Happy last day of 2009. For many, this is a year they’d like to forget… for others it’s a year to remember.  What ever your reflections of 2009 may be, I wish you health, happiness, and success in 2010! I decided to highlight a few things about real estate,. and a few things about my life in general this year. Good bad or ugly, these are the things that influenced my life this year.

Wishing you success in 2010

In the real estate industry there have been lots of changes, not all for the good, but these were HOT topics of discussion, success and challenges of 2009:

• Tax Credits: The most tweeted about, discussed and rediscussed issue of 2009 in real estate. It is what helped first time home-buyers acquire homes in 2008 and what sustained many down-turned market area, including mine!
• Tax Credit Extensions: maybe redundant.. but deserves two slots in the top 10. Again, this extension and the credit for current homeowners was pivotal in 2009 for many home-buyers and the trickle effect of sales and tax rebate money was felt in many areas including Realtor commissions, home repairs, supplies, furniture sales, etc. Give people money, they will spend it.
• Social Media Marketing Infusion into real estate marketing plans. Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn, Zillow, Trulia, blogging and sometimes public flogging..it certainly has emerged into a part of every forward thinking, insightful, and creative marketing professional. Here’s Mashables “10 of the Best Social Media Tools for Entrepreneurs”. Like it or not, technology is going to grow… and fast.
• Video: In my opinion video has opened the doors again for marketing, for communications, for sales and service. It’s a two way portal to the future and to every aspect of business and our lives. Look for more video Emails, Marketing, Postings, Documentation than ever before in 2010 as well!
• Foreclosures:  If you can see, hear and have picked up a paper or magazine,you know the dilemma our nation has faced with the number of home foreclosures on the books. What you may not know, is how it has affected our markets… If you really want to know, ask someone who has a home for sale right now. Homes sold below market value simply because of overstock supplies have devastated equity nest eggs of those who have attempted to sell their homes in less than 7 years.  Short term investments have lost money, just as the stock market and other investments.  I agree with this article that Foreclosures in 2009 will top 2008. We can only hope that  re-addressing ways to counsel those who have suffered losses and repair credit issues for those affected will be a focus of 2010 so that they can purchase again in good faith and with a renewed spirit and ability to own a home in the future. Seven years can seem like an eternity.
• Short Sales: There have been more short sales classes in my area and in my State than any other continuing education classes. As difficult as banks have been in handling these issues, some Realtors have been equally as difficult. Either they are uneducated.. or the rules keep changing. It’s really a little of both. However, you would think we have a duty as Realtors to “consult” with customers. Really? Who forgot that from real estate 101 anyway?  for most Realtors who are sticking by their industry and who have a sense of the core of their industry, this is not new,.. it is simply an adjustment to business as usual. Sometimes we work harder than others, it’s just that simple. I’m amazed at those who say, “I won’t work with short sales.” That’s a bit elitist if you ask me. Get out there and let’s deal with this so we can all move on.
• Politics and the real estate industry. How about politics and every facet of our lives. All I can say on this.. is GET INVOLVED.  If you want to say anything to me at all about politics, tell me first that you have told someone, preferably and elected or appointed official, about it first. Otherwise, you are part of the problem.

On a lighter note, there were a few really funny things that made me smile, and laugh, a lot in 2009!

• Sometimes you just have to take a break.. and YouTube certainly provides a few laughs. Several funny videos came to mind,.. or my mind at least, as you may not see the humor. Nothing cures a bad day like humor, and in most cases you have to laugh to keep from crying.. but these were particularly inspiring…. JK Wedding Entrance Dance, Bacon Is Good For Me!, and Susan Boyle’s success story.  Lessons:  Dance like there is no tomorrow, have your bags packed just in case things don’t work out,.. and never judge a book by it’s cover.
• Then there are the moments that inspire.. funny, most seem to come from children. The latest.. I have worked with customers for 7 years.. before this young man who is now 5 was born. So, when we finally see each other and begin our home search a priceless moment arrives. I hug mom first at our greeting, .. then little man,.. and he looks at me and says,..”What about him?”, pointing to dad…of course.. a hug for dad too!
• Of course, there are the moments that you have to laugh at yourself. I could probably write a book on dumb Realtor mishaps, but nothing takes the cake this year like the day I was previewing, alone, a house for a customer. Rule #1 always check locks before you let a door slam behind you. As I entered a second story porch, with no exit, the door slams behind me only to lock me out of the house. Oh, I am smart, I have a key, but the key doesn’t work for that lock. Thank God I have my phone,.. and I can call another Realtor who can come to my rescue!  There are others I am ashamed to put to print, at least until I retire and need money for a comedy film or book.

A few really great things that happened, of course, center around the people I have met throughout the year. Not all are in person yet, but all have made a difference in my career and in my personal life.

• The “Twitterqueens” Twitter of all things opened the door that was partially cracked open for me early in 2009. In my quest for like-minded professionals I stumbled upon @HeyAmaretto and @LesleyLambert early in the year, and the adventures unfolded from there. We spoke many times on a personal basis, and many more times on twitter. I have learned from them, we have walked through some storms together, and we keep the lines of communication open for ourselves and others that are truly growing their businesses and social networks. My days and evenings usually involve a few shout outs to the ladies and gents of the Twitterqueens and often a few toasts for things unspoken.
• REBarCamps: I attended my first this year in Miami in September 2009. After following many of the speakers and social media presenters for months, I was able to make it to Miami for a day of networking and learning that brought all that I had been trying to accomplish together for me.  My connections to these folks have gotten deeper, and my understanding broadened as a result.
• Ultimately,  My website re-design and re-focus of my business and the scope of community that I was trying to accomplish all rolled together after this meeting and is on it’s way to being a great resource and a lot of fun for those looking not only for real estate in Tallahassee, but who want to know more about our community. It’s a work in progress, but it is my life. If you want to know about the Tallahassee, FL and surrounding area, give me a shout.
• And lastly..Cancer.  Just the word makes me shake. This year, in May I celebrated my 7th year remission from breast cancer with people from my Board of Realtors at the Tallahassee Relay for Life.  I walked beside survivors and I walked hand in had with my dear friend David,  facing a struggle which took his life in September. By far, the most honorable, yet hardest task of my life to date, was speaking at his service. My father fought liver cancer this year and won his battle.. my Board President fought lymphoma and is winning his battle thusfar, and yet many more are still suffering. This is the one constant in life that we just can’t seem to shake.. the loss of those we love.. the battle with cancer. All we can do is fight, give..continue to research and come up with treatment that prolongs our time with those we love. If you gave towards this cause, I thank you,.. if you continue to give, I thank you.. and if you promise to give in 2010, you will receive thanks tenfold.  If you remember nothing else about my ramblings today, remember this.. life is precious, it is to be sucked up, invested in our bodies, minds and spirits and those gifts are meant to be shared with others. Let none of us forget what we owe each other, what we owe this thing called life.

Happy 2010 Everyone!

From Debbie Kirkland… @FloridaSunSales

It’s a tradition in our family to take a night and make the Tallahassee Christmas Light tour. With the economy in shambles, I think most families look for events just like this to bring the joy of the holidays back. We are spending more time with family and friends.. a blessing in disguise  really!

This year we set out and I captured a few of my favorite shots and spots along the tour and around town.

I’d also be remiss if i did not point out some of the Christmas miracles that took place around Tallahassee as well.

Yes, Virginia, there are Christmas miracles as well, even here in Tallahassee, FL. On Christmas eve, a local family received a NEW Roof. This may not seem like a miracle to you.. but when battling cancer..a roof is the last thing on your mind, and finances are scarce.  Thank you Rowe Roofing! Hungry residents also received a blessing of a traditional Christmas dinner thanks to the Hope House dinner and Project Annie Christmas dinner. Christmas Connection, Salvation Army, all the small individual gifts to those in need. That is what makes Tallahassee a wonderful community. The best thing about Christmas by far is the spirit of giving that constantly brings this community together whenever there is a need.

Tallahassee is a beautiful place to live.. and to visit! Hope you all had a beautiful holiday and were able to get out to see some of the sights!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas everyone.

Dorothy B. Oven Park, Tallahassee, FL

Killearn Musical House

Huntington Woods Plantation home

Dorothy B Oven Park

Is your Lender a Grinch?

I was in the office late yesterday talking with a fellow Realtor who was waiting for the hopeful call of the title company that would bring news of a closing, two days before Christmas. The family is in the car.. their belongings are in the truck, and their lender went on holiday.  Wow.. really?  60 days of emails, phone calls, promises of a closing that was to take place on November 30th… and here they are a month later.. and the lender took a holiday and can’t be reached! Another family will spend a long weekend in a hotel,.. a Christmas with their family in a hotel. They probably would have spent it in the car had their Realtor not chipped in for a hotel…. a completely, non-reimbursable and amazing gift.  Many a time, I have had customers stay in my home until we could get their closings settled.

Talk about disasters! These stories are increasing as the large corporate banks who are already on foreclosure and short sale overload, such as Bank of America, Chase and the unknowns.. operating from what seems like suitcases as they shift you from city to city, office to office at times as they attempt to serve, or shuffle their customers. Out of the 18 failed closings in my little circle of Realtor friends alone, 12 were Bank of America, and the others the “Internet” lenders who offer the sun, the moon and the stars,..except on holidays, third Tuesdays, Days of the week beginning with “M, or F!” It doesn’t matter anymore how prepared and savvy a Realtor you get,.. if you are dealing with the voices in cyberspace, prepare for the delays, the mis-communication, the constant need for more documentation and the very good possibility that your well organized financial statement just looks “funny” so  you may not close at all because your credit score is one point short of a new requirement! the NEW RESPA guidelines are in effect January 1, 2010… want to know what THAT means? Whew.. it just got a little tougher!

As silly as this sounds..it is just this bad in the lending world. I offer you buyers ONE piece of advice.. and if you never listen to another Realtor… this you must  hear,.. “Listen to your Realtor.” If your Realtor gives you the names of three lenders that he or she works with on a regular basis… it is because they CLOSE their transactions on time,… it is NOT because they get money or any other benefit from these lenders. They are “preferred” because they are reputable, reliable and responsible.  it is because they are most likely workaholics like your Realtor, and because they are successful and forthright… no suprise kind of folks!  The likelihood of you knowing whether you can close a transaction should take no longer than two weeks if your documents are in order and you are not hiding anything from your lender.  If it takes longer than this, you will know it, you will have a suggested remedy and a timeline for any delay in your closing so that you can negotiate this with the seller immediately.  Don’t fool around folks. Listen to  a Realtor, cooperate with a lender that you can see, touch and speak with in person. There are enough local lenders that will give you better service, more competitive rates and  who charge less fees than 9 out of 10 internet and corporate moguls.

Again.. don’t spend a holiday in a hotel.. don’t pay for five days or a month of storage for your belongings.. and for goodness sake, don’t get to closing only to hear,.. “sorry.. we need more money or we won’t be able to close Mr. and Mrs. buyer!”  If you are shopping for a home.. consult a Realtor and acquire a reputable local lender.

Do I Qualify For The Tax Credit?

I’ve received calls this week about the extended tax credit from several current home-owners. This Tax credit was extended to a brief window in 2010. Now, not only is there a ta credit for first time buyers, but long term homeowners who want to sell and move as well.

If you or someone you know someone you know are considering  a move in 2010, DO NOT miss this tax savings!  Things will most likely be very different in 2010 as our government re-considers tax credits and the ability to keep offering these credits. Do not assume they will last. There will be an end, and there is no proposal at present or predicted to continue these tax credits.

Call Debbie Kirkland, your Realtor and Real Estate Professional if you have questions on selling your home or purchasing before April 30, 2010.  Debbie Kirkland, Realtor  850-212-0440

The rules are below:

For a link to this IRS Publication Click Here

IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2009-13

If you are in the market for a new home, you may still be able to claim the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Congress recently passed The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act Of 2009, extending the First-Time Homebuyer Credit and expanding who qualifies.

Here are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about the expanded credit and the qualifications you must meet in order to qualify for it.

1. You must buy – or enter into a binding contract to buy a principal residence – on or before April 30, 2010.
2. If you enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010 you must close on the home on or before June 30, 2010.
3. For qualifying purchases in 2010, you will have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2010 return.
4. A long-time resident of the same home can now qualify for a reduced credit. You can qualify for the credit if you’ve lived in the same principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the new home is purchased and the settlement date is after November 6, 2009.
5. The maximum credit for long-time residents is $6,500. However, married individuals filing separately are limited to $3,250.
6. People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after November 6, 2009. The full credit is available to taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000, or $225,000 for joint filers.
7. The IRS will issue a December 2009 revision of Form 5405 to claim this credit. The December 2009 form must be used for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 – whether the credit is claimed for 2008 or for 2009 – and for all home purchases that are claimed on 2009 returns.
8. No credit is available if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000.
9. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase. For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age requirement.
10. A dependent is not eligible to claim the credit.

For more information about the expanded First-Time Homebuyer Credit, visit IRS.gov/recovery.

Links:

First-Time Homebuyer Credit

IR-2009-108, First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended to April 30, 2010; Some Current Homeowners Now Also Qualify

YouTube Videos:

Recovery: New Homebuyer Credit – November 2009

You Are a Partner in Selling You Home!

Has your home been on the market longer than your listing period? Are you on your second.. or possibly your third Realtor?  Are you still stumped after all that time, left wondering why your home has not sold?  I’m going to attempt to explain what most Realtors want to say, but some can’t seem to get out..at least in terms most all will understand.. but some may not appreciate. This is my reality, this is not Realtor TV, and this is certainly not Hollywood.

This article won’t appeal to those whose homes have sold, so for you.. congratulations..whatever you did worked! I’ll save that for the follow-up. Right now, I have people who are desperate to sell their homes and not hearing what we are saying. Here goes,..

If you are in an area where values have dropped, I know you are going to be disappointed. I see it on my customer’s faces at nearly every listing appointment. Talk about a reason for depression!  Yes, we all watch TV and read the paper. Our economy sucks. So now, breathe in an out and lay the cards out. It’s my job to turn this thing around, and only with my sellers help can I do that. Sometimes that means, I don’t get a listing.. sometimes that means I spend hours with a calculator and a pencil outlining Plan A, B, C, D, E and F!

It’s my job to tell you the truth, so don’t shoot the professional who lives this market everyday who tells you the facts. My paycheck is directly affected by the falling prices and lack of sales. Believe me,.. I feel your pain!  However, it is time for truth, a realistic plan and total honesty and disclosure. By that I mean, there is work for everyone to do.  This is also not the time to feel ashamed, or to plot how to circumvent the system. Guess what? You are NOT alone. Please  don’t wait until I have a contract to tell me that you have a second mortgage… you know that line of credit that you used for your business, that was tied to your house as collateral. Oh yes, and let’s don’t forget about the roof leak that lead to the subteranian termites that lead to the bathroom floor “re-do.”  Disclose it now.. let’s get past it. You can’t afford to loose a customer at the closing table over doubt that you created. I can’t help you then!

So, I put this list together. There are 5 things you MUST do to sell you home in today’s market.

1. Hire a Real Estate Professional. This is not the time for FSBO unless you area  Realtor, a real estate attorney (because most do not know current real estate or disclosure law. Could your gynecologist give you a root canal?  They’re both Dr.s right?  It’s not the same believe me!)  With as many challenges as there are with appraisals, financing hurdles, disclosure issues, and inspection findings…you need someone who is there with you the entire time. Buyers have agents.. and some are sharks! WE can’t help it.. we are supposed to get the best deal for our buyers.  Many times Realtors work both sides of a transaction, in Florida we can do that as “transaction brokers.” sometimes that means we help another less experienced agent who falls apart when  lender issues rear their ugly heads at the 11th hour…not to mention any names,…”BoOoaaAaah!”

2. Invest In Your Sale. You are a fully invested partner in this transaction. Without your participation, preparation and motivation, this transaction will not take place. Your Realtor will give you a list. Get the things on that list done! Prepare your house to sell before the first person sees it.  That first person has been looking at other homes and is going  to purchase somewhere. (Getting Ready To Sell tips.) If your furniture is tired and worn out.. get some slipcovers. Pack your stuff..pack the kids stuff..how much can any kid play with at one time?  You’ve seen the Sell That House, HGTV specials, etc. “Get your Move On!” People will make offers with sellers who look like they have gone the extra mile and are ready to leave. Stage your home.. use what you have or hire someone. Re-arrange and de-clutter. If you don’t give a rip… well.. let your Realtor know that up front. That’s decision time for experienced agents.

3. Start looking at your next home. Whether it is online, or with your Realtor, get out.. see what kind of home you want to make your next home. You will appreciate what other buyers are going through if you are doing the same thing! If you are moving to a different city.. then just go see your competition..the other listings in your area that are similar to yours and that are different. Ask your Realtor to show you these other active listings, and the pending ones.. what made people make an offer on the house down the street and not yours?

4. Review area sales stats every month, the more often, the better. If your Realtor is not providing these.. then ask for them! Get your head around the facts that in most areas, sales and values change weekly, up or down.. few stay the same. You have to know this information. Showings are a good gauge of pricing and competition, and of market conditions.

5. Review your absolute bottom line. If that line is below what you owe..have a Plan B. If there is no Plan B, no efforts of even the most experienced, high profile agents will work. Knowing whether or not you can compete with a neighborhood of foreclosures,.. that is important! Numbers either work, or they don’t. If you are upside down or need to negotiate with you bank.. put them on alert now. You most likely find any lender more motivated than a year ago. Get a contact at the bank. If you can’t, get to a Realtor who has , well,…. abilities. Short Sales are not for the weak at heart.  You want the Realtor who wears fishnet stockings to church to work your short sale. Calm, cool, dedicated but a tiger who can reason with the banks and close a sale.

Real estate today.. it is face paced and furious…we are working harder, but are we working smarter? Those who are selling , are working very, very hard.

Still confused? How about a FREE home selling guide.

Need a Real Estate Agent Referral? We can do that too, just let me know in the comments where  your next move will be!