Let For Sale By Owner's sell in peace -

Yesterday, I listened to a customer tell one of our wonderful customer service representatives that he was tired of having Realtors call him 5 times each day trying to scare him, telling him he will fail, asking to list the house, etc. Simply put, this is childish activity and down right unethical. I understand agents need to make money but they should not "scare" people into doing something - it is not good business and it is morally wrong.

For Sale By Owner customers have the right to sell their homes without an agent AND without being bombarded with scare tactics. This would be like eBay.com telling someone they can not sell their furniture at their Church Bazaar (or garage sale). Or, a travel agent calling a customer and telling them they will not pick the right hotel at the right price at Walt Disney World when they book on-line, without an agency. Or stock brokers telling good, hard working citizens they can never buy and trade their own stocks on-line, that it is too dangerous!

Life has risks. I understand this, as do our important and respected customers on ForSaleByOwner.com. Risks bring reward. These hardworking citizens are empowering themselves to be successful and improve their financial security. So please let every For Sale By Owner seller - regardless of where they are advertised - sell their home in peace. Thank you.

Driven By First-Timers, Home Sales Show Dramatic Increase

New data from the National Association of Realtors found that in the month of September, which is the latest data available, existing home sales increased 9.2% from September 2008. While this is great news for the housing market as this is the highest increase we've seen in two years, the increase is likely due to the fact that the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers is expiring November 30 and these buyers are racing to close on their home sale. In fact, early estimates are that first-timers have comprised 45% of all home sales thus far this year.

Unless the tax credit is extended, we suspect that October and November figures will also show increases and that we'll see a noticeable drop in December.

Home sellers, especially with homes geared for first-timers, should keep close attention to housing news regarding the tax credit. We'll keep you informed here as well, but we've found that the most successful "by owner" home sellers are aware of the latest news affecting the housing and mortgage industries. Not only because buyers are more confident working with such knowledgeable sellers, but because sellers who are aware of the latest trends are more likely to market and accurately price their home to attract qualified buyers.

Mortgage Rates Dip Below 5 Percent

Freddie Mac has just reported that the average 30 year fixed mortgage rate was 4.87% for the week ending Thursday, October 8. It's the lowest that mortgage rates have been since the spring. For a $250,000 mortgage, the monthly payment at a 4.87% rate is $1,322. The 30 year fixed rate was 5.94% last year at this time, or a monthly mortgage payment of $1,489 on a $250,000 mortgage.

Buyers and those who want to refinance are not the only people interested in low rates. Sellers need to keep track of mortgage rates because rate changes will make their home more or less affordable. Real estate agents typically contact home buyers who are sitting on the fence to alert them to low interest rates, and "by owner" sellers should do the same. The smart "by owner" seller should take some time this weekend to call or email people who have showed interested in their house and let them know about these low rates. Buyers will appreciate that you are helping them save money in today's economy.

Click here to get started on getting approved for a mortgage.

Selling For Sale By Owner - Yes you can!

You - anyone - can sell their home "by owner". I had a conversation with someone this week and they said "I thought you had to use an agent" to sell your home.

FACT: Every consumer has the right to buy and sell property without using a real estate agent.

Sadly, many consumers are mislead to believe there is some special law or policy which states they have to use an agent during the buying and selling process. Ten (10) years ago, information was controlled by agents which lead people to believe they had to work with them. Today, the internet and easy access to every key piece of information to help you - the consumer - buy and sell property is at your finger tips.

About 4 years ago, an independent study (Real Trends) found out about only 50% of consumers were aware of the For Sale By Owner method of selling their home. I hope during the past 4 years this has improved and made more people are aware you have the right and greater opportunity to sell via the For Sale By Owner method.

Every consumer has the right - and more tools today - to sell and buy your home and to save a lot of money. Empower yourself. Empower your friends and neighbors. Make sure they know they have a powerful choice to make which can provide them financial independence by selling For Sale By Owner.

$8,000... Time is Running Out!

As any first-time home buyer probably knows, one of the best deals in today's market is the $8,000 tax credit that the government is offering to people purchasing their first home. According to figures from the IRS, it has been very successful as more than 1.4 million people have used the tax credit thus far.

The home buyer has to meet certain guidelines in order to qualify for the tax credit (click here for specifics), but most importantly the real estate transaction has to close by November 30, 2009. That date is quickly approaching, and prospective first time home buyers should not let this opportunity pass, especially since there have not been any strong signs that the federal government will be extending the deadline.

Choosing a good real estate attorney, as well as getting pre-approved for a mortgage, will help ensure that you will be able to close on your dream home in time.