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  • Archive | Buying A Home

    10 Smart Moves to Save on Gas… when searching for a home

    Posted on 09 June 2008 by

    With more than 80% of home buyers beginning their real estate search on the internet, the days of driving all over town to view a dozen homes are no longer necessary.  The use of video tours, professional photography and google maps helps many home buyers presort through all the possibilities.  Still, finding the perfect home can ad some miles to your odometer.  Here are some helpful tips to make sure you are maximizing on each gallon of gas during the search for your new home10 Smart Moves to Save on Gas 

    Mike Rozell ~ Realtor / Real Estate Agent ~ www.MyLifestyleRealtor.com

    Comments (3)

    Why generation Y-ers are smart home buyers

    Posted on 07 June 2008 by

    Why Gen Y-ers are savvy buyers 

    Generation Y is growing up fast.

    The average age of a first-time homebuyer is 26, three years younger than for Gen X or baby-boomer buyers. So what’s up with that?

    Sure, favorable rates and terms make buying a house easier for young people these days, but the trend may be most affected by the characteristics of this generation:

    “¢ They are tech-savvy. Generation Y can’t remember life without a computer. This means they are consumers who research everything, including buying houses.

    “¢ They are confident. Parents told them they were special, challenging their children’s teachers on poor grades and negotiating with their coaches for more playing time.

    “¢ Stores like Baby Gap, channels like Nickelodeon and numerous magazines and catalogs have catered to them their whole lives. So Gen Y-ers don’t doubt themselves or their decisions, including buying a house.

    “¢ They don’t believe in paying their dues at work. They want respect at the office now, and if they don’t get it, they’ll move on. Similarly, they don’t wait to buy homes.

    To find out more about their housing preferences, we spoke to three Gen Y-ers who live in the Kansas City, Mo., area. Each is a housing expert. None has yet turned 30.  Continued… Why Gen Y-ers are savvy buyers -Stacy Downs, McClatchy Newspapers -Seattle Times

    Mike Rozell ~ Realtor / Real Estate Agent ~ www.MyLifestyleRealtor.com

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    7 Tips to Buy Smart in Today’s Market

    Posted on 19 May 2008 by

    When it comes to home purchases, everyone wants to buy low and sell high. “Å“Now is the low; high is just around the corner,” says Alexis McGee, foreclosure information expert, educator, and president of foreclosure property information specialists ForeclosureS.com. “Å“Already pending home sales are climbing in the North, and appear poised to rebound in the South and West, according to the most recent National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index.

    NAR also predicts existing home sales will climb more than 6% next year, and that median prices “” down this year “” also will climb in 2009.”With interest rates at a 35 year low, affordable financing, and abundant inventory, it’s a buyer’s market. “Å“There are plenty of great opportunities that make the American dream of homeownership more affordable today if you know where to look and how to make the right deal,” says McGee  Continued…  7 Tips to Buy Smart in Today’s Market

    Mike Rozell ~ Realtor / Real Estate Agent ~ www.MyLifestyleRealtor.com

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    Tips on finding the real state agent that fits you best

    Posted on 02 May 2008 by

    Tips on finding real estate agent that fits you best -Seattle Times 

    Q: I am curious whether there is an unbiased rating system for real-estate agents. My wife and I are looking for a diligent real estate agent with expertise in the Renton and Kent areas.

    A: Stephen Klaniecki, communications and marketing director of Washington Realtors Association, says he’s seen some blogs occasionally comment on individual real-estate agents, but he’s never seen anyone develop a rating system for all of them.

    To do so would be a very tall order. Now more than 45,000 individuals are licensed by the state to sell real estate. About 25,300 of those are Realtors, meaning they’re members of the state Realtors association. But those numbers aren’t static. Real-estate agents generally work on commission, and that makes it a high-turnover business.

    So how can you find a diligent real-estate agent? Start by looking for a person who specializes in your target neighborhoods. Preferably you’ll want a full-time agent (many work part time and do just a few deals a year) who’s handled numerous transactions.

    Klaniecki suggests asking friends and associates for recommendations. Then check out the agents’ Web sites and look for professional designations.  Continued…

    For the fully story read Tips on finding real estate agent that fits you best -Seattle Times

    Mike Rozell ~ Realtor / Real Estate Agent ~ www.MyLifestyleRealtor.com 

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    You bought your new house. Now what?

    Posted on 30 March 2008 by

    During the buying process you had the guidance and direction of your Realtor.  Now that you own your new home, what to do next is not always clear. 

    Here are 10 things every new homeowner should know

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    Don’t cheat on your Realtor with me when buying a home

    Posted on 25 March 2008 by

    Cheaters LogoOK, I admit I’m a little flattered; and don’t get me wrong, I am definitely open to new relationships. But hear me out on this and let me try to explain why it just won’t work out between us.

    You see, all day long I receive calls from clients who want to see homes and it seriously breaks my heart to have to turn them down. I do realize why they might be checking me out; what with my unique marketing and first-class service and all. But please understand I just don’t work that way.

    Just like any relationship, a real estate transaction has two sides: the listing / seller’s agent and the selling / buyer’s agent. When you call me wanting to take a look at a home, I am in hopes of becoming your agent, the buyer’s agent; and not just for the house that you are calling about. My wish is that we will be attracted to each other. You will like me for my great wisdom, character & charm, beautiful houses, communication skills and, of course, excellent service. I will, in turn, like you for your great vision, dedication, goals and commitment when buying and selling your homes. This should be a long term relationship, one that will continue throughout the rest of our lives.

    When you call me for the first time wanting to see a home, it’s kind of like you’re asking me out. There’s no harm in that unless you are already with another Real Estate Agent. Please, don’t ask me out if you are already with someone; then you’re just leading me on.

    As a Realtor, I am ethically required to ask if you are currently working with another Realtor or Real Estate Agent. If you are not happy with your current relationship and are looking for a new one, feel free to tell me. I realize it may not be your fault and your Realtor may not be fulfilling your needs. Breaking up is hard to do but you need to drop the zero and get with the hero. But, if you are already committed to another Realtor or agent and have no intention of leaving that relationship, please don’t drag me into your triangle.

    I hope you are really hearing my heart and understand where I am coming from. As much as I would love to serve you in your real estate needs, I will not show you a home if you are currently committed to and with another Realtor. It is your agent’s job to fulfill that need. After all, I wouldn’t want my clients shopping around with another Realtor and I certainly would hate to take time away from my clients that are committed to me.

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    OK. Clearly our real estate market is leaning towards buyers, but if you are going to take advantage of it, you better do it now.

    Posted on 08 February 2008 by admin

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