The Walker Group

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The Walker Group,  in Colorado Springs
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About Me
In today's real estate market buyers, sellers and investors expect, and deserve, a level of service higher than ever before. We are committed to providing a service to our clients that far exceeds the services offered by other real estate brokers. We understand that buying real estate is the safest financial risk anyone can make but it is still a risk. We not only consider ourselves to be your broker, but your consultant in all your real estate needs. With over 15 years of combined real estate experience; our expertise includes relocation, new construction, resale, investing plus providing broker price opinions for a multi-billion dollar financial services holding company. We have flexible commission rate plans, rebates and money backed guarantees, please call us for details on our plans.We are focused on providing you with the best results and service in the industry. We listen carefully to understand your real estate goals and work hard to create solutions that make sense for you. Whether you are new to the market or an experienced investor, we have the expertise, proven track record, and resources to help you achieve your real estate goals.

We're going to educate you about investing in real estate regardless if this is your first time or thirtieth property we're going to help you make a solid real estate investment.

First, a little about the Walker Group of Colorado Springs, your specialists in Colorado Springs real estate. The Walker Group formed after David Walker retired from the Army. A decorated veteran, whose one of many honors includes the Bronze Star. David proved to be a leader during his 21 year commitment to the Army. His resume highlights include; effectively supervising, designing and facilitating the management of 242 personnel. Administering daily operations to include the accountability of and enforced maintenance of property valued in excess of $11,500,000. Experienced in long term and short term strategic planning. Operated a 120 Unit facility housing more than 200 military personnel. Identified the mis-utilization and implemented regulatory procedures saving the Dept. of Army more than $130,000 annually. David Walker's family is very proud of him, but don't doubt his commitment to systems and models. He's proven it. David has also personally invested in and renovated properties himself. He understands the business from all angels and has currently been licensed for almost 3 years.

Susan Walker is a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX she has walked the walk of real estate investing herself and is probably one of the most passionate people you'll ever meet in regards to real estate investing. Susan Walker put herself through college in the finance arena of corporate America. She started as a general book keeper and left the field as a comptroller. Susan knows numbers. Her interest in real estate started at a very young age. At approximately the age of 23 Susan bought her first property, no cosigners, which was a duplex. She 'flipped' that duplex and made money before HGTV existed. Susan Walker knows what it means to risk everything. Susan believes in the 'Property Ladder' and has worked her way up it. There are no get rich quick scenarios for the mass majority but real estate always PAYS, you just need the right advisors. Susan Walker brings nearly 13 years of experience to the table and loves being able to advise others how to invest in real estate wisely.

We have the WINNING formula to find the BEST investment properties FIRST. Short term real estate investors take note; the properties we identify typically sell for 1/2 their resale value before repairs. Long term real estate investors name your return and we'll find it. We are experienced negotiators. We want you to become a lifetime client and understand in order for that to happen the proof has to be in the pudding.

The Walker Group will provide a detailed analysis of your personal situation. Reports included:
 Prospective Properties and Summaries
 Before and After Tax Scenarios
 Long Term and Short Term Performance Scenarios
 1031 exchange options

The Walker Group believes real estate investing is the smartest financial risk anyone can make but it is still a risk. Thus, we are committed to helping you hedge that risk with measurable RESULTS.

We prefer that those interested call us directly to set up a time to talk about your real estate investment opportunities and needs. But, if email works best for you that is ok too. The Walker Group is ready to TALK REAL ESTATE!

David Walker and Susan Walker
The Walker Group
Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty
719-660-5194
susanwalker@kw.com
My Q&A View all >>
The Walker G…'s Questions (2)
The Walker G…'s Answers (241)
The Walker Group answered:
I've been a landlord for a long time and have a lot of clients who are landlords. I think you might be surprised what is considered 'cons' for buyers typically isn't for renters. I haven't seen your property but my experience is renter's and buyer's needs are very different in terms of what they will accept. Why? Because a renter knows it is only temporary lodging and not permanent. Renters are typically looking for convenience to work, schools, bus lines, etc... most importantly the renter is looking at rental rate and if the size of the home will accomodate their needs.

The vacancy rates are dropping which means rental rates go up. I think we'll continue to see vacancy rates drop because people who could buy a house a year ago can't today due to changing lending regulations. Plus, the entire foreclosure epidemic is adding to more demand for rentals.

Whether or not you should rent depends on your specific situation. If it will be a first time landlord I'd advise you to get as much information in regards to being a landlord. I personally would rather rent out a property, versus taking a loss due to a buyers market. Of course what matters is can you make the mortgage payment with the rent included? Are you financially prepared for those 2am phone calls with a backed up toilet, and on and on it will go. A good idea would be to have a 'financial plan' in terms of turning this property into a rental. You will have a whole new possible issue with tax liability.

You'll want to ensure you seek legal counsel in regards to a lease and liability issues. Plus, find out what the tax consequences will be.

Don't let what I say scare you. Being a landlord isn't a bad thing if you go into it with eyes wide open and are prepared. Basically, you will be starting a new business and want to get as knowledgeable as possible about the business.

Good luck,
Susan Walker - Wed May 7 2008, 12:22

How do I use trulia to establish a home value?

The Walker Group answered:
You can't because the data is based off of public records and unfortunately public records does not give any information except for sold price. It doesn't reflect condition, concessions, and a lot of times public records is in accurate in regards to size. It also doesn't reflect distressed situations that do not accurately portray local values. There is no computer program/website that can accurately evaluate real estate value. Public record values might get you into the ballpark but aren't reliable nor will banks rely on it. This is why appraisers must be licensed through the state and charge for the service of valuing a home. The MLS is the number one source for accurate home values in terms of sold properties. And, as was stated previously, a good agent can come close because they too have the knowledge and experience to appropriately value a property using the MLS. Public records can be factored in determining value and often is but not solely relied upon.

Susan Walker - Wed May 7 2008, 11:51

Can someone provide a good explanation of a Right of First Refusal?

The Walker Group answered:
Here is my experience with first right of refusal in CO and my experience is not to replace legal or agency advice that you should seek prior to writing a first right of refusal. The other answers given are applicable too so details to your specific transaction will change the exact meaning and terms of a first right of refusal.

The CO contract allows for a first right of refusal and has a provision in it to do so. Typically there are additional provisions to the first right of refusal. Here is a typical scenerio I've dealt with:

Buyer A wants to purchase 123 ABC ST. but for whatever reasons cannot fully execute the deal immediately. Buyer A approaches the seller with a contract that has a first right of refusal plus all other applicable terms in the contract including price. The seller may continue to actively market the property and if the seller receives another offer that is more appealing to the seller then Buyer A then has so much time, as stated in the contract, to either meet or beat the second offer. Otherwise, the seller may proceed with Buyer B.

Essentially Buyer A is being giving the first right of refusal to make good now on purchasing the property or they loose the option to buy the it to Buyer B.

Again, there are many different facets to a first right of refusal so getting professional/legal advice before writing one is your best bet.

Good luck!
Susan Walker - Wed May 7 2008, 11:35
The Walker Group answered:
Call NAR and ask and/or look at the Code of Ethics for Realtors:
http://www.realtor.org/MemPolWeb.nsf/pages/COde

The legal thing and the right are two different things. Unfortunately, it sounds like you might dealing with a real knucklehead; the kind that gives real estate agents a bad name. I'm not an attorney in TX nor licensed but I agree this seems like bad business even though it might still be legal. Does the agency agreement in TX specifiy location? The agent might think they mean DFW (although it doesn't sound like it)

I've had this sort of thing happen before and worse case the buyers typically call the agent's broker and it gets resolved very quickly. Maybe you, or your employing broker could call him and/or his boss and offer a referral fee. I seriously doubt this guy will want to drive to Corpus Christi on behalf of his buyers.

Hopefully this will all end being a big misunderstanding. Go ahead and call this buyer agent, maybe there is some miscommunication going on. Show the house, and DON'T cross ANY agency lines until you do talk to this agent in Dallas.

Good luck,
Susan Walker - Mon Apr 28 2008, 12:19
The Walker Group answered:
Frustration with HOA's is not unusual and unfortunately it could be a legal matter, thus I can't answer your question because I don't know who has the burden of proof and second this sounds like a sticky situation in which more details would need to be discussed with proper counsel.

HOA's do have rights under state laws as do the residents so if you are unable to resolve this matter with the HOA or management company directly I'd advise you to contact an attorney to get proper counsel in regards to your rights.

Good luck on this one,
Susan Walker - Fri Apr 25 2008, 08:52

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