Saturday, April 28, 2012

Reinventing Real Estate

Nothnagle REALTORS® was founded in 1948 on the principle to use technology to increase real estate exposure for buyers and sellers.  As we enter our 64th year of business, we are proud of our long-standing heritage of serving the real estate needs of all our buyers and sellers.  Nothnagle's reputation, solid brand, and dominate market share reflect the confidence consumers place in us every day to help them with their home buying and selling needs.

We have the most dedicated, hardworking sales professionals and employees who serve a very special need in our community...helping people achieve the American dream of home-ownership.  Every day people place their families' futures in our hands.  It is an incredible responsibility but one that pays off with tremendous rewards.

In 2012 we are reinventing real estate.

You'll get more with Nothnagle - the best marketing program to attract buyers, our exclusive mobile site to put homes where you are.  Top dollar for your home because more people will see it therefore creating more demand.

If you're looking to buy or sell, we can deliver the results you are looking for.  You have my personal promise that with Nothnagle REALTORS®, you will get more...that is how we are reinventing real estate.

-Armand D'Alfonso, President & CEO

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

National Open House Weekend!!!

Did you hear?  Do you know what is happening this weekend?  It's National Open House Weekend!!!

National Open House Weekend is the BIGGEST 2-day housing event in the world!  Through Nothnagle REALTORS alone we are going to have well over 400 open houses.  Even though we have had a great start to 2012, we expect this weekend to be the perfect kick-off to one of the busiest spring buying seasons we have ever had.

That is great news for both buyers and sellers.  In western New York we still have low interest rates on mortgages and  great affordability so don't miss out!  Even if you aren't quite in the market to purchase a home yet or even if you are interested in selling, get out to an open house.  That will give you a chance to meet an agent that would be able to assist you.

Be sure to keep up with us by liking/following us and we look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

3 Reasons to Buy Now!

Are you on the fence about buying a home? Not sure if now is the time? Here are 3 benefits as to why buying a home is a GREAT idea!

Equity Building
Of course there are many different variables when it comes to a home loan, but rates are still really low making it easier for you to build equity faster. One thing home buyers may choose to do is go with a shorter term (such as 15 years). This allows them to pay off the loan sooner and with low interest rates, some are even opting to pay more on their monthly payment. When you combine all of that you are building equity in your home faster and saving a considerable amount on interest!

Tax Deduction
Even though many of you already know, the taxes you pay on your home are actually deductible when it comes to those dreaded taxes. This mostly applies to your first home and a vacation home but you can actually find detailed information about it by clicking here and going right to the IRS website!

Pride
Remember walking into your friend's home right after they bought it? What about helping them paint rooms and remodel the bathroom? You may have thought, "Wow...this would be so fun. I could change things and it would be mine! I could do whatever I wanted!" Well now is your chance! Inside to out, there are many things you can do to make a house a home and take pride in every aspect. So call Nothnagle REALTORS today and we can help make it happen for you!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Have a Project and Need Some Help?

Has there been something you have been waiting all winter to get done? Maybe you don't know where to start or you need some help with either part of it or all of it. Well, let Nothnagle Home Services help you out!

It doesn't even matter what it is! Been staring outside all winter imagining you little deck was 3 times the size so it could hold your new grill, new patio set, and your built in hot tub? What about someone to take care of your lawn (even if it's just while you are away) or remodel your kitchen? Because we have licensed and insured vendors that we work with for all of that...and more! You can actually check out the whole list by clicking here.

Wait, you own a business and want to see about becoming one of our partners? Nothnagle Home Services is always looking for great vendors to help our great clients. So fill out the form here and someone will contact you and go over everything that we can do for you and everything you can do for our clients.

Home Services also has their own Facebook so be sure to click the like because when one of our vendors has a special promotion you'll get it right there in your news feed!

And I am sure you have...but just in case,

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Home Inspections

If you are a first time home buyer, you may not know what to expect when it comes to a home inspection.  Today we will give you a break down of what to expect as you go through the process.

Before the inspection even happens there are two things that come to mind.  Cost and time.  How much will it cost and who pays for it?  To start, it is usually a fee payed by the home buyer and is often seen as a bargain compared to potential issues that a home can have.  But how much will it cost?  The cost can vary depending on the type of tests and the size of the home.  For more information speak directly with your Nothnagle Agent! How long does it take though?  This also varies based on the tests completed and the size of the home.  On average, a home inspection can take any where from 2-4 hours to complete everything.

During the inspection, the inspector will be checking many areas in your potential new home to make sure everything is safe.  From structural components such as your foundation and frame to interior items such as mold and damaged walls.  Everything in between is covered too!  So even the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical get checked out.  There are some additional items you can have checked as well that are not part of what is considered "standard" and your Nothnagle agent can best guide you.

Ok, so after I get my home inspection...what's next?  What if something comes up?  Well after your inspection is complete both you and the seller will get a copy of the report.  Any problems or recommendations that were discovered during the inspection will show here.  From the report you and your agent can decide what to do next.  Do you need to negotiate some repairs or walk away?  Maybe even get a home warranty...just in case.

Still have questions?  Ask away!  Comment here or reach us at either place below.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Craigslist Scams

In this area we are just getting started into peak time for real estate on both selling and buying as well as renting. Of course this unfortunately means that the scammers are out there more and more.

Although there are many sites available, craigslist is the largest and most know for these types of scams. That doesn't mean you have to avoid the site at all costs...just be careful with what information you give away. You can find rentals on our site as well or even work with an agent. But if you go about it yourself just keep these pointers in mind.

Scammers tend to use the same story or a variation. They are in Africa because they "surprisingly" won an auction and now own oil fields or are there for missionary work or something similar. The stories generally sound a little off and while most people don't fall for them...enough have to where it is still an issue. Here is an example

"Hello,
I received your response concerning my Advertisement published on Craigslist The house is still available am the owner of the home and i bid for a portion of petroleum land a while back in West Africa and fortunately I just won the bidding so I had to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up because I still have to rebid for it in the next 4 to 5 years. I came over here with my wife and two kids and before we got here i thought of selling the home but had to change my mind because of my wife, she preferred we had it up on the rental market I had to look for an agent, after getting one, we got a deal but later we found out that he was renting it out for a higher price than what we agreed on and i don't want an occupant that will be paying a lot and not have time for the home because of the price of the home. If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee so I contacted the Agent back and requested for my keys and documents the maintenance of the home is far more important to me I know there is no way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won't be able to see before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space.. But I just have a feeling that anyone who knows the values of a home should know that maintaining a home is essential, so if you believe you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours then I will be more than happy to let you rent the house.

Please if you are interested in renting my house kindly provide the information below.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
APPLICATION FORM

Full Name Prefix__________________________________________________ (CELL)PHONE________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Home Phone (    )___________________ 

Other Phone (    )________________________
Current Address_______________________________

Apt#________ 
City__________________ 
State______ 
Zip________
Reasons for Leaving Old Home____________________________

Rent $__________
Phone (    )____________________________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Income____________________________
Move In Date____________________________
HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT SENT _____________
HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE___________________________
Rent/Month: $700___________________________
Deposit Payment: $500___________________________

You could give me a call as soon as possible if you can call internationally if you can't please indicate so i can call you so we could proceed ASAP.

Please note that you will only be able to drive by the house for now but not have a look at the interior until i have sent the keys and documents of the house to you and the requirement for getting the keys and documents of the house is a fully refundable payment, which is the security deposit.

Please note that the deposit made is fully refundable the deposit is just to make sure that you are really interested in the home and also to hold the home for you so we don't rent it out to someone else, after receiving the keys and documents if you feel unsatisfied or uncomfortable with the interior, but i am giving you a benefit of doubt that you will love everything about this lovely home...

I Await your response so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys to you. My cell phone numbers are :(+234-XXX-XXX-8505 or +011-234-XXX-XXX-8505) you can call or text

Best Regards"


As you can see from phrases like "Please note that you will only be able to drive by the house for now but not have a look at the interior until i have sent the keys and documents of the house to you and the requirement for getting the keys and documents of the house is a fully refundable payment, which is the security deposit." Where do they get the information and the pictures though? Anywhere! Usually they will log onto ANY real estate site and take the pictures from there. That way if you do drive by...it all looks the same.

So beware! And remember what we've all been told before...if it's too good to be true, it is.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Spring To-Do List

With Spring here (or at least right around the corner) we thought it might be nice to share a nice to-do list with you. This will give you some great ideas that you may have not thought about!

Roof Repairs
Even though we didn't have nearly the winter that we usually do, it still may have been enough to do some damage to your roof. You may want to grab the ladder and take a look; checking for any visible damage and loose shingles. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable...give one of our certified vendors a call to check it out for you.

Check Those Gutters
If you do decide to take the ladder and travel to the roof you may want to take a look at the gutters! Once again, checking for any visible damage and seeing if the gutters are still secure or if they seem a little loose. Don't forget to check the downspouts for damage and to make sure they are still properly connected.

Yard Clean-Up
Anything that may have fallen after you cleaned-up the yard in the fall or even anything that may have accumulated during the mild winter we had should be taken care of. This will allow the grass in your yard to be able to grow properly. Replace dead plants with new ones.

Air Conditioner
If you have central air, you may have already turned it on a couple of weeks ago when we were in the high 70s. But for those with window units or just fans, most of you more than likely have yet to get them set up. You will want to check them and make sure that they are in proper working order. Finding out now ensures that when the warm weather comes (and stays) that you will be ready...and cool. Those with central air...check your filters! The heat has been running all winter so it may be time for a replacement.

Smoke Detectors
Speaking of replacement, don't forget those smoke detectors! If you haven't already performed the semi-annual task of testing and replacing the batteries...now is the time! And for those with CO2 detectors don't forget to check them as well!

Of course if you ever need any assistance with anything, check out our Nothnagle Home Services program!


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Why Choose Nothnagle?

So is the question "Why choose Nothnagle?" or should it be "Why NOT choose Nothnagle?" This question applies to not only those interested in buying or selling their homes but people looking for exciting new careers either in real estate or with a different real estate company.

Let's start with looking at our sales. This March was an outstanding month for us here...especially when it came to sales. Compared to March 2011, our sales were up $42 Million this March! What a great track we are on to beat last year where we had $1.1 Billion (our next closest competitor had $215 Million)!

Nothnagle REALTORS also support their agents with a multitude of tools. Ask any of the market's most successful agents...you'll find them all here with us. But is it just our exclusive tools or maybe our gauranteed print advertising program? Perhaps it's Nothnagle.com which is the region's #1 real estate site. It could also be all of these things.

So why not find out for yourself? Whether you are a interested in being a new agent or you're an experienced on...take a look at JoinNothnagle.com and if you still have questions please contact us. You can find contact info on our site, comment here, or check us out below!