So it’s been an exhausting couple of weeks for me on the real estate front here in Hampton Roads. I’ve had several poignant moments that have stopped me in my tracks. I thought I might share a few.
One of the most joyful parts of my job is helping my client (buyer or seller) accomplish their goals and/or dreams. It hit me a few days ago, what an incredible affect what we do as Agents and Real Estate Specialists has on our community and in the lives of so many. Some are starting a new life, while others are closing a chapter in theirs.
We often assist buyers in re-locations from different parts of the country and the world. In addition to coming to a community they are not familiar with, they are often faced with the reality that Hampton Roads housing market is priced above thier current market. I’ve seen this with re-locations from Texas, Georgia and a few other states. So, basically the buyer is getting less house than they currently have or had for more money. This can often make finding a home rather difficult and in some cases disappointing for the prospective purchaser. I try to keep my client’s spirits up, their expectations in order and help them find the best property that meets their housing needs at the best price possible. It’s so rewarding to close the transaction and the buyer’s are delighted with their new home, although it’s not as big or grand, they are finally settling into their new life.
Another recent appointment was with a distressed property owner. I really can’t express how it burdens my heart to have to tell sellers their home is not worth what they paid for it, especially when the market value is extremely lower than what they owe the bank. I find it even harder when they break down and fall apart. I will admit I have sat and cried with sellers more than a few times. As Real Estate Specialists, what we do and say has great impact on the lives of our clients. I find too often in this economy that compassion is lost and cynicism is rampant. Sit down and listen to your client’s needs. Explain how foreclosure and short sale work, most don’t really know, as they never imagined they might face this terrifying possibility.
A highlight to our job is the excitement of the first time home buyer. Normally, they enter the process with fear and hesitation not to mention a long list of horror stories offered up by friends and family. We educate them about the buying process, their rights, get them pre-approved for a loan and hit the road. That’s when the “real adventure” begins! We find the home that evokes what I like to call “perma-grin”, yep that smile that seems to be permanently affixed to the buyers face. When they talk about the property, they smile, when the re-visit the property, they smile. This is a tel-tale sign we’ve found “the one”. So we navigate the offer, negotiations, inspections, appraisals, etc and proceed to closing. After the ink of the last signature has dried, they receive the keys to their new home and the title “First Time Homeowner”. Of course the perma-grin is back!
I have to confess, real estate can be a roller coaster, but I have always loved roller coasters and I do love this job that I have been so blessed with. Thank you to my instructors, brokers, fellow agents, contractors, vendors, neighbors, friends, family, clients and past clients you make my job as a Real Estate Specialist, worth it! I can honestly say I believe I am doing what I was called to do.
Whenever I research the latest foreclosure and distressed property statistics, the sheer number of Americans facing the stress of losing their homes amazes me. It is my goal to help as many homeowners I can either stay in their homes or relieve the burden of their mortgages. Knowing that there are so many that need my help is a driving force for me to continue doing what I do.
In this buyer’s market, buyers are in the car for days weeding through over priced homes or abandoned and neglected homes. Most of the homes moving in this market are “priced right” and show well, so that cuts out about two thirds of the inventory. Depending on the price point, those homes under $300,000 have recently been receiving multiple offers where the buyers then have to step up their game and come to the table to secure the property they’ve been search for, or they risk the chance of losing the home only to be back on the road searching again.
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