2010—The Year of the Realtor!

I can see more clearly now than ever, that next year will be the year of the Realtor in Real Estate here in Arizona. I have had the unique opportunity to speak to a number of the Stakeholders in our real estate transactions and in each case it was made clear that, more than ever, the Realtor is a central focus for everyone’s plans going forward.

The Asset Manager’s I have spoken with have said that during this moratorium, they had the chance to go through in detail their Realtor network, and what they found was that a number of the early Realtors that got into their REO group, were not the right ones and they were not only re-evaluating but literally getting new Realtors who have the ability to best service their housing portfolio’s.

7 of the 10 Banks we met with were initiating short sale programs, with the emphasis being on communication and quicker turn times on answers for Realtors when making offers on their properties.

The banks we have spoken with have clearly learned that this housing challenge CANNOT be solved through just an REO outlet, we need a strong short sale program, with quality realtors involved and engaged in the program, with communication being the focal point. The Banks that don’t make this a priority will see many of their listings, NOT EVEN SHOWN, by top Realtors in the market as they can’t get answers for their buyers, and wait weeks to even hear a “NO” from a Bank.

Lastly, the Government programs, which offer assistance to consumers for purchasing or fixing up homes, need the Realtors to educate their clients on the programs, in order for the 30 plus million dollars, allocated throughout Maricopa County to be spent, the Realtor will need to be an educator and a promoter of the government programs, or else our State will not have the funding dollars renewed.

No matter which way you look at it, the Realtor is getting back to the front of the Transaction and will be critical to the success of this housing market and for markets across the US.

Steve de Laveaga
SVP Sales and Marketing
Fidelity National Title
steve.delaveaga@fnf.com

Great web site for Home Buyers Tax Credit Information!

Here is a good site to direct your clients to for general information on the new Tax Credits for both 1st time home buyers and move up repeat buyers.

www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Jason Servais
Bank of America

Win The Paperless Fight Contest!

Fidelity National Title of Maricopa County is proud to announce their new Green Initiative. Historically speaking, the Title Industry has been amongst some of the worst offenders in the over use of paper and printing. Fidelity will be launching the program Win The Paperless Fight November 11, 2009.

The launch of this program comes in conjunction with Fidelity joining Phoenix’s Green Chamber of Commerce.

With the launch of Win The Paperless Fight, Fidelity will be hosting a contest for Real Estate Professionals with the prize being a one year individual membership to the Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce.

Here are the contest details:

· Enter by sending an email fidelity@winthepaperlessfight.com with details of how you, as a real estate professional, have cut paper usage in your business.
· The most unique and submission with the best environmental outcome will win.
· The judging panel will include but may not be limited to: Mara DeFilippis, founder of the Phoenix Green Chamber; Jean Clements, Marketing Director for Fidelity National Title; and Carrie Morgan, KWPR PR and Web 2.0 Strategist. All judges will be members of the AGCC.
· Contest submissions close at 5pm on December 31, 2009, and the winner will be notified January 31st, with membership for the Green Chamber.
· The winner must meet the Chamber’s basic prerequisites and comply with all normal chamber membership application processes. Submission of an entry for this contest grants Fidelity to use the information in any manner deemed appropriate, including media visibility. The winner may be requested to talk with local media as a part of public relations efforts.

If you have any questions please send an email to fidelity@winthepaperlessfight.com

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY TODAY!