In 13 years I have represented a total of 170+ buyers and sellers in "closed transactions." A large portion of my business has been "repeat business." I have represented members of one family in 9 separate closed transactions. Long-term business relationships, I believe are the best measure of my service.
At close of escrow and the time that follows, I want all parties involved in the transaction to feel that they were treated fairly, and in a straightforward manner. My reputation in the community is more important than any sale.
The scope of my practice has been from a complex $4,450,000 multi parcel estate to a humble $17,900 mobile home and everything in-between. I have done $4,818,000 worth of business in three transactions with one client. I am well qualified to handle agricultural and estate, rural and city residential properties. I have also handled probate, trustee and estate settlement transactions. Increasingly, I am working in Commercial transactions.
Buying Guidelines:
I believe the best time to buy a home is when "you need one." The problems involved in speculation in the Real Estate market are all too clearly exposed by recent events. Real Estate should be looked at as a long-term commitment or investment. I have advised buyers they should not expect better than "break even" if they sell within three years of purchase.
Timing of any market is very difficult. Considerable opportunity and money have been lost by trying to "time the market" high or low.
Properly maintained Real Estate is one of the very best places to store value. Neglected Real Estate can, in a relatively short time, turn into a financial disaster. Maintenance is a commitment and if a buyer is not ready for that, perhaps it is best to reconsider the prospect of Real Estate ownership.
When buying Real Estate, other than for a personal residence, it is very important to have a clear plan and sufficient financial backing to support the property in the event the first plan does not "live up to expectations." Finance of a Real Estate purchase with less than 10% "down", in my view, is dangerous to all concerned in most instances. When entering a Real Estate transaction with less financial commitment than 10%, caution is very much in order.
Selling Guidelines:
The pricing of property within current market conditions cannot be over emphasized. Pricing too high in a rising market, if not ridiculous, will self correct if time is not critical.
Over pricing in a stable market (if no price reductions) results in the property being on the market "forever" with little buyer interest.
Pricing too high in a falling market is the worst of all worlds. When the price is reduced, the market in many instances will have fallen beyond that price point and the listing price remains "too high." Chasing a falling market destroys returns. The sale price ends up lower than it would have been if properly priced when listed.
Having property inspected prior to putting it on the market allows the opportunity to correct or disclose problems for buyer consideration when making an offer. Inspections provide the Seller and Listing Agent an independent evaluation of the condition of the property for appropriate pricing.
When a property is placed on the market, clean, neat and tidy in all respects and a fresh coat of paint, will serve the seller well. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Most buyers decide they like a property well enough to want to buy it in the first 10-15 minutes.
These are some guidelines, which have served my clients well.
However, there is a lot more to buying or selling Real Estate than this. I am always willing to discuss ideas relating to Real Estate and the opportunity to help people achieve their Real Estate Goals. I welcome the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
HERB HEIL
Realtor®
CA DRE 01241706
•Nebraska Native & University of Nebraska Graduate (1964)
•Navy Officer (retired as Commander, 24 yrs. Active & Reserve Service)
•Married 46 years, 4 Adult Children, 5 GRANDchildren
•Sonoma Valley Resident & Homeowner (same address) since 1970
•27 years Management Experience - Entry Level to Company President (1970-97)
•Member & Past President Faith Lutheran Church of Sonoma Valley
•Chairman, Board of Elders, Faith Lutheran Church of Sonoma Valley
•Past President of Valley of the Moon Garden Club
•Member of Board of Directors, Valley of the Moon Garden Club
•Member of Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce
•Member of Sonoma Plaza Kiwanis Club
•Member of Board of Directors Sonoma Plaza Kiwanis Club
•Full time REALTOR since 1998
•Hobbies include GRANDchildren, gardening, jogging, Nebraska Football, Travel
•Frank Howard Allen Associate/Wine Country Group by Better Homes & Gardens since 1998
•My wife & I still own My Family's Nebraska Farm
