Westchester Real Estate Talk

This whole approach would also work for real estate.  Simple, wear a nametag out and about and look what can happen. People will approach you, call you by your name, start to ask you Real Estate questions. Everyone wants free advice. You can be standing on line at the supermarket and with a name tag the public will know that you are an agent and approach you. Seems pretty simple and is great marketing.

Drastically Reduced to $675,000

I have a listing on the market for the past six weeks.    This house is an Estate Sale. The roof was redone a few years ago, the kitchen is updated, the deck was recently refurbished.   The bathrooms and windows are original and there is some noise from a nearby highway.  This is a high ranch.  Upstairs is a living room with floor to ceiling brick fireplace, dining room and eat in kitche.  There is a master bedroom with bath, two more bedrooms and another bath.  Downstairs there is what is now being used as a bedroom, bath and den.  There are two sliders leading out to the .46 back property.  I am told this used to be a doctors office.  There is a two car attached garage.  The property does slope to the side a bit.  We have drasticaly reduced the price of this house below a recent appraisal.  We are ready to sell and will consider any reasonable offer.  The current asking price is $675,000.

There is a tax grievance that was just submitted to the Town of Greenburgh and we are anticipating anywhere from a 12%-15% reduction in the current tax and of course the STAR adjustment also needs to be deducted.  This can be verified with the Town of Greenburgh at the time an offer is considered.

The School District for this house is Ardsley.  The recreation is the Town of Greenburgh.  The mailing address is Scarsdale, New York (post office).

If you will be traveling to the city you may park at the Hartsdale train station and the commute is 30 minutes.  For further information please visit www.MiriamBernstein.com and click feature properties you will find pictures, school district links, town links and train station information.  If you need further information, would like to preview the property or have a question please call me at 914-907-1922 or email me at mailto:miriam@miriambernstien.com.

We all have pet peeves where we work whether we are Real Estate Agents, Brokers, teachers, whatever.  There are certain things  that occur during our day that are just inexplicable.  I am taught that I can't change my surroundings only my reactions and the way I deal with what goes on.  There are times when this just becomes totally impossible. Sometimes some of the most simple things just get on your nerves, the straw that broke, etc.........

So,

1.  Why do listing agents that presumably want to sell their listings make it virtually impossible to show the property?

 2.  Why are some of the most important things about a property that a buyer needs to know put into the agent to agent comments.

3.  Why do listing agents only have one key for their property?

4.  Why in this buyer's market do listing agents say, without speaking to the owners, "oh, that is just much too low an offer, I am sure they won't accept it, we have higher" Oh yeh!

 5.  Why are there agents who still don't put their cell phones onto the listings.

6.  Why if you have an appointment to show an apartment after 5pm and your buyer cancels is there not information about what to do so you don't stand the owner up on the listing - who and where should you call after 5pm?

7.  Why do agencies hire agent's kids to work the front desk?  Is this a bar-be-cue or a business!

8.   Why do agents not call the listing agent and give a head's up that an offer will be faxed? and find out where to fax it?

9.   Why do some offices need 15-20 minutes in the mornings for their computers to be turned on and warmed up.  Don't they open for business at 9?

10.  Why is there an agency in my area stating on their site that they are #1 in Community Involvement.  Can't find the study on this one!

Why oh why oh why!!! 

One of the things you are entitled to as you go through the process of applying for a mortgage is what is called a "Settlement Statement" or "HUD". This is a form that is completed by your settlement agent and outlines who is getting what at the closing. You are entitled to review this statement prior to actually closing. This is regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Prohibited Fees. It is illegal under RESPA for anyone to pay or receive a fee, kickback or anything of value because they agree to refer settlement service business to a particular person or organization. For example, your mortgage lender may not pay your real estate broker $250 for referring you to the lender. It is also illegal for anyone to accept a fee or part of a fee for services if that person has not actually performed settlement services for the fee. For example, a lender may not add to a third party's fee, such as an appraisal fee, and keep the difference.

Permitted Payments. RESPA does not prevent title companies, mortgage brokers, appraisers, attorneys, settlement/closing agents and others, who actually perform a service in connection with the mortgage loan or the settlement, from being paid for the reasonable value of their work. If a participant in your settlement appears to be taking a fee without having done any work, you should advise that person or company of the RESPA referral fee prohibitions. You may also speak with your attorney or complain to a regulator listed in the Appendix to this Booklet.

Penalties. It is a crime for someone to pay or receive an illegal referral fee. The penalty can be a fine, imprisonment or both. You may be entitled to recover three times the amount of the charge for any settlement service by bringing a private lawsuit. If you are successful, the court may also award you court costs and your attorney's fees.

RESPA and Illegal Kickbacks