Realtors…Cultivate your Community

Developing a business in any area means that you get involved. Real Estate agents are the gateway to a new lifestyle for clients. People moving to a new area want expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm for the community. Realtors may be the first navigator to the client’s social, emotional and financial decision. Are you up to the task?

Here’s a start:

Care about your area, region or town. Have a sincere interest in it. You need to become more than a person in the real estate industry. It is necessary to develop relationships and interests in how it works. What makes it special? To begin, you might support a local non-profit group with time and/or money. Become a part of the school community. Volunteer at local events. Know the decision makers in the area. Be involved in the local HOA or organize a fund raiser. Whatever you decide, you need lots of face exposure. Augment your exposure with a website, Facebook, LinkedIn, newsletters, or emails. Don’t forget those old-fashioned, hand-written thank you notes!

Your business will grow as you become part of your community’s growth. Find what interests you, what you love and do it. Your business will benefit!

Derived from www.realtytimes.com published 1/16/2012an

Save energy while selling your home

If your house is on the market and sitting empty, that cost is important to watch so you don’t feel like you’re making a revision of the “Money Pit!”

You can turn off appliances but that’s not enough. Unplug them and put them away. They suck away at energy, costing you $$$. Besides that, a home shows so much better without those unsightly appliances. When a potential buyer is touring your home (whether you are living in it or not) you want it to look like a model home. Put away the toaster, blender, toaster grill, juicer, hair dryer, electric toothbrush, phone chargers, and maybe even the computer. You will de-clutter and save money on your utility bill, too. The buyer will be able to see the counter tops and the floor beneath a desk, instead of an electrical nest.

This isn't just for sellers. It's good for all of us. While we may not put every cord away routinely, we can conserve a bit more by unplugging (from the wall) the appliances. It stops the energy bleed.

It's also a good idea to get your heating/cooling system checked. I spent a whole lot of hundreds of dollars in Phoenix one summer with a poorly functioning HVAC system. Sure…a buyer’s home inspection will reveal issues but if you can start the energy-saving practices ahead of time, you'll be in good shape when buyers ask, "So, what's the average electric bill for this place?" A lower energy bill makes your home more attractive to a potential buyer.

Derived and summarized from www.realtytimes.com 1/6/2012

Boomers--could be real estate pay dirt

Mother’s advice: Do something that services Baby Boomers and you will be wealthy. Well…I don’t think my children listened to me, but what do I know, I’m a Baby Boomer. There are nearly 80 million of us! According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, Americans born between 1946 and 1964 (considered Baby Boomers) own more homes than the national average with 1 out of 4 owning more than one.

The survey shows that 25% of all Baby Boomers are not satisfied with their present homes. That means a good portion may be considering a move. Let’s try to understand their preferences and needs.

Some numbers: 10% of Baby Boomers said they are likely to buy additional real estate in the next 12 months. 66% are considering the purchase of a primary residence, 26% are interested in land, 19% in rental property, 15% in a vacation or seasonal home and 14% in commercial property.

Of those Baby Boomers surveyed, an overwhelming number said that the perfect retirement location is a smaller town or community that offers the following:
• a secure environment
• easy accessibility to quality health care
• a good quality of lifestyle
• easy accessibility to shopping and travel facilities
• stable real estate investment values
• a moderate living climate without extreme weather
• natural beauty of the environment

Baby Boomers are investing in real estate. Where will they buy?

http://www.babyboomer-magazine.com/news/145/ARTICLE/1286/2011-09-14.html

Foreclosure Rate Heat Map

According to Realty Trac...Montana has 156 foreclosure properties, 1 in every 2829 housing units

Foreclosure Rate Heat Map
What are new foreclosures as a percentage of the housing market?

Relocating to Montana?

So you're thinking about making a move to Montana in 2012? Good plan! Here are some things you should know (especially if you're going Trivia Night at one of the the local micro breweries).

It is illegal to have a sheep in the cab of your pickup without a chaperone.

In Montana, the word "ditch” can mean "with water" when ordering a drink. Say, "I'll have a brandy ditch, please."

Helena, in 1888, had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world.

Creeks in Montana are often pronounced "cricks."

The Montana Yogo Sapphire is the only North American gem to be included in the Crown Jewels of England.

"Going to the Sun Road" in Glacier Park is considered one of the most scenic drives in America.

Montana is known as the headwaters state because much of the water that flows to the rest of the nation comes from the mountains of Montana.

Glacier National Park has 250 lakes within its boundaries. A Helena, Montana law states that a woman cannot dance on a saloon table unless her clothing weighs more than 3 pounds 2 ounces.

In Montana the elk, deer and antelope populations outnumber the humans.

Flathead Lake in northwest Montana contains over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. It is considered the largest natural freshwater lake in the west.

That's just the beginning of fun Montana facts! (article derived from RealtyTimes)

Selling your home in 2012

Selling your home in 2012?

Even though there is still an overstock of residential properties, there are definitely buyers out there. How can you make your property stand out above the rest? Here are some helpful hints derived from bankrate.com

1. Start with the right price

Don’t rely on old strategies of holding out. Make sure your real estate professional does a comparative sales survey and prices it accordingly from the start.

2. Do your “homework”

Prep, paint, stage, scrub, improve and then do it again, over and over. Your home should scream “Buy me, I’m beautiful!” from the curb all the way to the backyard.

3. Be ready to negotiate

Sweeten the pot by offering to pay closing costs, property taxes, HOAs, or leaving the appliances.

4. Embrace technology

Make sure you have an agent that is familiar with social media, Smart phone apps, and the internet. Buyers are using these tools to find homes.

5. Avoid Fraudsters!

If you're unsure of an offer, use a real estate professional or have an attorney or other trusted adviser look it over

6. Finance 101

Realize it's harder to qualify for loans these days. Consider cash offers, even if they're not the highest.

Remember, you are your best spokesperson for selling your home. If you can control your ego and emotions you can serve as an true asset. Be careful about making verbal promises. Let your real estate professional guide you.

Visit Western Handshake

Ringing the Bell a Little Louder

Bill Milner goes above and beyond for Whitefish!

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_6b8bf1ee-1ef9-11e1-bacc-001871e3ce6c.html