My business partner Ann recently came across this question while holding open a house for sale here in Richmond, Virginia. It came from a first-time home buyer that was using the internet and news papers to look for a new home. The innocence of the question brought a smile to my face, but then I know about fifty percent of the people out there are searching for homes without the benefit of using a REALTOR®. They are not finding the properties they want, or previewing them early when they are fresh on the market, or during those times when it's most convenient for the buyer to see them.
Most people don't like to admit when they need help. As a man who rarely asks for directions, I completely understand the reluctance to concede stupidity when I should be seeking guidance. After all, I'm happy to represent myself in court, design my own house, or perform my own surgery in lieu of seeking professional counsel in these areas. The logic is so obvious - of course I can buy or sell my own home without using a Realtor, right? Well, as it turns out, the answer is yes. But perhaps the more prudent question is, should you?
As my partner likes to say, "The longer I am in this business, the more I realize there is to know about this business". I can't adequately address all the advantages of Using a Realtor in this short article, but I would like to point out two brief observations. First, statistics prove you will not be saving time or money by looking for property on your own. Secondly, if you are out there previewing homes you should already be working with a Realtor.
On average, I find it takes a person six months or more to find their home and get to closing once I make contact with them. And what's more, you run the risk of having NO representation if you choose to start looking by yourself. Do yourself a favor; consult with a Realtor when considering your next housing move. If you're lucky, you may rediscover what else is available for you to do on the weekends!
Source: John VanerSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John & Ann VanderSyde by visiting their website at www.InSydeHomes.com
Monday, June 8, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Perfect Day for Not Working Real Estate!
I’m watching Baseball – the little guys – instead of working real estate during what is usually my most productive time of day. My ten-year-old has a late game on a Monday afternoon at Byrd Park Little League in Richmond, Virginia. The weather is perfect; there’s no humidity, a gentle breeze, plenty of soft sunshine, and the smell of fresh cut grass is in the air. It is a delightful spring afternoon on the cusp of summer. The pool is open, and school is just letting out for the year. We only have one of two more games before it ends and we’ll be off to do something else.
The kids are young, and just as uncoordinated and care-free as I was then. They would rather pick at the grass and make dust clouds than pay attention to the game. They have no idea what’s ahead for them, they are simply living life in the moment. How great is that! I can’t help but ask myself the question, “how often does this happen in my life today?” I am thankful for the moment of peaceful reflection and wish there were more opportunities to be in the moment, just like this one is for me.
I’m watching baseball, wishing I were ten years old again, even if only for the afternoon.
Source: John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann VanderSyde by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com
The kids are young, and just as uncoordinated and care-free as I was then. They would rather pick at the grass and make dust clouds than pay attention to the game. They have no idea what’s ahead for them, they are simply living life in the moment. How great is that! I can’t help but ask myself the question, “how often does this happen in my life today?” I am thankful for the moment of peaceful reflection and wish there were more opportunities to be in the moment, just like this one is for me.
I’m watching baseball, wishing I were ten years old again, even if only for the afternoon.
Source: John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann VanderSyde by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com
Monday, June 1, 2009
Is There No Winning in Today’s Housing Market?
There is no question it’s a buyer’s market in some rather uncertain times. Sellers still appear unrealistic about price and condition, and purchasers feel no sense of urgency to make a decision – and both sides are unhappy about it. This must be the reason why people feel like there is no winning in today’s housing market.
What’s truly surprising to me is that when making important decisions about their homes folks often don’t use the data provided by us as professional Realtors. They want our opinion, our experience our knowledge, but when the facts are delivered they would rather take the advice of a neighbor or close friend living in another state. I can’t figure it out. I’ve come to the conclusion that irrational justification supersedes all commonsense; there is just no helping some people. The thing to remember for the rest of us is that statistics, when gathered correctly and looked at honestly, tell the story every time. What we must also keep in mind that this target is always moving!
I work hard to get it right! In some cases I’ve missed the chance to represent a seller due to honest evaluation of the market, or I’ve simply had to walk away because of unrealistic expectations. I know I’m better off in the end, but there still remains the feeling that I’ve failed by not being able represent their housing needs. The bottom line is, when not taking good advice from a professional Realtor, sellers keep chasing the market and buyers are missing great deals.
In my market area of Richmond, Virginia where unemployment is 2% lower than the national average, and foreclosures are almost twice as low as the national average, the question remains, who are the winners in today’s market? I can tell you they’re out there, but they are being very, very quiet. They are the one’s who are successfully buying and selling real estate NOW!
Source: John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann VanderSyde by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com
What’s truly surprising to me is that when making important decisions about their homes folks often don’t use the data provided by us as professional Realtors. They want our opinion, our experience our knowledge, but when the facts are delivered they would rather take the advice of a neighbor or close friend living in another state. I can’t figure it out. I’ve come to the conclusion that irrational justification supersedes all commonsense; there is just no helping some people. The thing to remember for the rest of us is that statistics, when gathered correctly and looked at honestly, tell the story every time. What we must also keep in mind that this target is always moving!
I work hard to get it right! In some cases I’ve missed the chance to represent a seller due to honest evaluation of the market, or I’ve simply had to walk away because of unrealistic expectations. I know I’m better off in the end, but there still remains the feeling that I’ve failed by not being able represent their housing needs. The bottom line is, when not taking good advice from a professional Realtor, sellers keep chasing the market and buyers are missing great deals.
In my market area of Richmond, Virginia where unemployment is 2% lower than the national average, and foreclosures are almost twice as low as the national average, the question remains, who are the winners in today’s market? I can tell you they’re out there, but they are being very, very quiet. They are the one’s who are successfully buying and selling real estate NOW!
Source: John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann VanderSyde by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Plan A Vacation and Work, Work, Work!
I think I’ve got this all figured out now. There is an unspoken law of Real Estate that in order to stay busy, one must plan a vacation or schedule to take some time away from the job. No matter how slow things have been, as soon as you do, the phone rings and the property that has been sitting the longest must be shown precisely when you are not available. Oh, good grief!
This past weekend was no exception – a national holiday. In this economy, in a place where no one is in a hurry to make a decision, one would think the entire world would be on vacation, or at least could wait until Monday. This is obviously not the case. Only this time I threw a monkey-wrench at the god’s. I only pretended to make plans to be away from the office, and feigned my inaccessibility to show property. Guess what; it worked!
Thursday afternoon the phone started ringing. I had multiple calls every day through the weekend. Since this wasn’t a surprise, and I had planned around it, I got everything finished I needed to accomplish, and still had more time than usual to spend with my family. It was my best working non-vacation ever, and the results were in my financial favor too.
The way I see it, I am telling everyone I know I have vacation plans each week through the summer. They’ll never know the difference, and as a result, I’m certain to have my best year ever. Well at least until the god’s figure it out, or whenever I actually decide take a real vacation!
Source: John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann VanderSyde by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com
This past weekend was no exception – a national holiday. In this economy, in a place where no one is in a hurry to make a decision, one would think the entire world would be on vacation, or at least could wait until Monday. This is obviously not the case. Only this time I threw a monkey-wrench at the god’s. I only pretended to make plans to be away from the office, and feigned my inaccessibility to show property. Guess what; it worked!
Thursday afternoon the phone started ringing. I had multiple calls every day through the weekend. Since this wasn’t a surprise, and I had planned around it, I got everything finished I needed to accomplish, and still had more time than usual to spend with my family. It was my best working non-vacation ever, and the results were in my financial favor too.
The way I see it, I am telling everyone I know I have vacation plans each week through the summer. They’ll never know the difference, and as a result, I’m certain to have my best year ever. Well at least until the god’s figure it out, or whenever I actually decide take a real vacation!
Source: John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann VanderSyde by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com
Friday, May 22, 2009
Time to Sell or Simply Ad-on?
You may be contemplating whether it’s better to sell and “move up”, or simply add-on in order to upgrade your existing home. Circumstances can vary making this a difficult decision. This question comes up in all markets, so it’s not just a sign of the times. No matter what the motivation is there are a few critical questions one can ask before moving forward.
Richmond is blessed with a wealth of excellent neighborhoods, providing a variety of life styles from which to choose. So, the first question to ask is “can I duplicate what I love most about my neighborhood living somewhere else?” This consideration may make the decision easy if you are attached to your area, or if you are driven to move for specific needs not available where you are now.
Next, “what will it take to make my current house meet or exceed what I can find in another location?” Why else would we consider moving? This may be influenced by our finances, space considerations, modern amenities, schools, work, and undetermined gains vs. losses. It’s sometimes best to make a list in order to evaluate this question properly.
Finally, “am I willing to live through renovations and additions in order to get what I can purchase somewhere else?” Be realistic and honest about how this effects you as well as everyone living in the house. Give the greatest consideration to this question, as it has the most significant impact on family and relationships.
The rest will fall into place with the assistance of qualified professionals like contractors, designers, architects and Realtors®. The source depends on your decision, so choose wisely while consulting a trusted advisor.
For more insight, information and any questions on this and other important issues, please contact your most valued real estate professional, we are here to serve you!
Sources: John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and a Licensed Architect. He and his wife Ann are in business together in Richmond, Virginia.
Richmond is blessed with a wealth of excellent neighborhoods, providing a variety of life styles from which to choose. So, the first question to ask is “can I duplicate what I love most about my neighborhood living somewhere else?” This consideration may make the decision easy if you are attached to your area, or if you are driven to move for specific needs not available where you are now.
Next, “what will it take to make my current house meet or exceed what I can find in another location?” Why else would we consider moving? This may be influenced by our finances, space considerations, modern amenities, schools, work, and undetermined gains vs. losses. It’s sometimes best to make a list in order to evaluate this question properly.
Finally, “am I willing to live through renovations and additions in order to get what I can purchase somewhere else?” Be realistic and honest about how this effects you as well as everyone living in the house. Give the greatest consideration to this question, as it has the most significant impact on family and relationships.
The rest will fall into place with the assistance of qualified professionals like contractors, designers, architects and Realtors®. The source depends on your decision, so choose wisely while consulting a trusted advisor.
For more insight, information and any questions on this and other important issues, please contact your most valued real estate professional, we are here to serve you!
Sources: John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and a Licensed Architect. He and his wife Ann are in business together in Richmond, Virginia.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Is Now a Good Time to Buy Real Estate?
Real estate seems to have been a fickle friend to some of us recently. At one time it was something you could rely on to increase your bottom line and secure your future. Then, suddenly, it wasn’t! Well guess what – NOW is the time to reconsider how you feel about real property as an investment opportunity or as a new home.
You have already heard the advice of real estate professionals, the media and market prognosticators outlining all the signs of the “positive housing market”. Some will feel it is a desperate push to revitalize home sales and get you in before it really bottoms out. Others will realize we don’t know where the bottom is until it’s passed. The signs are here, and the market is moving again. Stand on the side line or get into the game, it’s your choice; but if you are considering a move, what are you waiting for?
You can take advantage of affordable prices resulting from a down market, or use unprecedented incentives being offered in new construction to get the deal of a lifetime. Creative ideas such as buyer-protection warranties provide additional confidence to act now. Besides, historically low interest rates, government programs and first time buyer tax credits will end before you know it. Just remember, as someone once said, “Opportunities are never lost; someone will always take the one you miss!” Ask your qualified real estate professional for more information.
John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com or by calling (804) 282-7300
You have already heard the advice of real estate professionals, the media and market prognosticators outlining all the signs of the “positive housing market”. Some will feel it is a desperate push to revitalize home sales and get you in before it really bottoms out. Others will realize we don’t know where the bottom is until it’s passed. The signs are here, and the market is moving again. Stand on the side line or get into the game, it’s your choice; but if you are considering a move, what are you waiting for?
You can take advantage of affordable prices resulting from a down market, or use unprecedented incentives being offered in new construction to get the deal of a lifetime. Creative ideas such as buyer-protection warranties provide additional confidence to act now. Besides, historically low interest rates, government programs and first time buyer tax credits will end before you know it. Just remember, as someone once said, “Opportunities are never lost; someone will always take the one you miss!” Ask your qualified real estate professional for more information.
John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com or by calling (804) 282-7300
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Long & Foster Press Release - "Buy Confident" Program
April 9, 2009
BUY CONFIDENT WITH LONG & FOSTER®Announcing Long & Foster’s Job Loss Protection Program
Chantilly, VA — Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc., the largest privately held residential real estate company in the U.S., announced today the implementation of a job loss protection program for homebuyers as an extension of their ongoing Buy Confident™ campaign.
“Although this is a great time to buy residential real estate for many, there’s still a lot to consider,” advises Mary K. Weddle, executive vice president of The Long & Foster® Companies, “In this uncertain market, be sure to have a good agent who can help you to fully assess your situation. Long & Foster is proud to be one of the first real estate companies to offer job loss protection to help buyers and sellers make real estate decisions with a greater degree of confidence.”
Many potential homebuyers are concerned about what might happen if they were to lose their job. Long & Foster’s new Job Loss Protection program, part of the service called HELP (Homeowner Education and Loan Protection) from the Rainy Day Foundation, will help to ease the worry. It’s paid for by the seller.
The Job Loss Protection portion of HELP will assist buyers who purchase a Long & Foster listing covered by Job Loss Protection in the event of an involuntary job loss within the first 24 months of the loan. The policy covers mortgage payments up to $1,800 per month for up to 6 months. HELP also offers six months of phone counseling and monthly educational e-newsletters. Job Loss Protection is an important and timely service that gives sellers a way to differentiate their property and give buyers the confidence to purchase.
The coverage is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc. that has an A-Excellent ranking by A.M. Best. Please see a Long & Foster agent for additional details. To locate an agent, visit longandfoster.com.
Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc. is the largest privately held residential real estate company in the United States. The company is part of The Long & Foster® Companies, which also includes Prosperity Mortgage® Company; Long & Foster Insurance Agency, Inc.; and Long & Foster Settlement Services. Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. represents more than 13,000 agents in seven Mid-Atlantic states, plus the District of Columbia. The company sold more than $26.4 billion worth of homes and 76,714 properties in 2008. The Long & Foster Companies 2008 combined sales for the year were in excess of $48.9 billion.
John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company
BUY CONFIDENT WITH LONG & FOSTER®Announcing Long & Foster’s Job Loss Protection Program
Chantilly, VA — Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc., the largest privately held residential real estate company in the U.S., announced today the implementation of a job loss protection program for homebuyers as an extension of their ongoing Buy Confident™ campaign.
“Although this is a great time to buy residential real estate for many, there’s still a lot to consider,” advises Mary K. Weddle, executive vice president of The Long & Foster® Companies, “In this uncertain market, be sure to have a good agent who can help you to fully assess your situation. Long & Foster is proud to be one of the first real estate companies to offer job loss protection to help buyers and sellers make real estate decisions with a greater degree of confidence.”
Many potential homebuyers are concerned about what might happen if they were to lose their job. Long & Foster’s new Job Loss Protection program, part of the service called HELP (Homeowner Education and Loan Protection) from the Rainy Day Foundation, will help to ease the worry. It’s paid for by the seller.
The Job Loss Protection portion of HELP will assist buyers who purchase a Long & Foster listing covered by Job Loss Protection in the event of an involuntary job loss within the first 24 months of the loan. The policy covers mortgage payments up to $1,800 per month for up to 6 months. HELP also offers six months of phone counseling and monthly educational e-newsletters. Job Loss Protection is an important and timely service that gives sellers a way to differentiate their property and give buyers the confidence to purchase.
The coverage is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc. that has an A-Excellent ranking by A.M. Best. Please see a Long & Foster agent for additional details. To locate an agent, visit longandfoster.com.
Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc. is the largest privately held residential real estate company in the United States. The company is part of The Long & Foster® Companies, which also includes Prosperity Mortgage® Company; Long & Foster Insurance Agency, Inc.; and Long & Foster Settlement Services. Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. represents more than 13,000 agents in seven Mid-Atlantic states, plus the District of Columbia. The company sold more than $26.4 billion worth of homes and 76,714 properties in 2008. The Long & Foster Companies 2008 combined sales for the year were in excess of $48.9 billion.
John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company
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