Home Loan

Loans - cheap car, personal & secured homeowner loans - MoneySupermarket UK moneysupermarket.com HOME MONEY loans cards mortgages current accounts savings refused finance business finance shares INSURANCE car home travel life critical breakdown pet mortgage income bike dental medical van TRAVEL flights hotels car hire travel insurance top destinations MOTORING new cars car insurance loans car breakdown motorbike insurance car hire van insurance car leasing GAS & ELECTRICITY dual fuel gas electricity Loans Compare Over 400 Loans Looking for the cheapest loan available? Compare over 400 products in the UK market. Enter the loan amount: £ Select the repayment period: -- Select -- 6 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 6 Years 7 Years 8 Years 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years 14 Years 15 Years 16 Years 17 Years 18 Years 19 Years 20 Years 21 Years 22 Years 23 Years 24 Years 25 Years Enter your date of birth: / / Select your required search: Smart search with Our smart search will show you the cheapest loans based on your individual credit score! (No record or ‘footprint’ will be left on your credit history). Quick search All products displayed and sorted by APR. Please answer the following questions: What is the postcode of your current address? How many years have you lived at your current address? -- Select -- Moved in within the last three months Less than 1 year Over 1 year and less than 2 years Between 2 and 3 years Between 4 and 7 years Between 8 and 10 years More than 10 years Have you ever had a CCJ or bankruptcy? -- Select -- No Don’t know Yes within the last year Yes over 1 year and less than 2 years Yes between 2 and 4 years ago Yes more than 4 years ago Have you ever defaulted on a credit account? (E.g. personal loan, credit card, overdraft etc...) -- Select -- No Yes, within the last 1 year Yes, over 1 year and less than 3 years ago Yes, more than 3 years ago Don’t know Have you ever missed a payment on a credit account? (E.g. personal loan, credit card, overdraft etc...) -- Select -- No Yes, within the last 3 months Yes, within the last year Yes, more than 1 year and less than 2 years ago Yes, more than 2 years ago Don’t know How many credit accounts have you applied for in the past 6 months? (E.g. personal loan, credit card, overdraft etc...) -- Select -- None 1 2 3 or more Don’t know How many credit accounts do you currently hold? (Enter 0 if you do not have any of that type.) Number of personal loans Number of overdrafts (in use) Number of credit/store cards What is your current residential status? -- Select -- Home Owner Outright Home Owner Mortgaged Private Tenant (Furnished) Private Tenant (Unfurnished) Living with parents Other What is your current employment status? -- Select -- Full Time Part Time Retired Homemaker Student Unemployed Self employed / other How long have you held your main current account for? -- Select -- Don’t have a Bank account Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 3 to 5 years 6 to 10 years More than 10 years Don’t Know E-mail: See privacy policy . Compare Over 150 Homeowner Loans Homeowner loans are an ideal solution for homeowners who have recently been refused a personal loan or for homeowners wanting to borrow a larger loan amount. See the latest homeowner loan rates using our online loan calculator. Best Selling Loans Customers with a ' Customers with an \'excellent\' or \'good\' credit profile normally have all or most of the following charcteristics: employed in same job with same employer for a reasonable period (or long term self employed); same address for long period and on the electoral role; never missed a payment and not been late with payment in recent years for credit or utilities such as Gas; Electricity etc.; a homeowner (maybe a tenant if in a very desirable residence or location); same bank account for a long period; plenty of credit history e.g. has credit card/s. Note 1: each provider has it\'s own policies which are strictly confidential and not shared with staff from moneysupermarket.com. These characteristics are compiled from ongoing research and dialogue with providers and represents our \'best judgement\'. It is intended as \'helpful guidance\' rather than a precise definition. Industry parlance for this category is \'Super Prime\' and \'Prime\'. Note 2.: Share of market figures are estimates based on feedback from loan providers. Loan rates quoted are the typical rates quoted by the lender. ', 500)" onmouseout="kill();"good ' credit profile Loan APR Comments cahoot 5.8% Instant decision online Northern Rock 5.8% Fixed interest rates AA 5.9% 3 month payment holiday option MS Exclusive 6.3% Lowest homeowner loan rate in the UK Customers with a ' Customers with a \'fair\' credit profile normally have some of the following charcteristics: may have changed employer a few times in recent years or be self employed for a few years or less; may have changed address a few times in recent years or the provider may have difficulty seeing accurate address history on the electoral role; frequently apply for credit; may carry a fairly high level of debt; may be in the younger age group and/or living with parents; may have missed some payments and been late with payment in recent years for credit or utilities such as Gas; Electricity etc.; no CCJ\'s or, possibly, may have one old CCJ for small amount. Note 1: each provider has it\'s own policies which are strictly confidential and not shared with staff from moneysupermarket.com. These characteristics are compiled from ongoing research and dialogue with providers and represents our \'best judgement\'. It is intended as \'helpful guidance\' rather than a precise definition. Industry parlance for this category is \'Near Prime\'. Note 2.: Share of market figures are estimates based on feedback from loan providers. Loan rates quoted are the typical rates quoted by the lender. ', 500)" onmouseout="kill();"fair ' credit profile Loan APR Comments Picture Loans 7.9% Moneysupermarket Exclusive FirstPlus 8.4% Loans for homeowners Customers with a credit profile that ' Customers with a credit profile that \'needs improvement\' normally have some of the following charcteristics: will have missed payments and been late with payments in recent years; may have had CCJ\'s. Any but the oldest CCJ\'s make inclusion in this category almost certain; may have changed address or job frequently; if details cannot be found on electoral register; presently employed or self employed but may have had recent periods of unemployement; will have a bank account; tenants will often be in this category. Note 1.: each provider has it\'s own policies which are strictly confidential and not shared with staff from moneysupermarket.com. These characteristics are compiled from ongoing research and dialogue with providers and represents our \'best judgement\'. It is intended as \'helpful guidance\' rather than a precise definition. Industry parlance for this category is \'Sub Prime\'. Note 2.: there is a further category which we would call a \'poor\' credit profile which, in the industry, is described as \'non conforming\'. This market segment includes the unemployed, individuals that have been declared bankrupt or people with current debt problems. Individuals with a poor credit profile may find it particularly difficult to borrow money. Note 3.: Share of market figures are estimates based on feedback from loan providers. Loan rates quoted are the typical rates quoted by the lender. ', 500)" onmouseout="kill();"needs improvement ' Loan APR Comments Loans.co.uk 11.4% Consolidation available Black Horse 24.9% Also offers secured loans Been turned down for credit? Give our financial helpdesk a call on 0870 027 0269 . Lines are open 24 hours a day. Homeowner Loans: The actual rate available will depend upon your circumstances. Ask for a personalised illustration. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Contact Moneysupermarket.com at Moneysupermarket House, St David's Park, Ewloe, Flintshire CH5 3UZ. Debt Consolidation Tool If you've got existing credit and you're finding it hard to keep track of the repayments or you just want to reduce the amount you do pay each month then use our debt consolidation tool to see if you can benefit from one simple monthly repayment. Best Loans Guide Looking for the cheapest loans? Personal loans are available for a range of different amounts & repayment terms. If you are looking for a low cost loan, comparing the APR (loan interest rate) is a good place to start. Read our personal loan guide here covering bank loans, flexible loans, personal loans - the lot. Secured loans for homeowners are available for many different purposes including debt consolidation. The amount available usually ranges from £3,000 to £50,000 although some lenders will consider loans of up to £100,000. Read more of our secured homeowner loan guide . Having Problems With Your Credit? If you have poor credit and are in need of help and advice, Gregory Pennington or Baines & Ernst may be able to help. Alternatively, you can access your credit report with credit reference agency Equifax. Be updated with our rate alert Register now for up to date news on the cheapest loans and financial deals. Overhauling your finances is thirsty work, so moneysupermarket.com has teamed up with Virgin Wines to offer all users registering for loan RATE Alert the opportunity to get 20 off a case of wine. MISSING PAYMENTS WILL HAVE SEVERE CONSEQUENCES AND MAY MAKE OBTAINING CREDIT MORE DIFFICULT IN THE FUTURE. Contact Us - About Us - Awards - Add to Favourites - Careers - Press - Terms & Conditions - Security © Moneysupermarket Financial Group 2005 Secured Loans >>

Real Estate

John L. Scott Real Estate JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use this site. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To use JohnLScott.com, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, and then refresh this page. STATE COUNTY / AREA Select --- METRO / CITY --- PRICE FROM No Min $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $475,000 $500,000 $550,000 $600,000 $650,000 $700,000 $750,000 $800,000 $850,000 $900,000 $950,000 $1,000,000 $1,100,000 $1,200,000 $1,300,000 $1,400,000 $1,500,000 $1,600,000 $1,700,000 $1,800,000 $1,900,000 $2,000,000 PRICE TO $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $475,000 $500,000 $550,000 $600,000 $650,000 $700,000 $750,000 $800,000 $850,000 $900,000 $950,000 $1,000,000 $1,100,000 $1,200,000 $1,300,000 $1,400,000 $1,500,000 $1,600,000 $1,700,000 $1,800,000 $1,900,000 $2,000,000 No Max BEDROOMS BATHROOMS No Min 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+ No Min 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+ Advanced Search -- OR -- MLS# /PROP CODE RATES 30Yr fix/.625pts 6.000% APR 6.127% 15Yr fix/1pts 5.625% APR 5.894% 5/1 ARM/.625pts 5.750% APR 5.329% Disclosure -- Select a state or click on the national map for homes outside the NW. -- Find out how much you can afford. RATES 30Yr fix/.625pts 6.000% APR 6.127% 15Yr fix/1pts 5.625% APR 5.894% 5/1 ARM/.625pts 5.750% APR 5.329% Disclosure -- Everything you need to know about buying, selling and maintaining a home. Serving the needs of children and families. -- The easy way to find homes for sale in your desired neigborhood. Start a Search -- EMAIL ADDRESS PASSWORD Forgot ID or Password? Remember me Save searches & listings Receive new listings alerts Specify your agent Learn More Home | About John L. Scott | Site Map | Privacy Policy © 2001-2005John L.Scott Real Estate

Real Estate Prices

DQNews - San Diego Union Tribune Zip Code Chart -- December 29, 2005 DQNews Home | DataQuick | Forums | -- Release | Custom Reports Search -- i Updated: December 16, 2005 -- -- -- Real Estate News -- . -- DQNEWS HOME -- RECENT RELEASES Monthly for SoCal Monthly for Bay Area New! -- CA Monthly City Chart ZIP CODE CHARTS Updated Monthly: LA Times Zip Chart SD Union Tribune Chart OC Register Chart SF Chronicle Chart Sacramento Bee Chart Annual Charts: CA 2004 City Chart LA Times 2004 Chart OC Register 2004 Chart SD Tribune 2004 Chart SF Chronicle 2004 Chart Sac Bee 2004 Chart Updated Weekly: SJ Mercury News Chart California SoCal Area Bay Area -- REGIONAL CHARTS Phoenix 3Q05 Honolulu 3Q05 Las Vegas 3Q05 Portland 3Q05 Seattle 3Q05 Nashville 3Q05 Miami/Palm Bch 3Q05 Jacksonville, FL 3Q05 Denver 3Q05 Chicago 3Q05 CURRENT HEADLINES Home Sale Trends Mortgage Trends -- Foreclosures Million Dollar Homes Building Activity Other Feature Articles NATIONAL NEWS -- WEB SITE EXTRAS ARCHIVED ARTICLES -- Customized News Services -- -- Custom Reports Archived Zip Code Charts Archived Articles -- Enter your email address to receive DQNews Headlines by email: -- Who We Are -- -- -- Find Out More About DQNews San Diego Union Tribune Zip Code Chart for Home Sales Recorded in November 2005 Back Issues are available through Custom Reports Resale New Single-Family Condominiums All Combined New Place Zip Sales Median % Chg Sales Median % Chg Sales Median % Chg Central San Diego 477 $539,000 5.7% 384 $430,000 4.4% 323 $444,500 -15.3% Allied Gardens, Del Cerro 92120 16 $589,000 7.1% 8 $367,000 -12.2% 5 $320,000 n/a City Heights 92105 28 $418,500 5.3% 17 $250,000 -5.1% 3 $224,000 -42.3% Clairemont 92117 32 $578,250 6.1% 5 $316,000 -3.5% n/a n/a n/a College 92115 29 $468,000 5.2% 16 $311,000 -11.1% 14 $234,000 -20.7% Coronado 92118 6 $1,235,000 -2.9% 17 $825,000 -37.4% n/a n/a n/a Downtown 92101 n/a n/a n/a 48 $539,250 -20.4% 147 $530,000 1.0% Encanto 92114 48 $450,000 9.5% n/a n/a n/a 4 $260,000 -45.8% Golden Hill 92102 19 $440,000 4.1% 4 $237,500 -18.1% n/a n/a n/a Hillcrest, Mission Hills 92103 12 $1,085,000 52.8% 24 $495,000 2.7% 10 $564,500 -9.7% Kensington, Normal Hts 92116 24 $504,500 -14.9% 7 $425,000 21.4% 14 $282,500 15.3% La Jolla 92037 18 $2,025,000 37.3% 35 $595,000 1.7% 22 $462,000 -13.6% Linda Vista 92111 17 $534,000 4.2% 9 $314,000 -18.1% 1 $296,000 n/a Logan Hts 92113 18 $368,500 -0.8% 1 $300,000 26.6% n/a n/a n/a Mira Mesa 92126 52 $520,000 4.0% 23 $400,000 12.7% 3 $359,500 1.3% Mission Bch, Pacific Bch 92109 13 $940,000 19.0% 25 $600,000 5.3% 10 $422,000 -22.6% Mission Valley 92108 n/a n/a n/a 25 $356,000 0.3% 1 $804,500 57.4% Morena 92110 8 $649,500 17.6% 12 $430,000 9.6% n/a n/a n/a North Park 92104 13 $575,000 13.1% 14 $318,000 1.9% 1 $360,000 n/a Ocean Beach 92107 10 $772,000 -8.0% 9 $410,000 -1.2% 4 $431,750 12.1% Paradise Hills 92139 18 $482,500 8.7% 8 $367,500 4.6% 7 $314,500 n/a Point Loma 92106 16 $870,000 15.2% 3 $605,000 24.7% n/a n/a n/a San Carlos 92119 15 $539,000 -2.0% 4 $317,000 0.3% 1 $1,350,000 n/a Scripps Rch 92131 21 $705,000 0.7% 20 $442,500 0.1% 18 $995,000 7.7% Serra Mesa 92123 15 $515,000 7.3% 12 $327,250 -27.7% 8 $517,250 2.1% Sorrento Val. 92121 4 $735,000 -7.3% 6 $422,250 -3.8% n/a n/a n/a Tierrasanta 92124 13 $675,000 -3.6% 15 $425,000 -0.6% n/a n/a n/a University Cty 92122 12 $720,000 6.4% 17 $465,000 -8.8% 50 $344,000 -28.0% East County 317 $490,000 6.5% 82 $325,000 1.7% 63 $446,000 -5.9% Alpine 91901 17 $679,000 8.6% 1 $245,000 -6.1% 5 $699,000 -17.5% Boulevard 91905 2 $353,750 114.4% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Campo 91906 4 $386,000 42.3% n/a n/a n/a 20 $395,500 n/a Descanso 91916 2 $442,500 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a El Cajon 92019 34 $545,500 4.4% 9 $356,000 1.7% 3 $275,000 -59.6% El Cajon 92020 30 $480,000 -4.0% 4 $280,000 -9.4% 2 $294,250 -25.5% El Cajon 92021 34 $466,000 -0.2% 15 $310,000 -4.6% 7 $955,500 106.1% Jacumba 91934 1 $92,000 -23.3% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Jamul 91935 10 $792,500 -2.5% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a La Mesa, Mt. Helix 91941 37 $524,000 17.2% 4 $321,500 7.3% 8 $873,000 -5.4% La Mesa, Grossmont 91942 8 $515,000 1.9% 5 $428,500 30.8% n/a n/a n/a Lakeside 92040 23 $540,000 11.8% 6 $301,000 36.8% n/a n/a n/a Lemon Grove 91945 17 $435,000 3.0% 1 $315,000 0.2% 3 $312,000 n/a Pine Valley 91962 3 $495,000 43.5% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Rancho San Diego 91978 4 $514,000 13.2% 1 $355,000 15.6% n/a n/a n/a Santee 92071 36 $470,000 8.5% 21 $350,000 11.5% 14 $474,500 1.7% Spring Valley 91977 55 $475,000 8.1% 15 $327,000 -7.2% 1 $660,000 19.3% North County Inland 547 $580,000 12.6% 134 $365,000 6.0% 218 $668,500 6.9% Bonsall 92003 6 $837,000 29.0% 3 $324,500 -20.9% n/a n/a n/a Borrego Spr. 92004 3 $125,000 -60.9% 1 $240,000 81.8% n/a n/a n/a Escondido S 92025 29 $490,000 4.8% 12 $317,500 0.8% 1 $575,000 -40.8% Escondido N 92026 41 $500,000 5.3% 6 $334,500 33.3% 12 $781,500 4.9% Escondido E 92027 46 $479,000 11.5% 2 $260,000 -3.3% 1 $948,500 50.6% Escondido W 92029 16 $664,500 6.3% n/a n/a n/a 1 $940,000 n/a Fallbrook 92028 48 $605,000 21.2% 2 $214,823 -40.3% 8 $797,250 26.6% Julian 92036 2 $271,000 48.5% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Palomar Mtn 92060 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Pauma Valley 92061 1 $220,000 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Penasquitos 92129 41 $686,000 5.9% 17 $340,000 -2.9% 13 $917,000 73.0% Poway 92064 42 $588,000 7.1% 5 $420,000 -0.9% 1 $255,000 -88.5% Ramona 92065 36 $575,000 17.1% 5 $302,500 -11.9% 1 $659,000 -9.4% Rancho Bernardo W 92127 20 $1,050,000 70.7% 13 $395,000 18.6% 69 $457,500 -17.9% Rancho Bernardo E 92128 41 $675,000 16.4% 28 $420,000 -2.3% 6 $322,500 11.2% Rancho Santa Fe 92067 4 $2,512,500 11.7% n/a n/a n/a 1 $1,320,500 109.6% Rancho Santa Fe post office 92091 2 $2,800,000 93.1% 1 $865,000 -3.4% n/a n/a n/a San Marcos N 92069 35 $526,000 5.2% 6 $385,000 20.9% 10 $363,500 -39.9% San Marcos S 92078 37 $650,000 13.5% 13 $378,500 -7.2% 73 $702,000 21.5% Santa Ysabel 92070 1 $206,500 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Valley Center 92082 13 $660,000 -2.6% n/a n/a n/a 12 $840,500 5.6% Vista S 92081 20 $555,000 4.7% 5 $420,000 28.4% 1 $543,000 -41.4% Vista W 92083 25 $460,000 5.7% 9 $360,000 15.0% 5 $690,000 4.5% Vista E 92084 37 $580,000 19.6% 6 $367,000 11.4% 1 $889,000 175.2% Warner Spr 92086 1 $611,000 35.0% n/a n/a n/a 2 $53,750 n/a North County Coast 319 $645,000 9.5% 145 $455,000 5.1% 179 $807,000 19.6% Cardiff 92007 12 $677,500 -26.6% 4 $482,500 -10.6% 2 $1,232,000 n/a Carlsbad N 92008 12 $712,500 4.8% 6 $482,500 15.6% 2 $477,500 -48.9% Carlsbad S 92009 32 $770,000 10.0% 16 $447,000 6.4% 77 $890,000 -7.3% Carlsbad I 92010 11 $600,000 -8.3% 6 $410,000 -4.7% 4 $497,750 -29.4% Carlsbad II 92011 16 $865,000 10.9% 13 $645,000 -0.2% 3 $173,500 -77.4% Carmel Valley 92130 26 $970,250 7.4% 23 $645,000 20.6% 48 $791,500 -7.3% Del Mar 92014 13 $2,000,000 40.8% 4 $578,500 -20.8% 1 $2,400,000 108.7% Encinitas 92024 37 $815,000 7.2% 19 $512,500 -5.5% n/a n/a n/a Oceanside S 92054 41 $527,000 16.7% 19 $367,000 0.5% 7 $577,500 7.8% Oceanside E 92056 59 $506,000 6.8% 11 $349,000 -1.7% 11 $278,500 -55.0% Oceanside N 92057 52 $535,500 9.8% 18 $317,500 0.0% 23 $739,000 37.4% Solana Beach 92075 8 $1,047,500 -25.2% 6 $817,500 10.4% 1 $1,200,000 n/a South County 245 $602,500 13.7% 95 $385,000 6.6% 184 $506,500 -12.8% Bonita 91902 16 $703,000 0.4% 2 $385,750 -7.8% n/a n/a n/a Chula Vista N 91910 44 $611,000 15.6% 17 $385,000 2.7% 2 $737,500 n/a Chula Vista S 91911 34 $530,000 12.8% 25 $360,000 3.4% n/a n/a n/a Chula Vista - E. Lake - Otay Ran ch 91913 46 $677,500 15.4% 16 $414,000 -4.2% 21 $408,500 -37.3% Chula Vista NE 91914 14 $713,250 8.1% 5 $440,000 8.1% 37 $478,000 -45.4% Chula Vista SE 91915 23 $612,000 0.3% 8 $483,500 9.9% 87 $582,000 24.4% Imperial Beach 91932 7 $530,000 9.5% 3 $505,000 -3.8% n/a n/a n/a National City 91950 13 $444,000 9.6% 4 $312,500 0.2% 20 $495,750 n/a Nestor 92154 39 $585,000 23.2% 8 $367,500 5.8% 17 $662,000 26.5% San Ysidro 92173 9 $507,000 11.1% 7 $295,000 0.9% n/a n/a n/a ©DataQuick Information Systems This information may not be republished in any form. -- View the DQNews News editorial policy. -- Contact us at info@DQNews.com | DQNews Home | DataQuick Homepage

Land For Sale

Scrape Metal Merchant, Land For Sale (Walsall, Midlands) - Freehold 1.2 acre site / land Buy or sell a business in the UK with the Business Partnership. View our businesses for sale, ask for a business valuation, or get help on either buying or selling. Make contact with our regional business broker offices who will be happy to assist with the sale or purchase of any business. ( 0 items ) Ref: trb.1113 Scrap Metal Merchants (Midlands) - FREEHOLD 1.2 Acre Site / Land Location Walsall, West Midlands United Kingdom Price Undisclosed Sales Revenue 413000 Property and Land Freehold Description Excellent site / land just outside Walsall city centre, would suit a variety of alternate uses, eg skip hire, haulage, storage, industrial etc. Currently operating as a long established scrap metal merchants. In recent years the scope of trading has been restricted to a non-ferrous door trade, dealing mainly in copper and aluminium. The site has two separate accesses, a circa 2000 square foot office building and a 40T Avery weighbridge installation. There is not thought to be any contamination to the land (possibly some dry metal). The business holds two carriers licences and the necessary environmental licences. Reasons for Selling Retirement Location and Property / Land The premises are situated in a prime location on a main arterial road into the centre of a West Midlands city. Related Information / Photos Back To Listings Add To My Folder Receive businesses by email - Use our brand new service to help you search for the right business. Simply add your requirements and when new businesses are added to our website that match your profile you will be emailed the details! Click here for more information. Home // About us // Office directory // Buyers // Sellers // My folder // Member login

Real Estate Agent By

BuyMyself - Canale, IRED Attitude & News Home Directories Int'l Realty US Realty BuyMyself Choosing A Real Estate Agent By Stephen M. Canale, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA There's a common saying in the real estate industry regarding the vast number of agents in the business: "If you don't have any friends who are agents, then you probably don't have any friends at all." With so many agent out there, how can you make an intelligent decision? Do you choose a friend, neighbor or coworker? Should you work with an agent at a large firm, a small firm, a franchise or an independent? While there's an exception to every rule, and every marketplace has its own nuances, here are some solid rules to apply when you want the best representation to protect your interests. Demand Experience The real estate profession is plagued by high turnover. This creates a workforce that is made up of many newcomers. While there are brand new agents with good intentions, why trust one of the largest investment you'll ever buy or sell to someone without experience? Always look for an agent with at least two years of experience. Anyone still in the business after two years has probably learned at least the fundamentals of real estate. Look for Commitment Another problem we have in the industry is a large number of part time and recreational salespeople. These folks have either retired from some other career, work in real estate seasonally or are earning a second income for the family and honestly don't need to work full time. No matter how long they have been in real estate, their lack of full-time commitment makes it impossible for them to keep up with the vast changes in law, marketing and business practices that are occurring in the profession today. If an agent isn't working at least thirty hours a week, fifty weeks a year, look for someone else. Consider Education In the majority of states, the requirements for real estate licensing are substantially less than those for cutting hair. In Michigan, for example, all that is required is a forty-hour class and a multiple choice test. You cannot rely on licensing to indicate competence. And, unfortunately, many agent's real estate education ends with their pre-license education. While there are numerous advanced real estate education courses available, the only technical and competence based program available nationwide is the Graduate, REALTORS® Institute (GRI) series, which is administered under the direction of the National Association of REALTORS®. A REALTOR® who completes the fifteen eight-hour modules, and passes examinations, may then use the designation of GRI. While only 15%-20% of agents have earned this accreditation, it should not be too difficult finding a GRI in your marketplace as they will commonly print the designation behind their name in advertising as well as on letterhead and business cards. Conduct Interviews Before you hire an agent to help you buy or sell a home, you should interview at least three agents in person. In order to do this, first get recommendations from friends, family and neighbors. Then look on the web, in homes magazines and the local newspaper to see what kind of marketing the various companies are doing in your area and call a few that impress you. Then make brief fact-finding calls to determine which of the agents on your list are full time, experienced and either hold the GRI designation or are at least working aggressively toward it. You will probably need to call ten to fifteen agents in order to find three that are worth interviewing. The interview itself need not be a formal one. It is simply an opportunity for you to meet the candidate and explain your needs; and to determine whether you would be comfortable working with them. Ask whatever questions you like, or simply explain your goals and listen carefully to what they propose to do for you in meeting your needs. The decision If you follow the suggestions above, you will find that there are excellent agents working for firms both large and small; both franchised and independent. Thus, the real decision must be made based on the competency of the individual agent you will be working with on a day-to-day basis. Stephen M. Canale is President, Broker/Instructor of Acclaim Residential Marketing Ann Arbor, Michigan | IRED Home | Search IRED | © 1995-2005 IRED.Com, Inc All Rights Reserved