6 real estate marketing trends that work!

6 Real Estate Marketing Trends that WORK!

In an overly saturated "marketing" business climate, how do you cut through the clutter and get your property in front of the buyer? There are many choices available to market real estate today, so many in fact it can be confusing. We have put together a list of six marketing trends that we have seen be successful in getting more exposure to your property. Although there are tried and true methods that have worked for years, today's marketing climate demands that we stay up with where and how people get their information. The six trends we will look at are: Mobile technology Web marketing Email marketing Social media marketing Flyers in front of house Just listed postcards Number one on our list is MOBILE TECHNOLOGY. Since over 75% of America is receiving information on some type of mobile device, this is our first pick in getting information out to the consumer about your property. For buyer's, it makes it easy to find a home that fits your needs in the location your desire. From Century 21 to Realtor.com to many hundreds of other mobile applications, there are apps tailored to the consumers needs, phone technology, and technology level. A consumer can choose the app that fits their mobile phone brand and technology platform, and that has all the bells and whistles they want to help them in their home search. For example, the Century 21 mobile app for the iPhone is a user friendly and simple application. Just open the app and the GPS will find your location and bring up a list of homes in that area. Or, you can be more specific and choose a city or zip, set your pricing and other criteria, and up pops the properties that fit your search - either in list form or on a map. Other real estate mobile apps to check out are Realtor.com, Trulia.com, and Zillow.com. Many companies are now adding applications that you can use on other Smart Phones other than just the iPhone. Why is mobile technology important and how does it work? Mobile technology simply "feeds" information from the Web to your Smartphone in various programs or applications (apps). For the consumer on the go armed with a smart phone that has a real estate app, it's as easy as pulling up in front of the home you like and with a few clicks on the phone look at photos of the interior and view the price and other important details. If you want to set an appointment to view the home, just click on a button and you can instantly be connected to the agent's phone number, or contact them via email or text. The advantage to the buyer: Immediate access to information The advantage to the seller: Information to the buyer 24/7 Number two on our list is WEB MARKETING. We all know where we go these days for information and help - and looking for a house is no exception. We go online to our favorite websites, or we go to Google or another search engine. Recent estimates say that over 84% of people looking for a home start their search online. So, your property MUST be viewable on the World Wide Web (www) if you want to reach the multitude of homebuyers! Real Estate search engines like Realtor.com and Trulia.com provide INSTANT information to the consumer, helping them make a more informed decision. In today's web marketing you also have what we call "syndication" which means the real estate search engines send out their information to other thrird party websites, increasing exposure and views of the properties. What used to be a simple weekly ad in a newspaper with a limited readership is now a real estate ad that provides information to potential millions of interested viewers 24/7! School, community, and neighborhood specifics - and much more are also included on a listing that is marketed correctly on the Web. Mix that with a REALTOR that understands the market and can act as a guide and a negotiator along the way, and you have a WIN WIN for all parties! The advantage to the buyer: Immediate access to information The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people Number three is EMAIL MARKETING. If you are like 98% of the country, you are using email as a means of communication. Email marketing, just like Web marketing, broadens the potential exposure of your property. A REALTOR with an extensive network of local real estate professionals and sphere of influence (SOI) can reach potentially thousands of interested parties with a simple email "blast" announcing their new listing. It is no secret that email is a preferred method of marketing in today's world. And now with mobile technology bringing our emails to our phones, we can view these anytime, anywhere! The advantage to the buyer: Information delivered from a trusted source even BEFORE it is available anywhere else The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people Number four is SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING. Facebook.com has over 500 millions users and other popular networks like Twitter.com and YouTube.com have hundreds of millions of active participants as well. Through social media, people can "connect" to savvy real estate professionals they trust and like and likewise Realtors can find qualified buyers using their social media networks. The Realtor that employs social media in their real estate marketing can expose your property to potentially thousands of interested prospects. One friend tells another that tells another and before long your property lands in the right buyer's account. It broadens the possiblities, and that's just good marketing! YouTube.com is the #2 search engine in the world next to Google.com. More and more savvy marketers are turning to YouTube to feature videos of properties that give a personal and up-close, realistic view of the house. When the time comes for you to list your home, be sure you ask your Realtor to shoot a video of the home - and if you're game, put on your camera face and join in the fun of making the video. Who knows, your video might go "viral" and get a million views! The advantage to the buyer: An on-demand review of a property from the comfort of their home The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people Going back to tried and true basics, number five is FLYERS IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. As we can see, marketing that works is marketing that gives INFORMATION on demand, when the consumer wants it. Instead of dialing a number, viewing the info on a smartphone, or emailing the agent for information, when driving around looking for homes (which is a favorite past time for many prospective homebuyers), information available at the property is a no-brainer. A box or tube with flyers that give basic facts about the house like price, number of bedrooms, and a photo of the kitchen, simply works. The advantage to the buyer: Instant gratification by providing key facts about the property when they are there looking The advantage to the seller: Providing key facts that qualifiy your property to interested prospects The last real estate marketing trend on our list is another method that has been used for years and is still successful even in this digital age. Number six is JUST LISTED POSTCARDS that announce to your neighborhood or area that your house is for sale. (Statistics show that most people moved only 12 miles away from their previous home.) When a Realtor expands that distribution to their sphere of influence (SOI), the message reaches even more real state professionals and interested parties who might be looking for what your home offers. The advantage to the buyer: They receive information on a home that is available in their selected neighborhood or area The advantage to the seller: Exposing your property to potential buyers in your direct area So that completes our list of SIX REAL ESTATE MARKETING TRENDS that are proven to provide better exposure of your property when the homebuyer wants it. Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor today to find out how they plan to market your property to get the best price in the shortest amount of time! CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

ATTENTION AGENTS: FREE MCE Classes to cover new changes in HUD

HUD has changed procedures! Get 2 hours of MCE FREE!
Space is limited, email today to reserve your seat!

Date	Time	Location	# Seats	Reservation Link/email
Tuesday 11/02	1:30-3:30	Richardson - MetroTex Assn of REALTORS - 1701 N. Collins Blvd. #1400, Richardson 75080	30	SOLD OUT
Tuesday 11/09	1:30-3:30	Garland - Lake Cities Assn of REALTORS 911 Main St. Garland 75040	40	HUDlc1109
Tuesday 11/16	1:30-3:30	Duncanville - MetroTex Assn of REALTORS 407 N. Cedar Ridge #110, Duncanviile 75116	30	HUDdv1116
Tuesday 11/30	1:30-3:30	Dallas MetroTex Association of REALTORS 8201 N. Stemmons, Dallas 75247	120	HUDdal1012
Tuesday 12/07	1:30-3:30	Arlington Board of REALTORS 3916 West I-20, Ste 160, Arlington 76017	100	HUDarl1026

	Sponsored by:
Pemco, Ltd.	CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company	Lake Cities Association of REALTORS
Matt Martin Real Estate Management	Arlington Board of REALTORS	MetroTex Association of REALTORS

5 Tips for Successful Real Estate Investing

In today’s real estate market good deals are abundant for those ready to invest.

In fact, today a buyer can buy real estate and have a better cash flow than in years past. Two years ago an investor would be happy with buying an investment property that could cash flow $200.00 a month over the mortgage payment. That was figured on a 20-year mortgage including taxes and insurance. Today you can buy rentals that will cash flow up to $400.00-$500.00 or more per month.

TODAY’S OPORTUNITY IS BETTER THAN EVER.

Plan your future with rental houses in it. Buying investment property today comes with low interest rates and lower taxes due to the lower sales prices - resulting in lower payments than just two years ago. Rent prices are stable and we continue to see a growth in the rental market due to our economic times.

Once you buy an investment property, follow the model of successful investors and hire a professional management company to handle the day to day minutia. Spend your time locating those real buys and let a property management company do the management.

Be sure to look at homes that need work. Mortgage companies are not generally interested in spending more funds repairing them, resulting in you getting a lower price. All sounds real simple, right? It doesn’t have to be complicated, following a few simple steps will help you get started. The following tips will keep you on track as you grow into a real estate mogul with successful investing!

5 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE INVESTING

1. Make a plan – Determine how many houses you want to purchase per quarter, per year, and know how much cash-flow you want each property to produce for you over and above mortgage, insurance and expenses. Other items to plan for are:

a. What areas do you want to target? Look for properties that meet your criteria in the areas that you choose.
b. Look for a win/win in every purchase; it needs to work for you, the bank and the owner.
c. Don’t get emotional, learn to negotiate – this is a business purchase.
d. Remember that ugly ducklings can be made beautiful. Look for properties you can fix up to increase the value of the neighborhood – which in turn increases your investment.

2. Know your objectives - Write out your objectives for investing. Do you want to

a. build future wealth on investments that will cash-flow itself while building a retirement income on a 20-year note,
b. build short-term wealth that provides a monthly income from the cash-flow on a 30-year note,
c. or, get immediate cash by buying low and flipping (fixing up and selling for a profit)?

3. Set your Parameters – Determine the parameters in advance, i.e. what type of house will you buy? What type of lease will you take? What can you afford to buy?

a. Go for the lower maintenance, more popular styled home for your area: i.e. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage, central heat and air, with brick exterior. Remember, the better quality home the better quality tenant/lease you will be able to secure. Stay away from homes that require continuous maintenance and upkeep (i.e. homes with wood siding).
b. Go with a minimum 2-year lease. A tenant who signs a 2-year lease will most likely sign for another 2 years, and another 2 years – you are already 6 years, into paying off your investment!
c. Know how much money you can invest in a property without breaking YOUR bank! Look for REO’s and houses that have been on the market for a very long time (180 days +).

4. Get your $$$$$ in order – Of course you will have to get your credit in order and have a good relationship with your lender. Here are a few “secrets” from the experts to continue your success:

a. Have a 6 month “emergency” fund put back to protect you and your investments.
b. Save money to take care of your future. No one else can do this for you.
c. Pay attention to your business, your assets, what you are spending and what you are saving.
d. Learn to GIVE. It will come back to you.

5. Use a property management company – One of the biggest mistakes and “time guzzlers” is in trying to manage your investment properties yourself. Experts advise you NOT to manage your properties yourself...”don’t worry about the $45 and $50 items that need to be fixed at your property, instead focus on the $40,000 equities that are out there!” A property management company will take care of these things for you, freeing your time and resources to develop your investment portfolio:

a. advertising your vacant property
b. thoroughly screening a prospective tenant
c. performing move-in, move-out and periodic inspections
d. expediting emergency repairs
e. handling regular maintenance and upkeep of your property
f. overseeing any legal or collection issues

Real estate investing is a proven way to build wealth, and anyone can start! Use these simple tips to get started then contact a trusted real estate professional to help you with your first purchase.

Happy investing!

To find a real estate professional, contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, a locally owned DFW real estate brokerage with over 70 years of real estate, mortgage and insurance experience. Call 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

Find out how to make your property management worries disappear. Contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Management today! Call 972-780-5380 or email propertymanagement@judgefite.com.

When is the best time to buy and sell real estate?

It's always a good market for real estate, the timing is up to YOU!

If you are a homeowner who is ready to sell your home - or a homebuyer who is ready to purchase your dream home, the good news is that anytime is a good time to buy or sell real estate – YOU are the deciding factor! The best time is when YOU are ready.

Now for the really good news

There are factors in our market right now that make it easy to decide to buy or sell real estate. With interest rates at historical lows, you can get more for your money, and even free up some of your cash flow with lower payments and have money to spend on other necessities.

Here’s an interesting scenario:

A 30-year loan of $250,000 at an interest rate of 4.5% in comparison to 6.5% will save you $113,051.70 over 30 years! And yes, right now 4.5% is readily available on most loan products.

Your monthly payment on a 4.5% loan (P&I) would be $1,266.71; the payment on the 6.5% loan (P&I) would be $1,580.17 - the difference in the monthly payment is $313.46. The monies saved on the mortgage could give you some financial breathing room, or be utilized for other household needs. Mortgage rates are low now, but they won’t stay there forever. NOT buying now, could have a financial impact on your future.

You’re ready, so where do you start?

First, call your real estate agent, or consult with a mortgage professional – they can give you specific information based on your personal situation. Here are 3 key things you will need to start working on and be aware of as you move toward a real estate transaction:

1. Down payment - 3.5% down payment is required on an FHA loan - Max FHA loan is $271,050
2. Credit Score - Minimum of 620 (FHA & VA loans) - In general, lenders are requiring borrowers have a minimum 620 Credit Score. There are higher requirements on conventional loans.
3. Documentation. Borrowers are asked for much more documentation to verify income, assets, and other items necessary to meet investor guidelines. Speak with your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Real Estate Agent or a recommended Cendera Funding Loan Officer and begin collecting the documentation early (even before you have found a property)...it will simplify and expedite the process!

Buying and selling real estate is about YOU – your desires and your life needs. When you are ready to make the move, that’s the best time - and we will be here to help every step of the way!

Real Estate is Great in Plano

What matters most to YOU when buying and selling real estate?

Whether you are listing your home to sell or looking for your dream home, three things matter most - price, convenience, and time.

If you are a seller, you want to get the best price, you want a hassle-free transaction, and you want it to happen fast, right? If you are a buyer, you want to get the best value on a home, you want a hassle-free transaction too, AND you don’t want it to take forever! As I see it, in a market like we have here in Texas in 2010, you can accomplish all these things with KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, and the right TOOLS – here are my definitions as they relate to real estate:

KNOWLEDGE - acquainted with the real estate facts, truths, and/or principles, trained, studied, and investigated, general knowledge to help you along your real estate path, familiarity with the market, the industry, and the transactional process.

EXPERIENCE - a particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing the real estate process, the process or fact of personally observing, managing, encountering, or undergoing a real estate sale or listing (been there done that!) and the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from it.

TOOLS - anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose. In the case of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, the tools used to give your listing the best possible exposure and bring you the best price, or to help you conveniently find your dream home, and bring it all to a successful close in the shortest amount of time!

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company has the knowledge, experience and the tools to give you the real estate results you are looking for. But that’s just THREE GREAT reasons, read here for more!

Why go GREEN?

Real Estate 411 - Top 5 Residential GREEN Remodeling Projects

What are the benefits of green remodeling? Green homes are healthier places to live, are better for the environment and can save money. They have better air quality than non-green homes, cost less to operate and significantly decrease the negative impact of the home on the environment. Green homes are also an immediate and measurable way individuals can make a difference in the environment.

As summer draws to a close and the kids go back to school, you may be thinking about taking on a new fall home project. Whether you are a homeowner, wishful homeowner, or real estate investor, here are our TOP 5 REGreen projects that not only will provide you an opportunity to refresh and restore your living environment, but will also improve your home’s value and get you started going GREEN! Together we can all make a difference in our environment!

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REGreen Kitchen Opportunities:

Today’s kitchens are often the most active and multipurpose rooms in the home. This can mean that the kitchen provides the most opportunities for “greening” the home. From lighting and appliances to plumbing fixtures and interior finishes, the kitchen is packed with ways to optimize form and function while minimizing environmental impact.

• Upgrade or replace existing windows and doors
• Install low water-use kitchen faucet
• Install effective kitchen ventilation
• Install energy-efficient electric lighting
• Install energy-efficient refrigerator, dishwasher, and cooking
appliances
• Consider flooring made from natural or rapidly renewable materials
• Select cabinets made from greener materials
• Install environmentally preferable countertops
• Set water temperature no higher than necessary
• Use environmentally preferable cleaning materials and strategies

REGreen BATH Opportunities:

The greatest opportunities for greening a bathroom remodel come from managing water, but in two very different ways: managing incoming use (in pipes) and outgoing flows (both liquid and vapor). Green bathrooms need the highest performing faucets, showerheads, and toilets. But they also need walls designed and constructed to handle both liquid water and high humidity, and exhaust fans that efficiently and quietly move water vapor out of the space. The bathroom is also a good place to invest in durable surfaces, ones that stand the test of time both aesthetically and functionally.

• Properly detail windowsills in wet areas
• Ensure that window and skylight installation includes proper air
sealing and flashing
• Install energy-efficient electric lighting
• Replace toilets with high-efficiency toilets
• Install low water-use showerheads
• Install water-conserving bathroom faucet aerator
• Choose high-efficiency water heater and set water temperature no
higher than necessary
• Consider environmental preferability of piping material
• Limit use of wall coverings in high moisture areas
• Choose hard-surface flooring

REGreen BEDROOM Opportunities:

Most of us spend more time in our bedroom than in any other room in our home, so it makes sense that the materials installed and the resulting air quality in these spaces should be the cleanest and healthiest possible.

The eight or so hours that we spend asleep each day should be restorative for our bodies and our spirits. Healthy air, confidence about freedom from potential hazards, such as electromagnetic fields, and relaxing aesthetics all contribute to the sense of well-being found in bedrooms. The bedroom may be the only place a homeowner can find a quiet, private respite from a hectic lifestyle. And when we are ill, the bedroom needs to be a space that supports healing.

• Provide fresh air as part of ventilation system
• Make sure ducting is clean
• Use low or zero-VOC interior paints and finishes
• Select wood subflooring that is FSC-certified and low/no-
formaldehyde
• Choose environmentally preferable carpet and rug products
• Select carpet cushion that does not contain brominated flame-
retardants
• Select solid furniture made from green and safe sources
• Minimize use of plush and porous materials
• Choose environmentally preferable fabrics
• Choose furniture finished with least-toxic products

REGreen LIVING and WORKING Opportunities:

In most homes, the traditional living space configuration—kitchen, dining room, living room, den—has been reconfigured for lifestyles that are more contemporary and shared rather than separate functions: workspaces in the kitchen or living room, entertainment in the den, dining in the kitchen. When remodeling green, the goal is to rework existing spaces for new or combined functions rather than add new spaces.

• Provide for additional ventilation and air-conditioning needs in
certain activity areas
• Provide adaptable lighting for multiuse spaces
• Select energy-efficient Energy Star–rated office equipment
• Consider flooring made from certified or reclaimed wood
• Choose environmentally preferable carpet and rug products
• Select ergonomic furniture and office equipment
• Select furniture from suppliers that practice fair and safe
manufacturing processes
• Choose furniture finished with least-toxic products
• Support local artisans as well as indigenous people
• Provide for paper recycling

REGreen OUTDOOR Opportunities:

Outdoor living space can range from a wood-framed deck to a stone patio to a trellised outdoor kitchen. A green outdoor living space expands the square footage of the home with the least amount of materials, connects the home and its occupants to the outdoors and to nature, and can involve landscaping that improves site drainage and reduces outdoor water consumption. Outdoor living space improvements can be a great do-it-yourself project. Although we tend to think of this space as private and backyard focused, front space and wraparound front porches that can create a sense of neighborhood are important to consider as well.

• Maintain adequate slope and drainage away from house when
creating outdoor living areas
• Make use of trees and landscaping to reduce cooling loads
• Provide rainwater collection system
• Provide for edible plants in landscape design
• Use environmentally preferable patio materials
• Use naturally rot-resistant, responsibly produced wood for decks
• Use recycled-content plastic or composite decking boards
• Install energy-efficient electric lighting
• Choose efficient hot tub or spa
• Choose environmentally friendly outdoor furniture and accessories

To learn more about REGREEN and download the complete REGreen project guidelines, visit www.regreenprogram.org.

To find a GREEN Designated real estate agent to help you start your GREEN project, contact www.CENTURY21JudgeFite.com or call 800-451-8055.

Are you ready to get off the fence?

Property Management with William Ferguson, President of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Management Company.

Buy Low Sell High, is the Strategy of most investors. Why not do the same thing when you buy your homestead?.

Your home is typically your most valuable asset you will ever own. It goes to reason that buyers should use the same mantra to buy their home that investors use to get rich on. Due to the increased number of foreclosures in today’s sales market it is the perfect opportunity to buy low. There is an added benefit to buying today and that is the interest rates are also at an all time low. Interest Rates will not stay low for long with the projected economy.

If you have to sell your home at a discount you may be able to justify this action if the home you are buying has more equity than you have to give up to make the deal. I listed a home for sale in Kessler Park many years ago. I was the twelfth agent the owners interviewed to sell their home. When I asked the sellers to tell me about the home they were on contract to buy they lit up. It did not take long to realize that their new home had $50,000.00 equity and we were at a stale mate on a $10,000.00 reduction of their present home. They wanted to sell their home for $10,000.00 more than the market was paying. I simply asked, why gamble loosing the $50,000.00 equity for $10,000.00 that does not exist? The husband and wife looked at each other and proceeded to sign my listing agreement. They saw clearly that the $50,000.00 equity was more valuable to them than the $10,000.00 that did not exist at that time.

You can use this process to improve your equity in your homestead or buying and selling investment properties. We at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Management Company consider it a pleasure to service your Property Management needs.

Reduce your RISK with BEST practice

This month I have been collecting requests to be sent to you to keep you out of trouble. CMA's: The first came from one of our Cendera Loan Officers, Brian Tarbet, who strongly suggested a reminder to all of you that your CMA, Comparative/competitive Market Analysis, be updated at least every 60 days. Why should we do this? In service to our Seller, we need to make sure that the property is competitive so that it will continue to be shown. What new closings have occurred? Have the prices taken a drastic turn for the worse or maybe it was an increase-it happens both ways. If we have a current CMA, then we don't have to worry about the appraiser finding comps. WE can again, at the least, supply to him what we have and what we used when we meet him/her for the appraisal. I also suggest strongly that you, the listing agent, physically meet the appraiser, so that you can give him/her your comps and hopefully he/she will agree with your figures. FILE DOCUMENTATION: It is more important than ever. I had warned you months ago that in a rough economic time, humans start playing the blame game and lawsuits or just gripes against REALTORS become more prevalent. It is happening and that is how I find out that the condition of our files is BAD. There is a minimal checklist at the bottom of every sales control sheet. The completed checklist should be the fewest items in a file that the office will keep for 7 years. Our attorney wants more -- from your post-it-notes to the survey. Would you believe that we have a lawsuit to defend with no signed Seller Disclosure? Do you think we can win that one? How about another with no IABS? That is state law; where is it? PLEASE, put everything related to the property IN the file. Turn in your file promptly so that manager and staff can help keep YOU out of trouble. I don't want a CDA produced until everything applicable on the checklist is in the file. IABS and SUB-AGENCY: Somehow this has become a question lately. I ask in the MCE Legal & Ethics classes if anyone sees sub-agency anymore and all have said no, but it still evidently needs to be addressed. We, as a company, are hired by Sellers to sell properties. I do not feel that any Buyer should be ignored, even if their agent is doing a poor job, so we have never turned away or refused to pay a "sub-agent." However, I am not condoning our agents ever being sub-agents. When you have the IABS signed at your first face to face meeting and you explain agency, you should offer the potential client their own representation and educate them of the benefits to them. I would then encourage you to treat this customer as a client until you have him/her agree to that representation in writing with signatures on either the listing agreement or the buyer rep agreement. We may occasionally receive an offer from a sub-agent. Our job is to present the offer and make it work. If we do, we will pay that sub-agent. If the other agent is a sub-agent, you should be able to get more detailed information about his/her client because his/her loyalty is actually to our Seller. C21 Judge Fite agents should ALWAYS represent fully their own clients. INSPECTORS: Some of the inspectors are creating some national unrest in their relationships with REALTORS accusing us of steering. For your own protection, hand a C21JF HOME GUIDE to your Buyers so that they have several, not just 3, inspectors to choose. Suggest strongly that they call several and talk to them individually so that the Buyers can feel comfortable with their choice. Please and... Be careful out there and sell lots of real estate. Jan Fite Miller CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company www.CENTURY21JudgeFite.com If you are interested in a career in real estate, email recruiting@judgefite.com for details on how to get started!

Why I Choose? Judge Fite helps you stay ahead of the curve

Dene McFerren of the Cedar Hill office shares her thoughts about training in a fast changing business.

Before I decided to get my real estate license, I knew I wanted to work for Century21 Judge Fite, if they would have me. As a life long citizen of Dallas, I grew up hearing the Judge Fite name associated with words like integrity, value, service, and longevity. When they added Century21 to their title, they became a a formidable force with a national presence.

Now that I have been a part of the Judge Fite team for almost ten years, I can honestly tell you that their impeccable reputation pales in comparison to the true integrity of this organization. They believe in supporting their agents and staff to a level I have never experienced before in my professional life. Recently it became necessary for some agents to have additional training for a particular facet of this business. Instead of making it a negative, or punitive situation, Judge Fite created a training session that was not only extremely informative and easily accessible, but also provided all of the agents with FREE MCE hours as a result of completing the training. When you make a mistake, as we all do, the management and executives at Judge Fite not only stand by you, they help you correct the problem and then find a way to improve your ability to deal with whatever may come your way.

Real estate is a fast changing business with a myriad of moving parts. Judge Fite stays ahead of the curve and provides training throughout your career at every level of success you achieve. They support you when you are in need, appreciate you in your successes, reward your achievements, and they provide all the training and education that make everything possible. They really have no equal in my opinion.

Dena McFerren
Cedar Hill
469-879-6178

Risk Management - tips for a better real estate transaction

Risk Management with Jan Fite Miller, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company in Dallas, Texas

If we all know and abide by the rules, then why would we still be facing problems?

Here we are back to really talking about RISK to you and your clients and what I see happening in our real world of real estate. Let’s start, maybe I always will, with the disclaimer that I am not an attorney just in case any of you ever quote me. Then we can get into what has happened this month to keep me busy. And, please, keep in mind that I do not ever want to scare you. I just want to keep you cautious.

This month’s important precautions:

(1) Watch forwarding emails! It might be buried several emails back and forth and THEN, you may be forwarding to the other agent some confidential information that could hurt your client or the client’s negotiating position (maybe only in their opinion—YIKES). This action threatens or kills your agency relationship of confidentiality and can cost YOU money, the commission, hours of heartache, and the loss of a client.

(2) Mineral Rights: You are sitting with the Seller in your listing presentation and they just barely mention that they want to keep their mineral rights, or mention it strongly enough that you put it in MLS; then, when the offer comes in and everyone is so excited that you stop thinking, NO ONE remembers mineral rights. You can not blame this mistake on the Seller. If not addressed in the Addendum for Reservation of Oil, Gas and Other Minerals, all owned mineral rights remain with the property. You risk losing your commission if not more. Pay attention at time of offer!!!!

(3) Seller Financing: There really is a moratorium on the implementation of the SAFE Act in Texas until 8/31. Stay tuned.

(4) PARAGRAPH 7.D (2): For those of you who were at ARBOR on 6/8/10, please, do it my way. Only check this box when you have a SPECIFIC repair in mind, like painting the exterior, or replace the roof. Do NOT say “subject to inspections.” Buyers still have the OPTION to inspect, amend and terminate if needed.

Last, Seller Disclosures: You know the rule--don’t touch them, mark on them at all or even explain them. The Seller fills it out to the best of their ability, even if they are blind. If really blind, someone helps them pay their bills; they can have that person help them---NOT YOU. But once filled out, I want you to read it. If something is obviously left off that you KNOW is a problem, advise the Seller that they need to be open and honest. Strongly suggest that they complete it properly. Sell them on doing the right thing for their own future protection. I can see some of you wondering why I would write about this subject where “everybody” knows the rules. If we all know and abide by the rules, then why would we still be facing problems, calls and even depositions concerning the Seller’s Disclosure? One call I received recently was from an agent who knows a family member who had already divulged details of why the Seller was moving…Seller didn’t divulge the leak that they had found that had leaked long enough that the black mold had started up the wall of the bedroom. The Seller had even had the mold tested and, yes, it was the bad kind. No, it hadn’t been remediated, just covered up. Who would end up being liable here? WE may not be liable, but we would have to defend ourselves as we would be named in a potential lawsuit for sure. If the Seller refuses to disclose something that you know is a potential problem, see your manager to discuss and you may end up releasing the listing. What I have found happens most often is the Seller respects our honesty and fills in a new or more complete Disclosure.

This reminds me that Seller Disclosures need to be updated at least every 60 days and especially if something changes like a hail storm, plumbing leak, etc.

Another challenge and misconception…TAR has been saying for years that, if a defect has been repaired, it does not have to be disclosed. This, in my opinion, is WRONG! We are in a lawsuit right now that had a plumbing problem which ruined floors. The repair was over $10,000. It had been completed when the house was listed and the Seller chose not to disclose. A year later the claim showed up on the CLUE report when the Buyer’s insurance was renewed. The Seller and REALTOR, that’s us, have been sued for Deceptive Trade Practice Act violation. Buyer says he would never have bought the house if he had known. We pay to defend ourselves. DISCLOSE!!!

That is all for this month. Be careful out there and sell lots of real estate. Surpass your goals.

Why I choose? A history of fairness and diversity

David Beer from the Carrollton office shares his story on his father, the Judge, and fairness in Real Estate.

I joined CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company in October of 2006 after eleven years with another broker. I met with three competing brokers, and listened to them tell me about their benefits and incentives and all they could offer a "seasoned veteran" such as myself to join their company. Then, just before making a decision, Gerald Crow, the manager of the CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company Carrollton office, who I had worked with back in the 1990’s when he was running The Prudential Texas Properties, asked for the chance to speak with me about Judge Fite before making my choice. I agreed to sit down with Gerald and see what his company would have to offer someone like me, an agent with more than 25 years experience. What could he possibly offer to me that would "top" the incentives that the three other companies had put on the table? What could be better?

When I met with Gerald he told me about the benefits of working with a company that had so much to offer an agent: technology, training, tools and marketing materials that Century 21 makes available to their agents, instructions on creating a business plan and how to implement them into an agent's daily business life. Then Gerald offered me something that I had needed and had been lacking in my real estate career - someone to mentor me. Someone to meet with me on a regular basis and help me plan how I could finally reach my potential was what convinced me that I had found my new real estate home.

The other deciding factor in my decision was the reputation of the Judge Fite name. What Gerald was not aware of at that time was my family's longstanding relationship with the Judge Fite Company, long before they became part of the Century 21 system. Please let me explain. My father, A Robert Beer, was a commercial real estate broker in the DFW area for more than fifty five years. He and Judge Fite worked together on several transactions back in the 1950's and 1960's. Both my father and Judge Fite served the board of directors together as officers on the Dallas Board of Realtors (as it was known then).

In 1964 when the federal Fair Housing Act was passed by Congress, the law stated that anyone who wanted to buy or sell a home had the right to do so anywhere they wanted to (regardless of race, creed or nationality), as long as they had the financial means. Since Dallas was located in the southwest, there was some strong “attitudes” about this new law. Even some at The Dallas Board of Realtors resented Washington telling them what they could or could not do regarding the selling and purchasing property.

My father, who was serving as Vice President of the Board, was in line to become the next President of the Board of Realtors. So, in his capacity as a leader of the Board, both publicly and privately support the law and pledged as a Real Estate Broker and as an officer to do everything in his power to make sure that the newly passed law was implemented and enforced in Dallas. He took the position that the law was a fair and just law and anyone who could qualify and afford to buy a home should be able to do so anywhere they wanted. Several of his fellow Brokers and board members took offense, not only to the newly passed law but vowed to work against the implementation of the law. And because of the position taken by my father, he was subsequently removed from the leadership position, and taken off the Board of Directors, ultimately denying him of the Presidency that he had worked so hard for. He said at the time, he was “never more proud of being removed from a position of authority than that instance”.

Now, here is how this story wraps back around to my story of why I chose CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company. Something that very few people know is that the only person who supported my father and the position he took of fairness and that all men and women are created equal and deserved to be treated as such, was also serving on the Board at that time - the only person who stood shoulder to shoulder with my father, one man and one man alone, was Judge B. Fite. That integrity and character that so embodied Judge Fite is carried on today, seventy plus years later, by his children - Jim Fite and Jan Fite Miller.

Putting it all together, what was being offered to me by Gerald Crow, and with the spirit that embodies Century 21 Judge Fite Company, my choice became an easy and clear decision. And here I am today, knowing that the choice I made was and continues to be one of the best decisions (besides marrying my wife, Taryne) of my life!

David Beer, REALTOR, Carrollton Office
david@davidbeer.com / 214-334-4002

'CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company Celebrates Freedom!'

CELEBRATE FREEDOM!
...from CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company


Greetings Judge Fite Family!

Every year for the last few years we have provided you with a list of local activities that you can provide to your clients. Below is this year's list that includes links to festivities around the Metroplex for Independence Day fun.....wishing you all a safe and restful holiday with your families and friends!

Happy Selling!

Jim Fite and Jan Fite Miller

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Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex
4th of July Independence Day Festivities

*Addison Kaboom Town - July 3
www.addisontexas.net
*Arlington's 45th Annual Independence Day Parade - July 4
www.arlington4th.com
*Arlington Highlands shopping center - July 4
www.arlingtonhighlands.com
*Bedford 4thFEST Island Adventure Celebration - July 4
www.ci.bedford.tx.us
*City of Irving, Celbrating America- July 3
www.ci.irving.tx.us/
*The Colony- Liberty by the Lake July 4th Celebration - July 3
www.ci.the-colony.tx.us
*Dallas Wind Symphony Star-Spangled Spectacular - July 4
www.dws.org
*38th Annual 4th of July Fireworks/Denton Kiwanis Club- July 3
www.dentonkiwanisclub.org
*Desoto and Lancaster- Old Fashioned Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Lancaster Community Park - July 4
www.lancaster-tx.com/
*Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration- July 3
www.farmersbranch.info
*Flower Mound Independence Day Celebration - July 3 & 4
www.flower-mound.com
*Frisco Freedom Fest- July 3rd
www.friscofreedomfest.org
*Garland Firewheel Town Center Star Spangled Spectacular- July 3
www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?id=1074
*Granbury's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in the Historic Town Square - July 2-4
www.granburychamber.com/4th_of_july.htm
*Grand Prairie- Independence Day Fireworks - July 3 & 4
www.gptx.org/
*Grapevine Extravaganza Over Lake Grapevine - July 4
www.grapevinetexasusa.com
*Haltom City Northeast Family 4th of July Fireworks Celebration - July 3
www.haltomcitytx.com
*Lone Stars and Stripes Fireworks & Festival & Joe Pool Lake Fireworks - July 3-4
www.gptx.org
*McKinney's Red White & Boom - July 4-5
www.mckinneytexas.org
*Old Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic in Fort Worth - July 2-4
www.fwsymphony.org/
*Plano-All-America Fourth FIREWORKS at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve - July 4
www.planoparks.org
*Plano Symphony Orchestra Patriotic Pops at the Eisemann Center - July 4
www.planosymphony.org
*Red, White & Lewisville - July 4
www.cityoflewisville.com
*Richardson's Family Fourth Celebration - July 4
www.cor.net
*Rowlett Fireworks on Main- July 3
www.rowlett.com
*Southlake Stars and Stripes at Southlake Town Center- July 3
www.ci.southlake.tx.us
*Waxahachie- Crape Myrtle Festival Fireworks Show - July 3
www.waxahachiechamber.com

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company | 1140 Empire Central | Suite 520 | Dallas | TX | 75247