Tiered Real Estate News And Updates:

November 13th, 2008:

Foreclosure Rate Increase For October 2008

Nationally, the media is reporting a 25% increase in foreclosures over 2007. The Tiered Real Estate headquarters is in Illinois where foreclosures jumped 31%. Part of the reason the national rate had "only" a 25% increase was due to some states restricting the foreclosure of some properties which artificially surpressed what could have been an even larger number. It was reported that by years' end, there could be a record 1,000,000 foreclosed properties for sale in the United States.

If you are struggling, please talk to your bank to see if they will work with you. If not, call one of the experts at Tiered Real Estate so we can help you sell your home and save some of your credit in the process.

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

October 29th, 2008:

Can I Still Get A Mortgage In This Market?

Thanks to Mike Vrba from Cherry Creek Mortgage who is distributing a free video that talks about getting a mortgage in today's market. It is interesting and may answer many questions that buyers (& some sellers) may have. Click Here to watch the video.

If you have any further questions or if you are interested in buying, selling or renting, contact us at Tiered Real Estate and we will gladly help you with all of your real estate needs!

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

October 24th, 2008:

Existing Home Sales Jump Up

Wow! Existing home sales are up 5.5%! That is the most since a 5.6% increase in July 2003, during the housing boom. While largely overlooked by the plunging markets, this is great news. This means that despite all of the doom and gloom in the media and the economy, buyers came out. Why would buyers come out? Because they are starting to feel that they cannot wait any longer. They are afraid that if they wait, then they will miss their opportunity. They feel that this is the bottom, or as near to the bottom as they can safely achieve.

God bless us every one!

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

Ask the Expert - September 18th, 2008:

Q: What is the MLS?

A: MLS is an acronym for "Multiple Listing Service." It is a database where the area real estate agents enter their listings for sale to share with all of the other agents. The MLS in the Chicago area is the largest in the country with over 50,000 agents and brokers and covers an area from Wisconsin to Indiana and past Ottawa and Dwight. Any agent who goes into the MLS can see any home for sale by any agent in that entire area. It is this network that allows most homes to be sold (over 50%). In addition, the MLS provides information to Realtor.com so that your home can appear there as well.

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

There are still many people facing short sales. If you are one of them, then this generic list of commonly required items may be helpful:

• Hardship letter - A letter to the lender/mortgage company explaining why you need to sell for less than you owe
• Bank Statements - Copies of all recent bank statements
• Pay Stubs - Copies of all pay stubs for at least the last two months
• Tax returns - Copies of your tax returns for the last two years
• 3rd Party Authorization letter - A letter to the mortgage company where you give the lender permission to discuss your loan with your real estate agent. Be sure to give your agent's name, company and contact info on the letter

You will need to provide your agent:

• Mortgage/Loan number
• Any contacts (names/phone numbers) that have already been given to you
• Any payoff letters that you may have received
• The date/information concerning a sheriff sale
• You may need to provide the last four digits of your social security number (which the lender will use to verify your account. Do not give anyone else these numbers and do not give more than the last four digits!)

Your agent will have to provide to your lender/mortgage company:

• Copy of your listing agreement
• Copy of the purchase contract
• Copy of a pre-approval letter for the buyer
• An Estimated Settlement statement (also called a HUD-1)

Please note that all of these documents will have to be submitted to all lenders/mortgage holders and that all documents need to be signed. For specific details, be certain to call your lender right away.

If you are facing a potential of foreclosure, do not wait to receive sheriff sale information. Let your real estate agent know immediately and do your best to sell your house. It is much better to have a short sale on your credit than a foreclosure!

I came across an article about housing prices and the possibility that the decline could be worse than the great depression. There are two things that strike me about this brief article.
 
First, it hints that we may be near the bottom as far as the decline in home prices is concerned. While it does say that we could drift down some more, it gives us an indication that the crash, and the most difficult decline, is over. It does dispel the myth that prices will jump right back up. The rate of increase in housing prices in a normal market is slow and steady. As we proceed through the cycles we have adjustments (most not as severe as this one) but historically, real estate is a slow and steady march upward. When we hit the bottom, it will take several years for prices to start going up and they will not recover all of their losses for many years.
 
Second, even though prices may have plunged on a level equivalent to the great depression and our debt ratio is so extremely high (which is a concern for the overall economy), we still haven't had a repeat of the changes in the landscape of the American public like we did in the 20's & 30's. We don't see the Joad family. We don't see millions of people crossing the country looking like the Beverly Hillbillies searching for that elusive job. Yes, we see millions losing or giving up their homes, but the impact has been different. These people have shifted from owning to renting. They have shifted from spending lavishly to being forced (largely by not having access to enormous amounts of credit) to spend conservatively. They have shifted from one income to two and not raised their nose at that minimum wage job that the business owner had trouble filling a couple of years ago.
 
Yes, the housing correction has been extremely painful, but more and more indicators are that the worst is over and while the glory days will not return in the near future, we do know that they will return. They always do.

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

Ask the Expert - August 28th, 2008:

Q: Can I take a light fixture with me when I sell my home?

A: Yes you can. First, be certain to tell your Realtor so that they can let prospective buyers understand that particular light fixture will not be staying with the home. An even better idea is to change the light fixture before you have showings. That way prospective buyers can look at the home and see exactly what they are getting. Ultimately, everything concerning your home is a negotiation point and can be worked out with the prospective buyer. If you want help buying, selling or renting a home, call the experts at Tiered Real Estate.

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

Ask the Expert - July 24th, 2008:

Q: What is a Lockbox and why do I need one?

A: A lockbox is a device that is placed on your door to allow Realtors to easily show your home. There are several different styles of lockboxes but each one is designed for the same function, to securely store your house key. They allow you to have showings when you are not home. It is a good idea to not be home for showings so that the buyers will feel more comfortable discussing and viewing your home. This will enable the Realtor to provide feedback even if the buyer decides not to make an offer. If you are interested in buying, selling or renting a home, call one of the outstanding agents at Tiered Real Estate.

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

Ask the Expert - June 20th, 2008:

Q: Is it important to put a For Sale sign in front of my home?

A: Yes, it is important. A study taken by the National Association of Realtors reported that 1 out of every 10 sales was due to the sign! Especially in today’s market, you don’t want to eliminate 10% of your buyers. If you are concerned about the neighbors, you shouldn’t be. The neighbors that like you will want to help you out of kindness. Those that don’t like you will help you because they want to get rid of you. Either way, you win! If your concern is the number of homes for sale on your street, why should you let them get the extra exposure? Don’t give them a reason to fall in love with someone else’s home because it had a sign up and they could call for information from their car. Is it time for you to buy, sell or rent? Call Tiered Real Estate toll free at 866-904-TIERED and let us help you.

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

Ask the Expert - March 27th, 2008:

Q: What is curb appeal and what can I do to improve it?

A: “Curb Appeal” refers to the impression that your home gives when someone drives or walks by. If potential buyers are turned off by the exterior of your home, they may never come inside to see the beauty within. Before you go to work ‘fixing’ your curb appeal,you should evaluate it. Stand by the street (not in the street) and look at your home. What stands out? Are your gutters overflowing or hanging off? Do you need to paint? Are you missing shutters, shingles or pieces of siding? Is your home dirty? Do you still have that bush that died two years ago in front of your home? Attracting the right buyer starts with a good first impression and that impression starts the first time they drive by. So take advantage of nice days by cleaning up the outside of your home. If you would like the assistance of a real estate professional to help you evaluate your “Curb Appeal,” call Tiered Real Estate at (815) 521-9102.

Click here for a direct link to this article in our blog.

Press Release - July 27th, 2007: Ryan Van Der Karr of Tiered Real Estate has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.®

The REALTOR e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 80% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” said Ryan Van Der Karr of Tiered Real Estate. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.”

The exclusive REALTOR e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help REALTORS stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.

Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services.  The elite group of course graduates represents only one percent of all REALTORS in the country.  Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.

Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade®. The course instructs participants in the professional use of e-mail, the development of an interactive Web site, and the use of online research tools. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.

For more information, e-mail Ryan Van Der Karr at SaveMore@TieredRealEstate.com or call 815-922-1205.

Press Release - January 3rd, 2007: Tiered Real Estate is proud to announce that Carol Betts has been named Tiered Real Estate's Realtor of the Year for 2006.  Ryan Van Der Karr, Tiered Real Estate's Broker said, "Carol helped her clients sell almost five million dollars worth of properties in 2006 and in the process they saved over $100,000.  We are pleased to honor her for all of hard work and dedication to helping her clients.  The savings that she helped her clients to obtain helped establish Tiered Real Estate as the premier full service discount broker.  Carol truly embodies the spirit and dedication for which we give this award."

Carol received her real estate agent's license in 2003 and her broker's license in 2005.  She joined Tiered Real Estate at the start of 2006 and has been helping clients in LaSalle, Livingston, Grundy, Kendall & Will counties ever since.  Tiered Real Estate is located at 304 West Mondamin, Suite 116, in Minooka, Illinois.

Press Release - September 8th, 2006: The Real Estate Hall of Fame, announces the induction of Ryan Van Der Karr, into the Real Estate Hall of Fame. Mr. Van Der Karr is the Broker-owner of Tiered Real Estate, and a founder of the firm, located at 304 Mondamin, Suite 116, Minooka, Illinois.

The Real Estate Hall of Fame was created for the purpose of providing recognition to the many real estate professionals that demonstrate outstanding performance in their field, but also make a contribution to their community.

The Real Estate Hall of Fame is the highest honor attainable in the Real Estate profession.

Real Estate Hall of Fame
201 Tanner Rd. Taylors, S. C. 29687
954-801-1053

News Article August 20th, 2006 - SuburbanChicagoNews.com — © 2006 Digital Chicago & Sun-Times News Group:

Providing three levels of service Ryan Van Der Karr, broker/owner of Tiered Real Estate, 304 W. Mondamin, Suite 116, Minooka, had an idea of what the ideal real estate company should be, but he had to found his own company to create it.

Tiered Real Estate, celebrating its first anniversary soon, is a company dedicated to both buyers and sellers of real estate and the agents who help them with these transactions.

"Our goal is to generate volume in real estate sales, and we've been very successful so far," Van Der Karr says. "We can sell property for as little as a 1.9 percent commission, saving sellers literally thousands of dollars. We're a full-service real estate company, but we don't charge full price for our services."

Tiered Real Estate, as its name suggests, offers levels of real estate services. At the first level, called the Discount Level, sellers can sell their home for as little as 1.9 percent.
The plan provides the basic essentials, including a sign, Multiple Listing Service and listing on Realtor.com as well as the Tiered Real Estate Web site. "We also handle all the phone calls, inquiries on the property, showings, and negotiations," Van Der Karr said. "People are still hiring us to act as their agent, so we deal with the people for them."

Tiered Real Estate provides qualified buyers when they show the property. This assures the home owner the buyer has been screened and is a true potential buyer, not someone just idly looking, or worse yet, someone who might be casing the home with dishonest intentions, or someone who is seeking to offer an unrealistic low bid on the property.

At the second level, called the Basic Marketing Package, all the services offered in the first level are still offered, but additional services such as addition in the Harmon Homes magazine and addition on eight more Web site are added for only an additional 1 percent cost.

Finally, the third level of services, the Full Marketing Package, includes all services on level one and two, as well as conducting open houses, newspaper advertising, direct public advertising and a Home Warranty, paid by Tiered Real Estate. This level costs only an additional one percent.

"Studies have found that 80 percent of people begin their search for a home on the Internet, so we include lots of Web listings to find buyers where they are looking," says Van Der Karr.

Buyers also benefit from using Tiered Real Estate when purchasing a home or other property. "We actually give them back a part of the commission," Van Der Karr says. "We cut them a check and present it to them at closing. Most buyers really appreciate a little extra cash, and use it for something fun, or for closing or moving costs. It's a nice little treat for them. Not only do we work for them for free, but we actually pay them at closing. Not many companies can say that!"

The Tiered idea is an original concept. The company is not a franchise. However, the company is actively seeking to expand. "We are aggressively pursuing branching out—not only with additional offices, but in recruiting new agents as well," Van Der Karr notes.

"This concept in real estate is the wave of the future. We are seeking new and experienced licensed agents. We give a larger cut of the commission to our agents than other companies, and, unlike other companies, we charge no monthly fees. We're a great opportunity for new or professional agents."

Tiered Real Estate can help those without a real estate license to become licensed. Classes are offered in many locations, including Joliet Junior College, online and elsewhere. Once licensed, Van Der Karr says he and the other eight experienced agents working at Tiered Real Estate can provide real world experience to assure the new agent's success in the field.

"We're happy to work with people," he says. "The Northern Illinois Multiple Listing Service is the largest in the country. We cover all of the northern part of the state where our agents have lived, so we know the area. We want everyone to be happy—buyers, sellers and agents. We're the ideal company, no matter who you are, we have something for everyone."

For more information, contact Ryan Van Der Karr at (815) 521-9102.