Real Estate Agent/Brokers Profit with Broker Price Opinions

December 31, 2006 on 7:39 am | In Real Estate | No Comments

There are many reasons that a career in BPO’s can be a profitable path. Agents/Brokers are well aware that many deals fall apart every day. There are no guarantees that the deals worked so hard on, will generate any real income. There are several reasons that these deals fail: Unacceptable Inspection reports Buyer’s remorse Property not appraising for purchase value Failed financing efforts Poor property pricing

With Broker Price Opinions, the agent/broker is in control of receiving a guaranteed income for every assignment that is completed and submitted according to their client’s terms.

Broker Price Opinions are an income vehicle that offers opportunity to supplement real property listings and selling brokerage businesses. This is the field of real estate without waiting for closings. The agent/broker controls how much they earn on a daily basis. It is not rocket science, this career needs merely a good work ethic and a desire to earn money.

To find guides for performing Broker Price Opinions, or valuations, sometimes called CMAs or even “mini appraisals”, RealEstateProGuides.com has established a web based e-guide business that provides learning materials for the real estate professional. There are several niche market e-guides covering Short Sales, Broker Price Opinions, and Client Credit Repair. Check out www.buildbpobusiness.com for a FREE inspection check list, or www.mastershortsales.com for a FREE example short sale scenario.

Broker Price Opinions are a great vehicle for part time or supplemental income. This works well for people who want a home-based business. It can also be a full time job for those looking for a career niche.

As a real estate broker, this allows additional opportunities for contact with people who may be in short sale or foreclosure status. The broker price opinion agent/broker may very well be the first agent exposed to them as a potential listing client. The agent/broker may very well be the answer to their needs.

The foremost reason to perform Broker Price Opinions is the attainable, predictable income.

About the Author

Kim Polinsky is a real estate specialist. She has authored two e-guides on real estate niche markets. She is also a real estate investor. Kim works closely with Margot Murphy at www.realestateproguides.com, a business building site for real estate professionals.

Real Estate Buyers Beware: Get Representation.. You Need Representation

December 30, 2006 on 8:58 pm | In Real Estate | No Comments

Cannon

It is the buyers right to seek an agent, and it is in their best interest to do so.

For Sale by Owner

When a potential buyer sees a For Sale by Owner property he or she should contact their realtor before contacting the For Sale by Owner. And when the buyer makes an offer on the For Sale by Owner Property he or she needs representation on the sale. The buyer always needs representation for many reasons.

Home Inspections

Most buyers do not know to ask for home inspections, what they cost, or who to call to do one. If there is work to be done on an inspection report, a buyer should negotiate, and a REALTOR has skill and experience at this.

New Home Sites

New home site buyers need to hire a REALTOR to look out for their interests, too. Remember, the site agent is there to protect the builders interest and therefore everything will be geared towards what benefits the builder, not the buyer. When registering at a new home site, be sure to include your agents phone number, name, and company.

Dual Agency: The Listing Agency

When a REALTOR chooses to represent the seller AND the buyer, this is considered dual agency. A buyers rights are not emphasized in these circumstances. Bringing a REALTOR onto the buyers side equalizes the sale, and gives the buyer much needed experience and professional advice.

Earnest Money Deposit

When the buyer makes an offer on a For Sale by Owner who makes the Earnest Money deposit? How does a buyer obtain the deposit back if the contract falls through? A REALTOR will place the money in an escrow account.

Buyers Broker Agreement

A buyers broker protects the buyers interest in the transaction. In Virginia, the seller pays the commission, so by law the listing agent and the selling agent have to protect the sellers interest. So, if you select a buyers broker to work with you on the home purchase, you will be represented in the sale.

Cost Analysis

In order to prevent overpaying for a home, a REALTOR will do a cost analysis for a buyer, to determine if the home is priced correctly. This is the same kind of analysis an appraiser would do, using comparable sales which have closed in the last three months in the area.

Escalation Clauses

Escalation clauses are applicable in markets where there is very little inventory and it is a fast selling market. The escalation clause will give you a competitive edge in procuring the home that you want when multiple offers are presented on a property. An escalation clause is not a standard feature on contractual sales.

Home Owners Association

The buyer needs to know the time frame for the Home Owners Association (HOA) packet. A buyer may be caught in buying into an HOA with high hidden fees if the timeframe is missed when he or she can exercise their right to void the contract. This will vary from state to state.

Disclosures & Disclaimers

If there has been any structural damage to the home or adverse environmental problems with the home they must be disclosed. An example of this would be asbestos wrapped pipes. If not, then a disclaimer will accompany contract. Laws on disclosure/disclaimer vary from state to state.

Well and Septic

In rural areas, where well and septic are used instead of city water, they are applicable as conditions of the contract. There are time frames for these inspections also, which vary from state to state.

Termite and Moisture

Clean termite and moister letters vary from state to state and from the timeframe that needs to be adhered to in the contract. The majority of lenders require a clean termite and moister letter prior to closing. The REALTOR in your area would know these timelines.

Referrals

If you are moving into an unfamiliar geographic location, ask your real estate agent if he or she can refer you to an agent in the area you are moving to. A REALTOR obtained through referral will help in relocating and purchasing your new home.

Select an Agent Carefully

Each For Sale by Owner buyer needs to interview a REALTOR and select one who is comfortable approaching For Sale by Owners and working with them. Do not let For Sale by Owners or new home site agents dissuade you from using an agent. He or she may say that you will pay less for the home purchase. In reality, a REALTORs professional advice may save you from taking a property that could become a nightmare, or help uncover a hidden jewel. Remember, if youre searching for a home you still need a realtor, to look out for your end of the sale. Get representation on your side.

About The Author

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer’s Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia.

vonmor1@cox.net

Real Estate Market Still Cold

December 30, 2006 on 8:57 pm | In Real Estate | No Comments

Real Estate Market Still Cold
Ledger – LAKELAND – Consumers must have been hunting for turkeys instead of houses last month, because Polk County’s real estate market stayed cold in November. Permits for new home construction also took a dive, but the county’s labor market showed no signs