As a professional Real Estate Agent quiet often many realtors will prospect "expired listings". An expired listing is a home that was previously on the market and failed
to sell. Now naturally there are numerous reasons that a home may fail to sell: over priced, not marketed correctly, awkward floor plan, bad location, to many repairs etc...When this happens though and the contract with the agent expires many Real Estate Agents see this as an opportunity and will begin calling or vising these homeowners.
I specialize in selling homes that failed to sell the first time and I am amazed how many times I hear a homeowner say "we decided not to sell". Many times I wonder if they geniunly decided they love where they are and don't want to move or if it's the fact the home failed to sell and it was such an emotional rollercoaster that they just threw their arms up and said "I'm done"!
Well here are my top 5 tips if you find yourself in this situation.
First, expect you are going to be contacted by a lot of Realtors within the first 2 weeks of your contract expiring. Majority of Realtors will call you but there may be some more aggressive that will acturally stop by your home. Understand that these are Realtors you probably want to work with and should actually consider talking to. Why do I say that? Because a key skill that a successful agent has is that they are proactive and they don't wait for the business, they go out and get it. If an agent is calling you or coming to your house, chances are they are going to work just as hard to find a buyer for your home. So even though it may be frustrating and annoying at time all the calls, I strongly suggest you weed through the agents you don't like or connect with and keep the ones you "click" with because in my opinion they should be the first ones you call when you decide to put it back on the market.
Second, you may realize that even though we all have the same tools and same capablities not all Realtors are equal. We may be created equal but we all have different values and beliefs, our work ethic is different, our insight and industry knowledge is different, our network and connections are different. So where from the outside you may think, "My realtor did everything to sell it, maybe it's just not meant to be" Rest assured that they only did all "they knew how to do" but that doesn't mean that their aren't agents out there that can not only do more but may also do certain things better.
Third...If you'd like to find out the other tips to do if your fails to sell, email me at sethrowlands@yahoo.com or call me at 909-294-6799.
Thank you,
Seth Rowlands
Re/Max Champions
(909)294-6799
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Monday, November 17, 2014
How to buy a house when your a first time home buyer
When you finally decide to buy your first home there are a few steps to take to ensure that you make the best choice possible. I'm going to give you 5 steps to follow that if you follow will put you in the best position to get the right house for you and your family.
1. Goals. The first step to do is sit down and write out your goals. Your probably not going to buy your dream home the first home you buy so sit down and look at what you want and what you need based off of where you are at right now in your life. By having a clear, well written plan this will help you to decide on what direction to go. Some of the things you might want to consider : Condo vs. Home , How many bedrooms, Square footage, School District, How big of a yard, What is it close by, the crime in the area etc...
2. Contact a Real Estate professional. Either do this by a referral, visiting open houses and getting a feel for different agents personality, or contact an agent from the marketing you see around where you live. Often times very successful agents don't work with buyers and focus more on sellers so visiting an open house may give you an opportunity to meet an agent that works with and understands a first time home buyers needs
3. Contact a Mortgage Lender : This should either be by referral from your agent or friend/family. If you don't have any lender in mind rather than just using one from the internet I'd recommend asking your agent for a referral and they typically will have 2 or 3 lenders they work with that understand how they work and work hard to help their clients. 4. Be open minded. What you see may not be perfect and you may have to do work to the homes you visit, that's ok. When your starting your search you may look for an area that is growing or the homes are appreciating. I've met many 1st time home buyers who used their home as a rental when they bought their next house so you may want to consider that. Don't be to narrow because you may miss out on a great deal because it's not "perfect" but getting started as a home owner.
If you have any questions or are thinking about buying a home feel free to give me a call
Seth Rowlands
626-343-4128
1. Goals. The first step to do is sit down and write out your goals. Your probably not going to buy your dream home the first home you buy so sit down and look at what you want and what you need based off of where you are at right now in your life. By having a clear, well written plan this will help you to decide on what direction to go. Some of the things you might want to consider : Condo vs. Home , How many bedrooms, Square footage, School District, How big of a yard, What is it close by, the crime in the area etc...
2. Contact a Real Estate professional. Either do this by a referral, visiting open houses and getting a feel for different agents personality, or contact an agent from the marketing you see around where you live. Often times very successful agents don't work with buyers and focus more on sellers so visiting an open house may give you an opportunity to meet an agent that works with and understands a first time home buyers needs
3. Contact a Mortgage Lender : This should either be by referral from your agent or friend/family. If you don't have any lender in mind rather than just using one from the internet I'd recommend asking your agent for a referral and they typically will have 2 or 3 lenders they work with that understand how they work and work hard to help their clients. 4. Be open minded. What you see may not be perfect and you may have to do work to the homes you visit, that's ok. When your starting your search you may look for an area that is growing or the homes are appreciating. I've met many 1st time home buyers who used their home as a rental when they bought their next house so you may want to consider that. Don't be to narrow because you may miss out on a great deal because it's not "perfect" but getting started as a home owner.
If you have any questions or are thinking about buying a home feel free to give me a call
Seth Rowlands
626-343-4128
Are you thinking about starting a business ?
GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR AN INVESTOR LOOKING FOR AN OVERSIZED LOT: This house has been completely remodeled and is ready to move in. This house is perfect for someone that needs a larger lot, it has a parking lot in the back as well as a covered carport and detached garage, tons of space for storage of cards, boats, RV etc...Also would be good for anyone who is in trucking, This property is zoned for general commercial as well so can be converted for a business opportunity.
8781 Grove Ave. Rancho Cucamonga, CA for $289,000
Email Seth Rowlands at sethrowlands@yahoo.com for more information or to set up a private tour
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Looking to buy a home in Riverside, California? Look no further!
This amazing single story turnkey home that is located conveniently close to University of California, Riverside is just what you've been looking for in a home. You'll notice from the moment you pull up to this house it has a beautiful, well cared for landscaping that makes this home screaming for you to stop the car and come inside. As you enter this home the bright and open floor plan gives this home a very spacious feeling. Recently upgraded ceramic title floor resembeles a wooden finish that gives it that stylish look that will go perfect with any decore.
All bedrooms are spcious and perfect for a browing family or roomeates going to UCR. The backyard is low maintenance with a beautifupl patio, built in fire pit and BBq. The small grass area makes this back yard perfect for summertime BBQ or having a get together by the fire with friends in the fall.
This beautifully remodeled home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with 1597 sq. ft for only $327,000. Call to set up an appoitment for a private tour Seth Rowlands at 626-343-4128
400 Maravilla Dr. Riverside, CA 92507
Monday, October 27, 2014
How much money do I need for a down payment?
Your down payment will be based on the cost of the hme and most likely one of the following popular loan programs...
1. Conventional financing : For conventional finanincing, you need a minimum of 5% up to a maximum of 20% down.
2. FHA Financing : You will need a minimum of 3.5% down.
3. USDA Financing : You may not need a down payment
4. VA Financing : You also may not need a down payment.
Here are a few more things to know if you go with conventional financing. IF you put less than 20% down, you may nbe resoonbilble for paying private mortagage insurance. Also, the lwower your down payment on a home, usually the higher your interest rate and monthly payment. Mortgage lenders tend to offer better terms to those with a high credit scrore, a highter down payment, and a stable employment history.
Learn more about down pyamens by asking for my Free Cosumner Report called " 4 Quick Ways To Buy A Home With Little Down". I'll send a copy right over to you.
Do you have a real estate question you want answered? Feel free to call me at 909-294-6799.
Thank you and I look forward to talking to you soon,
Seth
1. Conventional financing : For conventional finanincing, you need a minimum of 5% up to a maximum of 20% down.
2. FHA Financing : You will need a minimum of 3.5% down.
3. USDA Financing : You may not need a down payment
4. VA Financing : You also may not need a down payment.
Here are a few more things to know if you go with conventional financing. IF you put less than 20% down, you may nbe resoonbilble for paying private mortagage insurance. Also, the lwower your down payment on a home, usually the higher your interest rate and monthly payment. Mortgage lenders tend to offer better terms to those with a high credit scrore, a highter down payment, and a stable employment history.
Learn more about down pyamens by asking for my Free Cosumner Report called " 4 Quick Ways To Buy A Home With Little Down". I'll send a copy right over to you.
Do you have a real estate question you want answered? Feel free to call me at 909-294-6799.
Thank you and I look forward to talking to you soon,
Seth
How to Sell Your Upland Home Fast for Top Dollar
I often meet with homeowners that want to know "How much do you think my house is worth" and they typically will also ask "How is the market". These are great questions. Homeowners will often begin to ask these questions because they are considering making a move and trying to test the water.
When you are ready to sell your house it is very important to get an active Realtor that knows the market, understands where the market is and most important knows where the market is going. I always say a good rule of thumb if the market for your home is $500,000 it is always better to be in front of the market rather then behind it. Let me explain, let's suppose 2 similar houses with similar upgrades with a fair market value of $500,000. Seller #1 prices his house to sell and lists his home for $475,000. Seller #2 wants to get every penny out of his house plus he wants to leave room for a buyer to negotiate him down because know one is going to pay full price right? So Seller #2 lists his home for $525,000. So what happens ? Let's consider they both are identical and are right next door to each other. Does Seller #2 home sell quicker for more money?
Studies have shown that what typically happens is Seller #1 home sells within the first 2-3 weeks. It uses the overpriced neighbors listing as leverage and not only that but because of the over pricing of Seller #2 home, it actually creates more value in the eyes of the buyer which in return causes multiple offers and ends up selling for $505,000.
So what happens to Seller #2 home? It just sits there and gets looked over and after a few price reductions and sitting on the market for 5 months it finally sells for $493,000. That's good right? I mean only $7000 under $500,000 isn't bad. Well lets look at the big picture. They also had to make 5 more mortgage payments at $2500 a month which puts them at $12,500 . On top of that the neighbor got $505,000 so they are actually ended up losing $24,500 because they overpriced their home. On top of that but now they didn't net as much as they had hoped since they assumed it would sell around $515,000 so now they don't net as much. So they have to go back to the house they were buying and try to renegotiate because they didn't take as much as they thought they were going to be making when they put the bid on the new house. Well the seller of that new house isn't happen and won't renegotiate so they actually have to come out of pocket with the additional money to make up the difference. In the end it ends up costing them over $40,000 and time they can't get back.
So if you want to get the most amount of money for your house, price it 5% in front of where the market is to create value and drive traffic.
I'll be going over what do to if you keep getting low ball offers how to start to generate offers at or above asking price.
If you have any questions feel free to call 626-343-4128 or 909-294-6799 or you can email me at sethrowlands@yahoo.com
Thank you
Seth Rowlands
When you are ready to sell your house it is very important to get an active Realtor that knows the market, understands where the market is and most important knows where the market is going. I always say a good rule of thumb if the market for your home is $500,000 it is always better to be in front of the market rather then behind it. Let me explain, let's suppose 2 similar houses with similar upgrades with a fair market value of $500,000. Seller #1 prices his house to sell and lists his home for $475,000. Seller #2 wants to get every penny out of his house plus he wants to leave room for a buyer to negotiate him down because know one is going to pay full price right? So Seller #2 lists his home for $525,000. So what happens ? Let's consider they both are identical and are right next door to each other. Does Seller #2 home sell quicker for more money?
Studies have shown that what typically happens is Seller #1 home sells within the first 2-3 weeks. It uses the overpriced neighbors listing as leverage and not only that but because of the over pricing of Seller #2 home, it actually creates more value in the eyes of the buyer which in return causes multiple offers and ends up selling for $505,000.
So what happens to Seller #2 home? It just sits there and gets looked over and after a few price reductions and sitting on the market for 5 months it finally sells for $493,000. That's good right? I mean only $7000 under $500,000 isn't bad. Well lets look at the big picture. They also had to make 5 more mortgage payments at $2500 a month which puts them at $12,500 . On top of that the neighbor got $505,000 so they are actually ended up losing $24,500 because they overpriced their home. On top of that but now they didn't net as much as they had hoped since they assumed it would sell around $515,000 so now they don't net as much. So they have to go back to the house they were buying and try to renegotiate because they didn't take as much as they thought they were going to be making when they put the bid on the new house. Well the seller of that new house isn't happen and won't renegotiate so they actually have to come out of pocket with the additional money to make up the difference. In the end it ends up costing them over $40,000 and time they can't get back.
So if you want to get the most amount of money for your house, price it 5% in front of where the market is to create value and drive traffic.
I'll be going over what do to if you keep getting low ball offers how to start to generate offers at or above asking price.
If you have any questions feel free to call 626-343-4128 or 909-294-6799 or you can email me at sethrowlands@yahoo.com
Thank you
Seth Rowlands
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Are you curious what your Rancho Cucamonga home is worth in today's market?
Have you noticed that prices have risen again? Bank owned properties and short sales are slowly fading away and we are back to homeowners seeing equity in your home. Well with that a lot of home owners that were stuck or in a situation where they couldn't move and rode out the wave now are saying , "Hey lets sell our house and move" . Well when more and more home owners decide to sell that means more inventory and less buyers makes it a buyers market because they have choices now. Are interst rates going to continue to rise? How will the government create incenstives for first time home buyers? Is Zillow.com really accurate with the "Zestimate" of my home ? What about that guy that leaves those nice notepads in my driveway, should I call him?
If you'd like to find out what your home is worth in this NEW market we are in simply go to www.SethRowlands.com and enter your information. Our team is hard at work and will prepare your personalized report on your home.
Remember those guys at Zillow don't know the difference between Alta Loma and Rancho Cucamonga. They don't know how the 210 impacted the area when it opened up back in 2007. Those zestimates are typically 5% above and/or below the homes true value. Well to my clients 5% can make a big difference especially if you've taken great care of your home and done a lot of upgrades. While playing on those sites and looking around is fun, if your serious about finding out the value of your home, thinking about making a move soon but not ready to talk to a Real Estate Agent, then go to www.SethRowlands.com for your FREE home evaluation.
If you'd like a more personalized report and would like to have a professional come out and look at your home, give you some tips and insights on how to get more money out of your home we can help you too. Simply give me a call at 626-343-4128 or 909-294-6799.
Thank you and I look forward to speaking to you soon
Seth Rowlands
626-343-4128 or 909-294-6799
Email: sethrowlands@yahoo.com
If you'd like to find out what your home is worth in this NEW market we are in simply go to www.SethRowlands.com and enter your information. Our team is hard at work and will prepare your personalized report on your home.
Remember those guys at Zillow don't know the difference between Alta Loma and Rancho Cucamonga. They don't know how the 210 impacted the area when it opened up back in 2007. Those zestimates are typically 5% above and/or below the homes true value. Well to my clients 5% can make a big difference especially if you've taken great care of your home and done a lot of upgrades. While playing on those sites and looking around is fun, if your serious about finding out the value of your home, thinking about making a move soon but not ready to talk to a Real Estate Agent, then go to www.SethRowlands.com for your FREE home evaluation.
If you'd like a more personalized report and would like to have a professional come out and look at your home, give you some tips and insights on how to get more money out of your home we can help you too. Simply give me a call at 626-343-4128 or 909-294-6799.
Thank you and I look forward to speaking to you soon
Seth Rowlands
626-343-4128 or 909-294-6799
Email: sethrowlands@yahoo.com
Do Real Estate Agents Work On The Weekends?
You may notice around your neighborhood that as soon as Saturday comes there are OPEN HOUSE signs everywhere. They are all over the city trying to persuade you if your looking for a home to follow the signs to their house and take a look and hopefully fall in love with it and buy it.
Well chances are very slim that is how you will buy your next home. So what are agents doing at these open houses, why did Mr. and Mrs. seller request you sit and do an open house? Well for the seller it's a way to satisfy the need to have people look at your home. They hope if enough people come through then someone is bound to like it, I mean all their friends and family have always said such wonderful things about the house. Then from the agents perspective it's not the most productive time but they do know that there is only 1 buyer for a house so that means all those other buyers need help finding a home and that means potential clients! Plus all those nosey neighbors, well one of those neighbors also may be the next Mr. and Mrs. Seller so it is worth spending the time talking to them from a Real Estate Agents perspective. So what does this mean to you Mr. and Mrs. Buyer?
Well I believe open houses are fun, it's fun to go in and look at houses, get ideas and take a look around. If someone is going to welcome you into their home and you don't have anything better to do, sure why not. You might find a neighborhood you've never considered, you may find a floor plan you've never knew existed, there are so many benefits. Now it's time to switch hats and tell you that if you are a serious buyer don't waste your time. The best thing for you to do is consult with a local Real Estate professional you can sit down with (hey you might even meet them at an open house!) and go over with them your wants and needs. The next step is you will either be referred by the realtor or you shouldi contact your lender to get pre-qualified so you know exactly what your looking for as far as purchase price, interest rates, and payments. Then you will want your Real Estate agent to send you all the homes that are on the market that fit your needs and select the top 5 homes. I say 5 because after that your either being to general and vague about what you want or your going to confuse your mind because homes will start to blend together. A great agent will eliminate homes and chose homes based on what you have shard and then after you start going to see properties they should all be properties you could possibly make a offer on.
So yes Real Estate Agents work on weekends and the best agents are meeting with home owners and buyers showing and selling properties. The weekends are a great time because it's the best time for us to meet with people when their schedules are a little bit more flexible. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy a house in the Upland / Rancho Cucamonga area, feel free to give me a call today.
Thank you
Seth Rowlands
626-343-4128 or 909-294-6799
Well chances are very slim that is how you will buy your next home. So what are agents doing at these open houses, why did Mr. and Mrs. seller request you sit and do an open house? Well for the seller it's a way to satisfy the need to have people look at your home. They hope if enough people come through then someone is bound to like it, I mean all their friends and family have always said such wonderful things about the house. Then from the agents perspective it's not the most productive time but they do know that there is only 1 buyer for a house so that means all those other buyers need help finding a home and that means potential clients! Plus all those nosey neighbors, well one of those neighbors also may be the next Mr. and Mrs. Seller so it is worth spending the time talking to them from a Real Estate Agents perspective. So what does this mean to you Mr. and Mrs. Buyer?
Well I believe open houses are fun, it's fun to go in and look at houses, get ideas and take a look around. If someone is going to welcome you into their home and you don't have anything better to do, sure why not. You might find a neighborhood you've never considered, you may find a floor plan you've never knew existed, there are so many benefits. Now it's time to switch hats and tell you that if you are a serious buyer don't waste your time. The best thing for you to do is consult with a local Real Estate professional you can sit down with (hey you might even meet them at an open house!) and go over with them your wants and needs. The next step is you will either be referred by the realtor or you shouldi contact your lender to get pre-qualified so you know exactly what your looking for as far as purchase price, interest rates, and payments. Then you will want your Real Estate agent to send you all the homes that are on the market that fit your needs and select the top 5 homes. I say 5 because after that your either being to general and vague about what you want or your going to confuse your mind because homes will start to blend together. A great agent will eliminate homes and chose homes based on what you have shard and then after you start going to see properties they should all be properties you could possibly make a offer on.
So yes Real Estate Agents work on weekends and the best agents are meeting with home owners and buyers showing and selling properties. The weekends are a great time because it's the best time for us to meet with people when their schedules are a little bit more flexible. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy a house in the Upland / Rancho Cucamonga area, feel free to give me a call today.
Thank you
Seth Rowlands
626-343-4128 or 909-294-6799
Saturday, October 25, 2014
When buying a home in Covina work with a Realtor that understands what you need
I had met a couple that was looking for a home in the Covina, CA area. We initially spoke but they felt obligated to give another Realtor a shot they had been talking with as well. Well after a month of following up I finally get a call and my client says, Seth will you help us we'd like to go look at some houses. Now I never hold it against anyone that works with another Realtor because on some level they are making the best decision for themselves based on what they know and feel.
Naturally I responded, yes of course I'll set up some homes and we can meet at the first property. After we met I found out that the client actually felt the Realtor didn't know as much as she knew and wasn't aggressive enough finding and showing them properties.
Well I always get feedback after every house we see because my philosophy is that we can learn something if not more from the homes that a client doesn't like because that will help us understand what we want and need. Because I study the inventory and market daily I could tell based on what the client was sharing with me that the homes we had set up were not going to work. Luckily I knew of a house across town that was a little bit more expensive but very close to what they wanted. Needless to say once they saw the house they both agreed, this is it! We had to battle hard for the property because it was a banked owned property but because I understood how to negotiate I put us in a position to win and was able to secure the property for them over many other offers.
My purpose in sharing this is or job as Real Estate Agents are to be educated to the point where we can help and educate our client. We first need to listen and hear the client so we can understand their needs not just try to push an easy sale on them. If you take care of your clients and truly focus on them, they won't be clients anymore they will become raving fans who advocate you to their friends and family.
Referrals are the goal to a business because it not only allows a business to become more profitable by reducing marketing cost but it also is an indication of the value of your service you are providing people. I am honored to say that my client has since bought another home and referred me to their family member who sold and bought a home with me as well. As great as that felt what truly felt amazing was when I received this testimonial from them :
Seth is absolutely the most professional, ethical and talented real estate agent ever. My Husband and I were very impressed with his professionalism the moment we met him. He is very approachable, informative and thorough. He quickly "got" us and understood our criteria for a house. He asked us the right questions and listened to our needs and wants. It took us less than a week to find the house of our dreams. For being a repo it was a beautiful home, ready to move in. It had several bid offers and thought it was going to be a long shot to buy this home. Thanks to Seth, he helped us each step of the way on the bidding process. He gave us very sound advice to make sure we didn't under bid or over bid. He always responded to our questions immediately and made the whole process go very smooth and fast. We closed escrow in a month. A year later after purchasing or first home, we contacted Seth to help us purchase our second home. Again he made the whole process easy and fast. I HIGHLY recommend Seth if you are looking for a real estate agent.
We should all strive to build relationships with our clients to that level where they feel you are "Simply the best"! If you or anyone you know is interested in buying or selling a house feel free to give me a call
Seth Rowlands
(626) 343-4128 or (909) 294-6799
Naturally I responded, yes of course I'll set up some homes and we can meet at the first property. After we met I found out that the client actually felt the Realtor didn't know as much as she knew and wasn't aggressive enough finding and showing them properties.
Well I always get feedback after every house we see because my philosophy is that we can learn something if not more from the homes that a client doesn't like because that will help us understand what we want and need. Because I study the inventory and market daily I could tell based on what the client was sharing with me that the homes we had set up were not going to work. Luckily I knew of a house across town that was a little bit more expensive but very close to what they wanted. Needless to say once they saw the house they both agreed, this is it! We had to battle hard for the property because it was a banked owned property but because I understood how to negotiate I put us in a position to win and was able to secure the property for them over many other offers.
My purpose in sharing this is or job as Real Estate Agents are to be educated to the point where we can help and educate our client. We first need to listen and hear the client so we can understand their needs not just try to push an easy sale on them. If you take care of your clients and truly focus on them, they won't be clients anymore they will become raving fans who advocate you to their friends and family.
Referrals are the goal to a business because it not only allows a business to become more profitable by reducing marketing cost but it also is an indication of the value of your service you are providing people. I am honored to say that my client has since bought another home and referred me to their family member who sold and bought a home with me as well. As great as that felt what truly felt amazing was when I received this testimonial from them :
Seth is absolutely the most professional, ethical and talented real estate agent ever. My Husband and I were very impressed with his professionalism the moment we met him. He is very approachable, informative and thorough. He quickly "got" us and understood our criteria for a house. He asked us the right questions and listened to our needs and wants. It took us less than a week to find the house of our dreams. For being a repo it was a beautiful home, ready to move in. It had several bid offers and thought it was going to be a long shot to buy this home. Thanks to Seth, he helped us each step of the way on the bidding process. He gave us very sound advice to make sure we didn't under bid or over bid. He always responded to our questions immediately and made the whole process go very smooth and fast. We closed escrow in a month. A year later after purchasing or first home, we contacted Seth to help us purchase our second home. Again he made the whole process easy and fast. I HIGHLY recommend Seth if you are looking for a real estate agent.
We should all strive to build relationships with our clients to that level where they feel you are "Simply the best"! If you or anyone you know is interested in buying or selling a house feel free to give me a call
Seth Rowlands
(626) 343-4128 or (909) 294-6799
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Who should I list my home for sale with?
Go to www.sethrowlands.com for a FREE home evaluations or call 626-343-4128
if you have any Real Estate questions.
Thank you and talk to you soon,
Seth
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