All Forum Posts by: Charlene Stovin

It is a hard racket right now; with the shortages of housing, too many buyers, and a all time high of real estate agents...it's tough.  Just have a goal every day, it might take a while, for me it took several months....but it only takes one!

Hi JD,

Honestly, I would recommend using a realtor.  If you elect not to use your own realtor, or have your own representation as a buyers representative, then remember - the seller's agent represents what is in the best interest of the seller; they have a duty to you to be honest and ethical, but the fiduciary duty is to the seller.

Since the seller pays the commission, there is absolutely no reason not to use a realtor; you can still hire a real estate attorney, but in terms of having more negotiating power, it won't be an advantage that I can see in your situation.

Where are you from?  I am in Texas, so my knowledge is based on what I know from the State of Texas and the transactions I deal with.

Hi all, I am not sure where to post this.

I was just about to move forward to invest in my first rental property, and I was laid off from American Airlines in June.  To stay involved in RE, increase my knowledge, and maybe be able to start providing an income, I got me RE sales license in Texas.

I am genuinely appealing and respectfully asking for any help anyone may provide.  I was the single bread winner so I have a lot of pressure on myself to find income while still seeking employment.

Issue:
Everyone says to send letters and post cards.  For me, even when I am looking for a service, I tend to toss those directly in the trash, and not even look at that.  

Question 1: How do you capture attention quickly, and keep your letter or postcard out of the trash, and TRY to ensure that the reader looks at it for at least 10 seconds?

Issue: the expired listing you are looking at is vacant.  You search the county tax records and find the property owners on record, but it is obvious they are not living there (due to the house being empty)

Question 2: In attempt to be as budget minded as possible, and not assume letters/cards are getting to their intended audience, is there a better way to find out current addresses for owners?  Is it best to just send it to the property address and assume it gets to the intended audience?

Any advice, templates that have worked, etc. that anyone can give me would be appreciated X10; and if there is anything I can do in return, I would be happy to help.  

Hi all

I downloaded a form off of the internet for renting out real estate; I did sent it to an attorney and haven't heard anything back yet.  I still want to run whatever I used by an attorney, but can anyone share a rental agreement they use for rentals in Texas?  

I am going to forge ahead even though I am scared to death, even more anxiety about the economy (more if renters are going to be able to pay rent once I get a multi-family property)....but, it isn't going to get much cheaper to invest.