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The Musical Insurance Guy ...Gary Rasmussen on the Rock & Roll Real Estate Hour.

My very good friend Gary Rasmussen from Farmers Insurance will be my special guest this Sunday morning on the Rock & Roll Real Estate Hour. He is better know as "The Musical Insurance Guy" and he is responsible for coining the phrase that I use today    "The Rock-n-Roll Realtor".

 If you have an insurance question call us at 513-749-1480 anytime after 10:00 am and 10:50 am this Sunday. We are on WDJO 1480 am radio or streamed on the internet at www.Oldies1480.net.

Ria Davidson of The Dragonfly Foundation always calls in to give us an update on the kids at Children's Hospital. What a fabulous organization. They really do wonderful things for the kids and their entire families. Go to: www.TheDradonflyFoundation.org.

You can sign up to volunteer or just donate items or even money to help their cause.

 

 

 

The following is a little video I produced. Yes...it's all about me. Who else is going to post things like this about me. ME. I'm not bragging...I'm just applying for a job.

 

The Short Sale King meets the Rock n Roll Realtor Sunday morning on WDJO

Bob Daniel The Short Sale King with Prudential One Realtors will be the special guest on "The Rock & Roll Real Estate Hour" Sunday morning with Gary Rossignol the Rock-n-Roll Realtor also with Prudential One Realtors on Oldies1480 WDJO.

Tune in at 10:00 am on your radio 1480 AM or listen as it is streamed on the internet at www.Oldies1480.net.

Bob Daniel wrote the book on Short Sales and carries a large inventory of homes scheduled to be dismissed by the lien holders for Short Payoff saving the owners literally Thousands of dollars and years of heart ache.

Bob has specialized in Short Sales for over 10 years and teaches his special way to accomplish the short payoff to Realtors all across the country with many real estate companies.

So tune in as Bob and Gary will walk you through the entire process "one step at a time" on the Rock & Roll Real Estate hour this Sunday morning.

If you have a question for Bob or Gary anytime during the program just dial 513-749-1480 and they will be happy to answer your questions live on the air.

 Here's a fun video from last weeks show. Gary Rasmussen & Gary doing their commercial "The Gary's Rap" and having some early Holiday musical ...poking fun with Christmas Carols.

 

 

 

Ria Davidson with The Dragonfly Foundation will make an appearance and give us an update on the kids at Cincinnati Children's Hospital who are afflicted with cancer or blood disease. They bring comfort and understanding to the kids and their families.

If you miss any portion of this show or any of the other shows you can listen to the podcast on Gary's website at www.RocknRollRealEstateAgent.com.

 

An old Barn...A new page.

I love taking photos of old barns, trains, bridges and landscaping...not just houses.

Everywhere I go you will find me with my Nikon D-70. There are better camera's with many more bells and whistles...but my D-70 works great for me and it is paid for.

My other camera is a Panasonic DMC-ZS3. This little charmer fits in the palm of my hand yet does a few tasks my D-70 cannot do. The Panasonic is a basic point and shoot with very few user settings. I primarily leave it set on Auto, however the wide angle lens aspect along with the quality of High Definition is helpful when shooting my house photos. One of my pet peeves are MLS (Multiple Listing Service) home photos of a corner, door or window. Not the whole room. When shooting home photos without a wide angle lens that is the best you can get. Realtors should invest in the proper equipment of hire a professional photographer to take their home photos correctly.

One additional huge benefit of the Panasonic is that it will shoot Hi Def video as well as photos. I find this function extremely beneficial. This is my camera of choice to shoot all my property video tours.

Below is an example of the quality video this camera is able to provide. Not to mention this home is an excellent deal right now.  For only $146,500 you can call this home at 7594 Barret Road in West Chester, Ohio. The community swimming pool is just behind this property as well as Keehner Park just down the street. Everything has been updated as you will notice in this video.

Chris is not a professional actor. He is the owner and is reaching out to you to contact me and buy his home. Each of my listed properties have their one distict website.
This one is www.7594BarretRoad.com.

 

If you are interested in this home or would like a professional video tour of your home like this please contact me at 513-777-2402. Let the Rock-n-Roll Realtor list and sell your home for you.

The Buyers are knockin cause my Houses are Rock'n.

Tune in on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am for the Rock & Roll Real Estate Hour hosted by yours truly, Gary Rossignol on Oldies1480 WDJO.
That is 1480 on the AM dial or streamed on the internet at www.Oldies1480.net

We like to rock your world with real estate facts and also with a flare of entertainment. My guests bring a very compelling topic each week.

This week my sponsoring guest is Gary Rasmussen the Musical Insurance Guy with Farmers Insurance. http://www.farmersagent.com/grasmussen1.

We will be talking about traveling through the holidays. You need to review your insurance and be absolutely sure you are covered where ever you go, when ever you go and for any situation.

Each week we will explore some musical history and you will be entertained with a sound clip from my Classic Rock band BlueStone Ivory. www.BlueStoneIvory.com.

A Real Estate Workshop planned for this month

Download Don't lose your shirt

 

Buyer Agent Bonus...Is it a benefit?

As Realtors we seem to always want to have it both ways.  On the one hand we say that we are buyer or seller advocates and yet we are sales people too and some times those two roles can conflict with each other.  One good example is the idea of offering a buyer’s agent a bonus.

Sometimes sellers or listing agents will give the buyer’s agent a bonus for finding a buyer for a home.  That seems harmless but I have a problem with that practice.  The implication is that an agent will "sell" a home to a buyer because if they do they will make more money. That goes against one of the largest fiduciary responsibilities we owe our buyer client to promote their best interest.

We have to disclose our commission to the buyers.  Commissions for Realtors who work with buyers are listed on the MLS with the rest of the information about the home. The seller pays the buyers commission and most agents accept that as pay for working with the buyer.  The buyer doesn't see the agent bonus on the public MLS it is listed under agent remarks for members only.  Buyers usually don't know or care what the average payout for a buyer’s agent is so even when it is disclosed they may not recognize it as a buyer’s agent bonus.

We work with buyers and they choose the best home with our help. We don't or should not "sell" a buyer a home because there is a bonus in it for us. It is a conflict of interest. 

Are we acting in a buyers best interest if their is a bonus involved for us?  Each time a buyer buys a home there is something in it for us which makes sense because we can't work for free. If a buyer makes an offer we are required to disclose the commission but since the average buyer doesn't know what it is supposed to be they may not know that the agent is getting a bonus.

There are some listings in our MLS that have a very low payout and there are some with high payouts to buyers agents.  I believe it is unethical to base our decision on which home to show a buyer based on the payout.  It would be best if there was no such thing as a buyer’s agent bonus and if all buyers agent payouts were the same but they are not. So it is up to us individual Realtors to try and level the playing field. That is exactly what I try to do with each buyer client I work for. I explain how and how much I get paid and make sure that my buyer knows that if there is a Buyers agent bonus that will go to the buyer, not me.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

"The buyers are knockin'...Cause the houses are Rockin"

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me the Rock-n-Roll Realtor  My listings Rock because they are priced to sell, show to sell and the owners are motivated to sell. Call me and I will make your house Rock.  513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Mason All-Stars networking Group

The Mason All-Stars is a networking group of professionals who meet together every other Thursday morning for the purpose of learning how to help each others business to grow.

This Linkedin group supports our members and is used to share schedules and information about our business activities. Membership is by invitation and is limited to one member from each business sector or discipline.

Today I am privileged with the spotlight of doing my 5 minute presentation to the group this morning. I would like them to see two videos. The first is the rehab project I did in Sharonville at 11191 Maple Street. I am quite proud of this project. It was the very first total rehab project I have attempted on my own.

The second video is of BlueStone Ivory performing a Patriotic song "God Bless the USA" in Fairfield. I am particularly proud of this video. It was recorded & produced by my friend Jim Rupp.

 

I would like to invite everyone to come out and hear BlueStone Ivory at Carlo & Johnny this Saturday night. It is a Jeff Ruby steak & seafood joint. Good Atmosphere, Great food and super entertainment.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

"The buyers are knockin'...Cause the houses are Rockin"

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me the Rock-n-Roll Realtor  My listings Rock because they are priced to sell, show to sell and the owners are motivated to sell. Call me and I will make your house Rock.  513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

 

 

A real Antique

This R2D2 looking contraption is an old Ruud water heater from a century ago. This is not the first time I have seen this particular old model. They must have been plentiful in the day.

In fact I recently listed a home at 1521 Wittekind in North College Hill. It is a great home on a very nice street. The only concern I have is the water heater.The seller swears by this water heater.

He has owned the home for over 30 years and admits that when he first walked into the basement and saw this contraption he was ready to leave. But didn't and became of big fan of the tankless water heater and says he will not have anything but ever again.

As old as this water heater is there is virtually no maintenance. You need hot water? Simply turn the faucet and you have it. It's that simple.

The great thing about these water heaters is they will save you around $300.00 per your in utility bills by not keeping 40 or 50 gallons of water hot 24/7.

 

Tankless Water heaters is a great resource for information about the various brands and styles. Here is a great video describing all about the various types and styles.

So, the next time you are faced with a water heater replacement call me for a recommendation or google it. The tankless system may be exactly what you are looking for.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me the Rock-n-Roll Realtor if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Icicles, Pretty...scary

They are pretty, but nothing to be proud of. These are hanging from a roof near my house. Actually they are everywhere in this weather. They are caused when one part of the room is warmer than another and heat is leaking out through the roof. As pretty as they look they can cause damage. Water can back up and get under the shingles and cause leaks into the house. Usually this problem can be solved by adding more insulation.

I look at a lot of houses. Yes, even in this weather. I usually look at the roof when I pull up the driveway. With all the snow you cannot see the shingles. Well, you are not suppose to anyway. If you do that isn't a good sign. The roof may be fine but chances are the home doesn't have enough insulation. If the roof is covered with snow and there aren't any ice dams or maybe a little ice here and there then chances are the home is insulated. Maybe the roof is covered with snow except for one bare spot. That is an area where there isn't enough insulation and heat is leaking out.

If the roof is covered with snow you need to rely on the residential property disclosure to see if the seller has disclosed any problems, or previous leaks with the roof. I like to open closet doors and look at the ceiling because that seems to be a good place to find water stains. An old stain on a ceiling doesn't mean that the roof needs replacing. I  recommend having a professional home inspection done and most of your inspectors will try and make their report subject to a return visit when the snow is melted and they can thoroughly inspect the roof. If time permits.

One more point about icicles. Be careful, they can be dangerous. Several years ago my daughers were knocking them down with a stick. One large icicle flew straight down and hit my youngest on her head causing a large enough cut that required a couple of stitches. Ouch!!!

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

 

Bridging the gap for extended & expanded homebuyer tax credits.

 Here is some good news. Congress and the Federal Government in agreement of President Obama has extended and expanded the buyers tax credit. These are some of the details.

For first time homebuyers the date has been extended to April 30, 2010. Therefore if you qualify as a first time homebuyer, by not have had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years prior to purchase, then you will receive a tax credit of 10% of the sale price not to exceed $8,000.00.

For details on obtaining these funds I suggest you consult a tax preparer or a certified public accountant for assistance.

The expansion of this bill is benefiting any present homeowner selling their home and moving up.

To qualify you must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years. As long as a written binding contract to purchase a different home is in effect on April 30, 2010 and close no later than July 1, 2010 you will receive $6,500.00 tax credit.

Limitations have been increased and added. Annual Income limits for buyers was $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married couples. That has been increased to $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for married couples. The added limitation on the cost of home purchase is $800,000.

Again, For details or further questions on obtaining these funds I suggest you consult a tax preparer or a certified public accountant for assistance.

These changes are designed to enhance and improve our national home sales. The initial first time home buyers tax credit seemed to be quite successful so lets hope these enhancements make a big difference.

For more information click here: The Internal Revenue Service issued a memorandum on this subject matter.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

 

Recycling gone wild

 

Real estate signs are very branded with their own logo's and distinct colors.

You can usually determine what company a particular FOR SALE sign belongs to even from a distance.

This sign gave me a big belly laugh when I got close enough to see that it was a recycled RE/MAX sign being used by a FSBO (For Sale By Owner).

I can understand one reason FSBO's are selling themselves is to save money. However at the expense of someone else seems a little unfair.

 

During the 18 years I was with RE/MAX and now as an agent with GROUP Realtors I am responsible for the purchasing and maintaining of all my own signs. The average For Sale sign cost about $45.00. I take very good care and account for all my signs especially in today's struggling market.

FSBO's definitely need our help...but this is not the usual way to help them out by letting them borrow and recycle our signs for their personal gain.

The REALTOR Magazine offers eight reasons FSBO's need Realtors.

I am always ready and willing to help anyone that asks for my help especially FSBO's. However, if they want to use my signs it comes as a package deal. To get to use my sign they get my expertise in helping them price, market, present, report, negotiate and close the deal for them. That is what I love to do and am very good at it. Just ask any of my past clients.

If you would like to speak to any of my past clients I would be happy to give you a list of those that have offered to share their experience using my services. You can also go to my website and read the many testimonials I have posted. www.GaryRossignol.com

 God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.