We recently closed out a Bank Owned property. There were quite a few surprises that we don’t want to catch you off guard. Luckily we have a manager that has done hundreds of these so he guided us through the process. Here’s what we learned:

• What is bank owned property?
• What role does investor play?
• What is mortgage insurance?
• How are bank properties negotiated?
• Why should I pay extra for title insurance?
• Do I pay the escrow fee?
• Can I flip the property (remodel & sell)?
• and more…

Quick Tips from Matthew:

There are some fantastic deals to be had buying repossessed homes aka Bank Owned Property. There is more work on your part to purchase them however, this leaves most buyers running for the hills. You really need to do more diligence up front. Specifically on their purchase contracts. You need to know exactly what terms they are communicating in ALL the fine print. Who pays escrow, TX fees, title fees, and any further restrictions they have. Most buyers are not willing to do this diligence so it leaves you with more leverage to negotiate on the property.

More about Matthew:

Matthew is a licensed Real Estate Agent in Arizona. He works with a team cooperative team of agents to assemble the best real estate solutions possible. These are based off client needs and marketplace conditions. Make sure to give him a call if you are in Southern Arizona. You can reach him at (520) 344-3481 and or checkout his work at KeysToArizona.com

My cousin called me and asked the question every agent dreds, “How do I sell my home without an Agent.” I continued with a breakdown of how it works…

• Conducting market research to value your home
• What upgrades do you need to sell
• How many days will you be on the market
• Taking professional pictures on a budget
• Creating a tour video
• Drawing your own floor plan
• Where to host your ad
• What is a real estate search engine
• Where to have title work done
• And more…

Quick Tips from Matthew:

It only takes a few weeks of study and a test (at least in Arizona) to become an agent. Really anybody can do it. There are a lot of agents out there that do a minimal service. These agents are typically the ones who also brag about having the most sales as they have little time to do much more. We don’t call them top agents, we call them “minimum service” agents as a result. It’s quite easy to replicate at least the marketing side of the services. This along with a good title company can get you a long ways in the way of selling your own home. A good agent is a different story. They may thousands of hours of experience which you’re not going to be able to replicate selling your home on your own. And hiring a good agent is an investment that pays for itself.

Referenced Materials:

• For Sale by Owner Checklist: what you need to do to get your home listed and on the market without a Real Estate Agent.
• Residential Seller Disclosure Advisory: this is where selling on your own gets VERY tricky. This is only one of MANY disclosures you are REQUIRED by state and or fedral law to use. You have no way to know of which disclosures are needed without proper training. For instance you may also need a lead based paint disclosure, polypipe, airport, affidavit of dislosure recorded, well, septic, HOA, and more.
• Minimum Camera Equipment: if using your cell phone you’ll need this clip HERE.  No matter what you need a tripod to take the pictures. This is a lightweight tripod with 3 way head and bubble level HERE that allows you to capture straight lines.
• Advertising: put your ad up on Zillow, Craigslist, and FSBO websites. FSBO offers syndication to other Real Estate Websites and upgraded services. They’re not necessary but can save you some time. Zillow is the most visited website by buyers.

More about Matthew:

Matthew is a licensed Real Estate Agent in Arizona. He works with a team cooperative team of agents to assemble the best real estate solutions possible. These are based off client needs and marketplace conditions. Make sure to give him a call if you are in Southern Arizona. You can reach him at (520) 344-3481 and or checkout his work at KeysToArizona.com

When I was an engineer, I’d interview with people who didn’t know how to do my job. They had no idea how to qualify me for that which they did not know how to do themselves. Interviewing a Realtor has the same challenges. Learn a few questions to get off in the right direction…

• Identify buyer myths
• Be careful of agents who buy homes
• Spot the wolves in sheep’s cloths
• Top agent isn’t what you think it is
• Don’t be dazzled by market place numbers
• How to qualify agents using photos
• Spot a true “Internet Marketing Plan”
• Understand extraneous marketing
• Marketing that sells your home versus sells your agent
• How to spot the narcissist
• Choosing an agent your comfortable with
• What is their feedback system
• Do they ask questions about you?
• and more

Quick Tips from Matthew:

The biggest mistake sellers make is thinking their agent can control the market. Their agent can bring them a cash buyer in the first week, or pull a magic carrot out of their hat and sell home themselves. These are really bait and switch tactics to get you under listing contract with them. When interviewing an agent it’s important to understand that the agent cannot control the marketplace in any way shape or form. They are your LIAISON to the market place. There they guide you to make sure you do the right things and have the best chance to do well selling your home. This takes a solid marketing plan and lots of strategist. So a good agent will be asking you LOTS Of questions and developing a custom plan to get your home sold based off your needs. His tool kit should be well polished. Today most all the tools are on the internet as that is where virtually all the buyers go to find their home.

Referenced Materials:

• Interview check-list: list of questions to interview listing agents with.
• Matthew’s Portfolio: a link to Matthew’s Portfolio at KeysToArizona.com. Compare the pictures and marketing from the agents you interview to what you find on this website.
• Matthew’s Client Questionnaire: a good agent is going to be asking you a lot of questions. This is our minimum list of questions for each listing appointment. It also includes our checklist and prescribed homework we assign each client.

More about Matthew:

Matthew is a licensed Real Estate Agent in Arizona. He works with a team cooperative team of agents to assemble the best real estate solutions possible. These are based off client needs and marketplace conditions. Make sure to give him a call if you are in Southern Arizona. You can reach him at (520) 344-3481 and or checkout his work at KeysToArizona.com

When I was little my grandma let me cheat at cards so it’s no wonder I always won. Do you want to let your competition cheat when you’re playing Real Estate? My guess is not, find out how to identify the cheaters…

• What is Real Estate Agency?
• Dual Agency versus limited dual agency
• Preserving confidentiality
• Negotiating Real Estate is like Playing Cards
• Your motives and options are your cards
• How to bring forth best market has to bear
• Identify cheaters aka Real Estate Wolves
• and more.

Quick Tips from Matthew:

The easiest way to get taken advantage of is not understanding agency. Likely you would not even realise somebody has their hand in your wallet. So you need to take a little time to explain exactly what Agency is…. Think of agency as the players at a game of poker. It is important to know who is playing so you can hide your hand of cards from them. Simple enough, but this is violated every day in Real Estate. The only thing we want to show the marketplace is positivity so we can attract the best the universe has to offer.

Referenced Materials:

• READE: this form is one of the first forms you should see. It identifies who’s who / who’s at the table playing poker.
• Consent to Limited Representation: this defines if you are entering a dual agency or limited dual agency.

More About Matthew:

Matthew is a licensed Real Estate Agent in Arizona and super geek. He commands several Real Estate websites seeking to educate consumers on how to Rock the Real Estate market. If ever you are selling a home in Arizona (or would like a referral to sell a home) give him a call. You won’t be dissapointed, you’ll be delighted! You can Real Matthew’s Real Estate hotline at 520-344-3481

Did you know most Realtors want to DO AWAY with home inspections. They are THE source of most issues in home sales. I have a different solution… Let’s use them to our advantage. Here’s how to you can make more or get more using home inspections.

• What is a home inspection]
• Increase chances of repairs being accepted by seller
• Leverage inspections to get a discount on your purchase price
• As a seller the ONLY important thing is the bottom line / cost & timelyness of repairs
• How to prepare yourself for home inspections as a seller
• Avoiding complaints about quality of work
• Getting deeply discounted repairs through home warranty companies
• and more…

Quick Tips from Matthew:

Home inspections are a highly debated topic among Real Estate Agents. Inspections are intended to find hidden defects in the home. Items that would effect the buyer’s decision to purchase the home. I see home inspections as a tremendous advantage. We have seen buyers who are fair with the seller get much better deals than otherwise. We have also seen sellers who are prepared for the inspections get top dollar, and quick closings.

Referenced Materials:

• Self Home Inspection Checklist look through this list prior to putting your home on the market. These are buyer objections and inspections requests Matthew Jeschke has seen selling homes in Arizona.
• Matthew Jeschke’s Website Keys to Arizona here you can view Matthew’s work as referenced in the podcast.

Contacting Matthew Jeschke:

If you are looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Southern Arizona MAKE sure to contact Matthew. He works throughout Pima, and Santa Cruz county. You can reach him at 520-344-3481 or on his website at http://www.keystoaz.com/contact-us/

I got a call from a customer a few days ago. He spotted a home that was priced so well it looked to good to be true. We found out it was being auctioned off. So can you get a good deal on an auction site?

• Identifying their “junk fees”
• Handicapted due dillgience
• Hiring a buyer’s agent and getting auction site to pay for them regardless
• How their “free” title policy costs you.
• Baking ALL the closing costs into the bid price.
• and much more.

Quick Tips from Matthew:

It is really unfortunate to see misleading auction sites. There may be some good sites out there but in my experience most of them are a trap and so most agents (and even buyers) avoid them. The banks who use these auction sites really end up getting the shaft as the houses do not sell as well as a result. What does that mean to you? A good buyer’s agent can get find you a great deal on an auction site.

Reference Materials:

• Keys To Arizona Matthew’s website showcasing his Real Estate Services in Southern Arizona.

As you sit here quietly reading this article you will realize improving your credit score is easier than you thought…

Improving your credit score may sound like an impossible task especially when you just want to take advantage of the excellent housing market.

You may feel discouraged, even give up prematurely especially if a lender has turned you down for a home loan.

Even if you do qualify for a home loan, a better credit score may help you qualify for a lower monthly payment!

So you ask, “How do I improve my credit and get the home I desire?”

That my friend is an excellent question!

Give me 5 minutes and I will show you how to improve your credit score saving thousands on a home loan in the process – Let me prove it – for FREE

Polishing your credit score is actually quite easy.  The hardest part is time.  Some of the factors evaluated in your credit score take time to clean themselves up.  Here are a few things you can do right now to improve you credit score,

Tip 1:  Pay off your credit cards This is probably the biggest immediate impact you can have on your credit score.  Carrying a balance on your credit cards reflects very negatively on your credit score.  The closer the balance is to the credit card’s maximum the more it tarnishes your credit score.  Pick your credit card which is closest to it’s maximum balance.  Pay it off then work your way through your cards paying each one off.

Tip 2:  Build a clean payment history Choose one of your credit cards, preferably the one with the highest limit, to use for personal expenses.  Diligently pay off the entire balance at the end of each month.  This creates a record of on-time payments which reflects well on your credit score.

Tip 3: Close extra credit cards Take your credit cards with the most recently missed payments.  Call the credit card companies and close them out.  This pushes those missed payments further down on your credit report reducing the impact on your credit score.  Note: If possible keep 3 credit cards open to avoid completely erasing your payment history.  The higher the credit limit the better.

Tip 4:  Check your credit report You may be surprised to find unknown creditors; other people’s credit history; identity fraud; blatant typos; and other surprises on your credit report.  Such mistakes are quite common so make sure to take advantage of your free anual credit report at, www.annualcreditreport.com

Tip 5: Consult an expert Credit repair services are offered everywhere.  The best services are typically offered, for FREE, by lenders.  Many of them will sit down with you one on one and explain how to repair your credit.  I highly recommend doing this as everybody’s situation is different.

Introducing Ian Brannon, Senior Loan Officer & Home Finance Expert

In the below discussion, Ian Brannon spills all of his best tips about improving credit scores.  These tips apply to any credit agency, and any credit score.  They work equally well for home loans, car loans, anything that requires a credit check.  Plus there are tips that even you can complete with ease.  You are going to love it!

Also, leave a comment on this article to let me know your favorite piece of advice from Ian Brannon.  Additionally, if you have any interesting stores to share about your difficulties with home loans, tell those too.

Listen to this audio now and learn:

• A foolproof method to improve your credit score in 15 minutes
• What keeps most individuals from having good credit (not time)
• How credit score influences the loan amount you qualify for
• Smart ways to avoid over extending yourself
• The perfect time to apply for a home loan
• How to take control of your credit score for good
• And more

Click here for a printable credit repair checklist

Want to know more about Ian Brannon?

Ian Brannon obtained a degree from Cal Poly in 2002.  He went to work for a major bank as one of the top producers in Northern California.  After a few years he moved back to Tucson Arizona to continue his career in home finance.  He has prided himself in helping thousands of individuals good credit, bad credit and all circumstances to qualify for their dream home.  You can reach him at ian.brannon(at)novahomeloans.com or by phone at (520) 618-5636

Note:  I highly encourage you to request licensing info for any loan officer you work with.  Here are Ian’s Credentials – NMLS 205989 / BK 0902429 / Nova NMLS 3087

People have long debated of the difference between house and home. Does home have anything to do with a physical location at all? I challenge you to ponder the true meaning of your home.

• Identifying the perfect life outside your home search
• Setting the right priorities
• How money has little or no meaning.
• Realise wealth without making or spending a cent.
• You may have a house but do you have a home?
• and more.

Quick tips from Matthew

A home is something that cannot be bought. I find a common mantra with my clients who know exactly what they want to buy but know little of home. Home is created  from sharing with those who matter most in our lives. There you will find a richness of life that all the money in the world cannot buy.

Sites referenced in Podcast

• Keys to Arizona website showcasing Matthew’s local Real Estate Services.

More information

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in Southern Arizona make sure to look Matthew up. You can reach him at 520-344-3481.

confused about life insurance? Meet too, I don’t want to die let alone think about it. But there’s so many more amazing things you can do with life insurance and NOT die. Jared Grant shares them with us in this awesome podcast. Check it out,

• What is life insurance
• How to take care of family in event of death
• Why coverage is important even person has no income
• Term vrs whole life and different kinds of life insurance
• How to receive a tax benefit
• Mortgage protection plans versus life insurance
• What coverage amounts make since
• How to identify best providers
• What factors into premiums you pay
• and more

Quick tips from Jared

The most interesting thing I hear Jared share was, many people don’t consider life insurance if the person is not working. For instance, a stay at home mom. However, if that person passed away you would not only have grief but a loss of help. You may have to hire a nanny, or employ daycare services. This is one example of where life insurance is so helpful. Nobody can ever replace the loss of a loved one but money helps so you do not experience additional hardship while mourning your loss.

Sites referenced in Podcast

• Jared’s Website (FarmersAgent.com/jgrant) visit this site to put in for an online quote.

More information

I encourage you to follow up with Jared directly at (520) 447-7900 and obtain a no obligation quote today. Jared is awesome, and will educate you on exactly what’s right for you even.

Everybody should build a new home at least once in their lifetime. It’s GREAT fun. Here are a few tips you should know before speaking with a builder.

• How to get the best deal on a new home
• Who is looking out for your best interests and who’s looking out for the builder
• Locking in any incentives offered
• Making sure all the small details are documented
• Creating a budget for the design center
• Negotiating with the builder what they will and will not adjust
• Getting your lender’s costs paid for versus going with builder’s lender
• Finding a agent at no extra cost to you (aka free)
• Getting extra money for design center options
• How to make sure all your options are built into your home
• and more

Quick tips from Matthew

Building a new home is one of the most fun things you can do. It is however, VERY complicated with a LOT of variables you need to properly document. Always chat with a buyers agent about building a new home before you visit the builder. Negotiating with builders is much different from negotiating on resale and you can easily get lost in the details so it’s important you focus on (1) base price and (2) budget for the design center. Shoping your options, financing, and previewing resale homes first is a must. And lastly remember the builder’s agent represents the builder. They are contractually obligated to get the builder the most money. Your agent is contractually obligated to represent you. Ensuring you have a fair deal means equal representation for both parties. Builders love buyer’s agents and are happy to pay for yours on your behalf. We add a lot to the transaction and make for a smooth process for everybody involved.

Items referenced in Podcast

• Building a new home checklist make sure to print this off before you start your search for a home builder.

Thinking of attempting a “For Sale By Owner”? Here’s a few quick tips to get your home on the FSBO marketplace.

• What is a FSBO
• Why is FSBO risky
• How to purchase buyers for a nominal fee
• Finding & qualifying buyers serious buyers with an online ad
• Transferring clean title
• Collecting sale proceeds
• Making your home appealing to buyers
• Get a free listing ad
• How to sign your home for sale
• Creating flyers
• and more…

Quick Tips from Matthew

The key to success in selling any home be it with an agent or on your own is presentation. You need to present your home in a good light and serve your home up for the marketplace / buyers to see. This starts with preparing your home for the market: fixing broken items, decluttering, cleaning, and touching up. Then you’ll take pictures, video and create an online ad to serve the home up to potential buyers. Sit back and wait for hits on your ad. You may also need to pay for a buyer’s agent to bring you a buyer as Agents are working virtually all the buyers in the marketplace.

Podcast References

• Listing Tutorial this online class walks you through getting your home on the market. It’s from the perspective of clients working with an agent to list their home. However, will be VERY valuable to go through if performing FSBO. Note this class is currently being offered for free, but may be a pay class in the near future.
• How to sell, “for sale by owner” checklist print this checklist to guide you through the FSBO process.

More Information

Call Matthew Jeschke at (520) 344-3481 / [email protected] if you tried doing a FSBO and are ready to work with an agent to listt your home. Matthew and his network of agents are in Southern Arizona and happy to guide you through the process.