Thursday, March 13, 2014

5 promises your agent can't keep!



The Real Estate Industry has been known widely for being Ever-Changing and presenting Twist & Turns.  All of these changes can effect buyers, sellers, and our communities.  This is important to remember, especially when you have an agent that makes PROMISES


Here are 5 things an agent can not promise.

An agent can not promise...
1. To sell your home in 90 days.
Let's be clear agents want to sell your home in the shortest amount of time for the highest net gain, but a promise is stretching the truth a little...well, a lot!  Unless the promise come with stipulations you should question the integrity of the promise and the person giving it.

2. You will receive money back at closing.
Most agents want the buyers to feel comfortable and excited about the homebuying process.  It only seems right to promise a buyer some money, right?  Wrong.  Receiving money at closing depends on a number of factors.  Every buyer has their own financing and purchasing scenario.  Receiving money happens, but it should never be promised.

3. The home is great condition.
All homes, whether New Construction or Newly Renovated should have a home inspection conducted.  Would you buy a car without test driving?   Keep that question in mind when buying a home.  A home purchase is usually the largest most of us will ever make.  Protect your interest and hire a licensed/insured home inspector.  

4. You home will be safe and secure, just change your locks tomorrow.
As soon as you purchase a home have New Locks placed on ALL exterior doors, including the Garage and Storage units doors.  No matter what, safety is always first.  Once you become the owner you are now responsible for securing your home.  Be wise and make that priority!

5. An exact price in which your home will sell for.
As much as agent would love to have super powers to predict the future, we do not have that luxury.  Therefore we can not foresee the selling price of a home.  A listing price is determined by evaluating a price range first.  An example would be an agent suggesting you price your home somewhere around $152k-157k.  The agent would have likely gathered these numbers from recent 3 Active Listing and 3 Recently Sold homes in your community.  Ultimately, the client makes the decision on pricing the home and the market (buyer) will determine the value. 

Trinity First Realty Services, Inc.
www.TrinityFirstRealtyInc.com


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Did you know that the Debt-To-Income ratios have changed?

Thanks to the Dodd Frank Act in 2010 buyers are truly protected from Predatory Lending!!! 


The intent of this Act was to prevent another Recession aggravated by a collapsing Housing Market.  Some may argue that the Dodd Frank Act will make it difficult for buyers to qualify, because of the Debt-To-Income Ratio changing from 36% to 43%.  That is a BIG change, however it is best to look on the bright side.  Once you are approved for a loan you know that your are very capable of paying the mortgage with out financial strain.

In order for Home Buyers to be in position to qualify for a home loan we would simply encourage you to save your money and to keep you debt low. 
Simple and Easy!

What are your thoughts?
Trinity First Realty Services, Inc.
www.TrinityFirstRealtyInc.com

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Happy Black History Month!

As we close the KING Holiday we roll right into Black History Month. 

Happy February!  

We are celebrating Black History Month here at Trinity First Realty Services, Inc.  If you followed our previous post you will remember it was about the KING Holiday.  His contribution will forever be honored here in our office.  Black History Month is an annual observance of the rich and strong history of people of African Diaspora.  Not only is this special holiday recognized in the United States, it is also observed in Canada and the United Kingdom! 

 Isn't that wonderful? 

Go ahead and give Black History Month a round of applause!  We will wait.

So, as we mentioned Black History is celebrated in February.   Have you ever wondered why the month of February was chosen as the celebratory month?   We always hear people ask " Why do we have the shortest month of the year?"  Well, here is an interesting fact that we don't believe is trending.  Let's take a moment to reflect.  

The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson  and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week."  Contrary to popular belief, this week and ultimately month was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln .  

Carter G. Woodson

Frederick Douglass was born in February and he is known for being and African American social reformer, orator, writer, and statesman.  After escaping slavery he became a leader of the abolitionist movement and was recognized for his remarkable anti-slavery writing. 


Frederick Douglass 

Abraham Lincoln was the United States 16th President and he was born in February as well.  President Lincoln abolished slavery.  He used the Army to protect escaped slaves, encourage the border states to outlaw slavery and helped push through Congress the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, by the way this permanently OUTLAWED slavery.


Abraham Lincoln

Now wouldn't you say that sounds like awesome reasons to choose February as Black History Month?  

What are your thoughts?

Trinity First Realty Services, Inc.
www.TrinityFirstRealtyInc.com

Monday, January 20, 2014

How has Dr. Martin Luther King Inspired Your Business?

As we approach the KING Holiday we asked ourselves a question.  How has Dr. King inspired our business?  It goes without saying that Dr. King's legacy has contributed to our company's success in many ways.  Our first thought brings us to the realization that without his sacrifice we would simply not be in the position to own a thriving African American, Women-Owned business.  Thanks to Dr. King we have the option to own a successful Real Estate business and work closely with people from all walks of life.  As we reflect on our company's daily operation we are actually living Dr. King's dream every day!  
I'm sure we all go about our daily lives working towards our Dream.  Some of us strive for a better office position or maybe we are pressing ahead to finish an important project that will take our business to the next level.   We may simply have a dream of whole-hearted happiness, love, great health, the list goes on and on.  
What is your dream?  
Trinity First Realty Services, Inc.
www.TrinityFirstRealtyInc.com

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

What does a Real Estate Sales Agent do for a buyer?

What does a Real Estate Sales Agent do for a buyer?

Do I want to buy a house?  Are there benefits to being a homeowner?   Can I buy a home if I don't have a lot of money?  Have these questions crossed your mind? 

Consult a Real Estate Professional.

Real Estate Professional is a reliable source for information in regards to Real Estate Sales.  The purchase of a home is one of the largest purchases most of us will ever make.  Do not go into it blindly!
 
Trinity First Realty Services, Inc.
www.TrinityFirstRealtyInc.com

How important is it to conduct a home inspection before you purchase a home?

Home Inspections are great!
Have you ever purchased something and didn't seem to like it afterwards?  What do we normally do when we no longer want something we have purchased?  Normally, a purchaser returns it and most of the time 100% of their money is returned as well.

When purchasing a home there is a different set of rules that apply.  

Most of the time people make returns because they are not please with their purchase.  However, you can not buy a home and then decide after a few days that you want to return it.  In fact once you sign the contract you have made certain decisions that puts your money (*Earnest Money) on the line.  Once you agree to purchase a home you have signed off on legally binding documents.  After you receive the keys to your new home,  excitedly walk away from the closing table, and move in you are not going to have rights to go back to the seller and return the home.  

To avoid the urge to return a home because you are dis-pleased you should have a Home Inspection conducted before you complete the purchase.  This way you will know what you are buying.  An inspection gives a detailed summary of the current condition of the home.  You will learn about the things like the condition of the electricity, roof, plumbing, windows, structure and much more.  If after the inspection you decide the home is not a good fit, you have options to have the repairs addressed or walk away without risk of losing your Earnest Money.

If you decide to become a homeowner remember to have the home inspected before you make a decision to go through with the purchase.

Like we said before, Home Inspections are great!
*Earnest Money
Upfront deposit on a home purchase.  Earnest Money is required by most sellers as part of a contract package.  Earnest Money could be returned based on agreed upon terms.  

Trinity First Realty Services, Inc.
www.TrinityFirstRealtyInc.com