Rochester NY real estate listings and homes for sale, home buying, home selling information – Amy Merrill

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Rochester Real Estate Market

May 11th, 2008 9:21 AM

According to CNNMoney.com, Rochester, New York is the 2nd fastest growing real estate market in the United States.

Posted by Amy Merrill on May 11th, 2008 9:21 AMPost a Comment (0)

Buyers Agent

May 8th, 2008 9:26 AM

Buyer's Agent

Buyer's Agent Definition: A real estate agent hired to work in the best interests of a buyer in a real estate transaction. The agent's loyalties are with the buyer. It is the agent's duty to share any information about the property or sellers that may help the buyer make decisions regarding the transaction. Agent status must be disclosed to all parties.

A Buyer's Agent looks out for their client's best interests by negotiating the purchase of a home at a price & terms acceptable to the buyer

A Buyer's Agent has the following duties to a buyer:

1. Reasonable Care

2. Undivided Loyalty

3. Confidentiality

4. Full Disclosure

5. Obedience

6. Duty to account

A Buyer's Agent does not represent the best interests of the seller in a transaction.

It normally does not cost a Buyer anything to have their own agent. The Buyer's Agent is typically paid for by the seller. The listing agreement that a seller signs will specify what percentage they are willing to pay to the Seller's Agent, The Buyer's Agent & a Broker's Agent. This amount, usually a percentage, is what the Buyer's Agent will receive after closing, unless otherwise agreed.

Buyer's Agency Agreement

Occasionally a Buyer may be asked to enter an agreement with a Buyer's Agent. The Buyer's Agency Agreement is an agreement to compensate the Agent whenever the Buyer purchases a property of the type described in the agreement within a specified time frame. The agent is entitled to payment regardless of who finds the property purchased. This is an Exclusive Right to Represent the buyer.

Posted by Amy Merrill on May 8th, 2008 9:26 AMPost a Comment (0)

Just Listed! 74 Lorimer St Rochester, NY 14608

April 17th, 2008 10:33 PM

$59,900.00
74 Lorimer St

Rochester, NY 14608

Beds: 4.0	Rooms: 4
Baths: 2.00	Sq. Ft.: 2159.00
Garage: 0	Built: 1910

Fullly rented duplex with 2 new 1 year leases. Rental income of $1,000/mo. Property Management is in place and has agreed to stay in place for new owners. Completely remodeled with all new 30 year architectural roof, carpet, kitchen & bathroom floors, seperate utilities, freshly painted interior & exterior.

This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Amy Merrill
Amy Merrill
5856623363
www.amymerrill.net

Visit this listing at Here

Posted by Amy Merrill on April 17th, 2008 10:33 PMPost a Comment (0)

Just Listed! 166 Campbell St Rochester, NY 14611

April 17th, 2008 9:51 PM

$48,000.00
166 Campbell St

Rochester, NY 14611

Beds: 3.0	Rooms: 3
Baths: 2.00	Sq. Ft.: 1652.00
Garage: 0	Built: 1896

Fully rented duplex. Property Management is in place & has agreed to stay on for new owner. Enclosed front porch, fenced yard & private driveway with off-street parking. There are many updates including all new vinyl replacement windows, 2 new furnaces, gutters, plumbing, electrical and carpets.

This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Amy Merrill
Amy Merrill
5856623363
www.amymerrill.net

Visit this listing at Here

Posted by Amy Merrill on April 17th, 2008 9:51 PMPost a Comment (0)

The Truth About Appraisals

April 14th, 2008 1:02 PM

The Truth About Appraisals

Knowing the Guidelines Solves the Mystery

The appraisal process often baffles consumers. They may feel that their home is worth a higher dollar amount, and so the appraised value doesn't always make sense to them. It is important to know that the appraiser is completely independent from lenders, buyers, sellers, and Real Estate Agents, and that the guidelines to which they adhere are dictated by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and Fannie Mae. In most states, the mortgage lenders must also disclose the purpose of the appraisal, as each transaction carries its own set of rules.

In essence, these important guidelines help appraisers put a fair market value on homes based on comparable sales in the same area, and the home must be bracketed in size and value.

For example, there is no set dollar figure associated with a great view, pool, spa, bathroom upgrades, etc. If a homeowner installs a custom pool that cost them $30,000, but the local marketplace supports the value of a pool at $15,000, then that item will be bracketed as [$15,000] on the appraisal.

Upgrades can usually be expressed at a higher percentage of their value in newer homes because the only way to obtain those upgrades was to put more money into the cost of building the home. On the other hand, the upgrading or remodeling of an older home is rarely reflected in full in the final appraisal. This is because typically 25-40% of the project involves demolition and the fixing of issues that aren't uncovered until the project has already begun, such as plumbing or wiring that may need updating.

Ultimately, the value of the upgrades must be supported by comparable examples within the same marketplace. These comparisons must be drawn from current market activity within the last six months. This is a safeguard to prevent appraisers from attaching too high a value to the home in question, and opening up the appraisal for review. This guideline further states that appraisers can only base their opinion on the value of homes that have actually closed escrow.

Compliments of Sharlene Nally, Mortgage Specialist, Affordable Home Funding

Posted by Amy Merrill on April 14th, 2008 1:02 PMPost a Comment (0)

Looking for...

March 30th, 2008 7:39 PM

Commercial Property Needed

Need a commercial property for lease in the Rochester area

Long term or Short term

Must have at least 1 garage bay & some outside parking

To be used for sandblasting & painting vehicle parts

Maximum $1500/mo

Please email Amy at Amy@AmyMerrill.net

Posted by Amy Merrill on March 30th, 2008 7:39 PMPost a Comment (0)

Looking for a home...

March 28th, 2008 11:11 PM

Please help me find my client the right home for her.

My client is looking for a lease-to-own or lease with the option to purchase. Looking for a two-story home 3 BR home in the Greece School District - colonial, cape cod, side split, split, raised ranch with a fenced yard. If possible a pool. Rent between $850-1,200/mo. Preferably off of Black Walmut area/ Maiden Ln area/ Mt. Read/ Latta Rd areas. Please do not reply with houses located in the Stone Rd/Stonewood/Dewey area.

References available upon request.

Please contact Amy at Amy@AmyMerrill.net with any available property information.

I appreciate your assistance!

Posted by Amy Merrill on March 28th, 2008 11:11 PMPost a Comment (0)

Happy Easter!

March 22nd, 2008 11:09 PM

Happy Easter!

Posted by Amy Merrill on March 22nd, 2008 11:09 PMPost a Comment (0)

Just Listed! 5136 Merrill Rd Holley, NY 14470

March 18th, 2008 11:11 AM

$120,000.00
5136 Merrill Rd

Holley, NY 14470

Beds: 3.0	Rooms: 3
Baths: 2.00	Sq. Ft.: 2400.00
Garage: 0	Built: 1892

Large updated country home minutes from Wegmans and shopping.

This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Amy Merrill
Amy Merrill
5856623363
www.amymerrill.net

Visit this listing at Here

Posted by Amy Merrill on March 18th, 2008 11:11 AMPost a Comment (0)

Thank you

March 8th, 2008 12:28 PM

Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day & braved the road conditions to come to the Investment Rehab Seminar out in Brockport.

We will be holding other seminars in the near future at various venues throughout the Rochester area.

Please call or email (Amy@AmyMerrill.net) for more information or to be added to the mailing list for these upcoming events.

Have a great weekend & drive carefully!

Posted by Amy Merrill on March 8th, 2008 12:28 PMPost a Comment (0)

Flip Properties for profit or Investment

March 6th, 2008 12:57 PM

Informational Investment Rehab Seminar

Saturday, March 8, 2008 10 am

Sweden Clarkson Community Center cafeteria

Presented by Amy Merrill, Prudential Discover RE

Donna Ehmann, Donna Ehmann Interiors

Matthew Gaesser, AG/Gaesser Agency

and

Anthony Lee, Vasile Law Group

Have you ever considered rehabbing properties for investment or profit? Not sure where to start? Where can you get financing for this type of investment? What type of insurance do you need? Learn the answers to these questions and more.

Seating is limited, RSVP today to reserve your spot! Amy Merrill (585)662-3363

Posted by Amy Merrill on March 6th, 2008 12:57 PMPost a Comment (0)

PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS STIMULUS BILL

March 3rd, 2008 8:42 PM

On February 20, 2008, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus package legislation into law. This has created some much needed resources into getting the US economy back on track by increasing FHA and GSE conforming loan limits.

This is a temporary increase that will allow an additional 138,000 Americans to purchase homes and allow another 200,000 to refinance their mortgages now.

Posted by Amy Merrill on March 3rd, 2008 8:42 PMPost a Comment (0)

Reserve your seat!

March 1st, 2008 10:08 AM

Informational Investment Rehab Seminar

Saturday, March 8, 2008 10 am

Sweden Clarkson Community Center cafeteria

Presented by Amy Merrill, Prudential Discover RE

Donna Ehmann, Donna Ehmann Interiors

Matthew Gaesser, AG/Gaesser Agency

and

Anthony Lee, Vasile Law Group

Seating is limited, RSVP today to reserve your spot! Amy Merrill (585)662-3363

Posted by Amy Merrill on March 1st, 2008 10:08 AMPost a Comment (0)

Investment Rehab Seminar

February 20th, 2008 8:54 PM

Informational Investment Rehab Seminar

Saturday, March 8, 2008 10 am

Presented by Amy Merrill, Prudential Discover RE

Donna Ehmann, Donna Ehmann Interiors

Matthew Gaesser, AG/Gaesser Agency

and

Anthony Lee, Vasile Law Group

Seating is limited, RSVP today to reserve your spot! Amy Merrill (585)662-3363

Posted by Amy Merrill on February 20th, 2008 8:54 PMPost a Comment (1)

"Housing Market Bouyant"

February 14th, 2008 2:13 PM

According to James Yun, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist:

"The U.S. economy can grow at a healthy pace if consumers don't buy into the national media story that the weak housing market will cause a recession.

Yun also stressed the point that despite the value of national housing data, "all real estate is local" and said consumers should base their decisions on local trends.

He corroborated the widely shared notion that the Rochester area's housing market has avoided the boom and bust of other parts of the country and said the area's low housing prices and educated work force could one day attract big corporations. "

Read the full article in the Democrat & Chronicle here:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/BUSINESS/802140325/1001

Posted by Amy Merrill on February 14th, 2008 2:13 PMPost a Comment (0)

Change of Brokerage

February 10th, 2008 10:11 PM

I have some exciting news to share with you!

In order to provide the best possible real estate service and resources, I am pleased to announce that I recently joined Prudential Discover located in Spencerport, NY.

Prudential Discover does business with your most important goals in mind and is committed to making your home-buying or selling experience as stress-free and satisfying as possible.

As a Prudential Discover sales professional, I can offer my clients the power of the Prudential name and distinctive “Rock^®” logo, reinforced by an effective national advertising program and the prospect of nationwide property exposure – and search capability – on Yahoo!, one of the largest portals on the Internet

When you need real estate assistance, I look forward to putting Prudential Discover's marketing and technology resources and long history of quality service to work for you.

Sincerely,

Amy Merrill

Posted by Amy Merrill on February 10th, 2008 10:11 PMPost a Comment (0)

Interest Rates

January 23rd, 2008 8:39 PM

Interest rates are at an all time low!!

30 year fixed rate 5.00%

15 year fixed rate 4.50%

Prime rate 6.50%

This is a great time to purchase a new home or investment property!

Posted by Amy Merrill on January 23rd, 2008 8:39 PMPost a Comment (1)

New York Real Estate Sales

January 21st, 2008 5:33 PM

According to NYSAR (New York State Association of Realtors), 2007 was the 5^th best year for real estate sales in New York since they started tracking sales in the 1980’s.

Posted by Amy Merrill on January 21st, 2008 5:33 PMPost a Comment (1)

Financing for Investors

January 7th, 2008 8:40 AM

I have fabulous financing for investors who rehabilitate homes!

This program is available in New York State only through Exit Pro Realty. I have done extensive research and there are no other banks or mortgage brokers who are able to offer the same program.

Some highlights:

∠100% Financing of purchase cost, improvements and closing costs

?Up to 80% of completed value

?1-4 family non-owner occupied properties

?No pre-payment penalty

?No appraisal

?9 month term

?Minimum 640 credit score

For more information or to apply, please call or text Amy at 585-662-3363 or email Amy@AmyMerrill.net

Posted by Amy Merrill on January 7th, 2008 8:40 AMPost a Comment (0)

The Market

November 3rd, 2007 2:29 PM

I have a lot of people asking me if my real estate career is suffering because of market conditions. These are the people who are listening to the market conditions and reports on the Today show, CNN and USA Today. The market conditions they are hearing are the national averages. You cannot base any locality's market conditions based on a national average.

Every market has its ups and downs and Rochester is no exception. The Rochester area did not see large increases in home values like some areas of the country. As a result, this area did not see the large decreases in home values that some areas of the country saw.

If you are interested in the Rochester area home sale statistics, these can be viewed on Homesteadnet.com under schools and statistics. This will give you a true picture of Rochester's home sale statistics for the past year.

Posted by Amy Merrill on November 3rd, 2007 2:29 PMPost a Comment (2)