*****   I am proud to help buyers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find their dream homes. As a Certified Buyer Representative (CBR), I have the training to help you through each step of the home buying process. First-time buyer? Contact me for a free first-time home buyer consultation, where I'll walk you through the home buying process! If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Rochester area, don't hesitate to contact me. I pride myself in providing the best possible service for my clients! When you work with me...     Contact:Kristen WahlRealtor®Office: (585) 279-8274Cell: (585) 455-5524KWahlHomes@gmail.com       Search all Rochester-area homes on the MLS: http://KristenWahl.RochesterHomesNow.com   Connect with Me On These Social Networks... 10/21/2012

I read a status on Facebook today that inspired me. It was posted by Jennifer Juliano, a fun and fabulous agent from the Worcester, MA area who I originally connected with through ActiveRain. Here's what she said: Reminding one of my protégés this morning: establishing good relationships with other agents of all companies is wicked important. Aim to be the agent that when another sees you on the other side of a transaction, they say "oh, cool!" Instead of "oh no" or "who's that?"... This resonated with me, especially the "Oh no!" part. Potential clients who aren't in this business often don't understand just how important an agent's reputation among the real estate community really is. When they meet an agent who comes across as bossy or aggressive, they often think, "Great! This person... 10/20/2012

It was a difficult decision, but after almost 6 years I decided to leave RealtyUSA and join the Jeff Scofield Team at Re/Max Plus. I'm excited about all the tools and opportunities available in my new position. Here's a quick overview of some of the benefits of the Jeff Scofield Team:   Unsurpassed client satisfaction. Uncompromising client satisfaction is our standard and not just a goal. We continually strive to exceed your expectations and achieve the results you expect and deserve. Sophisticated Technology. Utilizing the most sophisticated technology enables us to help you meet your objectives. From marketing and advertising to communication, you will see that we are two steps ahead of our competition. Leading Internet Positioning. Over 1 Million independent web viewers per month is... 10/13/2012

It only yesterday it came to me after the 5 month and on day 11 of my 30 Day- Hyper Local Challenge.  This newbie blogger struggled with content and information to share that was both meaningful to me and of interest to my readers.  You need 3 Essential Steps to Start Blogging:            1.  CO2                               2.  Sunlight             3.  Water                                   From 3 Essential Steps to Start BLOGGING, all else flourishes Lets start with CO2.  We as humans give this off when we exhale going through our daily activities, now feeding the earth vital gases.  Through this exhalation trees give back life in the form of oxygen, for re-use by humans.  It's experience through others without realizing it- that reminds me I have never seen CO2.  My interaction wit... 06/12/2012

Connecting Home Buyers with the Perfect Buyers Agent Requires People Skills Several factors determine if a Rochester NY home buyer will work with a buyers agent and it starts well before the initial face-to-face meeting.  Most home buyers (80-90%) are reseaching on-line.  No pressure, work from home attitude.  It's done at work, home, school, ball games and friends homes. How do home buyers determine which agent to call first or work with?  That depends on whom you ask.  I would like to say it's the company name that they think of first.  Branding as a matter of fact.  Marketing...the number of signs with your agency name, logo, phone number, website, and blogs and referrals all are good ways to connect Rochester NY home buyers with the perfect buyers agent.   Todays home buyers are muc... 06/10/2012

Single Track biking with attitude in Tryon Park just across the bay.  Tryon Park a trial bike trail program is open to off-road mountain bikers who are looking for a challenge.  Before May 2011 it was illegal in New York state to ride bikes on trails in the New York Trail system.  Thanks to GROC (Genesee Regional Off-Road Cyclist) and other partners working closely with the parks department to come to a compromise.  Shared use trails are becoming more common around the NYS area with more home owners looking for that off-road experience as exercise.  It's nice to go fast but more fun to challenge your-self physically and mentally with obstacles.  Riding over roots, rocks, man made bridges, water, hills, curves trees are all obstacles in your quest to conquer the mountain.  Don't forget t... 06/08/2012

Rental real estate market still strong in Rochester - Rochester Business Journal National studies by real estate investment company HomeVestors of America, Inc., in conjunction with real estate forecaster Local Market Monitor, continue to identify Rochester as one of the best cities in the country for rental property investors, based on first quarter rankings of the nation’s top 100 markets. “There are good opportunities for investors in every one of the top 100 markets,” said HomeVestors President David Hicks. “But investors would be wise to take into account other dynamics for the ideal timing to enter the market. Strong growth rates and higher risk-return premiums usually point to the best markets to invest in now.” Hicks said since home prices in cities like Rochester are low and th... 06/07/2012

2012 Western NY Farmers Markets have Rochester NY real estate owners in a frenzy. Farmers markets are being swarmed by live "fresh" eating carnivores and vegetarians alike.  Monroe, Ontario & Wayne County Farmers Markets are starting to bust at the seams with an abundance of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. Heres a list of 2012 Western NY Farmers Market Locations: I have included address and phone numbers for you to call.  Usually Western NY Farmers Markets are open 6am or so on Saturdays, some on Sundays and a few mid-week only.  Canandaigua Farmers Market.  Parking lot near the corner of Lafayette and Niagara Streets, Canandaigua, NY.  374-5389 Fairport Farmers Market.  Fleet Bank parking lot, South Main St., Fairport, NY.  223-6795 Greece Ridge Center Farmers Market.  271 Greec... 06/06/2012

BUYER BEWARE... City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) -Home Rochester  are plentiful.  There is a growing trend in every city small and large where an official has an idea to help the lower income families purchase a home.   Funds are obtained in the form of grants to purchase with little money they down.  The positive information is boldly posted on the front page of their website and say call "Salesmen Sal" to learn more.  They are also glad to in-service local banks and loan officers to get support for financing, but I have yet to hear of agents getting this same information. City of Rochester Home Assistance Program (HPAP) & Home Rochester money is funded by the City of Rochester and supposed not-for-profit entities for home buyers in Rochester NY.  They cater to... 05/28/2012

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If I Declined My Buyer Home Inspection Can I Sue ? Everyone should not insist but demand that buyers get a home inspection. The reason is obvious isn' it? The attorneys are recommending home inspections, real estate agents and even banks do their own. So why never decline a buyers home inspection and then sue?Here's a story I heard today regarding declining home inspections:A buyer found the perfect house- style, (color), location, size, price, amenities etc. They wanted to close asap and took a major shortcut. The closing attorney gets a call 1 month after the buyer moved in and after some home renovations were done. The buyer states when they turn on the water  in the kitchen and also in the upstairs at the same time they lose water pressure. Can I sue the sellers? REALLY NOW! Said At... 04/18/2012

04/17/2012

Consumer Confidence UP in ALL New York State Regions Polled! I would like to report acording to the Sienna Research Institute (SRI) that the New York State consumer confidence was UP for all regions polled in New York State for the first quarter of 2012.  Especially the Rochester,NY and NYC consumer confidence.  I can not leave out that all markets researched in New York State had positive consumer confidence.  It is also to note that Rochester, NY consumer confidence is the highest it has been since 2007 and consumer spending on goods and services realated to homes are up. Now this does not mean that every area surrounding the Rochester NY housing market is rebounding but the willingness of consumers to spend has increased markedly.  When consumers say they are willing to spend is not ... 04/17/2012

No Rash Decisions After the Loss of a Spouse            I met with a close friend this past week and listened as she talked about the recent loss of her spouse. She discussed possibly selling her summer camp and maybe her home of 25 years. Later she stated she was not ready to sell her home and remembered hearing something about doing nothing for 1 year after losing your spouse. As with any loss she reported daily tasks become harder, and that relying on friends and family was a must. But her family was encouraging her to sell her home and summer camp to save money and move to a place that was easy to maintain. When she asked me, I recommendeddoing nothing for 1 year after the loss of a spouse with regard to selling a home.  I instructed her to immediately consult her financial planner/... 04/13/2012

It is official RE/MAX Custom is open for business. We will be moving into our new location at 574 Empire Blvd, in the upcoming weeks. RE/MAX Custom is be centrally located and is just a quick drive to either end of Monroe County and the surrounding areas. RE/MAX Custom is a full service real estate brokerage located centrally in Monroe County. RE/MAX Custom effectively services all of Monroe and the surrounding counties. With a group of agents that specialize in several areas of real estate: Single Family homes, New Construction, Town Homes, Multi- Family properties, Investment properties, Rental leasing, and property management. Specialties Residential Homes, Investment Property, Commercial real estate, property management Phone Office: 585-671-1111 or email info@remaxcustom.com   03/03/2012

Rochester’s largest ReMax real estate franchise merged Wednesday with the third largest area ReMax franchise. ReMax Realty Group inked a deal with ReMax First of Greater Rochester, creating an agency with up to 150 agents. The new office will retain the ReMax Realty Group brand, with the ReMax First office on Allens Creek Road in Brighton closing to move into ReMax Realty Group’s Pittsford office. The combined ReMax agency will retain its westside office in Greece. “Our goal is to be the No. 1 ReMax in the market,” said Michael Haymes, president of ReMax Realty Group, who will now share the managing broker title with his current partner Jeffrey Hoffman and with Tom Schnorr, former president of ReMax First. The agencies had always been friendly competitors, Schnorr said, noting that the ... 02/08/2012

This Colonial house in the City of Rochester is perfect for either an owner occupant or an investor looking for an income property. Featuring hardwoods, and tons of 1920's charm. This property is only $49,900 02/04/2012

This two family home in the City of Rochester's 19th ward is a great investment property opportunity. Offer for $59,900 the sale of his investment property is subject to Bank and Short sale approval. For a qualified buyer and bank approval the current loan may be assumable. Currently rented for $650 & $700 plus utilities this is a cash flowing property. 02/04/2012