In my career I waded, yes waded, through hoarders properties, I've been in homes that have had the utilities off for months and families are still living there (pu).  All kinds of nasty can be associated with foreclosures and short sales that I just won't go into; your welcome.  So it is rare when a foreclosure is in great condition.  

I feel like I have struck gold with two new listings in Night Harbor.  Bank owned properties in excellent condition!   Very rare and priced to sell.  

It's unfortunate that current economic conditions have forced this situation.  I see a golden opportunity for anyone in the position to take advantage of low interest rates and below market pricing.

I had to ask myself would I do this?  Heck no, in the first place what control do you have over the other owners, what if one of them goes broke or dies and leaves his share to a crazy relative.  How about financing?  You can't get a mortgage for 1/4 of a house.  You have to pay cash, $165,000 that adds up to $1,824. a day!!!!  Wow, I could do a lot of vacationing for that kind of money.  Does the monthly fee apply when I'm not using the house?  Who decides when it's time to buy a new bed or a new TV?  What if I leave something at the house and it's not there when I go back?  I have to say fractional ownership is not for me.

What does make sense?  The Landings at Night Harbor!  For $218,000 you and you alone own your home.  You can have a boat slip in Night Harbor Marina, access to boat storage, a boat ramp, tennis courts and a beautiful private clubhouse overlooking Lake Murray.  Financing is easily available, and if you leave your dishes in the sink rest assured they'll be there when you return home. 

One week later, "we decided to use a buddy of my husbands from work to list the house, he's just getting started and will do the work for a lesser commission."    OK, that's their right.  "Have you signed the paper work?"  "Yes."  "Can you get out of it?"  "No, we're going to give him 90 days."

90 days later; ring ring "Hi it's Debbie Erdman"  "Oh Debbie come on over."  In talking with the sellers I asked did you have anyone look at your house?  They said yes just one couple and they made an offer but our agent said it was an insult.   What was the offer?  $10,000 below asking.  Did you think it was an insult?  Well, we didn't know, since it was the first person to see the house we decided to wait.   Who was the agent that brought the offer.  At this point Mrs. Seller walked into the kitchen and brought me his card. 

I list the house;  get back to my office and call the agent that brought the sellers an offer.  I just listed 123 Prettiest House on the Block.  Are your buyers still looking for a house?   Yes.  Do you think they would like to come back? 

2 days later we were under contract at full asking price. 

The discount commission cost Mr and Mrs Seller 3 months payments on their home.   The home they originally wanted to buy was sold and they had to settle for their second choice.   

Food for thought, you don't pay commissions until your house is sold.  What other profession works this way?

Let's make it a great year in Real Estate.

  The park looks fantastic, I especially like the walking paths and the pergola but the best part about the park is that everyone uses it!  Whether it's a touch football game on a Sunday afternoon or a toddlers Halloween party it's all good.

   I can't wait for the new construction to begin.  I like every part of the process, but the best part is handing the keys over to a new home owner.  With 9 homes built we will be almost half-way through this phase.  I am hopeful that at this time next year I will be talking to you about phase 2!

   We have made a few changes and added some beautiful upgrades, if you haven't been by recently please stop out.  Jerry and I are on site from Wed. - Sun.  2-5 pm in the winter months.