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Boston.com / Real estate Buying Renting Recent sales Place an ad Luxury Living Community data Financing Commercial Moving Guides THE RIGHT LISTING AGENT Tips for home sellers to find a listing agent -- Interview at least three or four agents before making a choice. Sometimes a good agent can be found through recommendations from friends or relatives who have recently sold property. Many burrow their way through the Yellow Pages. Some pick up a name at the office water cooler or a health club. It's fine to happen onto names this way, as long as you follow up by screening candidates. Ask the right questions: • What is my home worth? The broker should prepare a market analysis recommending a selling price for your house. You should insist that the agents you interview provide detailed market information supporting whatever price they propose. You want to see "comparable sales" – that is, the selling prices of properties similar to yours, located in the same or similar neighborhoods, that have sold recently. You also want the agents to provide detailed information about current conditions in your market area. That information should include the average time properties are on the market before they sell, and a listing of homes similar to yours that are for sale. How are those homes priced and how does the broker explain the speed – or lack of speed – with which they are selling? You are not going to select the broker who recommends the highest selling price, tempting though that may be; you're going to select the one who seems most knowledgeable about your market, who gives you the most realistic assessment of how much you should ask for your house, and who can articulate the factors that are likely to enhance or impede its sale prospects. • What is your marketing plan for my home? Insist that the brokers you interview submit a comprehensive marketing plan, explaining precisely what steps they plan to take to sell your home. The plan should specify, among other details: - How, where, and how often the broker will advertise your property. Bear in mind that the major daily newspapers are not the only, or necessarily the best, advertising media. Depending on the property, the location and the market, community newspaper, direct mail and even handbills may be equally appropriate. - Will your broker list your house in the Multiple Listing Service, and if so, when? (The answers should be, "yes," and immediately after the agreement is signed.) - Will the broker hold one or more open houses for other brokers to introduce them to the property? (Definitely a good idea.) - How many buyer open houses will the broker host and how will those be advertised? - What repairs or improvements, if any, does the broker think will be needed? You should be concerned if the broker recommends a gut rehab, but listen carefully to suggestions that you do some repainting, trim the hedges, and repair broken railings. • What are the terms of the contract? Once you've selected your broker, pay careful attention to the terms of the listing contract. Make sure it obligates the broker to implement the key components of the marketing plan and allows you to terminate the agreement if the broker fails to do what the plan specifies. You also want to require the broker to report periodically, preferably in writing. Don't agree to an unnecessarily long listing term. TYPES OF CONTRACTS Exclusive right to sell. Most sellers use this. One agent is assigned your property to sell; if that listing broker sells the property, he or she gets the whole commission. If another agent sells, the commission is shared, usually equally. Exclusive agency listing. One agency gets the contract, but if you sell the property, you don't pay a commission. The disadvantage is that brokers may lose some incentive to sell, since you are competing with them. Open listing. Anyone can sell, including the owner, with only the selling broker getting a commission. Some brokers may want you to commit to a six-month listing, but you shouldn't accept a term any longer than 90 days. You always can renew a listing if you're satisfied with the broker's efforts. Also make sure you understand the listing terms. Most brokers will require what is known as an "exclusive agency" agreement. That means the broker will be entitled to a commission if the house is sold any time during the listing period (and for a specified period of time after it expires), even if the broker is not directly responsible for the sale. You should expect to pay a commission of around 6 percent. Although the fee is negotiable, as a practical matter, you won't find too much variation. • What are your references? Rarely do those signing on with a real estate agent check references the way they would when hiring an office employee. Any prospective agent should provide references readily. Goyeau said you should ask any reference you call, "Would you hire this agent again?" To gather accurate information on an agent, limit the references you use to those who have worked with the agent within the previous two years. "The agent could have been great five years ago, but slacked off lately for a variety of reasons," said Joan McLellan Tayler, the author of two real estate books. • Show me the statistics. Brokers should be able to present prospective clients with a computer printout that shows the number of sales they had in the last 12 months, the listing price, the selling price, and the length the homes stayed on the market, said Carol Brenner of Carol Brenner Realty in Newton Highlands. The difference between the initial listing price and the final selling price should be no more than five or 10 percent, she said. Also, an average home should not be on the market for more than three months, she said. What to look for in an agent: • A good reputation. Verify the reputation as well as the competence of any agent with whom you deal, so check with both the Board of Registration for Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen and the Better Business Bureau to see if there is a history of complaints against the broker or the broker's firm. Also contact friends, acquaintances and references the broker provides. "Sellers should look at the reputation of the firm and the integrity of the agent to be sure they are represented ethically and professionally," said Nora F. Moran, former president of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. • Certification from a professional organization. There are a lot of real estate agents in the field, but not all of them are "Realtors," and you want to deal only with agents who have that (R) designation. That indicates the agent belongs to the National Association of Realtors, which implies a level of professional training and commitment, and adherence to ethical standards that you can't otherwise assume. Ask brokers if they have "board designations," or certification from professional organizations. For example, CRS stands for certified residential specialist, and is the toughest level to achieve in residential sales. It's awarded by the Residential Sales Council, a group with the National Association of Realtors, and requires the completion of course and a certain level of experience. The National Association of Realtors also certifies brokers as having completed the GRI – graduate realtor institute – a less-arduous set of courses, brokers say. • Someone you feel comfortable with. When choosing a broker to list a home with, you need someone you feel comfortable with, said John Neale, a broker with Sprogis Real Estate in the South End. "If you get a good feeling from a broker, a buyer is going to get that same good feeling, too. That's going to help you sell your house," he said. • An agent who specializes in your community. You could hire a perfectly good agent from across town. But unless that agent is well-known in your area, he may fail to fulfill the potential of your home sale. Why? Because real estate is a cooperative profession, and the odds are good it will be a local agent who brings you the right buyer for the best price and terms. More tips: • Try to work in concert with the agent you choose. Homeowners are sometimes resistant to the suggestions of their listing agents on matters as basic as keeping their property clean and their beds made. A capable, committed agent is worthy of your respect and cooperation. As Tayler explained, "The relationship between an agent and a client is supposed to be a partnership. That's how you sell your property fast and for top dollar." • Consider asking for an agent who meets your specific needs. Are you a young mother compelled to sell your home due to a divorce? Then perhaps you'd be most comfortable working with an agent who has a similar background. Likewise, a senior might wish to seek an older agent who understands the art of downsizing. One way to locate an agent whose background mirrors your needs is to call the owner, broker or sales manager of a realty office in your area. Be candid about your situation and ask for several names, said Tayler, who operated her own real estate company for 17 years. • Don't give your business to someone as a favor. With more than a half-million Americans involved in real estate sales, chances are you have a friend or relative in the field. Don't engage an agent solely on the basis of friendship or to do a favor. There's too much at stake. This article was compiled from the Boston Globe archives. feedback | help | site map | advertising | globe archives | rss © 2006 The New York Times Company Real Estate Guide - Massachusetts Home Builder - New Home Construction

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Unbiased property investment tips and advice to maximise profits from property! Maximise profits from property investment - free independent advice! "Hi Alan, am keen to know more on property investment and I have just subscribed to your Newsletter, and want to congratulate you on your informative site together with the contents." Barbara Burton "Hi Alan, You seem to have your head screwed on, and yes I'm in my fourth hour on your EXCELLENT site." Richard Harries, Pembrokeshire Enter your E-mail Address Enter your First Name (optional) Then Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you Property Investment Tips. Hi, Property investment is as good an investment as there is, so it still amazes me how little people know about the potential to make money from property, and property investment. There are people sitting on huge amounts of equity who, if they invest this money wisely could be retiring within 2 years!!!! Dont believe me? Thats exactly what I just did, aged 28!! After remortgaging my property, I reinvested that money and last year I made more than 100k after tax, and will make more than that this year. Now I had a good job beforehand, with a gross salary of over 50k, but when you compare that net amount of around 35k with the money I made from property - simply by releasing equity and spending my spare time understanding the vast possibilities in property and investing in some excellent opportunities, I cant believe more people do not do it. I am now in a position where I do not need a 9-5 job anymore . This gives me plenty of time to spend with my family, on the golf course, on holiday, at the football etc etc and I have no boss to report to!!! I believe there are possibilities for anyone out there, whether you are a first time buyer, and not sure where to buy, someone looking for a hands free property investment with guaranteed returns, someone looking to top up their pension, or someone who is willing to give 10 hours a week or so and be in a position to sack the boss in 3-4 years time!! However for anyone to succeed at property investment, they must have some good knowledge - a clear strategy, understand property tax, mortgages for investment properties and importantly understanding what a good property investment deal is and the power of leverage. Now when I first started researching on the internet, I came across some excellent resources and invaluable information - however there are also some who are more interested in charging you a fee than getting you a good deal. That is why I decided to share some of my experiences, and give some of my recommendations and property investment tips. Any of these recommendations I will have personally used, and will have confidence in their knowledge and integrity. I will not accept adverts or endorse any company I am not convinced about. I have now set up a second site - as from March 2005 - with all recommended property investment deals, as and when they arise - this gives me the opportunity to put more details down. Please, if are interested in updates on deals, also sign up on www.property-investment-deals.com for latest deals. I have a newsletter I send out every 2-3 weeks, where I discuss various strategies and property investment tips, and discuss exactly what I have done so far on this Tips site. I will also try to answer any questions, or at least point you in the right direction. I will also analyse deals/courses/mortgage options put forward by some of my contacts. Enter your E-mail Address Enter your First Name (optional) Then Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you Property Investment Tips. I will continually update any good sources I find, and I will continue to share my experiences with you. By no means is this list exhaustive and I am sure there are plenty more good sources, although I also know some not so good - email me with any good experiences/sources you have used for any property investment, and I will share this with the subscribers. Have a look down the left hand side, where I have covered what I consider the key factors when investing in property, and look at each of them, investment property mortgage options, property tax, property investment strategies/courses, and property investment deals at home and abroad, to see who I recommend and why. All this advice is free and is solely based on my experience and the contacts I have made - I will not be offended if you do your own thing, but I am completely independent, so I would at least take note of all my efforts over the last few years!! Of course, you should always do your own research, and do please note the disclaimer page. Any questions I will attempt to reply, please email me at alan@property-investment-tips.com. Also make sure you sign up for free newsletter before you forget, this is packed full of good tips and advice, so I've been told! "Alan, I have just read your back issues, and enjoy the way that you write! I am currently an ex-pat living in Ohio, but with an existing and pending property in the UK....look forward to your next issue " Amanda, Ohio "I've signed up for your newsletter today and from what I've seen of your website, it looks very informative, good balanced outlook on what people should do when investing in property." Nihar Dutt, www.propertynetworking.co.uk "I am impressed with the newsletters, very professional Alan. Your comments on Cyprus and Bulgaria are fab, especially for new investors - DD is vital - and even then I still think its risky so recommending agents shall be of great assistance". Alex Angel, Edinburgh "Hi Alan,First of all, thank you ever so much for sharing your experience. Your website is absolutely fantastic!" Patrice Lavallee, Suffolk "ALAN, I read your newsletters with interest and have recently been in discussions with Property Network Spain. Hopefully the outcome will be profitable!" ALEX CARAVELLO, Residential Lettings & Management "Alan, Great newsletter as per usual. My name is Tom Dyer and i got the info about your newsletter from a good friend of mine, who himself had it referred to him via another friend.It just goes to show that good information travels very fast.Great to have the opportunity to get access to the newsletters and some of your philosophy. Keep em' comingAll the very best" Tom Dyer "Hi Alanthanks again for the posts you send, they are a great eye opener - i'm learning a hell of a lot." Shuko mwambazi Alan just wanted to drop you a line, to say thanks!! For the past few months I had been looking to invest some money and saw property as a possible opportunity. However, having never previously bought, due to continued job relocation, my knowledge of this market was somewhat limited. The information and advice provided on property-investment-tips.com has proved invaluable in taking me from a position of knowing nothing - about how mortgages work, where to buy and which investment companies I could trust - through to the purchase of my first property!! I have bought in Cyprus through investincyprus.com, and am delighted with it! Maybe meet you out there in 18 months??!! Thanks again, and have subscribed to your newsletter to keep eye on other opportunites. Have also given details to my work colleague who is also keen to buy. James Thomson, Edinburgh Hi, I found out about your site and was pretty impressed with everything! I am very interested in purchasing ANY property with good growth and rental prospects in the UK. I am living and working in Shanghai..... Look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Robert Gavin Hi Alan, I found your website very informative and helpful. Thank you very much. My husband is British and I am Vietnamese. We have been working abroad as expats. We have some savings and would like to invest in land and property anywhere, in the UK or Vietnam or abroad. We would appreciate very much if you could give us some advice on what and how to do as we feel uncertain. We feel that we have the potential and could do something good with our savings but did not know where and how to start then we found your site. Thank you very much and I look forward to hearing from you, Best regards, Linh Dear Alan, Thank you for the latest edition of your newsletter and links to the superb articles on your excellent website - it is certainly coming along nicely! I am a first-time property investor and recently had the pleasure of meeting you at the Property show at the ExCel centre in Docklands, accompanied by my wife Christine..... above all, if he comes with your recommendation then I'm sure he is someone that can be relied upon. Ironically, I had been meaning to drop you a line for a while to further enquire about your exploits in property renovation, which I have so keenly read in your emails lately. But now your site has blossomed with so much information, I have learnt an awful lot by just scrolling through the wealth of advice available. Looking forward to hearing from you. ..........Many thanks for your prompt reply. It would be great to meet up with you again in the future, Alan - if anything to buy you a pint for your troubles! Thanks again for your support Kind regards, John Marsden Hi AlanI'll attempt to be brief and to the point! I like your website without having met you or had any communication with you - you do seem to come accross someone who is approachable and kind of normal!! Hence I write to you. I am interested in a one to one consultaion session with you and would like to make a reservation for a London meeting sometime after May. Is that possible? I am currently in Sudan undertaking 5 months voluntary work (back in May) and since being here I have had much time to reflect, to consider my next 'project', look at where I'm heading and to set some more goals and achievements for myself. I also have time while I am out here to do some homework and research (which is how I found you!).I have signed up to your e-zine, and have not yet read everything you have to offer on your site, however I wanted to book in with you as soon as possible, Mandy Evill So, have a look at the headings for the specific area you want to find out more on, and start to share some of the potential to be made in the world of property investment!!! Regards Alan Forsyth Why Property? Why property as an investment? Property Investment Strategies to maximise profits Property Investment Strategies - I'll give you some tips and advise on the best places to learn what is best for you! Location, location,l... Location - why it is still as important as ever, do not limit yourself! Buy to Let What to look out for when considering buy to let in UK and abroad Buy to Re-sell or Remortgage Buy to Re-sell, or Property renovation is as popular as ever, you only need to switch on the TV to see! I give my tips when starting out. UK property investment has become very popular over last few years My thoughts/tips on UK property investment Overseas Property Investment Overseas property investment is becoming more and more popular - check out my tips! Spanish property investment Spanish Property Investment is as popular as ever, read my recommendations on best companies to invest with in Spain Cyprus Property Investment Cyprus Property Investment is getting very popular - read my tips on the best company/places for property investment in Cyprus Bulgaria Property Investment Bulgaria property investment - why it is such good value Scotland Property Investment Scotland Property Investment Estonia property Estonia property Property Tax advice Importance of understanding types of property tax when investing in property. Best sources of information Mortgage advice for Investment Property Mortgage Advice for Investment Property, my tips and advice overseas mortgages Recommended overseas mortgages for property investors 1 to 1 Consultancy 1 to 1 Consultancy Recommended Property Investment Courses Property Investment Courses Landlords Insurance Landlords Insurance - my recommendations Rental Property Investment Software Recommended Rental Property Investment Software Articles Articles written and published by Alan Forsyth Rich Dad, Poor Dad Rich dad poor dad Books Best value books for property investment, financial freedom Resources Quick summary of best property resources on the internet when looking to invest in property. Contact Me Contact me for any further advice on products advertised here, or any further property questions Exchange URLs Exchange URLs Disclaimer Disclaimer other resources general other resources general About us About us

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Breckenridge Lodging-colorado Real Estate Skiing Snowboarding information Summit County colorado. Today Snow High: 28 to 32 Tonight Snow Low: 10 to 15 -- If you would like to be kept informed on things going on in Breckenridge such as weather , lodging specials , cool stuff and more, then sign up for our email club now. BreckNet is the Breckenridge Colorado local information source for Breckenridge, Colorado and all of Summit County, Colorado. Step inside to learn more about this gorgeous alpine town and its surrounding areas, located high in the Central Rockies of Summit County, Colorado. BreckNet lists lodging companies and lodging specials as well as Real Estate companies in case you're looking to buy. Locals say the best things about Breckenridge Colorado are the endless opportunities for R&R. Talk about recreation ! Come in the summer to hear a concert, play golf, hike, camp, bike, fish, kayak, ride horses, or just go shopping ! There's something to do every minute of the day. Ski Breckenridge Lodging Call Toll Free: 1-800-754-9378 In the winter , enjoy some of the best skiing in the world. Our snow is light, soft, and plentiful! Check the list of Breckenridge Colorado ski and snowboard shops to save time with rentals. Winter in Breckenridge Colorado offers excitement and romance with skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, helicopter skiing, apres-ski entertainment , and candlelight dining . Looking for a deal? SkiCoupons.Com is the answer. Find tons of printable coupons for steals & deals on a wide range of products and services in the area like; lodging, dining, tours, shopping, skiing, rafting, golf, fishing, sportsgear, and much, much more! Check out their website today! Click here for air fare. Click here for Car Rentals. P.O. Box 1318 - 101 North Main Street, Suite 6 Breckenridge, Colorado 80424 For advertising information, Call 970-547-9690 - email chip@colorado.net - or visit www.inw.biz Email, dial-up or DSL Questions? Contact our sister company, VailNet/ColoradoNet 949-3318 * http://isp.vail.net

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Hawaii Real Estate Central - Honolulu Board of REALTORS Third Quarter 2005 Median Sales Prices by Area Island of Oahu, State of Hawaii, USA T he Median Prices shown in the chart below are the prices paid for existing residential properties reported sold through our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system during the stated time period. The columns labeled Change indicate the direction of price change from the prior time period (NC is no change). (Click HERE for the most recent ANNUAL prices.) GEOGRAPHIC AREA SINGLE FAMILY HOMES Change CONDOMINIUMS Change Entire Island $ 615,000 $ 280,000 Metro Oahu (Town) $ 730,000 $ 270,000 Diamond Head $ 930,000 $ 500,000 Hawaii Kai $ 925,000 $ 543,500 Kailua $ 862,000 $ 395,000 Kaneohe $ 690,000 $ 350,000 North Shore $ 880,000 $ 466,500 Central Oahu $ 565,000 $ 280,000 Leeward Coast $ 354,600 $ 160,000 Ewa Plain $ 512,000 $ 270,100 Makakilo $ 587,000 $ 285,000 Waipahu $ 549,500 $ 279,000 Pearl City $ 565,000 $ 242,500 Median Sales Price means the midpoint of sales prices, where half of the sales were at prices above the given amount and half were below. Click OAHU MAP to view the geographical references used above. Honolulu Board of REALTORS 1136 12th Avenue, Suite 200 Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 USA Phone: 808-732-3000 Fax: 808-732-8732 Email: hbradmin@hicentral.com 1995-2005 Honolulu Board of REALTORS. All rights reserved. Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed.