Kai and I, fresh off of banner years, are remaining partners! We complement each other so well, we know that 2008 will be even better than 2007!
Luz has decided to give it a go by herself, and is no longer with us. We wish her well!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Merry Christmas!!!
Happy Holidays!!!
Happy New Year!!!
Have yourself a snowball fight on me!!!
http://www.elfmovie.com/swf/snowball_fight/index.html
Happy Holidays!!!
Happy New Year!!!
Have yourself a snowball fight on me!!!
http://www.elfmovie.com/swf/snowball_fight/index.html
Monday, October 15, 2007
The 10 Most Deadly Mistakes You
Can Make When Selling Your Home
When you are getting ready to put your property on the market, there is a myriad of things to think about, to prepare for and to organize. Here is a short list of some of the pitfalls to watch out for.
Deadly Mistake Number # 1
Incorrectly Pricing Your Home
Every seller wants to net as much money as possible when selling their home. Unfortunately, a listing price that is too high often gets the seller less than a listing priced at market value. If your house is not priced competitively, people looking in your price range will reject your house in favor of other larger homes for the same price.
At the same time, the people who should be looking at your house will not see it because it is priced over their heads. Overpricing usually increases the time on the market and that adds to the seller's carrying costs. Ultimately, many overpriced properties sell below market value.
Once you understand the principles of pricing your home, you will know how to sell your house for the best price. To help you avoid costly mistakes related to pricing your home… just call our office at 516-647-2919 and we will deliver to you a FREE Market Evaluation of your home.
Deadly Mistake Number # 2
Failing to "Showcase" your home
Buyers are looking for homes, not houses, and they buy the home in which they would like to live. They buy emotionally and then back up that emotional decision logically.
Owners who fail to make necessary repairs and don't spruce up the house inside and out, touch up the paint and landscaping and keep it neat and clean, chase buyers away as rapidly as Realtors can bring them.
If you were selling a car, you would wash it or perhaps even detail it to get the highest price and sell it quickly. Houses are no different. Call us at 516-647-2919 for FREE information on how to get your property ready for sale.
Deadly Mistake Number # 3
Staying at home during a showing
As we mentioned above, buying a house is an emotional decision. People like to "try on" a house and see if it is comfortable for them. This is difficult for buyers to do if you are present and even harder if you follow them around, pointing out every improvement you have made.
It will probably have the opposite effect you want. They may feel uncomfortable because they are intruding on your private space rather than making them feel at home. The best strategy is to leave the house when a prospective buyer is scheduled. Even a good Realtor knows that he won't "sell" the house - the house must sell itself. Once you have prepared your house for showing, let your house do its job.
Deadly Mistake Number # 4
Mistaking "Lookers" for Buyers
Folks who try to sell their home themselves always get more activity than houses listed with an agent... no question about it. Realtors will only bring qualified buyers and these will be fewer than if you open your front door to everyone who walks down the street.
Fully 96% of the responses you receive on ads and open houses are not bona fide buyers (these statistics come from the National Association of Realtors). Seventy percent (70%) have a house to sell first, 18% live in the neighborhood and are interested in the value of their home and 8% are just looking for decorating ideas or shopping.
That means that only 4 calls out of 100 are buyers that are ready and able to buy a home. These 4 prospects will look at an average of 18-23 homes before they buy.
Agents pre-qualify buyers before bringing them to your home. An agent does not get paid unless he or she helps someone buy a home. This makes it unproductive for a Realtor to show properties to unqualified prospects.
A Realtor will ask a buyer how much he can really spend for a house, how much he has to put down, how good his credit is, how much he can pay each month, how much he will realize when he sells his present home and about two dozen other similar questions.
Unless your Realtor finds out the facts first, you must ask all these questions before the buyer crosses your threshold. If not, you may end up with a parade of Sunday afternoon shoppers with a dream of owning a home some day.
Deadly Mistake Number # 5
Not knowing your rights and obligations
Real estate law is extensive and complex. A Purchase Agreement is a legally binding contract. If improperly written, the contract can cause the sale to fall through or cost you thousands of dollars for repairs, inspections, taxes and remedies for items included or excluded in the offer. You must be certain of which repairs and closing costs you are responsible for.
You also need to know if the property can legally be sold "as is" and how deed restrictions and local zoning will affect the transaction. If there are defects in your title or your property is in conflict with local restrictions, you or your Realtor must remedy them to avoid losing money.
Deadly Mistake Number # 6
Signing a listing contract with no way out!
Many times an agent will have good intentions about marketing your house but circumstances change. There might be a death in the agent's family or the agent may decide to quit the business. In these cases where the agent couldn't or wouldn't perform, you must have the right to fire your agent. In some companies, the broker will assign your listing to someone else in the office, someone you didn't personally select. Always protect yourself by getting a guarantee of performance with the right to cancel.
If you are not 100% satisfied with the service we provide, we will cancel your listing with 24 hours notice -- "no questions asked". Call us at 516-647-2919 for a copy of this guarantee.
Deadly Mistake Number # 7
Limiting the marketing and exposure of the property
The two most obvious marketing tools, open houses and ads in the Homes Magazines, are very ineffective. Surprisingly, less that 1% of all homes sold are sold at an open house. Agents use them to attract future prospects, not to sell your house.
Advertising in newspapers and magazines sell only 3% of all homes sold. Some ads are better than others (ask about my direct marketing ads). You need to spend your advertising dollar on effective marketing. To find out what is effective, you need to understand the philosophy of advertising and then you need to test your ads. Test the publication, test the placement, test the text, test the pictures and then quantify the results into a coherent marketing strategy.
Forty percent (40%) of homes are sold through salesperson contact or firm name recognition. Twenty percent (20%) are sold through the "For Sale" sign that sits in your front yard. Eighteen percent (18%) of all houses are sold through "Direct or indirect" referrals and since most agents pay no attention to this source at all, just imagine what percentage it could be if you had a systematized plan to attract these referrals.
Call us at 516-647-2919 to find out how our guaranteed home selling system works.
Deadly Mistake Number # 8
Believing that a Bank Appraisal is the real Market Value
An appraisal is an opinion of value that is used for a particular purpose. If a lender wants to lend you money (say on a 2nd mortgage or refinance), they may be motivated to make the appraisal come in high. The appraiser may ignore foreclosure, distress sales or highly motivated sellers in order to justify a higher price.
Unfortunately, a real buyer in the real world will not ignore these properties. These properties will, in fact, be your competition. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the value you were given even 6 months ago when you refinanced is what a real buyer would pay. The value of your home must be determined by what comparable houses in your neighborhood have sold for. Look at all of the SOLDS in the area, not the houses listed, and then decide.
Deadly Mistake Number # 9
Not getting Performance Guarantees from your Realtor
Realtors don't guarantee anything. If they get your home sold, great - they get paid, but if they don't, tough luck. Thirty-three percent (33%) of all listings that are put in the Multiple Listing System DO NOT SELL!
Make sure that your Realtor has a better track record than that and make sure that he will be accountable to you if he doesn't do his job.
Call our office at 516-647-2919 for details on any of our unique “GUARANTEED” real estate services. You’ll know what you are getting from us “up front!” There will be no surprises!
Deadly Mistake Number # 10
Choosing the wrong Realtor
It is likely that you don't interview people very often but, in order to find the right Realtor you may interview several. The quality of your home selling experience is dependent upon your skill at selecting the person best qualified.
Getting experienced, competent agents with your best interests in mind generally costs the same as hiring someone who is inexperienced. Bringing that experience to bear on your transaction could mean a higher price at the negotiating table and selling in less time and with a minimum of headaches.
The sale of your home could be the most important financial transaction you will ever make. The person you select can make it a satisfying and profitable activity or a costly, terrible experience. It is your home and your money... the choice of your Realtor is up to you. Make your selection wisely.
************************************************
Let's Talk Straight
We want you to know that we only work with serious sellers. In fact, our straight forward style isn't for everyone - but it's just what the doctor ordered for most people. We sell a lot of homes. We would love to get your home sold for you and we are very interested in earning your business.
So What Do You Do NOW?
Call us now at 516-647-2919. There is no obligation and we’ll be totally straight with you. Even if you don't list with us, we guarantee it will be time well spent.
So, it's your decision on what to do from here. It's totally up to you. We will get your home sold, you just need to take action and call us! We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Michael Costa
Kai Cheng
Luz Soto
P.S. Remember, all of our services are GUARANTEED to get results… this way you have absolutely nothing to lose by calling us… except more time and money!
This letter is not intended to solicit currently listed properties.
Can Make When Selling Your Home
When you are getting ready to put your property on the market, there is a myriad of things to think about, to prepare for and to organize. Here is a short list of some of the pitfalls to watch out for.
Deadly Mistake Number # 1
Incorrectly Pricing Your Home
Every seller wants to net as much money as possible when selling their home. Unfortunately, a listing price that is too high often gets the seller less than a listing priced at market value. If your house is not priced competitively, people looking in your price range will reject your house in favor of other larger homes for the same price.
At the same time, the people who should be looking at your house will not see it because it is priced over their heads. Overpricing usually increases the time on the market and that adds to the seller's carrying costs. Ultimately, many overpriced properties sell below market value.
Once you understand the principles of pricing your home, you will know how to sell your house for the best price. To help you avoid costly mistakes related to pricing your home… just call our office at 516-647-2919 and we will deliver to you a FREE Market Evaluation of your home.
Deadly Mistake Number # 2
Failing to "Showcase" your home
Buyers are looking for homes, not houses, and they buy the home in which they would like to live. They buy emotionally and then back up that emotional decision logically.
Owners who fail to make necessary repairs and don't spruce up the house inside and out, touch up the paint and landscaping and keep it neat and clean, chase buyers away as rapidly as Realtors can bring them.
If you were selling a car, you would wash it or perhaps even detail it to get the highest price and sell it quickly. Houses are no different. Call us at 516-647-2919 for FREE information on how to get your property ready for sale.
Deadly Mistake Number # 3
Staying at home during a showing
As we mentioned above, buying a house is an emotional decision. People like to "try on" a house and see if it is comfortable for them. This is difficult for buyers to do if you are present and even harder if you follow them around, pointing out every improvement you have made.
It will probably have the opposite effect you want. They may feel uncomfortable because they are intruding on your private space rather than making them feel at home. The best strategy is to leave the house when a prospective buyer is scheduled. Even a good Realtor knows that he won't "sell" the house - the house must sell itself. Once you have prepared your house for showing, let your house do its job.
Deadly Mistake Number # 4
Mistaking "Lookers" for Buyers
Folks who try to sell their home themselves always get more activity than houses listed with an agent... no question about it. Realtors will only bring qualified buyers and these will be fewer than if you open your front door to everyone who walks down the street.
Fully 96% of the responses you receive on ads and open houses are not bona fide buyers (these statistics come from the National Association of Realtors). Seventy percent (70%) have a house to sell first, 18% live in the neighborhood and are interested in the value of their home and 8% are just looking for decorating ideas or shopping.
That means that only 4 calls out of 100 are buyers that are ready and able to buy a home. These 4 prospects will look at an average of 18-23 homes before they buy.
Agents pre-qualify buyers before bringing them to your home. An agent does not get paid unless he or she helps someone buy a home. This makes it unproductive for a Realtor to show properties to unqualified prospects.
A Realtor will ask a buyer how much he can really spend for a house, how much he has to put down, how good his credit is, how much he can pay each month, how much he will realize when he sells his present home and about two dozen other similar questions.
Unless your Realtor finds out the facts first, you must ask all these questions before the buyer crosses your threshold. If not, you may end up with a parade of Sunday afternoon shoppers with a dream of owning a home some day.
Deadly Mistake Number # 5
Not knowing your rights and obligations
Real estate law is extensive and complex. A Purchase Agreement is a legally binding contract. If improperly written, the contract can cause the sale to fall through or cost you thousands of dollars for repairs, inspections, taxes and remedies for items included or excluded in the offer. You must be certain of which repairs and closing costs you are responsible for.
You also need to know if the property can legally be sold "as is" and how deed restrictions and local zoning will affect the transaction. If there are defects in your title or your property is in conflict with local restrictions, you or your Realtor must remedy them to avoid losing money.
Deadly Mistake Number # 6
Signing a listing contract with no way out!
Many times an agent will have good intentions about marketing your house but circumstances change. There might be a death in the agent's family or the agent may decide to quit the business. In these cases where the agent couldn't or wouldn't perform, you must have the right to fire your agent. In some companies, the broker will assign your listing to someone else in the office, someone you didn't personally select. Always protect yourself by getting a guarantee of performance with the right to cancel.
If you are not 100% satisfied with the service we provide, we will cancel your listing with 24 hours notice -- "no questions asked". Call us at 516-647-2919 for a copy of this guarantee.
Deadly Mistake Number # 7
Limiting the marketing and exposure of the property
The two most obvious marketing tools, open houses and ads in the Homes Magazines, are very ineffective. Surprisingly, less that 1% of all homes sold are sold at an open house. Agents use them to attract future prospects, not to sell your house.
Advertising in newspapers and magazines sell only 3% of all homes sold. Some ads are better than others (ask about my direct marketing ads). You need to spend your advertising dollar on effective marketing. To find out what is effective, you need to understand the philosophy of advertising and then you need to test your ads. Test the publication, test the placement, test the text, test the pictures and then quantify the results into a coherent marketing strategy.
Forty percent (40%) of homes are sold through salesperson contact or firm name recognition. Twenty percent (20%) are sold through the "For Sale" sign that sits in your front yard. Eighteen percent (18%) of all houses are sold through "Direct or indirect" referrals and since most agents pay no attention to this source at all, just imagine what percentage it could be if you had a systematized plan to attract these referrals.
Call us at 516-647-2919 to find out how our guaranteed home selling system works.
Deadly Mistake Number # 8
Believing that a Bank Appraisal is the real Market Value
An appraisal is an opinion of value that is used for a particular purpose. If a lender wants to lend you money (say on a 2nd mortgage or refinance), they may be motivated to make the appraisal come in high. The appraiser may ignore foreclosure, distress sales or highly motivated sellers in order to justify a higher price.
Unfortunately, a real buyer in the real world will not ignore these properties. These properties will, in fact, be your competition. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the value you were given even 6 months ago when you refinanced is what a real buyer would pay. The value of your home must be determined by what comparable houses in your neighborhood have sold for. Look at all of the SOLDS in the area, not the houses listed, and then decide.
Deadly Mistake Number # 9
Not getting Performance Guarantees from your Realtor
Realtors don't guarantee anything. If they get your home sold, great - they get paid, but if they don't, tough luck. Thirty-three percent (33%) of all listings that are put in the Multiple Listing System DO NOT SELL!
Make sure that your Realtor has a better track record than that and make sure that he will be accountable to you if he doesn't do his job.
Call our office at 516-647-2919 for details on any of our unique “GUARANTEED” real estate services. You’ll know what you are getting from us “up front!” There will be no surprises!
Deadly Mistake Number # 10
Choosing the wrong Realtor
It is likely that you don't interview people very often but, in order to find the right Realtor you may interview several. The quality of your home selling experience is dependent upon your skill at selecting the person best qualified.
Getting experienced, competent agents with your best interests in mind generally costs the same as hiring someone who is inexperienced. Bringing that experience to bear on your transaction could mean a higher price at the negotiating table and selling in less time and with a minimum of headaches.
The sale of your home could be the most important financial transaction you will ever make. The person you select can make it a satisfying and profitable activity or a costly, terrible experience. It is your home and your money... the choice of your Realtor is up to you. Make your selection wisely.
************************************************
Let's Talk Straight
We want you to know that we only work with serious sellers. In fact, our straight forward style isn't for everyone - but it's just what the doctor ordered for most people. We sell a lot of homes. We would love to get your home sold for you and we are very interested in earning your business.
So What Do You Do NOW?
Call us now at 516-647-2919. There is no obligation and we’ll be totally straight with you. Even if you don't list with us, we guarantee it will be time well spent.
So, it's your decision on what to do from here. It's totally up to you. We will get your home sold, you just need to take action and call us! We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Michael Costa
Kai Cheng
Luz Soto
P.S. Remember, all of our services are GUARANTEED to get results… this way you have absolutely nothing to lose by calling us… except more time and money!
This letter is not intended to solicit currently listed properties.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Not again!
Latest news on the Weichert Front...
Kai and I were Agents of the Month again! This is second time in 3 months that we accomplished this feat! AMAZING!
Now that we have added Luz to our team, we should be doing this more consistently! Luz does most of our buyer showings, and is a pleasure to work with!
Kai and I were Agents of the Month again! This is second time in 3 months that we accomplished this feat! AMAZING!
Now that we have added Luz to our team, we should be doing this more consistently! Luz does most of our buyer showings, and is a pleasure to work with!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Coats 4 Kids
The Neighborhood Cleaners Association kicked off its annual Coats 4 Kids campaign in Nassau County on Monday. Although I was not abke to attend due to illness, I am sure Artie Epstein from Randi's Cleaners in Mineola did a fine job. Over the next few months he will personally clean over 1000 coats, at his expense!
If anyone would like to donate coats, p-lease call me at 516-647-2919 and I will be glad to pick them up and deliver them to Artie!
Artie should be praised for the amount of time and money he personally puts into this "pet peeve" project of his!
If anyone would like to donate coats, p-lease call me at 516-647-2919 and I will be glad to pick them up and deliver them to Artie!
Artie should be praised for the amount of time and money he personally puts into this "pet peeve" project of his!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
PROCRASTINATION
This was copied from Farm and Land Realtor Magazine - October, 1917!
To Buy or Not To Buy,
That is the Question
I hesitate to make a list
Of all the countless deals I missed;
Bonanzas that were in my grip---
I watched through my fingers slip;
The windfalls which
I should have bought
Were lost because I over thought.
I thought of this, I thought of that,
I could have sworn I smelled a rat,
And while I thought things over twice
Another grabbed them at the price!
It seems I always hesitate,
Then make up my mind much too late.
A very cautious man am I
And that is why I never buy.
How Nassau and Suffolk grew!
North Jersey and Staten Island too!
When others called those sprawling farms
And welcomed deals with open arms---
A corner here, ten acres there,
Compounding values year by year,
I chose to think and as I thought,
They bought the deal I should have brought.
The golden chances I had then
Are lost and will not come again
Today I cannot be enticed
For everything's so overpriced,
The deals of yesteryear are dead;
The market's soft---and so is my head.
Last night I had a fearful dream
I know I wakened with a scream;
Some Indians approached my bed---
For trinkets on the barrelhead
(In dollars worth twenty-four
And nothing less and nothing more)
They'd sell Manhattan Isle to me,
The most I'd go was twenty-three.
The redmen scowled: "Not on a bet!"
And sold to Peter Minuit.
At times a teardrop drowns my eye
For deals I had, but did not buy;
And now life's saddest words I pen---
"If only I'd invested then!"
To Buy or Not To Buy,
That is the Question
I hesitate to make a list
Of all the countless deals I missed;
Bonanzas that were in my grip---
I watched through my fingers slip;
The windfalls which
I should have bought
Were lost because I over thought.
I thought of this, I thought of that,
I could have sworn I smelled a rat,
And while I thought things over twice
Another grabbed them at the price!
It seems I always hesitate,
Then make up my mind much too late.
A very cautious man am I
And that is why I never buy.
How Nassau and Suffolk grew!
North Jersey and Staten Island too!
When others called those sprawling farms
And welcomed deals with open arms---
A corner here, ten acres there,
Compounding values year by year,
I chose to think and as I thought,
They bought the deal I should have brought.
The golden chances I had then
Are lost and will not come again
Today I cannot be enticed
For everything's so overpriced,
The deals of yesteryear are dead;
The market's soft---and so is my head.
Last night I had a fearful dream
I know I wakened with a scream;
Some Indians approached my bed---
For trinkets on the barrelhead
(In dollars worth twenty-four
And nothing less and nothing more)
They'd sell Manhattan Isle to me,
The most I'd go was twenty-three.
The redmen scowled: "Not on a bet!"
And sold to Peter Minuit.
At times a teardrop drowns my eye
For deals I had, but did not buy;
And now life's saddest words I pen---
"If only I'd invested then!"
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
New addition
In order to serve our clients/customers better, Kai and I have added Luz Soto to our team. Luz is a hard-worker and will do showings for us, assist at Open Houses, and bring in listings for our team. We want all our clients/customers to welcome Luz, as we do. Luz also is fluent in Spanish!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
