*TRY SOMETHING NEW*
Experiment with Hyperlapse – Hyperlapse is a free new app launched by Instagram. You can use Hyperlapse for quick home walk-throughs to show off a lot of space in a short amount of time. Maybe use it to do a quick drive through of the neighborhood, giving your listing’s viewers an even more in-depth view of the area. Add to your website, Pinterest, Facebook.

***IMPORTANT***

The Old Worc Site will no longer be available beginning November 17 and many of the features you may be using now will be phasing out beginning October 27.

In April of 2014,Windermere launched Moxi Works and a new WORC site in an effort to provide agents with the tools and resources they need to be successful and stay in flow with clients. Following that launch, they continued to maintain certain parts of the OLD WORC site in order to give agents time to migrate to the new platform. On October 27, they are going to begin the first phase of decommissioning the OLD WORC site. Many of you have not fully transitioned to Moxi Works, and are possibly continuing to use certain parts of the OLD WORC.

Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, and CMA Features
As of November 17, these features will be turned off, so anyone who uses them needs to move all of their contacts and information to Moxi Works ASAP. Please note that if you do not transfer your contacts by November 17, they will be lost.

Here are links to online and live training resources that can assist you with this process and help familiarize you with the Moxi Works platform:

• Moxi On Demand Training: http://intranet.windermere.com/resources/tech-tools/moxi-works 
• October 27: Two live training courses on Moxi Works at Windermere Professional Development

            9:00-11:00am: register here
            2:00-4:00pm: register here

• October 27: Live TouchCMA training at Windermere Professional Development:

            11:30am-1:30pm: register here

Here is a link to a video "Getting Started with Moxi Works" to watch to re-familiarize yourself with this great tool.

Remember Kimberlee and Stefanie are here to help make this transition as smooth and easy as possible for you – Just ask

Look for expired or withdrawn listings – Contact the owner and express your interest in helping them to sell their property while it still can be profitable for them to do so.
Hold an open house for a busier agent who may not have the time to do it themselves – Remember buyers can be potential sellers!
Explore rental listings – Think about why a person might be renting out their property. They might be renting because they couldn’t afford to sell and instead of listing with an agent, decided to rent it and “ride it out” for a couple years. Take this opportunity to talk to them about the current market and help them decide now could be the time to sell!

Blog Ideas To Get You Started Blogging!

•  List the least expensive condos on the market right now and include pictures
•  Write about why you love living and working in your town
•  Travel tips for visitors coming to the area

Being on social media drastically opens up your sphere of influence and referral base, allowing you to connect with friends of clients and followers. Social media isn’t just about marketing homes for sale, but is very useful in connecting with new audiences. Most common social media outlets used are Facebook, and oddly enough Pinterest. Also consider making use of Twitter and YouTube, as well as your own blog! (provided on your website)

Need an idea for blogging topics – How about three!

1. Make a list of the top 5 real estate myths and debunk them!
2. List the least expensive condos on the market today and include beautiful photos
3. Explain the buying and selling process step by step

Be creative, be informative, and be yourself!

The dream of buying a home can be a reality for anyone. Owning a home is a one-of-a-kind feeling. Homeownership is part of the American Dream and is a very achievable dream! The trick is coming up with effective goals you can realistically accomplish. Buying a house means you will most likely have to qualify for a mortgage which means you will need an adequate credit score, a down payment, and enough income that leaves enough for the house payment!

CREDIT SCORE

The mortgage interest rate depends on your credit score as well as the type of mortgage and the length of time. Your first step is to obtain your credit report and score! Review the report for any errors. The credit bureaus can be slow to make changes. If you do find errors, your lender can request an expedited re-scoring that takes place in about 72 hours. A minum score of 500 to 520 is required. A higher score will help you secure a lower interest rate.

Goal One: Raise your credit score  –  Raising a score by one hundred points in six months is achievable. Talk to your lender for ways to achieve this goal.

PAY DOWN DEBT

Not only will your credit score be considered, but also your debt to income ratio. Have you been using credit cards but not paying them off in full each month? Tighten your belt and get rid of as much debt as you can. But do not close the accounts. One factor in your credit score is your used debt compared to available debt. If you close an account, you'll decrease you available debt total.

Goal Two: Pay down debt  –  This goal completely depends on you. How willing you are, how much debt you have, and how much money you need for a down payment will determine your goal for how much debt you pay off and how much time that will take you.

SAVE FOR DOWN PAYMENT

Expect to pay a 20% down payment. If your credit score is at the border of going from mediocre to good, a larger down payment might persuade the lender to not only approve the loan, but give you a lower interest rate. Lenders also look at your total assests. If you have stuff you never use, sell it!

Goal Three: Save for that down payment – Set a goal for your down payment. Divide that by the number of monts you have before you go house hunting and work to save that amount each month.

INCREASE GROSS INCOME

How much you can afford will depend on how much you can pay every month. Most lenders prefer you to keep that figure at no more than 28% of your gross income. For example, if you household income is $4,000 a month before taxes, then your ideal maximum house payment will be $1,120. If you make $6,000, you can afford a house payment of up to $1,680.

Goal Four: Increase your monthly income – This goal can be tricky, especially if you are already living within your basic needs. Consider looking for a new job with higher pay, but do so 6 – 12 months before you apply for a mortgage! Request a raise at your current job, work some overtime, if you are part time at your job consider working full time or, if that is not an option in your current position, perhaps look for a second job.

Make the dream of owning your own home a reality!

Myth #1: Always change bold paint colors to neutrals before selling.

Reality check: False

Bold doesn’t automatically mean bad. Sometimes, a room calls for a grand color in order to play up an architectural feature, divide a room in two visually, or add cheer when there’s little natural light. But even if a room sports a bold shade of paint, home owners don’t always have to grab a brush to change it up before listing. Sellers can tone down a strong color with a neutral counterpart, such as a calming rug or tranquil array of fresh greenery.

Myth #2: Always avoid first-floor condos because of noise and safety concerns.

Reality check: False

A first-floor unit can be a terrific bargain and a wonderful place to live. They offer numerous advantages, and sometimes they just need a few tweaks to dampen possible sounds and make owners feel safer. Advantages of a first-floor unit: You don’t have to wait for an elevator or climb stairs, and you can enjoy the changes in scenery from the ground level up. Soundproof the unit with a good-fitting door and sound-dampening acoustical panels on the interior side.  

Myth #3: Sellers should expect to earn back everything they invested in remodeling projects at resale time.

Reality check: False, but…

It is nearly impossible to get 100 percent of the money put into a redo back when you sell. Remodeled Kitchens and Bathrooms continue to be huge selling points because they make a home more attractive to potential buyers—and help them avoid doing the work. It pays to keep a house updated and in line with similarly priced homes in the community. Be cautious when making upgrades to a home especially if you plan to sell soon after making changes or when the market is flat or heading downward.

Myth #4: To sell quickly in this market, you must have the most popular features buyers are seeking.

Reality check: False, but…

It’s true that items such as master bedroom walk-in closets and first-floor master suites are all the rage now. But most homes were built before these home trends became popular and someone with a vision may buy it just to update it. Remember every home will sell, but at the right price!

Myth #5: If buyers don’t like an exterior, they’ll never go inside.

Reality check: Often true

Without some curb appeal, most think, “Why waste the time”. Talk to your agent in advance and let them know what style of house you like or dislike, view interior photos before taking the time to walk through a home. Also, let your agent know if you are interested in a home that needs a little work or if you would simply prefer move in ready. If a house works in every way but lacks curb appeal talk to your agent. There may be a possibility of purchasing the home for less so you can landscape, paint shutters, front door or upgrade the walkway with nicer material.