Why do I Need a True Professional to Sell My House?

From The KCB Blog - Keeping Current Matters

http://kcmblog.com/2011/05/27/why-you-need-a-true-professional-to-sell-your-home/

May 29, 2011

Many people ask us whether they should hire an agent to sell their home or whether they should first try as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). In today’s volatile market, we believe this is an easy decision: you need an experienced professional!

You need an expert guide if you are traveling a dangerous path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a buyer willing to pay fair market value for your home at a time that there are mass inventories of foreclosures and short sales will take a true real estate professional. Finding reasonable financing can also be tricky in today’s lending environment.

You need a skilled negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that off after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

Bottom Line

We believe that famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.

The KCM Crew

What are Americans thinking about our national housing situation?

Each quarter Fannie Mae releases the results of their National Housing Survey.  Here are some of the finding contained in their latest survey:

• Compared to fourth quarter 2010, Americans are more optimistic about home prices, the economy, and personal finances. However, rising household expenses (up by 9 percentage points since June 2010) may require Americans to remain cautions about the recovery.
• While perceptions of investment safety have been declining, 57 percent of Americans believe that homeownership has a lot of potential as an investment, ranking higher than other investments, such as buying stocks or putting money into an IRA or 401(k) plan.
• Fewer Underwater Borrowers think their savings are sufficient and more are stressed about their debt. Feeling less secure financially, more Underwater Borrowers think it is okay to default if facing financial distress. However, a significant share of Underwater Borrowers remain optimistic, with 45 percent expecting their personal finances to get better over the next year and 35 percent expecting home prices to go up.

The Housing Survey was designed to gain a better understanding of current attitudes toward housing and any differences since surveys conducted in Fourth Quarter 2010, Third Quarter 2010, June 2010, January 2010, and 2003. Our research helps inform the collective efforts of Fannie Mae and our partners to provide stability for the housing market.

On this Web page you will find a news release with highlights from the survey results, a fact sheet, and a presentation with extensive information from the survey.

Fairfield Harbour Antique & Classic Car Show

This past Saturday, May 21st, Fairfield Harbour car enthusiasts held their first annual Antique & Classic Car Show in the parking lot of our Community Center/Firehouse.  The weather was gorgeous, and some truly magnificent cars were on display.  Here are a few.

An expanded photo exhibition is available on my husband's Shutterfly site here:  http://bobdumonphotogallery.shutterfly.com/

What about golf in Fairfield Harbour?

The community of Fairfield Harbour received some wonderful news this week!  Billy Casper Golf, owner and operator of 125 golf courses, country clubs, and resorts  announced they have  been selected to manage the Harbour Point Golf Course here effective May 1, 2011.  "Fairfield Harbour is a terrific resort-style community," says Peter Hill, chairman and CEO of BCG.  "The impressive long-term commitment to restore the course to modern-day standards is poised to stimulate golfers and meet the needs of property owners."

The announcement continued with this:

BCG will enroll Harbour Pointe in the Audubon International "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" Program, ensuring high standards protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of golf.

To learn more about Billy Casper Golf, visit the following site:

http://www.billycaspergolf.com/index.php

Below are a few photos of the Harbour Pointe course in Fairfield Harbour, New Bern, NC.

Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club "Commissioning Day"

What a treat to be invited to join our friends, Ron and Emily Helling on their beautiful Viking motoryacht Destiny for the 2011 Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club's "Blessing of the Fleet" and Commissioning Day.  Destiny, as you can see below, is a gorgeous vessel... one of our favorite boats here in the Harbour!

Photo courtesy of Sam Curry

Fortunately for all the weather was perfect... temperature in the mid-70's, sunny, and low humidity... as the fleet passed by the dock of the Shoreline marina in Fairfield Harbour's Inner Harbour where each vessel received blessings from a Catholic priest, an Episcopal priest, and a local member of the Jewish faith playing the Ram's horn (Shofar).  Here are a few more photos from a glorious day....

Yacht Club members convened following the Fleet Blessing for introduction of officers, including current and past commodores.  A wreath was then placed  in the Inner Harbour and taps were played following the reading of the names of deceased members from the previous year.  I was proud of my husband, Bob (below), for his "bugle playing" even though he cheated and actually used his trumpet. 

Following the closing cannon shot which concluded this year's ceremonies, we gathered in our local Community Center for a wonderful catered luncheon, officially opening the boating season.  What a wonderful day in lovely Fairfield Harbour!