Friday, December 21, 2012

8 Steps to buy #2


Hire your agent.

The typical real estate transaction involves at least two dozen separate individuals – insurance assessors, mortgage brokers and underwriters, inspectors, appraisers, escrow officers, buyer’s agents, seller’s agents, bankers, title researchers, and a number of other individuals whose actions and decisions have to be orchestrated in order to perform in harmony and get a home sale closed. It is the responsibility of your real estate agent to expertly coordinate all the professionals involved in your home purchase and to act as the advocate for you and your interests throughout.
Seven main roles of your real estate agent

A Buyer’s Real Estate Agent:

  1. Educates you about your market.
  2. Analyzes your wants and needs.
  3. Guides you to homes that fit your criteria.
  4. Coordinates the work of other needed professionals.
  5. Negotiates on your behalf.
  6. Checks and double-checks paperwork and deadlines.
  7. Solves any problems that may arise.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

8 Steps to buy #1

Decide to buy.


Although there are many good reasons for you to buy a home, wealth building ranks among the top of the list. We call home ownership the best “accidental investment” most people ever make. But, we believe when it is done right, home ownership becomes an “intentional investment” that lays the foundation for a life of financial security and personal choice. There are solid financial reasons to support your decision to buy a home, and, among these, equity buildup, value appreciation, and tax benefits stand out.
Base your decision to buy on facts, not fears.
  1. If you are paying rent, you very likely can afford to buy
  2. There is never a wrong time to buy the right home. All you need to do in the short run is find a good buy and make sure you have the financial ability to hold it for the long run
  3. The lack of a substantial down payment doesn’t prevent you from making your first home purchase
  4. A less-than-perfect credit score won’t necessarily stop you from buying a home
  5. The best way to get closer to buying your ultimate dream home is to buy your first home now
  6. Buying a home doesn’t have to be complicated – there are many professionals who will help you along the way

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Junkers to Jewels

Everything has been so busy it has been near impossible to log in and get a new post up.  I'm getting involved in as much real estate as I can and it's great.  I launched a craigslist campaign about 2 weeks ago in an effort to reach more internet and out of town buyers.  It has been successful so far, I have spoken to a couple in Canada about buying a condo here, I have been helping a gentleman find a place to live here where he works 4 days a week, and more....all just from dedicating proper time to craigslist.  Give Orlando real estate a look on craigslist.....I'm all over it!

The main reason I got into real estate was because of my huge never fading interest in investing.  I am sure this partly exists because I have been surrounded with it my whole life without really realizing it until I got a little older.  It still feels crazy sometimes that I decided to leave teaching and jump head first into the real estate world but the rewards for taking said risk are starting to present themselves.  

Our productivity coach at Keller Williams just happens to have been on a team with an active investor here in Orlando.  She gave me his contact info and he agreed to meet me and discuss investing.  From here I found out not only is he an investor but runs the Seminole County sub chapter for CFRI, a major Orlando investment group. After talking with him for an afternoon he recommended I participate in a weekend long education known as Junkers to Jewels.

The event was this past weekend, the same weekend as my lovely and ever so understanding wife's birthday.  Needless to say I spent a majority of my wife's birthday in conference rooms  and in Downtown Orlando.  To say this weekend was worth it educational wise would be a huge understatement.  Every step in real estate investing was covered and it capped off on Sunday with a bus tour to go visit distressed properties and evaluate them with successful investors. Awesome, awesome experience.

I would have NEVER found this if certain events didn't just happen to line up correctly and at the right time.  The event is only held twice a year and I am thankful I didn't have to wait until Spring to attend.

I could keep typing about new happenings here for an hour but this already seemed long.  Also, don't ever forget, anyone you know interested in real estate with a need to buy or sell make sure to get me in contact with them.  Thanks!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Life post - Bestman!

So in the last week I have been so busy and have neglected the blog a bit!  Well what better way to make it alive again than with the announcement that I am now Best Man at David's wedding this October!!!  In a matter of days I went from wedding guest, to groomsman, to best man!  I'm pretty excited and to David - I love you buddy so thanks for giving it to me!

Of course now I have to think up a speech and soooooo many things have already come to mind, I'll keep it wedding appropriate ;)  While on the topic of David's wedding I am almost positive we have nailed down a lodging situation and I think it's going to be amazing. 

I think one of the best parts of real estate is getting to create my own schedule and hours.  I also love my office and knowing there is a great team of agents available to show a property for me while I'm gone puts my mind at ease.  Of course there is a little incentive :)

I should be holding an open house this Saturday in Live Oak Reserve.  Once I get the details I'll post them up, but Live Oak is a very pretty and sought after subdivision so check it out!

And as always, if you or anyone you know is looking to sell, buy or invest send them my way!

Monday, August 6, 2012

The seller's market

Over the last several weeks I have completed our new agent program titled "Ignite."  It was basically real estate boot camp and provides models and examples of everything in real estate.  Feeling comfortable with paperwork, the processes, and my role in a transaction I have set out to get some listings!

Well, Orlando right now is in a seller's market, meaning the inventory of houses on the market is low and properties are receiving multiple offers.  Mortgage rates are low and prices are affordable, many properties are selling at or above listing price.

Here is my call to action for you:

If you know someone whether it be family, friend, or coworker that is interested in selling (or buying!) share my information with them.  I work in a professional manner and consultation is free.

Here is a video reflecting housing trends from June 2012, still awaiting July results.


Monday, July 16, 2012

Networking and social media frenzy!

So on top of the "normal" ways of conducting business (calling, door knocking, etc.), I have learned that the successful agents have people calling them, not the other way around.  How are they doing this?  Well conducting themselves as professionals, constant communication, and understanding their real estate needs are always necessary; believe it or not several have said an additional way is as easy as just using facebook so people you  already know can keep up with you.


I have set up a network of social media that I plan on utilizing to keep content flowing and people thinking of me as their realtor.  Facebook, twitter, youtube, and of course this blog are the tools I have been practicing the most.  Facebook was easy, I've been on it for years since it was exclusive to colleges.  I started a twitter account, who knows maybe I can "trend" one day.  I am very excited to produce content on youtube, I haven't uploaded a video yet, but it's on the agenda.  Blogging is proving to be fun and also another great way for me to spread content. 

How you can help me!!

1.  Go to my actual real estate website at PremierFloridaProperty.com

When you do, the main help would be "liking" the website at the bottom.  This is a huge help for me as it helps spread the news of my website!

Also try clicking around and also using the various social media links.  If any are broken please let me know, when I tested them they were working.

2.  Repost or like my blog on facebook!  Anything you do that can help get my content into news feeds is hugely appreciated. 

Much of my success in this business comes from your referrals.  All of this will help me accomplish that as it may get even just one person asking you about real estate. 

Thank you all for helping me spread the word of my business!  I intend on getting content flowing in the very near future across the various social media boards!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Getting Organized!

So for about the last 2 weeks I have been through several orientations and a ton of initial training. Ethics, contracts, technology, EVERYTHING. I finally had some extra time tonight to get all of this organized and the feeling is great! I also went through ORRA today and am officially a member of National Association of Realtors! 

 I spent the 4th in Ft. Lauderdale with Jen and her family. We had a great cookout and watched fireworks from Holly's small country that she calls a "house." I capped it off by watching hgtv and family feud on her movie theater.... 

 Loving my new career and field. I cannot express enough, if you are not doing what you love, start doing it. It took me nearly half a decade to do something for me and it feels amazing. Stay tuned for more!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The start of a new beginning

I am excited to get this blog started!  Bear with me for a few weeks as I get it customized and tweaked to my likings.  I have been learning so much and am thrilled to be on this adventure.  I work with a wonderful team at Keller Williams in Oviedo, FL.  If you have any questions or an interest in buying, selling, investing in real estate don't hesitate to contact me!