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!

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.......?

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?

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

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

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!

LEASE/PURCHASES ARE CONVERTING TO PURCHASE

Gateway Title - The FSBO Specialists

A new Real Estate Trend has come to our attention

We are getting more "LEASE /PURCHASE" agreements, now converting to the purchase. 

They need a title company to follow the agreement instructions and close it for them. We do that!

Please give me a call at 440 546 9660 or email me rachel@gatewaytitle.com 

If you have questions or need help with this.

That's what we do!

THIS IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

An email from Tracy:

 Rachel and Barb,

Thanks so much for all you did to make my title work a breeze. I also appreciate all you did to accomodate my agile schedule today. Despite all the reworking and running around, I was able to arrive at home just in time to meet the carpet installers as they were ringing my doorbell.

Best regards, Tracy 

Thanks Tracy - You made our day!

SELLER A CONTROL FREAK OR JUST PLAIN NUTS!

Got this call yesterday.
They are trying to buy, for cash, a home that has been on the market since 2008.
They offered the asking price which is now at market value, splitting the fees equally..
Seller countered by adding closing cost and tax pro ration to offered price.
He thinks he shouldn't have  to pay any costs or his own real estate taxes!
Hello....This is 2013... Is this seller  nuts or what?
He needs help.

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!

Okay, I VENTED - I'M FEELING BETTER NOW!

It's safe to call or email me if you need to know what it will cost
to buy or sell that piece of real estate in Ohio.
Email them to: rachel@gatewaytitle.com
Call me at Gateway Title: 440-546 9660
I really do enjoy helping you and
 answering your questions.

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!

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 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.