What Do Sellers and Buyers Want To Know?

How do we put this together and how much will it cost?
We have those answers -
Buyers and Sellers are surprised that we take the time to answer those questions about closing their real estate transaction.
It's no problem or inconvenience  - you are our customers and taking care of you  is what we do.
Take a look and call.
We always have time for YOU!
I promise!

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

I was sitting here watching the 11pm news about how many senior citizens homes are being invaded and robbed, beaten,and even murdered. Everyone is being cautioned about strangers who come a knocking and "ding dong" my doorbell rang. It scared the heck out of me! I turned on all of the porch lights and a young man I didn't know was standing at my door. He said he swerved to avoid hitting a deer and his car was stuck by my driveway. Through two doors, I told him I wasn't opening the door, but I would call the police - I did and they came. It is very cold but I told him to wait by his car. I felt bad leaving him in the cold but..... you never know these days. sure miss the good old days.

WHY FSBO SUCCESS is AMAZING THIS SPRING!

Listed Homes for sale inventory is LOW in our area
Buyers finding them on internet 
Seller's are Utilizing the web opportunities
Researching asking price and asking  to the market value
Seek education on paper work
Not afraid to negotiate
Selling to their renter
Family to family sales
Co-brokering with real estate agents.
Staging  homes
Rely on Gateway Title for education on closing costs estimates and procedures.
What else comes to your mind.......?

Real Estate Actuality: I Wonder If HE Was Watching

Real Estate Actuality: I Wonder If HE Was Watching: Feeling a bit embarrassed right now. "Why?"  you might ask Well, Mike and I went to church at 5:30.this Sunday. When it came t...

I Wonder If HE Was Watching

Feeling a bit embarrassed right now.
"Why?"
 you might ask
Well, Mike and I went to church at 5:30.this Sunday.
When it came time for communion, they needed additional Eucharistic Ministers so we both  stepped up to help.
 After distributing the Host, It is returned to the priest at the Alter.
 In bringing the Host back  you have to walk up 4 steps.
When I reached the top step, my  shoe stuck on the carpeting and I almost fell into the very surprised Priest.
He looked at me and we both laughed.  He told me he's had that happen to him.
So I didn't fall and I didn't spill the Host but I did scare some of the people who saw it.
Sorry for that.
I wonder if God laughed with me?
I hope so!

House Sales Are Popping UP All Over!

Home sales are popping up all over, everyday .
YES they are!
Are a lot of FSBOs (for sale by owner) are succeeding at a speed I haven't
seen in ages and I do mean AGES.
   One of the most amazing things I'm witnessing is the large  number of sellers
that were  unsuccessful last summer and fall that now have success.
They put their property back on recently and have a buyer now!
Many of them tell me all they did was put out the "For Sale' sign and
the buyer came a knocking!
A common thread..... they priced their property to the market!
Buyers have also done their homework and know market values.
A Wise seller and a Wise pre- approved buyer = SOLD!
 I do see that Many are being sold by buyer's agents.  WHY?
In my opinion, it's the Shortage of listed inventory so they are seeking out 
the For Sale By Owners to show their buyers.
  Some sellers freak out if an agent brings a buyer. 
It's Not necessary to freak out -  if the offer is acceptable, ACCEPT IT!
 Just remember you do not have to use the agent owned title company. 
It is up to buyer and seller to agree on the title company to insure and 
close their transaction.
Things are getting wonderfully busy - so get busy, get your Gateway Title Free Seller's Kit, 
"for sale"sign,
price it right and Get that Property SOLD!
 and call me at GATEWAY TITLE    
440 546 9660
or email rachel@gatewaytitle.com
Take Care!
 
 

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU COULD DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

What is the one thing you could do 
to make a difference in people's lives? 
It probably won't be about money or gaining something personally.
 It will most likely be about giving,
 sharing,
 loving,
and helping others do better.
What Could You Do?

RING... RING... RING!....MUSIC TO MY EARS

Everywhere I go, someone invariably asks me about the real estate market.
I have my own personal way of knowing how the market is going.
It's the ring of my phone at the office and the number of emails requesting
 our SMART SELLER'S kit.
I always ask how they knew to order it and it is usually because someone told them we can help
them know how to sell by owner from contract to closing or they used us previously and had a great experience. They  are buying or selling again by owner or they have an agent but still choose to have us do their escrow and title work. These folks make my heart sing right out loud!
I am finding out that they are finding us on our website, from Angie's List or just surfing  for help and found us. see www.gatewaytitle.com
   When I hear this and as I talk with these wonderful folks with increased frequency, I know the market is picking up!
Sounds so simple, but it works that way!
We also have  marked increase of sellers contacting us to register for our unique workshop that
again teaches selling your property from "contract to closing"
The terrible weather has had an impact on all of us for sure.
I think there is a big bunch of buyers and sellers out there chomping at the bit to get selling and buying those properties.
Get ready.
It's coming and it will be a great time to for so many of you out there to make that move !
For businesses of all kind, t's been a tough few months since the holidays.
Get ready ...get set..... it's going to get much better for real estate and and economy in general!
The signs are all there  (

call 440 546 9660)
RING.... RING...RING!

Will Your Kids See Your Pictures 29 Years From Now?

Pictures
Pictures of every home I've lived in -inside and out.
Family picnics, Easter outfits, Christmas morning, sitting with Grandma and Grandpa.
My babies, our pets, a new car, birthday parties, Halloween costumes, kids baseball games.
The list in my mind is endless......
I was going through a box of old pictures yesterday and letting my thoughts take me back as I
looked.
Then it hit me!
I take a lot of pictures but the prints of them do not exists -oh they are on many little cards
in my camera (which doesn't get used much now).
They are on my phone, IPad.
But they are not printed out on old fashion PAPER!
What will the next generations be looking at?
My phone?
My IPAD?
That little blue and red card with 400 pictures on it?
I wonder.
It seems I am taking pictures of everything all of the time.
Oh, I post them on facebook for the world to see.
Will future generations be looking for them there?
There is something so sweet about taking out a box or album of old pictures and
reminiscing. A smile.A tear. A rush of LOVE!
I am going to start printing.
I owe it to the future!
How about those pictures for yours?

TEN WAYS to CURE CABIN FEVER - from Gateway Title

Instead of waiting....waiting .... for spring to spring out,
Start getting busy on your plan to sell your house this year.
HOW?
1. Clean up and throw out or call a local charity to pick up your discards.
What better why to get some exercise, stay warm and get your mind off the weather?
2. Make those minor repairs you've been putting off.
You know,  loose cupboard doors, leaky faucets and slow drains - things like that.
3. Look up other homes for sale in your area.
Try Zillow , Realtor.com, and other real estate websites,compare list prices on homes similar  to yours.
4. Decide how you are going to handle your  listing -
Hire an agent or go "For Sale By Owner"?
5. Under stand the cost and what is involved in closing.
Get your free "Smart Seller's Kit" from Gateway Title - best education out there.
6. Study the information given to you in the kit.
Call or email Gatewaytitle.com with your questions and we'll help you!
7. Register for Gateway Title Seller's Workshop, February 22,2014
Learn from the experts on Paper work, Mortgage information, Marketing Real Estate and MORE!
8. SMART START your title work and save on closing costs.
By having your title examined before you have a buyer, if there is a title problem, it can be
taken care of and no delays when you sell!
9. Lean on us!
Gateway Title is valuable source of information and support!
10. After you get all of this accomplished, You will be CURED of cabin fever and
READY to Get that property SOLD!   SOLD!   SOLD!
(and we can help)
Stay Warm
Rachel



 

 

Gateway Title Cleveland -Busy Is a Good Thing

finally - there is a break through for everyone
 connected with the  Cleveland Real Estate Market.
Our workshops that teach Buyers and Sellers how to understand
a real estate contract and other paper work are filling up fast.
if you are selling with the assistance of an  Agent or
Going by owner, this workshop is here to help you avoid make
costly mistakes because as most tell me
 " Oh, I didn't realize that
when I signed the offer to purchase"
Those over sightes can prove to be costly.
We are the #1 Cleveland title company when it comes to
educating buyers and sellers to help tham avoid thoise costly mistakes.
If you can't attend our class on Saturday, Feb.22,2014 @ 9:30am
you can have a private consultation - just call or email me.

440 546 9660   rachel@gatewaytitle.com
My time is dedicated to helping buyers and sellers.

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION NO MORE!

The world has changed.
You have changed.
I have changed.
Buyers and Sellers have changed.
Real Estate Market jut Ain't What It Used To Be
A Few years Ago.
How, you say?
The favorite saying was:" Location, Location, Location"
No more!
It has changed to "Location, Condition, Price"
Buyers are a lot more demanding and picky sooooo
If you are selling and what that top $ for your location,
That probably won't happen if you haven't price your
property to the current market in according  to
the condition of the condition it is in!
Looking forward to the Spring Market

THESE CLEVELAND AREA SELLERS ARE UPSET

It is not unusual that folks stop by our office to ask questions about title, escrow and closing  process.
 In the past 24hours, I have been contacted by two  property owners who are
currently listed.
 One,  is listed with the biggest Cleveland area  company and the other, with a franchise
broker.located just outside of  Cleveland.
For various  reasons, they each are  very unhappy with the service they are getting
 from their  agents.
Each of them contacted the listing agents office to request a release from the listing
agreement they signed.
In each case they tell me they were told absolutely NO!
One of them was told by the agent that she was in the business to make money
 and what he wanted was not important!.
The other seller was left was in tears by the office manager's response.
I guess this is really none of my business - but they came to me and it does bother me
that these "professionals" are only making the image worse for those hard working Cleveland area
real state agents who put their heart and soul into taking care of their customers and clients as
they should be.
Many sellers stop by that we don't know -
I think they are looking for someone to listen to them.
There is nothing I can do or offer about their problem....
But - I listen!

How's the Title Business?

How's the title Business?
Lately I'm hearing this a lot.
Honestly, I can tell you business is a lot busier than it has been for the past few years!
It's been tough. Hanging in there has been the challenge of my lifetime.
This is my family business - not so easy to give up when the whole
 family is involved. It's a time we found what we are really made of.
Everyone sacrificed and worked hard to keep it going.
I've prayed. I've cried. I've gone through exhaustion.
At times I almost forgot how to laugh.
Gateway Title will celebrate 20 years of doing business next month.
There were times I wondered if that would happen.
I know I'm not alone. I know many good people left the business.
There is another side to what I've experienced.
I've learned God does hear prayers I still cry when I hear "God Bless America"
I sleep better at night and my family is stronger then I thought.
Yes the title business is busier lately and we are still here working and doing what we love -
helping buyers and sellers
through the mysterious title and escrow process.
I also know we couldn't do it without you, our wonderful customers
Thank you

Buyers will like this - I dare you!

Rachel says, "I Dare You!"

How many calls do you get from your “for sale” sign?

Increase the action on your property.
Separate your property from the pack.
Put it “on sale” and write the sale price right on your sign!

You put the asking price on your flyers, but how many buyers actually
stop the car to take the flyer?

This is an up front, in your face, bold way to advertise on your lawn
sign. I discovered this selling secret from sellers who did it and got a
buyer from the attention it drew.

Anything can be for sale,
The real deals are “on sale”.

If you’d like a white Plastic sign, we found some old signs on which you
could write the asking price and attach to your present yard sign.

Just stop by our Gateway Title Brecksville office and get yours for
free – while the supply last.

Email or call us at 440 546 9660 for more information on this
challenge.

Do you dare?

Rachel

Listening IS Conversation

Gateway Title - The FSBO Specialists

Last Wednesday, I walked into a closing room to greet a seller waiting to sign final papers. I said "Good Morning" she looked at me and started crying and told me it just really hit her that she was leaving her home of the past 36 years. The place where she and her husband raised their kids and held 36 years of her life.
She is widowed and is moving in with her son. A new beginning, but also an ending.
I listened as she talked.
She then told me she was ready, signed the final papers and left the office with a smile.
Sometimes others just need someone to listen to them. Do you ever just listen?
She wasn't asking for my advice.
She just wanted to say her feelings out loud.
Listening is an important way to have a conversation.
People just want to know they Matter

The Worst Colors to Use in a Home

The Worst Colors to Use in a Home

WE MUST GO ON

Yes, it's horrible.
On April 13,2013 many lives were changed forever.
I felt so much sadness and anger, I wasn't sure how to handle it.
Holding back tears, I continued to go through the process of
my daily activities.
As the evening progressed, I realized I must find a way to
not let this awful thing paralyze me.
They can not win.
This world I knew as a child is gone.
I pray that the world my children and Grand children

is one that they experience with love and security.
God Bless America!

LIVE FOR TODAY - REPEAT!

TODAY'S SELF-TALK: "I live today for today. I learn from yesterday, and prepare for tomorrow, but today I focus on today, and make every precious moment count. Now is my time, this is my moment, and today is my day."
Repeat - Repeat -  Repeat!

WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH TO SELL OR BUY A HOME?

Every so often, I get the "deer in the headlights"  look from a seller at the closing table. Some sellers ask "Why do you charge me so much  to sell my home?"
Some call me and tell  me to "sharpen my pencil" that one makes my blood boil!
I love what I do to make others dreams come true.
I insure and protect the American dream and that is pretty awesome responsibility.
In order to achieve this I have to do a lot of work.
Examine the title, commit to the conditions to insure.
As the neutral  escrow agent, I follow contract and lender instructions to complete the deal-
Keep in touch with ALL parties and hope they return calls and co-operate to get it done.
Then there's Real estate agents, inspectors, insurance agents, city and county offices, attorneys,
and we collect the lender's charges for the mortgage loan.
 Sometimes, there are well meaning relatives who think they  know more than we. Loan officers and their processors, who have different stories to tell  buyers, get mortgage pay-offs, taxes, appointments for signing -one each for buyer and seller. This is an escrow closing area. Make sure deed and mortgage are filed on time, and disburse the funds to all involved including paying off the mortgage. We wire most of these and it is not free and..when it is all over...
I issue a title insurance  policy to protect the American Dream!
Do you have any idea the number of hours we put into a real estate transfer title?
Much of what is charged, I am collecting for another party -: the county/state  transfer tax (a biggie) and we collect the lender's charges for the mortgage loan. and the
real estate commission, the biggest biggie.
I totally believe in educating the buyers and sellers through our free workshops, consultations, plus
 the zillions of phone calls I take and explain costs up front.
 Sometimes they  "forget".
We are the low man(or woman) on the totem pole when it comes to fees involved in a real estate purchase or sale, I started  Gateway Title 21 years ago.
I guess I keep  doing this  because I love it!
Call me when you are buying or selling for a free estimate and explanation of the costs involved. PS. Did you know the seller and buyer have a right to choose the title company used for their closing?