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National Real Estate Experts Say Bottom is a Long Ways Away!

by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

After a week at a national Real Estate conference in Nashville, it's great to be back in Eugene. Just visit that part of the country this time of year and it really makes you appreciate Eugene and Springfield.

The overall opinion of the national Real Estate experts at this conference was that we are not even near bottom yet as far as home prices are concerned.  Depending on where you are in the country, there could be 18 months to 3 years of decline yet to come.  I would think that in our local market area we may fall somewhere in the middle of all of that decline.  Needles to say though, another 10% to 15% decline in home prices in our market area is not out of the question. With that said, a healthy Real Estate market increases at a rate of 1% to 3% per year.  Don't be shocked if it takes another 5-8 years for our home prices to rebound to where we are today.

This is why I get so upset when I watch fellow Real Estate agents over price homes in this market. It's not hard to understand that every day a home sits on the market for sale right now, it's value declines.  By hitting the price to high, sellers lose value as their home sits on the market without selling.  When they adjust the price down the road, it is often not enough and it is always to a point that is lower than if they would have received good honest advice in the first place and priced their home with the market.  My caution here is that if you are going to sell a home in this market, do your home work and be cautious about the information you receive from your Real Estate agent.  Always make sure that you pick an agent that has a good track record during this current market.  If you have an agent tell you what you want to hear in regards to price and you follow this advice without research, you just might cost yourself many thousands of dollars.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING! 

 

 

Image Unavailable
3114 Riverbend Avenue
Price: $334,000 Beds: 4.00 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 2160
Beautiful, custom-built home w/ fantastic floor plan in quiet neighborhood. Featuring a vaulted living room w/ fireplace, open light & bright kitchen & dining area, huge, main-level master w/ bath w/ jet tub & WI closet & patio access, plus a large ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!! 

Sincerely,
Galand

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Galand Haas, Keller Williams Realty Eugene and Springfield
2644 Suzanne Way, Eugene OR 97408 
Direct: (541) 349-2620

The secret to selecting the best listing Real Estate agent!

by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

It looks like an early Spring for the Eugene and Springfield are.  February temperatures in the 60's?

 

One of the most difficult choices to make when thinking about selling a home is, how do I choose the best Real Estate agent?  It has always been important to choose a good agent, but in today's rugged Real Estate market, it has never been more crucial to find an agent who has the right experience, work ethic, marketing plan and market savvy to get your home sold at top market value.

 A common myth is that all agents at a given company are the same!  Not only is this not correct, but the fact of the matter is that the company an agent is with really makes little difference.  The real truth is that every agent has their own approach to selling Real Estate.  They have their own marketing plan and way of doing business that is unique and can be quite different, not only from other agents in the market area, but from other agents in their own company. Individual company's may have some influence on how the agent does business, but it really ends there.  Rule #1, "Don't choose and agent based on the company they are with!"  

When interviewing agents you may also find a difference in the fees that individual agents charge for selling your home.  The brokerage fee is negotiable and it certainly may vary from agent to agent.  It would seem that you could save a great deal of money by going with an agent who charges a lesser fee.  This is a fact that can be very misleading.  In fact most times, just the opposite is true.  Instead of looking at the brokerage fee up front, look at the agents performance record.  Ask them to show you statistics as to how they stack up against the other agents in the market as far as average sales, sales price, average days on the market and percentage of sales price vs listing price.  At the end of the day, these are the numbers that will truly influence how much money you receive from your sale.  Rule #2, "Never choose an agent based on brokerage fee!"

The majority of agents in any market place use the same home marketing techniques that Real Estate professionals have used for years.  In today's world this most likely will not give your home the exposure it needs.  National statistics show us that last year over 89% of all people who purchased homes in the country used the internet as their primary way of searching for homes. Traditional methods of marketing homes such as open houses, newspaper ads, and Real Estate magazine presence combined account for less than 3% of the total number of sales nationally.  So, make sure that the agent you choose is marketing where the buyers are looking and not employing methods that worked 10 to 15 years ago and not today.  Few agents really have either the knowledge of the internet or the budget to adequately promote your home. So, be careful here.  Be selective with agents and their marketing and go online and pretend you are the buyer.  You will be surprised at the difference you discover from agent to agent.  Rule #3, "Do not hire an agent who does not have a high profile internet marketing plan!"

Just because an agent has been in business for a large number of years does not always indicate that they are the best choice.  Some seasoned agents are outstanding while others may fall short of your expectations.  Experience is important, but should not always be the sole reason for choosing an agent.  Rule #4, "Always get references from an agent you are interviewing and check those references!"  Reliable people who have had experience with the agent are the best source for getting a true feel for what the agent can do for you and for what kind of experience you can expect.

With so many agents to choose from, finding the right one can be confusing. By following these simple rules, you should be able to find the agent who will do a great job for you and represent you well with the sale of your home.

Have An Awesome Week!

 

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Image Unavailable
725 MOUNTAINGATE DR
Price: $450,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 3172
Entry / Living / Dining / Family Mocha Stained Wood Wide-Plank Floors in Dining & Entry Custom Shelving & Cabinets in Den, Family & Living Areas Natural Gas Fireplace with Stone Surround & Custom Mantel Large, Private Den/Library Powder Room Conveni...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!! 

Sincerely,
Galand

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Neighborhood News 2/8/08

by Galand Haas

Presented by: Galand Haas Team

Lane County Real Estate

 RMLS December 2007 Reporting Period 

DECEMBER RESIDENTIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

When comparing December 2007 with December 2006, new listings were up 5.7%. However, closed and pending sales decreased 11.4% and 26% respectively. On the other hand, inventory dropped to its lowest level since September, at 7 months.

 

2007 SUMMARY

 

Lane County saw a 1.8% increase in new listings in 2007 compared with 2006. However, pending sales fell 14.8% and closed sales dropped 11.7%.

 

Comparing 2007 with 2006, the average sale price grew 4.1% ($265,300) v. $254,800) and median rose 4.6% (234,900 v. $224,500). Total sales volume equaled $1.1 billion, which is a slight decrease from $1.2 billion in 2006.

 

Real Estate Agents-Saving Time, Money & Street

Whether you are a busy individual looking for your dream home, a relocating business, or a property investor, Real Estate Agents can help you. Premier Property Search consultants have the in-depth local knowledge, responsive market contacts, and specialist experience to acquire the perfect property for you.

 

From drawing up your wish list, to putting the key in the front door, here’s how your Real Estate Agent can save you time, stress and money:

1. Your free initial consultation

 

Your Real Estate Agent will begin by discussing your needs and aspirations with you in detail. Together you can tap into Premier Property Search’s vast experience and up-to-date knowledge of the market to set a clear and achievable brief.

2. The property search and shortlist

 

Once our Real Estate Agent fully understands your requirements, the search begins.

 

Your Real Estate Agent will save you hours of trawling through endless property web sites, or rounds of fruitless phone calls. We will talk to our unparalleled network of estate agents, developers, property investors, and local contacts relevant to your search.

 

A list of properties which match your brief is then drawn up, some of which may not yet have come on to the open market. Your Real Estate Agent will visit and scrutinize each one, ready to present a fail safe shortlist to you.

3. Time for you to decide

 

At a time that suits you, your Real Estate Agent will accompany you to view the short listed properties. You can spend half a day or perhaps a whole day looking at properties, all of which match your requirements.

 

Your time looking at properties will be an informative and enjoyable experience, rather than fraught with stress and disappointment.

 

More often than not we will have found your ideal property. If not, both you and your Real Estate Agent will have a clearer idea of your requirements, and the search can continue.

4. Negotiation on your behalf

 

Once you have made your choice, your Real Estate Agent will negotiate the best possible price. We nearly always guarantee to achieve a significant discount on the asking price.

5. The home straight

 

Once your offer has been formally accepted, your Real Estate Agent will take the hard work out of the buying process. We liaise with all parties on your behalf - the estate agent or private seller, the solicitors, surveyors, mortgage brokers and any other stakeholders. In what is often a complicated, frustrating and time consuming process, your Real Estate Agent will use their skills and professionalism to overcome any obstacles and ensure a smooth transaction.

 

Emily Turberville-Tully writes on behalf of property consultants Premier Property Search. Find out more at http://www.premier-propertysearch.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_Turberville-tully (changed “Property Consultant to Real Estate Agent”)

Natural Highs

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail.

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milk shake (vanilla or strawberry).

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling.

15. The beach.

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Laughing at yourself.

18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you’re beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS

24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

26. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).

27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

28. Playing with a new puppy.

29. Having someone play with your hair.

30. Sweet dreams.

31. Hot chocolate.

32. Road trips with friends.

33. Swinging on swings.

34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

35. Making chocolate chip cookies.

36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

37. Holding hands with someone you care about.

38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.

39. Watching the expression on someone’s face as they open a much desired present from you.

40. Watching the sunrise.

41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

42. Knowing that somebody misses you.

43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.

44. Knowing you’ve done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

 

For Sale: $795,000

Click Here For More Info

podcast

 

 

Keller Williams Realty Eugene and Springfield, 2644 Suzanne Way, Eugene, OR, 97408

Direct: (541) 349-2620, http://www.eugeneoregonhomesforsale.com

Market Trends 4/11/07

by Galand Haas
Presented by: Galand Haas Team

 

Lane County Real Estate


 RMLS February 2007 Reporting Period 

 February Residential Highlights

Comparing February 2007 to February 2006 closed sales increased 7.4%. Further, new listings increased 24.8%. However, pending sales decreased 2.2%. The 1,508 active residential listings at month's end would last approximately 4.9 months given the month's rate of sales.

 

Year-to-Date

Comparing market activity for January-February 2007 to the same time period in 2006, closed sales increased 4.2%. Further, new listings were up 16.4%. Meanwhile, pending sales decreased 2.7%

 

Appreciation

Comparing the 12 months ending with February 2007 to the 12 immediately prior, the average sale price climbed 11.3% ($256,000 v. $230,000). Using the same formula we can see that the median sale price increased 13.4% ($225,200 v. $198,600). 

 

 

 

To-do list for spring, summer home sellers.

If you plan to sell your house in 2007, in most communities the peak sales months are April, May, June and July. The reason is the largest number of prospective buyers are in the market during this time of the year. That means now is the time to get your home ready for sale. If you want to earn top dollar, careful preparation and planning are essential. The four key steps are:

1. GET YOUR HOME INTO "MODEL HOME" CONDITION.

The best way to get your house ready for sale is to take a critical look at it. Pretend you are a critical buyer. Ask yourself, "Would I buy this home?" If your honest answer is "no," then do your best to correct its deficiencies. Getting your home into "model home" condition doesn’t mean making major renovations, such as installing a new kitchen or new bathrooms. That is usually a waste of money because buyers might not like your tastes.

Instead, cleaning, repairing and painting are all that is usually needed. Inexpensive cosmetic improvements usually pay off handsomely.Even if your home really doesn’t need it, fresh paint is the most profitable improvement you can make. It gives that "new feeling" to even old houses. For every $1 spent painting the interior and exterior, the return in the form of a higher sales price is often 10 times its cost. Other profitable improvements that usually return more than their modest costs include new light fixtures, new floor coverings (carpets, kitchen and bathroom tile or vinyl, refinishing wood floors, etc.) and a landscaping spruce-up with colorful flowering plants.

Pretend you are a photographer from one of the home magazines, such as House Beautiful or Sunset. Aim to make your house worthy of a low-cost home makeover feature article.

 2. HAVE YOUR HOME PROFESSIONALLY INSPECTED.

Another alternative is to repair or replace the deficient item, such as a bad furnace, but ask the supplier to delay payment until the sale closes. Most suppliers are eager to make sales and will readily agree to delayed payment without extra cost.

The reason a pre-listing professional inspection is so vital is that most of today’s savvy buyers insist on these inspections. By having your own pre-listing inspection, you will already be aware of any serious drawbacks. In addition, wise home sellers have customary local inspections such as for termites, energy efficiency, radon and building code compliance. Such inspections avoid later surprises. Smart sellers have repairs made before putting their home on the market, thus thwarting buyer objections.3. ESTIMATE YOUR HOME’S MARKET VALUE.

Home sales prices are based on the recent sales (not asking) prices of nearby similar houses within the last three months. A good place to start is on the Internet to determine your home’s approximate market value. For a FREE, no obligation, current market analysis of your home, log onto www.forhomesellers-nonSmartZip.com, fill out the form and a current market analysis of your home will be emailed directly to your inbox.

To find out the asking prices of similar homes listed for sale in your community, the best source is www.forhomeinfo.com. This Web site searches homes directly from the Multiple Listing Service. It is also FREE to sign up for and homes will be emailed directly to your inbox that meet your specific criteria. It will give you a good idea of comparable nearby houses now listed for sale. Please remember these are asking price, not sales prices. You can also obtain a home value analysis by email by logging onto www.forhomesellers-nonSmartZip.com. Here, you simply enter in the information pertaining to your home and within about 24 to 48 hours you will receive this analysis by email.

 4. INTERVIEWING A REAL ESTATE AGENT.

1. Ask how long the agent has been in the business.

2. How many homes they list and sell annually? (more is good).

3. What kind of marketing do they provide? (extensive Internet is good).

4. Get at least 3 references.

6. How long is the listing period?

7. How long do they follow up on showings?

8. What systems do they have for regular communication?

9. Are they a single agent or do they have a team? Teams are typically better.

Never, never choose an agent solely based on the fee they charge or on a potentially inflated sales price. Follow these simple suggestions and you should maximize on your homes sale price and have a great selling experience.

 

For Sale: $260000
podcast
 
Keller Williams Realty Eugene and Springfield, 242 Country Club Road, Eugene, OR, 97401

HUD Information on Home Buying

by Galand Haas
 
[Logo: Homes and Communities: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development] Buying
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Buying a Home

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Counseling and Education

Housing counseling agencies can give you advice about buying a home.

 -   Find a housing counselor
 -   Common questions
 -   Homeownership videos


More from HUD
 -   Mortgage glossary
 -   FHA mortgage limits
 -   HUD approved lenders
 -   HUD approved condos
 -   Healthy homes
 -   Environmental maps
 -   Energy info
 -   About appraisals
 -   Have questions about FHA?
 -   FHA questions and answers


Links
 -   Rural housing loan programs
 -   Loan programs for veterans
 -   Freddie Mac
 -   Fannie Mae
 -   US Postal Service Mover's Guide
 -   GovBenefits

The homebuying process can seem complicated, but if you take things step-by-step, you will soon be holding the keys to your own home!

Nine steps to buying a home

  1. Figure out how much you can afford
  2. Know your rights
  3. Shop for a loan
  4. Learn about homebuying programs
  5. Shop for a home
  6. Make an offer
  7. Get a home inspection
  8. Shop for homeowners insurance
  9. Sign papers

Step 1: Figure out how much you can afford

What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate. The calculators below can help, but it is best to visit a lender to find out for sure.

 -   How much home can you afford?
 -   Buying vs. Renting

Need help with your downpayment and/or closing costs?

 -   Homebuying programs in your state

A housing counselor can help you figure out how to manage and pay off your debt, and start saving for that downpayment!

 -   Find a housing counselor near you

Step 2: Know your rights

 -   Fair Housing: Equal Opportunity for All - brochure
 -   Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
 -   Borrower's rights
 -   Predatory lending

Step 3: Shop for a loan

Save money by doing your homework. Talk to several lenders, compare costs and interest rates, negotiate to get a better deal. Consider getting pre-approved for a loan.

 -   Looking for the best mortgage: shop, compare, negotiate - brochure
 -   Let FHA help you
 -   Why Ask for an FHA Loan?
 -   Learn about interest only loans

Step 4: Learn about homebuying programs

 -   Homebuying programs in your state

FHA loan programs offer lower downpayments and are a good option for first-time homebuyers.

 -   Let FHA help you
 -   HUD's special homebuying programs
 -   Good Neighbor Next Door (formerly known as Teacher/Officer/Firefighter Next Door)
 -   Hurricane Evacuees discounted sales
 -   Homeownership for public housing residents
 -   Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184)

Step 5: Shop for a home

 -   Choose a real estate agent
 -   Wish list - what features do you want?
 -   Home-shopping checklist – take this list with you when comparing homes
 -   Homes for sale (including HUD homes)
 -   "Fixer-uppers" - home purchase and repair programs
 -   Manufactured (mobile) homes
 -   Build a home

If you choose a home in a neighborhood with a Home Owners Association (HOA), be sure to request a copy of the HOA packet, so you can review before closing.

Step 6: Make an offer

Discuss the process with your real estate agent. If the seller counters your offer, you may need to negotiate until you both agree to the terms of the sale.

 -   Making an offer

Step 7: Get a home inspection

Make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.

 -   For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection
 -   10 Questions to ask a home inspector

Step 8: Shop for homeowners insurance

Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance. Be sure to shop around.

 -   Homeowners insurance
 -   12 ways to lower your homeowners insurance costs

Step 9: Sign papers

You're finally ready to go to "settlement" or "closing." Be sure to read everything before you sign!

 -   Settlement Costs and Helpful Information
 
Content updated December 6, 2006   Follow this link to go  Back to Top   
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Photo of Haas Real Estate Team  Real Estate
Haas Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Realty Eugene and Springfield
2645 Suzanne Way Suite 2A
Eugene OR 97408
Direct: (541) 349-2620
Fax: 541-687-6411

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