I thought when I entered the Real Estate Profession, that there was tons to do to be prepared for a client (Seller or Buyer) to stay on top of the game. Knowledge is the "Key" correct? The more informed you are as the professional, the better you are able to protect and guide your clients. Always so much to do each day. Update Technology, phone current clients, check on past clients, preview current homes on the market, advertise, etc. However in today's game you need to add ~ research the New Housing Laws,New Home Loans, and the correct Procedures to protect your client. For instance, the 1st time buyer credit. This New program is EXCEPTIONAL for 1st time Home Owners, however there is a Realtor in our office that believes this program has ended. The reason is because their confusing the old $7500.00 tax deduction with the new $8000.00 credit that expires November 31,2009. Then there is the new FHA Ruling that after October 1st of this year FHA Home Buyers will be able to purchase in Associations where FHA Home Buyers were not allowed. We can no longer purchase Homes with "Ameri-Dream" which was a down payment assistance program from Home Sellers, but now we are working with assisting Buyers with Closing Costs. I had a Friend of mine tell me the other day that they thought the Foreclosure Homes were pretty much done and we had seen the worst of the Real Estate Market. However, the Government is still controlling how many Foreclosed Homes they are allowing the Banks to push through the system at one time. My largest concern for people out in the Real Estate Marketplace still is making sure that the Real Estate Professional you decide to work with has the "Knowledge". Ask them about the New FHA Laws and see if they can answer. "Knowledge is Power" and I would want the Powerful Realtor on my side! Ask them if they have ever Sold a Home in a Short Sale. If they look scared or say, "those homes are too hard to buy", then move on. If you have Breast Cancer~which has many different types, you do not want a Doctor that only works with the 1 type. Because when you go to get cut open and it turns out to be a different type of Breast Cancer you would want the Doctor to know that type too! Please feel free to call me to get a list of questions you want to ask a Real Estate Professional when hiring them to represent you and your future!

Karen  630-674-2215