Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC Blog: January 2009

This is a new year and there are new rules for attending the Buffini Events.  If you are Clubnet, a Referral Systems Client, a 100 Days Student (Current) or a Buffini Certified Mentor, you may now attend the Turning Points, FREE!  It is exclusively for current members of Buffini and Company. It will be a one day event.  There will be shouting, singing and dancing!  Brian will be offering his research on the latest statistics and offering us tips on getting through our day's work.  Who couldn't use that?

We are currently in Week Two of the BLITZ.  Many of us who are participating in this new, free, system are planning on meeting, face to face, in Baltimore, Maryland on February 16th!  Sort of like a group popby!

If you a a member of our Buffini Family, please try to get to the event.  You know that it will ROCK! 

I hope to meet some of the members from Active Rain, while in attendance.  Always nice to have a face with a name:) Not just a photo. If you are a Blitzer, please wear white!  White sweater, shirt, hat, etc.

Hope to meet you in Baltimore!  Fares have dropped, check them out today!

It's a Good Life!

Fran

Actually, from today, it is 29 days until spring.  Will it be 29 days until our spring real estate market?  Have you seen signs of this season coming at you, already?  I definitely see more activity than I have seen for months.  More decisions are being made and they are not taking as long to decide.  They have a pretty clear idea of what the are looking for.  Sounds like spring to me!  No bidding wars, yet.  We may not see them at all this year.  Sellers are having pricing wars, though.  The prices are falling, and the consideration is leaning towards a Buyer's Agent with negotiating skills. Buyers are interviewing the agents that they are hiring.  Knowledge is key. Yes, it is a Buyer's Market.  I now see many more of the Sellers realizing that the best price sells.  Not the best location.   Not the newest appliances or updates.  The Price.  The other items will be a part of it, but, the most important factor now to the Buyer and the Buyer's Agent is the price.  Having a Realtor that you can trust, one who is looking out for you today and in the future, is what Buyers need.  Buying the right property now, can reap the Buyers the benefits of the future. 

Choose a Realtor who will want you to call them back in the future.  A Realtor who wants you to recommend your friends, family and co-workers to them.  A Realtor who will be your trusted advisor.

Buyers with the right credit scores, steady income, and down payment monies are truly the gift right now.  Sellers have realized that, too.  Sellers have their homes listed, to sell!  Buyers want to buy!  They are a gift.  It wasn't easy for them to stay ontrack. They are living within their means, saving money for a new home, staying on a budget and working hard at that goal.  They are a gift.  Appreciate the buyers that you have. 

So, as spring approaches us, whether it be the season or the market, appreciate your buyers. 

               Buyers are a gift.

If real estate is the backbone of our economy, why are the banks holding on to all of our money?  Sure, we know about the subprime mess.  Get over it!  Why are they punishing people who have good credit, jobs, education and downpayment monies?  They say they are afraid of home values falling.  Well, if you have a client who has never missed a mortgage payment, never missed any bill payment, has assets up their arms, why, oh why, are they denied a loan?  The house is now worth nothing?  C'mon!  Are they kidding??

Every market is not at a 50% loss.  Mine sure isn't.  Heck, a house just sold on my street months ago, for a really good price.  Higher, than I would have expected. The prices are good here! Why punish us for other's failures?  The banks are so distrustful that they are hurting themselves.  I don't think they get it.  The money you were given, was taxpayer's money. Put it back to work for us!

Let's get going and recover the market.  In turn, it will help the economy.  It isn't rocket science, though, the Congress hasn't figured it out yet.  They will, eventually.

Here's what I did last week.  You all know that I write my notes daily.  Well, I wrote to the new President, my state's Governor, M.Jody Rell and to Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (CT).  These personal notes asked for help.  Help with these home loans, lines of credit and funds for small business owners.  Self-employed individuals can no longer borrow monies.  They will not loan money for stated income any longer.  How can you build your business?  How can you stay in business?  Good credit no longer matters.

How about the high interest rates on your credit cards?  Isn't that a joke?  How are they even getting away with that! The new law that Congress passed to protect the consumer from this price gauging, takes effect in 2010.  It is not retroactive.  It begins then, includes no back balances.  Is that why they are raising the rates so?  Paid on time, yet, 30%?  Is no one watching them?  In the state of Connecticut, we had a cap of 18%.  They could charge you no more than that.  In 1994, our state legislatures, let that cap go!  Wonder why?  Campaign contributions?  Who wasn't watching then?

So, write a note to your favorite politician!  Let them know that you've had it.  We need to sell houses and now!  We need their help and now!  They can fix this and begin, now.  Let them hear from you.  Cause them to change it!  They value your vote.  Congress is up for re-election in two years.  Start writing!

Google your state, and then, start writing your notes to the people who are there to serve you!

Here's your chance to live on Birch Mountain in Bolton.  This home offers three bedrooms, one bath and is ready to go!  No pets, sorry.  You will need two months security deposit, one month's rent, a one year lease, a credit check, two letters of reference (one from a past landlord, if applicable) and an appointment to see the home.

Call today, we'll be happy to serve you!  Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC  860-646-3455

This home is located within fifteen minutes of Hartford, twenty minutes to UCONN and Eastern University.  Shopping is close by, too!  $1200.00 a month!

As most of you know, I am a huge fan of SAM's Club.  Especially, in this economy.  Office supplies, books, prescriptions, eye wear and more and offered at huge savings to you.

Here's the good news!  For this weekend, January 17th, if you join them as a member, for one year, they are giving you a $25.00 gift card to their store.  I think you can also, use it at Walmart Stores, but, ask them to be sure. 

Let your fellow Realtors know, let your clients know, call your neighbors!  This is a good offer in the middle of winter!  It is for all stores, across the United States.

Remember, too, that they will host a client party for you if you are a business member.  They will offer you a tour of the facility and explain all of the various discounts that are offered to you.

Get to SAM's today!  Sign up and start saving, this weekend!  Their waiting to serve you!

It's a Good Life!