Well I have not been spending much time blogging lately. MLS did a big data migration and added new search criteria. The net result is better search capability and more information...and also, I have to re-create EVERY saved search I ever created. I have 980 of them that I have refined over a few years. It has been quite time consuming. Boo!!!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Ask Erin: The Comeback of FHA Programs
If you talk to most loan officers who have been in the business for a while, they will tell you that aggressive conventional loan programs have been far more popular over the last decade than FHA loans.
Given what is going on in the real estate market, and the death of the majority of the aggressive loan programs - FHA is making a comeback. Not only is it making a comeback, but the program has evolved over the last several years...
For those of you not familiar with FHA's requirements...allow me to dispell a few myths. Basically anyone can qualify for an FHA loan, provided that one of the borrowers will be occupying the subject property as a primary residence. There are no income restrictions or limitations! The minimum downpayment for FHA is roughly 3% - and that 3% can be paid by the borrower, gifted from a family member, or paid by the seller via a 3rd party downpayment assistance program. There can be a total of 6% contributed from the seller for downpayment assistance, closing costs, or a combination of both. There can be a non-occupant "co-borrower", meaning for example, that a parent can basically co-sign for a child. There is NO minimum credit score requirement!...You can have a discharged bankruptcy or past foreclosure and still qualify under many circumstances. Keep in mind that even with no minimum credit score, it is still ideal that the borrower have few current delinquent accounts.
FHA can also be coupled with other programs - for example the Streamline K (you can borrow up to $35k additional for a qualifying property for non-structural repairs...great for bank owned property) or the Energy Efficient Mortgage (you can borrow up to $8k additional to make the house more energy efficient - dual pane windows, HVAC, etc.).
The kicker...the new FHA loan limits in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Yolo Counties are $580k for a single family home, and up to $1.1M for a fourplex!!!
I just had a buyer client close an FHA purchase. They leveraged a downpayment assistance program, and received a 6% contribution from the seller/Nehemiah for their downpayment (3%) and closing costs (3%). They got a 6% interest rate 30-year fixed loan, and came out of pocket on their purchase around $900.00.
I just had a seller client sell their home to an FHA borrower who had a non-occupant parent co-signer. The seller (my clients), contributed 3% for closing costs, and the buyer's parents gifted 3% down and co-signed the loan.
These loan limit increases are in effect ONLY UNTIL THE END OF 2008....normal FHA loan limits for a single family home are $362,790.
http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=ca
http://www.erinattardi.com/financing.htm
http://www.erinattardi.com/calculators.php
Given what is going on in the real estate market, and the death of the majority of the aggressive loan programs - FHA is making a comeback. Not only is it making a comeback, but the program has evolved over the last several years...
For those of you not familiar with FHA's requirements...allow me to dispell a few myths. Basically anyone can qualify for an FHA loan, provided that one of the borrowers will be occupying the subject property as a primary residence. There are no income restrictions or limitations! The minimum downpayment for FHA is roughly 3% - and that 3% can be paid by the borrower, gifted from a family member, or paid by the seller via a 3rd party downpayment assistance program. There can be a total of 6% contributed from the seller for downpayment assistance, closing costs, or a combination of both. There can be a non-occupant "co-borrower", meaning for example, that a parent can basically co-sign for a child. There is NO minimum credit score requirement!...You can have a discharged bankruptcy or past foreclosure and still qualify under many circumstances. Keep in mind that even with no minimum credit score, it is still ideal that the borrower have few current delinquent accounts.
FHA can also be coupled with other programs - for example the Streamline K (you can borrow up to $35k additional for a qualifying property for non-structural repairs...great for bank owned property) or the Energy Efficient Mortgage (you can borrow up to $8k additional to make the house more energy efficient - dual pane windows, HVAC, etc.).
The kicker...the new FHA loan limits in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Yolo Counties are $580k for a single family home, and up to $1.1M for a fourplex!!!
I just had a buyer client close an FHA purchase. They leveraged a downpayment assistance program, and received a 6% contribution from the seller/Nehemiah for their downpayment (3%) and closing costs (3%). They got a 6% interest rate 30-year fixed loan, and came out of pocket on their purchase around $900.00.
I just had a seller client sell their home to an FHA borrower who had a non-occupant parent co-signer. The seller (my clients), contributed 3% for closing costs, and the buyer's parents gifted 3% down and co-signed the loan.
These loan limit increases are in effect ONLY UNTIL THE END OF 2008....normal FHA loan limits for a single family home are $362,790.
http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=ca
http://www.erinattardi.com/financing.htm
http://www.erinattardi.com/calculators.php
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Neighborhood Spotlight: Arden Park
Arden Park is a wonderful Sacramento neighborhood bound by Watt Avenue to the west, Eastern Avenue to the east, Arden Way to the North, and Fair Oaks Blvd to the south.
A quick commute to downtown Sacramento, Arden Park is a highly sought neighborhood known for its close proximity to award-winning public schools, tree-lined streets, long-term residents, large lots, and well, its parks. The majority of the homes there were constructed in the 1950's era.
Nearby schools include Mariemont Elementary School, Arden Middle School, and Rio Americano High School.
There are two parks in the community - La Sierra Park (located in the middle of the neighborhood on La Sierra Drive), and Cresta Park (at the center of three streets - Las Cruces Drive, Esperanza Drive, and Cresta Way). La Sierra Park is home to the Arden Park Parks and Recreation Facility.
Arden Park is home to many community events, such as Easter Egg hunts, Soccer, 4th of July parades, Concerts in the Park, and more. Their neighborhood association is very committed to preserving the atmosphere of the neighborhood, and have formed many groups to promote community interests, such as the Arden Park Tree Foundation, Arden Park Neighborhood Preservation Area, Arden Park Homeowner's Association, etc.
Real estate prices in the neighborhood generally range from $400,000 on the low end to upward of $2,000,000.
A quick commute to downtown Sacramento, Arden Park is a highly sought neighborhood known for its close proximity to award-winning public schools, tree-lined streets, long-term residents, large lots, and well, its parks. The majority of the homes there were constructed in the 1950's era.
Nearby schools include Mariemont Elementary School, Arden Middle School, and Rio Americano High School.
There are two parks in the community - La Sierra Park (located in the middle of the neighborhood on La Sierra Drive), and Cresta Park (at the center of three streets - Las Cruces Drive, Esperanza Drive, and Cresta Way). La Sierra Park is home to the Arden Park Parks and Recreation Facility.
Arden Park is home to many community events, such as Easter Egg hunts, Soccer, 4th of July parades, Concerts in the Park, and more. Their neighborhood association is very committed to preserving the atmosphere of the neighborhood, and have formed many groups to promote community interests, such as the Arden Park Tree Foundation, Arden Park Neighborhood Preservation Area, Arden Park Homeowner's Association, etc.
Real estate prices in the neighborhood generally range from $400,000 on the low end to upward of $2,000,000.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
February Pending Sales UP 37%!
The numbers for February just came out, and as I suspected - pending sales are up...and not just a slight jump. They are up about 37%! In addition, the average home selling price rose from $277k to $281k in Sacramento County.
Some other interesting tidbits of information...bank owned property pending sales represented 1,003 of the 1,681 transactions in March! The average amount of listing inventory based on pending sales in March in Sacramento County was 5.3 months. The average amount of Bank-owned listing inventory based on pending sales for March in Sacramento County is 2.5 months.
Don't misinterpret my message...I still think we are in a heavily lopsided buyer's market in most parts of Sacramento County. I will be curious to see if this increase in activity continues in March. My sense is that it will - if my own personal activity is any reflection of the rest of the market's activity. I suppose we will see next month when the March numbers are released. If anyone is interested in viewing more charts for specific areas, please let me know and I am happy to email them to you.
Source: Trendgraphix & Metrolist MLS
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
REO Property FAQ
I got such an overwhelming response to my posting regarding Short Sales, I thought I would follow that up with REO (aka Bank Owned or Foreclosure) FAQ's.
Purchasing REO (aka, bank owned or foreclosure property) property is a unique experience, unlike more traditional real estate transactions where the buyer is purchasing from a new construction builder or an individual seller. Because there are so many REO listings in the greater Sacramento area, often I am asked what a buyer can expect in these types of transactions, and the only thing for certain is you should "expect the unexpected." I have done several of these transactions, and each one has been a totally different experience. I have assembled some of my experiences for your benefit:
1) Many REO's are listed with local real estate agents if they do not sell on the date of the Trustee sale on the courthouse steps. These agents generally will have anywhere from 10 - 150 listings at any point in time. Often times they will employ a team of other agents and assistants to field inquiries and will be very difficult to get in touch with directly.
2) Expect the bank to require a 1% deposit with your offer. While any regular transaction requires a deposit of some kind with your offer to open escrow, banks will require 1%. If you offer a $1,000 deposit on a $250k property, the bank will likely counter that your deposit needs to be $2,500.00.
3) Expect to remove your contingencies with 5-7 days. This is really fast! Most regular transactions have a 17-day timeline for contingency removal...within this time period you will conduct your inspections, appraisal, move toward obtaining your financing etc. Banks ask for a very short investigation period.
4) Expect that there will be no disclosures from the bank with regard to the condition of the property. Obviously the bank has never lived at the property in question, and it is very likely that a bank representative has never visited the property.
5) Expect to take the property "as-is." I have in the past negotiated some major repairs - for example if the electrical panel has been vandalized, it can be negotiated that the bank fix something like. However, minor repairs - for example fixing a leaky faucet - will not be completed by the bank.
6) Expect that the bank will not provide you with any reports. You will be responsible for obtaining things like a pest inspection, roof inspection, home inspection, etc. Very seldom are these provided.
7) Expect that the title and escrow company will be out of town. My experience is that the company will be out of southern California. The escrow folks will have something like 100 escrows going on simultaneously, and you won't get great service or fast response from them.
8) The bank may require that you be pre-qualified for your loan through them. I see this a lot with Wells Fargo and Countrywide REO's where you are required to submit a pre-qualification letter from one of their own reps in order for your offer to be considered. You are not required to actually use them for your loan though.
9) Counter offers from the bank will be delivered verbally. Yep, verbally. Once a verbal agreement has been reached, the bank will generate its own "Addendum" that over-rides your purchase agreement. Read through it carefully.
10) Your fully executed written purchase agreement will arrive 7-10 days after verbal acceptance. Yikes! This can pose issues for your lender, as most of the time they need an executed contract to start your loan process.
11) The bank will charge you a daily penalty fee if you close escrow late. I have seen this be anywhere from $100/day to $400/day.
Purchasing REO (aka, bank owned or foreclosure property) property is a unique experience, unlike more traditional real estate transactions where the buyer is purchasing from a new construction builder or an individual seller. Because there are so many REO listings in the greater Sacramento area, often I am asked what a buyer can expect in these types of transactions, and the only thing for certain is you should "expect the unexpected." I have done several of these transactions, and each one has been a totally different experience. I have assembled some of my experiences for your benefit:
1) Many REO's are listed with local real estate agents if they do not sell on the date of the Trustee sale on the courthouse steps. These agents generally will have anywhere from 10 - 150 listings at any point in time. Often times they will employ a team of other agents and assistants to field inquiries and will be very difficult to get in touch with directly.
2) Expect the bank to require a 1% deposit with your offer. While any regular transaction requires a deposit of some kind with your offer to open escrow, banks will require 1%. If you offer a $1,000 deposit on a $250k property, the bank will likely counter that your deposit needs to be $2,500.00.
3) Expect to remove your contingencies with 5-7 days. This is really fast! Most regular transactions have a 17-day timeline for contingency removal...within this time period you will conduct your inspections, appraisal, move toward obtaining your financing etc. Banks ask for a very short investigation period.
4) Expect that there will be no disclosures from the bank with regard to the condition of the property. Obviously the bank has never lived at the property in question, and it is very likely that a bank representative has never visited the property.
5) Expect to take the property "as-is." I have in the past negotiated some major repairs - for example if the electrical panel has been vandalized, it can be negotiated that the bank fix something like. However, minor repairs - for example fixing a leaky faucet - will not be completed by the bank.
6) Expect that the bank will not provide you with any reports. You will be responsible for obtaining things like a pest inspection, roof inspection, home inspection, etc. Very seldom are these provided.
7) Expect that the title and escrow company will be out of town. My experience is that the company will be out of southern California. The escrow folks will have something like 100 escrows going on simultaneously, and you won't get great service or fast response from them.
8) The bank may require that you be pre-qualified for your loan through them. I see this a lot with Wells Fargo and Countrywide REO's where you are required to submit a pre-qualification letter from one of their own reps in order for your offer to be considered. You are not required to actually use them for your loan though.
9) Counter offers from the bank will be delivered verbally. Yep, verbally. Once a verbal agreement has been reached, the bank will generate its own "Addendum" that over-rides your purchase agreement. Read through it carefully.
10) Your fully executed written purchase agreement will arrive 7-10 days after verbal acceptance. Yikes! This can pose issues for your lender, as most of the time they need an executed contract to start your loan process.
11) The bank will charge you a daily penalty fee if you close escrow late. I have seen this be anywhere from $100/day to $400/day.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Short Sale Myths
Given the current state of the real estate market in many areas in greater Sacramento, there are many short sale listings. I myself have a handful of short sale listings currently, and as such I find myself educating buyers and sellers a lot lately about the process. Many people seem to think they know what short sales are...I find that about 2/3 of people I speak with really have no clue what a short sale is.
For those of you who are not familiar with this terminology, a short sale is the sale of a house for less than the amount that is owed to the bank/mortgage company. Occasionally, homeowners find themselves in positions in which they must to sell their home, but the reality is that their property is worth less than what they owe the bank...perhaps they did a "cash-out" refinance?...perhaps they bought at the peak of the market with 100% Financing? Many banks will agree to accept the proceeds of a short sale and forgive the rest of what is owed on the mortgage when the owner cannot make the mortgage payments. By accepting a short sale, the lender can avoid a costly foreclosure, and the owner is able to pay off the loan for less than what he owes.
I hear all kinds of crazy misperceptions about short sales. I have put together a short list of myths about short sales:
1) "The seller must stop making payments on their loan." Not necessarily. I have negotiated short sales where the seller has not missed any payments, and were not in default.
2) "The seller is in foreclosure." Not necessarily. It is possible to have missed payments and not be in full-blown foreclosure.
3) "Buyers will not want to make offers on short sale property." Not true. Occasionally buyer's agents are reluctant to represent offers on short sale property. Often times, listing agents will take on short sale listings when in reality they have no knowledge base or skill set to successfully negotiate the lower payoff. A shrewd buyer's agent will call the listing agent and make sure they are competent to complete the process, and then submit an offer.
4) "Financial hardship is the only reason a lender will accept a lower payoff." Not true. There are many potential reasons a lender will allow a lower payoff. One such example is that the seller must relocate for some reason, such as to care for a sick relative, or due to employment requirements.
5) "A short sale where there is a first mortgage and a second mortgage will not be approved." Not true. While this scenario requires diligent negotiation, many 2nd mortgage holders will accept as little as $1,000.00 in lieu of a full payoff.
6) "A short sale means that the escrow period will be short." Generally no. Depending on how much negotiation can be completed in advance, a typical timeline for lender approval can be 2 weeks - 2 months. Once the lender approves the lower payoff, escrow is opened and the transaction timelines proceed from that date.
7) "Short sales are a bargain!" Banks do not give property away. They base approval on recent sales comparables, and actually retain the services of a local agent to perform a BPO (aka, Broker Price Opinion). While I do believe it is possible to get a lender approval for a property a few percent under its market value, purchasing at "wholesale" is just not reality.
8) "The seller of the property can make money from the short sale." Not true. The lender will REQUIRE that the seller nets $0 from the sale.
These are just some of the common questions I get from both buyers and sellers regarding short sales. In reality, most people (buyers, sellers, and even some real estate industry professionals) do not have a clear understanding of what they are and how they work. I have successfully negotiated short sales for seller clients. If you are facing the reality that you have to sell your home, and you owe more than its current market value, I may be able to assist you. I welcome your call at 916-342-1372 so we can discuss your options.
For those of you who are not familiar with this terminology, a short sale is the sale of a house for less than the amount that is owed to the bank/mortgage company. Occasionally, homeowners find themselves in positions in which they must to sell their home, but the reality is that their property is worth less than what they owe the bank...perhaps they did a "cash-out" refinance?...perhaps they bought at the peak of the market with 100% Financing? Many banks will agree to accept the proceeds of a short sale and forgive the rest of what is owed on the mortgage when the owner cannot make the mortgage payments. By accepting a short sale, the lender can avoid a costly foreclosure, and the owner is able to pay off the loan for less than what he owes.
I hear all kinds of crazy misperceptions about short sales. I have put together a short list of myths about short sales:
1) "The seller must stop making payments on their loan." Not necessarily. I have negotiated short sales where the seller has not missed any payments, and were not in default.
2) "The seller is in foreclosure." Not necessarily. It is possible to have missed payments and not be in full-blown foreclosure.
3) "Buyers will not want to make offers on short sale property." Not true. Occasionally buyer's agents are reluctant to represent offers on short sale property. Often times, listing agents will take on short sale listings when in reality they have no knowledge base or skill set to successfully negotiate the lower payoff. A shrewd buyer's agent will call the listing agent and make sure they are competent to complete the process, and then submit an offer.
4) "Financial hardship is the only reason a lender will accept a lower payoff." Not true. There are many potential reasons a lender will allow a lower payoff. One such example is that the seller must relocate for some reason, such as to care for a sick relative, or due to employment requirements.
5) "A short sale where there is a first mortgage and a second mortgage will not be approved." Not true. While this scenario requires diligent negotiation, many 2nd mortgage holders will accept as little as $1,000.00 in lieu of a full payoff.
6) "A short sale means that the escrow period will be short." Generally no. Depending on how much negotiation can be completed in advance, a typical timeline for lender approval can be 2 weeks - 2 months. Once the lender approves the lower payoff, escrow is opened and the transaction timelines proceed from that date.
7) "Short sales are a bargain!" Banks do not give property away. They base approval on recent sales comparables, and actually retain the services of a local agent to perform a BPO (aka, Broker Price Opinion). While I do believe it is possible to get a lender approval for a property a few percent under its market value, purchasing at "wholesale" is just not reality.
8) "The seller of the property can make money from the short sale." Not true. The lender will REQUIRE that the seller nets $0 from the sale.
These are just some of the common questions I get from both buyers and sellers regarding short sales. In reality, most people (buyers, sellers, and even some real estate industry professionals) do not have a clear understanding of what they are and how they work. I have successfully negotiated short sales for seller clients. If you are facing the reality that you have to sell your home, and you owe more than its current market value, I may be able to assist you. I welcome your call at 916-342-1372 so we can discuss your options.
Monday, March 10, 2008
New Listing - 124 Clearwater Court, Roseville 95678
124 Clearwater Court is beautifully appointed home in a great Roseville location! Built in 1996, this 3 bed, 2 bath home is loaded with upgrades and wonderful features. It is 1,736 square feet, on a big .187ac lot (per assessor), has vaulted ceilings, a huge living room with a wood-burning fireplace, separate family room and dining area, a wall of windows that lets in loads of natural light, covered backyard patio, newer carpet throughout, great kitchen center island, hallway bath has tub/shower combo and dual sinks, master suite has lots of closet space, big bathroom with dual sinks and a separate tub and shower, ceiling fans throughout, and more! Short sale subject to lender approval. For more photos and a virtual tour, visit http://www.124clearwatercourt.com/. Call Erin Attardi at 916-342-1372 to arrange a showing.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Is this a short sale scam?
One of my clients called me today to inquire about a new listing that just popped up on the market in Carmichael. When I pulled up the data on MLS, I was a bit alarmed at what I found.
In the "Agent Only" remarks section, there was a note that read "Closing is subject to seller obtaining title." Huh? There was an attachment to the listing that then explained that the "seller" is a for-profit corporation that the actual owner has given a power of attorney to sell the house. It is listed as a short sale and subject to the bank's approval of the owner's short sale to the seller...the seller then is selling for a profit via a simultaneous escrow. The house is listed by a small, Sacramento area independent brokerage that I have never heard of.
My thought is that this sort of transaction walks a very fine line - both legally and ethically. There was legislation passed several years ago called "The Home Equity Sales Act" that protects distressed sellers. Click here to read about the Home Equity Sales Act.
All I can say is that I will not touch a transaction like with with a 10-foot pole! Luckily my client thought that was a good idea too.
In the "Agent Only" remarks section, there was a note that read "Closing is subject to seller obtaining title." Huh? There was an attachment to the listing that then explained that the "seller" is a for-profit corporation that the actual owner has given a power of attorney to sell the house. It is listed as a short sale and subject to the bank's approval of the owner's short sale to the seller...the seller then is selling for a profit via a simultaneous escrow. The house is listed by a small, Sacramento area independent brokerage that I have never heard of.
My thought is that this sort of transaction walks a very fine line - both legally and ethically. There was legislation passed several years ago called "The Home Equity Sales Act" that protects distressed sellers. Click here to read about the Home Equity Sales Act.
All I can say is that I will not touch a transaction like with with a 10-foot pole! Luckily my client thought that was a good idea too.
Friday, March 7, 2008
New Listing - 3924 Linus Way, Carmichael 95608
3924 Linus Way in Carmichael (95608) is offered at $259,000. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,466 sf home is the perfect blank canvas awaiting your personal decor! You will love the open layout, vaulted ceilings, large kitchen, spacious bedrooms, 2-car garage, huge .24ac lot (per assessor), and more! Close proximity to award winning schools, shopping, ARC, parks and freeways. NOT bank owned, and NOT a short sale! Virtual tour will be coming soon. For a private showing, contact Erin Attardi at 916-342-1372 or erin@erinattardi.com.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
FHA LOAN LIMITS INCREASE!!
The FHA loan limits for Sacramento County have increased. The maximum limit was $362,790, and it was increased yesterday to $580,000. FHA loans are excellent tools for first-time home buyers, especially since the down payments are 2.85% of the sales price. Years ago, sellers used to balk at a buyer obtaining an FHA loan because sellers were worried that an FHA appraiser would require tons of repairs. That is no longer the case. Restrictions have relaxed, and FHA loans are faster to process. FHA loans are also popular with home buyers because FICO scores are not weighed as heavily as other factors.
Listings Parade!
Ok...so over the next week I will be posting four new listings. Couple of details if any of you are interested:
-$259k - 3bd/2ba, 1,466sf home in a nice part of Carmichael 95608
-$319k - 4bd/2ba, 1,736sf home in Roseville 95678
-$145k - 2bd/1ba, 990sf home in Oak Park 95817
-$TBD - 3bd/1.5ba, 1,190sf condo off La Riviera 95826
There are also a few other properties coming over the next month...keep your eyes open.
-$259k - 3bd/2ba, 1,466sf home in a nice part of Carmichael 95608
-$319k - 4bd/2ba, 1,736sf home in Roseville 95678
-$145k - 2bd/1ba, 990sf home in Oak Park 95817
-$TBD - 3bd/1.5ba, 1,190sf condo off La Riviera 95826
There are also a few other properties coming over the next month...keep your eyes open.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The Nick & Erin Show
Yes the rumors are true...my husband and I have a radio show every Monday night at 8pm. The easiest way to tune is is via this link here. We talk about local events, news, and the like - and yes Real Estate is definitely a topic that comes up...Anyone who wants to call in during one of our live shows (occasionally the station will re-broadcast past shows), the studio line is 916-456-5199.Saturday, March 1, 2008
Consumer Real Estate Forums
I read them pretty often. Sometimes I am just plain surprised by the total animosity that some people feel toward real estate professionals. True, there are bad apples on every tree, but there are some really awful generalizations made on some of these forums. I don't wish to repeat them for those who are wondering.
Most times, if I dare to chime in on those forums with my opinion (hoping perhaps to just give a little professional insight from someone who works in the trenches of real estate), I get bashed by angry readers. I recently commented on one forum though, where I was quite surprised to not get bashed, and was actually thanked for sharing my thoughts.
People are entitled to their opinions, both positive and negative. Not all agents are scum! There are some who are unpleasant to deal with, unprofessional, and rude...and if you happen to deal with any of them directly - I am sorry and please do not think that is representative of all agents. Trust me, I prefer not to deal with those types of agents too.
Also, not all agents are "Realtors." Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors, and we adhere to a code of ethics among other things. The term Realtor among consumers is often a misnomer for all agents...
Anyway, I suppose the point of this post is basically to say that not all agents are created equal. My apologies to all those who happen to find a bad apple.
Most times, if I dare to chime in on those forums with my opinion (hoping perhaps to just give a little professional insight from someone who works in the trenches of real estate), I get bashed by angry readers. I recently commented on one forum though, where I was quite surprised to not get bashed, and was actually thanked for sharing my thoughts.
People are entitled to their opinions, both positive and negative. Not all agents are scum! There are some who are unpleasant to deal with, unprofessional, and rude...and if you happen to deal with any of them directly - I am sorry and please do not think that is representative of all agents. Trust me, I prefer not to deal with those types of agents too.
Also, not all agents are "Realtors." Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors, and we adhere to a code of ethics among other things. The term Realtor among consumers is often a misnomer for all agents...
Anyway, I suppose the point of this post is basically to say that not all agents are created equal. My apologies to all those who happen to find a bad apple.
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