Cleveland Area Real Estate and Gateway Title

Most often asked question since 2008 is....
"How are you guys doing?"
It is still the number one question I hear.
Aside from the fact that this has been a down real estate market
that is starting to show signs of life, ( a good thing)
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 alliances  with banks and lenders thereby cutting out their own independent agents so they, (our own underwriters) 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 since 2008
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,
Take Care,
Rachel

WHAT MAKES PROPERTIES HOT?

I have watched this strange phenomena for years.:
A home is on the market for months and nothing happens.
Expanded advertising is done and nothing happens.
Open houses are held and nothing happens.
The price is reduced and nothing happens.
Fliers are distributed and nothing happens.
Nothing is done -( status quo) - and nothing happens.
                    and THEN.........
A potential buyer shows interest ... and then another shows interest...
and maybe even  more show interest and something happens!
OFTEN,  even a BIDDING WAR  happens and the property is ...
SOLD!
What happened?
 Why?
 I don't know and I can't explain it.
I just know that it is something strange that hppens.
A house gets HOT and everyone seems to want it.
It seems like every house does  has it's time. I've watched this over and over.
It does happen  - if you're selling, get ready,
 This could happen to your property!
HOT! HOT! HOT!

IT happenes All the Time - I Love IT!

I had an appointment at the Cleveland Eye Clinic  for a check-up yesterday.
The assistant had my chart and was confirming /updating my personal information.
She paused... and then said "Oh, you work at Gateway Title they  did our closing when we bought our home! I still have my Gateway mug, the picture you took and the pretty pens we used to sign our papers"!
   I know I  had a  big smile on my face and  I told her Gateway Title was my company and
 she really made my day.
She Thanked me for making them feel so welcomed, and how we made it so easy for them to relax and
go through the paper work.
She said we were the "Best part of buying the home".
She was the "Best Part" of my day!
Thank You Shana.

I Deserved A Break . Watch Out ..I'm Back!

Hi There,
It's Hard to back to my reality today.
Four days in Las Vegas is NOT reality.
We had a really fun time but it is not the kind of life style I'd want on a permanent basis.
I was delighted at the real estate activity that took place while I was gone...
A lot can happen in 4 days.
Seller number three dropped off a signed purchase agreement and an earnest money check Monday.
So it's three down and definitely lots more to do  - based on the phone calls I had from
prospective buyers and sellers today!
YAHOO -  let's get this real estate market MOVING!
We all know this economy needs to grow stronger for the good of us all!

Two Done, One To Go

Three Sellers contacted me last Friday because they found buyers for their properties and were ready to go.Two of the three have completed signing and we have started the process of closing for them.
Number three's  buyer called me yesterday, with questions on lender fees and closing costs. I worked up closing costs for her and emailed. We talked a while as I answered her questions.
This is the part I Love doing.
Most  buyers and sellers have very little knowledge of costs and just how it all comes together.
It's not every day you buy or sell a house and things do change also.
Just why in the heck do you need title insurance and what is escrow?
 How much  is all of this going to cost?
Call me - then you'll know!
PS. I Love what I do!

DO IT- DO IT- NOW!

Real Estate Sellers and Buyers Have Been Waiting For Several Years Now.
It's about time that the market is improving!
A healthy real estate market is the perfect medicine for our country's ailing economy.
From soup to nuts, everything is affected by the building and housing market.
I don't need to study statistics to see what is happening,
Everything has its time and the time to heal our sick economy is NOW!
PS. If I were looking to buy real estate,
 I'd do it now, before rates and prices rise -( and they will you know)

How It Really happens...Follow FSBO Chris

Last Friday, Chris called me. He found our www.gatewaytitle.com when he googled for help.in selling his house.
I listened as he explained his situation and offered him the paper work our attorney has prepared for those who are going FSBO (For Sale By Owner).
He printed them from our website - everything he needed - Perfect!
He asked about fees and how we figure them.I explained  many final costs are based
on selling price.
He didn't have that as he was making plans to meet with the potential buyer.
I suggested he SMART START his title work and save $125... nice
He did that so I am all ready checking out the title so he can sell.
This scenario is not new to me - been doing it since 1995 -I  love what we do.
Good Luck Chris with the potential buyer.
I'm here to help walk you through the closing.
P.S. I keep you posted as to how Chris does.