We've
prepared this page to provide a central place to summarize
the other resources you can find throughout the site.
By reading the short description, you can determine
if the category is what you are looking for.
We
believe in owning Real Estate. And, after lots of
experience, we have found that each person's dreams
and desires are just a little different from everyone
else. We can help you reach your Real Estate goals.
The Internet and the tools on this site and others
like it, allow you to do your research at your pace,
without pressure, anonymously. When you are ready
to take the process to the next level, we can help
you realize your goals. Let us know how we can help
you. Your way. At your pace.
Search
ALL Properties
This
is a link to search the entire Multiple Listing Service
(MLS). Caution: Technical Info Ahead.
If you didn't know, the MLS is the source all Realtors
use to search for properties. The actual MLS database
is a real time database that has a great deal of flexibility
in search parameters. The database made available
on every consumer site is a subset of data shared
under a protocol called Internet Data Exchange (IDX)
that was mandated by the National Association of Realtors.
The IDX data is not quite as timely as the actual
MLS, nor are the searches as flexible. There is a
lag in the data of up to 24 hours. That's really not
that big a deal. There is another database protocol
out there called Virtual Office Web site (VOW). This
is a newer standard and still a little more obscure.
You won't see it much and it has the same lag in time.
How
does the IDX search on this site compare to the national
search sites? They will tell you there's is better,
of course. As a working in the field everyday kind
of Realtor, we have no idea how they could ever support
that idea. Relative to our specific market, their
data is just not timely and the error rate is just
to high. How's that for an opinion? 
Free
Automatic Search
As
you will see on that page, this is a very powerful
tool. Unlike the IDX data mentioned above, this software
goes right into the "live" MLS database
for it's searches. If you are ready to get the hottest
data, let us know and we'll set this to search every
few hours. We do our own searches for clients with
this tool. Very powerful!
Financing
Information
Curious
how much you can afford? Curious how much house you
can get for a specific payment? The Financing Information
has more information than you will want. Real Estate
financing can get very confusing. Of course, there
are sites that specialize in Finance. So far (mid
2003) the results haven't lived up to our expectations.
They are getting better all the time and we're sure
it is just a matter of time before that will be the
best way to get financing. We still find value in
looking a lender in the eye and getting real clear
on what will and won't happen. Sometimes that is necessary
to close a transaction. BTW, I've (Mark) owned a loan
company for over 10 years. If you have ANY questions,
ask us. We can help!
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Don't
miss this section. Here you will find a list of commonly
asked questions and our answers. We don't hold anything
back. It doesn't cover all questions that you might
have, but will give you a good start. If you have
a specific question, go ahead and ask us. Maybe we
can use your question to make the next FAQ a little
better.
Books
for Buyers
We've
put together a list of books that you might find valuable.
They are primarily concerned with the buying process.
You'll like some of these titles.
Articles
for Buyers
There
are two pages of links to articles. So you may never
need to buy a book. There is certainly lots of reading
that you can do through these links. Real Estate can
seem complicated. Use these resources to prepare yourself.
FREE
eMail Newsletters
We
have put together two different electronic newsletters
that are free. One is more National in scope and we
actually hire that one out. The Local one has very
timely local comment with activity charts. We collect
local articles and occasionally, we'll pen our thoughts
as well. Did I mention they are FREE. Give'em a try.
Testimonials
Hey,
we LOVE happy clients. That's what
makes this business fun. We'd love to add you to our
long list of happy clients. We really wish Real Estate
was easy, but, often it just isn't. We love using
our skills and experience to smooth the road and help
you get what you want. We really do enjoy making people's
dreams and goals come true! Read what some of our
clients have said about us. (Hint: It has nothing
to do with us...it is about YOU!)
Contact
Us
As
comprehensive as we have tried to make this site,
there is no way we can anticipate all the questions
you have about your specific situation. So ask us.
Your email information will never be sold, traded,
or given to anybody. Hey, we like our privacy too.
