Vancouver Wa Real Estate - Elite Realty NW

Did You Even Bother To Read The Contract?!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:55:34 -0500

What is wrong with this picture? Anyone?

This E-Bay auction was only for the box yet there were 36 bids for it that drove the price up to $565.00. Obviously someone wasn't reading the details very well. Obviously there we quite a few people that weren't reading it!

That wouldn't happen to you, would it?

There is an agent in my office who is getting ready to put the proverbial screws to a large bank who signed and accepted a purchase and sale agreement that asked for seller paid closing costs, a new stove / range unit, and a new roof (up to $8000) to be installed before closing. At the time that the offer was signed around and returned, the listing agent commented on how unusual it was for the bank to make major repairs to one of their REO's prior to closing. Escrow was opened and everyone was happily moving towards closing.

Until a few days before the scheduled closing and the HUD was drawn up!

As soon as the HUD was submitted to the bank it was rejected based on the requested repairs. They claimed that they had never approved such repairs and never would. When they were presented with the contract that had been signed by their representative they broke off contact and have been stalling for what has turned into a week.

Sounds like "Robo-Signing" has come around to bite them in the butt.

This isn't my transaction so I don't know that I will be able to report any more details. I will do the best I can. I would be very interested in knowing how this one turns out!

Mark Hall

Foreclosures for Sale Vancouver Washington - Direct links:

Foreclosures for Sale Vancouver Washington - Less than $150K

Foreclosures for Sale Vancouver Washington - $150K to $250K

Foreclosures for Sale Vancouver Washington - $250K to $350K

Foreclosures for Sale Vancouver Washington - $350K to $550K

Foreclosures for Sale Vancouver Washington - $550K to $1 Mil

Foreclosures for Sale Vancouver Washington - Over $1 Million

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

This month in real estate January 2012 - Video Market report

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:05:08 -0500

Here is the national real estate report for January 2012. Our Keller Williams International office produces this awesome video each month and I post it here for my clients, friends and family.

This month you will find out if waiting until the spring to list your home is really the best course of action. The answer may surprisee you. Watch this video for more valuable information.

Although this is a national report and does not take into account some of the nuances that you may be experiencing in your area, the information is still timely and useful for anyone who is considering buying or selling a home. Would you like the local report for the Vancouver Washington Real Estate Market? Please call us any time.

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

This month in Real Estate December 2011 - Video Market report

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:42:24 -0500

This month in real estate December 2011 - Video Market report

Here is the national real estate report for December 2011. Our Keller Williams International office produces this awesome video each month and I post it here for my clients, friends and family.

This month you will find out why most people sell their homes and why you should us a full service realtor. Watch this video for more valuable information.

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

A great new source of leads. ALL IN FUN!

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:13:56 -0500

As Realtors, our success depends on prospecting at all times and making sure that everyone we run into is aware that we are the best at helping people buy and sell houses.

Recently I have found a new source of leads that I will share with all of my loyal readers. What is nice about this stream of leads is that:

1. They have loads of money and want to share it.

2. Most of them were referred by an "Honorable mutual friend."

3. They only communicate via email.

4. I don't even have to look for them. They find me!

Here is my most recent interface:

~Leung Cheung~ I am contacting you because you were referred by a honorable mutual friend. I need your assistance to transfer $22,500,000.00 USD from Hong Kong to your country. Your share will be 40% while I will be

entitled to 60% as the initiator of the business. I shall provide you with

"MORE DETAILS" immediately I receive a positive response from you.

~ME~ That sounds great. Who was the honorable friend? Those kinds of friends are very rare and I would like to thank them for making the acquaintance. With that large of a budget, you will be able to get a very nice home here in Clark County. Please give me "MORE DETAILS" on the type of home that you are looking for. Number of bedrooms? Number of baths?

~Leung Cheung~ I am very happy to know that you contacted me back. We will need to meet to solidify the details. I am sure that you are understanding of me. This is a large sum of USD funds. Will your calendar allow you to me soon? Inform me of your availability and I will make all of the details. Tell me and I will make all go smooth for you.

~ME~ My calendar is very flexible. I can make time for you at any time. The best course of action is to meet at my office and talk about what kind of home you are looking for. I still need to find out what will work for you and your family. Bedrooms? Baths? Is there a particular neighborhood that you want to be in?

Also, while I have your attention, do you have any friends or family who might be thinking about buying or selling a home? Maybe a FaceBook friend has mentioned something? Let me know. I am sure that our honorable mutual friend has mentioned that I build my business with referrals.

~Leung Cheung~ I have made your travel arrangements. You will be arriving in Hong Kong on December 18th to discuss "VERY IMPORTANT" details. I am sure that you will be pleased with outcome. Very kindly send me your credit card information so that I may gratefully secure the finest arrangements for you.

~ME~ Dude! I make it a point to never travel to Hong Kong, China without an initial consultation meeting at "MY OFFICE" to discuss "VERY IMPORTANT DETAILS" first . Do you have any friends or family who might be thinking about buying or selling a home? Maybe a friend at church has mentioned something? Let me know.

~Leung Cheung~ I pleasantly must decline your gracious offer to meet you in the United States. I am now forced to find another to give assistance to transfer $22,500,000.00

USD from Hong Kong to your country. Thank you most gratefully for your time and attention to this most serious of matters.

~ME~ No problem Leung. I have added you to my database and you will now receive weekly Clark County real estate updates. Also, please remember me to your friends who are considering buying or selling real estate in the area. Maybe someone at work? Send my regards to our honorable mutual friend.

2 weeks later:

~Leung Cheung~ Unsubscribe.

~ME~ No!

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

Who is More Distressed? The Seller or The Bank?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:21:25 -0500

We had an interesting response from a short sale negotiator the other day,

REJECTED!

This is noteworthy because the seller is really a distressed seller. This is not a sale of convenience. The hardship is obvious: a divorce with extensive attorney’s fees, a severe cut in job hours, 6 months of delinquent mortgage payments on a home that is worth $55,000 less than the mortgage. It seemed pretty clear to my team that this seller is in need of relief.

It is also interesting to note that the lender didn’t even bother to counter the offer that was on the table. It was simply rejected. When asked why the offer was rejected without a counter, the negotiator simply replied that the borrower didn’t “qualify” for an approved short sale. Huh?

After some creative fact finding, the truth finally came out as to what was going on, the lender is more financially distressed than the borrower!

The lending institution is a local bank that, as research would show, is being investigated by the FDIC. Apparently they are on the verge of being seized and are trying to balance books in any way possible. It seems that juggling their short sales is an effective method of hiding non performing assets!

Maybe we need a form to determine whether the lender is distressed before we list short sales?!

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

Rob and Annalise Move Into Their New Home - Video Testimonial

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:16:08 -0500

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

Rob and Annalise came to us with a special challange. Annalise was pregnant and they needed a bigger home ASAP! We listened to their needs and went to work, checking every home on the market for a perfect fit. We made it just in time and they moved into their new home with two weeks to spare!

Who do you know who is looking to buy a new home? We can help!

If you enjoyed this post, you can find more like it in the following links:

Video Testimonial - The Schulling's Sell Their Home in Just 4 Hours!

My Absolute FAVORITE Video Testimonial! Must see!

Emily Just Bought Her First Home - Video Testimonial

Erin Talks About Buying Her First Home - Video Testimonial

Happy First Time Home Buyers - Jon and Shawna - Video Testimonial

Video Testimonial - Ryan - First Time Home Buyer

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

Ashley and Tracy Buy a New Home! Video Testimonial

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:08:29 -0500

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Ashley and Tracy came to us looking for a new house in the Felida area. They were very clear that their new home had to be located in the right location so that one daughter could go to one highschool but the other daughter could attend another! That was a tall order, I can tell you! We found a great place for them and you can see how excited they were when I delivered the keys to their new house!

Who do you know who is looking to buy a new home? We can help!

If you enjoyed this post, you can find more like it in the following links:

Happy First Time Home Buyers - Jon and Shawna - Video Testimonial

Video Testimonial - Ryan - First Time Home Buyer

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington - 3 Tips to Sell Your House Faster!

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:10:55 -0500

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

The key to selling any is home is seeling it fast. In a down market, you want to sell it before the value dips even farther. In an appreciating market, you want to sell quick to be able to get into your next house at a good price. The challenge is competing with the other Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington. This video contains 3 great tips to give you the advantage over the competition.

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

FaceBook Chat with a lender friend of mine. MYTHs of Real Estate

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:01:47 -0500

What follows is a chat session with a friend of mine, Matt Elerdin, who is one of the top 5 lenders in the U.S. He is also a very talented writer and writes a monthly real estate column in the local newspaper, the Columbian. Can you help me with any more "Myths?"

I am the one on the right!

Chat Conversation Start

Today

Report · 10:29am

hey

Report · 10:30am

hay?

Report · 10:30am

can you give me some 'myths' about real estate that people seem to hold on to.

and then you, as their agent, (buyer or seller) need to dispell

Report · 10:31am

The banks aren't loaning money since the crash in 2006?

The best way to get a great deal is to make "low ball" offers?

Report · 10:32am

both are very solid.

keep going!

Report · 10:32am

All real estate agents are millionaires

When selling a home, always over price it to have room for negotiations?

Report · 10:33am

ah, another good one!

dude, I knew I could count on you for some good, raw fodder.

Report · 10:33am

The price doesn't matter, the "right" buyer will make an offer...IF he really wants it.

Report · 10:33am

yeah, never mind the fact that the house will never appraise for what you're asking.

Report · 10:35am

It's a buyer's market and therefor every home on the market is overpriced?

The only good deals are short sales?

Report · 10:36am

ah, yes. I hear that a lot.

Report · 10:36am

The prices will be better next year?

Report · 10:36am

and Bank Owned, of course.

Report · 10:37am

Bank owned are fine for us. Easy to negotiate and close.

Report · 10:37am

Or, "I should be able to price my house $27,500 more than what you're telling me because that is the exact amount of money I have into my shop that I put in last year".

Report · 10:37am

"My house" is worth more because...

Report · 10:38am

god.. I hate that one.

Report · 10:38am

All of the comps that you used are foreclosures. Those don't count!

Report · 10:38am

that one sucks, but it's true.

a comp is a comp is a comp.

period.

Report · 10:39am

Need more?

Report · 10:39am

dude. this is awesome.

thank you.

hit me with an email if some other come to you.

thank you very, very much Mark.

I appreciate you.

Report · 10:40am

Rock on brother Matt!

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

Photo Journal - Vancouver Washington Real Estate - More Hot Rods

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:48:09 -0400

August has brought some excellent weather here in the Pacific Northwest and has given me excellent opportunities to get out to see some crazy hot rods and motorcycles. Here are a few from the Beaches Cruise night that is held at Portland International Raceway every Wednesday through the summer.

Photo Journal - Vancouver Washington Real Estate is a side project for me. My real estate blog was so filled with facts and figures that it would make your eyes bleed. My photo journals will be filled with pictures that I have taken around town. Hope you enjoy!

Follow this link to see the rest of Photo Journal - Vancouver Washington Real Estate

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

365 Tips To Becoming A Successful Realtor - Tip 111 - Copycat? or Blaze a Trail?

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:46:14 -0500

365 Tips To Becoming A Successful Realtor - Tip 111 - Copycat? or Blaze a Trail?

FYI: this photo has nothing to do with this blog!

Most of us became Realtors because we wanted to be the master of our own destiny and forge a future with unlimited potential. We are builders and designers. We are here because we know that we can to it better. We make rules and break rules and we create businesses that break records. Of course there are a few who like to help people too!

The tendency is to build our business from the ground up and to craft it in way that makes it better and easier than any other. We want to blaze our own trail. Makes a lot of sense, right?

The other tendency is to go out of business!

Designing, creating, and building, while very exciting, is also very expensive and time consuming. It also requires a huge amount of trial and error. Trial and error is how the business world refers to failure.

"The secret to success is to find someone who is successful and do what they do!"

Lucky for us, there are many successful Realtors out there to model and copy. Success leaves clues and as I have watched and studied successful agents from across the country, I have learned that the recipe is really pretty simple, Lead Generation.

There are Realtors out the who make more than Doctors do and they only focus on one thing. Lead generation!

While it may be fun and exciting to blaze a trail, it is much more profitable to be a copycat!

What do you think?

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

Photo Journal - Vancouver Washington Real Estate - Give Peace a Chance

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:37:44 -0500

Photo Journal - Vancouver Washington Real Estate is a side project for me. My real estate blog was so filled with facts and figures that it would make your eyes bleed. My photo journals will be filled with pictures that I have taken around town. Hope you enjoy!

Follow this link to see the rest of Photo Journal - Vancouver Washington Real Estate

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

Is It Cheaper To Buy A Home In Vancouver Washington Than It Is To Rent One?

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:32:18 -0500

Is It Cheaper To Buy A Home In Vancouver Washington Than It Is To Rent One?

There have been very few times in the history of the United States that it has been cheaper to buy a home than it is to rent one. One of those times is now.

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington have reached prices that are comparable to those of 2002 and interest rates are at an all time low. In October 2011 rates dipped below 4% and right now, in November, they are hovering at 4.1%.

What does that mean in real life? It means that you can buy the 1100+ sq ft condo shown below for $60,000 with a down payment of approximately $2100 and have a total monthly payment of less than $750* per month! (mortgage approx. $279, MI approx. $64, HOA $191, Taxes $200+/-) To rent a similar condo in the area would cost about $850 per month and you have to deal with a pain in the BU++ landlord!

Did you know that there are also single family homes in the area that can be bought for a down payment of $3500 and payments of less than $1000* per month? If you were to rent these homes, many of them would rent for $1200 or more per month.

Monthly payments aren't the only advantage to owning your own home. Watch this video for more benefits of home ownership!

We love helping first time home buyer's get into their new homes. Call us and let us show you how.

* I am not a lender! Please talk to a qualified lender to get exact numbers. You will be amazed!

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

365 Tips To Becoming A Successful Realtor - Tip 110 - Motivation is EVERYTHING!

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:11:28 -0500

365 Tips To Becoming A Successful Realtor - Tip 110 - Motivation is EVERYTHING!

Earlier this week I was attending a real estate class at our Keller Williams office and the instructor said, "If your don't know your client's motivation, then you don't know anything."

At first I dismissed it as an overstatement but then I started thinking about some of my past clients. Clients who did things that didn't make sense. Clients who sold their homes for less than they told me that they wanted. Clients who bought homes that didn't fit their search criteria. Could this be the missing link?

Many Realtors mistakenly think that the primary motivator in any transaction is money. While money is a strong factor in most transactions, I am now of the belief that there are other motivators that are much more powerful than money. You don't believe me and want me to name one?

DREAMS!

It isn't the Million Dollars that matters the most. It is what someone wants to do with the million dollars that counts.

Discovering someone's true motivation can be tricky. Here are a few questions that I ask to get the ball rolling:

Why is it important to you that your new home be in that specific neighborhood?
What would happen if you didn't get a home on 10 acres?
Tell me what it means to you to have a gourmet kitchen with a large island in the middle.
Exactly why do you need to sell you home before the end of the year?

This tactic gets so much more valuable information over the standard, "How many bedrooms? How many baths? How many..?"

In negotiations, knowing the other side's motivations can be a very powerful tool. As soon as you know what is more important than money, the game shifts considerably!

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington

This Month in Real Estate November 2011 - Video Market Report

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:13:36 -0500

This Month in Real Estate November 2011 - Video Market Report

Here is the national real estate report for November 2011. Our Keller Williams International office produces this awesome video each month and I post it here for my clients, friends and family.

Did you know that often times it is cheaper to buy a home than to rent one? AND that isn't the only benefit! Watch this video for more valuable information.

Mark Hall

Homes for sale Vancouver Washington