I know I’m stuck on the topic of real estate agents! It’s just these are the main people involved in the real estate transaction. Trust is the number one issue. I can not stress enough; you need to do your homework before choosing a Realtor.
I decided to surf the web a little and see what I could find out concerning sites to report your opinion about a real estate agent. I found a couple of sites that may be of interest to both buyers and sellers. These may not list ratings on Lakeland real estate agents, at this time. These maybe a good source in the future, if some of our local residents would provide input. Like I stated in one of my first blogs, people need to let others know if they encountered a problem with an agent or broker.
I do not mean to come across as negative, just concerned that the consumer makes an informed decision in a real estate transaction. Therefore, the more “real” input from customers is a necessity. Anyone can go on a site and place a positive rating, even the agent or a friend, so you can’t be sure the positive ones are “real”. But, the negative ones surely didn’t come from a “friend” so those you can at least cross off your list of possibilities.
Outrageousagents seems to be an informative site. There were no listings in the Lakeland area, but while reading the comments, they could have been some realtors in Lakeland! If you have had any bad experiences with a realestate agent in Lakeland – go post! Help the next person not to be caught in a messy real estate transaction. We need to help each other out here.
http://www.outrageousagents.com/
Realtorratingz seems to be another site that may be of interest in the future. At this time all the Lakeland FL real estate agents listed have not been rated. Hopefully some consumers will take advantage of the site and report their experiences. My only concern here is I happened to see a note on OutrageousAgents that a bad rating had been deleted from Realtorratingz, so beware a bit here. www.realtorratingz.com
I will continue my search for sites that may be of assistance to the Lakeland Florida consumers. If anyone has any suggestions, I am always willing to listen and investigate new sites.
Good Luck doing your Real Estate Agent (Realtor) homework!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Why You Need a Reputable Real Estate Agent in Lakeland Florida
Why you need a reputable realestate agent in Lakeland, Florida. I stumbled across this site called http://www.ripoffreport.com/, many of you may have already visited the site, but it was a first for me. Now, we always have to remember there are two sides to every story, but things like this do happen in Lakeland! So, I decided to link to the post regarding a Lakeland Real Estate Company and Realtor.
(http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/317/RipOff0317777.htm)
The above report was written by the buyer of a home in Lakeland. She states they paid for a termite inspection of the property purchased and they “trusted” their real estate agent when she told them there was no termite damage per the report. The consumer assumed that the Realtor would be honest. First mistake! Don’t take me wrong, there are many honest Realtors in Lakeland. That is just my sarcastic side coming out.
The consumer MUST request all inspection reports be given to them! They are the one paying the bill and the one purchasing the property – NOT the realtor or title company.
The title company is generally only going to receive the invoices regarding the inspections. On occasion the termite report and invoice are all in one, so the title agent in this case may have had the report too. The problem here is what title company was processing the closing. Remember the Seller usually chooses the title company. However, if this real estate agent also had the selling side, then it may have been closed at Keller Williams’ title company. Yes, they have one that does the majority of their closings! It is one of those Lakeland real estate companies that has a title company attached but under a different name, so the consumer must beware.
The real estate agent may not have been aware of the mold issue, unless a mold inspection was performed on the property. That is not a usual inspection for this area, but it should be. The termite problem on the other hand should have been discovered and the consumer notified.
If the consumer now has a copy of the termite report, she needs to do a few things. One she needs to contact the broker of Keller Williams of Lakeland and file a complaint. Not sure who is currently listed as the broker of that office, they have switched the names in the past!? I’m not one of their favorite people anyway, so I’ll just steer clear from naming names! She needs to contact the Lakeland Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, and the Florida Real Estate Commission and file complaints.
FREC (http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/re/frec.html)
Then if she is really 100% positive of the termite report she may want to make an appointment with an attorney. This will probably be her only option to receive the funds to cover her damages.
Important lesson learned – Buyer’s ask for you inspections!!!!
(http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/317/RipOff0317777.htm)
The above report was written by the buyer of a home in Lakeland. She states they paid for a termite inspection of the property purchased and they “trusted” their real estate agent when she told them there was no termite damage per the report. The consumer assumed that the Realtor would be honest. First mistake! Don’t take me wrong, there are many honest Realtors in Lakeland. That is just my sarcastic side coming out.
The consumer MUST request all inspection reports be given to them! They are the one paying the bill and the one purchasing the property – NOT the realtor or title company.
The title company is generally only going to receive the invoices regarding the inspections. On occasion the termite report and invoice are all in one, so the title agent in this case may have had the report too. The problem here is what title company was processing the closing. Remember the Seller usually chooses the title company. However, if this real estate agent also had the selling side, then it may have been closed at Keller Williams’ title company. Yes, they have one that does the majority of their closings! It is one of those Lakeland real estate companies that has a title company attached but under a different name, so the consumer must beware.
The real estate agent may not have been aware of the mold issue, unless a mold inspection was performed on the property. That is not a usual inspection for this area, but it should be. The termite problem on the other hand should have been discovered and the consumer notified.
If the consumer now has a copy of the termite report, she needs to do a few things. One she needs to contact the broker of Keller Williams of Lakeland and file a complaint. Not sure who is currently listed as the broker of that office, they have switched the names in the past!? I’m not one of their favorite people anyway, so I’ll just steer clear from naming names! She needs to contact the Lakeland Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, and the Florida Real Estate Commission and file complaints.
FREC (http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/re/frec.html)
Then if she is really 100% positive of the termite report she may want to make an appointment with an attorney. This will probably be her only option to receive the funds to cover her damages.
Important lesson learned – Buyer’s ask for you inspections!!!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Real Estate Market this Week in Lakeland Florida
Trying to sell your home in this Polk County buyer’s market? Be prepared for low-ball offers and none at all! It is crazy out there right now. People are looking for homes but many of the lookers are just that – looking for the unbelievable deal! Actually, some are getting it.
I happen to hear on the radio the other day; a Lakeland builder is offering a great mortgage rate just to be able to clear out the inventory he is sitting on! If you are seriously considering buying a new home, check out the market now. Get your ducks in a row and start looking. If you procrastinate you may find the market has changed while you weren’t looking! Don’t we all wish!
The parade of homes is in full swing this week. I didn’t have the chance to make the rounds, but I’m sure there are some amazing homes being shown. I hope that most of these homes were contracted and already have owners, because there are too many on the market. I see there is one for 2.5 Million – hope Hulbert had that one contracted before he built!
Good luck to all the builders that are showcasing their work.
I happen to hear on the radio the other day; a Lakeland builder is offering a great mortgage rate just to be able to clear out the inventory he is sitting on! If you are seriously considering buying a new home, check out the market now. Get your ducks in a row and start looking. If you procrastinate you may find the market has changed while you weren’t looking! Don’t we all wish!
The parade of homes is in full swing this week. I didn’t have the chance to make the rounds, but I’m sure there are some amazing homes being shown. I hope that most of these homes were contracted and already have owners, because there are too many on the market. I see there is one for 2.5 Million – hope Hulbert had that one contracted before he built!
Good luck to all the builders that are showcasing their work.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
More Houses to sell! Isn't There Enough in Lakeland Already?
Just a short note - The parade of homes is this starting on the 19th! Oh yes just what we need more houses up for sale! Well I hope they do well with the parade, everyone has to provide for their families.
I do enjoy visiting the homes and seeing what is new in the industry and the trends that are current. Even if you are not searching for a new home, you can get plenty of ideas. Then again if you are searching, you might just get a great price!
Have a fun time touring the Parade of Homes
I do enjoy visiting the homes and seeing what is new in the industry and the trends that are current. Even if you are not searching for a new home, you can get plenty of ideas. Then again if you are searching, you might just get a great price!
Have a fun time touring the Parade of Homes
Monday, April 7, 2008
Considering the Purchase of a Home in the Lakeland Florida Area
Purchasing a new home is a major decision. Take your time and do the homework necessary for a smooth purchase. There are a number of items and expenses to think about, don’t jump in head first, you could get hurt.
Interview and ask for referrals for a real estate agent. If you are unsure how to go about this, see my earlier blog “Choosing a Real Estate Agent.”
Go over your budget. Ok, if you don’t have one, now is the time to make one. (Sounds like another blog I need to write.) This is a necessary step; you do not want to over extend yourself. Remember, there are going to be more expenses to owning a home, then renting. Major Items to consider: Property Taxes, Insurance, Utilities may be higher, Maintenance, Home Owner’s Association Fees, Lawn Care, Pool Care, etc.
Check your credit score, yourself. There are always links stating you can check your score for free online. This information is going to be essential when you begin communicating with lenders. Major Point: Do not give your Social Security Number to all those lenders and mortgage brokers you are trying to receive information from. The reason is that every time your credit is checked by a lender or broker, your credit rating goes down! A lot of people do not realize this and give the information to everyone, and then wonder why they can’t get the interest rate they thought. So, get your credit rating yourself. Bring this information with you when you speak with a lender.
The basic items you will need to have available to begin the process of finding a mortgage, should include: Proof of your monthly income, all sources. Copies of your last two to three years Federal Income Tax Returns, Copies of your latest bank statements – all accounts. Copies of your credit card statements, (if you have any credit cards), Copies of any Car loans, Copies of any current mortgage statements, Copy of any lease or rental agreement statements, copies of any other monthly payments such as child support. This will give the lender a good idea of your monthly income and expenses and be able to provide a more accurate estimate of what they can offer.
Now, the first place to start your search for a mortgage is your bank. The reason is they know you. Also, your bank may offer current customers special promotions to keep the business. Banks usually have fewer fees associated with a mortgage then going thru a mortgage broker. Think about it: If you go through a broker he has to make money too! Therefore, try to leave out the middle man if you have good enough credit. I am not trying to harm the mortgage broker business, just letting the consumer know that there are more fees for the buyer when using a broker.
Remember: the amount that you decided on in your budget! This is very important because when you get to the lender they may tell you that you qualify for more then that amount! This is what gets people into trouble! Do not let anyone talk you into a higher monthly payment then what you have set for yourself. Important: The lender or broker may give you a figure that appears to be in your budget, but beware there are other things to consider. If you escrow Property Taxes and Insurance in your mortgage; these figures will be added into your monthly payment. A number of lenders will require a fee NOT to have your property tax and insurance escrowed. I have heard both sides of the escrow debate. That is a personal decision.
Once you have gathered your information and possible mortgage pre-qualifications, you will be able to make a more informed decision. Don’t forget that there will be other fees associated with the closing. The Truth in Lending the lenders may provide you will not give ALL of the closing fees, they will include some but not all. They can’t they are not the title agent.
Good Luck and take your time! There is no rush. This is a buyer’s market right now in Lakeland, Florida, so take your time and do the homework!
Interview and ask for referrals for a real estate agent. If you are unsure how to go about this, see my earlier blog “Choosing a Real Estate Agent.”
Go over your budget. Ok, if you don’t have one, now is the time to make one. (Sounds like another blog I need to write.) This is a necessary step; you do not want to over extend yourself. Remember, there are going to be more expenses to owning a home, then renting. Major Items to consider: Property Taxes, Insurance, Utilities may be higher, Maintenance, Home Owner’s Association Fees, Lawn Care, Pool Care, etc.
Check your credit score, yourself. There are always links stating you can check your score for free online. This information is going to be essential when you begin communicating with lenders. Major Point: Do not give your Social Security Number to all those lenders and mortgage brokers you are trying to receive information from. The reason is that every time your credit is checked by a lender or broker, your credit rating goes down! A lot of people do not realize this and give the information to everyone, and then wonder why they can’t get the interest rate they thought. So, get your credit rating yourself. Bring this information with you when you speak with a lender.
The basic items you will need to have available to begin the process of finding a mortgage, should include: Proof of your monthly income, all sources. Copies of your last two to three years Federal Income Tax Returns, Copies of your latest bank statements – all accounts. Copies of your credit card statements, (if you have any credit cards), Copies of any Car loans, Copies of any current mortgage statements, Copy of any lease or rental agreement statements, copies of any other monthly payments such as child support. This will give the lender a good idea of your monthly income and expenses and be able to provide a more accurate estimate of what they can offer.
Now, the first place to start your search for a mortgage is your bank. The reason is they know you. Also, your bank may offer current customers special promotions to keep the business. Banks usually have fewer fees associated with a mortgage then going thru a mortgage broker. Think about it: If you go through a broker he has to make money too! Therefore, try to leave out the middle man if you have good enough credit. I am not trying to harm the mortgage broker business, just letting the consumer know that there are more fees for the buyer when using a broker.
Remember: the amount that you decided on in your budget! This is very important because when you get to the lender they may tell you that you qualify for more then that amount! This is what gets people into trouble! Do not let anyone talk you into a higher monthly payment then what you have set for yourself. Important: The lender or broker may give you a figure that appears to be in your budget, but beware there are other things to consider. If you escrow Property Taxes and Insurance in your mortgage; these figures will be added into your monthly payment. A number of lenders will require a fee NOT to have your property tax and insurance escrowed. I have heard both sides of the escrow debate. That is a personal decision.
Once you have gathered your information and possible mortgage pre-qualifications, you will be able to make a more informed decision. Don’t forget that there will be other fees associated with the closing. The Truth in Lending the lenders may provide you will not give ALL of the closing fees, they will include some but not all. They can’t they are not the title agent.
Good Luck and take your time! There is no rush. This is a buyer’s market right now in Lakeland, Florida, so take your time and do the homework!
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