Keeping It Real Estate

You’ve made the decision to buy or sell a home and now it’s time to look for a real estate agent. How do you make that choice? Colleen will provide you with the important questions to ask and what answers you want to listen for in this first of a two-part series   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-73-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent-part-1/497/    See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    What we discuss on this show: 0:55 – How much experience do you have? 3:07 – Is lack of local experience a red flag? 3:37 – How many homes do you sell or buy each year?   6:06 – Who’s your primary point of contact? 7:58 – We have multiple people involved in the process

Through the years we’ve learned many useful tips and ideas that we try to pass along to our clients during the buying or selling process. We’ve compiled six of them for you on this show and we’ll explain why this gives you an advantage in the real estate world.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-72-6-clever-real-estate-tactics/496/    See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    What we discuss on this show:  1:05 – Rent an AirBNB in the neighborhoods you want to move to 3:49 – Get pre-approved for a loan 5:43 – Look at homes before you look for homes 6:49 – Become a neat freak 8:13 – Write a letter to the seller when you’re buying a home 9:16 – Carefully select you’re real estate agent  

If you’re thinking about selling your home but a little overwhelmed by the entire process, join us as we walk you through each step.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-71-step-by-step-process-for-selling-your-home/491/    See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    What we discuss on this show: 1:01 – Preparation 4:29 – Getting an idea of the value of your home 7:18 – Find a real estate agent 11:54 – Set the list price for your home 13:00 – Marketing the home 14:08 – Negotiating with buyers 16:30 – Don’t ease up before closing

We all turn to friends and family for advice when it comes to buying and selling a home. It’s one of the biggest life events we’ll experience so it’s important to get it right. Today we’ll find out what advice real estate veteran Colleen has given and received through the years that she would pass along to you.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-70-best-pieces-of-real-estate-advice/454/   See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    What we discuss on this show:  1:03 – The best piece of advice you give clients about the mortgage process 3:37 – Best advice you’ve received about running a business 5:36 – Best advice about marketing a home 7:27 – Best advice you ever received about negotiating  9:22 – Best advice you give to clients about physically moving into a new home 11:50 – Best advice for communicating with clients 

A home inspection can create a lot of anxiety and worry for the seller but there are steps you can take to make the process go much smoother. Today we’ll share some of the things we tell our clients to do before the inspection takes place.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-69-how-sellers-should-prepare-for-home-inspections/453/    See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    What we discuss on this show:  2:37 – Make some space for the inspector to get in there. 5:54 – Think about nuances to tell the inspector about.  6:49 – Make sure all lightbulbs are working.  8:20 – Beware of the small stuff.  10:13 – Get mentally prepared. 12:23 – Trust your agent. 

Today we open up the mailbag for a couple of listener questions, which got us into a great discussion on the value of social media when it comes to marketing your home. Find out where Colleen stands on this strategy.   Read more and get additional real estate resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-68-the-importance-of-social-media-when-selling-a-home/447/    See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    What we discuss today:  0:37 – The Benson team is growing. 3:08 –  Mailbag Question #1: I wanted to sell my house fast and easy like I heard about in commercials, where I don’t have to list my house and they’ll just buy it straight from me. None of these businesses are returning my calls. Is this still possible? 6:40 – Mailbag Question #2: My good friend is a realtor but she’s not big into social media. I’ve heard you talk about the importance of advertising a home on social media. Would I be missing out if we used my friend as an agent?

Specific real estate search terms have skyrocketed during the pandemic. Can you guess what they are? Find out on this episode along with the latest on foreclosure forecasts and the future of real estate photography.   Read more on this topic: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/headlines/ep-67-top-recent-real-estate-searches-other-headlines/442/    See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    What we discuss on this show:  1:00 – A new baby in the office. 2:24 – What’s the latest in the local market? 6:32 – The top recent real estate search terms 11:27 – An article suggested foreclosures won’t be a significant problem. 14:27 – Is it the end of real estate photography as we know it?  

How is the pandemic changing the way buyers and sellers are behaving? A recent study found seven different trends emerging due to COVID-19 and they could impact real estate over the long-term. Let’s find out whether Colleen agrees with each of these behaviors and how they’ll impact Oregon.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-66-emerging-behaviors-during-pandemic/420/    See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    On today's show:  1:26 – Buyers are rushing 3:51 – Shifting wishlists 5:47 – Less concern over commute time 6:35 – Multi-generational homes becoming more common 7:35 – Pets could drive purchasing decision 9:12 – Prepare for a first-time buyer wave 11:28 – People might stay in their homes fewer years

As we survey the landscape of real estate, three recent headlines jumped out at us about selling homes. Join us as we get Colleen’s reaction to each of them and find out if Oregon is seeing the same trends.   Show notes & additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-65-reacting-to-the-latest-real-estate-headlines/416/   See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/   On today's show:  0:29 – The market needs more inventory. 3:25 – First headline: Is this is the best time in years to sell? 6:35 – Best way to get started if you want to sell. 7:44 – 2nd headline: How agents can avoid communication problems.   10:57 – Driving for a win-win deal for both parties. 14:40 – 3rd headline: What’s motivating moves right now?

Are you having problems selling your home and can’t pinpoint the reason? Learn about the most common issues that can keep a property from selling as quickly as you’d like.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-64-reasons-why-your-home-might-not-be-selling/410/    See our listings here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com/    Today's show schedule:  1:18 – Your property might be too unique for the neighborhood or location. 2:25 – Geodesic homes 4:55 – Bad staging 5:51 – Ugly curb appeal 7:06 – Sub-par listing photos 10:59 – The house is listed without a marketing plan. 12:14 – Not being flexible with showing your home.  13:17 – Home isn’t priced correctly.  15:12 – A great tool we’ve put together to show you the value of your home.

When it comes to real estate, there are some common beliefs that you’ll often here but how many of these are actually accurate? Today we’ll play a game of real estate fact or fiction by presenting Colleen with seven different statements and she’ll tell us whether each one is true or false.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-63-real-estate-fact-or-fiction/403/    See our listings here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com/    Today's show schedule:  0:31 – What’s the latest on the real estate market locally? 4:29 – Fact or Fiction: The outside of your home is just as important as your interior when selling the home? 6:27 – Fact or Fiction: The most important sales factor is location. 7:50 – Fact or Fiction: Real estate agents are all the same. 9:31 – Fact or Fiction: Always use a high list price to leave room for negotiating. 12:19 – Fact or Fiction: It’s much more expensive to own a home than to rent. 15:04 – Fact or Fiction: Don’t trust agents. They’ll say

We check in with Colleen this week to find out what’s changing across the market as coronavirus still looms. We’ll also look at the latest trends around Oregon and react to the latest real east data.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/uncategorized/ep-62-the-latest-real-estate-trends-and-data/397/    See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    Today's show schedule:  0:29 – An update on the agent side of the business.   2:22 – The mental health side of this pandemic. 3:36 – Real estate deemed essential in Oregon.   4:16 – ‘An extended winter’ 5:03 – There could be a lot of competition if you wait to sell your home. 6:17 – The latest data on home sales. 7:40 – Homebuilders are seeing an increase in sales as people move. 8:25 – Another takeaway on the latest data. 10:15 – How can someone get the process started for selling their home?

If you are new to the homebuying process or just a need a refresher, this episode runs through all of the steps to buying a home and explains all the key terms you’ll need to know.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/uncategorized/ep-61-back-to-the-basics-the-homebuyer-dictionary/391/    See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    Today's show schedule:  1:24 – What’s new in the real estate market in the area? 4:44 – A lot of people asking about mortgage relief, forbearance, the CARES Act.   7:11 – We’re going back to the basics on today’s show.   7:34 – Prequalification and pre-approval 9:42 – The different types of loans and mortgages.   11:59 – What is the MLS? 14:42 – Due diligence and earnest money. 17:55 – Making an offer. 19:18 – The process between the offer and closing. 22:00 – Closing costs 26:10 – Moving day

What are the top questions we’re hearing from people about buying and selling a home since the coronavirus pandemic began? We’ll bring them to Colleen to find out what she’s seeing across the market.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-60-answering-the-top-coronavirus-real-estate-questions/385/    See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    Today's show schedule:  0:52 – What safety measures is Colleen’s team taking during the pandemic and is it changing the way you do business? 2:16 – From a financial standpoint, is now still a good time to buy or sell? 3:27 – Are home showings still allowed around the community? 4:35 – Are people embracing home showings that are virtual? 5:52 – What homes are easiest and hardest to sell right now? 7:04 – People that are furloughed or out of work right now but have their down payment, will they have problems buying a home? 9:14 – Is the closing process still the same and are there still resources in

If you’re looking for a home in Salem, you probably have questions about HOA fees, neighborhoods, commutes, trends and more. Our latest podcast covers it all.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-59-a-homebuying-guide-to-the-salem-real-estate-market/378/    See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ Today's show schedule:  0:44 – HOA Fees: Am I likely to pay those around here and what’s the usual cost? 2:32 – What area is drawing in the most new buyers? 3:52 – Where in the community do you see the best value? 5:29 – What about the job market and commute in Salem? 6:24 – Do you help connect buyers to lenders and other professionals needed to purchase a home?8:10 – Many great resources for people searching for a home at BensonBrokerGroup.com

Industries around the world have changed the way they do business because of coronavirus health concerns. The same can be said for real estate, where many pieces of the home buying process have gone remote or virtual, Let’s take a look at how things have changed over the past month. If you want help getting started, just text BUYAHOME to 77222 to get Colleen’s starter guide to buying a home.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-58-how-home-buying-process-has-changed-during-coronavirus-crisis/373/    Check our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/   Today's show rundown:  1:33 – Find an agent who values keeping you safe. 3:05 – How we’re giving virtual and video home tours. 4:41 – Social distancing when showing a house. 5:24 – Remote mortgages are now happening. 6:52 – Remote home inspections are being offered by some businesses. 8:53 – Remote appraisals have increased in popularity and we’ve seen this. 10:07 - How are closings being do

So many people across the country are feeling the impact of the coronavirus outbreak from an emotional and financial aspect. But what has it done to the real estate market? Colleen will provide an update on Oregon real estate trends and what she’s seeing from buyers and sellers right now.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-57-is-the-cor…ting-real-estate/366/   See our listings here: https://www.colleenbensonhomes.com/    Today's show rundown:  0:52 – How is everyone handling the coronavirus? 1:49 – Businesses have to adapt and evolve during these times. This is where Colleen’s team is focusing. 4:07 – We’re all trying to make it through each day as things change so quickly. 4:53 – An interesting stat on real estate in 2020 versus 2019. 6:12 – Now is a great time to find out the value of your home and here’s an easy way to do it.7:45 – Property ownership can provide equity and give you financial flexibility.  

A recent survey turned up a number of interesting statistics regarding real estate and homeownership over the next decade. What do the numbers mean? And is there a buying opportunity on the horizon?   Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-56-real-estate-trends-for-2020-and-the-decade-ahead/359/    See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/    Today's rundown:  0:34 – A recent survey revealed a mass exodus for homeowners that will create a lot of movement in the decade ahead. 2:00 – First big takeaway: Almost half of homeowners plan to move to a new home during this decade. 3:13 – Here’s why they’re moving.   3:48 – A quarter of millennial homeowners are thinking about going back to renting.   6:09 – Another big takeaway: Only 1 in 10 renters plan to buy a home in 2020. What does Colleen do to help renters feel more comfortable about buying? 7:15 – Here’s how the process works if you’re considering a home purchase. 8:26 – Homeownership isn’t as

Deciding to buy or sell a home can be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in life and that brings a certain level of worry with it. It’s natural to have concerns during the process but a good real estate agent will guide you through those and help alleviate your concerns. Let’s look at the most common fears we hear from buyers and sellers and how to deal with them.   Get the show notes here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-55-top-real-estate-fears-for-buyers-sellers/340/    Check out our current listings: http://bensonbrokergroup.com   Today's rundown:  0:41 – Fear is a common feeling during the home buying process. 1:48 – Buyers worry they can’t afford their ideal home. 3:12 – Sellers worry that the sales price will be too low and won’t reflect the home’s value. 4:49 – Buyers are afraid they’ll buy a home they won’t enjoy in the long run. 6:15 – Sellers worry about the buyer backing out of the deal and having to start all over again. 7:53 – Fearing the home inspection revealing costly r

It's time to expand that vocabulary, as we teach you some common real estate terms that you should know.