This was my 3rd REBarCamp which I attended. These loosely structured forums have some of the brightest minds in the Real Estate industry openly sharing and discussing the latest topics relevant to both agents and broker/owners.

I was glad to be a part of it and as always, I walked away with even more knowledge and ideas that I can use right away.

I aim to clarify what most of the popular Residential Real Estate Sales Designations are. I say Real Estate in this instance (and not REALTOR) because not ALL designations are sponsored and/or recognized by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

First are the NAR Designations:
ABR: Accredited Buyer Representative
ABRM: Accredited Buyer Representative Manager
ALC: Accredited Land Consultant
CIPS: Certified International Property Specialist
CRB: Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
CRS: Certified Residential Specialist
CRE: Counselor of Real Estate
GRI: Graduate REALTOR Institute
SRES: Seniors Real Estate Specialist

And NAR Certifications:
AHWD: At Home With Diversity
ePRO: Online Professionalism
RSPS: Resorts & Second-Home Property Specialists
TRC: Transnational Referral Certification

There are also MANY Non-NAR designations. Not to take anything away from these, but they are not sponsored by NAR. Some of which include:
ASR: Accredited Seller Representative
CRP: Certified Relocation Professional
CSP: Certified New Home Sales Professional
EBA: Exclusive Buyer Agent
RECS: Real Estate Cyber Specialist
SRS: Seller Representative Specialist
And there are surely more…

Some Designations (or Certifications) are much more difficult to obtain than others. I can tell you first hand that a few of my designations were not easily obtained and required many weeks worth of classes along with a documented track record to obtain- while others required little more than a valid credit card. But, any agent that is willing to further educate his or herself will undoubtedly be a person that is focused on best serving their clients. I have always felt that we all need to be constantly educating ourselves. We all need to Never Stop Learning.

So… Just when it was looking pretty bad out there, Fannie and Freddie may now need to be bailed out by good old Uncle Sam (read: You and I who Pay Taxes). Does anyone remember what the Mortgage Market looked like BEFORE ‘The Secondary Market’ (Fannie & Freddie)? Let me refresh your memory: 20% down, 16% to even 21% mortgage rates, and a lack of available mortgage money Even If you had 20% down And was WILLING to pay 18% +/-. Not to mention that borrowers actually needed to have money, a stable job, some savings, reasonable debt (all novel concepts, no)?

Why am I telling you this? Because if you have the desire to own a house anytime in the near future, NOW may very well be The Best Time to Buy. Oh, and if you are looking to sell, PLEASE price it right – or wish that you did.

Gerry met with Matthew Cullen and Paul Irving of www.Roost.com which is a real estate search site! They have some very exciting things under way. I’ve been glad to have had the opportunity to Test for them over the past several months. I look forward to continuing the relationship. (Also, it was a beautiful day on Newbury Street in Boston – gotta love Stephanie’s).

Believe it or not, I don’t spend All of my time selling Real Estate in Central Massachusetts. I enjoy cooking (and eating) and entertaining as well.

This is an example of what I did to my kitchen in the home I bought last year:

Translucent Counter Surface with 70′ of LED Lighting,
Bronze European Cabinetry, Bamboo Flooring
Blanco Faucet, Tech Lighting, Jenn-Air Appliances

I know it won’t appeal to all – but I did it For ‘Us’ and not resale. Remember if you plan to stay in your house for a while, it is OK to think outside of the box and do what You Like!

“Massachusetts foreclosure deeds soared to their highest recorded level in April, according to The Warren Group, Banker & Tradesman’s parent company. The number of deeds so far this year outpaced those in the first four months of 2005 by 1,165 percent.”

Sounds bad doesn’t it? But here are some points to consider:
These foreclosures are largely a result of activities that took place 2 to 4 years ago.

Since then:

• Lending Standards Have Tightened significantly (and in my opinion; TOO much).
• 100% financing is no longer available to ‘Just Anyone’ anymore.
• Prices have adjusted.
• Conventional Fixed Mortgage are still Historically ‘Good’.
• Conforming Loan Limits in some counties have been increased (unfortunately Not in Worcester County).

So what does it mean for Sellers?

• You MUST price your property correctly for The Current market we are in!
• You MUST have your properties Marketed aggressively!
• Your property MUST be Better than every other that you are directly competing against!

So what does it mean for Buyers?

• You have a Great Opportunity right now!
• Mortgage Rates are Historically LOW!
• There are Many Homes for you to choose from!
• You are ‘Buying Into a Down Market’!
• Your lender does NOT want to put you in a situation where you will face foreclosure!
• The Real Estate Market will go up again – not sure when – but it will!

So Remember The Following:

• ALL Real Estate is LOCAL!
• Nobody will see ‘The Bottom’ until we are past it!
• Mortgage Interest Rates Cannot stay this low Forever!
• The Real Estate Market is Worse in some parts of the country and is Better in others!
• The “media” cannot sell ‘The Middle’ of any story. Only extremes can sell papers/tv/etc… so they always report on the worst!
• Always use the most Knowledgeable and Reputable Realtor that you can find to assist you if you are selling OR buying!