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Let’s have a frank discussion. OK, maybe it’s not a discussion. I’ll talk and you read. The bottom line is, buying or selling a home is stressful. It’s my job to take the stress out of it for you. With more than 20 years of client service experience, I’ve been helping clients make major decisions my entire career. It’s what I do, and I do it well.
I hope you will allow me to assist you in making one of the most important decisions of your life: which home to buy or how to market your home for sale. I am organized, thorough, and persistent – all qualities you want in an agent. But equally important, I’m patient, responsive and I listen – with emphasis on the listen. In fact, if I’ve honed anything in 20 years of serving clients, it’s my listening skills.
Let me be honest here. I want to be the agent that I would hire myself. And I’m a tough customer. Which is why I make ten commitments. If I can’t keep my commitments to you, my client, then I don’t deserve your business. It’s how I would feel if I were hiring myself, so it’s how I do business.
Thank you for listening.
Len's Ten Commitments
1. I will keep my clients well informed of developments, issues and resolutions in a prompt and professional manner.
2. I will communicate on a regular basis, as frequently or infrequently as my clients wish, via any means they prefer (in person, by phone, email, text message or smoke signal).
3. I will stay involved in the process from the day we meet until well beyond the day of closing. My clients will never feel “abandoned.”
4. I will return calls, emails and “txts” promptly, usually within a few hours.
5. I will translate “Realtorese” into plain English and make sure my clients understand every part of the process.
6. I will make referrals to professionals in all lines of real estate and service industries, and follow up to ensure my clients get the service they deserve.
7. When I don’t have an answer to my client’s question, I will promptly get one from a reliable source.
8. I will organize my clients’ sale or search process, schedule appointments, arrange inspections, and do whatever else it takes to keep things moving forward.
9. I will help resolve any issues that impede progress or threaten to delay the closing.
10. I will provide exceptional customer service throughout our working relationship.
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Trulia Voices!
Hi KPC.
Welcome to Westport (or area). I think it can be done, but...
The one person I would trust most with the answer to your question is Karen Mulreed, President of Westport Mortgage. You will love working with her. (203) 912-8056. You can tell her I sent you. That might get you an extra lolly-pop at closing.
Good luck,
Len - Tue Sep 9 2008, 10:57
Hi Richard, and welcome to the exciting, scary, unnerving world of first time home buying.
Great idea that you're starting with a mortgage broker. Many people do not and end up having to take a step bakwards after finding a home they like. I always encourage my clients to meet with a coulple of mortgage pros first. One I highly recommend is Wesport Mortgage (Karen Mulreed, Pres. 203-912-8056). You will be treated like a VIP.
Once you get that part settled, I'd be happy to assist you in your quest. I've worked with many first-timers and can gladly provide you with references. Always check references. Your agent will make or break your experience.
Good luck. Remain optimistic. There's lots of inventory out there.
Len
203--912-5254 - Fri Aug 29 2008, 23:49
Hi Carolina.
All of the below are true. And I will add one more option: if you'd like I can set you up with Listingbook, which is most likely the best home search engine out there (blows away Realtor.com and all of the RE company search sites). It's as close to the "professional' version of the CMLS as you can get without a realtor's license. In Listingbook you can set up mapped coordinates for your home search so you can focus on Westover. Then, of course, you can set any other criteria you want -- as "like to haves" and "must haves."
If this sounds interesting to you, shoot me an email: LenSchwartz@kw.com.
Good luck and have a great day!
Len - Sun Aug 24 2008, 15:52
Hi Anna.
The simplest answer is financing. Because co-ops are not the standard for Stamford, there are very few lenders who will finance buyers, which means they are difficult to sell. (Not true in NY.)
I am in the middle of a co-op transaction right now and my client researched about 10 lenders before he found the one who would give him a mortgage, with 20% down. It's Washington Mutual.
If you decide to go with a co-op because they are more affordable, before making your offer, be sure to find out if they by-laws permit rentals. If they do, consider moving on. The more rentals in the building, the less likely a lender will lend. And all lenders that do offer loans for co-ops have approved buildings, so you can usually find out in advance if a loan is possible.
Good luck,
Len Schwartz
Agent for a New Age - Tue Jul 1 2008, 21:27
Hi Adina.
That's the Hubbard Heights area; and yes it's quite lovely. Have you driven it? I always suggest to my clients that they drive around the area before looking for a home. That way, you will see for yourself what you think of the neighborhood.
Depending on what you're looking for, Hubbard Heights is close to alot of things. Schools, parks, golf course, downtown, Stamford Hospital, I95 and more. Like many other neighborhoods in Stamford, you will find residents who have lived in the area for years and wouldn't think of living elsewhere. It's a close-knit community with an active "counsel." But the best way to know for sure is to drive it and look for people walking in the area. Just stop and ask. (Yes, it's safe to do so.)
Good luck with your search, and of course, if I can be of further service, don't hesitate to email me: LenSchwartz@kw.com. (I know you weren't looking for an agent to recommend themself, but I would happily send you references of clients who recently bought in Stamford.)
Have a great day!
Len - Sun Apr 20 2008, 06:32