Seller Beware!

Unfortunately the real estate industry has a real problem.  Real Estate agents are giving lock box codes out to people without licenses to view vacant homes. 

This is not the way a real estate agent is suppose to practice. 

     1.  Make sure your agent will attend all showings with purchasers not represented by another agent.

     2.  Ask your agent their office real estate agent showing verification process.
              A.  Does the office require all real estate agents showing property to give a license ID number?
              B.  Does the office require the office to verify the license number with the state for accuracy?
              C.  Does the office require the showing agent to leave 2 telephone numbers?
              D.  How does the office verify these numbers are correct?
     3.  At what point is the lock box code to your vacant home released?

Why?  The real estate agents that are giving the lock box codes out with out proper verification procedures are at risk of causing theft, physical harm and more.

Our offices uses a system called "BookAShowing".  Only State of Michigan licensed real estate agents with a membership to the Flint Area Association of Realtors can use the system.  Our office knows the person setting the appointment is licensed and accountable.  Please see www.bookashowing.com for more information.

Out of area agents must give license number, office telephone number, office address and the agents direct number.  We then verify the license on-line, match all numbers with names, call the office if open, then the agent.  We are always looking for ways to improve the system, any ideas, please let me know.

I would like to do away with push button and dial boxes.  They are not the safest tool available.  Companies now make lock boxes that must be opened electronically.  When the lock-box is utilized an email and/or text message is sent to the listing agent.  This alerts the listing agents that someone is viewing the home.  The seller can get a full report as well.  The Flint Area Association of Realtors did have this type of service at one time, agents complained because there was an extra item that had to be carried.  It wasn't the best system, now the systems are much improved.

Any ideas to help secure homes and make showing safer is more than welcomed.

On December 18, 2007 The Flint Journal and the Flint Area Association of Realtors®, FAAR Publishing, Inc introduced

"REALTOR REVIEW" is a joint effort.  The economy dictated this joint venture.  In the Genesee County Area the Flint Area Assocaiton of Realtors produce "This Week In Real Estate" and The Flint Journal produced the "Homes for Sale" guide.  The real estate agents had to purchase ads in both places to please the sellers and get the word out to the purchasers. 

We hope this joint effort relieves the agents of financial distress while assisting the purchasers and sellers by having the homes inventory in one place.

We understand print advertising is decreasing do to the internet.  "REALTOR REVIEW" will assist agents and sellers during this transition.

I would like to congratulate the new Flint Chapter Women's Council of Realtors® Governing Board.

Have fun with all that you do. Thank you for volunteering your time and service for education.

Michigan Chapter Women's Council of Realtors State Meeting

LCP Report about the Michigan Association of Realtors® Conference,

The conference was held at the Soaring Eagles Resort and Casino in Mt Pleasant, MI.

The Michigan State Women's Council of Realtors® started the conference Tuesday evening with a mixer. The mixer had a wonderful attendance. Stephanie Hoffman and I had fun checking people in the door. The mixer had finger food, beverages and casino games. This event lasted about 2 hours. Bill Martin, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Association of Realtors® brought guest from the Ohio Association of Realtors® as well as Furhad Waquad, President the Michigan Association of Realtors® President. It was great to see Katie Colden and Chris BB from our chapter attend the event as well.

Wednesday was the General Membership meeting day. This was an all day meeting that started at 8:30-well after 4:00. Reports were given by the Governing Board.

Monica Ross expressed the importance of the Michigan Association of Realtors® dues increase. She explained the difference between RPAC money (giving and supporting candidates) and the allocation of the dues money (assisting to stop the 6% service tax, stopping the pop up bill ect..)

Betty Barbour danced a final Good-Bye.

Elections were completed. The election results are as follows:

President: Colleen Maillette

President-Elect: Jo Ann Hatfield

Vice President: Laurie Koelling

Financial / Treasurer: Darlene Hill-Braddy

Recording Secretary: Angie Ridley

Corresponding Secretary: Candace Bonner-Paige

Governors: Monica Ross and Marlene Arnhold

Immmediately following the elections the committees attended break out sessions. Out of the committee sessions came the following:

The Installation Luncheon followed the morning part of the meeting. It was truly an honor to be installed by Furhad Waquad, President.

Results form the breakout sessions were as follows:

1. Standing Rules words were amended to keep up with national and today. No changes that will affect the chapter were made.
2. Education would like to see a Performance Management Network class at the next Michigan Association of Realtors® conference. Chapters are having a difficult time getting attendance to the classes, as we experienced as well. Local Chapter Presidents are supposed to obtain the Performance Management Network while serving. This event would help the Local Chapter Presidents achieve this requirement.
3. Selling raffle tickets for the giant gift basket is the biggest fund raiser for the state at this time. The state is not making it on just selling these tickets anymore. A dues increase was suggested but not in place at this time.

Thursday morning Michigan Chapter Women's Council of Realtors® and the Michigan Association of Realtors® jointly help an educational program about Roberts Rules of Order. This class was free and included 2 hours of con-ed. I learned about conducting meetings according to Roberts Rules.

Jeremy Conaway from RECONN held a 1 hour session about improving associations.

The Flint Area Association of Realtors® held a meet and greet also.

Thank you for the opportunity to attend this function.

Betty's Goodbye

Another scare in the Flint, MI area.  Just what we don't need.  This scare and possible job loss will effect about 500 more people in the Flint area.  In Sunday's paper, The Flint Journal, this information was released.  Of course GM will not confirm. 

The proposed sale would be to a company called "International".  The assembly would be moved to a mid-west state. 

What I wonder, does any part of GM own "International".  Just a question I have.

 Complete Realty, LLC New Office Policy:  Every agent that calls to see a home, the state license # must be verified through the state of Michigan website.  
State of Michigan License and Verification On-line Service   The persons license must match the business they are stating they are with.

It doesn’t matter if you know this agent or not.  The license must be verified.  If you find the license is with a school, the person probably is not able to practice real estate.  The school must be notified of the request and approve that the person is able to conduct business.

Since you are on your system confirming this information, save the page to your listing file, or email the information to me to save in the office listing file.  For every offer written on a property listed with Complete Realty, LLC license verification must be attached.

Law suites are flying because of agents practicing illegally.  This is a service to your client, your broker and the real estate industry.

 www.CompleteRealtyLLC.com

Angie@AngieRidley.com

Office 810 744 4600

Fax 810 936 4395

 Flint Area Association Member, Board of Directors

This Week In Real Estate, Board of Directors

Flint Chapter Women's Council of Realtors 2007 Local Chapter President

In today’s real estate world we have run into some ruthless people.  I want to help you avoid this.  Any time you have a contractor, REALTOR®, Brokerage or any business that is suppose to be licensed through the State of Michigan, please use this tool.

 State of Michigan License and Verification On-line Service.

 A licensed real estate agent must be with a brokerage.  If the license is with a school, the licensed person is usually not able to conduct real estate business.  The license is in escrow.  Always check the real estate agents license and the business / brokers license.

 Complete Realty, LLC 

Complete Realty, LLC Client Mission Statement

 The mission of Complete Realty, LLC to act is a Real Estate Resource Center for clients while providing the best Quality Service possible. 

Complete Realty, LLC Client Vision Statement 

The vision of Complete Realty, LLC is to understand and educate all clients so the clients will buy or sell real estate with knowledge and confidence.  

Complete Realty, LLC Client Core Values 

The core values of Complete Realty, LLC include education, creditability, professionalism, and proud to be Client Centric.  Complete Realty, LLC seeks to understand the client’s need by listening to the client.                                   

Angela K Ridley’s Mission Statement to Complete Realty, LLC’s Agents 

My personal mission statement for the agents of Complete Realty, LLC, is to provide the agents with the tools and education to be a Client Centric Agent for ultimate success. 

Angela K Ridley’s Vision Statement to Complete Realty, LLC’s Agents 

My vision statement for the agents at Complete Realty, LLC is that every agent realizes their own potential through education and communication.   

Angela K Ridley’s Core Values to Complete Realty, LLC’s Agents 

I will always do as I ask.  I will attempt teach as well as learn.  I will always ask for input and guidance because I can’t do it alone.  I will be professional and respectful at all times.  I will continue to attend and promote educational programs too assist agents and I stay Client Centric.

            GM Paid Medical Leave         7000 people

            GM Job Bank                        8000 people

            GM Lay Off                           5000 people

            GM Union Officials                1500 people

                                                            21,000 people, paid non production people

             Toyota                                     28,000 total work force.

 How can GM compete?The spring meeting included an update from Bill Martin.  He stated any tax increases at this time scheduled for review are Real Estate friendly to the purchaser, seller and all involved in transactions. 

  He talked about the current infrastructures’ in our township and county governments.  Most infrastructures are still operating as originally built.  The infrastructures must change to accommodate growing public needs.  Infrastructure includes the way the governments are currently controlled and the taxation process.

Many people didn’t know the government was attempting to pass a bill that allowed property taxes to the same for 18 months after purchase.  The bill was voted down. The fear was, after 18 months the taxes would adjust out of control.   Another reason for the defeat was the transfer tax on the sale of the property would go up as well.

I went to the Women’s Council of Realtors® Spring meeting Friday 4/20/07.  These approximate statistics were given:

            GM Paid Medical Leave         7000 people

            GM Job Bank                       8000 people

            GM Lay Off                          5000 people

            GM Union Officials                1500 people

                                                      21,000 people, paid non production people

             Toyota                                     28,000 total work force.

 How can GM compete?

Open House September 30th from 4:00-5:30 P.M.

  4210 Menton, Flint Michigan $59,900.  Sharp 2 bedroom home.  As you enter you will notice the fresh paint and new carpet.  As you stroll to the kitchen you will see that's just been updated too!  Do you like privacy?  If so, you will love the private backyard with a large deck for entertaining. 

living and dining room                             sunroom

kitchen                                                 backyard