SOLD On the Idea

The most common type of listing agreement, the "Exclusive Right to Sell," is also likely to be the most effective. It entitles the listing agent to a commission regardless of who sells the property. If another agent comes up with a buyer, he or she splits the commission with the listing broker.

As far as the seller is concerned, this type of agreement assures that the agent (who is guaranteed a commission when property closes) will make a diligent effort on his or her behalf to find a buyer. Full service of this type involves analysis/research, advertising/marketing, displaying, counseling, and negotiating. The reward for both seller and agent is a sale within a reasonable period at the best possible price.

At Walther REALTORS our goal as real estate professionals is to help you be truly happy with any real estate decision you make.

Note: With an Exclusive Right to Sell, the owners cannot sell the property themselves without paying a commission unless an exception is noted in the contract.

NEWSLETTER- Fall/Winter Edition

The Brite House has been in syndication for 15 years. The newsletter gets mailed three to four times a year to our mailing list.
We still mail the newsletter but also offer content to our readers on-line. This is our Fall/Winter edition for 2011.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday season.

In this edition:


- I-Square Changing a Community
- Quick tips for selling during winter and the holidays
- Celebrating 40 years in business


Thank you to all of our ad sponsors.

I-Square Promising a Better Community

With demolition of the first building came a new sense of hope for Irondequoit town residents. I-Square, the project that seemed impossible was going to happen. Mike and Wendy Nolan are owners and partners in this plan to revive Irondequoit and give it the shopping, entertainment and cultural district residents have desired for so long. The announcement of the project was made in a rather small way with the introduction of a facebook page and the details painted on the front window of the old Titus Hardware building. Little by little word made way through the town and the Nolan’s were interviewed by the press. As with any major change there are questions. Many, many questions. And one of the greatest things about the Nolan’s is their willingness and even eagerness to answer all questions and receive feedback and ideas from residents. They truly want I-Square to be spectacular and fulfill the desires of those who will be patronizing the shops and restaurants. This is a community project. And they have already proven that to be true with the open house offering people time to speak with Mike face to face and answer inquiries.

I-Square held an “Art Bash” asking members of the community to come forward and show off their artistic abilities. People were able to vote for their favorite paintings and the winners received prizes at the auction. There are plans for many more community involved projects in the future. Now that the development is underway the time line is very important. The first part of demolition will continue with the 2 houses on the current street called Stranahan, 1 house on Union Park, and the commercial building on Union Park. There is much work to be done on the infrastructure such as 2 different sewers that are being re-built from scratch and taking down the telephone poles and putting all power lines underground. The first new building will be completed early next winter located on the back left of Cooper Road Extension.

One of the best things about the I-Square plan is the amount of creativity going into the project. It seems like waiting a long time to see our town center development is what we needed to get the right people to make something happen. Most of the buildings will have themes. For example, there will be a stage building with an outdoor amphitheatre facing into what will become the official “I-Square.” The music theme may be supported by chairs in the shape of music notes. There will be an art building with a gallery and art store. And also a personal services building where you can stop at the tailor or salon. Further details to unfold as the project progresses.

Mike and Wendy Nolan plan on owning and maintaining I-Square long after the it is complete (roughly 4 years). They have no intention of selling off any part of the development for many reasons. Namely they want the integrity of the development to stay in tact, be cohesive, and continue to be under the same management. In a sense I-Square will never really be complete; it will continue to grow and thrive as businesses move in and make their own mark on our new town center. There will be an evolution of ideas and a place in our town to gather as a community and enjoy everything Irondequoit has to offer.

Demolition of the former Titus Hardware Building October 19.

For more information in I-Square visit their website http://www.i-square.us/ and find them on facebook

Steve Walther receives recogntion from the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce for 40 years in business and serving his community. Pictured here with son, Greg and daughter, Erica- both are Associate Brokers.

Five Quick Tips for Selling During the Winter and Holidays


Make sure driveway and sidewalks are always cleared of snow and ice.

Show off outdoor spaces such as decks and patios by clearing off snow. And keep furniture displayed to maximize these amenities as selling features.

Less is more when decorating during the holidays. Keep many of your decorations stowed away so as not to distract potential buyers.

Keep house temperature at a comfortable level during open houses and showings.

Place boot trays and floor mats at front and rear entrances to help keep your floors clean.

TO VIEW WALTHER REALTORS PROPERTIES FOR SALE VISIT OUR WEBSITE - WALTHER REALTORS.com

Referral Program 2012

Here’s your opportunity to win a weekend getaway at a beautiful New York State resort.

Simple Rules and Lots of Fun

1. Referral year is December thru November
2. For each Referral we receive, either for a listing or house sale, the referring person’s name gets placed in our “jar.”


We hold a drawing for the winner at the end of the year. The one winner whose name is drawn receives:

• 2 night stay at one of the following: Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneatlas, Mirror Lake Inn Resort in Lake Placid, Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown

• Spa Treatment

• $200. Visa gift card

The winner can go anytime from January 1st-October 31st, 2013
*subject to room availability

Remember, we love Referrals! Thank you for all your past, present and future referrals!

Steve Walther

To learn more about the destination places visit their websites:

mirrorlakeinn.com

mirbeau.com

otesaga.com

Safety Tips for Realtors

The following are safety tips for real estate agents during open houses and property showings:

• Before showing a property have the client come to your office and provide you with their information. Never meet a new client for the first time at a vacant property.
  
  
  
• If possible keep at least one other person with you at all times.
  
  
  
  
  
• Always let someone know where you are going and how long you plan on being there. Check in often.
  
  
  
  
  
• Be sure your cell phone is charged and emergency numbers are programmed.
  
  
  
  
  
• Show properties and hold open houses before dark whenever possible.
  
  
  
  
  
• Inform neighbors you are showing the property. They can serve as a lookout for suspicious activity.
  
  
  
  
  
• Drive separately to showings.
  
  
  
  
  
• Never park your car where it can be blocked in.
  
  
  
  
  
• Upon entering a home determine evacuation routes in the case of an emergency.
  
  
  
  
  
• When hosting an open house have all visitors sign in. Allow visitors to access the property through one door- making sure to keep side, rear, and garage doors locked.
  
  
  
  
• Always walk behind prospective clients.
  
  
  
  
  
• Come up with a fake scenario that allows you leave the property quickly in the event you feel uncomfortable. For example," I need to take this call." And exit.

It is important to always be cautious and trust your instincts!

Six Steps to Owning a Home- Bank Side

The following are six steps toward owning a home on the finance side. Your REALTOR can also assist you in obtaining a mortgage and consult with you on affording a home.

1.Determining a mortgage payment you can afford.

Many times you can qualify for a bigger mortgage than you may feel comfortable paying. Calculate how much of a house you can afford before looking. You don't want to find your dream home only to determine that it is out of your budget.

2. Pre-Qualify

Visit a local lender to determine the dollar amount of the mortgage or purchase price you qualify for. Pre-qualification is based on income, debts, available cash, and credit history. A buyer may also have to provide job history and a debt to income ratio.

3. Submit the Application for Mortgage

This typically happens after you have a signed purchase contract on a property.

4. Rate Lock

At the time you submit your application you have the option of locking your rate which means your mortgage will be based on the current mortgage rate that day. There is also the option of waiting or "floating" the rate. Check with your mortgage lender on terms and conditions.

5. Coordinate Your Closing

After your application is approved a closing coordinator will assist you as you get closer to your closing date to ensure that all documents needed are signed and given to the correct parties.

6. Closing

At closing you will sign all the legal documents and pay necessary fees. You will receive the keys to your new property.
Congratulations. You are a home owner.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3620-Saint-Paul-Blvd_Irondequoit_NY_14617_M35671-6142

Mortgage Programs

Conventional Mortgages

• 5% minimum down - five percent of purchase price
  
• Fixed or adjustable rates available
• Closing costs may be financed (check with your lender for terms and amount)

SONYMA

• For first-time buyers or US Veterans* (those who have not owned a home within past 3 years)
• Owner- occupied properties only
• Minimum 3% down payment
• Purchase price and income limits apply

For more information check out the NYS Homes and Community Renewal Website.

FHA Mortgages

FHA insured loans are a type of federal assistance and have historically allowed lower income Americans to borrow money for the purchase of a home that they would not otherwise be able to afford. To obtain mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration, a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) equal to a percentage of the loan amount at closing is required, and is normally financed by the lender and paid to FHA on the borrower's behalf. Depending on the loan-to-value ratio, there may be a monthly premium as well.

• No income limits
• Minimum 3.5% down payment
• Required federal government mortgage insurance
  

VA Loan

• The only mortgage product with NO down payment
• No private mortgage insurance
• Relaxed credit qualifications
• All-time low interest rates
• For more information click here

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3620-Saint-Paul-Blvd_Irondequoit_NY_14617_M35671-61421

The Property Must Sell

Sellers have different reasons for listing their property. Often times the situation is not dire, they simply want to be in a different neighborhood, area of town, or would like more space. If their house does not sell, they may be disappointed, but not necessarily in a bad spot.


However, there are many scenarios where the property must sell and owner's are feeling the pressure. For example, relocation, estate sales, medical issues, and job loss.


There are a few things to understand when selling under pressure. The sale price of the home years ago has no relevance today. Improvements that have been made will not bring back a dollar for dollar return. And improvements such as a roof, driveway, new furnace will make the property easier to sell but will not ensure a higher sale price.


It is important to keep in mind that a buyer will not pay a premium price simply because the seller feels their home is worth a certain amount.


If you are facing a deadline to sell, the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) provided by your agent is the key to determining the initial list price because it reflects the average sale price - not list price. To sell quickly and stay ahead of the competition a seller should list the property below the average sale price or market value. Market value is what the buyer is willing to pay for a house. It is important to look at recent sales because a house that sold even a year ago may not reflect current market value.


If you need a quick sale, the best approach is to list under market value. An under priced home will seem like a bargain and attract more attention. It is always better to sell low sooner than to reduce the price and sell low later.


*image provided by google images