Chris Fraser - Blog

What are the tax millage's of the Rockford Area?

Chris Fraser — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:50:16 GMT

The Rockford area millage rates vary from 30 - 39 mills. A final determination of what your new home's property taxes would be cannot be determined until an exact address is known.

You can find a property tax estimator at the Michigan State web site.

Please contact me with any questions you may have regading Rockford Area Property Taxes.

Here is some useful links for Rockford, MI.

Chris Fraser — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:41:34 GMT

Below are a few links where you will learn more about the city of Rockford, MI and other usefull links about buying and selling a home in Michigan.

Should you use an ABR realtor?

Chris Fraser — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:37:50 GMT

Buying a home is a big decision and a personal one. You need the right person to find a home that suits your needs!

So you've decided to buy a home.
Purchasing real estate is a complex and major transaction with many details to be handled. Depending on the laws in your state and the business arrangement you have with a licensed real estate agent, that agent may actually be negotiating for the seller, not you the buyer. The best way to be certain that an agent is working in your best interests is by signing a buyer representation agreement with an agent.

What is a Buyer Representative?

A real estate buyer's representative represents the buyer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction. Research by the National Association of REALTORS has shown that when a buyer's representative is used, the prospective buyer found a home one week faster and examined three more properties than consumers who did not use a buyer's representative.

The buyer's representative works for, and owes fiduciary responsibilities to, the real estate buyer and has buyer's best interests in mind throughout the entire real estate process. A buyer's representative will:

§ Evaluate the specific needs and wants of the buyer and locate properties that fit those specifications.
§ Assist the buyer in determining the amount that they can afford (pre-qualify), and show properties in that price range and locale.
§ Assist in viewing properties -- accompany the buyer on the showings, or preview the properties on behalf of thebuyer to insure that the identified specifications are met.
§ Research the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help the buyer make an informed decisionprior to making an offer to purchase the property.
§ Advise the buyer on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.
§ Present the offer to the seller's agent and the seller on the buyer's behalf.
§ Negotiate on behalf of the buyer to help obtain the identified property -- keeping the buyer's best interests inmind.
§ Assist in securing appropriate financing for the selected property.
§ Provide a list of potential qualified vendors (e.g. movers, attorneys, carpenters, etc.) if these services areneeded.
§ Most importantly, fully-represent the buyer throughout the real estate transaction.

The Buyer Representation Agreement

It is important for the buyer to discuss the buyer's representative's compensation in the initial interview. In many cases it is recommended that the buyer and the buyer's representative agree to the terms of compensation prior to viewing properties, and sign a written agreement based on those terms. The agreement should spell out the responsibilities of both parties throughout the real estate process.

In some states, legislation has been enacted to protect the buyer to the point that, absent a written agreement, the buyer's representative represents the buyer throughout the real estate transaction. Consult your REALTOR for complete details when you begin the purchase process.

Why you should use an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)

Why should you look for the ABR designation before looking for a home? These three letters after a REALTOR's name tell you that you will be working with buyer representative who is committed to your best interests. The ABR Designation is awarded by REBAC to those REALTORS who have met the specific educational and experiential criteria needed to provide the high level quality service required by REBAC (Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council).

If you would like to find a buyer's representative in your area or in the area you are moving to, just go to our Find a Buyer's Rep page and fill in the data fields.

About the Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council (REBAC)

The Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council, REBAC, was founded in 1988 to promote superior buyer representation skills and services. An affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS since 1996, REBAC's membership now numbers well over 40,000 and is the worlds largest organization of real estate professionals concentrating on buyer representation. Members who meet all course and professional experiential requirements are awarded the ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative) and/or ABRM^sm (Accredited Buyers Representative Manager) designation(s). Both are the only designations of their type recognized by NAR.

The ABR designation is geared towards agents who wish to enhance their buyer representation skills, and provides proof to prospective buyer-clients of their proficiency at servicing the special needs of buyers. The ABRM^sm designation, on the other hand, is intended for owners, brokers and managers who have or intend to incorporate buyer representation into their company's service offerings.

Contact the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council:
Mail: 430 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 800-648-6224 or 312-329-8656
Fax: 312-329-8632
Email: rebac@realtors.org

I am CRS certified, what does that mean?

Chris Fraser — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:18:25 GMT

The CRS Designation is the PhD of Real Estate Only 4% of All REALTORS Have the CRS Designation. Certified Residential Specialists don't cost more. Their expertise may actually save you time and money when buying a home or increase your profit when selling one. When you are looking for an agent, look for a Certified Residential Specialist. Trust The Best - Select A CRS

Here is some additional information regarding the CRS designation

Why do I need a residential expert?

Buying or selling a home is one of the most crucial financial transactions of your life. In what can be a confusing and sometimes difficult process, it pays to leave as little to chance as you can. But with the help of a professional, you can navigate unknown territory with ease.

To fill the specific residential needs of homebuyers and sellers, the Residential Sales Council of the National Association of Realtors instituted a class of expert real estate professional: the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).

How can a CRS help me?

Every CRS has undergone a rigorous, specialized course of detailed training, aimed at making residential transactions as smooth and worry-free as possible.

A CRS brings special qualifications to your needs:

Membership in a local Board, State Association, and the National Association Realtors. Every CRS is part of a much larger network of real estate professionals.

Successful completion of the courses leading to the Certified Residential Specialist designation - one of the most successful residential real estate educational programs in the country. Every CRS is a real estate professional equipped with special expertise, thanks to advanced study in listing, selling, investment, taxes and more.

A history of demonstrated sales performance through the documented execution of residential sales transactions.

What this means is that when you work with a CRS, you're working with someone who is more connected, more knowledgeable, and more experienced.

What if my needs are special?

If anything about your transaction is special, seek out a specialist. It's as simple as that. Only 2% of all Realtors and REALTOR-ASSOCIATES have earned the right to be called a CRS. Only 2% have developed special residential sales skills and enhanced their residential sales knowledge through study, dedication and experiences.

A CRS can help you optimize your transaction by identifying better prospects, clarifying investment potential, and helping you understand tax ramifications. It all adds up to one thing: better service.

What special qualifications does a CRS bring to my transaction?

Your trust in a CRS is well-earned, thanks to these distinctive credentials:
A professional designation of residential specialty, the highest in the industry
A higher level of education in residential sales
Professional affiliation with thousands of other real estate professionals on the local and national levels
Up-to-the-minute industry information, with respect to taxes, investment, legislation, and other areas of critical importance
Local market knowledge - special residential expertise unique to your area

The CRS designation: our badge of expertise and your shield of assurance. Look for the CRS Shield when considering your next residential transaction.

Put your trust in the best. Get the job done right wit the help of a Certified Residential Specialist.