December 22
Taking a few days off for a change ....recently received a testimonial that made my whole year! This was after a transaction that went up to Addendum L, very challenging and "hair-raising". Very humbling to receive this, although I am posting it here because I know that someone may read it who is looking for a buyer's agent in the Salem area.
"To Whom It May Concern:
My wife and I recently went through the process of purchasing a rural property. In our quest, we were fortunate enough to have no restrictions on where we could live, and were able
to actively investigate areas from extreme southern Oregon to southern
Washington. A large task, to be sure!
Along the way, we worked with nearly a dozen buyer's agents. Many of them were amateurs and part-timers - real estate tends to attract people like that. Of all the agents we met, only one
stood out: David Brown. It wasn't because he was gaudy or obnoxiously extroverted; it was because he was quiet, thoughtful, and really knows real estate and the buying process.
He was the only agent who was fully prepared from the first time we shook hands. He came with folders holding more information on the properties we viewed than anyone else had even thought about supplying. In fact, it was astonishing how well he'd done his homework - right
down to visiting the neighbors ahead of our showing!
We ended up selling our existing property and purchasing the new one simultaneously. We
had a listing agent and a buying agent on each property, which meant a total of four involved agents.
Of the four, David was (not surprisingly) the standout. He had his finger on every detail; everything was done on time, exactly as required, and completely professionally. My wife
commented that she wished we'd been able to have David sell our old house, as he was simply so much better at his job than the other three - none of them were even close.
We can tell you from experience: if you need to buy a new home, David Brown is the only person worth calling. He's just that good."
Grant and Christine C. - West Linn, moving to the Salem area.
December 10 2007
Do real estate professionals earn their commissions ?
You bet. We work behind the scenes and on the front lines with negotiations, knowing the market, coordinating all the various aspects in closing. I am just at the tail end of a closing that went to Addendum M, with a contingent home sale for my buyer/client that was supposed to be for cash turning into a financing surprise at the last minute. I have full belief now that selling real estate and negotiating can be like a mental and emotional combination of martial arts, poker, and chess all combined into one. When clients and buyers and sellers and their agents start to act like a hurricane has just hit right in the middle of a deal, then it is a good strategy to place myself right in the middle - just like in the eye of the hurricane - calm, centered, and optimistic for a successful close, and yet realistic that things can be out of anyone's direct control in the process, and that is hard to handle sometimes. It is a welcomed challenge. As a professional REALTOR, my job is to facilitate the buying and selling of real estate for my clients with the best representation and expertise possible. I am fortunate that clients have provided testimonials that have confirmed this. It's not about the money. It's about being the best that you can be, not only in real estate but in life. As we look back from our older years, we can have the memories and satisfaction that we had that commitment and did well as a result of it. It's a win-win for clients, ourselves, and our future memories.
May you have a pleasant and stress-free holiday season and propersous and healthy New Year.
October 26 2007
I just had a call from a homeowner who has his property listed with an agent from another company. As soon as I found that out I advised him that I highly respect the agency relationship and do not want to know anything about his property or that would jeopardize his relationship with his listing agent. Before then he asked me about the Salem market. Is it going to "crash" like in some areas. My response: Salem is a value market and was not the target of high speculation and overinflated prices. A "crash" is what is described in those markets that had those problems occur and the market is correcting itself as a result. Salem has an inherent strength because of property values here being lower than many areas of the country. Yes, we are definitely affected in general by the national trend of supply and demand ....excess inventory and fewer qualified buyers or buyers who cannot sell their homes. However the Northwest and Oregon will recover more quickly in my opinion beause of value and location. More people are becoming interested in living in the Northwest because of the scenic beauty and the quality of life here vs where they are now. Salem is appealing because of it's central location and climate. It's about one hour's drive from the coast, Portland, and the Cascades. There is also a trend that I call the "Bend" effect that will see smaller towns like Silverton become a relocation destination as well as a tourist one.
Also, I know that there is a "delayed buyers effect" occurring in that homes are taking much longer to sell and there are buyers in the market now who thought that they would be done with selling and buying by Labor Day, when the kids are back in school and the "real estate season" - the time when people like to move - was over. Now their home finally sold and they are in the market looking and ready to buy.
Finally, real estate is local and even more localized. Neighborhoods. location. amenities. staging. pricing, and marketing all come into play to compete effectively in this market. If the home that is being sold is weaker in one of those areas then another area needs to be stronger to make up for it. Home staging does wonders for good showings. Aggressive marketing always helps in this market. (see http://www.ListingYourHome.biz/ ). Having your home listed in the RMLS as well as the Willamette Valley MLS expands the potential for buyer prospects. Having a virtual tour or web site on the home linked to the MLS listing can provide a stronger initial buyer impression and motivate them to want to see the listing (see http://www.MultimediaHomeTours.net/).
There are other strategies for buyers and sellers that time does not permit for this space. Enough blogging. Back to work for my clients.
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Oct 17 2007
Accepted offer - always great news .....contingent upon sale of home in Portland.......yes, there is still buying and selling of real estate going on in the Salem area.....investors, people relocating here sooner or later, local residents, etc. Another offer coming in today......new listings pending......new website/virtual tour now available for listing with David Brown for homes $350,000 or more, . Excellent financing resources available - www.realestatesalem.com/promortgage.htm - local Salem restaurants @ http://www.capitolcuisine.com/ , and
New listing in South Salem. View basics and request a detailed report and view a web site/ virtual tour that highlights the new decks and panoramic views. http://www.multimediahometours.net/
Mountain Crest Way - MLS # 585342
Sept. 20 2007 , 12 noon
In addition to numerous other multi-tasking activities, I am developing a custom web site for a new listing in South Salem that has panoramic views, and some very cool decks. The web site will be linked as a virtual tour from the MLS listing page and will be different from the usual photo visual tour in that there will be special effects with fading images and slide shows.
Just leaving now for a brokers tour of some award winning new custom homes in Scio, outside of Stayton, that are priced at $339,900 and include sustainable materials and river views. I plan to put some information on these on one of my web sites, or my Stayton web page.
Sept. 13 7:45pm
so much to do and so little time.....priority - providing top service to clients -
new listing coming up in South Salem, and finally, some offer activity on another listing.....how is the Salem market doing ? Well, we are affected by national trends and problems such as the lending industry shakeout.....according to Reliance Mortgage in Salem, "Loan programs and wholesale lenders are changing every day. We are going back to the basics. Most programs will require a 5% to 20% down payment. Interest only programs will require the borrowers to qualify on a fully amortized payment. Adjustable rate mortgage programs will require borrowers to qualify at the fully indexed rate. We are probably going to be seeing sellers carrying second mortgages." Advisory - 1st time home buyers - increase your credit scores, decrease debt. Example : Use a secured credit card account to make minimum payments that will show up on your credit report and yet the balance is there as savings rather than a total debt balance. Keep payments on schedule. Consult a mortgage broker a soon as you are planning to buy a home or even a year in advance.......The Salem real estate market is affected by the lending tightening, and an excess inventory - a bumper crop of homes for sale - up to 36% more than the same time last year.....and a reduced number of qualified buyers......supply and demand.......However, Salem is still a value market compared to other larger cities. People are relocating from Portland and out of state here to reduce their costs of living, mortgage payments, and to enjoy the Oregon lifestyle....
So we have some things going for us here that other areas of the country don't. I am thankful for that and enjoy living and working in Salem........I just spent five days at a beach house on the Oregon coast - great weather, beautiful scenic views, and a lot of fun........I also visited Multnomah Falls recently in the Columbia Gorge .......Oregon has so much to offer, and I do not take it for granted !
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Sept. 3 2007 - The Delayed Market Theory
Homes are taking much longer to sell and as a result I believe that there will be a continuing stream of buyers through this fall season which may be higher than normal. As a result, if you are planning on taking your home off of the market you might miss the buyer who has just sold their home after four months on the market. If you are selling a home in the Salem area, whether just planning to list or have a listing that may expire soon, check out a new website http://www.listingyourhome.biz/ for ideas and information on aggressive marketing strategies.
Salem Real Estate Market Hums Along at 13%
Average Home Price Increase -
from July 2006-July 2007 - see Market Update below
August 21 2007
JUST IN - DVD's to help you sell your home, as a part of an overall marketing strategy. "Pricing Your Home to Sell" is a must see for every homeowner planning to sell in this market. It will provide a good understanding of market value, setting asking prices, value of improvements, and how to avoid common pricing mistakes. Price : $ 39.00 Call to view in our office or at your home for free.
August 19 2007
If you are a buyer looking for a home, please read the following testimonials. If you are also a seller, or are planning to sell your home before you buy in the Salem area, please view my website dedicated exclusively for listing and marketing strategies, http://www.listingyourhome.biz/
Salem Oregon is still a value market and a relocation destination for homebuyers from out of state.
The surrounding communities such as Dallas, Independence, Silverton, Jefferson, Aumsville, Turner, and Stayton are also seeing a strong demand for housing and prices are moving up in these areas.
Testimonials for David Brown
Outstanding Service
"David - Thank you for your outstanding service as our realtor in search for a house we could rehab. You listened to our criteria and found exactly what we were looking for without wasting our valuable time. Going above and beyond the call of duty, you even researched city ordinances, coordinated bank paperwork, and met with us on our time schedules (some times before the sun was up). We appreciate your professionalism and attention to detail, and we look forward to working with you again in the future."
- Don and Laurie Isaacson
Relocation
""Hi David!
Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the time spent in helping us find the perfect home in Albany, Oregon. Because we are at present residing in California & had limited time looking in and around the Salem area, you were more than ready to help us. We certainly are happy with the outcome - finding the right home & within our price range in such a short time was more than we expected. Again, thank you."
"
- Jeanne/Rod , Healdsburg, CA
“David Brown held my hand through the entire experience of long distance home search. He kept in touch daily, or as I required to assure I was viewing homes I was interested in with the detail I desired. He was there to help during day and evening hours to assist and provide additional information when web sites, virtual tours and even walk throughs left unanswered questions. He took the time to preview homes when I couldn't be there and left no stone unturned to assure my decisions were solid, sound and fulfilled without questions. He answered emails, phone calls and provided his own site with additional area links to give me a full range of area opportunities. I couldn't go wrong with David's friendly, helpful and personally considerate assistance. I would consider David a good friend after having worked with him through tough and regular business decisions that he handled with finesse, integrity and great professionalism. I recommend you to David as my very best experience in home buying, and this is far from my first experience!” Christine V., Virginia
Market Update - July 2007 stats - One Year comparison In the month of July 2007, there were 1728 new listings that came on the market and a total of 6442 listings available. In the month of July 2006 there were 1557 new listings that came on the market and a total of 4735 on the market. That is a 36% increase in listings available this year over last year at the same time.
Average Sales Price by area comparing last year at this time to this year
Salem/Keizer 2006: $211,181 2007: $238,997 +13%
Benton County 2006: $264,199 2007: $310,670 +17%
Linn County 2006: $165,839 2007: $192,809 +16%
Marion County 2006: $202,114 2007: $247,844 +22%
Polk County 2006: $184,344 2007: $237,672 +14%
In January 2007, there were 646 closed sales.
In February 2007, there were 676 closed sales.
In March 2007, there were 714 closed sales.
In April 2007, there were 837 closed sales.
In May 2007, there were 924 closed sales.
In June 2007, there were 916 closed sales.
In July 2007, there were 871 closed sales.
That means that we have approximately 71/2 months of inventory available.
Days on the market currently are:
Salem/Keizer: 99
Benton County : 104
Linn County : 120
Marion County : 122
Polk County 129
Closed Sales in Units for the last four years:
Through the end of July 2004: 5421
Through the end of July 2005: 6268
Through the end of July 2006: 6416
Through the end of July 2007: 5471
Source: Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service
June 12 2007
The real estate activity going on in my world is keeping me too busy to wrote volumes on this blog - or even more than a brief entry. I just showed some properties in Beaverton-Hillsboro area yesterday to some California clients, took a listing in South Salem, and processed an accepted counter offer in Keizer. My web sites are generating a lot of traffic and registrations for Property Watch, the Prudential Real Estate Professionals state-of-the-art real estate search engine. Wow ! Take a look - Property Watch
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The weather and the market seem to be warming up as Spring finally kicks into gear here. Just added some beautiful Spring-in-Salem photos to the web site: check them out here. It's a great time to look at homes for sale in the Salem area, especially ones with views. Speaking of which ......see the West Salem info below.....
Saturday April 14th .......quite a day - met with For Sale by Owners by appointment and by driving nearby looking for the signs. There are so many FSBO's out there that the street corners are starting to look like a major political election month. I am on a campaign to convince the FSBO that the value of a realtor in today's market is well worth it in terms of marketing, negotiating, screening buyers, and actually selling the house within a reasonable time. See my list online : 124 Reasons to Use a Realtor . I actually sold a FSBO during the slow holiday season in two weeks at a price that they wanted using a combination of two marketing strategies that no other companies use. So, enough said. Back to the movie on pause. It's Saturday night anyway and I don't work 24/7 although sometimes it feels like it....
Friday the 13th - Superstitious? I'm not.
I'm having good luck today. Introduced myself to 150 people at a chamber event, and spoke with a For Sale by Owner who wants me to view his home and get it listed and sold. Then I have an important meeting at 2pm........a day in the life of a real estate broker.....never dull, always moving forward......working towards providing the best service to clients. View the testimonials on my home page.....this is what keeps me working hard for my clients.....helping them get what they want with red carpet service. http://www.realestatesalem.com/ - a premiere Salem Oregon real estate web site featuring links to the best real estate search engine in the valley.
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- David Brown
Prudential Real Estate Professionals
Salem, Oregon
Benefits of Using a Buyers Agent1. Representation - a buyers agent represents you exclusively. If you communicate with an agent who is representing the seller, their duty and loyalty is to the seller.
2. Saves Time - a buyers agent will consult with you on your criteria for your home, and organize searches on the MLS and home tours that will save time and meet your needs.
3. Full access to the MLS - a buyers agent will provide detailed information on properties that you find through a real estate search engine such as
Property Watch, and help you evaluate the property online before you spend time to see it in person.
4. Expertise in Negotiations
A buyers agent will run comparables based on MLS current and past data to determine a prospective's home's true value. If the home is overvalued, your realtor will use the information as leverage to present an offer for you below askiing price, and justify it - providing a greater chance that your offer will be accepted.
David BrownPrudential Real Estate Professionals
1220 20th St SE
Salem, OR 97302
503-371-3013 x 1282
