Do You Agree With How Your Realtor is Marketing Your Home?

Okay, you did what you felt was your due diligence and conducted interviews with various agents before placing your home on the market. You opted to go with one agent that seemed to stand out to you for their marketing prowess.

And now, just a few weeks into the agreement, you wished you had asked other questions before deciding on who was going to represent your best interests in selling your home, and are not so sure anymore whether you chose the best agent for the job.

What are those would have, should have questions?

1. Do I get a copy of the listing agreement?
2. Will you run the proposed MLS remarks by me before the listing goes live?
3. Do I have the final say on what information goes into the MLS fact sheet?
4. Do I get to approve the marketing materials for my home before it goes "public"?
5. How many photos will you take of my home, and do I get final approval on them?
6. Will I get to approve the digital marketing for my home?
7. How often will you update me? Can that be made as part of the contract?
8. What online listing enhancements will you implement on my behalf, and on what sites?
9. Will my home have a virtual tour?
10. How will you utilize Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets to sell my home?
11. If I am unhappy with your services, will you cancel the contract?

I am convinced by looking at the overwhelming majority of listings that most homeowners have never even seen their property's information as it appears on the MLS- if they had, they would be furious.

It is your right as a home seller to see and approve the information that is disseminated to the masses to sell your home. At the end of the day, it is YOU that is responsible for any errors in your listing, and YOU become liable for any  misrepresentations about your home. YOU are the one that suffers, and that goes for mis-handled marketing as well.  So take control if you need to, but ask these very important questions BEFORE you sign a listing agreement with any agent.

If you want and need a listing agent who will do what SHOULD be expected of them, put it into writing as part of the contract, AND get your home sold, call me.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

How to Buy a Home in Connecticut with Confidence

Buying a house is likely the single largest investment you'll make and, like a good marriage, if it's the right one, it may last a lifetime. But how can you be confident in your home buying, especially if you're a first-time buyer?

With so many homes to choose from, how do you know if this house is the one?

Sounds like a dating question. And, coincidentally, using some of the same techniques used to determine if you're marrying the right person may also help you decide which home is the best for your needs. These days more buyers are coupling up – buying homes together (even if they're not in a relationship) to offset the cost and be able to afford more.

So, how can you be confident that the home you're buying will meet your needs? Start with some basic guidelines. Make a list ofyour must-haves, needs, and wants. These are truly three different categories. ....CLICK HERE TO READ MORE in my Monthly Newsletter

Credit: Phoebe Chongchua

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Connecticut Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates 9/1/12

 Mortgage rates have been on the rise in the past two weeks, but it still is a perfect time to purchase a home and/or refinance your existing mortgages.  Treasuries are flat to open the morning, as investors wait to see what Bernanke will hint at during his speech from Jackson Hole.  No one expects him to announce the plans for QE3, however investors are hoping for clues as to the potential release of the easing, some hoping for as soon as the Fed’s next meeting in a couple weeks.  Today’s data has taken a back seat to the speech, but the calendar was busy nonetheless. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to 74.3 in August, compared with initial reading of 73.6, showing an improved view of consumers about the U.S. economy.  New orders for U.S. factory goods rose 2.8% in July, posting the biggest increase since July 2011 and rising for the second time in three months.  The markets are closed on Monday in observation of Labor Day, however will be very busy with the shortened week.  The ECBs meeting takes place on Thursday, Nonfarm Payrolls will be released on Friday, and another round of auctions will take place.  Currently the 10 year note is at 1.634% and mortgages are roughly unchanged from yesterday morning.

Today's Mortgage Rates

Conventional 30 year fixed          3.625%                  APR 3.671%

Conventional 15 year fixed          3.00%                    APR 3.081%

Conventional 5/1 ARM                  2.5%                      APR 3.036%

Conventional 7/1 ARM                  2.75%                    APR 3.065%

The above rates are based on a loan amount of $417,000 for a single family home, a borrower’s middle credit score of 740 and a 20% down payment.

This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under any applicable law.

 

As a lending professional, Nima Rezvan meets a wide range of real estate lending needs, whether it be a first time purchase, second home purchase, or refinance. He welcomes the opportunity to serve your needs with quick and accurate real estate financing advice. With his expertise and knowledge, he will make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose and that it meets your unique financial situation.

With more than 10 years of mortgage lending experience, Nima specializes in  Conventional Mortgages,  Jumbo Loan Financing, Refinance, First Time Home Buyers and Federal Housing Administration/Veterans' Administration (FHA/VA)

 NMLS #110681

send Nima an email

Mobile: 203-913-6016
Fax: 877-804-5752

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Get Rid of Your Pushy Real Estate Agent.

There is nothing worse than a pushy sales person, especially a pushy real estate agent.  Do this, do that now, sign this. It's just plain awful- and I have never subscribed to those kinds of business practices.

Aggressiveness is one thing, if it's on your behalf. That's a good thing. But, pushy behavior aimed at a you, as a buyer,  doesn't get anyone anywhere- except angry and/or frustrated.

Funny thing about buying real estate. If you talk to any of your friends who have purchased a home, or can recall any of the times that you bought a  home,  the main reason for buying that home was that it just "felt" right. Most often, the minute you step into that house, you know it's for you.

That's not anything someone can "sell" you. No one is going to the closing table on a home that they were pushed into buying, whether that pressure is coming from an agent, a spouse, friend or family member.
 
If you feel that you are being pushed into making a decision from your Realtor, then get another agent. It's that simple.

An agent's job is to listen to your needs, and then find and show you properties that fit your criteria that are within an affordable or comfortable range for you.

When you walk into that special home, and decide that you want to purchase it, the agent's job becomes getting you the best price for the home that you want, with terms and conditions that are optimum for you.

If you are looking for an agent to assist you in finding your home, negotiate the best deal for you, AND  that won't try and push you into doing something that you don't want to do, contact me.

*************************************************************************

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

5 Ways to Prevent That House Fire From Ever Happening

House fires are the number-one disaster threat to homeowners. Between 350,000 and 400,000 house fires occur each year in the United States. Unlike natural disasters such as tornadoes and floods, house fires are often preventable.

Observe National Fire Prevention Week this year by taking these fire-prevention steps to help keep your home and your family safe.

1.    Avoid the sun. Flammable products such as paint thinner and lacquer can be ignited by heat sources around your home—even by sunlight streaming through a window. Always keep flammable products in a cool, dark place and in their original containers.

2.    Control candles. Keep lit candles away from materials that could easily catch fire, such as curtains. Never light candles when you’re feeling drowsy—accidentally falling asleep plays a role in 12 percent of all candle fires. Opt for battery-operated candles if you want a little bedtime glow.

3.    Enjoy your fireplace safely. The National Fire Protection Association recommends making sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Also, allow fireplace and wood/pellet/coal stove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container.

4.    Keep your stove company. Never leave the kitchen when you have food cooking on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, remove the pan from the heat and turn the burner off.

5.    Care for your cords. Electrical cords can produce heat, so make sure they have room to “breathe.” Never trap them tightly between a piece of furniture and the wall or run them under a rug. Check the condition of cords regularly. Frayed wires or those damaged by pets are potential fire starters.
Learn more about preventing fires in the home from the National Fire Prevention Association.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

*************************************************************************

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY