I am sitting and reading my favorite paper, in my favorite Orange Park FL coffee house.  On the Week in Review page there is a wonderful headline:  "Quality Today-Success Tomorrow".  This is from the New York Times, and once a week I sit and relish the news from all over.

However, this struck me as very interesting.  It is an article about the Toyota situation, which I am happy to say our local Jacksonville FL Toyota dealerships have taken grasp of and forged ahead on.  Back to the article.  It states the following:

"Life, goes the cliche, is just high school writ large, and in the senior class of automakers, Toyota was the straight-A student who wrecked the curve for everyone......The performance didn't just make Toyota look great; it made rivals look daft......"  

and goes on to say that Detroit looked at their auto-makers and asked the proverbial 'why can't you be more like that!'

I want to be the Toyota of the Realtor world, without the faulty brake pedal of course.  I want to wreck the curve and give such exceptional customer service that they come back for more year after year!  I want to ensure that in the search for a home sweet home-my headline screams 'Quality Today-Success Tomorrow'!  I want my career to be a testimony to YOU, the buyer and seller, who needs my education, skill, care, and diligence to have a smooth transaction.

At the end of my career I want the epitaph to read:  served well.  enjoyed the ride.  had no rivals, only co-compatriots!  And yes, all lower case! 

And, as a buyer, isn't that what you want?  An agent that wants to be so amazing that your goals and wants come first?

It's getting late here in Jacksonville, and it is time to relax and stop for the day!  But before I do----a special thank you to my new 'future home owner' with whom I viewed homes with tonight!  Had a blast, and enjoyed spending time laughing and chatting wih you.  Good stuff----

We can all agree that it is a buyer's market here in Jacksonville FL.  However, with that we can also agree that the days of rock bottom $.50 on the dollar offers are gone--unless they are a short sale and the bank may negotiate that price.  So what is a buyer, who wants to land 'that' home to do?
Offer smart.
First and foremost pre-approve for a mortgage.  You will then be able to confirm to the seller that you actually will be able to purchase this home, and afford it.  You are serious.  You are in the game.  Aside from that, most if not all sellers are requesting it.  So before you search, pre-approve with a well known lender.
Open your email and look at all those listing links that you receive daily!  I know you think I send them, but no, they are automatic.  Look at them--I may not have time today, and if you like one or two CALL or email me.  We can go see it asap if it's a hot opportunity.  Stay in close contact and use your technology 'tools'.
Ready, set, go.  Please be ready to pull the trigger when you find that house. Know what you do want, what is a show-breaker, and what is okay--sort of.  You know, figure out what you want so we don't waste our collective time looking at things that you are not going to be interested in.  Pool-great, right it down.  2-car garage, okay-write it down.  And as you are writing it down I am as well--so, bottom line. Ready, set, go!
Highest and best.  We have heard this over and over.  'I want the steal'.  Yes, I understand.  However, if it is a property you really want then the offer needs to not offend the seller.  Always go in with your highest and best!  If your highest and best is $50k lower than the listings price, then so be it.  Be aware that you may offend the seller, and in the case of a short sale the lender may counter back.  Be ready to negotiate with both scenarios.  Or be ready to walk away--I too will be ready to walk away:)  In a tight market it is buyer beware--really.
The offer.  With your offer you do want to go easy on the contingencies without giving everything up.  Yes, keep the inspections in--they are important.  Yes, keep the timelines in--important.  Let's not be silly, and let's remember to protect you and your money.  After all buying a home is one of the largest purchases you will make in your lifetime.  Remember, although time is a concern, the greater concern is double checking and then triple checking your gut to make sure your decision is a good one!
Moving in.  Take it from one who has made this mistake--take off the wallpaper first.  If you are going to make big changes try to get them accomplished prior to your move.  Trust me--pink carpet and the wallpaper is just now coming down (thank you honey!)--5 years later.
Have a great night, and if you are interested in anything in Jacksonville FL please call or email me!  Hiring a buyer's agent is generally FREE for the buyer.

Jacksonville FL Real Estate--11258 Wyndham Hollow Lane, Jacksonville Florida

New on the market! Great home in Sutton Lakes-- call, view, offer, own. Call Christa today at 904-238-6559!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What Do Jacksonville FL Real Estate and Technology Have In Common?

I am fairly high tech, but here in Jacksonville FL there is great potential.  When my husband and I were online searching for real estate, for our first home bought together, we were certainly not thinking about our technology needs (after working through wireless issues today, I wish we had).
So the question is how high tech are you.  And how high tech will you need your new abode to be.  My bottom line is 3 prong, up to date, wall outlets.  But for some that is not a requirement.  Let's review what is basic, extra, and potential fluff.
Basic:  Are there enough telephone jacks.  Are there enough outlets.  Are they in the right rooms, and are they where you may need them.  Think about the kitchen space and if there are enough outlets in there where they will be needed.
Extra:  These can be a basic for some.  Is the home pre-wired for sound, and is the sound the same in each room or different.  Are the speakers in-wall or added.  Is there a network for linking computers.  Does your home search need to include wiring for DSL and other high-speed Internet connections.  Is the heat and air zoned.  Does each room have the ability to function independently for energy efficiency.  Do the lighting controls make sense for the lighting.  Central vac--my favorite, is it important to you.  Is the wiring in the walls, and if so can it be updated as technology changes.  Will the window coverings work for you.  Is there automated anything that is extra and does it work for you.
Potential fluff:  There is not fluff in homes when you talk technology.  It was a trick option----
Each home is unique and different when it has a new owner.  Each owner brings a new perspective to the property.  Each owner will paint, change, renew.  And each owner has different requirements for technology.  So, again, what is yours.
P.S.---Need a home with a media room?  No sweat!  I can find it, and show it, throughout the Jacksonville FL area!

Jacksonville FL Open Homes for Week of: Jan7-10/ 2011

Remember, an Open House is your time to view homes in a relaxed and casual manner. There should be no pressure, no hassle.

Also, remember, as a Realtor I can show all homes in the greater Jacksonville/Clay County area-- and it would be my pleasure to assist you with your real estate goals!
Take care, drive carefully, and make sure to let the other Realtors know that 'Christa sent me'!



*these listings are not represented by the Realtor hosting this website.

Part II: Know Your Agent In Jacksonville FL

I know--what is agency, and why do you need to know.  Here in Florida, and in my area--Jacksonville Florida agency reflects what you can expect from your agent.  There are three types, and you should know the difference as they will effect (possibly) your purchase.

• In the State of Florida it is presumed that all agents are operating as transaction brokers.  You, as a buyer, can safely assume this unless the agent gives you the option of single agent or no brokerage.  To take either of those options there is a form, and it must be in writing.

1. Transaction Broker Relationship.  This is a type of limited representation to buyer, seller, or both.  Neither party is in a fiduciary relationship (your agent cannot make a decision for you).  The following is the responsibilities:
   • Dealing honestly and fairly-- the agent must be both honest and fair to both buyer and seller.
   • Accounting for all funds -- keep track of all monies received, billed, etc. 
   • Using skill, care, and diligence within the transaction-- your agent needs to make sure they are acting appropriately and as required by Florida law.
   • Disclosing all known facts that materially affect the value of the property and are not readily observable to the buyer--if we see what can be a roof issue that you may not notice, we need to mention it.  Bottom line.
   • Presenting all offers/counter offers in a timely manner, unless a party has previously directed the agent otherwise, in writing--timely manner is generally 24-48 hours, depending on your agent.  Ask them to get a better idea.
   • Limited confidentiality.  This limited confidentiality means that I will not tell you what the seller MAY take if I represent you both, but rather will encourage you to offer what you feel is the best offer possible.  Same the reverse, your agent should not tell the seller that you can afford more/less but rather discuss the offer and how it benefits them.  In the middle--limited confidentiality.
   • Any additional duties that are mutually agreed upon.
2. Single Agent Relationship.  This is a fiduciary relationship defined as below:
   • Dealing honestly and fairly.  (see above)
   • Loyalty.  This person is for your interests only.  As such you can expect them to work for you directly. 
   • Confidentiality.  This agent is your agent and does not represent the other side at all.  You have a high confidentiality rating.
   • Obedience.  The single agent will be doing exactly what you direct them to do.  Obedience is exactly that--carrying out your wishes.
   • Full disclosure.  You will know everything, and this agent has a responsibility to make sure that they disclose all facts in full.
   • Accounting for all funds.  This is a fiduciary relationship.
   • Skill, care, and diligence.  (see above)
   • Presenting all offers, counteroffers in a timely manner unless directed in writing to do otherwise.
   • Disclosing all known facts materially affecting the value of the property and that is not readily observable.
3. NO brokerage relationship.
   • This is an agent that has no relationship to you but will act as your agent for the transaction.
   • Dealing honestly and fairly
   • Accounting for all funds entrusted to the agent
   • Disclosing all known facts materially affecting the value of the property and that is not readily observable.

As a transaction broker I have the responsibility to make sure both sides have limited confidentiality.  In Florida the brokerage relationship needs to be disclosed before entering into any type of transaction.  If the type of agency is not brought up then it can be assumed that the form by that agent is transaction!
It is my greatest hope that as you begin your search for a new, or next home that this information will provide greater insight and education.  And, if confusing please call or email. I am happy to chat about real estate all day, and would welcome the opportunity!

Christa, Your Agent For Life!

Know Your Jacksonville FL Agent---Christa LaFarlette!

Your Jacksonville Fl real estate agent.  Often the thought of calling, or meeting, with an 'agent' or 'salesperson' can bring discomfort.  Let's be honest!  Who wants a high pressure moment when dealing with one of the most important (and largest) purchase you may make in this lifetime!

Not the buyer's I work with.  They tend to be looking for the following, which happens to be in line with my moral compass:

Everyone wins:  A deal is only a deal when it's a 'win' for all.  My goal is the overall 'win' for my customer!

• Integrity:  In all things make the right decision and choice. 
• Teamwork:  Together we achieve more.
• Communication:  Listen, listen, listen.  Seek first to understand.
• Trust:  Honesty.  Trust begins with honesty.
• Creativity:  Thinking 'outside the box' for all results and solutions.
• Commitment:  In all things commit!

Together, in combination of the above, we can have great success in finding your first or next home!