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Local Lenders vs Internet Lenders.

We all see the commercials on TV advertising the internet lenders and they quick closings and good rates they can give you. That may be true, but can they give you good service? My advice to homebuyers always go local. On our team we like to follow up with the lender and out of town and/or internet lenders make this difficult. internet use statistics . Many times you are just a number to the internet lenders. On our team we always cringe a little when we see something coming in without a local lender.


Buyer Local or I guess Lend Local:

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First Time Home Buyers

According to the National Association of Realtors there is for the 1st time in 30 years a decline in First Time Home buyers. Recently at the Keller Williams Family Reunion in Orlando, Gary Keller the co-founder of Keller Williams was discussing this, he feels that the amount of student loan debt is a leading factor. trip planner According to Keller 71% of recent grads have student loan debt with an average of $333 per month that’s a 356% increase in the last decade.

Below you will find the article from the NAR that talks about the decline in First time home buyers:

http://www.realtor.org/news-releases/2014/11/nar-annual-survey-reveals-notable-decline-in-first-time-buyers

But if you are looking for a home, no matter if it’s your first, second or 156 home we’re here to help you.

Give us a call at (828)771-2310 or shoot us an email at email@jimbuff.com

 

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The #1 Real Estate Company in the World!

It was recently announced at our Keller Williams Family Reunion that Keller Williams is the #1 Real Estate company in the WORLD! Yes you read that correctly. In 2014 KW had 95,000 associates and it ended with 112,000 that’s a net gain of 17,000 agents in ONE YEAR!

What does that mean for you? It mean that if you list your home with the Jim Buff team no matter where you want to move to California or Costa Rica there is a Keller Williams agent we can refer you too. Whether you’re buying or selling give us a call at (828)771-2310!! Check links .

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What’s a Home Warranty, why do I need it?

I don’t need a home warranty on my home, everything works fine.

We don’t need a home warranty on this home, it’s only a couple years old.

I just purchased the dishwasher 3 months ago it has a year warranty.

Is it like insurance, because we already have homeowners.

 

Bottom Line. Yes, you want and need a Home Warranty. The Jim Buff Team uses American Home Shield for  our providers for Home Warranties.

 

What is a Home Warranty or Home Protection Plan, you’re asking? It’s simply a protection plan for your home. For a home seller it protects you for the entire time you have your home listed with The Jim Buff Team. For the buyer its a one year service contract, that at the end of the year you are given the option to renew. The contract covers the repair and/or replacement of many major home system components and appliances that typically break down over time.

 

Imagine moving into a home, maybe in the fall. The previous homeowners haven’t used the heat since March or April, it’s starting to get chilly in the house and you go to turn on the heat, it works but in a day or two it starts to give out. Are you going to want to spend the money to have it looked and repaired? With the American Home Shield Home Warranty you will only have to contact them and they will schedule a repair person to come out and look at and remedy the situation. The cost, $75. Yes, you read that correctly, something that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars, you’re going to pay $75.

 

Therefore, next time you’re buying or selling. Don’t forget the Home Warranty.

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Agent Safety

Why does my Real Estate Agent asking for my ID and contact information, I just want to see this property:

 

When people think of Real Estate agents they have this starry-eyed vision that we’re all rich making millions of dollars a year. When, actually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average agent makes $53,210 per year. Many people don’t think about the dangers of the profession. Meeting strangers at properties miles away from towns with no neighbors or cell reception. Hosting Open Houses with many different people coming into the home you may not know, and have probably never have spoken to, in your life. Getting into vehicles with strangers and driving around with them. All things as children we were told NOT to do.

 

In lieu of recent events, with the kidnapping and murder of  Beverly Carter a Real Estate agent from Arkansas is shining light on the safety and well being of Real Estate agents everywhere.

So next time you want to look at the home and the agent asks you to meet at the office; meet them at the office, let them make a copy of your identification and get contact information.  Be nice, they are being cautious and many times it’s company policy to obtain that information, because in the long term it’s just a couple of extra minutes but it could save a life.

sources:

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes419022.htm