Tim Brown Helps HomeownersAre you having Mortgage Problems? I Can HELP!http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp5Bloghttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/1720809/2011/05/26/Tim-Brown-s-Blog.aspx<p> &nbsp;</p> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; "> Would you sell your home if it would sell in 24 hours?</h1> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/24hrs_sale.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2484" height="111" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/24hrs_sale.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; float: left; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 3px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="24hrs_sale" width="128" /></a>One of the things that I think a lot of people have trouble with is of course procrastination.&nbsp; They will clean out the garage tomorrow, they will do their taxes this week, they will list their home for sale sometime soon&hellip;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> We have all done it and it happens to those that want to &ldquo;eventually&rdquo; sell their home.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> What if you could list your home today and have an offer on it tomorrow?&nbsp; Would that speed the prep and action up at all?&nbsp; I would like to think that yes it would or at least it should.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> So how does one go about selling a home in 24 hours?</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> In the real estate industry there is some prep work to be done in order to achieve these results.&nbsp; Before you list your home with a Realtor you need to find the &ldquo;RIGHT&rdquo; Realtor for the job.&nbsp; You want a Realtor that is able to come and talk with you and listen to your goals.&nbsp; You want someone who is able to get the paperwork done fast, get pictures taken, get the marketing strategy in place all within a very short period of time.&nbsp; Then you want a Realtor that can give you an aggressive sales price that will definitely make some waves and draw attention to your property.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Once the property is listed the marketing strategy is enacted.&nbsp; This includes a website page, ad sites, social networking, an email bulletin, a press release, outside flyers, ect&hellip;Getting this all into the hands of hungry buyers is key.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> When done correctly the aggressive pricing of the home along with the prep work and a quick marketing strategy can in a lot of cases lead to heavy buzz on a home and in turn lead to a quick offer.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> So if you have been saying that you will &ldquo;eventually&rdquo; sell your home, then give me a call.&nbsp; Lets see how fast we can get a SOLD sign in your yard&hellip;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <strong><em>Tim Brown</em></strong><br /> <em>Owner/Broker, Realtor&reg;, ABR,CRS,CDPE&reg;</em><br /> <em>Auctioneer NCAL#8560</em><br /> <em>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</em><br /> <em>TeamHeidi</em><br /> <em>Direct Line: 704-619-1008</em><br /> <em>Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</em><br /> <em><a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/blog/move-huntersville-nc/www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</a></em></p> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; "> Mortgage Applications Begin to Increase!</h1> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/applications.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2374" height="225" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/applications-300x225.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="applications" width="300" /></a>News is starting to come out about how in the last couple of weeks mortgage applications are starting to come in a bit more frequently. Realty Times is reporting that in the week ending December 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;mortgage applications have shown a 12.8% increase while mortgage refinance applications rose 15.3%.&nbsp; This is a fantastic trend to be getting into as it shows that there is an increased interest in home ownership as well as an increased interest in taking advantage of the historic rates.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> In the whole scheme of things what could this mean? Well, when I see even a slight increase in mortgage applications you start to think that perhaps people are coming back around and beginning to think about home ownership as one of this countries great investments.&nbsp; Perhaps potential buyers are starting to test the waters and see what kind of loans they would qualify for and how much of a loan they could get.&nbsp; This is good news all around because it not only stirs the pot a little bit in terms of overall interest but also shows that buyers WANT to own rather than simply renting.&nbsp; I also personally think that having the rise in applications during this time of year can be an even better sign as you know the winter months are usually when a lot of people sit back on their laurels and wait for spring.&nbsp; To me it means people really want to own and people really want to get out there and see what is available and what they can afford.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> With that idea in mind, the saying stays the same.&nbsp; It really is still a fantastic time to buy.&nbsp; The rates do go up and down but in terms of where they have been before and where they inevitably will be again you should take advantage as it will not last forever.&nbsp; If you are already a homeowner then you should think about taking advantage of these rates as well as many have started doing evident with the jump in refinance applications.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Read Article on these recent statistics&nbsp;<a href="http://realtytimes.com/newsfiles/realtimes2.nsf/rtpages5.1/20111214_rates.htm" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">here</a></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <strong><em>Tim Brown</em></strong><br /> <em>Owner/Broker, Realtor&reg;, ABR,CRS,CDPE&reg;</em><br /> <em>Auctioneer NCAL#8560</em><br /> <em>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</em><br /> <em>TeamHeidi</em><br /> <em>Direct Line: 704-619-1008</em><br /> <em>Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</em><br /> <em><a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/blog/move-huntersville-nc/www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</a></em></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> &nbsp;</p> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; "> What Sells Homes?</h1> <p> &nbsp;</p> <br /> <div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Charlotte_homes_sold.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2317" height="169" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Charlotte_homes_sold.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="Charlotte_homes_sold" width="225" /></a>Today&rsquo;s real estate market is up and down but despite that some agents are flourishing&hellip;Why?&nbsp; What makes one agent different than another and how are they dominating the market?</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> The truth is that the agents that are succeeding right now are those that know and understand how to properly sell homes.&nbsp; They understand current trends in marketing and the tactics used to get properties in front of potential buyers that actually want to see that home.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> A top agent knows that they need to be out there.&nbsp; They need to be on the phone doing follow ups and making sure the clients they do have are happy and at the end of a transaction are thrilled to give a referral.&nbsp; Today more than anything an agent needs to go above and beyond the expectations of their clients.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> But it is no solely about handshakes and smiles.&nbsp; A lot of it stems from a solid and relevant marketing strategy.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Today&rsquo;s successful agents are able to understand the current trends in marketing and how it can benefit their business.&nbsp; For example, Facebook is obviously huge and being social is now a part of marketing a business.&nbsp; What people may not fully understand is that social networks, websites and blogs require consistency.&nbsp; You cannot start up a page and expect everyone to flock to you with listing requests and purchase offers.&nbsp; To me I use social media as more of a means of keeping my name and information fresh and in front of past, present and future clients.&nbsp; By consistently posting information about the market, listings, news articles, interesting events and so on, I make sure that I am consistently in front of my clients.&nbsp; Doing this may not lead to a flood of leads but when someone is ready to buy or sell, then my name and information will be close at hand.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Today an agent cannot solely rely on one avenue for leads.&nbsp; They must embrace the internet and create a presence that is consistent.&nbsp; An agent should post blog articles on a regular basis, post updates to social media networks, create videos and tours with video sharing websites, have a solid website that is up to date with easy navigation and relevant information that is simple to find.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> The internet strategy can also be complemented with physical marketing as well.&nbsp; Sending out postcards and letters to clients is always smart.&nbsp; Farming a specific neighborhood with market stats, interesting information or just an introduction never hurts.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Another thing that successful agents of today are is available.&nbsp; When a client needs to reach you, you need to be available or be quick to respond with the answers they need.&nbsp; You need to be a great listener as well.&nbsp; Half of all conversations is listening to the other person&hellip;Remember that and use it.&nbsp; By being a great listener you will gain knowledge and information that will let you understand your clients needs better than simply looking at a disclosure statement or&nbsp; search criteria.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Being a successful agent is tough, no matter what the market is doing.&nbsp; But being knowledgeable, available, and smart with your clients and your marketing strategy is what sets one agent apart from another. Having that understanding is really what sells homes.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <strong><em>Tim Brown</em></strong><br /> <em>Owner/Broker, Realtor&reg;, ABR,CRS,CDPE&reg;</em><br /> <em>Auctioneer NCAL#8560</em><br /> <em>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</em><br /> <em>TeamHeidi</em><br /> <em>Direct Line: 704-619-1008</em><br /> <em>Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</em><br /> <em><a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/blog/blog/blog/blog/blog/blog/move-huntersville-nc/www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</a></em></p> </div> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; "> Is your tech causing clients to say &ldquo;what the heck&rdquo;?</h1> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <br /> <div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/too_much_tech.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2284" height="180" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/too_much_tech.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="too_much_tech" width="200" /></a>The world is fast paced with changes being made at the drop of a hat and with the click of a button.&nbsp; Now more than ever communication is key to lasting relationships with your clients.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Technology is a beautiful thing and has worked wonders for my business in terms of on the go statistics, social connections, mobility, photography, videos, on the go web and search, the list can go on and on.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> But are your clients getting the short end of the stick when it comes to that one on one attention you promised in your presentation?&nbsp; Are all your gadgets that you use to save you time becoming the automated norm in which people communicate? Does sending an automated mass text or email to them and all your other clients count as true communication? What about a facebook message or tagging them in a tweet..Does that count towards the communication credit? NO!</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> One of the most important aspects of real estate is communication.&nbsp; It is key in this industry to keep things moving along smoothly and without any misrepresentations or misconceptions.&nbsp; The more you communicate with your clients about marketing, showings, statistics or even just to say hi, the more comfortable they will feel.&nbsp; Consistent communication with your clients lets them know that they are not a commission check and you have not forgot their names.&nbsp; Being able to listen and communicate is what real customer service is about.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Now I am not saying that everytime you have something to say or some update to tell them about you need to go knock on their door or have a conference&hellip;No, of course not.&nbsp; I utilize all forms of communication with my clients.&nbsp; However, I still give them that personal one on one attention.&nbsp; Sure I will send an email asking them a question one day and a week later I will call them on the phone or stop by their home.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> The point is, do not allow yourself to be swallowed up by all the available automation technology that is out there&hellip; From auto blog posts and facebook updates and tweets, to the auto email messages and I have even come in contact with the auto phone update as well.&nbsp; I am not saying to never use these tools, but use them sparingly and don&rsquo;t forget your first priority is customer service and client satisfaction, which in my experience relates directly back to solid personal communication.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <strong><em>Tim Brown</em></strong><br /> <em>Owner/Broker, Realtor&reg;, ABR,CRS,CDPE&reg;</em><br /> <em>Auctioneer NCAL#8560</em><br /> <em>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</em><br /> <em>TeamHeidi</em><br /> <em>Direct Line: 704-619-1008</em><br /> <em>Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</em><br /> <em><a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/blog/move-huntersville-nc/www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</a></em></p> </div> </div> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; "> What do you want from your agent?</h1> <p> &nbsp;</p> <br /> <div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/happy_buyers.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2279" height="150" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/happy_buyers.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="happy_buyers" width="200" /></a>There have been some recent numbers and percentages being released concerning different polls and surveys the National Association of Realtors has conducted.&nbsp; These numbers work to paint a solid picture of what buyers really do care about in terms of their agent and how they are represented.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> From the start you can say with certainty that people are not concerned about how technologically savvy you are or how many neat toys and gizmos you have.&nbsp; What they do care about is that you can find the right home for them and deliver what they are searching for.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> The majority care about you finding them the best home for them, while many also care about the negotiation.&nbsp; They want you to be able to negotiate the best deal possible for them.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> It would be ridiculous to say that Realtors these days are searching down homes for their clients&hellip;Sure you set up alerts and notifications of homes that match your buyers criteria and keep an eye out for a good match but gone are the days where an agent will sit down and search the MLS rigorously for your property?&nbsp; Is it because the Realtor of today is unwilling to do this? No..any good agent will do this if needed. But it is because by the time the buyer contacts an agent they usually already have a stack of printouts from all the search sites of homes that they are interested in.&nbsp; It then becomes the agents job and duty to find the &ldquo;right&rdquo; home for their clients.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> I think the mark of a good agent is someone that can provide to the client exactly what they want as well as go way above and beyond their expectations.&nbsp; Sure your job is to help them find the best home for them, but it is also to make sure that they are not taken advantage of, that they get the best deal possible on the home, that they are actually happy with the choice that they made and that they are excited about the process in general.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Providing the above and beyond service is what buyers really want.&nbsp; They want to know that you care and that they have your attention.&nbsp; Once you provide them with that, helping them find the right home is easy!</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <strong><em>Tim Brown</em></strong><br /> <em>Owner/Broker, Realtor&reg;, ABR,CRS,CDPE&reg;</em><br /> <em>Auctioneer NCAL#8560</em><br /> <em>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</em><br /> <em>TeamHeidi</em><br /> <em>Direct Line: 704-619-1008</em><br /> <em>Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</em><br /> <em><a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/blog/move-huntersville-nc/www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</a></em></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> &nbsp;</p> </div> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; "> What exactly is a CMA?</h1> <p> &nbsp;</p> <br /> <div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/CMA_What_is_it.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2263" height="128" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/CMA_What_is_it.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 4px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="CMA_What_is_it" width="128" /></a>If you have been exposed to the Real Estate industry in almost any way, shape or form then you have for sure been exposed to the popular marketing tactic of a FREE CMA!</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> If you are someone that is jumping into the real estate river for the first time then this may be a new concept for you and may be something you really have no idea about.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> So what exactly is a CMA?&nbsp; Well, a CMA stands for &ldquo;Comparative Market Analysis&rdquo;. &nbsp;In short, it is a technical way of saying &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the market like where I live&rdquo;.&nbsp; Though this is something that most Realtors will offer up for free and many use as a marketing strategy of sorts, you should not overlook the importance of having one done.&nbsp; Realtors offer them up for good reason.&nbsp; They provide a solid report on how the real estate market is performing in your particular neighborhood.&nbsp; These reports can be very short and to the point or could be a 50 page document. They tell you what homes are for sale, what homes have recently sold and for how much and can tell you what your home should sell for today.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> A CMA is used to help initially price your home.&nbsp; It takes into account the surrounding area and the current market performance and can deduct with pretty good accuracy a solid starting point at which to list your home.&nbsp; These</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> For example&hellip;in simple terms, let&rsquo;s say in your neighborhood 3 homes exactly the same as yours in terms of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage and whatever else&hellip;They are virtually identical in characteristics.&nbsp; Now let&rsquo;s say that these 3 homes have all been sold in the last 6 months between $325,000 and $350,000. With that knowledge you can deduct with pretty good certainty that your home would in fact sell for more than $300,000.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> Now let&rsquo;s say that your home has something that none of the other homes have.&nbsp; Let&rsquo;s say that your home has an in-ground pool.&nbsp; We then would have to attach an overall value to the pool and can then adjust our listing price accordingly.&nbsp; Same holds true if your home is the only home out of the 3 that does not have a pool.&nbsp; You would then deduct a defined value from the estimated listing price.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> The above of course is about as simple as it can get, but it does give you an idea of how a CMA works. It also gives you an idea of why a CMA is so important.&nbsp; You get a snapshot in time of how your neighborhood is performing in the real estate market today.&nbsp; You can use this CMA to gauge when the best time to sell would be for you.&nbsp; Many realtors offer free CMA updates via email for you to track the changes over time and make an informed decision.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> But in all honestly, though a CMA is thrown around for free and used by many as a marketing tactic it is actually one of, if not the most important information tools available and should be one of the first items you look at when you are thinking of selling your home.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> &nbsp;</p> <h2 align="center" style="clear: both; color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 18px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; "> Would you like a FREE CMA?&nbsp;<a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/buyer-seller-info/free-home-valuation/" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; ">CLICK HERE</a>!</h2> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px; "> <strong><em>Tim Brown</em></strong><br /> <em>Owner/Broker, Realtor&reg;, ABR,CRS,CDPE&reg;</em><br /> <em>Auctioneer NCAL#8560</em><br /> <em>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</em><br /> <em>TeamHeidi</em><br /> <em>Direct Line: 704-619-1008</em><br /> <em>Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</em><br /> <em><a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/blog/blog/blog/blog/blog/blog/blog/move-huntersville-nc/www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</a></em></p> </div> <p> &nbsp;</p> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> It is OK to Walk Away&hellip;</h1> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/footsteps.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2218" height="264" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/footsteps-300x264.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="footsteps" width="300" /></a>In today&rsquo;s real estate landscape buyers are often hesitant and reluctant to really make that final decision.&nbsp; A lot of times they get pressured into a decision.&nbsp; Sure they may find a house that they really like and are kind of on the fence about it.&nbsp; Then they start to feel pressure from what their family thinks, what their parents think, what their friends think and worst of all what their agent thinks they should do.&nbsp; The truth is, a professional and reputable agent will be able to give their opinion and yet stay out of the decision making process.&nbsp; A good Realtor is able to give them the best and most informed information a buyer needs in order to make the decision for themselves without the agents influence.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> A common story these days is that a buyer is pressured or talked into purchasing a home that someone else thought would be perfect for them. Then 3 months down the line they realize that they don&rsquo;t really like the home and now are somewhat trapped in the situation.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> I think buyers, especially first time homebuyers feel as if they might upset people.&nbsp; Whether it be another family member or even their agent.&nbsp; The truth is that it shouldn&rsquo;t matter.&nbsp; This is your home, your purchase, your mortgage and needs to be your decision.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> I think a lot of buyers once they get deep in the process are afraid to walk away.&nbsp; The truth is there is nothing wrong with walking away. Sure there are contractual limitations and time periods in which these decisions need to be made, but none the less the buyers and even sellers are given time to walk away from the deal.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> As a Realtor in the Charlotte area it is my job not just to sell homes, but more so make sure my clients are happy with their decisions and happy with the options they have and guidance I have provided.&nbsp; I want my clients to understand that the &ldquo;Due Diligence&rdquo; period is their time to enforce their decision, make sure that it is and will be what they want it to be, get whatever inspections and so forth that needs to be done and make sure they will be happy with their decision.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> As an added buyer protection for my clients I have recently started offering what is called the &ldquo;Love It or Leave It Guarantee&rdquo;.&nbsp; If one of my buyer clients decides that they do not like their home and have made the wrong decision,&nbsp; as long as it is within 90 days of closing I will resell their property for FREE.&nbsp; This means I will not take a commission on the transaction.&nbsp; However, a commission would still need to be paid to the other party&rsquo;s representative, but you would not pay me a dime.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> Buying a home is a HUGE step in life and one that needs to be celebrated and enjoyed.&nbsp; A buyer needs to feel confident that they made their own decision and that it is a decision that they are happy with.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> <strong><em>Tim Brown</em></strong><br /> <em>Owner/Broker, Realtor&reg;, ABR,CRS,CDPE&reg;</em><br /> <em>Auctioneer NCAL#8560</em><br /> <em>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</em><br /> <em>TeamHeidi</em><br /> <em>Direct Line: 704-619-1008</em><br /> <em>Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</em><br /> <em><a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/blog/blog/blog/blog/blog/blog/blog/move-huntersville-nc/www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</a></em></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> 2015&hellip;</h1> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/6992.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2202" height="225" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/6992.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="6992" width="300" /></a>We have all seen Back to the Future Part II and all know that in 2015 we are supposed to have all these great advancements and technology&hellip;The truth is we already have most of the things they came up with in that movie.&nbsp; Everything except for the ever elusive flying car&hellip;but I also know that we are getting close on that too&hellip;But what about real estate&hellip;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> Do you think homes being built in 2015 will be any different than today&rsquo;s home?&nbsp; Do you think that we will miraculously adopt the thumbprint entry rather than your traditional doorknob and handle? What about the door itself? Will we all of a sudden start building homes that lose the normal door altogether and start using the Star Wars &ldquo;blast door&rdquo; style? Or perhaps we will have coolers on our ceilings that drop on command&hellip;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> The truth is that homes most likely will not change that drastically in 3 years.&nbsp; I think the only things we will see are continued upgrades to items already being used.&nbsp; Items that will help save on energy costs and electricity.&nbsp; I think we will start to see a lot more solar powered appliances and roof solar panels.&nbsp; I also think we will see a lot of innovation in windows and insulation.&nbsp; Lets face it, the trend is and will be for awhile is energy conservation and the environment.&nbsp; The more &ldquo;green&rdquo; we can build new homes the better it will be for the environment&hellip;Which is a really good thing and I think a lot of innovation will come out of energy efficiency and solar energy research.&nbsp; I just saw the other day a paint that you can use that will conduct solar energy and with the right equipment installed can be utilized for household energy use.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> What are some things that you think we will see in the next couple years&hellip;Where will the new home building focus be? What kinds of interesting things have you seen lately in this arena?</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> <strong>Tim Brown</strong><br /> <strong>Realtor &reg;, BROKER, ABR, CRS, CDPE &reg;, SFR, Auctioneer NCAL#8560</strong><br /> <strong>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</strong><br /> <strong>Direct Line:&nbsp;<a href="tel:704-619-1008" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">704-619-1008</a></strong><br /> <strong><a href="http://www.carolinahomes4sale.com/" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); " target="_blank">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</a></strong></p> <h1 class="entry-title" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); "> HARP 2.0: What it is; What it isn&rsquo;t</h1> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> <a href="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/HARP-mortgage-refinance-Obama.jpg" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); text-decoration: underline; "><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2126" height="254" src="http://carolinahomes4sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/HARP-mortgage-refinance-Obama.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 6px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; max-width: 100%; " title="HARP-mortgage-refinance-Obama" width="294" /></a>The Obama Administration announced a series of changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) early this week!</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> The new HARP is by no means a game changer, here&rsquo;s essentially what we&rsquo;ve had to say about the revamped government mortgage refinancing program:</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> HARP 2.0, as the media has started to refer to it, has some merit, but it&rsquo;s scope is very limited and it will have little or no impact on foreclosures or the estimated 6.4 million homeowners nationwide who are behind on their mortgage payments. The new HARP just expands the net of those who were eligible for help under the original version.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> HARP was created in 2009 to help borrowers whose loans were backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the FHA, but did not have enough equity or negative equity to refinance. Under the original version of HARP, borrowers who were current on their payments and owed up to 125 percent of the current value of their homes could refinance their mortgage.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> The original HARP fell short of expectations. Over the past two and a half years, only 838,000 homeowners have benefited from the program. The new HARP has broadened the base with looser eligibility requirements.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> Borrowers with FHA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgages that were sold to Fannie or Freddie before May 31, 2009,&nbsp; will be able to refinance, no matter how far underwater they are. Banks will only have to verify that borrowers have made their last six payments, that they&rsquo;ve haven&rsquo;t missed more than one payment over the past year, and that they have a job or another source of regular income.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> Other key changes:</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> &sect;&nbsp;Appraisals are no longer required if there is a reliable automated valuation model (AVM)&ndash;a significant hurdle in the previous plan.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> &sect;&nbsp;Risk-based fees have been eliminated for borrowers who refinance to 15-year mortgages.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> &sect;&nbsp;Existing mortgage insurance coverage can be transferred much easier than under the original HARP.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> While the new HARP won&rsquo;t help homeowners who are behind on their payments and at risk for foreclosure, it is a welcome relief for homeowners who have been caught in the Catch-22 of not being able to refinance because they owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth, and at the same time, don&rsquo;t qualify for a short sale or a loan mod because they are current on their payments and still have&nbsp; income and assets.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> More money into the pockets of this segment will mean more dollars back into the economy, potentially heading off strategic defaults and keeping and stemming the tide of homes entering the foreclosure pipeline.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> You will need to check whether your mortgage is guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?&nbsp; Go to:<br /> Fannie Mae Loan Lookup<br /> <a href="http://loanlookup.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); text-decoration: underline; " target="_blank">http://loanlookup.fanniemae.<wbr />com/loanlookup/</a></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; "> Freddie Mac Loan Lookup<br /> <a href="https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); text-decoration: underline; " target="_blank">https://ww3.freddiemac.com/<wbr />corporate</a></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 14pt; ">Tim Brown</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 13.5pt; ">,</span></b></p> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt; ">Realtor</span></b><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-size: 10pt; ">&reg;,</span><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt; ">BROKER</span></b><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-size: 10pt; ">,</span><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt; ">ABR</span></b><b><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-size: 10pt; ">,</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt; ">CRS</span></b><b><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-size: 10pt; ">,</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt; ">CDPE</span></b><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); font-size: 10pt; ">&reg;,</span><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt; ">SFR</span></b></div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt; ">Auctioneer NCAL#8560</span></b></div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <span style="color: maroon; "><strong>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: navy; font-size: 10pt; ">&hellip;..Our HINEsight is always 20/20</span></span></div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <b><span style="color: maroon; ">Direct Line: 704-619-1008</span></b></div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <b><span style="color: maroon; ">Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</span></b></div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-size: 13.5pt; "><a href="http://www.carolinahomes4sale.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204); ">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</span></a></span></b></div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> &nbsp;</div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; ">Click here for&nbsp;</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.realtortimbrown.com/free-market-report.asp" target="_self"><span style="color: red; ">Charlotte Metro Area Real Estate Trends</span></a></span></b></div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> &nbsp;</div> <div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "> <b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; ">Helping families Avoid Foreclosure while saving much of their credit is what I am Certified to do.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; ">Is someone you care about&nbsp;struggling to make their mortgage payments or needing to sell their home but can&#39;t because it&#39;s worth less than they paid?&nbsp;<b>There are Options!</b>Have them call me today or visit&nbsp;</span><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red; text-decoration: none; ">http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp</span></b></a></span></u></div> </div> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Marketing-Mayhem</strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; "> Stepping away from the current economy and its effect on the housing market, lets turn to technology and marketing and how your home should be marketed in today&rsquo;s techno atmosphere.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; "> The truth of the times is that for the most part print advertising and marketing for real estate is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Not because Real Estate professionals necessarily want that to be the case but because our clients want that to be the case. Buyers and Sellers use home magazines, newspapers and phone book less and less as the internet gives them the instant information that they seek. Customers no longer need to initiate contact by phone conversation. They can simply find a home they like and send a message to an agent. The agent will then call them and initiate contact.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; "> As a seller you should be aware of the new trends your agent should be using to market your home. If your agent begins his presentation with a sign in the yard and ends with an ad in the local newspaper, you may want to start asking some questions. Your listing agent needs to be up to date on all the techniques that buyers use to find homes and know the best ways to get your property in front of potential buyers, regardless of the medium.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; "> A well rounded agent is able to combine the new with the old and develop a strong marketing plan that fits the needs of you, the seller as well as potential buyers that are looking for your property. Utelizing marketing techniques such as listing syndication, text messaging for information, QR codes on marketing flyers, facebook posts, twitter posts, linkedIn posts, writing blog posts about the property listing, and many other options. Those along with the sign that features text messaging options and contact rather than the blow away flyer and a possible empty box is the key to getting your listing in front of as many buyers as possible.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; "> When choosing a listing agent, the marketing plan should be one of the hot button items you discuss. Make sure that whoever is working to list your property has a solid grasp on today&rsquo;s technology and how he or she plan to use that technology to market your home.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 14pt">Tim Brown</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 13.5pt">,</span></b></p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt">Realtor</span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 10pt">&reg;,</span><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt">BROKER</span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 10pt">,</span><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt">ABR</span></b><b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 10pt">,</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt">CRS</span></b><b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 10pt">,</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt">CDPE</span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 10pt">&reg;,</span><b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt">SFR</span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <b><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10pt">Auctioneer NCAL#8560</span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <span style="color: maroon"><strong>Hines &amp; Associates Realty</strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: navy; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">&hellip;..Our HINEsight is always 20/20</span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <b><span style="color: maroon">Direct Line: 704-619-1008</span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <b><span style="color: maroon">Client Care Line: 704-815-3208</span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <b><span style="color: #0000bf; font-size: 13.5pt"><a href="http://www.carolinahomes4sale.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc">www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com</span></a></span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt">Click here for </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt"><a href="http://www.realtortimbrown.com/free-market-report.asp" target="_self"><span style="color: red">Charlotte Metro Area Real Estate Trends</span></a></span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> <b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt">Helping families Avoid Foreclosure while saving much of their credit is what I am Certified to do.&nbsp; </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt">Is someone you care about&nbsp;struggling to make their mortgage payments or needing to sell their home but can&#39;t because it&#39;s worth less than they paid? <b>There are Options!</b> Have them call me today or visit </span><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt"><a href="http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none">http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp</span></b></a></span></u></div> </div> <p> &nbsp;</p>Thu, 26 May 2011 15:09:08 GMThttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/1720809/2011/05/26/Tim-Brown-s-Blog.aspxYour First Steps To Avoid Foreclosurehttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Your-First-Steps-To-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspx <h1>Your First Steps</h1> <p>In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.</p> <p>You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure. </p> <p>Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!</p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Your-First-Steps-To-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspxStrategic Defaults are NOT Strategichttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Strategic-Defaults-are-NOT-Strategic.aspx <h1>Walking Away Is NOT The Answer</h1> <p>You may have heard that a “strategic default” can be an appropriate and even beneficial reaction to an upside-down mortgage or impending foreclosure. While this idea is widespread, the truth is that default is never an easy road to choose, and rarely ever strategic.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the ramifications of a “strategic default” are rarely explained, leaving many homeowners stranded on an island of misinformation. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the myths and misrepresentations of strategic defaults. </p> <p>Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get the facts today!</p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Strategic-Defaults-are-NOT-Strategic.aspxUnderstanding HAFAhttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Understanding-HAFA.aspx <h1>Understanding HAFA</h1> <p>New Help Has Arrived! </p> <p>The rising number of foreclosures in this country is simply too big to ignore. That is why a government-backed program has been released that aims at streamlining foreclosure avoidance options. </p> <p>Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier, quicker and more accessible through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA. </p> <p>With one in six homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments, you are not alone, and there are options available. With the free report provided here, find out if you qualify for the HAFA Program. Simply fill out your information below to get started on your new chapter of financial stability. </p> <p>Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to begin your journey to a solid, stable tomorrow. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Understanding-HAFA.aspxGovernment Program Surveyshttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/government-program-surveys.aspx <h1>Government Program Surveys</h1> <p>Are You Eligible? </p> <p>The government programs currently available to homeowners can be valuable resources, but only if you know which ones are right for your situation. </p> <p>That’s why I’ve created this free resource that lets you find out which programs you’re eligible for. Read the descriptions for each program to see which one fits your situation, then fill out the corresponding survey to see if you are eligible.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://hosted.cdpe.com/65773/Eligibility">Find out now if you are eligible!</a></strong></p> <p>The good news is that programs exist for a variety of situations, and even more options are available beyond those programs. As a CDPE-designated agent, I can provide all of your possibilities and help you get moving toward a solution. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/government-program-surveys.aspxTipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure?http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Tipping-the-Scales-Toward-Foreclosure.aspx <h1>Fear of foreclosure is a national epidemic.</h1> <p> Millions of homeowners fell behind on their mortgage payments last year, and then proceeded to fall further behind every month. </p> <p> These are tough times and there are no easy answers. </p> <p> The fact is, major lenders, the federal government, and local agencies across the country have stepped up their efforts to stem the tide of foreclosures. More help is available than ever before. </p> <p> As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am knowledgeable and adept at navigating among the full range of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. </p> <p> Looking to learn more? Check out my free report: "Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure? Resolve to Shed the Weight of an Unmanageable Mortgage in 2012." </p> <p> And if you, or someone you care about is looking to tip the scales back into financial solvency, contact me today for a confidential consultation! </p>http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Tipping-the-Scales-Toward-Foreclosure.aspxMake Financial Stability Your Resolutionhttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Make-Financial-Stability-Your-Resolution.aspx <h1>Foreclosure Stress Never Goes on Holiday</h1> <p>If a foreclosure is threatening your happy holiday, you should know you're not alone. Millions of Americans are in the same situation, and it is my goal to help ease the stress that comes with the threat of foreclosure for as many as I can reach. </p> <p>As a CDPE-designated agent, I help struggling homeowners navigate the various options they have to avoid foreclosure. One possible option is a mortgage modification, which makes monthly payments more affordable. </p> <p> For more information regarding this and other solutions, please download the free report located on this site. </p> </p> <p> If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to contact me throughout the holiday. I'm here to help. Make financial stability your resolution for the New Year! </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Make-Financial-Stability-Your-Resolution.aspxA Dignified Solutionhttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/A-Dignified-Solution.aspx <h1>You Deserve a Dignified Solution</h1> <p>The economy today has been especially hard on homeowners. I meet people every day who thought they made a responsible decision on their mortgage loan, only to be hit with the unexpected. </p> <p>The first and best move to make in this position is to educate yourself on what your options are based on your financial situation. Avoiding foreclosure is always something worth pursuing if you can, and there really are dignified alternatives available. </p> <p>To get my free report on all the options and benefits of avoiding foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send". If you need immediate assistance, please contact me right away. </p> <p>I'm here to help. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/A-Dignified-Solution.aspxCash for Short Saleshttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Cash-for-Short-Sales.aspx <h1>Cash for Short Sales</h1> <p>Short Sales are More Valuable Than Ever! </p> <p>Avoiding foreclosure is always a smart move, but now there are incentives that make it an even better one. </p> <p>Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier and quicker through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA, which also gives the homeowner $3,000 for participating. </p> <p>With the free report provided here, you can learn all the benefits of completing a HAFA short sale. Simply fill out your information below for details on the program and how you would benefit. </p> <p>Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to start exploring solutions. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Cash-for-Short-Sales.aspxAre You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgagehttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Are-You-Living-Under-the-Cloud-of-an-Unmanageable-Mortgage.aspx <h1>An Unmanageable Mortgage Clouds Everything</h1> <p> When families are tapped out financially and faced with the uncertainty of not knowing how much longer they'll be able to stay in their home, the prospect of planning or having a positive outlook on the future seems out of the question. </p> <p> Many financially strapped homeowners feel frozen in action and it's no wonder, but here's the most important point that you need to know: </p> <p> <b> Even though millions of homes have been lost to foreclosure, you and those you care about absolutely do not need to add to that statistic. </b> </p> <p> More help is available now than ever before. </p> <p> As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am adept at navigating among the full range of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. </p> <p> If you, or someone you care about is looking to get out from under the cloud of unmanageable mortgage contact me today for a confidential consultation! </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Are-You-Living-Under-the-Cloud-of-an-Unmanageable-Mortgage.aspxCaution: Protect Yourself Against Mortgage Relief Scamshttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Caution-Protect-Yourself-Against-Mortgage-Relief-Scams.aspx <h1>Caution: Protect Yourself Against Mortgage Relief Scams</h1> <p> The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued regulations protecting consumers against mortgage relief fraud. Due to the growing number of scams that are designed to take advantage of homeowners in distress, the government wants to make sure you won’t be a victim. </p> <p> As a CDPE, I am fully compliant with the FTC regulations, and want to help you avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals or companies, as well. </p> <p> In fact, I’ve developed a free, detailed report that explains the warning signs of potentially fraudulent activity so you can protect yourself and the ones you love. </p> <p> If you are facing an unaffordable mortgage and need help from someone you can trust, please contact me today. </p> <p> I’m here to help. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Caution-Protect-Yourself-Against-Mortgage-Relief-Scams.aspxFeeling Trapped by Your Mortgage?http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Feeling-Trapped-by-Your-Mortgage.aspx <h1>Feeling trapped by your mortgage?</h1> <h2> Education is the Key </h2> <p> If you or someone you know feels like a prisoner to unaffordable mortgage payments, you should know that education may be the key to financial freedom. You have options available that can help ease the worry of making payments or losing your home to foreclosure. </p> <p> To find out more about the options you have to choose from, download the free report I've created at the bottom of this page. </p> <p> In fact, this entire website has been created exclusively for homeowners like you who need a trusted source for viable solutions to foreclosure. </p> <p> If you have questions about the information you find here, or would like to get started in creating a plan, call me today. </p> <p> The more proactive we are, the better chance you'll have in finding financial freedom and stability. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Feeling-Trapped-by-Your-Mortgage.aspxCredit Score Issueshttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Credit-Score-Issues.aspx <h1>Don't Let Your Credit Score Drop Unnecessarily</h1> <p>Avoiding foreclosure now could make or break your attempts to get a loan in the near future and determine whether you can get affordable interest rates. </p> <p>That's why I've made this site available for anyone in our community struggling with mortgage payments. Foreclosure alternatives like short sales and deeds-in-lieu allow homeowners to avoid many of the damaging effects of foreclosure. In addition, short sales may have less of an impact on credit scores than foreclosure. </p> <p>To get all the information on how these options affect your credit score, fill out the form below and click "Send". If you need immediate assistance, contact me right away. </p> <p>I'm here to assist you. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Credit-Score-Issues.aspxShort Sale vs. Foreclosurehttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Short-Sale-vs-Foreclosure.aspx <h1>Foreclosure or Short Sale: Understand the Differences</h1> <p>Underwater on your mortgage? Facing foreclosure? Avoiding foreclosure through a short sale can have many benefits for your future financial stability. </p> <p>I created this site to help spread the word about the options to avoiding foreclosure, and a short sale has many benefits. A successful short sale can reduce the damage to one's future loan eligibility, credit rating, employment, security clearance and more. </p> <p>For a free report on the differences between short sales and foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send". If your situation is urgent, feel free to contact me immediately. I'm ready to help you take action and secure a more secure financial future. </p> <p>As a CDPE-designated agent, I've been trained to pursue foreclosure alternatives, and I'm here to help. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Short-Sale-vs-Foreclosure.aspxMortgage Payments Weighing You Down?http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Mortgage-Payments-Weighing-You-Down.aspx <h1>Give Yourself and Your Family the Gift of a Fresh Start to 2012!</h1> <p> If you've spent too much of 2011 living under the dark cloud of an unaffordable house payment, you're in good company. Current estimates are that more than 25 percent of all homeowners in this country would net less on the sale of their home than the amount they owe on their mortgage, and 6.3 million homeowners are in some stage of foreclosure. </p> <p> The good news is that you have options. Helping homeowners to avoid foreclosure has actually emerged into the spotlight of as a national priority, with major banks, the Federal government and many state and local agencies offering more assistance than ever before to financially strapped homeowners. </p> <p> As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the full scope of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: "Mortgage Payments Weighing You Down? Give Yourself the Gift of a Fresh Start." </p> <p> Contact me today and let's get started! </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Mortgage-Payments-Weighing-You-Down.aspxFeeling Financially Squeezedhttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Feeling-Financially-Squeezed.aspx <h1>Feeling Financially Squeezed?</h1> <h2>Escape the Grip of Forecloure </h2> <p>If you are struggling with the emotional stranglehold of foreclosure, I'm here to help. With my assistance, we can start the process of putting you back on the path to stability. </p> <p>As a CDPE, I have extensive training to serve the needs of homeowners in circumstances where they feel they have no options. The reality is that you have many. </p> <p> Because millions of Americans are struggling with unaffordable mortgage payments, lenders are more than ever encouraged to work with homeowners to find a solution that benefits all parties. </p> <p> To find out more about foreclosure alternatives that are available to you, click and download the free report I've created on this website. </p> <p> Call me today. The sooner we get started the more time we'll have to devise a strategy to help you breathe a little easier and restore hope for the future. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Feeling-Financially-Squeezed.aspxMortgage Crisis Easierhttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Mortgage-Crisis-Easier.aspx <h1>Solving Your Mortgage Crisis Just Got Easier</h1> <p> If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, the strain of figuring out what to do can be overwhelming. </p> <p> Why do it alone when you can have a dedicated, extensively trained professional on your side at no cost to you? </p> <p> Both lenders and the federal government are putting new systems in place to help you avoid foreclosure. For access to free, detailed information explaining these programs, simply download the report below. </p> <p> On this website, you can find information regarding all of your options. When you call me to find out what you can do to take advantage of these options, I will show you how having straightforward solutions to your mortgage challenge can help you to breathe a little easier. </p> <p> For more specific information and to see if you qualify, please, call me today! The sooner you call the sooner you can breathe a sigh of relief! </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Mortgage-Crisis-Easier.aspxNeed a Helping Hand?http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Need-a-Helping-Hand.aspx<h1>Compassion and connections to untangle your complicated mortgage challenges</h1> <p> If you or someone you care about is falling behind on your mortgage and owes more on your home than it is worth in today's market, you are not alone. </p> <p> In fact, 6.3 million homeowners are in some stage of foreclosure right now. </p> <p> As my recent report points out, there are currently 10.9 million homeowners in the United States who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth in today's market. </p> <p> Far too often, homeowners in this situation feel that they have no other choice but to let their home fall into foreclosure. </p> <p> As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the best solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: "Need a Helping Hand? If the market and your mortgage have tossed you a curve, you are not alone." </p> <p> Contact me today and let's get started! </p>http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Need-a-Helping-Hand.aspxAt the End of Your Rope?http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/At-the-End-of-Your-Rope.aspx <h1>At the End of Your Rope?</h1> <h2> Free report details 10 ways to alleviate the stress of an unaffordable mortgage payment. </h2> <p> Millions of homeowners across the nation are experiencing difficulties paying their mortgages. If you or someone you care about is feeling the stress of an unaffordable mortgage, please take the time to review the report found on this website. </p> <p> As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I've been extensively trained to counsel and guide homeowners through their options. There are dignified solutions available to help people get back on path to financial stability. My clients have found strength in the knowledge that they are able to take an active role in avoiding foreclosure. </p> <p> They know that avoiding foreclosure is key in providing for a brighter future. Foreclosure can wreak havoc on credit and affect current and future employment status in addition to many other long-lasting side effects. In the report, I demonstrate just how harmful foreclosure is in comparison to an extremely effective alternative called a short sale. </p> <p> I can help you or someone you care about create a strategy for living a life without the burden of missed payments. Call me today, and let's work together to put you back on the path of financial stability. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/At-the-End-of-Your-Rope.aspxShort Sales vs Foreclosureshttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Short-Sales-vs-Foreclosures.aspx <h1>Short Sale vs. Foreclosure</h1> <h2> Making the Right Choice for a Stable Future </h2> <p> The US housing crisis has claimed millions of victims. Unfortunately, many homeowners are losing their homes to the bank because either they think that a short sale will have the same financial effect as a foreclosure or they don't know their options. </p> <p> The good news is that homeowners don't have to navigate this process on their own. I am available for those who need my expertise to get back on the path to stability. </p> <p> If you, or someone you know has questions about this information, or would like to get started creating a plan, call me today. </p> <p> The more proactive we are, the better the chance of finding financial freedom and stability. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Short-Sales-vs-Foreclosures.aspxAvoiding Mortgage Modification Fraudhttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Avoiding-Mortgage-Modification-Fraud.aspx <h1>Avoiding Mortgage Modification Fraud</h1> <p>I Am An Agent Against Mortgage Fraud!</p> <p>The last thing struggling homeowners need is to be victimized by fraud. Sadly, some people are preying on those who need help the most. Today, the real estate industry is the newest, biggest target for predatory schemes. In fact, the U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, stated that mortgage fraud cases are 400 percent higher than they were five years ago.</p> <p>With nearly 1 in 6 homeowners unable to pay their mortgages, understand that you are not alone. Knowing your legitimate foreclosure-avoidance options is the best way to fight this terrible trend.</p> <p>The report on this site will tell you how to avoid mortgage fraud schemes, as well as what solutions are available to you. Enter your information below and get the facts now!</p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Avoiding-Mortgage-Modification-Fraud.aspxMissing Mortgage Payments? It's Never Too Late!http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Missing-Mortgage-Payments.aspx <h1>Missing Mortgage Payments?</h1> <h2> It's Not Too Late! </h2> <p> According to Lender Processing Services (LPS), over 6.32 million homeowner missed their mortgage payments in April 2011. Another four million have missed more than three months of payments and are now considered seriously delinquent. If you or someone you care about is having difficulty making mortgage payments, you should know it's not too late to get help. </p> <p> I created this website so homeowners could gather as much information as possible about a homeowner's options and what steps should be taken next. The free reports available on this site are phenomenal resources for you to learn more about how I can help overwhelmed homeowners overcome this temporary challenge in life. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Missing-Mortgage-Payments.aspxShort Sale & Deed-In-Lieuhttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Short-Sale-and-Deed-In-Lieu.aspx <h1>Short Sale &amp; Deed-In-Lieu</h1> <p>Contrary to what you may have heard, lenders actually want to avoid foreclosure wherever possible. That’s why they’re accepting more short sale and deed-in-lieu transactions everyday in an effort to eliminate unnecessary foreclosures. This is great news for homeowners facing financial distress.</p> <p>To help you understand more about these two options, I’ve prepared a free report just for you, called ‘Short Sale & Deed-in-Lieu: Dignified Solutions.’ To receive your free report, please provide your information in the fields below. </p> <p>I hope you’ll review these options carefully and pass this information along to those who may need it. I commend your efforts to finding a solution to the difficult financial situation that you or someone you know is currently facing. Providing the best advice and information in your time of need is my priority. </p> <p>Let me help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future. </p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Short-Sale-and-Deed-In-Lieu.aspx7 Short Sale Mythshttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Seven-Short-Sale-Myths.aspx <h1>7 Short Sale Myths</h1> <p>There are millions of homeowners just like you who are looking for answers and don’t know what to do. You’re not alone and you’re in the right place.</p> <p>As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Despite my best efforts, there’s still an overwhelming amount of misinformation about the options available, especially short sales.</p> <p>To give you a better idea of the short sale option, and to set straight some of the myths you may have heard, I’ve prepared a free report just for you - please fill out the information below to receive your free report. This report will clarify the following myths:</p> <ul> <li>The Bank Would Rather Foreclose Than Bother With A Short Sale</li> <li>You Must Be Behind On Your Mortgage To Negotiate A Short Sale</li> <li>There Is Not Enough Time To Negotiate A Short Sale Before My Foreclosure</li> <li>Listing My Home As A Short Sale Is An Embarrassment</li> <li>Short Sales Are Impossible And Never Get Approved</li> <li>Banks Are Waiting On A Bailout And Not Accepting Short Sales</li> <li>Buyers Are Not Interested In Short Sale Properties</li> </ul> <p>These ideas are potentially harmful to homeowners seeking real solutions. I hope you’ll review this information for yourself or share it with a homeowner in need.</p> <p>In these times, we all need to know the truth to know how to get back on track.</p> <p>If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please give me a call.</p> <p>Tim Brown<br/>(704) 815-3208</p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Seven-Short-Sale-Myths.aspxThe Truth About Mortgage Modificationshttp://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Truth-About-Mortgage-Modifications.aspx <h1>The Truth About Mortgage Modifications</h1> <p>The decisions you make as a homeowner today hold a profound impact on your financial future. However, it is important to safeguard yourself from misinformation and fraud. Get the facts regarding your situation and always have a contingency plan.</p> <p>For those who qualify, a mortgage modification is the ideal remedy to their financial distress. I’ve prepared a FREE report on the truth about mortgage modifications to guide you through this important process. Simply provide your information below to get this valuable information, and feel free to pass it along to anyone who may need it. One homeowner lost to foreclosure is one too many!</p> <p>As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Together, we can formulate a plan to get back on track.</p> <p>If you have any unanswered questions, or your circumstances are urgent, please call me today.</p> <p>Tim Brown <br/> (704) 815-3208</p> http://hosted.cdpe.com/TimBrownShortSaleHelp/Truth-About-Mortgage-Modifications.aspx