify closing statements review the HUD-1 for accuracy per agreement
* numerous phone calls to listing agent and buyer throughout the process

I earn my paycheck by providing the kind of diligent care that gets the job done in the most efficient manner possible from the specifics of the sales purchase agreement.

Customer service starts when we first meet, but what goes on behind the scenes is where the real action takes place, and where Realtors really earn their money.

There's a lot more involved in making a purchase than simply finding a dream home. In fact, it is often the least difficult step in the whole process.

HUG a Realtor today. Just don't let my wife see you do it if you are going to hug me.. Later...

What do you guys think of the 3 newsletters we have started sending? I'm looking for more feedback.

The weekly Realtor Tour is (surprisingly) the most popular of the three newsletters we are sending.

The Monthly MLS Statistics is (not surprisingly) popular as well.

The monthly enews News In Service New Mexico is by far the most entertaining of the three free newsletters, and includes trivia (with prizes), favorite quote, current Silver City area events, "green things", mls data, mortgage information, (and of course) select real estate articles. Links to locally generated videos and photos are often included too.

NOTE: You must request each newsletter before being added to any of the email lists. You may cancel at any time, and there is never any kind of obligation. I don't sell email addresses to spammers either.

Sign up Subscribe Realtor Tour
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Sign up Subscribe News In Service

Friday, June 26, 2009

8000 small reasons add up. Tic Tic Tic - Time running out

8000 reasons to get off your fanny, Fanny. $8000 tax credit expires SOON. Considering looking time, negotiation time, inspections time, financing hurdles, and more, TIME IS RAPIDLY RUNNING OUT.

Don't Miss the First Time Home Buyers Credit - which now can be used as a down payment with no interest if simple criteria are met. Do you fully understand how this works? First Time Buyer means you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years prior to closing / purchase date, and doesn't mean you've never been a home owner.

Get details by watching the NAR presentation. Please contact me for questions on how you might get in the loop for some free money.

By the way, local Brokers (as far away as Las Cruces) are agreeing that we may be at or near the bottom, and all feel that interest rates are not going any lower than the historic rates we've seen recently. Rates have actually gone up slightly over this last 3 weeks or so, but they are still sweet.

The 3 E-News are getting popular. Request a free subscription today:

#1. The Silver City Monthly MLS Statistics - get New Listings, Sales statistics, under contracts, expired and withdrawn listings. Comes once a month by email.
Free Monthly MLS Statistics emailed monthly. Get it now!

#2. MLS Tour - Get links to new properties that are featured on the weekly Realtor Tour here in Silver. You might find the "buyer view" commentary fun and good entertainment too.


Free Weekly E-Letter will profile (with links) to the Wednesday regular Realtor Tour caravan listings.


#3. The Silver City In-Service E-News - Monthly email with cool stuff of interest to followers of the real estate market for the region. In addition, we will have articles about local events and happenings, favorite reader quotes, Free Silver Silver (trivia), and lots more. Fun, entertaining, and educational.

Get The Free Silver City In Service Silver City E-News

When ready to follow through on your real estate plans, you will need to establish a relationship with a Qualifying Broker that knows the market, and who will look at more than his personal paycheck when assisting you. You will not be disappointed when you contact me. Never any obligations.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Weekly Realtor Tour Listings E-Letter

You asked for it. You get it here now. Wahoo!

Announcing another first for Silver City NM followers of the real estate market. Courtesy of Dream Home New Mexico - Home Loan New Mexico

You can see the new listings that are on tour as scheduled for the weekly Silver City Association of Realtor caravan each Wednesday. There is no better way (other than calling me directly) to see what new listings are being featured and viewed by all the Local Real estate professionals.

You will get to see most of the new residential listings of worth as they are generally included on the weekly caravan. You will get an email with links to the properties that are featured weekly for the local Realtors.

Free Weekly E-Letter will profile (with links) to the Wednesday regular Realtor Tour caravan listings.

There is no cost to receive, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

To be included in the weekly mailing, Sign Up or send an email to:

tourmanager@dreamhomenewmexico.com with the word "subscribe" as the subject line..

Things are heating up here, as are interest rates. I hope the folks on the fence realize what the economy is suggesting. Interest rates may continue to rise. (Though I suspect we will see sub 6% rates for some time). Property values generally soon follow suit.

The tax credit refund expires 12-1-2009, but I fear the best buying opportunities will have passed before then.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Flat Fee MLS Listing - NM approves limited service

We are now able to offer a Flat Fee Listing in the local Silver City MLS.

This is a limited service type listing.

It is designed for those who understand the need for MLS listing to reach the largest population of potential buyers, but who feel that they are capable of handling much of the detail work that we (Realtors) normally get paid 2.5% - 3% for the efforts.

The 6% that your Realtor charges is usually split 3% to the buyers broker and 3% to the listing broker. If you can do some of the work, you will only pay the buyer's broker their "half"..

When you find a Buyer yourself without the aid of a buyer's broker - through your own advertising efforts, FSBO or personal efforts, YOU OWE NO COMMISSION AT ALL. The $339 is the total you will pay.

Included*:
  1. Full MLS listing - where the bulk of all local and regional sales are generated.
  2. All inquiries from MLS agents are automatically routed directly to you (Not filtered by the listing office).
  3. Huge internet exposure.
  4. Forms and disclosures provided.
  5. 6 Months Listing. Cancel at anytime.
  6. Unlimited price and data changes.
  7. Free Market data (useful in helping you determine listing price by comparing to competing properties that are also listed.
  8. MORE -get details

(Only 15% of properties are sold FSBO or are sold without using a buyer's Realtor representative. This means you will most likely only save the 3% which the listing office charges for their full package of services. But 3% of 250,000 is $7,500, and would be considered a substantial savings even in Donald Trump's world.

Get details of the $339 flat fee listing now. Guaranteed flat fee pricing may be limited. List today and get it sold.

**NO showing, contract, negotiation assistance, or other brokerage services are provided with your MLS only listing.

NOTE: The full service listing is still the way to go for most folks. But for those who are up to the task, and who have a good handle on what it takes to represent themselves, this is a great way to save big bucks when selling.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Silver City Health Wealth and Happy Living - Vol 1 Issue 1

HI Everyone, As promised, I will post much of the monthly newsletter here. You can receive the news when it is first mailed out by subscribing (Link to subscribe)
email: news@dreamhomenewmexico.com with "subscribe" in the subject line).
If you choose to receive the emailed monthly newsletter, You may opt out at any time by clicking the link to unsubscribe or
email: news@dreamhomenewmexico.co with "unsubscribe" as the subject line...
Snip from May news below:
start of Snip..............................


Dream Home New Mexico
LLC

Health & Wealth & Happy Living

In Service New Mexico Volume 1 Issue 1

Happenings: The Tour of the Gila Bicycle race 2009

(Yes Children, 2009 was the year that Lance came to town)

Well it is over. I hope you got out to see some of the show. It was especially grand this year with two of the top rider athletes in the world finishing first and second. The fans were not disappointed.

Unlike last years rather dismal turnout, this year saw Bullard street sidewalk to sidewalk with seasoned veteran fans and new fans alike. The riders flew by in masses so thick and so fast that it was hard to tell a player, even knowing the rider’s number and team colors.

Lance finished second behind “Mellow Johnny’s” teammate Levi Leipheimer. Third place was earned by Philip Zajicek who managed the win in the now infamous Gila Monster stage. Results. No one is their right mind would do what those guys do on that ride. I have a cabin near the Cliff Dwellings at the Gila Hot Springs, and the ride down from the peak scares me a bit when I drive in my trusty automobile with good brakes. Downhill 35 mph is scary fast in a car, and these guys hit over 70 mph downhill in places… Let’s not even think about the climb effort necessary. Lordy….

Recycling Bins painted

Have you seen any of the new bins? What do you think? The kids have done a great job on the finished bins, and there are still a couple more nearing completion.

Local schools were supplied with paints and materials (complements of the RAID Grant) to spiff up our on site collection units. The bins will be judged by the Recycling committee and awards for the best entries (by age category) will be made.

Check out the one at Gough Park. Nice Work… Read Story

TRIVIA Contest: “EVIL SPELLED BACKWARDS IS?”

(NOT ANSWERED 5-29-2009 - TOO TOUGH HUH?)

A prize if you know what establishment in Ft Worth Texas used this as their unofficial slogan… They also had a “branch” in Houston and Big “D”… These long established “businesses” started late 50’s and were pretty much dead by early 70s… All branches have been closed for many years, but musicians still talk about the quality of player that walked through the doors there.

EVENTS: THE BLUES FESTIVAL—2009

Coco Montoya is a name that is well known to players and blues fans worldwide. His tone is unique. When he last graced Silver’s stage, he was the supporting cast. Now in the lead role, we will get to see (and hear) more. Exciting!!!

I first saw Coco with the Butterfield Blues Band - back a young adult’s lifespan ago. I’m certain he was a fender guy then, and I believe he was already a strat cat. I was still hauling around a Les Paul Black Beauty, and hadn’t learned what I know now. (A strat cat NOW and FOREVER)

He played through a Fender amp and played mostly direct without effect. He has what we in Texas called “the sound.” The sound was what you got with a combo of highly skilled and talented fingers mixed with a tube amp (or amps & usually Fender) overdriven to the exact point where the forces of light, good, and beauty meet up with the darker edges of evil and the ugly. People Get Ready……… (5-29-2009) It was even better than expected. Several videos from the show are available on utube. I've made them available here too. See the video window in right column to view...

Friends on the web www.dreamhomenewmexico.com Silver City BLOG Refinance Rates 30 year NM 4.875%

Health Food for The Brain You can quote me on that!

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” Alexander Graham Bell

QUOTE submitted by: Johnny Dahler Submit your favorite quote. Email and suggest a favorite: quote@dreamhomenewmexico.com

Real Estate Ramblings: 2009 US Tax Credit Ok. The US is giving away free money. I know you’ve heard about it. Here’s a way you can get a handle on how you can benefit from the plan. It’s on the tube, and reference to it is part of every Realtor’s advertising strategy. What is it and what does it mean? Who can qualify , and how does it work?

Ive taken the opportunity to post a link to the NAR presentation which goes into (simple) great detail on how the incentive program works. You may also determine easily if you qualify. Still confused? (Call or email me, and Ill make certain that you get a handle on how it works and what you need to do to take advantage of the home buyer incentive.

Can you use a quick $8000? Hmmm.

Link to View the NAR presentation Link to Information US Affordable Home

Do You Want to Know What Your Neighbor's House was Listed or Sold For?

Ever wonder what the house up the street Sold For? Have you been thinking of Selling soon? Do you want to know what your house is worth in today's market? How much equity do you have in your home? Please call Archer 575-388-1921 #17 for details. No obligations!

Recommend this newsletter to a friend who you think might enjoy reading it monthly. CLICK and then forward the email. (or you may have them reply with “subscribe” in the subject line.)

Who wants to Win some “Silver City” Silver? The first 2 people to email with the correct answer will receive a genuine US silver coin minted before 1965.

May’s 2 part Trivia question: This is a 1970 movie about a “down under” folk hero (criminal), and the title role was played by a well known English musician who had very little prior acting experience. The reviews were mixed, but this super star was generally considered the perfect choice for the part. A masterpiece IMO.

What was the name of the movie, and Who was the lead?

dreamhomenm@gmail.com

Silver City NM Market Statistics from MLS database:

30 Days (through 5-15-2009)

¨ New Residential Listings — 45 *Average Selling Price $119000

¨ Residential Listings Sold* 12 *Average Listing Price $127000

¨ Residential Under Contract 15 NOTE: Market Soft — 30 days down trend

¨ Withdrawn / Expired 32 Price Reductions 33

Think Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Greenr Green Green Green Green Green Green Green Green

It’s the way we should all be thinking

Solar Power Rental — What a Grand Concept

Must See Video on how the program works for you and for the environment

The REnU program takes care of all the usual headaches and does it with the most attractive terms in the industry. The revolutionary technology provides superior system-wide efficiency and control, and makes your overall electric service more responsive, more reliable, and more renewable! The education section provides great information about solar power and other renewable energy, as well as the latest information on global warming and what clean-energy steps we can take now.

We should become part of the solution and not the problem! Education - Awareness - Care - Consideration - More than Self

Proud citizen sponsor and loyal supporter of Mother Earth

In Service To Others, we will know freedom in the truest sense.

There is but one way to the truth. (This is not a religious advert)

Past events and missed opportunities don’t matter. Future hopes and desires may be false as well. There is only “the now” and that mind is what matters. Observe the now mind. Live in the NOW to really Live.

Spanish Phrases For May:

Donde esta la casa blanca? Where is the white house?

Quanta questa? How much does it cost?

Mucha gusta. I like it.

Alan is proud to be affiliated with Hacienda Realty and Associates GMAC

1628 Silver Heights Blvd

Silver City NM 88061

Thank You for reading “In Service - New Mexico” newsletter. I hope you enjoy the issue, and I would appreciate your feedback too. How can I make this more valuable? What subjects would you like to see in a future issue? We will experiment with the format until we find the right mix for our readers.

Do you have something you would like to publish. Articles up to 500 words may be submitted for publication in a future issue.

AND …. if you are considering buying, selling, or financing real estate, Or if you want to stop in and just say “Howdy”, I’d like to hear from you too… Your referrals are important to me too

Receive a free gift for each referral made.

Refer a friend by email

Alan Archer Qualifying Broker in Service New Mexico

575-388-1875 Home Office—Message Line

575-388-1921 Extension #17

All rights reserved - Copyright 2009 Dream Home New Mexico LLC
Questions or comments? E-mail us at dreamhomenm@gmail.com

END of SNIP......

Let me know what you think of the newsletter. I only have one winner of the Silver City Silver and No one has come up with the "Evil" answer. Give it a go... aarcher




Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Free Money - More on Tax Credit

FREE MONEY
$8000 Tax Credit
Do you Qualify?
US Stimulus Information
See the NAR Presentation

Ending sooner than later

New Mexico has made it possible to borrow at a 0% interest rate (to be used as a down payment) up to the full $8000 tax credit / refund that is being offered first time home buyers* through the economic stimulus plan. NM has decided to help assist first time home buyers in grabbing the American dream.

We only have a few months left to find our dream home, get financing, and close escrow before Uncle Sam withdraws his offer of Free Loot. It's time to get serious about shopping before sellers decide that the 3-5% that prices have pulled back since we hit the (financial crisis) wall, is enough to give back.

This is a zero % loan if paid back using the governments $8K within the next year. See the presentation and get specific details on the stimulus (contact link below).

Contact Archer by E-Mail


*First time home buyer has been determined to be anyone NOT owning a primary residence in the three years immediately prior to the closing of the qualifying property.

Monday, May 4, 2009

SRAM Tour of the Gila was very Cool

It seems the rush from last week's event is starting to wane with the W word in everyone's vocabulary again. Was that some fun or what? I only took photos during Stage 4 , and the Q is questionable too. But I think you can see some parts of town, and hopefully some of you will come out and visit. Unique in many ways. Hope you enjoy.

STAGE 4 photos - Tour of the Gila (downtown) Silver City New Mexico 5-2-2009

A Short 20 second video from Broadway and Bullard. A Fan points out Lance when he flies by.
..



Back On topic: I see where today's release highlighted an increase in "pending home sales." This seemed to add fuel to an enthusiastic stock market today with a belief that things really are getting better. There are two ways of looking at any improving sales numbers that are provided.To say things are truly much better is one of the ways to look at it.

We know that builders (nationally) have few projects actually getting built. Those numbers are reported as way down. Now since there are fewer homes being built, and there are more pending sales that become sales, if it turns out that most of the reported sales are not REO, Short Sales, or distressed properties in some financial way, I might just agree that it's getting better.

More as time allows... Come on over to Silver City and give it a feel....

IT'S GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME.