May 22, 2008

Hamilton, N.J., Assist-2-Sell Office Experiencing Unprecedented Growth

Prcom_logo Since implementing several new marketing programs and back office systems earlier this year, the Hamilton, N.J., Assist-2-Sell office has experienced tremendous growth.

Hamilton, NJ, May 22, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Local real estate broker Michael Sinton has found a way to beat the slow housing market. Since implementing several new marketing programs and back office systems earlier this year, Sinton’s Assist-2-Sell® office has experienced tremendous growth. The Hamilton Assist-2-Sell office is now expanding and hiring additional buyers’ agents to handle the increased workload.

To expose their listings to as many potential home buyers as possible, the Hamilton Assist-2-Sell office is enhancing all of their listings on REALTOR.com® and posting video home tours on YouTube. Assist-2-Sell is also utilizing a call capture and response system, as well as a Web-based showing application, to make it easier for interested buyers to learn more about homes for sale in central New Jersey.

“For the first time since opening, we’ve been able to establish a strong foothold in the local real estate market. Sellers are excited about the additional exposure we can offer their homes, and buyers are responding positively as well,” says Sinton, owner and principle broker of Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge. “The number of home buyers calling us has increased substantially. We’re receiving more than 200 ‘warm’ buyer leads each month.”

Assist-2-Sell is now looking to add a few additional buyers’ agents to help Sinton and his team better service their growing customer base.

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May 19, 2008

Make your home stand out, sparkle and sell

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written by: Quynh Nguyen , 9NEWS Reporter/Producer   
reported by: Mark Koebrich , 9NEWS Consumer Reporter   


KUSA - Gone are the days when a house was sold in a day and at or above the asking price. Today, competition is stiff. Simply sticking a "for sale" sign in your yard isn't enough when you put your house on the market.

"Presentation is everything. As an artist, presentation is everything and I understand that," said homeowner Dave Ryan, who recently put his Castle Rock house on the market.

Before it was for sale, Ryan spent six weeks transforming his house back into a marketable commodity.

"It felt like a nightclub in South Beach," said Ryan.

He had originally turned his home into an art studio and installed black vinyl flooring in the middle of the living room for a stain proof surface. His creativity didn't stop there.

"I had black walls and crazy colors all over the place," added Ryan. "But that was for me and I knew that eventually when I sold, I'd have to turn that around."

Experts say sellers must aggressively plan and prep their homes because there's a lot more competition. According to the latest numbers from Metrolist, more than 20,000 houses are for sale today compared to about 7,000 in 2000.

Houses are taking a lot longer to sell. Eight years ago, a house sat on the market for about a month. Today, it's taking nearly four months.

In addition, sellers may have to lower the asking price. In the Denver Metro Area, the average sales price for a single family home peaked last August at $316,000. Ever since then, prices have been steadily dropping. The average sales price was down to $267,259 in April.

"You want to be the house that people want to go back to and remember when they're seeing many houses at a time," said Dan O'Meara, a realtor with Assist2Sell.

Dave Ryan's house is on the market for $422,000. There are five other homes for sale on his block alone. Hoping his property will standout, he spruced up both the outside and inside.

"My desire is for them to come in and it feels like a show home," said Ryan.

He began by repainting the walls a neutral color. He replaced the bright red couch in the living room with lighter furniture from his basement. He also changed out that black vinyl floor with new carpet. He also cleaned and declutttered each room.

"I'm showing off this as though I would a piece of art. The house is your art," said the artist.

A few other tips to prepare your house for sale:
*Rent a storage unit. Most homes show better with less furniture.
*Remember that your home must be ready to show at all times, so continue with ongoing daily cleanings.

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(Copyright KUSA*TV, All Rights Reserved)

May 14, 2008

Assist-2-Sell(R) Commits to the SearchHomesOnTV.com FSBO Hire-a-Pro Program

Mw_logo_193x58 Together, Assist-2-Sell and SearchOnTV Will Provide For Sale by Owners With Marketing and Professional Assistance

RENO, Nev., May 09, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- With the ever-increasing number of homeowners deciding to go it alone in selling their home, Assist-2-Sell is teaming with FSBO marketer SearchOnTV Inc. to provide professional services through their more than 500 offices located throughout the United States and Canada.

SearchHomesOnTV.com offers a free posting of a FSBO listing and promotes their site through their weekly television show, Search Homes on TV, which airs on DirecTV Channel 225 on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time and through syndication in Europe, creating a reach of more than 145 million households.

"Search Homes On TV's model creates an atmosphere of cooperation, basically bridging the For Sale by Owner and the real estate professional in an environment that allows both to coexist. Assist-2-Sell brokers are highly qualified, they know and understand all aspects of a transaction, and are well suited to assist the For Sale by Owner when called upon," stated Lyle Martin, Assist-2-Sell's co-founder and co-chief executive officer.

John Giaimo, president of SearchOnTV Inc., stated, "SearchHomesOnTV.com has an effective means of reaching the home buying public, which is only part of the equation for the FSBO. Once they begin the paperwork process or closing escrow, they are in need of professional assistance. Assist-2-Sell has a large network of very qualified brokers to provide services under our 'Hire-a-Pro' menu of services program."

The "Hire-a-Pro" Menu of Services program allows real estate professionals to provide a la carte services. They can include "packaged" or "bundled" elements of a transaction or a basic hourly rate. The services provided and the fee associated with the service is totally up to the individual real estate broker.

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SOURCE: SearchHomesOnTV.com
Assist-2-Sell
Lyle Martin, 800-528-7816
Lyle@assist2sell.com
www.assist2sell.com

or

SearchOnTV Inc.
John Giaimo, 866-591-7688
John@SearchHomesOnTV.com
www.SearchHomesOnTV.com

April 28, 2008

Assist-2-Sell office committed to saving homeowners more money

Appcom_logo April 27, 2008

Renee Zarelli and Robert Burtt know a good thing when they see it. For the last three years, this team has run the Assist-2-Sell office in Matawan.

"Homeowners realize that selling a house and getting a good price requires the help of a Realtor who is experienced and professional, and more and more sellers are learning that this kind of service doesn't have to mean paying a high commission," said Zarelli. "We're excited about Assist-2-Sell because it allows sellers to keep more of their home's equity, without sacrificing any of the services they want and need from a real estate agent."

As a full-service real estate brokerage, Assist-2-Sell's team of experienced brokers and agents handle everything throughout the entire process of selling a home. That includes pricing the home; advertising and marketing online including an enhanced Realtor.com marketing package and offline; showing the home to prospective buyers; working with other local brokers and agents; and managing all of the paperwork and the closing.

Explained Burtt, "The only difference between Assist-2-Sell and traditionally priced real estate companies is our compensation structure. We charge a low 3.75 percent commission that is a percentage of a home's sale price. Which is a substantial savings compared to other traditional brokers."

Assist-2-Sell isn't a new concept for most people in New Jersey but there is one misperception Zarelli and Burtt would like to clarify.

"Some people think Assist-2-Sell listings aren't in the multiple listing services. The MLS is definitely one of the tools we use to market houses," assured Zarelli.

There are no upfront or hidden charges. Assist-2-Sell isn't paid until the home is sold and after the closing.

"Despite a generally sluggish housing market, the ongoing subprime mortgage crisis and intense media scrutiny, we are excited about the future of real estate in New Jersey," said Burtt.

"The last year has been difficult for New Jersey homeowners but we're beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. We really are excited about the direction the market is headed," he continued. "We believe the market correction that is happening now can only serve to help our communities grow and remain affordable for the average family wanting to own a home while trying to make a living."

Assist-2-Sell also provides home buyers with a full range of services, including access to the company's exclusive listings databases.

"It really is a great time to buy a home," explained Burtt. "Some of the best deals that I have ever seen are right now. The selection of houses is great, interest rates are at all time low, and would-be homeowners are sure to benefit from the new economic stimulus package."

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Assist-2-Sell Broker Honored as One of Newnan's Top Performing Realtors®

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Michele Feeley Receives “P”

The Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors® in Georgia has honored Michele Feeley, owner and principle broker of the Newnan and Peachtree City, Ga., Assist-2-Sell® offices, with its “Professional Achievement Award.” Feeley was among 99 winners of the award, each of whom had real estate sales in the amount of, or in excess of, $1 million for 2007.

“I’m really excited to have won this award for the second year in a row,” says Feeley. “After purchasing the Assist-2-Sell® offices in Newnan and Peachtree City within in the last two years, my team and I have worked really hard to not only build a strong reputation with local home sellers and home buyers, but also with other brokers and agents. Winning this award proves we’ve been successful.”

With its “Full Service with $avings!”® program, Assist-2-Sell saves homeowners a significant amount of money on the sale of their home. The Newnan and Peachtree City offices charge a low, flat fee of only $2,995. Home buyers also have access to a full range of services, including Assist-2-Sell’s exclusive listings databases.

“This may sound strange, but our success wouldn’t be possible without the help of our competitors,” continues Feeley. “We market our listings directly to buyers but we also cooperate with real estate agents at other brokerages. They show and sell our listings all of the time.”

To learn more about Assist-2-Sell, call (770) 253-8784 or e-mail mfeeley@assist2sell.com.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Additional information is available online at www.SoldinGeorgia.com. Assist-2-Sell Buyer & Seller Realty is located at 1 Bledsoe Road in Suite D in Newnan and 111 Petrol Pointe Suite F, Peachtree City.

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April 23, 2008

Assist-2-Sell Broker Honored as One of Hawaii’s Highest Achieving Realtors®

Prcom_logo Michael Burnstein Out Performs While Saving Maui Home Sellers Millions in Commission

Michael Burnstein, owner and principle broker of Assist-2-Sell Buyers and Sellers Real Estate in Maui, Hawaii, has been recognized by Hawaii Business magazine as one of Hawaii's “Top 100 Realtors®.”

Maui, HI, April 21, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Hawaii Business magazine has honored Michael Burnstein, owner and principle broker of the Maui Assist-2-Sell® office, as one of Hawaii’s 2008 “Top 100 Realtors®.” Burnstein was chosen from nearly 10,000 real estate agents from throughout the state of Hawaii based on total sales volume in the resale home market for 2007.

Burnstein is also named in Hawaii Business magazine’s “Who’s Who in Hawaii Real Estate” directory.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this award. My team and I have worked really hard over the last three years to build a reputation with Maui home sellers and we’ve obviously succeeded,” says Burnstein. “Assist-2-Sell’s popularity has skyrocketed locally so quickly because we provide our customers with great service while charging such reasonable fees.”

With its “Full Service with $avings!”® program, Assist-2-Sell saves homeowners a significant amount of money on the sale of their home. The Maui office charges a low, flat fee of $4,995 for homes up to $500,000, with moderate increases for homes that list for more. Home buyers also have access to a full range of services, including Assist-2-Sell’s exclusive listings databases.

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April 15, 2008

Assist-2-Sell Training Class

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Training classes are held for new owners that sign a Franchise Agreement.  For more details, call 800-528-7816 or email franchiseinfo@assist2sell.comDsc05219

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April 14, 2008

How to Effectively Market Your Home to Buyers

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Lyle Martin          April 08, 2008    Lyleheadshotprimary_smaller_2

As a home seller, you and your real estate agent have a lot of tools available to attract the attention of potential home buyers. Here are some of the most commonly used methods for advertising property listings and expert insight into their effectiveness.

Multiple Listing Service

The Multiple Listing Service is one of the most effective marketing tools you can use when selling your home. An MLS is a private database that allows real estate brokers who are representing home sellers to share information about property listings with real estate brokers who represent home buyers. Most buyers´ agents rely primarily on the MLS when looking for homes for their customers.

The only way to market your home through the MLS is by listing with a real estate agent who is a member of the local MLS.

Compensation to the selling agent is offered on all homes in the MLS. While the percentage may vary, it is typically around three percent. Make sure your agent specifies in writing how much of the commission you pay will be offered through the MLS to the selling agent. Don´t be fooled by an agent who offers to lower their commission—oftentimes to keep you from choosing a discount broker—and then offers less than the customary rate in the MLS.

Yard Signs

Home buyers tend to drive through the neighborhoods they are interested in so yard signs can easily attract their attention. Also, people who live in your neighborhood may have friends who have expressed an interest in the area. Always allow your agent to put a "For Sale!" sign in your yard.

Avoid "sign riders" that say "By Appointment Only!" All showings are by appointment so you don´t need to spell it out on the sign. Besides, it sounds uninviting. Also, make it easy for your home to be shown. Allow a lockbox to be placed on your home so other agents can show it to potential buyers quickly and easily.

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March 06, 2008

Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge Announces Top Producers for 2007

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In 2007, Assist-2-Sell agent Allan E. Brown listed thirty-nine homes. Allan has been with the company for almost two years. Allan brings a variety of talents and expertise to the business. Allan's talents are unique to the real estate market. One of his specialties is to provide sellers with a DVD video of their listed property. This excites sellers and allows the video to be seen on multiple websites including Realtor.com, Homes.com, You-Tube, etc... Additionally, he achieved the NJAR Circle of Excellence award for 2007.

Robert Blackburn, who has been with Assist-2-Sell® for two years, sold sixteen homes and is also an NJAR Circle of Excellence award recipient for 2007. As a former military officer, Robert brings discipline and structure to the real estate environment. Robert enjoys working with buyers, successfully fulfilling their housing wishes and needs. His success has been documented with letters of testimony from very satisfied buyers.

About Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge

Based in Hamilton, NJ, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge was opened by Michael J. Sinton in September 2005. As "North America's Leading Discount Real Estate CompanySM," Assist-2-Sell® provides home sellers with full brokerage services for a low flat fee, saving consumers nationwide more than $800 million in commission.[1] The company also offers a full range of services to homebuyers, including access to millions of listings through Assist-2-Sell's unique databases. Sinton and his agents are fully licensed and members of the National Association of Realtors®. For five straight years Entrepreneur Magazine has recognized Assist-2-Sell as one of the leading franchises and Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge has been honored as Assist-2-Sell's Top Ten Percent for October of 2007. Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge is individually owned and operated. On the Net: www.WeSellCentralNJ.com.

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March 03, 2008

Battle with Cancer Sharpens Business Perspective

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By Erik Olson

Charlie_weaver_3 Charlie Weaver's business is written on his vehicle. He says he spends more time on the road than in his and his wife Linda's office on Allen Street in Kelso. Bill Wagner / The Daily News

Linda and Charlie Weaver started their first real estate franchise the same month they got the worst news of their lives.

It was last May, and the Kalama couple had just returned from a training seminar at the headquarters of Assist 2 Sell in Reno. Charlie had an MRI before they left to check a lump in his hip. The news was not good.

Charlie, 54, had stage 4 lung cancer, the worst kind. He needed surgery, he needed chemotherapy and he needed to prepare to fight.

The doctor told him he likely had only nine months left, but the couple didn't give up. Linda even booked a weeklong cruise in Hawaii to take place nine months later as an incentive for her husband to get better.

The nine months is up, Charlie is cancer-free, and their Assist 2 Sell franchise is open for business in Kelso.

But not this week - because the Weavers are exploring Hawaii.

"Saturday it's been nine months, and we're headed on that cruise," Linda said.

"Can't wait. Can't wait! I'm so jazzed," Charlie added, pumping his fist.

Charlie left the telecom industry after 26 years and searched for a new career. He got his real estate license in 2001, and his wife followed suit in 2004.

The cancer battle has given them a different perspective on running their business, they said. With the economy slowing nationwide, people are looking to save money, Charlie said.

The Weavers' goal is to help them do that while buying a home, even if it means less profit for them.

"We can now relate very closely to what a lot of folks are going through," Charlie said.

Charlie is quick to laugh and smile, and he said surviving cancer has made him approach each day with a sunnier attitude.

"Your criteria for having a good day goes way down," Charlie said.

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