Banker's Market

People ask me all the time, "Buyer's or Seller's Market Jason?"
Over the past couple years in Marin Real Estate we have not been in a Buyer's or a Seller's Market....we have been experiencing a Banker's Market.
There are basically three ways to buy houses in this Marin County Banker's Market.
1. Traditional sale (or no Banks involved!). These are old school sales where the Seller has equity in the property and negotiates a fair price with a Buyer. Negotiations tend to be a bit more emotional (for the Seller), but in the end after 30 days and a bottle of Champagne, I hand the Buyer Keys.
2. REO - or "Real Estate Owed"...Foreclosures are more and more common and a nice way to get a home at a good price. They tend to be competitive with multiple offers here in Marin...everyone seems to love a good foreclosure! Negotiating is never emotional..it is formula driven and straight forward. Asset Managers (the Seller's in the REO game) will negotiate within 3-5% of their purchase price. Sometimes more, but 3% is the general rule. The time frames during the transaction and through to close and champagne are the same as traditional sales....
3. Short Sales - Probably the most commonly confused transaction! Short Sales ironically take the longest to close. If you are guided through a short sale purchase with a short sale exert (like all of us here at Heath Real Estate) this is the niche in the market where Buyers can get the best deal. They can be painful and frustrating, but they can pay off in equity. Negotiations are erratic and low ball offers are often accepted....however, banks can counter the price during the process after they do their standard appraisal. I would love to walk you through the process (if I have not already). Too long for a blog! Just call my cell 7 days a week and I will break it down: (415) 686-0589
Happy Holidays!!
Jason

Heath Real Estate Grows

So...I have not been blogging for a while, but I am recommitted. Something is happening out there in Marin County Real Estate. Everyone seems to be Busy. I have having my best year ever...In fact, I have been too busy to Blog! It has been a fun Fall here in 2011. Heath Real Estate has grown with the addition of Marin County veteran Realtors: Matt Hughes and Arun Burrell. Our website is growing, our company is growing, our enthusiasm is palatable.