What Really Makes A Real Estate Agent Valuable

Recently, an excited first-time homebuyer spent some time telling a real estate agent what she wanted in a home. They also discussed financing. Immediately afterwards, the agent took her new client out and showed her...

...two homes.

One was perfect.

Instead of making an offer right away, the buyer went home and called her friend. The friend had a real estate license. The buyer and her second agent presented an offer on the home, leaving the first agent totally in the dark.

After all, the first agent hadn't worked "too hard."

Which made me think about what really makes a real estate agent valuable, among other things.

Knowledge of inventory was near the top of the list.

It sounds boring and unexciting. Bookish, even.

You see, the reason the first agent knew which houses to show her potential client was because she had previewed those properties. That's one of those things agents do that you don't know about. They go out on their own, by themselves or with other agents, and look at property after property after property. They know what models are located where, how long they've been on the market, which ones have listing agents that are easy to work with, and more. They know all kinds of things that you don't know they know.

Not only that, the agent had been previewing properties for what "seems like forever" - so she immediately knew which houses to show the soon-to-be-excited buyer. She had been to those homes and/or model matches for those homes - for quite some time.

She knew her inventory.

The friend did not know the inventory. Otherwise, the buyer would have gone to her friend first, right?

It's like wandering around the aisles of a drug store not knowing which over-the-counter cough syrup is best for your particular ailment. Who would you rather ask? The clerk at the register or the pharmacist?

Either way, you're walking out of the store with a cardboard box filled with thick sloshy liquid.

So what you're really hiring in an agent is knowledge - and not just knowledge of inventory. Knowledge of lots of things that you don't even know you don't know. They make it seem easy, but that's because they want it to seem easy. If agents told you how hard it was, you would be even more nervous about shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars.

After all, it is only the most expensive purchase you've ever made in your life.

But it's only a house, right?

And everyone knows that a Schedule 1 item on a termite report must be repaired prior to closing, which Schedule II items do not. And all those other little details.

By the way, the first agent and the listing agent talked to one another because she expected to present an offer shortly. No details, of course - just the name of her client and to expect the offer.

The buyer did present an offer, but with the wrong agent. This took the listing agent by surprise. Like many industries, real estate agents have a code of ethics they are supposed to obey. At the same time, agents don't always know what their clients are up to. Anyway, imagine how negotiations went, if they went anywhere at all. Plus, there were other problems that will be saved for another article.

Which isn't really the point. The point was that you hire an agent because of training, knowledge, experience, problem-solving ability, connections, their ability to communicate...and lots of other neat stuff.

The moral I promised?

You don't know what you don't know.

Which is why you hire people that will cover the blanks you know about, as well as the ones you don't. That is where you find the true value of a real estate agent.

Call Amanda for all your real estate needs!  910.545.0450  www.AmandaParmerSellsHomes.com

4 Common Mistakes by First Time Homebuyers

Being a new home buyer can be a scary and worrisome experience.  Not only is buying a home a huge decision and investment, it’s also a new world for potential buyers.  New terms, new ideas, and new paradigms all combine to make the experience one that, without a bit of guidance, can become very intimidating.  Being in the market for a new home for the first time doesn’t afford much in the way of experience.  Hopefully, what others have learned can help you not repeat these same four mistakes!

1. Spending the maximum on housing

One mistake comes when lenders qualify buyers based on their incomes and debt-to-income ratios without considering how much the borrowers spend on items such as transportation, savings, food and other necessities.

“A lot of first-time buyers are optimistic about the future and excited about buying a home, so they borrow the absolute maximum they can afford instead of allowing themselves wiggle room for a partial loss of income or for future expenses such as children,” Harrison says.

Financial experts recommend that consumers decide how much they want to spend each month on housing before meeting with a lender.

“Every buyer should create their own budget and know their limits,” says Stephen Adamo, president of Weichert Financial Services in Morris Plains, N.J.

Adamo says many first-time homebuyers experience a sizable change in their housing payments. Some new owners may go from $500 per month in rent to a monthly mortgage payment of $2,000, he says.

“You need to deal with payment shock,” Adamo says.

2. Not getting prequalified early enough

Meeting with a lender for a buyer consultation and prequalification for a mortgage should be the first step toward homeownership. Yet many first-time homebuyers wait until they are ready to start house hunting before contacting a lender.

“It’s never too early to set up a free buyer consultation with a lender,” Adamo says. “Every buyer needs to get prequalified early enough in the process so that they can make some changes if they need to or correct errors on their credit report.”

Some buyers may need to spend up to a year saving more money, increasing their incomes or cleaning up their credit before making an offer on a home.

A buyer consultation should include creating long-term financial goals and strategies for buying property, Adamo says.

3. Misunderstanding the importance of a high credit score

While most consumers know it’s important to have a high credit score, not everyone understands how costly a low score can be.

“All mortgage lending is done with a tier of interest rates and terms based on consumer credit scores,” Harrison says. “A credit score of 720 or above will earn you the best rates and can potentially save you thousands of dollars.”

A score of 680 to 720 can get you good mortgage rates, while a FICO score of 620 is usually about the lowest score to qualify for most loans, Harrison says.

Consumers should learn about credit scores the minute they start working, Harrison says. Many Websites provide information about how to improve your credit score.

Even after a mortgage approval, consumers must avoid applying for new credit or taking on new debt, Adamo says, because a second credit check is now often required before settlement.

4. Choosing the wrong mortgage product

First-time homebuyers today typically opt for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Their conservatism is a reaction to stories about the dangers of interest-only mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages.

But Harrison says home loan alternatives to a 30-year-fixed sometimes make more sense. For example, buyers certain they will be relocated by their companies within five years may find a 5/1 ARM “could be a much better mortgage,” he says.

“There’s no reason to pay a premium for a product you don’t need like a 30-year loan,” Harrison says.

Homebuyers eager to build equity in their homes or who are older and want to live mortgage-free in retirement should consider a 15-year fixed-rate loan or, if they can afford it, even a 10-year mortgage to reach their goals.

Amanda has earned the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) designation through the National Association of REALTORS® to better assist and negotiate on her buyer clients behalf.  Call her today to help you purchase your home!

www.AmandaParmerSellsHomes.com

Low-Cost Kitchen Redos!

So you've been shopping and shopping and looking at houses and at this point, you can't remember the first house you looked at, right?  We've all been there!  If you're going to the spend the money and commit to buying a house, you want it to be something you love!
But what do you do when one house has the living room and bedroom you love, but another has the kitchen you really want?  You can't just mesh them together, and you don't have time to build it.  How about considering a low cost kitchen redo?  You might get closer to what you really want, and it's relatively inexpensive to "make it yours!"

Kitchens are one of the features buyers compare most closely when they're shopping for a home.  

Replacing cabinet hardware, such as handles, knobs and hinges are a quick, DIY way to enhance kitchen space.  According to HouseLogic.com, an average kitchen is 200 square feet with 30 linear feet of cabinetry, which equates to about 40 handles and knobs.  Averaging between $2 and $20 per knob or pull, you can budget $80-$800 for this enhancement.  *Don't forget to check surplus stores, Habitat for Humanity stores and bargain websites!
Redo-ing your cabinets is like a facelift for your kitchen!  Done right, painting or refinishing the existing cabinets can cost less than $200 and leave you with a brand new kitchen!

Faucets come in every shape, style, color, and theme you could imagine to include a plethora of options for height, spouts, hoses, and folding necks.  Quality faucets start around $200 and can be a quick project that will completely change the look of your kitchen!
How about undercabinet lighting?  LED undercabinet light can have a dramatic effect for about $40.  But if you're in the lighting aisle at Lowe's, check out your other options- different types of light cast different shades and can transform your kitchen.

Typically, buyers will choose functionality over elaborate decoration.  Practical storage in the kitchen will go a long way.  Over-the door hooks, baskets in the pantry, slide shelves in the cabinets, drawer organizers, wine racks and wall hooks for pots and pans will add appeal, usually for less than $100.
Granite countertops are not always a necessary upgrade!  Laminate can mimic the contemporary look of granite at a significant discount.  On average, the cost for 30 linear feet of laminate countertop is around $1,575; the same space in granite would be close to $2,500.

If you're interested in buying or selling, I would love to talk to you about your options.  And if you would like more cheap DIY ideas to enhance the look of your home, give me a call!  I would love to chat with you about it over coffee!  I LOVE projects!

Things to do BEFORE you decide to SELL your house!

Deciding to sell your house is a big step!  Before you commit, take a look at the big picture. 

Why?  Are you moving?  Do you hate your neighbors?  Job relocation?  School district not desirable?  You don't like your house?  The reality of it is, the Jacksonville, NC housing market favors buyers right now.  Which means, you're going to have to put your best foot forward, as a seller, to make your house the most attractive and the most competitive.

What's your end goal?  Do you just want to break even?  Do you want to double your investment?  Do you just want to be done with the house?  A lot of factors can impact the outcome.  Look at your numbers.  Call me to do a comparative market analysis to show you what other similar homes are selling for, what features and concessions they offered, and what the buying trends are in the market.  We can talk it over so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

Do you have some lingering "honey do" projects?  Let's talk about that!  Some are necessary things that need to be done (i.e. replacing broken light fixtures and repainting to neutral colors) versus replacing all the appliances because you don't like them.  Most of these things won't add value to the price of your home, but they will make your home present better!  For instance, you'd buy a shiny clean car before you'd buy a beater at the same price, right?  Same concept applies to homes!

Not sure where to start?  Give me a call!  We can talk about all the major parts of it before you make any huge decisions.  

Check out 902 Brynn Marr Road, Jacksonville, NC 28546 FOR SALE!

Here it is! Welcome home to 902 Brynn Marr Road, in the heart of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Conveniently located in the Jacksonville Commons schooldistrict, this home is only minutes away from both Camp Lejeune and New River MCAS! The updates in this home are sure to impress and comfort!

NEW roof and heat pump ready for the new buyer! Walk in through the front door to the large open living room that flows nicely into the eat in kitchen- Perfect for entertaining. The exposed beams add charm to the vaulted ceiling in the living room, but don't miss the wood burning fireplace for those cozy evenings!

You'll love the bathrooms! Both updated with modern fixtures and design! The spacious master bedroom is fit for a king! With ceiling fans in all thebedrooms and custom paint, your family will feel right at home. Call today for your personal viewing!

I'd love to show you this home, and any others you may be interested in!  This one is available for $135,000!  Such a Value!

Amanda Parmer, REALTOR®, HomeTeam Real Estate

910.545.0450    ajparmer09@gmail.com

www.AmandaParmerSellsHomes.com

Investing in Real Estate? I don't know the first thing about it....

Let's face it.  We're all going to get older, and none of us will make it out alive.  But what we can do before we get all the way to the point of getting excited about AARP discounts, early bird dinners, or vitamin sales at Walgreens, is plan!  Not in the morbid sense of investing in a burial plot.  I mean something completely different, but still in the same lines of investing in real estate!

You can start working on your PASSIVE income.  Passive income is simply, and income you get without going to work.  In my case, it's income from rental properties and other investments.  It's truly a great feeling to wake up in the morning with the freedom of knowing that all my bills are paid, and I don't have to go to work if I don't want to.
I get that there are challenges, no matter what age you start.  But the important thing is- START!  Have very little money?  Little life experience?  Love to shop or vacation?  Loads of student debt?  Poor credit?  No like minded people around to bounce ideas off of or ask questions?  I can truly relate!  My goal with this blog is to share some of the light at the end of the tunnel, and share the knowledge that I've discovered (for free!!  This is NOT a get rich quick scheme, and you DO NOT have to send in 3 easy payments of $59.99- but you're welcome to!!)  Many people my age face the same problems, and I wasn't any different.  Instead of focusing on what we don't have, let's focus on what we do have and how we can START!
Are you motivated?  Does having a passive income sound good to you?  Can you create an attainable goal for yourself?  It seems like the older I get the more complacent I can become and easier it is to "settle" for something, rather than really work for what I actually want.  It's a different mindset to actually do it.

I'm sure you're savvy enough to navigate the internet, use spreadsheets and listen to podcasts.  There is a wealth of information on the internet and other resources as far as periodicals, books, podcasts, audio books and entire websites and forums dedicated to educating people on how to successfully invest in real estate.  Utilize it.
Time is definitely on your side.  Whether you're thirty years old or thirty years young, you have plenty of time to plan it out and crush it!  Chances are you're not facing retirement in the next 5 years, so you have plenty of time to plan and do your research to become a millionaire real estate mogul!
If you've read this far, you're interested at least in what's next, right?  Check out my next blog for some insights on investment strategies!  Give me a call to talk about investing in real estate more!  Jacksonville, North Carolina is ripe with investment opportunities and I'd love to be your resource!  

Need some cash to start investing- check out these money saving tips!

There are so many people who have the opportunity to start investing in real estate, but think they don't have the money!  To me, money is a lot like food.  If you've ever been on a diet, you can appreciate the analogy.  When you start a diet, you realize that you have to cut out a lot of bad food (or spending) but you find better alternatives!  Instead of full on ice cream, you might have frozen yogurt.  Likewise with money- instead of eating out, you might cook dinner that night.  There are people who have made a fortune investing in real estate without making sacrifices.  Personally, I've gone without Starbucks for a month or two to save some dough.  If you want something bad enough, it won't seem like such a sacrifice!

Make Sure You Have the LOWEST Credit Card Rate

It’s no secret, most of us use credit cards. As a matter of fact, more than half of the households across the US carry more than a thousand bucks on a credit card from month to month. During the recession, many credit card interest rates went up. Now that the financial climate is a bit better, you may qualify for lower rates. Lower rates that will reduce your payments and open up more resources for you! Now, your lender likes making money so, they are not going to call you and say “Hey, you qualify for a lower rate, do you want it?”! This part’s up to you. All you need to do is call all of your lenders and say something like, “I was going through my credit card bills and noticed that you charge the highest interest rate. Can you do something that makes these balance transfer credit cards less enticing to me?”. You will be surprised at how effective this can be!

Stop Eating Fast Food

When I was 19, I would think of fast food as a quick, cheap bite to eat. Back then, I didn’t do the math! The truth is, fast food can really rack up quite the bill. I found out that my morning breakfast burrito’s almost every morning were costing me $120 per month! Making my own, about $20. Although not everyone has a once a fast food habit, most people do eat fast food at least once a week. Even stopping that can save about $20 a month.

Shop Around The Edges Of The Store

This one is a tip not only to save money but, for health! Think of how your grocery store is laid out. All vegetables, meat, cheese, milk bread, ect… can be found around the edges of the store. When you walk into the center of the store, you find food in boxes and cans, frozen food and highly sweetened and processed treats. The truth is, any boxed or canned food costs money to prepare. Therefore, you will always spend more for that portion of food than you will if you make your own. Although, I can’t personally come up with a recipe for Doritos, healthy alternatives like carrots and ranch dressing tend to cost less. This may be uncomfortable in the beginning but, you start to crave carrots and broccoli. So, save money and get healthy!

Enjoy Free Social Activities

Human Beings are social creatures. If you don’t find free ways to be around others and have a good time, eventually, you will start spending money to do it! Check online in your area for hikes, clubs, or anything that you could think of that would be free and local. Living near the beach, there's always something fun to do! No matter where you are, I’m sure that if you look hard enough, you will find something free that you enjoy and involves spending time with others. Who would have ever thought that having fun could save you money?

Make Money Doing Side Work

Everyone has incredible strengths in one thing or another. Find yours and solicit your friends, family and neighbors for your services. If what you love to do involves crafts, sight up as a vendor when the craft shows come around. If you look online you can usually find somewhere to sell your art at least once a month! There are tons of great ways to make extra money to get your investment started. All you need to do is find the one that works best for you!

Final Thoughts

Getting started in the real estate investment market isn’t about who has more money. It’s all about who has the strongest desire to succeed. Those who do have that desire will find ways to save money or make money to get started! I hope that describes you!

Call me today to talk about your options!  Jacksonville, NC has a TON of investment opportunities, ripe for the picking!  I would love to help you get started!