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 9, 2011
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.
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
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!)
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Everybody knows GATEWAY TITLE - the for sale by owner company!
Well, not everybody - but we are a title company that has broken the "Invisible Barrier"
and are known to the general public!
How is did this happen?
A few tips:
Be an original! If you do what your competition does, it only serves s a reminder of your competition, and you don’t want to remind everyone of your competition do you? Don’t copy.
Be original.
Be unique
Be so original that your name and services become “generic’’ to your business or service. For example: Kleenex, FedEx, and Velcro.
When Gateway Title comes up, I hear:”you help For Sale by Owners”.
When I started Gateway Title, Gateway Stadium was just completed and people thought we were part of the land acquisitions for the area. We weren’t, but the “Gateway Title” name was familiar to the public immediately. “Torchia Title”, “RT Group”, MRT Title Agency” would have meant nothing to the public “Gateway “did!
To push further, I let the members of the media know about us and our service to for sale by owners. That netted many calls and interviews from them because our service was so unique. I advertised directly to the public and escaped the circle of sameness marketing that everyone else in my industry did for years.
I’ve always said that real estate title insurance and escrow service is the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the real estate industry. Taking our uniqueness to the public through “Power Positioning” is what made it work! What makes you and your business original? What does your name or “tag” tells others about you do? Find your unique factor, be an original and power position yourself to win!
Next: Can you make the ordinary extraordinary?
and are known to the general public!
How is did this happen?
A few tips:
Be an original! If you do what your competition does, it only serves s a reminder of your competition, and you don’t want to remind everyone of your competition do you? Don’t copy.
Be original.
Be unique
Be so original that your name and services become “generic’’ to your business or service. For example: Kleenex, FedEx, and Velcro.
When Gateway Title comes up, I hear:”you help For Sale by Owners”.
When I started Gateway Title, Gateway Stadium was just completed and people thought we were part of the land acquisitions for the area. We weren’t, but the “Gateway Title” name was familiar to the public immediately. “Torchia Title”, “RT Group”, MRT Title Agency” would have meant nothing to the public “Gateway “did!
To push further, I let the members of the media know about us and our service to for sale by owners. That netted many calls and interviews from them because our service was so unique. I advertised directly to the public and escaped the circle of sameness marketing that everyone else in my industry did for years.
I’ve always said that real estate title insurance and escrow service is the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the real estate industry. Taking our uniqueness to the public through “Power Positioning” is what made it work! What makes you and your business original? What does your name or “tag” tells others about you do? Find your unique factor, be an original and power position yourself to win!
Next: Can you make the ordinary extraordinary?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
An Obituary printed in the London Times -
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair; and
- Maybe it was my fault..
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers:
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone..
If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
An Obituary printed in the London Times -
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair; and
- Maybe it was my fault..
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers:
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone..
If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
An Obituary printed in the London Times -
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)