Here it is, folks...true confessions, part one.  I'm putting in writing a few thoughts that I want to say regarding a  relationship  with a real estate  agent,   Of course I try and express these sentiments with a bit more diplomacy when talking with current and potential customers.  Here in the blog, they will just tumble out...

1.  I want you to feel like you are my only client...but most of the time you are not. 

I so appreciate those customers who realize that I am usually juggling several clients at once, all in various stages of the buying and selling process.  So when a client calls on Thursday to ask "Can we look at a few  houses tomorrow?" -- chances are I already have my day planned with other appointments and obligations.  Try to give me as much notice as possible--or a few dates when you are free to look--and I'll do my best to make it happen as soon as possible!

2.  I can't answer this question:  Is this a safe area?  How much crime happens around here?

A good question, one that everyone asks when looking at a neighborhood.  However, crime happens everywhere!  If you want to know specifically how much crime is in a certain area, call the local police department or check out www.crimereports.com  .  No agent should represent himself as knowing how much crime happens in a particular geographical area. 

3.  I do not earn 3% commission from each sale. 

Sure, the standard commiision from a sale is 6%, which breaks down to 3% for the listing broker and 3% for the selling broker.  If I make a sale, the 3% goes first  to Prudential, who takes a cut.  Then, the government takes a cut with federal, state and local taxes. Another cut comes out to pay for expenses:  marketing, desk fees, technology fees, E&O insurance, office supplies, postage, copies, gas, etc. After the money trickles down to me, the total amount is usually 50% or less of the initial 3% commission. And sometimes I actually lose money--if I spend several weeks with a buyer who doesn't buy, or marketing a house that doesn't sell or is taken off the market--that's a loss because no sales transaction took place,  so no  income was earned.

Please know the point of this blog is not to complain--I enjoy my job!  And I really enjoy working with all different types of clients.  Some customers are more familiar with how a real estate agent works than others.  I feel it's good to bring these thoughts out there for anyone to think about who is currently using or plans to use a realtor.  Next week:  True Confessions Part 2!

Your comments are welcome email me or visit my website:  maryhutchison.org

Planning some home improvements this year?  Get your share of the bailout money by investing in some energy efficient upgrades that can bring you some much needed tax credits (not tax deduction).

President Obama pledged to concentrate on energy conservation in his administration--and he's put the money behind the message in the form of tax credits.  These credits only last two years (2009 and 2010)--so plan now to take advantage of them. 

A tax credit lowers your tax bill, as compared to a tax deduction, which takes the amount off of  your taxable income.    You could earn up to $1500 in tax credits for adding energy efficient windows, doors, HVAC equipment, pellet stoves, roofs and insulation.  And of course...these improvements help the overall value of your home when it's time to sell.

Individual states may offer additional tax credits as well for the same improvements.

Check out these websites for additional information to be sure your planned improvements qualify:

energystar.gov                                energytaxincentives.org

andersonwindows.com                    boschhotwater.com

Thanks for reading my blog. If you would like to contact me directly, visit my website or email me.