Official now – election results are in… Very happy to continue my service to the real estate industry – and knowing that so many of my fellow Realtors have the confidence in me to represent our Membership. Real Estate is not just about buying and selling homes – it is most importantly about the relationships we are able to make (with our clients, communities and others in the industry!) Having people who are invested in the business and open to doing what is right and for the greater good is key to making necessary changes and supporting our roles to our clients! Looking forward to 2024 and beyond!
We all know that change can be good, if not sometimes painful? What you NEED TO KNOW is that there are proposed changes to the Real Estate Industry – that COULD make a real difference to YOU – as the consumer (buyer or seller). *** LONGER POST WARNING 😉 ***
I know you think this has already happened with the increased higher interest rates – right? Yep, that is one change that certainly has impacted everyone.
You also may know that the low inventory and higher purchase prices have continued – and are projected to continue for years – also correct!
However, the little known discussion that has been playing out for a number of years now – with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and National Association of Realtors (NAR) – is something “I” believe will be a BIGGER IMPACT and CHANGE TO THE INDUSTRY than most anyone even realizes.
Now while this may not be decided this year, maybe not even next year – what I see is the tsunami effect of things that is building: low inventory / higher prices; higher interest rates; and THEN if we get way-laid with the change to Realtor Compensation as proposed – the CONSUMER LOOSES! How? You may be asking…
Let’s say that for the 115+years now that NAR and Real Estate has been established, there is a way for a SELLER to list their home for sale, having professional representation by their Realtor for their best interests AND in that same agreement compensation is agreed to and offered for a BUYER’s Relator to also be paid. This works well, is openly noted and shared in the listing services of our MLS (which is solely structured around that compensation agreement BTW). Yes, Sellers can decide to sell on their own and NOT USE a REALTOR; just as Buyers can decide to make an offer and NOT USE a REALTOR – BUT, if either party uses a Realtor under the current agreements – each party is PROTECTED AND REPRESENTED in a FIDUCIARY ROLE that is bound by ethics and rules. (If I am working for the Seller – then I HAVE TO PROTECT THEIR INTEREST; If I am working for the Buyer – then I HAVE TO PROTECT THEIR INTEREST) you get the point??
Why does this work?? Because the offer of compensation is addressed with the LISTING with the SELLER and both sides of the transaction are ASSURED OF REPRESENATION. And each Realtor is getting PAID at the CLOSING of the DEAL from the Seller Proceeds.
If a Seller does a For Sale By Owner – there are NO LEVELS OF PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION, NO protocols of disclosures or process, and it really becomes a BUYER BEWARE (Caveat Emptor) situation.
If a Buyer decides to purchase without a Realtor Representation, well they can certainly choose to navigate the purchase, finance, inspection, appraisal and closing process ALL ON THEIR OWN – however, each of those steps COULD present an issue for those who may not be familiar with or understanding of their “rights”.
Now – back to the PROPOSED CHANGE – for whatever reason – there is a BUG up someone’s crawl that is saying this system (well proven over the 115 years) that is UNFAIR. The change is to have Sellers Pay for their Realtor Services and the Buyers to Pay for their Realtor Services. And I know, on the service – everyone THINKS that is an equitable resolution.
HOWEVER, what you don’t realize – while the Seller is likely MAKING MONEY ON THE TRANSACTION AND ABLE TO PAY THEIR REALTOR FEES AT CLOSING – the BUYER is BRINGING MONEY TO THE TABLE TO CLOSE: either in the form of their LOAN (which currently ONLY can cover the mortgage expenses), or their own FUNDS OUT OF POCKET.
I’m going to now give an EXAMPLE of what a Buyer Scenario looks like: Buyer decides they want to buy house at $100,000 (good luck finding that right now! – but easy numbers help make the point)
Buyer is “pre-approved” with a lender who has indicated the type of loan they qualify for – FHA may be 3.5% down (or $3500 down), plus closing costs and loan origination fees – well, let’s just call this a Total of about $6000 that will be needed for the Buyer to Close the Loan.
The “process” should / could involve an Inspection ($500) BUYER PAYS OUT OF POCKET AT THE TIME; and an Appraisal ($400) BUYER PAYS OUT OF POCKET TO SCHEDULE. There could be additional inspection costs (termite, well, radon, etc) all of which would ADD TO THE OUT OF POCKET COST – and ALL PAID BEFORE THE CLOSING BY THE BUYER.
To be “safe” and for Buyers to have some understanding of what they need to BUY a house, I use GENERAL NUMBERS LIKE THIS TO PREPARE THEM, and also to gauge their financial ability to make this decision to purchase. If they have ~10% of the PRICE OF THE HOME as funds available for them to use – THEN this may be a deal for the Buyer.
BUT NOW – the Proposed Change, is stating the BUYER is to PAY FOR THEIR REALTOR SERVICES – which as indicated is NOT ABLE TO BE ROLLED INTO THE LOAN (currently) so will be OUT OF POCKET COST. If the Buyer then has to come up with an extra $1000, $2000 or $3000 + to pay for their Realtor Services… DO YOU THINK THAT IS AN UNFAIR HARDSHIP??
I believe that this proposed Change is not only UNFAIR to BUYERS, it puts them in jeopardy to decide to NOT USE A REALTOR (saving the money) but loosing out on their RIGHTS AND REPRESENTATION. I believe this proposed Change is a TERRIBLE SHIFT TO AN INDUSTRY whose sole business has been based on Ethics, Integrity and FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OUR CLIENTS. It is a GAME CHANGER and NOT IN A GOOD WAY.
Why do I go to conferences, pay DUES and work hard for my clients? Because it is something I take personally, it is a DUTY I feel, and it is an HONOR THAT I SERVE. Having an industry change such as this come along and “knock out” all the 20+ years of experience of my service is a SLAP IN THE FACE. DOJ should be asking the consumers if they are REALLY READY to carry the burden of not only having higher prices due to the lack of inventory (and many governmental shortages and failures), to the higher interest rates (again, due to governmental failures and oversight), to NOW – the proposed BURDEN of having to pay for their “rights” to be a protected BUYER DURING THE HOME PURCHASE PROCESS with their Realtor Services NOW BEING ON THEM DIRECTLY.
Yes, I could go on and on about this – with REAL LIFE EXAMPLES of how I not only had Sellers who made MONEY on their Real Estate transactions – but that they GLADLY PAID FOR THE REALTOR SERVICES FOR BUYER INCLUDED, and knew / know that was the way the process amicably worked for ALL.
And more importantly, I can tell you about REAL LIFE EXAMPLES of Buyers who NEVER THOUGHT THEY COULD OWN A HOME, were negotiated into deals that WORKED for them and made them HAPPY HOME OWNERS – with as LITTLE OUT OF POCKET AS POSSIBLE – to which they were FULLY AWARE OF AND ABLE TO PAY, mainly because there was NO ADDED COST OUT OF POCKET TO THEM FOR MY SERVICES.
And, to go a step further – yes, I have the HORROR STORIES as well of people who LOST OUT because of decisions they made WITHOUT THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF ME (or other REALTORS) as a result of their trying to “SAVE SOME MONEY”.
On the record I will say all of this, and what I believe is that ANYTIME SOMEONE IS TRYING TO TAKE AWAY THE RIGHT OF ANOTHER (in any form: out-right change to constitution or bylaws or process rules) THEN THERE IS ALWAYS A GAIN FOR THOSE SEEKING THE CHANGE and NOT A BENEFIT FOR THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED.
And my passion to serve is the reason MY CLIENTS continue to use me for their Real Estate needs – they KNOW I am going to STAND UP, SPEAK UP and VOTE in this Industry for the RIGHTS OF THE CONSUMERS.
Our “Building a Secure Future: Estate Planning and Real Estate Workshop” is planned for Thursday, August 24, 2023 and will be held from 11 AM – 1 PM. This FREE event will be held at the American Legion Post 598 at 5700 Kentshire Drive, Kettering OH 45440. Please reserve your seat in advance so that we can adequately be prepared with Refreshments and Hand-outs!
We have Attorney, Nancy Ann Roberson of Roberson Law to speak about Estate Planning and to answer YOUR QUESTIONS on Building a Secure Future! Planning in advance of medical or life-changing situations is KEY to protecting your assets!
Tammy Murphy, REALTOR, will also be available to answer any REAL ESTATE questions, and is proud to HOST this FREE event.
Additional partners will be available to answer questions having to do with LOANS / TITLE / INSURANCE and FINANCIAL PLANNING.
Our “Building a Secure Future: Estate Planning and Real Estate Workshop” is planned for Thursday, August 24, 2023 and will be held from 11 AM – 1 PM. This FREE event will be held at the American Legion Post 598 at 5700 Kentshire Drive, Kettering OH 45440. Please reserve your seat in advance so that we can adequately be prepared with Refreshments and Hand-outs!
Here are a few Helpful Tips to Assist Planning for You & Your Loved Ones:
Start Early: Begin your estate planning process as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late or you’re faced with an unexpected event. Planning ahead allows you to make informed decisions and ensures that your wishes are carried out effectively.
Define Your Objectives: Clearly identify your goals and objectives for estate planning. Whether it’s protecting your assets, minimizing taxes, providing for your loved ones, or supporting charitable causes, having a clear vision will guide your planning process.
Create a Comprehensive Estate Plan: A well-rounded estate plan typically includes a will, power of attorney, healthcare directives, and trusts. Tailor these documents to your specific needs and circumstances, considering factors such as real estate holdings, investments, business interests, and family dynamics.
Regularly Review and Update: Life circumstances change over time, so it’s crucial to review and update your estate plan periodically. Major life events like marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant financial changes may require adjustments to your plan.
Involve Trusted Professionals: Seek the guidance of experienced professionals such as estate planning attorneys, financial advisors, and tax experts. They can help you navigate complex legal and financial matters, ensuring your plan aligns with applicable laws and maximizes your benefits.
Consider Long-Term Care: Incorporate provisions in your estate plan to address potential long-term care needs. This may involve setting up healthcare proxies, living wills, or establishing trusts to safeguard assets and provide for your care in the event of incapacity.
Maximize Real Estate Planning: Real estate is often a significant asset in an estate. Consider how to pass on property to heirs efficiently, minimize tax implications, and explore strategies like gifting, trusts, or establishing family limited partnerships to manage and protect your real estate assets. Working with your Trusted Realtor is a start to ensure timing in the market is maximized.
Communicate with Loved Ones: Openly discuss your estate planning intentions with your family and loved ones. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings, disputes, and challenges in the future. It also allows you to address any concerns and provide explanations for your decisions.
Continually Educate Yourself: Stay informed about changes in estate planning laws, tax regulations, and financial strategies. Attend workshops, seminars, or seek educational resources to enhance your knowledge and make informed decisions.
Seek Professional Guidance: While this list provides helpful tips, it’s important to remember that every individual’s situation is unique. Therefore, consult with a qualified estate planning professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances and goals.
It’s great to hear that Montgomery County has experienced a significant increase in property values! A 30% increase to a total property value of $38.1 billion is indeed a substantial growth. Rising home sales records often contribute to an overall appreciation in property values within a region. As our meeting today with Karl Keith confirmed, that is an “historic growth in values”.
Increasing property values can have several implications. Homeowners may see their investments grow and potentially gain equity in their properties. Local governments may also benefit from increased property values as they can generate higher property tax revenues, which can be allocated towards community services and infrastructure development.
HOWEVER, you will be delighted to learn that at least the actual Tax Bill will NOT increase 30%!! You heard me correctly, the tax bill is likely to adjust between 4-6%, based on a value increase change of $100k. Just as in Real Estate, Property Taxes are also based on LOCAL criteria. Understanding what is going on with your home, street and neighborhood AFFECTS that overall Property Value as determined by the Auditors office.
AND, if you are not happy with the findings (which should be mailed to home owners at the end of the year with the final release) – You MAY be able to file a dispute if you have material information that appears to not be reflected. Curious about this process or want help to navigate the way??? This is a service that Tammy offers to clients, so that the deadline to submit dispute application can be met, and then subsequently the review meeting later in the year can be adequately prepared for and presented on your behalf.
We are not alone, of Ohio’s 88 counties, 41 are reporting INCREASED VALUES (with Franklin County reporting the highest gain of 41%!) What this means is that our schools, communities and infrastructures will benefit from the potential increase in revenues earned 😉
Want to learn more about what Karl Keith and the Auditor’s Office do? Checkout their link here: http://mcauditor.org/
The Steps to Buy a House involve several aspects, and here’s a simplified explanation of how it typically works:
Saving for a Down Payment: The first step is to save money for a down payment. This is a portion of the total price of the house that you need to pay upfront. Saving for a down payment might take some time, but it’s an important part of the process.
Understanding Your Budget: Before you start looking for a house, it’s essential to determine how much you can afford. Consider your income, expenses, and any existing debts you have. This will help you figure out a comfortable budget for your home purchase.
Getting Pre-approved for a Mortgage: Unless you’re buying a house outright with cash, you’ll likely need a mortgage, which is a loan specifically for purchasing a home. To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll need to provide some financial information to a bank or lender. They’ll assess your financial situation and let you know how much they are willing to lend you.
Finding a Real Estate Agent: A real estate agent is a professional who helps you find a house that suits your needs and budget. They have access to listings and can guide you through the buying process. Look for a reputable agent who understands your requirements. If you are reading this post – then you are already on the way to finding your Best Realtor of choice! 😉
House Hunting: With the help of your real estate agent, you can start looking for houses that match your preferences. Consider factors like location, size, amenities, and price. Visit different properties, take notes, and ask questions to gather information.
Making an Offer: When you find a house you like, you can make an offer to the seller. Your real estate agent will help you with this process. You negotiate the price and terms of the purchase, including any contingencies (such as inspections or repairs) that need to be met.
Home Inspection: Before finalizing the purchase, it’s crucial to get a professional home inspection. An inspector will examine the house for any potential problems or repairs needed. This will help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase or negotiate repairs with the seller.
Closing the Deal: Once you’re satisfied with the inspection results and have secured your financing, you’re ready to close the deal. This involves signing legal documents, including the mortgage agreement and the deed, which transfers ownership to you. You’ll also need to pay closing costs, which include fees for various services related to the transaction.
Moving In: Congratulations! After closing the deal and receiving the keys, you can move into your new home. You may need to arrange for utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet service, and make any necessary updates or repairs to personalize your space.
Remember, buying a house is a significant financial decision, so take your time, ask questions, and seek advice from professionals along the way.
The real estate brokerage with a heart! Helping you as buyers and sellers in today's real estate market. RH2L is "Real Homes To Love" and your choice for professional real estate services in today's market! Office hours by appointment.
