Monday, July 18, 2011

SELLING BY OWNER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

Selling by owner is definitely not for everyone and no one knows this better that we at Gateway Title.
About 14% of real estate sales are done by the owner.
The percentage who try and give up are much higher.
Before you go FSBO ask yourself this:
Do you really know what the current market value is and are you willing to be honest about your asking price?
Will you be able to "get out of the way" when others make comments about the property?
Can you negotiate for your self ?
Do you really understand the required paper work?
Do you know how to advertise the property on the Internet?
These are only a few of the questions to ask yourself.
We have helped thousands of sellers succeed - but it's not for everyone.
To find out if it is for you, give us a call or stop in and chat.
We'll be happy to help you.
www.gatewaytitle.com or call 440 546 9660

FOR SALE BY OWNER SUCCESS ON THE RISE

We have seen many sellers become very frustrated because selling by owner is not as easy as they thought. They guess at the market value of their property. They become offended at others remarks. They don't know how to negotiate for themselves and loose offers. Too eager and don't insists buyer be pre-qualified. They accept contingencies that bomb.  It gets worse. They feel they know what to do and they don't.
We know this is a problem so we offer free Seller's Classes and bring to sellers the experts to help you. We have a free kit which shows you all the basic facts on getting a real estate deal closed.
We have a lender who explains what  pre- approval is and how to use it.
The attorney's free contract is explained.
Pricing and staging is featured along with many helpful tips to lead to a successful sale.

Getting through a real estate deal smoothly  is such a relief to sellers. Happy, relaxed customers are our goal
We really do "Keep Life Simple" for "For Sale By Owners".
If you are an Ohio seller:
We can be contacted easily at www.gatewaytitle.com or 440 546 9660 - you can "Like" us on FaceBook too!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Buying His First Home

We just love when we make people happy!
Wed. 12:oo noon - a very nervous young man comes in to sign his papers to buy his first home. He was so excited as he told me how he found the house... 2 hours later the sellers came to sign, they were selling their Mom's home to him. She thanked us for making it so easy  and saving them a lot of costs. It feels right to be able to help others. Thanks for your trust in my company.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Real Estate Actuality: http://www.dailyreferral.com/43343 this is how you...

Real Estate Actuality: http://www.dailyreferral.com/43343 this is how you...: "http://www.dailyreferral.com/43343 this is how you register to get the fantastic deals at Daily Referral. Daily Referral is part of a busi..."
http://www.dailyreferral.com/43343 this is how you register to get the fantastic deals at Daily Referral.
Daily Referral is part of a business that Mike and I doing in addition to our "regular businesses -Gateway Title and The Realty Store.
We believe this company "Invado",  is an important link to future security regardless of the condition of the economy and in  particular, real estate.
If you also  have concerns about your financial future, please contact me at rachel@gatewaytitle.com
or call 440 546 9660 to take a closer look at this business.
In the mean time, register with Daily Referral (above) to reap the rewards of group buying.
Thanks,
Rachel Torchia

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Real Estate and Title Companies - How's The Market?

The number one question I hear is....
How are you guys doing?

Aside from the fact that this is a down real estate market,
we certainly are constantly challenged by outside forces such as:
• Banks that own their own title company and think they are entitled to make more money off the consumer with title and closing fees.
• Real estate agents that own their own title company and think they are entitled to make more money off the consumer with title and closing fees.
• National title insurance underwriters who form a title company with banks and lenders thereby cutting out their own independent agencies so they make more money.
• Consumers who are afraid to speak up for themselves and let others take advantage of them!
Other than that, we have no problems.
We are doing better than most other title agencies.
The last figure I heard was over 50% have closed their doors
That saddens me.
On the brighter side…
We have many loyal clients who Trust their Title to Gateway and refer others to us.
For them, I am grateful.
Please, give us a call for you and your family’s title and escrow needs.
We’ll be here for you.

Thanks for Asking,
Rachel

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Real Estate Actuality: Waiting for the Housing Market to Recover?

Real Estate Actuality: Waiting for the Housing Market to Recover?: "Waiting for the Housing Market to Recover? Most of us have, over the years, heard many motivational speakers where we’ve heard how to g..."

Waiting for the Housing Market to Recover?


Waiting for the Housing Market to Recover?
Most of us have, over the years, heard many motivational speakers where we’ve  heard how to go out and succeed. 
We spend money to get involved in many training programs that promise to help us succeed and come away from them thinking “this is the one that will work, I’m really gonna do it this time” Then what happens?
Did you make it work or are you like most and never work at it?
Which of those plans are you following to get business this year?...Or are you looking for new motivation?
It really doesn’t matter  - remember “If it’s to be, it’s up to me”?
All programs work if you work them.
You can’t change the BIG picture of the real estate market, but you can change yours and that is usually the more difficult task!
How are you going to survive for the next 2 years? (Predicted time for market to get better)
It’s time to apply those activities you all ready know you should be doing.
Look in the mirror, I’ll bet that person in the mirror knows….LISTEN.
Tell me what you hear.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Advertise your Home For Sale - f.ree and easy

I have a serious challenge for you  hopeful real estate sellers....

PUT THE ASKING PRICE ON A BIG SIGN!
You wonder why? It makes sense. You are not looking for buyers to call about price so you can show them other homes for sale. You want real prospects. Not lookers who find out they can’t afford it anyway.
Let’s pretend you are looking for a home to buy.
Picture yourself driving through the neighborhood.
You spot a home for sale that you love.
You call to see it and find out it too expensive for you or you go to the open house only to find out it is out of your affordability range.

Now picture this: You are driving, see a house and in front is a “for sale” sign and the price is written right on it. If it is not in your price range – drive on by and waste no one’s time.
But wait what if the asking price on the sign is in your ballpark? You fall in love and make an offer!
This does work for sellers who are not afraid to think “out of the box”.

Now, back to your reality:
Selling a property can be difficult in these times. Give yourself all of the marketing advantages possible.
I am convinced if more sellers put the property “on sale” along with the asking price, the buyer would show up faster. You only need one!
It WORKS! - do it and send me your story.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

A new Twist On Marketing Real Estate

Social Media is becoming the newest way to market and advertise real estate listings.
You can create your own Facebook page.
Put your property information on your Facebook page and share with others to see.
Open houses are posted on Personal Facebook pages.
It's free and easy to do.
Real estate agents are using to the max - even doing ads on group buying sites for special discounts!
Gateway Title uses facebook to keep consumers informed and market company services. (Make Gateway Title your friend by "liking it" on Facebook).
Consider  All posibilities when you are selling.
Sign upon for online buying  groups to see what others are doing.
I am an Invado representative and am including the information to sign up for the newest in Network marketing. Explanation of Daily Referral: a combination of group buying & social networking.Helps businesses market their products/services effectively and businesses only pay when they make a sale. to register, go to this website: www.prelaunch@dailyreferral.com    sign in with ID#43343, check your email & verify. Sign up for Both your business and you - contact me if you have questions - Rachel

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

REAL ESTATE CONSUMERS FALL VICTIM TO INDUSTRY GREED

The phrase I hate to hear …


“Hey, we just bought a new house! You know, we wanted to use your Gateway title company, but the real estate agent said we had to use their in-house title company and we were afraid they would mess it up if we didn’t use their agency”

It is very difficult for me to keep my composure when I know the truth about “steering” and RESPA violations the agent has committed.

Did you know the consumer has the RIGHT to choose the title company to insure the closing of their real estate deal?

It cannot be a condition of the purchase or mortgage loan (lenders also “steer” to their in-house title agency).

Many consumers know they can choose, but are afraid to exercise their rights.

I’ve been educating as many consumers as I possibly can for the past 15 years.

I’ve seen the damage joint business venture title companies  have caused  the title industry.

Title and escrow by definition are to be handled by a disinterested third party to all when insuring and closing a real estate transaction be it a purchase or refinance.

Question of the day: How can a real estate or lender owned joint business title agency, be a disinterested third party?

Answer: they make extra money on the title and escrow, therefore,

THEY CAN”T!

I am happy for the new home owners, but I am sad that we have again fallen victim to the greed of some companies in our real estate industry.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Stalker Home Sellers Scare Away Potential Real Estate Buyers!

Stalker-ish sellers. I know you think you’re being helpful, walking the buyer through your home and pointing out the wagon-wheel light fixture you made with your own two hands, the custom mural of a stingray you paid top dollar to have painted across your living room wall and the way the sounds of happy schoolchildren running across the front yard of your corner lot to get to the school in the next block lifts your spirits. However, the buyers might be trying really hard to ignore, minimize or figure out how to undo the very features of your home you hold dear. They also may want or need to have personal space and conversations with their mate or their agent while they’re viewing your home - you being there, especially walking right alongside them while they’re in your home, prevents them from being comfortable about doing this, or discussing all the things they would change if the home were theirs. In my experience, the more nit picky a buyer gets about a house and the more detailed their list of things they would change, the more serious they are about considering making an offer on this place.

What’s a Seller to do? Back off.
If you are selling "By Owner", walk behind them and keep your mouth shut until they ask you a question and only answer what they want to know. This is very difficult to do but... TMI turns them off from looking.
If you are listed with an agent, let your home be shown vacant, or leave the house when people come to see it. If you need to be there, at least walk outside or go sit at the coffee shop down the way while prospective buyers view your home. If the buyers have questions, their people will contact your people.

Quote of the Week:
Keep away from those who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that.
The GREAT make you believe you too, can become GREAT!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Real Estate Mortgage Rates On The Rise

Read yesterday that Mortgage rates are creeping back up over 5%
The rate on the 30-year conforming mortgage has risen to 5.1% and is expected to rise even more in the coming weeks. What does this mean for the housing market as we come up on the Spring? Hopefully, those planning on buying will act soon, before they increase more. Could ...have a positive affect - expediting an early Spring market. What's your opinion?

Saturday, February 12, 2011

For Sale By Owner Mistakes

FSBO (For Sale By Owner) assistance is my speciality!
Yes, that's what I've been  doing for the past 16 years.
FSBOs -  Want to sell with as little cost as possible.
FSBOs - Don't like real estate agents.
FSBOs - Want control.
FSBOs - Sign contracts without checking on buyer's ability to qualify for a mortgage.
FSBOs - Make too many verbal agreements.
FSBOs - Sign an agreement with out of their area Internet real estate companies to get on REALTOR.com and don't realize they've "listed' their property!
FSBOs - Look for help from these agents and they don't get it unless they pay, pay, pay.
FSBOs - Often end up paying a commission to an agent who finds a buyer.
FSBO's  - Some should be listed with a good real estate agent.
FSBOs - Need experts to work with to close their sale with less costs.
FSBOs - Should take the time to learn everything about closing costs, selling,  and transferring title smoothly BEFORE they put their property for sale in this market.
FSBOs - Need a user friendly title company that will walk them through the closing.
FSBOs  - Need my company, GATEWAY TITLE - even if they do end up selling with the assistance of a real estate agent.
FSBOs - ALL PROPERTIES are SOLD by the owner of that property - THINK ABOUT IT!
FSBOs - Can succeed and keep it simple..... let's talk!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

How's The Real Estate Market Now?

How’s Business?

I’ve always been an optimist so I should probably say “wonderful” but I would not be telling you the truth.
Why? My world depends on the real estate market and condition of the real estate market has been no secret …. I would imagine there’s not a person out there who is not aware of the condition of real estate in the past couple of years, things I never thought would happen, happened!
We’ve all seen banks failures, mortgage fraud, upside down mortgages, short sales, foreclosures. There are houses that have been for sale in the market for years.

Many businesses connected with real estate have closed, including many other title companies.
Gateway is still here taking care of people who need us.

I get a lot of calls and emails from those people who have questions about what is involved and what does it cost for title work when they are selling, buying and especially if they are refinancing… they know that they can pick the title company, and are shopping around more than ever in the past. I personally take most of their calls; it gives me a better insight to the market.
Now the optimist in me comes alive. This long snowy winter has had an effect on real estate, but the good news is a loosening up. I’m hearing from buyers and sellers who have a “deal” or are refinancing because banks rates are still good - but they are slowly creeping upward, and they want to get a mortgage before they go higher.
I always ask those callers how they heard about Gateway Title and they tell me they’ve used us before and we made it easy for them and they want to save money by coming back. They have been referred by a friend or relative, and of course, they have seen me on Golden Opportunities!

We are doing everything we can to get this market moving up.
Here’s how we help:
*You can get our famous, free starter kit for selling – just ask.
*Make an appointment for a free consultation about the paper work required, and explanation of the costs and how to save money.
*Sign up for our free informative newsletter.
*Attend a free workshop.
We are having a free real estate work shop to help explain what is needed to succeed in today’s real estate market - Saturday Morning, February 27, 2011 at 9:30 am – our office in Brecksville. Just give us a call or email to register for this workshop. Let me answer your questions and help you.

And when you ask me: “How’s business?” I will tell you “Looking better because of you”!

Call me at Gateway: 440 546 9660 or email me at Rachel@gatewaytitle.com

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Ohio Real Estate Market on Feb.2, 2011

Buyers Have Lots of Questions – Bring Them On!


We have had a definite increase on calls from buyers this year wanting to know about our services and fees.

The FSBO (for sale by owner) workshops are also an indication that sellers are of a new mindset, a moving forward attitude that this is the market- period! Sellers are adjusting to the market values and seemed to have stopped waiting for everything to go back up to what it was three years ago. That’s just not going to happen!

It does appear the market has bottomed out is slowly coming back, and that’s a GOOD thing, but will remain slow until next year when it will probably show a small price increase.

Sellers are also working on making their properties more attractive to potential buyers making those small repairs and staging so the property looks it’s best to potential buyers.

They know there is a ton of competition out there.

Buyers are savvier than they were and are shopping very carefully.

They are also shopping for lenders and title/escrow services. We have never had so many calls from buyers in the past. Many of them have been sent to us by sellers.

Talking to buyers and sellers and keeping their life as simple as possible is where we shine.

Give us a call, we love talking to buyers and sellers. We make the time for you!

Rachel

See my blog: www.realestateactuality.blogspot.com



PS. One thing we’re noticing- many buyers are buying from a family member or friend. We can help you with that and you pay no extra fees or commission. Keeping Life Simple for you.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Truth About Real Estate Title and Escrow Fees

Gateway Title - Feels Like The Lone Ranger

Are we the only REAL title agency left in the Cleveland area or
have the other remaining title agencies stopped taking phone calls from buyers/sellers and attorneys?
I ask this because we have been getting calls from people who need the help of a title company and tell us we are the only company willing to take the time to listen and help them. ....
  Strange, we like getting business, don’t they?
 True, the values of real estate are not what they used to be but business is business.
There is a glitch that is not always understood by sellers and borrowers:
Just because the property is really, really cheap, doesn’t mean a title company can do the required work really, really cheap.
Anyone in this business knows that the work involved in title and escrow is the same if the property is $8000, or $80,000 or $800,000!
For many consumers, it is hard truth to grasp.

We find the cheaper the property, the more title problems exist.

Regardless of the property value, if you are refinancing, selling and/or buying real estate, and you want it done correctly, you will need a really good, honest title company.

You need Gateway Title.
Let’s see if we can help you.
Give us a call – 440 546 9660

Monday, January 24, 2011

A Great Time to buy a House
Have you heard that now is a great time to buy a house?
All of the “news” programs seem to be focusing on real estate.
The experts know that when the housing market comes back, the rest of the economy follows. It only makes sense.
This whole mess started with the collapse of the mortgage markets and sub-prime lending.
   When mortgage lending is healthy, and the housing market is moving, there is work and it trickles down in some way to all of us from builders and supplies to the appliance manufacturer, to salespeople who work in the stores, REALTORS, your friends at Gateway Title and many, more. Stop and think about the impact a healthy real estate market can have on you and the rest of the country.
  It’s no surprise. This real estate market gives buyers a rare opportunity to own a home in a market that is not falsely inflated. Lenders are shouting out- mortgage rates at record lows!
Sellers are not giving their properties away, but have adjusted values and offering homes in much better condition than they did in a seller’s market. If you have been hesitating in buying that home, hesitate no more. This is a great time to buy your piece of the rock and our economy needs you!

(Oh, by the way, please name Gateway Title in your contract so we can have the privilege to be your title company – Thanks!)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

For Sale By Owner Free Help

How to Sell Real Estate in this market ....
Class is scheduled for: Saturday morning at 9:30 AM.
Come to Gateway Title Class Room
8748 Brecksville Rd.
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
Please call Renee@ 440 546 9660
www.gatewaytitle.com
It is a Great Time To Buy .... sooooo
It's a Smart Time To Sell!