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!

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!

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

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

To all sellers

I have been researching marketing real estate and I have discovered that putting the sale price on the sign creates activity on the property creating a better position in finding a buyer.

Do you have thoughts on this? I would appreciate it if you would please reply back to me with your opinion.

Thanks for taking the time to help.
Keeping Life Simple,

Rachel Torchia
President
Gateway Title Agency Inc.
8748 Brecksville Road Suite 100
Brecksville, Ohio 44141

Phone: (440) 546-9660
rachel@gatewaytitle.com
Reak Estate Actuality editor

AND THE WINNER IS? BOTH- BUYER &SELLER!

Follow up ...


Well the buyer and seller finally came to terms and are ready to move on. How did it turn out?

Seller accepts the pro ration of taxes but refused to pay for title insurance. Buyer accepts paying for his title insurance (he wouldn't take title without it).

They made a few other adjustments and are ready to move on.

The moral of this story is.....

If you really want to sell and they really want to buy, KEEP TALKING AND WORK IT OUT!

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

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!

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.

"For Sale By Owners" More Determined Than Ever!

We, at Gateway Title, truly are "FSBO"(For Sale By Owner) experts.
This has been our niche' for 17 years and we have seen it all!
Before 2008, sellers would put their house on the market "by owner" to try it for a couple of weeks.
They usually set the asking price too high with the thought of making a real killing in a seller's market!
After a couple of weeks, if the property is not sold, the sellers call a real estate agent and list at a true market  price,it sells and they pay a commission.
Then of course, the past 4 years have been pretty dead. They go "by owner", then list, and when it expires go back to FSBO or, in total frustration,  take it off the market completely!
Now the "For Sale By Owners" are coming back with a determination I have never seen before.
They order our "Starter Kit" and also, as never before, read every word and call to "Smart Start" the title work (saves them $$).
They are tuned in to the real market value, they refuse to have to pay comission, many times,
 they offer modest
closing credits to a buyer, and THEY ARE SUCCEEDING!
It seems like Gateway is part of the FSBO underground because we get so many request from sellers who were referred by other buyers and sellers.We are working with many "family to family" transactions like never before and it seems  like "starter" homes are back in demand!
 Folks come out of the blue to use our services and we absolutely LOVE it!
We hope this activity is an indication of an improving market for all.
Heaven knows a better economy is what we're all praying for!
PS. Don't stop praying...We think it's working!

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

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.

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