Yes, it is true a buyer can find information on almost all homes for sale on the Internet. In fact according to REBAC, this idea that a buyer does not need an agent to find a property to buy is the #3 most common myth among first time home buyers.
The fact is that that not all properties are advertised on the internet; Not all sites have current information; and not all site have a good method of selecting specific information, locations, and other criteria.
Some of the big complaints I have heard from people searching on the Internet are:
1. I didn't know about that property? I couldn't find it on x's site.
2. Every time I find a property for sale and call for more information, I find out it is either sold or pending.
3. I can only search by the major criteria like bedrooms and price....All I really want to look at are homes in the XXX area or xxx school district. There are too many to sort through.
The moral of the story....Find a good agent to help you find the home you want in a more efficient way.
According to REBAC, the number #2 myth held by first time home buyers, it that calling and using the agent on the for sale sign it in their best interest.
In my 15 years in the real estate industry, I have seen some really good changes to how "agency" works for the clients benefits as well as the agents. In the old days, all agents worked for the seller even if they never met the seller. Today, an agent can work soley for his buyer client. A buyer needs to remember that the agent listed on the sign has sign an agreement that they are working for the seller.
Buyers should select an agent that they feel is qualified to represent their best interests before they even start looking for a home. A buyer should interview at least two potential agents to get a good match then they can start looking for a new home.
The buyer usually does not save any money by not selecting and using their buyer agent of choice.
This is the #1 myth according to REBAC among first time home buyers.
This is a big mistake. There are huge variations in level of service and level of expertise between real estate agents. The first question for any buyer should be: are you a Realtor? Realtors have committed themselves to a code of ethics, regular real estate agents have not.
Buyers should ask at least these questions of their potential agent:
Tell me about your expertise? Look for agents that have their ABR andCRS designations. What this means to you as a buyer is that an agent who has this training will provide you will a higher level of expertise - even if it is not in number of years working.
Have you sold any homes in my price range lately? Look for agents that know the housing inventory in your range because they will have a better sense of value and be able to locate the better choices sooner.
Will I have any challenges buying a house today? Look for agents that will answer this truthfully. The market forces change daily. There are always some challenges, and it is better to know first before later.
There are many other questions to ask. Let me know if I can help.
For the second month in a row in almost 3 years, the number of real estate sales in Jackson county has not been less than the same quarter last year. What does this mean? It means that for almost 3 years every quarter compare to the same quarter last year, the number of sales has declined. Except now. July/September 2008 and August/October 2008 have posted the same or more sales county wide than the same period in 2007.
So maybe real estate is not getting better, but maybe it is not getting worse!!!
Need I say more? Really, though, now is a great time for a walk in Lithia Park. The trees are beautiful and colorful....and the smell of trees....Better catch it soon before the leaves are all gone!
With the last of the Indian summer, there are many people out walking, sitting and enjoying the scenery. I saw two people I knew within 20 minutes.
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I have built my reputation on providing top-notch customer care & knowledgeable service as a Realtor. Whether you are a Buyer or a Seller in Ashland, Medford, or Mexico, you can expect the very best!
Hi, I am Krista Bolf, if you are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor in Ashland or Medford area, call me.
I was selected by my peers as the 2006 Rogue Valley Realtor Image Award winner. The winner must have high ethics and be cooperative with fellow business practitioners, volunteer, and have advanced education skills. Only one winner a year out of over 1100 Realtors.
If you want to visit my local website http://www.ashlandprowest.com you can find our more about me and the Ashland/Medford area.
Wouldn't you want to look for an experienced real estate agent in Ashland or Medford? I have been a licensed Realtor in Oregon since 1994 - Licensed in California 1990 to 1994. Homeowner since 1986. Involved in over 500 real estate transactions in and around Ashland and Medford, Oregon.
Interested in International Real Estate experience? Want to buy or sell in Mexico or other places? I own a Mexican corporation so I can sell property in Mexico- International Corporation de Inversiones . Look for good advice and Check out my international properties at:
http://www.BuyHomesinMexico.net
I am also a member of these international real estate associations
-AMPI-Association of Real Estate Professionals
- TRC-Transnational Referral Certified Agent, Subscriber Member of www.WorldProperties.com
Wouldn't you want a Realtor with Education? some of my education and training includes:
- ABR -Accredited Buyer Representative Advanced Training Specialized Buyer Agency training www.rebac.com
- CRS -Certified Residential Specialist Less than 5% of Realtors nationwide achieve this special training www.crs.com
When I refer my clients to other agents in other areas, I make sure that the agents have at these designations. These designations mean they are serious about their business and real estate is their career not a part time job.
Wouldn't you want to look for an Ashland or Medford area agent that knows her stuff well enough to teach it to others? I am a certified trainer for the ABC's of Home Ownership, and I also teach the basics of What is a Short Sale? , and the How to's of Buying Property in Mexico. I am a member of the National Association of Realtors cadre of international speakers
I think Home onwership is imprtant for all people so I volunteer with a group that makes this happen. - Ashland Community Land Trust President 2002,2003, 2005,2006
Do you want to know about schools? I have 4 children and they have gone to schools in Orange County, CA; and Ashland and Medford, OR.
Is it true that Oregonians don't want Californians to move here? No, as long as you don't Californicate our state, you are welcome. In fact, in Southern Oregon we have a saying.... When did you do time in California? Most of us have lived in previous lives in California. I lived in Los Gatos until 1978 and Newport Beach/Costa Mesa until 1993......Not that I would go back, but that is another story.
MY LISTINGS
This is one of my listings north of Cabo San Lucas - Click on to see virtual tour
Look at Propery in Southen Oregon!
Having worked in the real estate and finance industry since 1983, I have been a real estate broker specializing in first time home buyers from 1997-2005, the referral partners I work with are chosen very carefully. When I spend hours working with a first time homebuyer preparing for their first home purchase, I believe it is critical that their Realtor be extraordinarily knowledgeable, professional, ethical, and caring. These traits describe Krista Bolf perfectly, and I am thrilled to be able to refer people to her, from the first time home buyer to the luxury home buyer/seller to the sophisticated investor, knowing they will be working with one of the best Realtors in Oregon. ~ Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant -
Krista, I just wanted to thank you for all you did to help me in my home search. You are so good at what you do!! J. Jay
How do I begin to tell you how mcuh I appreciate all the efforts you've made on my behalf? Beyond your professionalism, your endless patience, your endurance, my long-winded stories, your tolerance of my undoubtely repetitious questions...Thank you so much. JC
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