- 8 Answers
- 2 First Answers
- 2 Useful Answers
Serving home buyers, sellers and investors all over SW Michigan.
"You, as always, came through for us. You've been so much help to us through every process before, during, and after the sale. We can't say enough how much we have appreciated your help with EVERYTHING. We couldn't have asked for a better agent. You've gone above the call of duty for us."
Joel & Nicole H. of Portage Sun Jun 1
"We just purchased our first home with the help of Joel and couldn't be happier with the results.
He took the time to take us on several home visits and explained the ins and outs of real estate to us. All in all, we are extremely pleased with the job he did and would enthusiastically recommend him to friends and family. We kind of want to start the whole process over again, just so we can hang out with him!"
Jon & Rebecca H. Sun Jun 1
"Words could never express how much my family appreciated everything you did for us. You held our hands the whole way through. You were always just a phone call away. Whenever we needed anything or had questions you were right there for us. Owning a home is no longer just a dream. I never believed a realtor could be so kind and warm. May you continue to have a blessed life. Our family will always remember all that you have done for us."
Ron & Sharon P. of Lawton Thu May 1
Joel Nelson's Questions (1)
Joel Nelson's Answers (8)
Those are 2 very good answers! It's amazing to me the quality of information I've found contained within the answers on Trulia Voices. There are some very sharp people here.
The only thing I would add to the answer is this; check with the buyer's agent to determine how long the property has been on the market. Ask about price reductions. If it has been reduced incrementally over time that is an indication the lender/seller is on top of things and won't accept an offer significantly less than list price. On the other hand, if it has sat for 90 days on the market and never had a price reduction, they may be asleep at the switch. If that is the case, they may wake right up when your offer is submitted and realize they better do something with the property. By the way, when you investigate buyers agents, look for one with REO experience. - Sun Aug 31 2008, 06:49
The north side of Kzoo is a bit of a challenge but I've sold a couple of homes there this summer on the north side and a couple on the east side. I'm familiar with that market, I have some investors with whom I work that buy properties there for rehab and am willing to discuss pricing the property with you. No obligations. - Thu Aug 14 2008, 19:55
Most builders prices in SW Michigan begin around $100 per sq. foot. Custom builders of course are higher, $200 per sq. ft. is not unusual. Those prices exclude the cost of the land of course.
Many builders and subcontractors are very hungry for work right now with so very little new construction going on.
Not to mention architects, surveyors, designers, and of course Realtors. - Wed Jul 9 2008, 18:24
Joe,
I list foreclosure properties for lenders and work with buyers in the Kalamazoo area. The answer to your question is...it depends.
Typically, bank owned homes are priced under market value in our area.
But before the banks put them on the market they are appraised and have a Realtor provide a BPO (broker price opinion).
Based on that information the banks will price the property to sell quickly.
They try to get it right but sometimes they price them very agressively and the property sells immediately. Sometimes they price them too high and they remain unsold for a month or two, at which time the price is usually adjusted.
When the properties have been on the market less than 30 days, there generally is very little negotiation on the price, maybe 5% off list price.
I hope that helps. Contact me if you would like more information.
Joel - Wed Jul 9 2008, 18:01
I have used them for about 18 months and it's been a good investment. My ROI is $7,200 invested and $31,000 GCI in return. It could've been better IF I operated the way they suggest which is to CALL the seller asap OR drop off the CMA in person. My follow up was their wonderful Market Leader contact mgt. system and a monthly newsletter I mailed. I would also send them Just Listed and Just Sold cards (via email usually) if I had action in their zip code. HV is a bit time consuming though. I only bought seller leads, never buyer leads.
I think it's like anything else, if you work it, it will work.
If you are going to BUY leads, you could do far worse than HV. - Sat Apr 26 2008, 19:45
Because I work with a large group of lenders marketing their foreclosed property inventory, I am very tuned in to the foreclosure and REO market. I understand what the lenders (owners) expect from their properties.
Because of my foreclosed property focus and experience, I provide valuable insight for the home buyers with whom I work.
Accredited Buyers Agent and e-PRO are designations I have earned to increase my knowledge of web based marketing and technology.
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General Manager for
Mattawan Homes
Helped people buy manufactured and modular homes. Developed subdivisions in SW Michigan.
June 1990—December 2002
Active member of Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council.
e-PRO Internet marketing certification
Accredited Buyers Agency certification
Licensed Residential Builder
I'm a family guy. We live on an inland lake in SW Michigan and enjoy all the lake offers including boating, swimming, fishing and the wildlife. The big thing in our lives now is planning for our trip to Disney World.