Virginia Rallis Realty Corp. Blog by Virginia Rallis

I am a Real Estate Broker but also consider me your Real Estate Advisor

Virginia Rallis — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:42:00 GMT

Most buyers and sellers are jittery even in the best of times --- and these are not the best of times.

Ø The elimination of mortgage programs and the closure of banks have led to the majority of homebuyers being shut out of the real estate market.

Ø(read more)

Finding time to post to my blog

Virginia Rallis — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:08:00 GMT

I tell you it's been some time since I posted and I do apologize for those that check in to read my writing.

Well summer time is here and whew it's been hot the last few days.

Hmm what's new in real estate. Well one thing is for sure and it's been so for awhile, if you don't price your house right it will not sell.

Well we knew that didn't we.

A friend of mine that works for Wells Fargo stated that last month there were 72 policy changes the bank made in regards to lending. Seventy-two!!!!!

Well New Yorkers are still looking and there are many qualified buyers so it's summertime in the city. Sell your house before the fall when buyers will be looking to settle before the winter's cold.

The statistics are true. Most homes will sell in the spring and summer.Activity will wane as the cooler weather approaches.

Hope I'll be back before then to post.

In the meantime, I'm out selling a house. ..(read more)

Short Sales

Virginia Rallis — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:31:00 GMT

It's interesting hearing talk about short sales. It suddely seems like it's a new thing. Many of the real estate organizations are giving courses to teach realtors how to do short sales.

I have been doing short sales from the begginning of my career. It is nothing new. Of course there are many more homes that are canditates for short sales then when I started in real esate about 12 years ago but short sales are nothing new.

I must caution many people that are in foreclosure and would need to do a short sale.

I am finding that many investors disguised as short sale negotiators and short sale specialists are coming on the scene. They are not looking to sell the home at market value but are approaching a distressed owner and looking to see if an offer that they would present would be accepted by a bank. Often times they tie up the homeowner when in the end the bank refuses there offer.

A bank is going to send out an appraiser. The bank is looking for ..(read more)

Looking to schedule Home Buying Seminar

Virginia Rallis — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:23:00 GMT

Wells Fargo wants to host a free homebuying Seminar. Looking to hear from all interested in attending.

Wells Fargo has many products and services that are remarkable.

In this day with irreputable lenders falling under, Wells Fargo is still around.

Please call office if you would be interested in attending.

Now is a great time to buy. Come see why

Helpful information to keep your credit in good form

Virginia Rallis — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:16:00 GMT

10 Credit Card Myths That Put Your Scores At Risk!
By Linda Ferrari, President, Credit Resource Corp.

Managing your credit is a long and sometimes confusing process. It seems everywhere you look, some program or web site offers credit fixes, offers and deals that make it seem so easy to consolidate debt or, worse, get "easy credit" to buy ..(read more)

Check out Listing Book

Virginia Rallis — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:35:00 GMT

If your interested in buying or selling a property listingbook is the answer. It is totally revolutionary and Virginia Rallis Realty has it.

Listingbook™ is a service that connects agents and their clients through an integrated platform of client management, sales productivity and direct marketing tools..

For Buyers

Conducts instant property searches
Obtains personalized service from agents
Communicates instantly with agents

For Sellers

Compares area sales in their neighborhoods
Obtains showing feedback from their agents
Receives monthly summaries from agents

You must sign on an open an account to access the system. It operates in real time and is updated every 30 minutes.

Buyers and Sellers please take advantage of listing book. I think you'll be glad that you did.

Please call to discuss ..(read more)

Why wouldn't you use a Certified Buyer Broker?

Virginia Rallis — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:34:00 GMT

Most buyer's that are looking for a home usually work with a traditional agent that works for the seller, their client, to buy a home.

In New York, a real estate agent always works for the seller unless you have an agreement, usually in writing, which states that the agent works for you, the buyer.

The seller's goal is always to get the most money for their house. The buyer's goal is to get the best house for the lowest price.

The Buyer's and Seller's goal are not the same. Why then would it be in your best interest to work with a seller's agent if your looking to buy a home?

Does this make sense?

If I list a home obviously I am working for the seller and only work in their best interest. I would never then work for the buyer.

I am a Certified Buyer Broker and when I am working for a buyer that is not interested in any of my listings I can work for ..(read more)

Thanksgiving donations & volunteers needed

Virginia Rallis — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:28:00 GMT

Donations and Volunteers needed for feeding the Homeless on Thanksgiving

Non-perishables food can be dropped off at Virignia Rallis Realty or in the bin provided at the entrance to the office

The food will be donated to Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church located at 170-09 Jamaica Ave.

You can also participate on Thanksgivng Day at the church to feed the homeless.

Food preparers,servers and clean -up assistance will be needed.

Frozen turkeys are also needed and can be picked up by my office.

You can contact my office to participate or Kendra from the Bethesda Missionary Baptist (read more)

Captain Tilly/Goose Pond Park It's My Park's Day Clean-up

Virginia Rallis — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:56:00 GMT

On October 20,2007 Virginia Rallis Realty rustled up about 50 volunteers to rake,sweep,plant bulbs,clean the pond and general clean-up of Goose Pond Park. Mr Shwartz the assistant principal of Jamaica High School was asked by Virginia Rallis to particpate in the event. The Lions Club's lioness' also participated. It was a beautiful fall day. The Parks Dept was very helpful in providing equipment and gave out free back-packs. Councilmen James Gennaro stopped by to check -out all the activity. Despite Virginia Rallis Realty handing out flyers and trying to get the word out at least 2 weeks prior to the event , there were not many community members. We hope when we do the Spring clean-up in the spring the community can get more involved. It was a fun Day. Volunteers are always needed by the Parks Dept.

(read more)

Will the Feds cut the Rate?

Virginia Rallis — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:06:00 GMT

THINGS COULD BE WORSE...much worse. While last week's news showed some weakness in housing and a few assorted economic reports, the Stock market seemed to fare pretty well with good reports recently from big bellwethers such as Apple and Microsoft. And home loan rates were stable to slightly improved for the week overall. ..(read more)

north flushing 1 bdrm apt $1200

Virginia Rallis — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:03:00 GMT

2nd fl,clean painted,close to LIRR and buses to Main St,in the vicinity of 153st&35 ave,no pets,no smoking

Apts in Jamaica Hills & Briarwood

Virginia Rallis — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 07:54:00 GMT

Jam Hills- 1 bdrm,2nd fl,new kit cabinets,new kit flooring,wood floors& newly cleaned living room carpet,large rooms,very clean,freshly painted,sunny $1,100 no pets

Jamaica Hills-2 bdrm,large,clean,painted,2nd fl,$1300 no pets

Jamaica Hills/Briarwood 3 bdrm,very large,clean,balcony, $1,700 no pets

Jamaica Estates- 1 bdrm walk -in,close to Utopia Pkwy & Grand Central Pkwy,walk to St John's University, $1,100

Jamaica Estates 3 bdrm,2nd floor,large,clean,carpeted, $1,600

All interested must be able to provide excellent references. References will be checked

Call office@718-526-5502

Flooding in your Community

Virginia Rallis — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 18:35:00 GMT

If your basement was flooded or your property damaged from recent storms you can apply to New York City for reimbursement if the city's negligence caused the damage. Apply here at http://www.comptroller.nycgov/bureaus/bla/7.PDF or call 718-820-0241 for a claim form you can submit to the city.

Claims must be filed with New York City within 90 days of the damage occuring

Any further information can be sought by my office@718-526-5502

Unrealistic sellers

Virginia Rallis — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:15:00 GMT

Extra Extra read all about it!!!! Seller's decide they will put their home on the market but instead of selling it sits. Hmmm. Why is it not selling?

My job is to advise the Seller of the best possible price he should list his house at and the realistic price it will sell at in the least amount of time. The reason a house will not sell is either price,condition or location. Miracles in most cases do not sell homes. The right dynamics do.

In this market it is not only the offer that an owner should be concerned about but also the buyer's ability to purchase. Gone are the days of seller's concessions and 100% financing. That ride is over . It's those conditions that got us into this mess to begin with.

Well, first I would hope that if you decide to list your home you choose a Realtor you trust that will guide you in making the right choices. This may take some time and a couple of ..(read more)

Jamaica Re-zoning approved

Virginia Rallis — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:47:00 GMT

Click Here Please feel free to write back with comments. Virginia Rallis Realty is interested in hearing your opinions. Thank You