Full-time Realtors Vs. Part-time Realtors

I just read a great article about "Part-time Realtors Equals Full-time Problems". I thought I would jot down some of my thoughts about the article and my personal opinions. Here are some interesting statistics:

“Only 27% of Realtors surveyed by 56 local Realtor Associations listed Real Estate as their primary source of income (this illustrates problems we have.)

That means that 73% – nearly 3 out of 4! – Realtors are making their primary income from a source OTHER than real estate.

Real estate is – as much if not more so – the most “around the clock/nearly 24-7/always on” business there is.

How can people be out of touch and out of pocket for any period of time and serve their clients properly? The obvious answer to that question: they can’t.

When someone calls on your property is there going to be someone there to answer? Think so? Go ahead and try it. In fact you should be calling your Realtor at least once a day to see if anyone answers. You should also have a friend call about your house and see how long it takes to get a return call. When you are trying to sell your house do you think the buyer or buyer’s Realtor is going to sit around waiting for your Realtor to call back?

A Realtor should be focused on selling your home, not shopping at Steinmart. You have every right to ask the Realtor if they are part-time or full time. Would you hire a part time surgeon?

If a Realtor says they can work part time and fulfill your needs for your real estate transactions, then ask them why they need a second job? If they are successful at what they are doing then they wouldn’t need to be selling furniture at Mathis Brothers. We all know why someone needs a second job. It means that their primary source of revenue is not sufficient to pay the bills. If they need a second job to pay the bills at home where do you think your home falls in the priority line?

Why would you use a part time Realtor help you with one of your largest financial assets? The purchase or sale of your home.

Don’t let the sale of your home or the purchase of your home be a lottery ticket for a sub par Realtor!

As mentioned above, if they have to work a second or third job and did not disclose it to you it was because they did not want you to know. Why didn’t they want you to know? There’s only one reason. It means they are not successful. If they are not successful, then what is their priority. Does a call from a client take precedence over shopping at Penn Square Mall?

That’s one of the HUGE problems. They say they are taking a “second” job when in reality they have just taken a “first” or primary position and guess whose home selling or home buying process has been rendered secondary in importance?

Would you hire a Realtor because he/she is your friend/family member OR because they are a full-time professional?

I bet when you spoke to the Realtor that you hired that they said they had this great marketing program. They were going to put your house in the MLS, put out a yard sign and then run an ad in the Daily Oklahoman. Wow! They just spent around $75.00 to market your house! If your Realtor is working another job trying to make ends meet, how are they going to pay for REAL MARKETING on your home?

If the Realtor you hired can’t afford to educate themselves on the latest technologies or can’t afford either the money or time to further their continuing training, then you will be dealing with an Realtor who is not capable of servicing your needs in the most proficient manner.

Do you realize that less than 3% of all agents have a website or blog and that fewer still have any idea as to how to utilize the computer in a manner that is advantageous to you as a buyer or seller?

So that is my opinion on using part time Realtors vs. full time Realtors. Of course, if you are a buyer, the commission is paid by the listing broker, so why would you not want to use the Realtor who will be there to give you the best service you can get! If you are a seller looking to sell your home in a challenging real estate market, and if you are going to pay a commission, don’t you want to make sure you are getting the best service for your money that you can?

Remember, you will always get what you pay for!

I would be very curious to hear everyone’s opinion – whether you agree with me or not.

Wyatt Poindexter

Keller Williams Realty

www.WyattPoindexter.com

405-417-5466

FHA Mortgages to Cost Borrowers More

Home buyers will have to make a larger down payment to get an FHA-backed mortgage and will need to have higher minimum credit scores under changes announced today by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

Reporting from Washington - Home buyers will have to pay more cash upfront to get a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Agency and will need to achieve higher minimum credit scores under changes announced today by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.

In testimony prepared for a House hearing on the agency's increasingly precarious finances, Donovan also said he was considering raising the premium the FHA charges for mortgage insurance and will ask Congress for the authority to do so if needed.

He wants to make those and other changes because a recent audit has shown that the FHA's reserves have fallen below mandated levels as the agency has become a larger part of the housing market. The percentage of mortgages insured by the FHA has soared from 6% in 2007 to almost 30% this year. The FHA insures mortgages made with as little as 3.5% for a down payment and has become vital in a housing market where credit remains tight and borrowers' bank accounts have been depleted by the financial crisis.

In Southern California, the number of FHA-backed loans has soared, becoming a crucial source of financing for first-time home buyers, particularly those snapping up foreclosed homes. FHA loans made up 38.3% of all Southland purchase loans in October, up from 32.5% a year earlier and just 2% two years prior, according to MDA DataQuick, a San Diego real estate research firm. Riverside County had the region's highest rate of FHA loans, at 49.2% of the market.

"The loans FHA insures must be safe and self-sustaining for the taxpayer over the long-term," Donovan said in his testimony. "With these reforms and others we will be considering, the Administration is committed to ensuring that they are today -- and into the future."

Donovan said the expanded role of the FHA, which he oversees, is only temporary until the mortgage financing market recovers.

Many lawmakers are concerned that the FHA, which is funded by mortgage insurance premiums paid by borrowers, will need an infusion of government money. The agency is supposed to hold a secondary reserve fund equal to 2% of all the mortgages on its books. An annual independent actuarial study released last month showed the reserve had fallen to .53%.

Aware in September that the reserve fund would fall below 2%, the FHA announced several policy changes to reduce its risk of future losses to limit the chances the fund will have to be tapped. Those changes included requiring lenders to have at least $1 million in cash and other assets, up from $250,000, to issue FHA-backed loans.

But with the actual shortfall of the reserve fund larger than expected, Donovan announced the additional changes today.

"We've learned from recent history that the market is fragile, and we have to plan for the unexpected," he said.

Many details still need to be worked out. For example, the agency wants to increase the upfront cash required from borrowers so they "have more 'skin in the game' and a stronger equity position in their loans."

But administration officials are analyzing several ways to do that. Likewise, HUD is analyzing what the minimum credit score should be for an FHA-backed loan. Any change there would be temporary, he said.

Donovan can make those changes without congressional approval, but would need a vote by lawmakers to increase its mortgage insurance premium because it is at the mandated limit.

Donovan did not propose increasing the minimum down payment from 3.5%, a change some lawmakers are advocating. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) has introduced legislation raising the minimum down payment to 5%.

Courtesy of LA TIMES

Listing of the Week - NW Oklahoma City - $117,900

1625 Oxford Way - NW Oklahoma City

3 Bed 1 Bath 1,517 Square Feet. Three blocks from Nichols Hills! Extra cute home in great neighborhood on corner lot. This home has beautiful wood floors, updated paint, fixtures, bathroom, etc. Master bedroom has cozy fireplace. Large open kitchen and dining room. New roof in 2007. ONE YEAR WARRANTY INCLUDED FOR NEW BUYER. Call/email Wyatt Poindexter with Keller Williams for additional information.

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YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G46F9U-o3V4

OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY APRIL 19, 2009 2:00-4:00 PM

Wyatt Poindexter
Keller Williams Realty
www.WyattPoindexter.com
405-417-5466

Oklahoma City Market for February 2009

Oklahoma City Recognition

• The metro area’s average sales price for 2008 was $151,700, an
increase of 0.84% compared with 2007. Statewide, the average sales
price for the year was $149,482, an increase of 0.52% compared with
2007 (The Oklahoman, 02/21/2009)
• Oklahoma home builders are bracing for a rush of buyers now through
November 30 when the first time home buyer credit expires.
Oklahoma’s market, because it’s relatively strong, could respond to
the stimulus faster than areas where housing values have plummeted,
said Steven R. Plaisance, president of the Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers
Association and executive vice president of secondary marketing for
Arvest Mortgage Company in Tulsa. “Our affordable home prices and
the historically great mortgage rates make this a good deal for
Oklahomans,” he said. (www.NewsOK.com, 02/18/2009)
• Oklahoma State University’s School of Architecture has earned a
place among the top 20 in a nationwide survey of architectural
undergraduate programs. (The Oklahoman, 02/07/2009)
• Oklahoma’s two largest counties both had above-average employment
and wage growth in the second quarter of 2008. Among 334 large
counties in the U.S., Oklahoma County ranked ninth in rate wage
growth with an over-the-year increase of 6% to $777 a week. Wages in
Tulsa County rose 3.2% to $766, also above the 2.6% national
average. (www.NewsOK.com, 02/03/2009)
• Oklahoma City based Paycom, an online payroll processor, grew its
revenues 89% in 2008 despite a slumping economy. (The Oklahoman,
02/24/2009). Courtesy of Opubco.

www.WyattPoindexter.com

6 Important Things T0 Know When Refinancing

Looking to Refinance? 6 Important Things To Know:
1. Refinancing an FHA Loan – Most people do not know that if you currently have an FHA loan, you will be charged interest through the end of the month no matter what day of the month you pay it off. This is crucial – if you are currently in an FHA loan, and your lender schedules the closing date in the beginning of the month, or even in the middle, you are going to pay interest on your new loan from closing until the 30th/31st, but you will ALSO pay interest on your old loan through the end of the month. Per day Interest can run anywhere between $20-$100 per day (depending on loan size), so if you close too early you could literally waste one to two thousand dollars in interest that is not necessary.

2. Refinancing an FHA Loan, pt 2 – When you purchased or refinanced into an FHA loan previously, you paid an ‘Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium’ – otherwise called an FHA Funding Fee. If you are refinancing into a new FHA loan, you are entitled to a partial refund of your previous FHA Funding Fee. This could be anywhere between $500-$3,000, and it is important that your lender takes this into account.

3. Streamline Refinancing – If you are currently in an FHA or VA loan, you will not have to requalify for a new one. By virtue of the fact you were qualified before, you automatically qualify for a new FHA or VA loan as long as you are only lowering your interest rate (not getting cash back). So, just because your job or income situation has changed, don’t count yourself out. The only thing that would really be a problem is if you haven’t made your mortgage payments. But a Streamline Refinance is essentially a “everyone qualifies’ refinance, and no employment, income, or assets are even listed on the loan application.

4. True Payback? – Many people look at interest rates as a “shiny red car”, and unfortunately are all too willing to take a refinance option simply because there is a low rate along with it. This may sound cliché, but there are many other factors that need to be considered for you to decide whether you should refinance or not. A $200 per month savings is great – but what if it adds 3 years onto your mortgage, and raises your balance by $5,000? It might still be worth it, but it might now. A lot of it depends on your future plans, and how long you will stay in your house. Make sure that your lender calculates how long it takes for you to recoup the costs of refinancing, to see if it makes sense in light of your future plans.

5. Appraised Values – Although we are seeing values hold steady for the most part in Oklahoma, that isn’t always the case in every neighborhood. Before you spend $300-$400 on an appraisal, your lender should do you the courtesy of checking with an appraiser to make sure your house will still appraise high enough to refinance. 8 times out of 10, you’ll have nothing to worry about, but the other 2 times it would be really bad to spend that much money on an appraisal only to hear that the house won’t appraise, and the refinance will not work. Of course, an appraiser can’t be held to giving a “comp check”, but it at least gives everyone a good idea of whether it makes sense to order a full appraisal, to get the true appraised value at this time. Additionally, I would recommend working with a lender who has a say in who the appraiser is, as opposed to one who has their appraisal orders assigned out in a round-robin fashion.

6. Market Volatility – Neither the government, nor the Fed, sets mortgage rates…they are determined every day by what yields investors in the bond market are willing to receive to invest their dollars into mortgage pools. This can change a LOT from day to day. We have seen rates at 5.5% (or lower) only 3 times this year. Once in January/February, once in June/July, and right now. Both of the other two times, the low rates lasted about 2 weeks. Even with a slight increase in rates on Monday December 22nd, interest rates are still at all time lows. If you can take advantage of this, I would recommend it. Although there is a possibility for rates to go lower, but they can’t possibly go too much lower than the levels they are at now. But also, there is also a possibility that rates go higher, and there is much room for them to increase.

Courtesy of Brian & Heather Bomar of www.TheBomarTeam.com

Mortgage Rates Falling

Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year Fixed Rate Mortgage (FRM) dropped to 5.67% in early February, down from a January of average of 5.76% and continuing a slide from a July peak of 6.73%. During the same time last year, FRMs averaged 6.22%. The average rate for a 5/1 Fixed Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) fell to 5.21% in early February, down from a January average of 5.45%. The 1-year Treasury-Indexed ARM averaged 5.03% in early February, down from an average 5.23% in January. With all rates down, the 30-year FRM remains the value choice in this market; with the 5/1 Fixed ARM providing a balance between increased affordability and long-term security.

Existing-home sales to hold in narrow range, then begin upward trend

The housing market may continue to be in the buyer's column over the next few months, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors. Sales activity is likely to remain soft during the next six months, in spite of low interest rates and lower prices. However, pent-up demand will likely bring potential buyers off the sidelines to boost home sales in the second half of the year. An economic stimulus package that increases access to conventional and government loans can also have a strong impact on the market.
"Existing-home sales have moved narrowly since last September, but when the full impact of higher loan limits for conventional mortgages begins to impact the market there is likely to be a notable rise in home sales and prices," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "If higher limits are enacted very quickly, we'll see a faster and more meaningful recovery by expanding safe, affordable financing in high-cost areas – that, in turn, would help to stimulate overall economic activity."
"Areas with a high prevalence of subprime lending will continue to feel downward price pressure. Where builders have cut construction sharply, and in most areas with improving affordability conditions, we'll generally see moderately higher home prices," Yun said.
New-home sales are likely to decline 17.7% to 637,000 in 2008 before rising 7.6% to 685,000 in 2009. "Builders will further lower new home construction throughout this year and into 2009 to bring inventory under control," Yun said. Housing starts, including multifamily units, are estimated to fall 20.1% to 1.08 million this year, and decline another 1.3% to 1.07 million in 2009. The median new-home price is expected to fall 4.3% 2008, and then increase 5.0% in 2009.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is forecast to rise slowly to the 5.9% range in the fourth quarter, and then average 6.3% in 2009. "Affordability conditions are anticipated to rise 14.2% this year, permitting more people to become homeowners, but buyers should avoid aggressive lenders and not over-stretch to enter the market," Yun said. NAR's housing affordability index is expected to rise from 113 in 2007 to 129 in 2008.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day!

Home prices fell in a record number 77 U.S. metro areas in the fourth quarter according to the NAR. On a better note, President Bush signed the stimulus package which will send checks to American consumers starting in May...your check may vary in size. One thing that will interest your Jumbo Loan customers, currently at a $417,000 limit loan size, is a provision that will raise the Jumbo Loan limit to $729,750. I am waiting on more information on this and will pass it on to you. This is great news for larger home buyers as the Jumbo Rates have been really high for months now.

Although the Fed cut short term interest rates 1.25% in the last few weeks, the lending institutions are still tightening the lending practices. Many programs available 6-9 months ago no longer exist and having a Lending Partner able to help you help your buyers and sellers is becoming more and more important. Call me and let's talk about how I can help you be more successful.

Thanks and enjoy the warmth...a winter storm cometh...(and it is bringing some wet stuff for the weekend!)

Enjoy the day!

Courtesy of:
Kevin Foreman
Globe Capital Home Loans
405-478-8484 direct
kevinforeman@cox.net

Oklahoma’s Housing Market Going Strong

The value of your home may be going up. Home values are predicted to drop nationwide with places like Las Vegas, Miami and Los Angeles taking the biggest hits. But that's not the case in Tulsa. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports that Tulsa is near the top of the list for homeowners expected to make the most money off their investment in the coming year.
The National Association of Realtors predicts the price of existing U.S. homes will fall slightly this year. But according to Fiserv Lending Solution's predictions, it won't happen in Tulsa. That comes as no surprise to realtor Darryl Baskin.
"While the rest of the country is seeing a slump, we're often trudging right along and seeing increases," he said.
Baskin is an area realtor and hosts radio and television real estate programs. He says most years homes in Tulsa appreciate 3-5%. That's right in line with a new analysis that predicts Tulsa home values will go up 4.3% from this April to next April, the second best market in the nation.
Many of those housing markets expected to see drops over the next 12 months have seen dramatic increases over the past few years. In fact, in many of those markets the home values have doubled over five years. But in those markets the bubble has seemed to have burst. Tulsa on the other hand has seen a steady, gradual increase in home values.
“The drawback is we don't have people here who are making hundreds of thousands of dollars on real estate, but that's more of a lottery mentality. Here you have people who buy homes, we rarely see it go backwards, and we don't have to deal with the upheaval that the bubble would create," Baskin said.
Baskin predicts the Tulsa area will have a slight increase in demand and slight decrease in supply over the next year, which translates into a stable market.
"As long as it doesn't go too far one way or the other there's a good deal for buyers and sellers, and that's where people win," he said.
Oklahoma City homeowners are expected to see their homes appreciate in value over the next year by 3.1%. The biggest gainer is McAllen, Texas at 9.8%. The biggest loser is Las Vegas at -8.9%.

Courtesy of KOTV

www.WyattPoindexter.com
Keller Williams Realty

November Listing of the Month - Edmond

This astonishing Jack Arnold Old World design home is situated on more than 2 acres in the exclusive gated community of Eagle's Cove. Spanning more than 4400 square feet, this masterpiece has been crafted with the utmost attention to detail--no expense has been spared. Highlights of this home include extensive built-ins, beautiful wood floors, gourmet kitchen, granite counters, stainless appliances and professional landscaping. Enjoy an exquisite presentation of incomparable design with breathtaking views and functional gathering places that embrace the social and private aspects of everyday life. Experience the essence of the Eagle's Cove lifestyle as the natural elements and a luxurious estate blend into a home that will stir your soul. Priced $80,000 below appraisal. PRICED AT $799,900.00

View this Edmond Virtual Tour at www.3500BrookValley.com

Call or email Wyatt to nominate your home as the "Listing of the Month"

wyatt@wyattpoindexter.com or 405-417-5466

Real Estate in Oklahoma

In North Oklahoma City, the houses are in lots and buyers can definitely get more for their money. There is a high prevalence of older houses available here. It looks that this area is more neutral for the buyers as well as for sellers. Overall, the market has been absolutely well.

The Oklahoma City Metro area is surrounded by many small suburbs like Yukon, Mustang, Edmond, Bethany, Deer Creek, Tuttle and Moore, are vigorously growing area with a strong heartbeat and active lifestyles. The Oklahoma City Metro is becoming increasingly familiar. Don't miss your chance to live in this great metropolitan area. All these areas are easily commute with the Oklahoma city. This area posses many sleepy little towns which imparts the small hometown feeling. Oklahoma city is the great place to live, work, shop and enjoy.

Oklahoma City Information

Oklahoma is a state of the south-central United States. Oklahoma was incorporated as the 46th state in 1907. First discovered by the Spanish, it was opened to settlement in 1889. The western part was formed in 1890 as the Oklahoma Territory, which was merged with the adjoining Indian Territory to form the present state boundaries. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s forced many farmers to move west as migrant laborers. Oklahoma City is the capital and the largest city. Population estimated as: 3,540,000.

Housing Market in Oklahoma City

Rises in mortgage and interest rates in the past couple of years have caused the recent slow down in the housing market. Nevertheless, the metro area is outperforming many largers cities where homes are losing value, and Oklahoma City's market is at the very least consistent in its affordability compared to other markets. Most experts contend that the home builders are not getting ahead of the somewhat reduced demand, a situation that would cause excess inventory.The fact that Oklahoma City is expanding due to the growth in downtown and the gains in various business sectors figures to help the market, and rates are still at relative lows, despite their recent increases.That leads many economic experts to believe that Oklahoma City's housing market is fairly healthy.

www.WyattPoindexter.com

Our Company...Keller Williams Realty

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is an international real estate company with more than 600 offices located across the United States and Canada. The company began franchising in 1991, and following years of phenomenal growth and success, became the fourth-largest U.S. residential real estate firm in North America in 2006. The company has succeeded by treating its associates as partners and shares its knowledge, policy control and company profits on a system-wide basis.
Structured for Success
The interdependent business model of Keller Williams Realty supports agents and brokers working as a team to maximize personal productivity and company profits.
Most real estate companies operate on a dependent model where the broker provides leads to salespeople and then offers them a commission, or they operate on an independent model where agents receive minimal support from the broker but keep more of the commission. In contrast to these traditional models, the Keller Williams model fosters a synergistic environment where both parties succeed through teamwork, by encouraging agents and brokers to share their best practices with each other and reward associates who help the company to grow. It is these industry-changing philosophies that have fueled the recent growth of Keller Williams Realty past older, more established companies to claim a top-four spot in the real estate industry.

Courtesy of: www.KW.com and www.WyattPoindexter.com