It's hard being the most popular real estate blog in Savannah

I'm always getting requests to post articles from others in real estate who are trying to sell something. This week, I got a request from some person who works for a real estate company in NY, the best I can figure. I won't give the name because it wouldn't be appropriate. I posted her ariticle after she badgered me, then she claimed the links weren't right, but I had simply copied and pasted it -- then I figured out what was wrong -- then she sent me a snotty email saying I shouldn't use her name, but since I did I should at least spell it right. When I told her where to get off, she told me it's my loss. Obviously this real estate company is so important, that an article by them on my blog will make me like famous or something. Why, I have never even heard of Elliman -- whoops, I didn't mean to reveal the name.

I hope they have better manners when dealing with their clients.

The Buyer Agent difference

As a Buyer's Agent I don't sell homes, I consult with buyers, present them with options and provide them with the needed information to make an informed decision. This is much different from a listing agent who has a contract with sellers to sell their home for the highest price possible.

I'm motivated as a Buyer's Agent to get the lowest price and best terms and conditions possible for the buyer, even if it means receiving a somewhat lower commission, because if I please the buyers they'll tell others, and if I don't please the buyers, they'll tell others. The best advertising in the world is word-of-mouth. Since I work only with buyers, I can't afford a reputation of not doing what I say I will do -- I can't rely on the next listing.

Most listing agents will be honest with you and nice to you if you go directly to them, but they are bound by contract to protect the seller's position. I'm not bound by contract to protect the seller's position -- I'm bound to protect the buyer's position. If people tell you there's no benefit to using a Buyer's Agent, don't believe them.

Buyer's Agents aren't as prevalent in Savannah real estate, but there are a couple of us who do exclusively buyer agency. Doing Buyer Agency exclusively is the only way to avoid a conflict of interest. It helps to know the difference.

Home sales up in Savannah Ga for November

I've noticed an increase in homes sales in Savannah -- this NPR report confirms it:

There was a 3.5 percent increase in the number of "pending" home sales in November from October, the National Association of Realtors just reported.

Those are home sales where a deal has been signed, but not yet closed. Since hitting a low in June, they've risen over the past five months — but remain 5 percent below the level of November 2009.

Still, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun says the data signal a gradual recovery into 2011 in the housing market. Gradual is the key word: Yesterday, S&P/Case-Shiller reported that home prices fell 1.3% in October from September — a sign that if there is a recovery, it remains soft

We've still got a long way to go, but the fact that home sales are increasing is a good sign that recovery in real estate is happening.

Baby boomers and Savannah real estate

I'm a baby boomer, but I have it made, I can retire in a place I'd likely choose if I didn't live here -- Savannah, Ga.

When the economy improves and homes start selling more briskly, the baby boomer retirement movement will proceed at a healthy pace. I can recommend Savannah to anyone living in large, cold industrial areas -- Savannah has a lot to offer retirees -- an interesting downtown community, art, music and plays, the beach, gated communities with good golf courses and the ability to play almost year around.

Exclusive buyer agency works for retiring baby boomers -- one thing we have learned is that good information is powerful, and that's what exclusive buyer agency is about -- providing good, objective information so that a buyer can make a well-informed decision.

Moving out of state doesn't have to be an anxious experience of not knowing the ins and outs of the real estate market in which you'll be moving -- buyer agents understand this and offer services to remove the anxiety. You can do all your upfront research over the internet, and if you get the right buyer agent, you will know everything you need to know about a place like Savannah Ga before ever looking at a home.

Using a buyer agent is the smart way to buy a home. Baby boomers should find the experience a fun adventure rather than an anxious hassle. In today's market, good information is critical. Having a good buyer agent you can trust is much better than going fom listing agent to listing agent, each one attempting to sell their listings -- not that there is anything wrong with listing agents trying to sell their listings, because they represent the seller and that's what they are supposed to do -- but you are the buyer, and you need representation, too.

Savannah buyer agency for out-of-towners

One of the main benefits having a buyer agent when you are moving from out of town, or out-of-state, or out-of-country, is that you have a contact to help with all the preparation, search and information gathering. Right now I have about 20 potential buyers I've been sending information to until they are ready to buy -- this helps them stay informed regarding market changes and new properties coming on the market.

I've learned that in this real estate market an agent has to be patient and realize that buyers are not impulsive and will buy when they're ready to buy. Technology now allows buyers to receive automatic notification when a new listing in Savannah comes on the market -- you can see if there are price changes, up or down, over a period of time. I'll also post new construction and projects when I become aware of them. When buyers receive new listings and have questions, they send me an email and I do the research. I just closed on a condo in downtown Savannah with a couple who I worked with for over three years before they decide to buy -- most all our communication was via email.

Having a buyer agent relieves the hassle of running down individual listing agents -- having one source of reliable information, someone looking after your interests, simplifies the process. I also get buyers who are looking for a second home, and I've begun looking after these properties when the owners aren't in town, so my role doesn't end after closing. I have a book full of repair-people or renovation experts to help with maintenance and improvements.

Buyer agency requires more work in many cases, and the time cycle between first contact and sale is much longer, but that's the route I've chosen, and it's how I was trained when I first got involved in real estate in Savannah in 1996. I've chosen buyer agency because I think the need is so great in an area like Savannah where many buyers are not local buyers, even though the same benefits apply to locals.