I believe we are finally shifting back to a normal market…

What I mean is quite simple — the market conditions are such that we have neither a buyers market nor a sellers market. Now buyers can take their time to make informed decisions instead of rushing to make offers. Sellers can quit the panic mode and settle into the market as it is now.

Want to know why I think this a good thing? Because deals will close. That sounds simple, but it’s been challenging lately. Now, buyers will not sign a contract and then decide later if they actually want to buy the house. The current market will allow us, as Realtors, to do provide the best possible service.

By doing our homework thoroughly, we can ensure all the necessary details (many of them new requirements) are handled so the financing will go through. We can encourage potential buyers to weigh options and be sure that they really want the house before starting the process and involving the seller and the mortgage company. Most importantly, we can help sellers and buyers by helping to remedy and overcome any issues the buyer might have.

As a seller you need to do your own homework. The days of putting a sign outside and sitting back to take orders (contracts) are over. As a seller, you need to make sure you hire an excellent real estate professional to help guide you on what needs to be done to make the home sell. This is not a job for your next-door neighbor that sells real estate part time.

Before signing on with an agent, you should ask the hard questions and check references. One of the big question sellers focus on is the commission. Honestly, that is the not as important now. Focus on the performance potential of the agent and their track record and satisfied clients. After all, if the agent can’t produce a contract, there’s no commission base. There’s also no sale.

I would strongly suggest to ask the agent the following:

• Have you ever been through a changing market?
• What is your response time for potential buyers?
• What kind of advertising will your company do for my property?
• What kind of Internet presence do you have?
• Is the decision maker for the company available?

Remember that agents usually don’t have the authority make decisions for the company, make sure you call the office and speak to the owner directly.

Ask the agent to show you a copy of one of their current listing fact sheets. Remember when a buyer comes through they will spend on an average 30 minutes on the house, so the fact sheet they take with them may make the difference between choosing your house over another.

The last test you should perform is to determine how quickly the agent will respond to your emails. Many agents do not respond on a timely basis.

Again we are in a normal market and you need the best possible service, so be sure to find out who has the tools to get the job done for you.

For the second year in a row, I have decided to raise money for the MDA and Jerry’s kids. I’m not bragging, but last year I was able to raise the most money in the Capital region!

The way it works is quite simple.

I will be locked up on May 20. I need to raise bail. Yes, some of my friends might want me to stay there for a long time, but (trust me) I will get bail money eventually anyway, so you might as well help me raise the money ahead of time, right?!?

Otherwise, if you wait til the day of the event, It will cost you more, I have made it quite simple for my friends & colleagues to donate just go to the MDA site and be generous. The faster I raise bail, the faster I can get back to work!

I have set my goal at $3,200, but I’d love to raise even more — so why wait?

Jill Birdsall, the branch manager of TechValley Homes Real Estate, was awarded the coveted CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager) designation conferred by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) yesterday.

The Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB), an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, is the leading professional organization for brokerage management. The Council is dedicated to providing quality professional development programs, products and services that continually enhance the management productivity and profitability of its more than 7,000 members.

The CRB Designation is recognized industry-wide ad the highest level of professional achievement. It is a symbol of excellence in brokerage management. The most successful brokerages are owned or managed by professionals having the coveted CRB designation.

The Council awards the CRB designation to those individuals who successfully complete the requirements and demonstrate excellence in real estate brokerage management. Candidates must complete academic and professional courses covering such topics as finance, marketing, training, recruiting, and strategic planning.

Personally, I’m extremely pleased with Jill’s achievement. Agents like Jill are central to the growth and health of TechValley Homes Real Estate. We continue to be the “forward thinking company” and strive to maintain excellence in the real estate industry. As the market changes, we continue to have the best prepared management in the industry. What broker could ask for more?

Everyone is talking about how bad things are in the economy, every time I turn around I hear people talking about cutbacks. I strongly believe that even though the economy is not as good as we would like, we still owe it to the community to support our youth.

As such, we have made a commitment to support the Bethlehem Tomboys Girls Softball League, which supports youth softball for 450+ girls in grades K-12.

When I spoke to the league president, Steve Piccolino, he told me that no other Realtor had stepped up to this particular challenge. We strongly believe in supporting our community. After all, this is where we do business and live.

“This year we’ll host 37 teams and 450 girls from grades K-12 in our spring recreation league. From June through July, we will field 5 travel teams and host many teams from surrounding towns at our facilities. In the fall, we have a ‘fall-ball’ travel league as well.
We have been in existence for over 30 years and we need the support of the business community to help us provide the safe facilities and fun atmosphere that is important to the girls’ positive experience. We thank TechValley Homes for helping us in this regard. This is what community is all about,” said Steve Piccolino

I would encourage every business to support community efforts this the only way we can make sure our future is secure.