<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/the-portland-area-is-in-a-sellers-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/the-portland-area-is-in-a-sellers-market.html</link>
            <author>marjie@jmaproperties.com (Marjie Van Der Laan)</author>
            <title>The Portland Area is in a Seller's Market!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The latest Market Action Report released by the local RMLS today shows for sale housing inventory in the Portland Metro area has an inventory of only 4.7 months.  This is truly amazing considering that the inventory has not been this low since the peak of the market in May of 2007 when there was a 4.5 month supply.  Also, there is no $8,000 tax credit which is pushing buyers to purchase homes when they otherwise would wait, which pushed buyers to act in 2010 and artificially reduced the inventory from 12.9 months to as low as 7.0 months of supply.  



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 18:34:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/are-you-getting-the-best-deal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/are-you-getting-the-best-deal.html</link>
            <author>rbean@jmaproperties.com (Rick Bean ABR CNE SFR)</author>
            <title>Are you getting the best deal?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In any real estate transaction both sides are trying to get the best deal to meet their objectives. Often time we think it is only about price when entering a negotiation. Price is just the beginning, and though important, may not be the key to a successful negotiation.


The first step in any successful negotiation is to define the objective. Every negotiation is different so defining the objective will set the stage for future success. The objective for the buyer and seller of real estate can be very different so it is critical to learn what is driving the other side.


It is essential not to get hung up on the other party’s stand or position. A skilled agent will ask questions to identify the right area of concern or issue or interest to determine the right motivator or emotional driver(s) to persuade the other party. The stand/position of the other party is just one way to satisfy or make an excuse for their area of concern. Once the area of concern is identified, other possible solutions to satisfy the area of concern/issue can be evaluated or discussed.


There are several keys to building power in a negotiation. Power refers to your ability to influence or persuade the other side to accept your offer or counter offer. Sources of power include:




Be prepared to walk away; consider your backup options if negotiations fail. Frequently, buyers and sellers get caught up in the emotions of a real estate transaction. It is important to stay grounded during any negotiation and be willing to walk away.


Knowledge or expertise


Planning


Sound logic, including fairness




I take my role as a negotiator seriously. I am a competitor and at the end of the day I want to be confident I negotiated you the best possible deal to meet your objectives. I look forward to earning your trust and confidence.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 09:37:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/rick-bean-has-been-awarded-the-certified-negotiation-expert-cne-designation.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/rick-bean-has-been-awarded-the-certified-negotiation-expert-cne-designation.html</link>
            <author>rbean@jmaproperties.com (Rick Bean ABR CNE SFR)</author>
            <title>Rick Bean has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®) designation</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Rick Bean has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®) designation by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI).  The CNE® is earned by real estate professionals after successfully completing formal negotiation training from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute.  Agents who receive this certification are in the top 1% of all agents nationally.


With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results in the sale or purchase of their home.  CNE® agents have a powerful competitive edge because of their ability to 1) communicate effectively to uncover more information, 2) help clients understand their options, 3) work collaboratively with others, and 4) resolve deadlocks.  CNE® agents have a thorough understanding of how to negotiate effectively to help achieve their client’s goals.    


The Real Estate Negotiation Institute is the leading negotiation training and coaching company in the real estate industry.  Tom Hayman, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, is a professional negotiator with 35+ years of negotiation experience, including 25 years with The Procter and Gamble Company (Fortune 50 company).  Hayman asserts “Any Buyer or Seller who hires a CNE® agent can feel confident they have one of the best trained negotiators in real estate.  They should achieve superior results and have better resolution of all issues when represented by a CNE® agent.”
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 17:34:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/new-listing-status-on-the-rmls.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/new-listing-status-on-the-rmls.html</link>
            <author>marjie@jmaproperties.com (Marjie Van Der Laan)</author>
            <title>New Listing Status on the RMLS</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There is a new listing status on the RMLS called Short Sale Pending (SSP) on March 15, 2012.  This new status was needed for the vast amount of short sales on the market in the Portland Metro/Vancouver area - about 26% of all active listings currently are short sales.  


What has been happening, that was a real problem, was that our buyer clients would find a home online that they would fall in love with and then find out that it was a short sale that already had an offer on it.  There would always be a big emotional let-down when they would find out that someone else already had an offer on it.  This new status, SSP, covers that, so that the listing agents of short sales, who have received offers on their listings, would change the status from "Active" to "Short Sale Pending" and buyers would instantly know that there is an offer on the home already and know that they would have a greatly reduced chance of buying the home and that they can continue searching for a home they can actually buy.


There was a rule change last year, where listing agents of short sale homes were to change the status from "Active" to "Pending" when an offer was accepted by the seller and submitted to the third party for approval.  Many listing agents of the short sales did not think that this was correct because the third party had not accepted the offer yet and escrow had not been opened.  SSP handles that.


I am very excited about this change and know that it will be best for the buyers in the long run!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:55:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/do-you-have-a-pre-approval-mortgage-loan-are-you-sure.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/do-you-have-a-pre-approval-mortgage-loan-are-you-sure.html</link>
            <author>shouseman@jmaproperties.com (Stan Houseman)</author>
            <title>Do you have a pre approval mortgage loan? Are you sure?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The reason why I bring this up is, I have been helping a fellow agent with her client in searching for a home. We found a great home that met all of their needs and we were preparing an offer when we ran into a snag with the lending company they had been  working with. They were not able to get the pre-approval through their underwriting department! Someone else closed on the house that they had spent over a year looking for. It ended up being a very sad affair. It is importnat to have a Real Approval in hand, not a verbal one. You can find Mortgage Lenderes on my website. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:35:00 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/thinking-of-making-an-offer-on-a-short-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/thinking-of-making-an-offer-on-a-short-sale.html</link>
            <author>marjie@jmaproperties.com (Marjie Van Der Laan)</author>
            <title>Are you thinking of making an offer on a short sale?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You are not alone.  Short sales can be good deals, but require patience on your part.  You can anticipate waiting a minimum of four to six months for a response from the lien holders.  If the wait time is shorter than that, consider yourself lucky.  Once you get a response, usually it will be a counteroffer, increasing the purchase price.  If you are not in a hurry and do not mind waiting an additional month or three, then counter offer back at the price you are willing to pay.  We are seeing short sales being negotiated lower than the bank's initial counteroffer.  You have to have reasoning though... do not expect to get a $300,000 house for $225,000, without good solid evidence to support your price point, which involves several pages of researched properties, reasoning and analysis.  Having an experienced agent on your side is very important to get the best deal. 


For more information on short sales, please email us for our unique, in-depth, 10-page article, "Short Sales and Bank Owned Properties: A Buyer's Guide" based on our experiences representing buyers on short sale and REO properties for several years, resulting in successful purchases for our clients.  It is updated monthly with the changes we are seeing in the current market and the current inventory of short sales and bank owned properties (REOs) in the Portland Metro area and Southwest Washington.


Contact us to help you negotiate and maneuver through the short sale and REO web - we're here to help! 


The MM Brokers Team


Marjie Van Der Laan 360-314-7647 call/text, marjiev@gmail.com


Michael Zaviska 503-504-1774 call/text, dmzaviska@gmail.com


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:54:07 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/tips-on-saving-money-as-you-relocate-your-family.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/tips-on-saving-money-as-you-relocate-your-family.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>Tips on Saving Money as you relocate your family</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Savings Tips


Several Estimates Save a Bundle


Although many people don't bother to get several estimates before signing up with a moving company, moving company prices vary considerably and you can save a bundle. Consumer Reports recommends getting at least three estimates before selecting a mover.


Tax Deductions


Did you know that some of the expenses of moving are tax deductible? If you'd like to get any of the following expenses claimed against your tax, read on and see if you qualify.




Cost of transportation or hauling from old to new residence.


Cost of packing, crating and unpacking.


Cost of shipping your car.


Cost of moving the pets.


Cost of the trip to the new residence which includes lodging but not meals




Take into account that these deductions must not be excessive amounts, but the real question is, do you qualify for the deductions? All taxpayers are eligible, even if they don't file itemized returns, as long as you are:




Moving to a new residence for the purpose of employment, whether it be as an employee or self-employed.


Moving to a new job, at least 50 miles farther from your new residence than your old job location.


A full-time employee and employed within the vicinity for at least 39 weeks of the first 12 months of occupancy.


A self-employed individual, who will work in the new location for at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months following the move, of which 39 weeks must be within the first 12 months.


Moving to a foreign country, or for military service (These options fall under special limitations, so it's best to consult a professional tax advisor before claiming them).




Preparation And An Inventory Averts Trouble




Take down ceiling fans prior to moving day. Movers will charge you for the cost of an electrician to do it.


Purchase enough insurance to over damage to especially valuable items, or transport them yourself separately. Movers may not pay for damage to items you pack yourself.


Hire a piano specialist to prepare your piano for the move. Service to a piano will add a hefty additional charge to your bill if the mover does it, and there's a greater chance of damage.


If you have many books, pack them yourself and mail them book rate to save significantly on the cost of your move.


Grandfather clocks should be dissembled by a clock specialist prior to moving day.


Ask the mover to inventory your items and check the inventory carefully to be sure everything is included.


Check polished table tops and antiques for any existing damage (nicks and scratches) and note its exact location.


Note down the location of all existing damage (worn areas, pulls) to fabric on furnishings.


Disconnect the water to the washing machine and refrigerator and gas to the dryer and range prior to moving day to avoid a surcharge.


Confirm on the inventory that all goods with moveable parts are fully operational prior to the move.




Eliminate Rather than Relocate


While you're organizing or packing for your move sift and sort. Use a heavy hand toward the trash can, and let common sense be your guide.


Have a Garage Sale


If you are like most people, you have in your possession many items you really have no use for anymore. Sponsor a garage sale before your move to give yourself a little junk relief! You just might raise enough money to pay for your moving expenses! Remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure! If you don't need it, unload it. Rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in the last 12 months get rid of it.


Ignore the "I Might Need It Someday" Syndrome


Don't move the riding mower to an apartment. Part with tools you won't have a place to use. And remember, junk is junk. You don't need a furnished attic.


Donate to Your Favorite Charity


Itemize the items and keep a receipt. It may help you qualify for a tax deduction.


Looking for a relocation specialist? The All About Real Estate Team is Portland's premiere relocation specialist and ready to help. For a free relocation packet contact us at info@allaboutrealestate.com.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:11:22 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/relocating-to-the-portland-area.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/relocating-to-the-portland-area.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>Relocating to the Portland Area?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
JMA's premiere relocation team can help. We specialize in corporate and personal relocations to and out of the Portland Metro area. Let one of our experienced agents coordinate your entire moving process. From finding the ideal area and home to move into, to a lender, to a highly recommended moving company. In fact, when you use our recommended lender you will have access to two professional movers at no cost for 4 hours to help unload your moving van.


If you are moving out of the area or just across town you can have access to two professional movers and 1 truck for 4 hours as well as a moving kit (boxes, tape, marker, paking supplies, etc. delivered to you!


Interested or want more information or a reloation packet mailed to you?


Contact The All About Real Estate Team @ info@AllAboutRealEstate.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:44:48 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/crafty-ideas-for-winter-curb-appeal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/crafty-ideas-for-winter-curb-appeal.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>Crafty Ideas for Winter Curb Appeal</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Yes, it's still possible to create great curb appeal when it's cold and gray outside.










 


During summer months when gardens are in bloom and the sun is shining bright, curb appeal comes naturally to many homes. But when the autumn chill turns to winter cold and the sun sets earlier in the day, it becomes more difficult to create that inviting exterior look that grabs buyers from the curb.


Fortunately, it is possible to create striking winter curb appeal without expensive or complicated exterior changes, says Charlene Storozuk, a home stager and designer with Dezigner Digz in Burlington, Ontario—a city that averages 51 inches of snow per year. It just requires a little creativity.


She and other home-design experts offer these eight tips:


1. Add splashes of green and purple. Plants, grasses, and evergreens can liven up a home’s winter landscape. Experiment with tall grasses, such as fountain grasses, that survive harsh winters. And in late fall and early winter, plants from the cabbage family add a vibrant purple color. Make the front door the focal point with a large wreath adorned with a colorful ribbon. To finish the look, place large, colorful planters filled with evergreens beside the front door, suggests Elizabeth Lord, broker with Carolina Farms &amp; Estates LLC in Rock Hill, S.C.


2. Give it seasonal sparkle. Transform an unused bird bath or fountain into a seasonal display by adding twigs with red berries. Or fill frost-resistant urns with twigs, winter greenery, and sparkly baubles (sold at most craft stores), Storozuk says. For extra sparkle, roll twigs in glitter and incorporate a gazing ball—a mirrored glass ball available in various colors—into the display.


3. Make the garden statuesque. Roman- or Greek-themed outdoor sculptures can add class and elegance to a garden in winter. Be sure to use frost-resistant statues so they don’t crack, Storozuk says. Place the statues strategically throughout the garden to draw buyers’ eyes around the outdoor space.


4. Light it bright. During the winter, it’s more likely that buyers will be viewing home after sunset. Use clear flood spotlights to focus on the home’s architectural features, Storozuk says. Keep exterior lighting fixtures at maximum wattage and clean them regularly. When snow covers the ground, Michele Thompson, broker-owner of White Fence Real Estate in Vevay, Ind., takes photos of listings at night with all of the interior lights on—the light bounces off the white snow to create a warm, inviting glow. For the best results, turn off the flash, and use a tripod to avoid blurring, she says.


5. Show off the lifestyle. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t use the deck. Shovel your backyard sitting area and leave your grill uncovered so buyers can envision themselves using the space, Storozuk says. If the home has a hot tub, leave that open and running during showings as well.


6. Make the deck an extension of the house. Set up your outdoor tables and chairs just as you would in warmer months. “Home owners often cover their furniture and place lawn objects haphazardly on the deck,” says Kitty Schwartz, president and owner of Classic Home Staging in Katonah, N.Y. For added appeal, she adds a weatherproof cafe set with pillows that play off of interior accent colors. “Glancing out onto this type of vignette can make the indoor space feel larger and more interesting,” she says.


7. Create a photo display of sunnier days. Show buyers what the outside of the home looks like during other seasons by displaying some landscape photos in frames or using a digital photo frame with a slide show of images. “This will give a sense of what the property looks like at other times of year,” Storozuk says. If the home has a garden, make a list of what’s planted where. “Perennials can be expensive,” she says, “so treat them as a selling feature.”


8. Don’t forget to clear a path. If the ground is covered in snow, the simplest and most important thing you can do is shovel the driveway and sidewalks and keep the home’s patios and decks as clear as possible so buyers can get a sense of their true size.


If you are looking to buy a home within the next 24 months and want a complete Buyer's Package of useful information including a book all about buying The All About Real Estate Team can assist. To get your FREE Buyer's packet shipped to you overnight email info@allaboutrealestate.com with a subject line: Buyer's packet and include your name and address. 


 


Cecilia Morgan


 


Information courtesy of Realtor.com,


By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey








 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:14:57 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/looking-for-a-new-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/looking-for-a-new-home.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>Looking for a new home?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Looking for a new home? Is this your first time buying? Your sixth purchase? Do you know or remember how the process goes? Do you look for properties first? Call a Realtor? Or get a preapproval for a loan first? About how much will your closing costs be? How much are inspections and should you even get one.


If you would like to receive a FREE book that is a quick reference on the entire process of buying a home as well as an organizational folder to store flyers of homes of interest and later a permanent folder to store all your loan and escrow papers send us a quick email and we will send you a FREE no-obligation Buyer's Kit.


info@allaboutrealestate.com


The All About Real Estate Team specializes in efficient, technologically advanced systems to help you buy and/or sell your home. We utilize the internet, secure, electronic signature systems, ipads and iphones to bring you information quickly and exactly when and where you need it. While out showing homes we have access to all homes for sale in the area, the showing instructions, price, everything we need to possibly show you a house that was not on your origianl list. Listing a home and want top notch marketing for this tough market - we got you covered!


For more information or to immediately work with one of our team members contact our office at 503.789.5832 or email us at info@allaboutrealestate.com


Cecilia Morgan


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:34:51 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
