Breaking News: RESPA, NAR, Quicken and Brokerage Admin Fees

RESPA, RESPA, RESPA...What is it anyway? The web site www.HUD.gov explains: " The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) insures that consumers throughout the nation are provided with more helpful information about the cost of the mortgage settlement and protected from unnecessarily high settlement charges caused by certain abusive practices. "

Among other things, this law has a prohibition against "unearned fees" being charged by settlement service providers to the consumer. Settlement service providers are real estate brokers, lenders, closing companies, surveyors, pest control companies, home warranty companies and almost any party whose charges show up on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

This portion of the law has been tested in lower courts and was seemingly interpreted to mean that real estate brokers could not charge "admin fees" or transactional costs above the commission they were charging. The courts, as I understand it, were saying that the brokerage had the duty to file the paperwork and coordinate the transaction. Therefore, brokerages could not charge an additional fee over and above the commission, to clients and customers for these tasks. As a result, many local brokerages began to rename these fees and continue to charge them, but label them as "flat fee" commissions, because that is what the court said they were. So, brokerages would charge X percent plus a flat fee of Y as commission for their services.

WELL, now NAR (the National Association of REALTORS) says that the ruling by the Supreme Court last week changes things. In this particular suit, Quicken (a mortgage broker) was being sued by customers who claimed that the loan discount fee (aka loan processing fee) violated this same clause of the law as it was an "unearned fee". Quicken defended itself by saying that the law only applied to fees that are shared with another servicer. The case made it to the Supreme Court and....(drumroll please) the Supreme Court sided with Quicken.

What does this mean for real estate brokers and their "Admin" fees? Will they be re-emerging in the marketplace? Who knows. But I know this... my office does not charge admin or transaction fees in addition to our commission. In fact, Mr and Mrs consumer... when I recently moved from one office to another I ended up at such a small boutique brokerage because all the 'nationals' that I considered do charge these fees (regardless of what they are called). I stood firm against it and simply would not go to an office where I would be forced to charge these fees to my clients. I mean, really... How could I tell you "You Have A Friend In the Business"... and then nickel and dime you to death every time we did business together?  I couldn't.

Whether you're ready to buy or sell a home, or just need some honest real estate advice, I am here for you:

Vicky Chrisner, "The Real Estate Whisperer"

Selling Homes and Land in Loudoun County and the Dulles Area

703.669.3142

MyAgentVicky@GMail.com

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Learn more about this case:

Speaking of Real Estate "Supreme Court Provides Clarity on Brokerages' Administrative Fees"

 

Hidden Costs in Home Buying - New Homes Vs. Resale

Today I received an email from Toll Brothers linking to a blog about why you should buy a new home rather than a resale.... and they make a few points; but they miss a lot of points. "A" for effort! Hopefully the consumers reading the blog don't actually think about what it says - or doesn't say.

In this sheet, Toll Brothers gives you expected life expectancies of varying systems in homes, and their approximation of replacement cost. Generally speaking, they are right on about the average life expectancies. According to the estimate, over a 25 year span you could be spending $133,500... that's a little more than $5K a year in maintenance (that's regardless of whether you buy new or not - that's the cost to maintain a home over those years... and it's probably going to be more than that in our area). However, if you are buying a home, particularly a resale, I recommend you get a home inspection and hire someone that will provide you with a better estimation (based on the actual home you're buying) what maintenance or replacement items you should anticipate so that you can budget accordingly.

Aside from the predictable maintenance costs of any home (new or resale) there are other things to consider. For example:

• Do you sneak to the kitchen for a midnight snack in your undies? If so, having window coverings in place might be a good idea. Resales usually come with them... new homes rarely do.
• Most people repaint. For resales, most people repaint when they first move in to get rid of the prior owners taste in wall coverings and replace it with their own. With new homes, builders recommend that owners wait a year before repainting, so until then you need to live with the builder's choice of paint and the nail pops.
• Yes, nail pops - That's why builders recommend you wait a year before repainting. At the end of a year, they will (usually) come back and cover up nail pops and other minor signs of settlement that are inevitable.... but they won't touch up custom paint, so waiting until after that 1 year walk through to repaint is a good idea, since you'll surely want to repaint after that is done. With resales, they are usually "settled" by the time you move in, so you're not as likely to find these kinds of issues.
• Do you like to have clean clothes? Most of us do... and builders rarely include a washer and dryer. Most resales come with the laundry equipment.
• Are you moving out of that stupid rental apartment to your own home so you can have a cook out on your own deck without the rental manager fussing at you? Well then, you're going to need a deck or patio. Resales commonly have decks or patios... New homes usually don't, and this is a big ticket item not included on that Toll Brother's list. Think $10-15K plus.
• Maybe your motivation for moving is that you're ready to start a family, and whether you're starting your family with dog or a (human) toddler, you may find having a fenced yard would be a plus. There aren't many builders that include that in the cost of the home, in fact, many don't even offer it as an option. But in resales, you have a pretty good chance of finding a great yard with a great fence already in place.
• Speaking of yards, do you like green grass and mature trees? This wish list item is also going to be easier to find in a resale. With a new home, the landscaping is all new, and takes much work to get established.

While buying a new home offers some advantages, it offers disadvantages, too. There is not one right answer for everyone. I am not trying to sway your opinion, just to point out some of the things you may not have considered... and things Toll Brothers certainly doesn't want you to consider when you're reading their blog or shopping in their models (where, by the way, you'll see lush landscaping and decks, and patios, and fenced yards, and custom paint and window coverings). I'm just sayin'.

***

Whatever the right answer for you, I am happy to help you make sure that you're buying, "eyes wide open" and not swayed by marketing materials and propaganda. That's the role of a buyers agent~to make sure you have the right information so you make the best choice for you and your family. Thinking of buying a home? New or resale I can help!

Vicky Chrisner, BUYERS AGENT

703.669.3142

   

Loudoun Real Estate Market Looking Good

If you keep up with my blog, you know my opinion of the market. If you keep up with the Loudoun County market stats posted on my web site (and updated monthly), then you have already seen the evidence for yourself. And if you read the newspapers, then you will see that a recent survey of other agents and area builders reinforces what I have been sharing: The Real Estate Market in Loudoun County is looking good! :) The hottest submarkets? Ashburn, Brambleton, Potomac Station, and Potomac Falls....and homes priced $400-500K, and just above $1m....but homes in Western Loudoun are selling, too! In general, Loudoun is rockin'! In fact, inventory is so tight, the sale of land is picking up again too, and custom home builders are seeing an increase in the number of their contract. This is of particular interest, as building a custom home generally requires more than a desire... it requires a significant down payment and to qualify for a loan, borrowers must have a high level of liquidity and financial stability. Interested in learning more about real estate in Loudoun County? I am here to help! Vicky Chrisner 703.669.3142

Refinancing Your FHA Loan Now

Yesterday I received another "Mortgage Minute" video from one of my favorite lenders, Pat Cunningham at Home Savings Trust. These videos are sent to his sphere of real estate agents so we can provide updates and information to our clients. In this video (as always) he gives some good information. But the most exciting news in this update won't even impact my real estate business. It could, however, impact your life.

Did you buy a home prior to May 2009 with an FHA loan? If so, this new deal effects YOU. Pat said they have a new option to refinance those loans - which are likely about a 5% interest rate - into today's loan prices (approximately 3.75%), and you will NOT have to pay the new mortgage insurance rates, there will be no appraisal, and no closing costs. For many of you, this could save a couple hundred dollars a month.

Watch the video yourself (note: He talks about this last, so you can skip to a little more than half way through the video if this is all you wish to hear.)

Want more information? Talk to Pat: Patrick Cunningham Main Number: (703) 766-4636 Fax Number: (703) 352-1289 Email: pcunningham@hstmortgage.com

 

I will be forwarding this post to several of my past clients... I hope you pass this on to anyone else you know. I want you to remember that I am always looking out for you, and will be sharing news that I think you can use whether you're in the market to buy or sell, or not. So, stay tuned to my business facebook page at www.Facebook.com/TheRealEstateWhisperer.

Also, if you're a client you may notice my web site has a new format... and I am loving it. It is a work in progress, I am still customizing things, so please explore and give me your feedback. What do you love? What do you think should be added? I want it to me the type of interesting web site that keeps you coming back to use resources regularly...and something you will likely be sharing with others.

As always, please know I rely on you, my friends and clients, to help feed my business. If you know of anyone who is looking to buy or sell a home in the Loudoun or Dulles area, be sure to connect me!

Vicky Chrisner, REALTOR

MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com

703.669.3142

Getting the Best Appraisal for Your Home

Because most people purchase homes with a loan or otherwise subject to an appraisal, getting an favorable appraisal is key to most home sales. You likely will also need to get an appraisal for refinancing.

The purposes of a home appraisal is to estimate market value, to make sure the bank is investing (via a loan) in a property that is worth their investment.

Recently there has been a change in the home appraisal process, resulting in more regulation. To comply with these regulations, among other things, most lenders use a lottery system to chose the appraiser for each loan.

When working with the Veterans Association on a VA loan, the VA operates the lottery system. No one involved in the transaction, not even the lender, has any ability to choose the appraiser. Outside of VA loans, larger lenders have a large pool of appraisers they work with... Bank of America and other large lenders, as you can imagine, service a huge geographical area... often, so do their appraisers. And, like in the example of the VA loans, the loan officers who work for these large lenders also have no ability to influence the appraisal... nor do they have the ability to influence decisions on who goes into the lottery, or who stays.

It's not uncommon in these situations to get an appraiser from a far off land (OK, I am exaggerating just a bit, but they are often from outside the market place) to provide a valuation for your home. Since we all know that real estate is local, this can result in a "bad" appraisal.

Appraisers who do not understand what neighborhoods are more comparable to others may pull comparables from neighborhoods that simply don't make sense. Or, if they don't often work in the market, they may not realize that (for example) in Winchester, a split foyer home sells well and in Reston a contemporary home is highly desired, but both of these housing types are considered "dated" and less desirable in Leesburg, where people seem to crave colonial style homes. They may not realize that a home in Round Hill is more desirable than one in Lovettsville because of the commute patterns. And, desirability drives value in any market.

I tend to encourage my buyers to use smaller, local lenders for a myriad of reasons. One advantage is that smaller local lenders have a smaller pool of appraisers who generally work smaller areas. While these lenders are still not permitted to "hand pick" their appraisers (to prevent fraud), they do have better quality control over the "pool" of appraisers, and the end result is a more accurate appraisal.

When selling or refinancing your home, your appraisal can affect your ability to get your loan...and if you're a seller you need the appraiser to be favorable so that your buyer can get his loan. So make sure you know your "comps."

"Comps" are simply market comparisons that reflect other homes that have sold in your neighborhood, zip code, and area. Review these comparisons by calling your agent of choice (hopefully me) for comparisons BEFORE your appraiser visits to make sure that all relevant comps are considered.

If your home is for sale, we've already been through the "presentation" checklist - and this still applies for the appraiser. If you're refinancing, take a few minutes to look at your home as though you were a home buyer, since checking that your home appears marketable and well-maintained is vital. Spend some time cleaning the home entrance and painting as necessary to spruce up the entry, making your best first impression. The rest of your home should be clean and clutter-free, as well. Appraisers assume - like most people - that if your home is dirty and toys are out front in the overgrown lawn, you don't take good care of the mechanics and the roof is probably a disaster; but if it's clean, surely all the nooks and crannies are in great shape as well.

Appraisals - no matter how scientific they appear on the final report - are incredibly subjective. If you hire 10 appraisers you will get 10 different values of the same property. So, make sure you make things as easy as possible for the appraiser, and present your case for the value.

There are some things you can hand to your appraiser when they visit:

• Floorplan and plat, for starters - because they will have to create one if you don't give them one.
• List of selling features of your home - the view, size, location, bump out, "options" when the home was built - anything that makes it better than most of the homes your house might be compared to.
• List of recent upgrades and updates, and include costs if they were significant (a $45K kitchen remodel is much more impressive than a $10K kitchen remodel; and be sure to include anything that improves energy efficiency - this is a focus in today's market).
• Listings for comparable properties with notes about the significant differences between your home and the one that is there (backs to highway, doesn't have a basement, etc.).

If I have listed your home you can rest assured that I will be providing this information to your appraiser - I may meet them in person or just provide the information electronically to him in advance. I will also do my very best to project to them that I am an expert in the market place, and that I am available to assist them if they need additional information, have questions, or find conflicting information. Being personable and approachable is an important factor in opening these lines of communication.

If you're refinancing, then I can still help you get these things together - just give me a call.

Once completed, an appraisal may take a week or so before you can get a copy, but do get a copy. If the appraisal is lower than you need, there are ways to request changes, and I can help you with that, too, so that you can accomplish your goals.

Don't hesitate to call me if I can help! Remember, with me, you've got a friend in the business!

Vicky Chrisner, REALTOR

703.669.3142

www.VickyChrisner.com

Facebook.com/TheRealEstateWhisperer

Thinking of selling or refinancing? Check the comps - order a free report at www.SalesInMyNeighborhood.Info

What? No Cookies?

I have been working with some buyers for several months... We have looked, and looked, and looked at homes.... Foreclosures, Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Model Homes, you name it. From the time we first entered a model home, the client commented "What, no cookies?" It's true... gone are the days where you can count on getting fresh baked Otis Spunkmeyer cookies at any model home.

This became the joke... Every house we went in, someone would comment "It's nice, but there are no cookies." Or something like that. Earlier this week, I showed them 2 homes that they really really liked, especially the second one. Of course, I continued the joke... "Yeah, but there are no cookies, so we better keep looking."

We went back the next evening to show another family member... Guess what we found? Yep. There were more, but we ate them. I had to take a photo before they were gone. They were tasty, too.

And no, it was not an open house. But it was an owner that did absolutely EVERYTHING right as far as staging and making the home available for viewing. She gets an A +++ !

Anyway, it got me thinking... I wonder if there is a camera in here? You know, many people have them. I even noticed them in another home I showed the same night. So, let this be a warning Mr & Mrs Prospective Buyer - be careful what you say and do, you might be caught on camera. For us, I have no idea if there was a camera or not, and we didn't say or do anything that would be a problem, so I am not too concerned. But it's pretty ironic that the cookies were there the next night, don't you think?

Oh - and in case you're wondering... We're waiting on a response to our offer. Did the cookies seal the deal? Hard to say, but it certainly sweetened things a bit.

So You Want To Be A Real Estate Agent?

I hear this from friends quite often... "I want to get my real estate license. I think I'd make a good real estate agent. I like looking at houses."

While the meat of the business is far more than looking at houses, the truth is that most agents fail because they can't find the people who want to look at the houses - or at least not the ones who wish to purchase them and are ready, willing and able.

See this post on Trulia, where someone posted, "I recently got my license, activated it and got my MLX lots of money invested.. I signed on with a brokerage that supposedly has one of the best training's out there but all they have told me is to send out cards and call my family..seriously...is there any brokerage firm that will actually say "hey agent here is a property go sell it or here is a buyer find them a house? or do i practically walk around in the dark questioning why i ever decided to make this my career and feel completely alone?"

Sadly, this agent will not likely make it. You see, the brokerage hired you to find business... not the other way around. And the brokerage was right when they told her to talk to the people she already knows - Are they willing to hire you? Refer you?

In this market, I know I would not hire someone who is new. Buying or selling a home a HUGE investment decision and very complicated and when you hire a real estate agent, you're relying on their expertise. Expertise you get from doing business. In some cases a new agent may not know as much as their consumer. It takes years and years of experience.

Luckily, when I entered the market as a new agent, I was not new to the business - I'd been working in real estate for decades, and so the transition was easier for me.... but it still took adjusting. I wasn't used to having to ask for business or referrals either. My advantage was once I had the "lead" I had the experience to justify them hiring me. But what if you were a home maker or negotiated labor contracts for a living? Not only are you not used to having to "find" your next client, but once you have them you're not really sure what to do.

Sure, some people get lucky - and I am often surprised by some of the people that make it in this business. It can defy logic. Maybe that will be you. But if you're that lucky, maybe you should just play the lottery.

Bottom line, here is my advice to anyone who wishes to get into this business... You are starting a new business, you are self employed, you are not getting a job. It is not the same. And, the projection on what you should make the first year... Here's how you figure it out:

How many people do you know RIGHT NOW who will buy or sell a home in the next 12 months? Of those, how many people will hire you to help them? Multiple that number by 75%, and those are the clients you'll have this year. Guesstimate your income per transaction based on sales price and the normal commission charged in your area, and then take out the costs for your broker, taxes, and expenses. (Generally an agent gets to keep 30% of their gross earnings.) That is what your projected income will be in the next 12 months. Are you excited? Probably not so much, but it's the truth that no one else wishes to tell you.

Yes, marketing helps, but the cold calling, bulk mail, door knocking, etc. can only do so much. It's a drop in the bucket, because everyone who talks to you will not hire you. Some will. Many won't. Once they do, if you do a great job, then they will refer you and use you again. That's why it's worth it. It's never about today's sale. It's always about tomorrow's.

Having shared all of this info, I have a message for my friends, family, and clients: I hope now YOU realize why I need your referrals, why I need your business, why I work hard to try to be the smartest, best, most loyal, most helpful, most competent real estate agent you know. If I have managed to establish that impression in your mind, take a moment to think about who you know that needs my help, and then connect me. I will be forever grateful. Without the support of my friends, family, and past clients, I would have no business. Thank you, thank you, for your continued support.

***

Vicky Chrisner, REALTOR

703.669.3142

MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com

www.VickyChrisner.com

31 lot Subdivision, Round Hill

Vicky Chrisner | (703) 669-3142 Airmont Rd, Round Hill, VA Conditional Approval has been received on this 31 lot subdivision in the Town of Round Hill, near Sleeter Lake. Property will be served by town water and sewer.Property is approximately 31 acres, with gentle rolling landscape, and a small lake in the corner of the property. Lots average 3/4 acres each. For more information on this or other land for development, contact Vicky Chrisner: 703-669-3142 or email: MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com. additional photos Contact info: Vicky Chrisner (703) 669-3142 Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: February 03, 2012

Free Annual Credit Report

Just one quick real estate tip today.... If you're thinking of buying in the next year (or two) and haven't seen a copy of your credit report lately, I encourage you to get your free credit report. You can do so online at www.AnnualCreditReport.com. There are other sites, including "FreeCreditReport.com" with really cute commercials, like this one.

But don't get drawn in by the name and other marketing efforts, this is a site that wants your paid business, and will do their best to get it. The federal government credited the law that once per year you are entitled to a free credit report, and the web site designated for this is www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Even though you can get a complete credit report via this site, you can not get a free credit score.

I hope this quick little post keeps you from getting drawn to the wrong web site and spending money on something that is available to you, for free.

Got other real estate questions? I am here for you - just send me an email to MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com and I will try to help.

Remember, with me, you have a friend in the business. Stay tuned to The Real Estate Whisperer for more real estate tips and news!

Vicky Chrisner, REALTOR

703.669.3142

MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com

I Love My Docusign

If you’ve known me for a long time, then you probably know I am not a gadget geek. I do not own the latest greatest techno-toys and I don’t buy the first release of anything. New gadgets and systems slow me down because I have to adjust, and I do not like slowing down… especially if I am going full speed and quite content. But, some things have an advantage that is so great, so obvious, so clear, that I think anyone who doesn’t embrace it from the start is really shooting themselves in the foot. Docusign is one of those things.

Docusign is a web based program that allows electronic signatures. In most real estate transactions, it’s perfectly acceptable, and the law has been adapted to ensure enforceability of electronically signed contracts. And, oy, it saves so much time.

I still know some agents that get every signature in person. I wonder how that is possible? Do they turn away clients who live far away?

Many agents are still stuck in the days of faxes… Faxes were “the thing” back in the early 90′s (newsflash: that was TWENTY YEARS AGO). I can remember thinking “Wow, this makes things so much easier… No pony express or personal courier! Woo hoo!” And the speed of business got faster.

Then we started to use emails – and send documents that way… that happened not long after faxes became commonplace, and became the norm around the turn of the century. But, that still required an internet connection, email, a printer, paper, a pen (for signatures) and then either a fax or scanner so you could return the documents. Still, better than the pre-90s alternatives but “Pfft!”.

Docusign has revolutionized the way I do business. It’s the best money I have spent on my business. And, shockingly, most agents still haven’t embraced it.

With Docusign, anyone with email can sign without printing the document… so no printer, paper, pen, scanner or fax machine are needed. Many people get emails on their phone and although proficiency with that still varies, some of my clients can sign a contract on their phone. But, whether using a laptop, iPad or phone, I have had people driving or flying cross country who have signed documents in a car, train, or airplane. No fuss, no muss. Presto magic their contract is ratified, their property sold, their dream home officially promised to them.

My clients LOVE it! LOVE, LOVE. It’s the way business is done today. Real estate might be “local” but all the people aren’t always local… and even if they are, compare the inefficiency of me driving to someone’s home or office and waiting for them to be available, flipping through the papers to get a signature, then having to figure out how to get them a copy while I am there, and then driving back to the office or to someone else’s office to facilitate getting it to the other party. We’re talking hours. Now, contracts can literally be ratified in minutes.

I know of some other electronic signature options, although I understand they are more buggy than Docusign, and I don’t want to fix what is working so well. (Remember how I said I hate slowing down to learn new stuff when I am running full speed? Still true.)

And last night I felt like a complete geek. It was Saturday night and I was excited about an upgrade to this program. I got an announcement from Docusign that more improvements are on their way, with 2 that make me particularly happy! MORE people will be able to use their phones to sign the documents thanks to some changes. There will also be a portal so clients don’t even have to wait that extra 30 seconds for their email to come through – they can just log right in and sign docs the way I can. I am SO excited!

To agents reading this that haven’t signed up – now’s the time.

I have already gotten one client because of Docusign. They had an agent selling properties for them, and I presented an offer via Docusign. Because of the seller’s schedule, the listing agent asked if I could send the contract to the seller via Docusign to sign, and of course I did. The contract ratified immediately. The seller, shortly thereafter, took the first out to pull the remaining listings from his then agent and asked me to list those properties….which I did. The seller simply said he needed someone who did business at his speed.

The rest of my clients didn’t discover the beauty of Docusign until we were well within the process, but they love it and I get fabulous feedback. Even a 80 year old lady with limited techno-knowledge had no issues with signing via Docusign when she was contracting for a house in Virginia from her Texas home. None. She was thrilled when she did not need to buy another ream of paper and more ink for her printer, or wait on a Fed Ex package.

To potential buyers and sellers, here’s your take away: I believe in old fashioned service, and that means delivering to clients the type of service that most benefits them. If you are not the jet setting kind, and you don’t even really “get” email, then this may not be for you. Rest assured that I will happily meet you in person, and will always deliver the type of service that you want and need….but I will have a plethora of resources that I use so I can provide that service to you. And even YOU will benefit from Docusign. When I am not driving all over the region to get signatures from others, it means I will have time to to spend, face to face, with you.

Should You Hire The Inspector Your Agent Suggests?

This post is inspired by a conversation I had with a client and local business man. He is a well established, experienced home improvement contractor. Recently, he had a past customer call him and say that a potential buyer for her home had a home inspection done and that inspector reported that the bathroom fan this contractor had installed was not vented to the outside. Of course, the contractor had installed the fan and he showed the customer where the vent was. This tainted his opinion of home inspectors. I understand.

When he told me the situation, I rolled my eyes. As a listing agent I have seen many poor inspections come back to me... Most are accurate. Most are fair. Some are not. Some are just wrong. Sometimes the home inspector will think he's earning his fee by scaring the potential buyer. Sometimes the home inspector will think he won't get another referral from an agent if he points out all the flaws.

So, what kind of home inspector do you want? I say my buyers want a fair home inspector... one who will not provide a "good" or "bad" opinion, but will report the facts, objectively... In my view a home inspector has multiple roles:

• Inspect the property and discover significant flaws. They will also discover relatively insignificant flaws, too, but let's be honest... there are a bazillion parts to a home and no one person, in a matter of two hours, can discover every flaw. You want to make sure they catch the big stuff... it's probably OK if they didn't catch something small.
• Report the property flaws objectively - without scaring the potential buyer or glossing over facts.
• Provide an accounting of systems... most buyers do not know from walking through the property and reviewing the marketing materials what kinds of systems are in the home. I want a home inspector to tell my buyers what's inside this particular "People House", how old it is, and how it works.
• Provide usage and maintenance information... Even if you've owned homes before, that doesn't mean you've owned this kind of system. A good home inspector will not know everything, but they will definitely know the most common types of systems. They should be able to tell you how to operate the system and what their maintenance requirements are, as well as their average life expectancy. Proper use and maintenance of systems increases the life expectancy dramatically. That's why some homes have 30 year old water heaters that still work. But, let's face it, that one won't last long, so you need to know that it's going to need replacement soon. And you need to budget for it.
• Provide insights on repair items - How difficult is it to repair? What might it cost? Is it something Harry Homeowner can do, or should this be left to a contractor?

What if an inspector stumbles across something that he doesn't know much about? Well, he should be able to record certain information, and give you resources. For smaller systems, like a security system for example, the owner may have a manual and be able to provide information on how to use it. And that might be all you need. For other situations where the owner can't help you fill in the blanks, you should get enough information from the home inspector that you know what questions to ask and of whom to ask them.

The inspector's role is NOT to provide advise on contract issues to the buyer. An inspector should not say "you can tell the sellers they have to fix this" because your inspector is not your REALTOR... and he probably doesn't know what your contract says nor does he know the dynamics of the transaction like your agent does. Trust your agent here.

So, should you take your agent's advice about what home inspector to hire? I suppose it depends on the competency and trustworthiness of your agent. I'd like to tell you that you can trust us all... but as in every profession, there are people who are trustworthy and competent, people who are trustworthy but not very experienced and therefore less competent, and people who are experienced but are really just in it for the quickest cash possible. Hopefully, you've found an agent that is trustworthy and competent... and if that is the case, then I think your agent is going to know better than the yellow pages who to hire. After all, they are helping a lot of people buy and sell homes, and that experience and guidance is why you hired them.

I will also tell you that sometimes, agents have a "go to" person, or two... but those people may get too busy sometimes to help you. In those cases, your agent may have to make calls to other agents they know and trust to get other recommendations. It happens. But you'll notice that if your agent is good, he or she does not go to the yellow pages to find you another recommendation...and if they do, watch out.

Buying a home is a pretty big deal... one not to be taken lightly. Although some buyers don't feel the need to do an inspection, I always encourage it. (Check out this post to learn why.) My husband would not allow a professional inspector when we bought our homes - and boy did I live to regret it. I am older and wiser now. If we ever buy another home, not only will I get an inspection, but I will know who to call, too. It will be the same person I recommend to you.

Remember, with me, you've got a friend in the business!

Vicky Chrisner, REALTOR

Ofc: 703.669.3142

Email: MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com

Do You Need A Survey When You Buy A Home?

Do you need a survey when you buy a property? Here are some insights from Keith Barrett, attorney and owner of Vesta Settlements in Leesburg, Virginia.

 Stay tuned to The Real Estate Whisperer for more news and real estate advise.    

Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Statistics

This information, and much more, is available on my web site at www.VickyChrisner.com and is updated regularly, so for the latest and greatest info, be sure and check out my site.

HOW MUCH INVENTORY IS THERE?

The real estate market is really all about "Supply and Demand", so to understand the market the first question is: How much inventory is there? In other words, how many homes are currently being marketed for sale in our area?

This chart gives you the 5 year historical data on inventory levels in our Northern Virginia area:

PRICING TRENDS & FACTORS:

When inventory is high, prices will inevitably have to fall so that inventory can be re-balanced. This is what you see in 2007-2009. Remember, too, when looking at that data, that the "First Time Home Buyer" tax credit programs were in place for parts of 2008-2010 offering financial tax incentives for those purchasing their first homes. These programs did stimulate the "starter home" market substantially. This meant that the lower priced homes were selling more rapidly and those were a significant portion of the sales during that time, pulling down the "median" sales price statistics. That program helped to re-balance our inventory levels, and made way for sellers to become "move up" buyers. This program continued to have an impact on the market statistics through 2010. In 2011, we saw more normal trends in pricing, with moderate price growth; and 2012 seems to be reflecting a similar, although even more optimistic, trend.

This chart shows you the 5 year historical data on median sales prices within our Northern Virginia area:

ARE SELLERS GETTING THEIR PRICE?

Sellers need to know how much negotiation buyers are generally expecting in the market.... and Buyers need to know if low ball offers are getting accepted. While every transaction is individual, this chart gives us a big picture answer to that question. In the chart below, you can see the 5 year historical averages in our region for the percentage of selling price to original list price.

WHAT ELSE?

If you're interested in hearing the latest available statistics, and market indicators in our region, you won't want to miss this video, and be sure to check back after the 20th of the month to get the next update.

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When you're looking for a REALTOR that knows the market, you can trust Vicky Chrisner. Vicky Chrisner, Northern Virginia REALTOROffice: 703.669.3142

Email: MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com  

www.Facebook.com/TheRealEstateWhisperer

Real Estate Activity Cycles in Loudoun County, VA

WHEN DO MOST LISTINGS HIT THE MARKET? The chart below shows the 5 year history of "listing" cycles (reflecting the number of NEW listings for each month).

Economic conditions resulted in a high number of foreclosures which hit the market as resales when banks listed the homes for sale. Consistently we see that the highest number of new listings typically hit the market in the early spring (March/April) and summer months, with new listings tapering off through the summer and the lowest number of new listings in December.

WHAT ARE THE MONTHS WITH THE HIGHEST BUYER ACTIVITY LEVELS?

The chart below shows the number of new contracts, and number of settlements. Keeping in mind that contracts are usually ratified 30-45 days before settlement, this chart shows what you'd expect: The "New Contracts" level (purple) and "Settled" level (blue) are very similar with the blue settlement level mimicking the pattern of the purple new contracts level, with approximately a one month delay. You can also clearly see that buyers in this area are typically more active in March through May, and December is typically our slowest month of the year.

HOW DO THESE PATTERNS IMPACT AVAILABILITY? Despite the high level of buyer activity in the spring and fall, this chart shows that (since the market began to normalize around the end of 2009), the inventory is typically higher in the late spring and summer. For sellers, this means you have more competition! For buyers, this means you have more choices! By the time late fall comes, the number of active listings has slipped again and inventory becomes scarce. *Please note, all charts on this page are updated on or about the 10th of each month as new statistics are available from our local multiple listing service. So please check back for the most current information. Interested in learning more? Check out this resource reflecting historical and current information on Real Estate Pricing Trends in Loudoun County. You can also learn more about the regional market by checking out the page on Northern Virginia Regional Real Estate Market Stats which also contains information that is updated monthly. When you’re looking for a REALTOR that knows the market, you can trust Vicky Chrisner. Office: 703.669.3142 Email: MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com www.Facebook.com/TheRealEstateWhisperer

Real Estate Pricing Trends in Loudoun County, VA

MEDIAN PRICE HISTORY

This chart reflects a 5 year history of median price levels in Loudoun County. The blue line is for all housing types; but as you see, detached homes (purple), attached homes - i.e. townhomes (pink) and condos (red) have all followed a very similar pattern. For those wondering "Are we at the bottom of the market yet?" I'd say there is clear and convincing evidence that in Loudoun, the prices in our market place bottomed out in the first quarter of 2009, and prices have been moderately climbing since.

ARE PRICES BEING NEGOTIATED?

Buyers and sellers both need to know: "Are buyers in this market expecting to negotiate down from the asking price, or are the buyers expecting to pay the asking price?" It's an important question. Sellers need to price according to market expectations. Buyers need to know, too, so they are looking at properties in the right price range, and so they know how to present a offer that might be accepted.

The 5 year history shown on this chart reflects the "ORIGINAL list price to sale price" ratio. It demonstrates that when you were buying in 2008, you could probably negotiate a good bit from the listing price. But, in the last couple of years we are seeing far less negotiation on sales prices. Sellers are turning down low ball offers and getting within 5% of their asking price.

But (and there is always a "but"), as the chart below shows, homes that are getting contracts quickly after listing are getting their price, sometimes more (purple); homes going under contract in less than 30 days are also getting very close to their asking price (red, maroon); but the longer the property sits on the market the more that seller is likely to consider a lower offer, or to drop their asking price.

*Please note, all charts on this page are updated on or about the 10th of each month as new statistics are available from our local multiple listing service. So please check back for the most current information.

Interested in learning more? Check out this page on the seasonal trends of Loudoun's Real Estate Market.

You can also learn more about the regional market by checking out the page on Northern Virginia Regional Real Estate Market Stats which also contains information that is updated monthly.

When you’re looking for a REALTOR that knows the market, you can trust Vicky Chrisner. Office: 703.669.3142 Email: MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com www.Facebook.com/TheRealEstateWhisperer

Distress Sales Plummet in MRIS Territory

This post just in from the Virginia Association of REALTORS, Submitted by Andrew Kantor on May 11, 2012 – 8:32am

We’ve now got MRIS’s April numbers for foreclosures and short sales. Short sales are slightly up, but foreclosures are waaaay down.

Short sales: 12.2% of the market, up about 3% from last April
Foreclosure sales: 11.0% of the market, down 47% from last April
Total distressed sales: 23.2% of the market, down 29% from last April

Granted, having a market where almost a quarter of the sales are distressed isn’t a Good Thing, but there’s a sense to it. People bought near the top of the bubble and have to sell (for whatever reason — job, life change, etc.). So they either take the hit or work out a short sale with their lenders.

That means that short sales are going to continue to be a noticeable part of the market for as long as lots of folks own homes bought between, say, 2004 and 2007. If they have to sell, they’ll have to sell at a lower price, ’cause it’s gonna be a while before prices are back up to those unnatural highs.

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Comments from Vicky Chrisner:  This is great news and evidence of the continuing market recovery.  From a personal standpoint, within my service areas I am seeing 20% or less of the market is distress sales (foreclosures+short sales).  In 2008, I mostly worked REOs (foreclosures); in 2009 it was a mix of REOs and short sales; in 2011 my business was about 1/3 traditional resales, 1/3 distress sales and 1/3 new construction.  So far, in 2012, I have worked mostly with traditional resales and new construction and am pleased to report that I am even doing a lot of land sales again…. I estimate the percentage of distress sales is about 15-20% of my business so far; which seems very much in line with the submarkets where I work.

-Footnote:  MRIS is the Metropolitan Regional Information System~ It is the multiple listing service for the Washington DC Metro area which includes Northern Virginia, Washington DC and most of Maryland.

This post is courtesy Vicky Chrisner, "The Real Estate Whisperer" 

Interested in learning more about local market statistics?  Check out this page which gives you some great charts and graphs about stats in the Northern Virginia Market.

EVEN REALTORS MOVE!

Even REALTORS have to move sometimes... and the time for me has come!

I am pleased and proud to announce that I have completed my transition from a national franchise brokerage to a local boutique brokerage based in Loudoun County called Fieldstone Real Estate.  

As a result of this change, you'll be seeing some differences in marketing materials but clients who have been working with me for many years can already attest that there has been no change in the service level being received.

I have a great new web site that is being published for the first time later today... You can find it at the same old URL:  www.VickyChrisner.com

Like any good real estate web site, you can search for your new home right there.  Unlike many other real estate sites, this web site is updated hourly with a direct feed from the MLS system... that means when my web site says the house is available, it is!  Imagine that!  No more lost time drooling over listings of homes that are no longer available!  Plus, when new listings come on the market, you'll see them listed here within the hour!  With the market heating up and the best homes often selling within days, you don't have time to be leafing through old listings.  

I'll be adding lots more info to this web site in the coming days, weeks and months and look forward to your feedback.  If there are some real estate resources you'd like to see, email me at MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com.

My "New" Contact Info is basically the same - only the logo and email address has changed.  Reach out to me anytime for the real estate info you need.

Vicky Chrisner

REALTOR (R) 

Serving Loudoun County and the Dulles Area

703.669.3142

MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com

www.VickyChrisner.com

Facebook.com/TheRealEstateWhisperer