Lake Highlands, Texas, House Sells in 35 Minutes With Assist-2-Sell
Thirty five minutes. That's how long it took for a house in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas to sell last week at full price. The secret? Assist-2-Sell's "Direct-to-Buyers" marketing program.
"No, I'm not reminiscing about the real estate boom. This happened just last week," assures Todd Tramonte, owner and broker of Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Realty of Dallas. "Once the seller said, ‘show it,' we had a contract signed by one of our own buyers within 35 minutes for a net full price offer."
By working with Assist-2-Sell, instead of a "traditionally-priced" broker, the seller saved nearly $9,000 in real estate commissions, compared to paying six percent. Todd's office charges $2,995 for houses up to $200,000, with moderate increases for houses that list for more.
Explains Todd, "The only difference between Assist-2-Sell and ‘traditional' real estate companies is our compensation structure. We charge a low, flat fee instead of a commission that is a percentage of a house's sale price. That can add up to significant savings."
As a full-service real estate brokerage, Assist-2-Sell's experienced brokers and agents handle everything throughout the entire process of selling a house. That includes pricing the house; advertising and marketing online and offline; showing the house to prospective buyers; working with other local brokers and agents; and managing all of the paperwork and the closing.
"We were able to sell the house so quickly because we deal with so many buyers and sellers. Due to our volume and our team approach, we were able to match the best buyer with the best seller," says Todd. "We really do put people first. Our low commissions allow sellers to be more flexible and enable buyers to get better deals."
Todd Tramonte opened Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Realty in Dallas in February 2006. Assist-2-Sell, North America's Leading Discount Real Estate CompanySM, provides home sellers with full brokerage services for a low, flat fee, saving consumers more than $800 million in commission.[1] Homebuyers also have access to a full range of services, including Assist-2-Sell's exclusive listings databases. All brokers and agents are fully licensed and REALTORS®. On the Net: www.4dallashomes.com.
[1] Savings based on statistics since January 1, 2000, for all Assist-2-Sell offices in North America compared to paying six percent commission. Six percent used for comparison purposes only. Commissions may be negotiable and are not fixed by law.
No. 1 Assist-2-Sell Office in Tampa Bay Expands to Save Homeowners Even More Money
"Homeowners realize that selling a house and getting a good price requires the help of a REALTOR® who is experienced and professional, and more and more sellers are learning that this kind of service doesn't have to mean paying a high commission," says Randy. "We're excited about Assist-2-Sell because it allows sellers to keep more of their home's equity, without sacrificing any of the services they want and need from a real estate agent."
As a full-service real estate brokerage, Assist-2-Sell's team of experienced brokers and agents handle everything throughout the entire process of selling a home. That includes pricing the home; advertising and marketing online and offline; showing the home to prospective buyers; working with other local brokers and agents; and managing all of the paperwork and the closing.
Explains Tami, "The only difference between Assist-2-Sell and traditionally-priced real estate companies is our compensation structure. We charge a low, flat fee instead of a commission that is a percentage of a home's sale price. That can add up to significant savings."
Assist-2-Sell isn't a new concept for most people in the greater Tampa Bay area but there is one misperception Randy and Tami would like to clarify.
"Some people think Assist-2-Sell listings aren't in the multiple listing service. The MLS is definitely one of the tools we use to market houses," assures Tami.
There are no upfront or hidden charges. Assist-2-Sell isn't paid until the home is sold; after closing. The Bowmans charge $2,995 for homes up to $250,000, with moderate increases for homes that list for more.
Despite a generally sluggish housing market, the ongoing subprime mortgage crisis and intense media scrutiny, the Bowmans are excited about the future of real estate in Tampa Bay.
"The last year has been difficult for Tampa Bay homeowners but we're beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. We really are excited about the direction the market is headed," says Randy. "We believe the market correction that is happening now can only serve to help our communities grow and remain affordable for the average family wanting to own a home while trying to make a living."
Assist-2-Sell also provides homebuyers with a full range of services, including access to the Company's exclusive listings databases.
Continues Randy, "It really is a great time to buy a home. Some of the best deals that I have ever seen are right now. The selection of houses is great, interest rates are at all time low, and would-be homeowners are sure to benefit from the new economic stimulus package."
To learn more about Assist-2-Sell Buyers and Sellers Pro Realty, call Randy and Tami Bowman at their Largo/Seminole location at (727) 596-2995, or e-mail randy@sell2995.com. They also have a Web site at www.sell2995.com. Assist-2-Sell Buyers and Sellers Pro Realty is located in a very convenient and highly visible location at 10807 Ulmerton Rd. (just west of Seminole Blvd.).
User Reviews Reach Record Number of Consumers
It's not totally related to what we're talking about (attracting homebuyers and sellers) but I do think it's relevant... eMarketer released a survey on Friday showing that most Internet shoppers seek out user reviews. They report that nearly nine out of 10 U.S. online buyers surveyed this month read customer reviews at least "some of the time" before making a purchase. Wow! That's a lot of people.
I know I'm one of those people. I don't do anything without reading reviews first. Amazon is my first stop for things to buy (they have everything!) and I go to Yelp for service providers and things to do.
The eMarketer study doesn't extend to service provider reviews but I'm sure the percentage is up there. So make sure you tap into this growing trend. Many local search sites, like Yelp, have user reviews built into them. An article on iMedia Connection's Web site has some great ideas for maximizing your online business listings. Make sure you read "10 Winning Ways to Optimize Local Search."
Word of mouth has always been important but the growth of the Internet has made it even more important.
P.S. - The eMarketer survey also shows that 64% of consumers want user ratings and reviews on Web sites. So don't forget to ask your customers for testimonials and post them online.
New Assist-2-Sell Office Opens in Salmon Arm, British Columbia
The Salmon Arm Observer included an announcement in Wednesday's paper about the recent opening of Assist-2-Sell Real Estate Services in Salmon Arm, British Columbia in Canada. The new office is owned and operated by Jan and Monique van Lindert.
Business Bits: New real estate office opens
A new real estate office which charges a flat fee of $3,995 for the sale of a home under $500,000 has opened its doors.
Assist-2-Sell® is a franchise owned by local real estate broker Jan van Lindert and his wife Monique. The van Linderts moved from the Netherlands several years ago, where Jan was trained as a civil engineer and worked most recently as manager for a city department of operations. Monique organized conferences at the largest convention centre in the Netherlands.
The Assist-2-Sell® operation has offices throughout the United States and Canada.
Assist-2-Sell Real Estate Services office is located at #302 - 371 Hudson Ave. NE (Andover Place across from the post office). It can be reached at 832- 0111, by e-mail at janvanlindert@assist2sell.com or visit the web site www.4Shuswap Homes.com.
Assist-2-Sell is Optimistic About the New Homeowner Relief Program
We are encouraged by this week's announcement that six of the nation's largest mortgage lenders will reach out to homeowners most at risk of losing their homes through a new plan known as "Project Lifeline." We are also pleased to see such strong support for the plan come from the White House, the U.S. Treasury and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Project Lifeline (http://www.hopenow.com/) helps homeowners avoid foreclosure by temporarily suspending the foreclosure process for 30 days. The plan will initially involve Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc., Countrywide Financial Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Washington Mutual Inc., and Wells Fargo & Co. Homeowners who are 90 days or more behind in payments on any type of mortgage, not just subprime loans, can use the extra time to work with their lenders on more affordable loan terms.
Mary LaMeres-Pomin and Lyle Martin, co-founders and co-chief executives of Assist-2-Sell Inc., had these comments on Project Lifeline:
"We've all become so accustomed to seeing statistics about foreclosures and short sales and declining home prices. We have to remember that these aren't just numbers. These are people; these are families. So it's a good thing when steps are taken to help people on the brink of foreclosure. Any time you can keep someone in their home, it is good for the family; it is good for the community; it is good for the economy; and it is good for America.
"It's unfortunate that so many homeowners are truly afraid they will lose the home they worked so hard to put over their head. They shouldn't feel alone, though, and they shouldn't avoid the problem. There really are options. We encourage homeowners who are in trouble with their mortgages to use this extra time to get help. They shouldn't wait any longer. Resources, like Project Lifeline, are available to them. This extra time just might be enough to save their home.
"Project Lifeline is only a start, though. We hope these and other lenders will take their efforts further by making changes within their own organizations. Resources are tapped, which means foreclosures and short sales are piling up on people's desks; homes are sitting on the market for months on end; interested homebuyers are walking away after weeks of waiting; and distressed homeowners are going further and further into debt. The longer mortgage lenders take to address their own problems, the longer recovery will take."
LaMeres-Pomin and Martin are available for additional comments. Assist-2-Sell also has franchise offices throughout the United States that can be made available to the media. The owners of these offices can talk about the impact "Project Lifeline" will have at a local and/or regional level.
)Central Oregon Assist-2-Sell Owner Comments on Mortgage Relief Program
Kristi McPheeters, owner and broker of Assist-2-Sell Buyers and Sellers Services in Central Oregon, was interviewed on Tuesday by News Channel 21. The interview followed Tuesday's announcement that six of the nation's largest lenders will be offering troubled homeowners relief through "Project Lifeline." I have no doubt that Kristi picked up the phone and went after this story. I've seen her do it before. Way to go Kristi!
Columnists Kenneth Harney and Blanche Evans Look at the Bright Side of Real Estate
I've read columns by Kenneth Harney for many many years and have always found them to be well thought out and informative. (My dad is apparently also a fan. He recently gave me a Ken Harney article he clipped back in 2003.) So I was happy to see him write about some of the more positive aspects of the real estate market in a recent Realty Time's article: "Real Estate Outlook: Good News!" Read the article and you'll discover some reasons to remain optimistic about a real estate market that so many others have written off.
Another Realty Times writer that I've followed for many years, Blanche Evans, also put a positive spin on things in an article for REALTOR Magazine Online called "Good Investments: 5 Things to Tell Buyers on the Fence." In the article, Blanche explains why would-be homebuyers who are wishy washy on the investment should feel comfortable buying a home.
These days, most articles about real estate and the housing market leave me wanting to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over my bed... and I work in the industry. I can't imagine how the "average" person feels. It's nice to see some positivity among all that doom and gloom.
These articles speak in general terms of course, so you'll want to contact a REALTOR in your area to find out if buying or selling a home is right for you. There are Assist-2-Sell offices (full-service discount real estate brokerages) throughout the U.S. and Canada and each office is staffed with experienced and fully licensed brokers and agents. Find an office close to you at www.assist2sell.com/offices.aspx.
Remember, You're the Expert
Every day there's a new article or TV segment about the housing market with a comment from one or more local real estate professionals. I'm so happy to see more and more quotes from Assist-2-Sell owners/brokers. If you've worked with me at all, you know I think this is a great opportunity to build a reputation as a local expert. Most people who read these articles don't know how they came about. They don't know anything about the behind-the-scenes PR efforts that most likely landed you the interview. They don't know anything about the credentials of the people being quoted. In fact, I've spoken to "average" consumers who read these articles and assume the broker or agents must be the best in their respective area of expertise. Do you see how this could be a great opportunity to be portrayed as an expert in your community?
I just want to remind you to stay positive when you talk to reporters. I know many of you are experiencing very difficult markets, but try to help the reporters see the bright side. I'm not suggesting you have a "Pollyanna" attitude but you should always remain optimistic. The last thing you want is to be portrayed as negative with a "sky is falling" attitude. Is that the type of person homebuyers and sellers will turn to? I wouldn't.
Here are just a few examples of how you can put a positive spin on a potentially negative story:
- This really is a great time for many people to buy a home. Explain why.
- Fortunately, there are programs like Assist-2-Sell's that allow home sellers to hold onto more of their home's equity without forcing them to sacrifice any of the service or support they need. You don't have to pay a high real estate commission to sell your home.
- Real estate is cyclical. We have seen this kind of decline -- and this kind of intense media scrutiny -- in the past. If you are already seeing improvements -- even if they're minor -- point them out.
- If a homeowner is in trouble with their mortgage, there are options and they should seek out the counsel of their bank or a REALTOR as soon as possible. Assist-2-Sell brokers and agents have the knowledge and expertise to help homeowners decide what to do.
- Point out the long term benefits of homeownership that remain despite the decline.
Remember, you're the expert. People turn to the experts because they need someone to help them understand what's going on. Is it really as bad as it looks? If it is, they'll need someone to help pull them through. If it's not, they'll need someone to show them the hidden opportunities.
If you have an opportunity to talk to the media and want some guidance, feel free to e-mail me at ecampbell@assist2sell.com.
You Have a Lot to Offer Consumers... Share Your Knowledge With a Blog
By now you know that I think blogs are an important way for real estate pros to promote themselves with would-be homebuyers and sellers. I wanted to share a blog posting I recently found from RSS Pieces. This real estate blog knows that one of the biggest challenges is finding something to write about. Not anymore! They've taken care of it for you with "A Years Worth of Real Estate Blog Ideas." (The link takes you to the bottom of the page, so scroll up to the top of the screen.) The great thing about these ideas is that RSS Pieces gives real-world examples so you know what they're talking about. Here are just a few ideas:
- Cover a high dollar home sale in your area
- Give 10 tips for getting more money on the sale of a home
- Explain local market conditions using data from the MLS
- Review restaurants and other local things to do
- Guide consumers through specific elements of the home buying or selling process (like closings, open houses, staging, etc.)
- Dispel rumors spread by the media, your competitors, TV, etc.
- Find relevant videos on YouTube and embed them on your blog
- Offer tips for choosing a REALTOR
- Take a hot topic (like the subprime mortgage market) and offer your opinion
- There are many more ideas at http://www.rsspieces.com/a-yearrs-worth-of-real-estate-blog-ideas
No more excuses for not getting started today!
We're already a month into the New Year. Why not use the rest of '08 to build your online presence and position yourself as a local real estate expert?
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