Lina Robertson's Blog: November 2009

I have an amazingly beautiful home listed just south of Nixa at 386 Plumtree Dr., that is surrounded by gorgeous woods and scenery.

Tonight, I received the following email from my seller:

I was cooking steaks on the grill tonight.  I went out to check them and this guy was staring at me when I opened the door then ran off.  I told the family about him and they came out to look and he happened to be coming back up the stairs.  I grabbed the camera and when I got back he was sitting out in the grass posing for us.  He stayed around for a while so we shared some leftover Thanksgiving turkey with him.  See the attached photos of our guest and new friend. He's an amazing guy!!!! 

This is highly unusual considering red fox are very shy of humans.  This one obviously is a fan of my seller's cooking.  About a month ago I received a call from another agent telling me that there was trash strung out across the seller's lawn.  I thought this was unusual considering my seller doesn't have any pets.  I'll bet I know who the culprit is now.

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

Have you ever wondered how safe your Springfield MO neighborhood is?  Are you moving to Springfield, MO, and wondering how safe a particular neighborhood is? The City of Springfield has a wonderful website where you can view crime reports for burglary, vandalism, rape, domestic violence, automobile accidents, etc.  You can access it at Crime Seen.

Here is an example of the burglaries in a portion of South Springfield.  Simply zoom in on the map to the area of interest and check which crimes you'd like to search for.

Search for Springfield MO Homes For Sale

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

According to the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts, bankruptcy filings are up 34% over last fiscal year.  To find out how your state ranks in bankruptcy filings, see the chart below provided by The Calculated Risk Blog.

I was talking with a family member on Thanksgiving Day about how professions that you wouldn't think would be affected by the current economy are suffering.  It seems that nobody is safe anymore.  My response was, "The only occupations that are truly safe in a poor economy is funeral director and bankruptcy attorney."

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

This is the fifth installment in a series to guide you through buying a home in the Springfield, MO, area.  If you missed the first four installments, I'm including the links here:

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part 1 - Getting PreApproved for a Loan

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part II - Selecting a Realtor

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part III - Choosing Your Area/Community

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part IV - Search For a Home

Now...you're preapproved for a loan, you've selected your Realtor, you've chosen your area/community, and you've looked at homes...what's next?  Researching your home of interest.

This is where working with the right Realtor is invaluable.  Your Realtor should be able to research your home of interest and give the following information to you:

1. How long has the home been on the market?  Has this home lingered on the market more than the average days on the market for its particular area?  If so, what are the possible reasons? 
   
2. Have there been any price reductions on the home?  If the seller has made several price reductions in regular increments, this could be a sign of a very motivated seller.  If there have been no price reductions and the home has been on the market for an unreasonable amount of time, this could be the sign of a difficult seller.
3. What have comparable homes in the area sold for?  How does the list price of this home compare to the homes that have sold recently?  What is the average price per square foot of the homes in the neighborhood?  How does this home compare with the homes that have recently sold?
4. Disclosures.  Disclosures are very valuable when looking at the history of the home.  Has there ever been water in the basement or crawlspace?  Has the home been treated for termites?  How old is the roof?  What equipment and/or appliances stay with the home?  Has the home ever been tested for radon?  When was the septic last serviced?
   
5. How much did the current seller pay for the home?  When did the current seller purchase the home and how much did they pay?  How does that compare with the current list price?
   
6. What upgrades has the seller made to the home?  Many times the price the current seller paid for the property is much less than the current list price.  What upgrades has the current seller made to the property?  Can they justify the increase in their asking price?
7. Are there possible zoning, school or street changes?  Are there any outstanding sewer connection fees on the property?  Possible school redistricting?  Zoning changes?  Street changes?  The answer to these questions may have a huge impact on your decision to pursue an offer on your home of interest.
8. Miscellaneous information.  I've often been asked to find out other information on a property that is not readily available to buyers, such as who owns the vacant land adjoining the property.  Do they intend to sell in the near future?  Is development of the adjoining vacant land a possibility in the near future?  Certain items on the disclosures can also warrant additional research, such as repairs due to storms.  How much damage was done to the property?  Who made the repairs to the property?

Gathering as much information on the home as possible prior to writing your first offer can help you position yourself in negotiations.  Once you've educated yourself, you're ready for the next step...writing an offer.

Click Here to Learn About Me and My Background

Click Here to Search for Homes For Sale in the Springfield MO Area

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

This is the fourth installment in a series to guide you through buying a home in the Springfield, MO, area.  If you missed the first three installments, I'm including the links here:

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part 1 - Getting PreApproved for a Loan

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part II - Selecting a Realtor

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part III - Choosing Your Area/Community

Now...you're preapproved for a loan, you've selected your Realtor, and you've chosen your area/community...what's next?  LOOKING FOR HOMES!

This is the fun part!  When searching for a home, it is important to tell your Realtor what your needs and wants are.  Many people these days prefer to search online themselves.  There are many excellent online resources for you. 

My website is a comprehensive resource for all of your real estate needs.  Start your search here for Springfield MO homes for sale for access to all listings in the Greater Springfield MLS, including the outlying communities such as Ozark, Nixa, Republic, Willard and Rogersville.  You can also search for upcoming Open Houses in Springfield MO.  You will also find Springfield MO Area Market Reports that are updated each month.

Register with My Home Finder and enter your search criteria. You may rerun a saved search anytime without reentering your personal criteria. You may save as many searches as you like.  Would you like to be notified via email about new listings matching your personal critera? Simply select the email notification option in any of your personal saved searches. You will receive links to newly listed properties!

Now that you have your list of favorite homes, your Realtor can schedule the showings.  Unless you're prohibited by time, it is important that you not look at too many homes in one day, otherwise it will be hard to remember which kitchen went with each home, etc.  Start with your absolute favorites.  Here are some tips when viewing homes:

1. Do you like the neighborhood?  Pay close attention to the surrounding homes.  Are they well kept?  Is it a family-friendly neighborhood?  Does it offer the amenities you're looking for, such as a pool, play area, tennis courts, basketball courts, lake, or walking trails?  Do you feel at home in the neighborhood?
2. How does the floorplan work for you?  Does the floorplan have a nice flow?  Are you able to utilize the space in the home for your specific needs?  Will the space of this home support your needs in the future?
3. Does the home need any immediate repairs or updating?  Is the HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roof in proper working order?  Are they at the end of their lifespan?  Do you have enough money to spend on upgrades and repairs the home may need?
4. Is this a new construction home?  If so, how stable is the builder?  What is the builder's reputation?  Is the builder good at following up on items under warranty?  What kind of warranty is the builder offering?  Talk with neighbors and find out what their experience was in working with this builder.
5. Can you envision yourself in this home?  It may be beautiful with someone else's furnishing, but how will your furniture fit into the home?  Try to envision how your own furniture will fit into the space.  Is the style of the home appropriate for your lifestyle?  If you entertain, is there plenty of room for your guests?

Once you've finished looking at a particular home, make notes!  It is likely that you will forget many of the features and/or characteristics of the home once you've left.  Be sure to take detailed notes of the properties that you view to help you in weighing the factors of one home against another.

Go through your list of needs and wants.  Which home MOST meets your needs?  You will be able to make an educated decision on which home you would like to make an offer on.

That will take you to the next installment - Researching Your Home of Interest.

Click Here to Learn About Me and My Background

Click Here to Search for Homes For Sale in the Springfield MO Area

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

This is the third installment in a series to guide you through buying a home in the Springfield, MO, area.  If you missed the first two installments, I'm including the links here:

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part 1 - Getting PreApproved for a Loan

Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part II - Selecting a Realtor

Now, you're preapproved for a loan, and you've selected your Realtor...what's next?  Choosing Your Area/Community.  If you're new to the Springfield, MO, area, you're probably unfamiliar with the various communities and areas.

I always recommend spending at least one day with your Realtor driving through the different areas.  Get a feel for the different communities in your chosen area.  Ask yourself some of the following questions:

1. What is the housing market like?  What is the average price range for homes in that community?  How does that compare with your own price range?  Are the home values increasing or decreasing? 
2. What are the schools like?  It is very difficult for your Realtor to help you make a selection regarding school preferences.  It is so subjective, and what is important to you may not be as important to someone else.  Don't have school-aged children?  You need to consider the schools anyway.  Remember, you may need to sell this home someday, and school district will definitely be an important factor for another buyer.
3. Will this area offer easy access to my work?  Check the traffic patterns.  Is this community going to offer you quick and easy access to your work?  Will you be going with or against the traffic?
   
4. What are the crime rates?  Do yourself a favor and research the crime rate in the various communities.  Call the local police station, or Google crime rates in the particular area.  You can also check demographics and crime rates for individual homes on my website.
   
5. What are the taxes?  What is the tax base in the area you're looking in?  How does it compare with other communities you're looking in?  Your Realtor should be able to tell you the current tax rate of the different communities.
6. Does it offer you the amenities that are important to you?  Does the community offer you the recreational, retail, or other amenities that are important to you?  Do you eat out a lot?  Do you work out at a fitness center?  Enjoy being involved in community centers?  Is there a pharmacy nearby for your prescription needs?  Does it offer adequate medical facilities?

Once you've narrowed down your preferred areas and/or community, you'll be able to narrow your home search to your selected areas.

Stay tuned for the next installment -Searching For a Home.

Click Here to Learn About Me and My Background

Click Here to Search for Homes For Sale in the Springfield MO Area

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

Please join us for our Open House on Sunday, November 29th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

3374 S. Sunrise Springfield, MO

Priced at $108,900

This home is immaculate and has been so well cared for!  Built in 1999, it offers  1,200 sf (m/l), 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a large living area with a woodburning fireplace that has neer been used, large kitchen/dining area with access to the covered patio and backyard, brand new carpet and paint throughout the home and large master suite with a private bathroom and walk-in closet.

Conveniently located on the southwest side of Springfield, and the Mark Twain/Carver/Kickapoo school districts.  2008 taxes:  $878.75.

Click Here to Search All Springfield MO Homes For Sale

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

There are so many things to be thankful for...but today I'm really thankful for Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving gives me an opportunity to shut everything down for one day and really focus on being with family.  My father comes from a very large family in Ava, MO, and I rarely have an opportunity to see them throughout the year.  Thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition in our family, and usually the only day of the year everyone can get together.

This year, our Thanksgiving dinner was held at my Aunt Dede's church.  Most of the family has musical talent, and the sanctuary provided space and equipment for everyone to set up their instruments and microphones and play music for hours. 

Every year, my Dad, Aunt Dede, Aunt Candy, Cousin Cindy, and Cousin Denise sing "Don't Step on Mother's Roses" as a tribute to my Grandma and Grandpa Robertson who are no longer with us.  It usually results in lots of tears.  This year was no different.

A couple of days ago, my son was playing around with my camera.  I had no idea it was capable of recording until my son accidently recorded me.  I was so happy to have a chance to capture a bit of the music today with my camera.  However, I did learn a valuable lesson...it doesn't focus well when you zoom in.  Sorry for the poor quality.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful, bright and memorable Thanksgiving.

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

This is the second installment in a series to guide you through buying a home in the Springfield, MO, area.  I'm including a link to the first installment, Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part 1 - Getting PreApproved for a Loan. 

In this post, we'll focus on selecting a Realtor.  I have been a Realtor helping families buy and sell homes in the Springfield, MO, area for 10 years now.  For the most part, Realtors in our area are very knowledgeable, hard-working, and ethical.  Like any profession, there are bad ones, but I personally feel that the majority of Realtors in our area are honest, hardworking agents who work well with each other, regardless of their company affiliation.

Here are some tips for choosing the right Realtor for you:

Is the Realtor full-time or part-time?  This is one of the most important criteria to look for.  There is a world of difference in full-time and part-time agents.  A full-time agent is someone who has dedicated themselves to being a Realtor.  They have made a serious commitment to their profession and are motivated to succeed.  Full-time Realtors have made a 100% investment in their own abilities and business.  Why should you invest in a Realtor that is not willing to invest in themselves?  They are dependent upon the real estate market to make their living, and know that devoting themselves 100% to their clients is the road to success.  A full-time agent will be there for you when YOU need THEM. 

What company is the Realtor affiliated with?  No two real estate companies are the same.  Look for an agent with a strong company behind them dedicated to providing their agents with the tools, technology and TRAINING they need to succeed.  Are the majority of the company's agents part-time agents?  Real estate companies offer different packages to their agents.  Some companies work under a business model where the more the agent sells, the less the company takes from their commissions.  These companies actually make more money from agents who sell little, yet pay a higher commission split to the company for the few transactions they do close.  Other companies work off of a flat fee arrangement.  The agent is paying to be with the company regardless of whether or not they sell anything.  An agent must be able to produce in order to justify the cost involved to be with the company.  Just because a company is larger, doesn't make them better.

How long has the Realtor been in the business?  Personally, I don't think this criteria should be given as much weight as everyone tends to believe.  I can honestly say that I worked as hard for my first client as I have with my current clients.  A Realtor's work ethic is a personality trait within and does not have much bearing on how many years they've been in the business.  There is an agent in my office who has only been licensed for one year, but is one of the hardest working agents I have ever met.  I know other agents who have been licensed for 30 years that won't return a phone call or email.  Look for how prompt the agent is with YOU, and how willing the agent is to accommodate your schedule, and how willing they are to do extra footwork and research on your behalf.

Does your Realtor know the market and the area?  A Realtor who is familiar with the area that you're searching in is a must.  While many buyers prefer to use a friend or family member, if that friend or family member is not familiar with the market in that particular area, they will not be as helpful to you in determining fair market value, or the resale potential of the home you purchase.  Your Realtor is your "guide", and you want to be sure to hire a "guide" that knows the path they are leading you down.

Does your Realtor "get it"?  Does your Realtor actually LISTEN to you?  Do you feel like your agent has a clear picture of what your needs and wants in a home are?  Has your Realtor taken the time to get to know YOU?  Getting to know my clients and asking questions about their family, lifestyle, wants, needs, and specific preferences help me to focus on finding the perfect home for them.  Working with a Realtor that is working FOR you will take a lot of stress and pressure off of your shoulders and enable you to enjoy the journey to your new home so much more.

Be sure to check back for the next installment - Choosing the Right Area/Community For You.

Click Here to Learn About Me and My Background

Click Here to Search for Homes For Sale in the Springfield MO Area

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.

The Greater Springfield Board of Realtors has lost over 1,000 members in the past three years.  When I became a member in the year 2000, there were just over 1,800 members of the Board of Realtors.  At the height of the market in 2005, the membership topped 3,000. 

The Springfield Realtor Magazine came out online today and I noticed we now have 2,006 members.  Because revenue from membership dues has decreased, the Board of Realtors was forced to downsize in staff and increase dues in order to maintain a balanced budget.

Our yearly dues are expected in January.  As with the past couple of years, I expect to see another major fallout in membership by February and March of 2010.  I think it's highly possible our membership will be down to the level of the year 2000.

I have asked our Membership Coordinator to provide me with stats of the membership from 2000 to present.  I will share the numbers with you when I receive them.

As for me...I'm a Realtor. I am passionate about real estate.  Take away my homes, my vehicle, and every material possession I have, and I'm still a Realtor.  No matter how bad this market gets, or how long it lasts, as long as I have my license and my office, I will always have the ability to get back on my feet.  So far God has blessed me with all of it.

Lina Robertson Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

I am a full-time REALTOR® in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, helping Buyers and Sellers with homes for sale in the Springfield MO Real Estate, and Ozark MO Real Estate markets as owner and full-time agent of RE/MAX Solutions.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com and obtain access to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings, as well as current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports.