While many of us know better when it comes to people contacting us via the net ..you know the Nigerian scams?  Yes I am writing again..its clear in Volusia County and Flagler County Florida its happening in my neck of the woods.

If you are reading this..you might want to pass this information along to someone not so highly skilled on the Internet.  It could happen to them...

As a property manager or rental agent one thing to add to your presentation...to forewarn people leasing out their home...and those that are listing a property for sale? If someone contacts them directly..refer them to their real estate agent.   I've always said it REALTORS and/or real estate agents provide protection!

Beware of the Nigerian Rental Scam happening on Craigslist!

You can read what the Daytona Beach News Journal Reported...

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

How do I get started in purchasing a home? If I were personally look for a home today...I would do the following things before contacting a real estate professional:

Before I would pick up magazines and start looking at houses regardless of my income, my employment record regardless of how much cash I am working with..

I would not assume anything..because I know guidelines have changed..

First things first, I would contact a mortgage professional that I trust and would find out what I qualify for in order to buy a home. 

Because if I don't qualify..I'm not buying!

I would gather docs because I know you will need them...

I would start with the following items: 2 years tax returns, 3 months bank statements, 1 year's worth of rent checks.

I would let my employer know I are buying a house and to expect a letter or phone call of employment verification. It may hold true for a landlord as well so prepare to discuss this with your landlord.

If you are in a lease read through your lease agreement and your lease there may be a chance you can break your lease if you purchase a home. If it is not clearly stated in your documents go to your landlord or property manager and ask what are the consequences in breaking the lease now may be the time to buy a home but it may also prove it's not!

One thing I believe..you have a better chance in buying a home if you are prepared..if you do some homework in advance..and if you keep control in what is going on around you! Don't be the buyer who said they did it to me!

That means trust the professional you are working with, plan on cooperation and make sure and make good sound decisions...understand the documents...read the fine print but most of all pay attention to the numbers...after all its You and only you paying for that mortgage!

These are things I would certainly do!

SEARCH Property Listings       

It would be my pleasure to help you!

Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Broker Associate. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me!  All calls and inquiries are confidential.  CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 2 office locations to better serve the public.  Daytona Beach and Ormond by the Sea.   midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236

Jeannette Neepat had surgery today...it was a success and knowing Jeannette she'll be back on her feet before we know it...please send her warm wishes to let her know we are all thinking of her.

It was a year ago that Jeannette and I became friends through the Makeover2Takeover contest..my perky little friend sounded like she needed some cheering up....nothing like online friends to do just that!

She is a social media Nut...so you can send her warm wishes just about anywhere online!

Get Well Jeannette...

I know I'll be talking to you soon! 

T-E-A-M-W-O-R-K

There has never been a real estate transaction that occurred that one role was more important than the other..there is a buyer, a seller, real estate agents...in most cases a loan officer or mortgage broker...either an attorney or title company..lets not forget...the appraiser, the inspection company, surveyors and stagers.  Did I leave anyone out?????   Each person has their role..and no transaction has ever been completed with just one party. 

So why keep the 411 to yourself?

An attorney handling the negotiations for a short-sale..attorney's are busy..and get paid by the hour..they have many files...and a way they do their own business... but what does it take to pick up the phone and/or email to confirm...they received ...and has successfully submitted the package?  Is this information top secret?  While an attorney answers to their customer...we as real estate agents answer to many!

A buyer is waiting on their loan officer to find out if they qualify for a mortgage..they have to check the loan programs...review credit......I know they have current customers they are working with...do people sometimes forget real estate agents have time-lines to follow...and someone will be calling..more than likely that nervous buyer who didn't receive their approval or denial in a timely fashion!

Sometimes there is nothing new to report to a seller or buyer..but a buyer and a seller have made a big decision...a decision that will affect them financially...most likely emotionally and create a big change in their lives...sometimes the follow up and the follow through..is the weakest part of the transaction but the follow up and the follow through make the difference between a smooth transaction or horrible experience...not just for the customers but for everyone!

Many may portray that real estate is a walk in the park..that transactions occur every time they blink an eye...and your system and lead generating systems must be in place...guess that is not enough....the biggest mistakes I have seen in the past few months have been nothing more than.

Communication Breakdown

You do not learn this in real estate school...you should have learn this early in life...the golden rule!  Bottom line closing doesn't make for a good or bad experience..its the process in between...one thing is certain..no one likes to be left hanging!

Google amazes me with all of the tools available today.  Recently I've been playing with the public data information. 

Find public statistical data through Google

"Public statistical data, such as unemployment rates or population numbers, doesn't need to be hard to find or, more importantly, hard to understand. Google is making it easier to find and use important public statistical data from governments and other sources. This data is included in Google.com search results and displayed as interactive graphs that you can customize and share with others."  read more

I try and utilize every product google has...because of quality and SEO power!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

Most people laugh when they hear about the scams that are taking place all over the net.  These scammers are hitting...Craigslist...Facebook...and even Flickr and today...I got one from one of my Careerbuilder alerts.  I've personally had several through all of these sources...fortunately I spend a lot of time on line...but what about those that do not?

I truly do not find it funny.....because so many fall victim.....we have to understand not everyone is a genius or have the basic understanding that most real estate industry professionals have when it comes to buying a home, selling a property or even requesting information on a rental.

A few statistics you should think about before making prejudgments on those who fall for these schemes...I live in an area...where many homeowners do not use the Internet at all!

• Did you know only 74.4 % of North America uses the Internet?  That means there is a good chance some who search for properties on line...may do very little searching...as a matter of fact...they may use the Internet rarely and may not be aware of these schemes. 

• 12 million people in the U.S. still use dial up according to www.rlslog.net!  Have you tried to use dial up recently?  Its hard to get information and really truly does not work well nor give a great experience on line. 

• According to Pew..its 9% who use dial up last year! 
  

• In many rural areas...broadband is not available still!
  

Today while going through my comments I found something quite interesting and thanks to Dave Dugdale...there is a software to detect whether you might be falling for a scheme...The Rental Scam Detection Tool!  I went ahead and tested and I think it is a fabulous tool for those who might fall prey. 

Very basic and very easy to use but specifics to look for when the schemers come scheming!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Please R.S.V.P and visit the blog...rebarcamp.com/miami for additional details.  Oh and maybe we can test on line marketing...

Anyone care to sponsor and gain additional notoriety and familiarity of your company and products to a bunch of real estate technology enthusiasts? Sponsorship $250.00

How about sponsoring a great facility that would house around 200 people?  Or maybe you know someone in the Miami Beach area who would allow us to use their facility for one day FREE? Imagine the exposure...the recognition and the appreciation!  Contact Ines, the Mojito Critic and author of Miamism.com.

WE hope to see you there! 

I invite you to reblog...we need a facility! :)

WARNING....WARNING....WARNING

HOUSE FOR RENT SCAM

Another Craigslist SCAM...Craigslist SCAM

Today's message from our Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS!

The Port Orange Police Department wished to notify our citizens about a scam involving houses being falsely advertised for rent on Craigslist. It appears the criminal has found houses for sale on-line or snowbird residences and copied the information onto a Craigslist ad claiming it up for rent.

The criminal claims to have moved to West Africa after winning a petroleum land bid and after much consideration decided to rent out the house instead of selling it. The e- mail states that they are looking for someone who cares about the house as much as they do. At the bottom of the e-mail there is a questionnaire for the potential renter asking the Full Name, DOB, Occupation, Number of People living in the house, etc.

The catch is that the security deposit and rent money need to be sent to Africa and then the "home owner" will send the keys to the renter. The e-mails are coming from an account set up in the real homeowner’s name. This especially should be of interest to our "Snowbird" citizens.

Please make your friends and neighbors aware of this scam that is sweeping across Florida. Real homeowners are checking on their properties and finding them occupied without their knowledge.

If you have any questions about this or other alerts, please contact Crime Prevention Officer Dave Miller at (386) 506-5822 or e-mail at dmiller@port-orange.org

In truth it really doesn't surprise me...ever put your services on Craigslist?..spammerama...scammerama..a service that once proved very effective is just another grabber of unsuspected victims!

Ever stop to think who are the biggest critics of real estate agents?..its clear... Other real estate agents

Ever wonder why the public sees us in the light in which they do?

Real Estate Agents being critical of other real estate agents!  Please spare me..its the nature of the business because in many professions its just not true.

I once found info about a well love well respected broker..that would blow you away..it wasn't from a customer..who we as agents serve..but a fellow broker, perhaps envious of the business they do.  I found it pathetic and very very wrong! 

Sometimes our business is difficult enough..let the consumer decide and they will.

Have you ever shared with a peer that you are closing a transaction with someone and their response good luck, they're a jerk...watch out for them????  It happens on line...face to face...everyday...

I just wonder does this happen with Laywers, Accountants and other Business Professionals?  

So the next time you read something about someone..consider the source and there is a good chance when a real estate agent is being thrown under the bus..more than likely its another real estate agent do the driving!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

When I started on Activerain it was very different from today...we all were learning and growing together..Today it has grown so big..and am proud I stuck with it.  I might sound like a paid actor...I'm not...I really believe in the product....my last commission check and next will come straight from blogging!

If you are questioning if whether this blogging thing works..I'm hear to tell you..yes it does!  Is it a fad?  Nope I don't think so...this is a great article from 2005!

If you have been hesitant as far as blogging....jump in..have fun and remember you are blogging for business and making new friends! 

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

Respectfully to the White House

I am a wife, mother, tax payer and concerned citizen..working on commission.  There is a good chance I might have to work a second job.  In Daytona Beach there were only 339 closed transactions for the month of May..I wonder just how many were short sales and foreclosures...with over 1200 REALTORS...there are those that will go hungry or work harder and work a second job and more than likely take a job away from sole provider...or a minimum wage earner.  

I've never worked harder in my life to produce a dollar...to feed my family...to maintain...to live.    I am not here to gripe and am willing to work hard but I would like my voice heard as I experience everyday first hand the trauma...the shame...and the unknown of those suffering financially...with job loss...with a sick loved one..experiencing a short sale or losing the roof over their head.

Bad credit won't help them...because a bank won't help them. You feel that by loaning $689.8 billion to 592 institutions..this will help..but where exactly is this money going but more importantly how are these funds being used to benefit the economy..to help the people?  

I have tried to work with people who attempted to get loan modifications but because they are late or have a type of loan that no longer exists today...they do not qualify!  They feel powerless...some are hungry and some on their way to be homeless.but as a REALTOR I can only do so much but the government can do more.

The last short sale I did took months to process and the one before we had to threaten to call CNN.  If banks would streamline their process..would be more efficient it seems to me they lack concern because the government stepped in. When these same bailout recipients do not abide by their own policies...do not follow their own time lines and at the end reduced my pay drastically.  

My brother is a perfect example perfect credit worked hard all his life...then several tragic things happened to him beyond his control...several hurricanes in a span of 5 years which destroyed his house and the insurance company didn't cover a third of the cost.  His wife got sick and even with insurance the medication is through the roof. She has applied for disability but a lawyer will be needed..and where is he supposed to get these funds?  His wife was denied...and its clear she can no longer work...but the red tape..and time it takes to process disability has taken a toll on his wallet. 

My brother tried everything he could to stay current but slowly started feeling the choke...so he worked a side job to stay current on his mortgage..2 jobs, a sick wife and repairing his home..he didn't want to walk away but if he continued the route he was going ...it would have killed him...he got sick himself and the best thing for him was to move.

He found a perfect solution and kept his mortgage current and decided to rent his house and relocate to Alabama..little did he know after being in Alabama for 3 months he would not be working today. The tenant that was supposed to move into his house...never moved in...because they were unemployed and are still unemployed today.  Now the house sits because he can't get a loan modification and he can't pay his bills.  Sucks for him and his wife..my family and his neighbors.  Everyone suffers..everyone pays!

What about the people who can't keep food on their table?  Or lost their jobs? These are the people I am talking about...not the frivolous..but the sick...the unemployed. the minimum wage earners and the uneducated.  We as a country must invest in people rather than establishments because Establishments change and establishments go under.  We can survive as a society without establishments but people should matter first and foremost... we need people as a society!

When I think there are people out there trying to survive on minimum wage or one salary..how can the U.S. government feel good about lending this ridiculous amount of money to Establishments.  As wages should increase every year one thing is guaranteed we as the taxpayer will be paying more taxes every single year and probably the rest of our lives.  For some employees they have taken pay cuts..lost benefits and will not see a pay increase for a very long time.

We say retirement age is 65 but really truly do you think people will and can actually retire and will they have enough money to live?  Please no more bailouts to establishments...its we the people and not establishments...remember..... we the people put their faith in you..all of you! 

Sincerely,

Midori Miller

Bailout the People and not Establishments!

President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history.

While some may think this is not your fight in truth it is everyone...its impacting...you...me and many others.  With empty houses...property values....and more broken dreams, uncooperative lenders, ridiculous time lines and the excessive cost to taxpayers today, tomorrow and the future. 

Sometimes all it takes...is that one extra voice...

Contact the White House June 5th, 2009

A few days ago I posted about contacting the White House ...as I read through the comments...I noticed Missy's comment....you asked for it you got it....

With over 147,413 members on the Activerain network ...if I learned one thing by being in this network...we is always better than me....so I challenge as many people as possible to take a minute and write the White House....

June 5th, 2009 or reblog a post...but better yet...write your own thoughts..directly to the White House!

Please post on that particular day.....or write the White House...lets flood the White House's contact us page and the search engines. 

I was really thinking do these people in Washington really understand what people are going through..hell what we as real estate agents are going through...trying to help people who want help but with little cooperation. 

Bailout the People and not Establishments!

We tend to write many great articles here...reporting the facts in many cases...we tend to express our opinion but really what good is it doing?  We can all do more......

CONTACT US

President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history.

While some may think this is not your fight in truth it is everyone...its impacting...you...me and many others.  With empty houses...property values....and more broken dreams, uncooperative lenders, ridiculous time lines and the excessive cost to taxpayers today, tomorrow and the future. 

Sometimes all it takes...is that one extra voice...

Contact the White House June 5th, 2009

Are you with me????

Will I ever sell a listing again without the words short sale?

I'll be in the office putting together yet another short sale listing

It's clear, people need help today!

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker , License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

About The Author: Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS. Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

I received yet another call on a seller who needs to do a short sale..as I heard the story I couldn't help but want to help...because its the same story over and over again.

Their life happened

You see they bought this house 5 years ago....both husband and wife are sick..so sick..they can't work...they are lucky to have food...fortunately they managed to stash a few bucks....well the bucks are running out and so is their time in their home.  Do people realize the expense of chemotherapy even with medical insurance?

They attempted a loan modification and again same story...the lender will not cooperate..one of the big boys that received their Bail Out!

I was really thinking do these people in Washington really understand what people are going through..hell what we as real estate agents are going through...trying to help people who want help but with little cooperation. 

We tend to write many great articles here...reporting the facts in many cases...we tend to express our opinion but really what good is it doing?  We can all do more......

There are 147,199 members on the network....and with the amazing google juice...the prominence this network has...maybe we should be blasting the white house with story after story...by posting...reblogging and sharing it with the white house.

You really want to make a difference...well Obama wants to hear from you...at least that is what the White House claims....

CONTACT US

President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history.

While some may think this is not your fight in truth it is everyone...its impacting...you...me and many others.  With empty houses...property values....and more broken dreams, uncooperative lenders, ridiculous time lines and the excessive cost to taxpayers today, tomorrow and the future. 

Sometimes all it takes...is that one extra voice...contact the white house today!

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

Last week I made a decision to read more...comment less 

Now with all the talk of social media experts...when you think about it..those that are doing it and successfully are social media experts.  

What works for one may not work for another.

Bill Gassett is a social media expert to me but I could never nor would I want to follow his footsteps..its his voice...his expertise and I am truly impressed as he is the social media real estate expert for his area.

How about Lane Bailey now that branding!  Then there is Mary McKnight...WOW is all I can say...and while some might view as extreme it works for her and again...I could never pull off what she does but for her it works very well and I admit I find her truly entertaining.

Think about TLW now she has it down to a science...no I can't see myself being the prankster that she is or how about Jeff Turner .....heck even Demi Moore (one of my personal favorites) the list goes on and on. 

Each and every person is an individual...and clearly with social media its each persons voice...and their voice determines the level of expertise based on the results that they are looking for AND results that they obtain.  

Recently one of the Wright Brothers were featured on the main dashboard...the post was amazing but what I got out of just reading one post lead me to many places. 

As I watched a presentation...I was really enthralled...it wasn't mere words...but what I have been thinking and feeling lately and in truth has caused a shift in the way that I think..the exciting part..I wanted more...I continued to watch every video they had. 

If you really want a clear picture of social media at it's finest watch the video below!  Please don't tell you don't have the time...because in the long run you might have a better understanding of what social media is all about.

And remember you must find your voice and then do what social media experts do....more than likely they do what many others do but add a personal touch..and with their own flava and manage to be true to themselves but the common factor with these social media experts they do it their way!

Social Networking Secrets Revealed from Wright Brothers Communications on Vimeo.

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

Recently I have been reading many blog posts about internet real estate companies and the end of the brick and mortar companies...in the State of Florida..I always thought it to be illegal...meaning..you must maintain an office and you must have proper signage...

Chapter 475

475.22  Broker to maintain office and sign at entrance of office; registered office outside state; broker required to cooperate in investigation.--

(1)  Each active broker shall maintain an office, which shall consist of at least one enclosed room in a building of stationary construction. Each active broker shall maintain a sign on or about the entrance of her or his principal office and each branch office, which sign may be easily observed and read by any person about to enter such office. Each sign must contain the name of the broker, together with the trade name, if any. For a partnership or corporation, the sign must contain the name of the firm or corporation or trade name of the firm or corporation, together with the name of at least one of the brokers. At a minimum, the words "licensed real estate broker" or "lic. real estate broker" must appear on the office entrance signs.

(2)  If a broker's registered office is located outside the State of Florida, prior to registering such office or branch office, the broker shall agree in writing to cooperate and shall cooperate with any investigation initiated in accordance with this chapter or commission rules including, but not limited to, the broker promptly supplying any documents requested by any authorized representative of the department and by personally appearing at any designated office of the department or other location in the state or elsewhere as reasonably requested by the department. If the department sends, by certified mail to the broker at the broker's last known business address as registered with the department, a notice or request to produce any documents or to appear for an interview with an authorized representative of the department and the broker fails to substantially comply with that request or notice, then such failure by the broker is a violation of the license law, subject to the penalties of s. 475.25.

Be careful in what you read every state has their own laws.... unless of course...maybe I am just clueless! And if so please enlighten me!

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

To me this is good news...and worth sharing....I admit if it wasn't for Frank Garay and Brian Stevens of TBWS daily... I might not have caught this as fast as I did!

Imagine that a standardized short sale process...something that is long overdue and happy to see the government is doing something about it! 

Get Your Copy...

Know the changes especially if you boast of being a short sale expert!

Thanks Frank and Brian....

I love you guys and keep broadcasting because its good stuff!

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

A Note To all Lenders and Financial Institutions

If you want to get it right and get properties sold..I would concern yourself with the agents selected to do BPO's.  Friday I received and order and I declined it...while some would think it was crazy...I did what was best for the market. 

In all fairness don't think for a minute I do not need the income..I'm not above doing BPO's...and just like many others I need the income coming in or I won't sleep at night then again...doing something that I believe would hurt other parties..would cause insomnia!

First of all-doing a BPO 120 miles away does not make sense...business wise for myself, for the lender and definitely for the seller who is trying to sell their property. 

I do not belong to that particular local board so I would have to use IDX...am I doing a service or disservice???????

For a mere $45.00-not only to drive that far...but to take 18 pictures and not sure of having access to the property...who knows what's in store for you once you arrive..upload the photo's and write their extensive report..I don't know..it seems to me...$45.00 may not be a fair price...a lot of times in life you get what you pay for!

Many BPO agents take photos and do not concern themselves with the shortcomings of a property...another words they take photo's and present it in a light they feel that they might get the listing. Jokes on you..if you haven't figured it out...many times BPO agents are rarely selected to list the property. 

On top of that..we wonder why short sales do not turn successful...you ready big secret..because the numbers are wrong.  I do not believe for a second you have to live or work in the area in which you do BPO's but I believe you must present the property in its true form...its really simple if you think about it. 

If you do not have access to the local MLS and solely relying on IDX...you are doing a disservice...to the bank and for a desperate seller.

Really truly when you think about it...real estate is all numbers related.  That's what the negotiators are looking for and that's what investors look for.  And until the MLS is global for every city, every community and every subdivision...those utilizing IDX to do their BPO's is creating complication.

Lenders if you want better success with pricing and with actually disposing these properties...select an agent who will do the job right...make sure they have access to the local MLS but more importantly make sure when you ask agents to give price opinions... you request...

A property in its true form!

This post was inspired by Neal Bloom, "How Can the Market Value of a Home In Florida Go Up 30,000-dollars in 5-weeks"-..It's good to see him back but sure stinks to hear just another familiar story on a short sale real estate transaction.

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

9:38 pm placed property listing on Craigslist.....10:20 pm...a question from a potential buyer...this morning...3 more questions. 

While it might be questions...questions can turn into communication...which can turn into potential buyers and sellers.

The more you circulate your listings the better your chances are into turning them into sold!

With all the hoopla and negativity circulating around Craigslist...do not discount the value! One of the hotshots in our office...gets most of her property inquires right there.

Do you use Craigslist and how are your results? 

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.

Susan Southerland-Luta and myself presented a class to Embry Riddle University Students in March...it was a class of engineers.  While preparing for our presentation which was a class for the students to graduate we learned a couple of things and hopefully by sharing it might be useful when working with first time home buyers!

Realize we did keep in mind the students were engineers..and maybe we assumed they knew more than they did. 

I can tell you for 20 minutes...we presented and then the questions began..

Remember a First Time Home Buyer is a First Time Home Buyer!

By the time we were done...the instructor stated...they could have spent days with us! 

A few helpful tips when talking with first time home buyers

• Discuss Buyer Counseling
• Provide links or documentation to important resources such as The 8,000 tax credit!
• First Time Buyer programs available by city or County
• Discuss representation and buyer broker agreements...don't assume first time home-buyers already know!
• Discuss the importance of getting qualified and approved for a mortgage
• What is a short sale and what are the benefits of buying an REO or bank owned property.
• Speak in common folks language not everyone understands our lingo!
• Explain the time frames in sales contracts
• Inspections, Appraisals and Title
• Loan types-Down payments, length of loans, Principle, Interest, Tax and insurances
• Define Escrow
• Homestead Exception
• Alternative Credit
• Co-borrowers
• Offers and acceptance
• Deposits and the term good faith
• Home Owner Associations and Condo Associations

We did point out that buyer's today can be more informed than ever....request a consultation because as a buyer they deserve it!

I admit they loved my business cards!  Could it be that some of my social networks were provided? 

Oh, and if you think they are not watching agents interact on places such as twitter, facebook and youtube. 

Guess what you are wrong! 

After we completed our presentation it almost felt like we did a group buyer's consultation and in reality all buyers deserve just that! 

One thing I have found regardless of what your role is in real estate...it's our job to educate home buyers and while most instances I train real estate to real estate professionals...sitting with a buyer or seller we train them too! 

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.