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



 

 

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!

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

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!

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!

http://www.dailyreferral.com/43343 this is how you register to get the fantastic deals at Daily Referral.
Daily Referral is part of a business that Mike and I doing in addition to our "regular businesses -Gateway Title and The Realty Store.
We believe this company "Invado",  is an important link to future security regardless of the condition of the economy and in  particular, real estate.
If you also  have concerns about your financial future, please contact me at rachel@gatewaytitle.com
or call 440 546 9660 to take a closer look at this business.
In the mean time, register with Daily Referral (above) to reap the rewards of group buying.
Thanks,
Rachel Torchia

A new Twist On Marketing Real Estate

Social Media is becoming the newest way to market and advertise real estate listings.
You can create your own Facebook page.
Put your property information on your Facebook page and share with others to see.
Open houses are posted on Personal Facebook pages.
It's free and easy to do.
Real estate agents are using to the max - even doing ads on group buying sites for special discounts!
Gateway Title uses facebook to keep consumers informed and market company services. (Make Gateway Title your friend by "liking it" on Facebook).
Consider  All posibilities when you are selling.
Sign upon for online buying  groups to see what others are doing.
I am an Invado representative and am including the information to sign up for the newest in Network marketing. Explanation of Daily Referral: a combination of group buying & social networking.Helps businesses market their products/services effectively and businesses only pay when they make a sale. to register, go to this website: www.prelaunch@dailyreferral.com    sign in with ID#43343, check your email & verify. Sign up for Both your business and you - contact me if you have questions - Rachel

Real Estate Sales Exhaustion Rx

Keeping a POSITIVE OUTLOOK
There may be times when you feel like throwing in the towel and say "Out at any price!"  You're not alone in these feelings but be aware that this is a psychological trap.
One of the most negative things you can do is to advertise you are a "highly motivated" seller.
Many very "savvy" buyers are taught to seek you out because you are exhausted and will accept any kind of low-ball offer, one that is far below the true value of your property.
You can be motivated to sell, but  you don't want to appear "highly motivated" and attract what the industry sees as "bottom feeders". It's a fine line but knowing the difference is important.
Those buyers seek out sellers who have sales exhaustion.
Being  aware that exhaustion DOES exist helps. Break out of the trap...
Consider other options:
Renting the house
Cleaning and painting (you never got around to doing)
Brainstorm with your agent
Unique promotions
Additional advertising
Discover realistic asking price

When things are the darkest, ask yourself this question:"Am I experiencing real estate sales exhaustion?"
If your answer is "yes" then it's time to start doing positive things and get back in the real market and
become a non-exhausted, Successful Seller!

What is Real Estate Sales Exhaustion?

Real estate sales exhaustion is a combination of despair and fatigue.It's effect is cumulative.Usually there is no one incident that causes it. There is a "straw that breaks the camel's back" that causes a seller to want to get out at any price!
It is a problem of desperation on the seller's part. Things seem to go from bad to worse, and it's easy to forget that any house can be sold. After a while, seller's think that they will never make it; and the property will be the one that goes all the way to zero in value
Many situations are often made even more urgent because of the seller's financial pressures.
Everything does not have to continue to be bleak. Don't get caught in this psychological trap!
There are ways to recover from real estate sales exhaustion starting with keeping a positive outlook and trust that the offer will come.. (I know you don't want to hear that - but it truly does help).
What else can  a seller do to  recover from real estate sales exhaustion?

How's The Real Estate Market?

It seems I am asked that question from just about everyone, everywhere I go.
The second most asked question is: "How's your business doing"?
I don't mind those questions...
1. I'm happy to see interest in the real estate market and it is getting better!
2. It is very encouraging to find folks asking and cheering us on!
These have been a tough couple of years. Many former competitors have given up and closed their doors. Others were closed down by underwriters for lack of title insurance premium payment. I think, we in the industry never envisioned all of this would happen.
It's looking up and coming back! YEA!
I'm asked how we survived.
That answer is easy.
We have wonderful, loyal customers and community that chose us and refer others to use us for title work.
THANKS FOR ASKING... YOU'RE FANTASTIC! :)

REAL ESTATE - All I CAN SAY IS "WOW"!

It's  really, really busy at Gateway Title and that's a GOOD thing.
The buyers and sellers need our help through closing their new deals!  WOW!
Now, I know this is what we do and should expect but the numbers of calls far exceeds what we expected!
Keep those contracts  letters and emails a comin'.
We can never be too busy.
Keep them coming...
WE LOVE THE EXCITEMENT.
It's a great day at- Gateway Title!
THANK YOU

BUYERS LOOKING FOR $8000 TAX CREDIT ARE LOOKING FOR YOU

ARE YOU READY?

Gateway Title wants to help you.
The future buyer of your home may be looking for the $8000 tax credit.
They must close by Nov.30th or they lose it!
Reserve your place for our Saturday morning workshop to be held at our Brecksville Rd. classroom
9:30 AM to noon. (fr.ee beverage and pastries)

Special Guest Expert: Roy Buser – Mortgage Account Executive, First Merit Bank
GATEWAY TITLE will walk you through the closing maze!
F.ree workbook, disclosures and more.

Click on  this email address http://www.gatewaytitle.com/ or call Renee – 440 546 9660 for more information about this f.ree opportunity to learn.
Follow our blog: www.realestateactuality.blogspot.com
Keeping Life Simple,
Rachel Torchia
President
Gateway Title Agency Inc.
8748 Brecksville Road Suite 100
Brecksville, Ohio 44141

REAL ESTATE $8000 TAX CREDIT UPDATE FROM GATEWAY TITLE

$8,000 FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT UPDATE


YOU MUST CLOSE THE TRANSACTION BY NOV 30, 2009!

WOW!
This $8000 tax credit has brought a lot of activity to our local real estate market!

Nothing else in the recent past can compare with the number of calls, questions, as this.

Local REALTORS are busy writing offers and finding they are in competive bidding with offers. When was the last time that happened? This is good news for sellers who have to decide which offer to accept. The market has “bottomed out” for them.
A word of caution: It may not be smooth sailing bringing these to close by the November deadline.

Based on first hand experience as a title and escrow agent, I predict real estate closings the last week of November, 2009 could be a real mess. The main reason: The surge in mortgage applications overwhelming lenders. Lenders have reduced staff, increased paperwork required to sell the loan, dealing with changing government rules and just simply overload on all of the settlement services. Now, mix in with that, the days lenders, county recording offices and title companies are closed because of Thanksgiving ... Do you see what I see?
If you are one of the buyers or sellers who need to close by November 30th, don’t delay in completing required paper work, repairs, occupancy inspections and permits.
The real estate industry is lobbying to have this credit extended as of this writing we have heard nothing.

Let me know if you have a recent experience with a closing delay or problem I haven’t thought of.

I can be contacted at rachel@gatewaytitle.com or call 440 546 9660.
REMEMBER:

November 30,2009 is the deadline and then it is gone!

REAL ESTATE TITLE INFORMATION OVERLOAD!

I’M ON INFORMATION OVERLOAD!


I just returned from two days at Saw Mill Creek where the

100th OLTA (Ohio Land Title Association) convention was held. Bridget and Renee also attended and we sat through 9 hours of continuing education, which is necessary to maintain our title insurance license.

Did you know that we are an insurance agency? We are agents of Old Republic National Title and
LawyersTitle Insurance Companies.
We have the privilege of insuring the title to the American Dream – an awesome responsibility.
The title industry, being part of the real estate industry, is going through some changes. One of the most significant being the HUD1 closing statement sellers and borrowers receive at their closing. It will look somewhat different – remember this is a government form. One of the items is about your choice of a title company and the lender’s role in this decision.
Buyers will be more involved in the choice of a title company.
Buyers should be shopping around for service and fees. Most Fees such as title insurance rates and the transfer tax are the same regardless of the title agency. Other fees can vary – but not by much. Great service should be a priority! This whole process can be stress inducing and using a title agency that specializes in A1 customer care, can relieve stress. We shine in keeping life simple for you.

I’m not saying other title agencies aren’t any good – we just know how to take care of you better at Gateway Title.

Do you know you have a choice to make when it comes to who does your title and escrow closing?

Choosing Gateway Title and giving us the opportunity to serve you, would make everyone here very happy.

THE TRUTH ABOUT FIRST TIME BUYER CREDIT

THE TRUTH ABOUT FIRST TIME BUYER CREDIT


We’ve been getting calls from buyers and sellers concerned about the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. There is a lot of hype right now and many people have the wrong information.

I think the following information on the credit is easy to understand and useful to you if this is the time for you to buy a home. Take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Here are details on the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers that can be used on all residential properties:

Tax credit equals 10% of the property's value not to exceed $8,000.

Effective for properties bought by January 1, 2009 and closed by December 1, 2009.

The property purchased must be single-family (condos & townhouses included).

There is an income limit of $75,000 per individual (adjusted gross income) or $150,000 if filing a joint return. Individuals above these salaries may still receive a portion of the tax credit.

Only first-time homebuyers are eligible or the purchaser (and purchaser's spouse) must not have owned a principal residence in the last three years.

This tax credit does not have to be repaid if the property used as a principal residence for three years.

Most experts are saying you should be under contract no later than Oct.9th, 2009.

From Kathy Gedeon of Dollar Bank: “The tax credit has had a positive impact on the market. Customers who were planning on buying in the future have now been motivated to buy now to take advantage of the credit.”

Judy Darwal of RE/MAX Trinity is happy to report:” Very positive – in fact we're running tons of 1st time buyers who are trying to beat the deadline”.

Third Federal loan Administrator, Debra Branske feels that “the opportunities for the industry would have been greater if they included not just the first time buyers but all buyers and builders”.

Gedeon added “It will be more important than ever for REALTORs to make sure their prospective buyers are well qualified AND for buyers to get pre-approved BEFORE they go to the market place”.

This tax credit can be used, as long as buyers meet the federal criteria. This is just a basic summary. You should also consult a tax professional for more specific information that may pertain to you.

Talk to all  the experts, and  feel free to give us a call at  440 546 9660  - Gateway Title and Happy House Hunting!

BEAUTIFUL WEDDING - TIME TO GET BACK TO REAL ESTATE!

It's not easy to settle back into the work day routine after so much of my Granddaughter, Ashley's wedding involvement. It was wonderful!
My mind is now back to the real estate market, which is improving a lot this month.I keep reading the national housing reports, but I only believe what I see in my own backyard and the scenery is looking much better.We love happy buyers and sellers!
I also notice a problem of anxious sellers accepting offers from buyers who "think" they can get a mortgage, but can not and the deal "bombs". BAD for everyone involved.
I called an old friend, Roy Buser, a Mortgage Account executive with First Merit to get his opinion. He agreed whole heartily that many buyers are looking before they know if they CAN qualify.
He offered this advice."If you have the proper and candid conversation with your bank PRIOR to looking at home or engaging a pre-approval then the process will go well;the pre-approval will go well, the purchase agreement will be written well, the financing will go well, and the closing will be smoother. Better planning starts with the proper conversation with a lender first".
I also talked with RE/MAX Classic Manager, REALTOR Mary Early, she tells those who want to see homes to first talk with a lender to learn the whole story, get pre-approved and then, she will find them a home they can love and afford.The pre-approval certificate is proof they are a real buyer.
Realtor Suzanne Anton from The Realty Store agrees:"Pre-approval is essential before an offer is accepted "
The BIGGEST MISTAKE I see FSBO sellers making is accepting offers on the "buyers word" that they can get a mortgage and in reality, they haven't even talked with a lender.
There is nothing much more stressful than thinking the property is sold and in the end it "BOMBS"! This market is improving and it can get much better if buyers, sellers and agents set standards and stick to them.
Get Ready: Lender pre-approval
Get SET: Find your house.
Go: Complete your deal with a stress-free closing.
It can be as simple as 1-2-3!

PROTECT YOURSELF IN REAL ESTATE- ATTEND A WORKSHOP

Every month we have at least two FREE real estate workshops, these workshops, are held in our Brecksville location class room.
This Wednesday, the 10Th, is the next scheduled workshop.
If you are selling or buying, please consider doing the whole process smarter by attending.
We will be serving Pizza for those of you who are just plain hungry or coming right after work.
Learn about and receive FREE samples of required paper work to close; home inspections; staging; working with a REALTOR; mortgages; pre approval and much, much more.
We get raving reviews from attendees on how helpful the work shops are in giving them the confidence to enter into a real estate transaction and how it helped them save money as GATEWAY TITLE walked them through the entire closing.
THE BEST PART?

The workshop was FREE - now that's a GOOD deal!

Register on our web sire www.gatewaytitle.com or give us a call! (440 546 9660)
Real Estate Work Shop:
GATEWAY TITLE
8748 BRECKSVILLE RD - CLASS ROOM
BRECKSVILLE, OHIO 44141
6:30PM TO 8:45PM
PLEASE REGISTER: WWW.GATEWAYTITLE.COM OR 440-546 9660
FREE - WORKSHOP AND M-M-M-M - PIZZA!

Questions, I get questions!

I attended the Brecksville Chamber of Commerce luncheon today.
It seems the first thing people ask me is "How's business?" - Is the real estate market getting any better?" - Usually the questions are followed by a story about the nightmare of someone trying to sell a property.
I see the market getting better for sellers who price realistically to today's market. It never fails that I hear many reasons why the sellers property is still worth more than others that sold for less. I feel sorry for those that have to sell and either can't or won't adjust their asking price. Sorry because the property will be sitting for a long time and then they end up selling for even less than they could have in the past.Some have been on the market for years. - no kidding.
On a happy note......
A seller came into our office today with a signed purchase agreement and ernest $$.
She was all smiles, she put a sign out for the first time and held an open house Sunday.
They priced it according to the present market and IT SOLD SUNDAY! We will be transfering title in 4 weeks and they can move on with their lives.
One more comment: Support your local small businesses. Your town would be pretty empty without them.