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Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REALTOR® EARNS GRI TITLE
Tampa, Florida - February 2010
A FLORIDA REALTOR® was recently awarded the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation.
The Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS member who completed the curriculum required to achieve the highly acclaimed designation is John Bonneau of Tampa, Florida. He joins other top producers in the residential real estate industry who hold the designation across the nation.
John earned the "Graduate REALTOR® Institute” (GRI) designation by attending a specific, intensive series of a minimum of 90 hours of classroom instruction, covering a variety of subjects including: contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, and risk reduction.
In addition, they have learned the fundamentals of brokerage and other areas of real estate specialization. With this designation and through increased awareness of current topics important to the real estate professional, such as legal issues, these REALTORS® can better serve prospective clients and customers.
The REALTOR® Institute is designed to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them, their clients and customers. The Institute is taught by leading real estate professionals from around the country.
The GRI designation sets the individuals who have attained it apart from other practitioners because it indicates to the public that the individual has obtained a professional educational foundation on which to base the services they provide and that they are a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Obtaining the GRI designation is a beneficial way for a REALTOR® to advance their professional image. The extra measure of knowledge and prestige achieved by completing this course work is a tool that will advance a career in real estate on attracting and building new business.
The REALTOR® Institute has been in existence more than twenty-five years old and has graduated thousands of REALTORS®.
For more information about the GRI designations contact your State Association.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Donna Bonneau Earns National Luxury Home Designation
Tampa, Florida – August 25, 2008 – Donna Bonneau, real estate Broker/Owner with Premier Choice Properties, Inc., in Tampa, Florida was recently awarded the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) Designation from The Luxury Home Council.
The Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) Logo is testimony to the agent’s training and expertise in the luxury home marketplace. To display the ALHS logo and be accepted into the Luxury Home Council, each member must successfully complete the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Course, represent a buyer or seller in at least two transactions where the purchase price is at least twice the average sales price and the agent must be in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS®.
Luxury Home Council Members receive numerous benefits to assist in marketing and selling upscale properties. Advantages of membership include access to the members only section of www.luxuryhomecouncil.com and www.luxuryhomesandproperties.com to market luxury listings, a subscription to The Luxury Home Expert a monthly online magazine, discounts on products and services, access to the REALTYU® Alumni Association and the ALHS database for networking and referral opportunities.
Donna Bonneau joins an elite membership of top real estate agents throughout the United States.
Members must subscribe to a dedication like no others. They strive to provide exceptional service to affluent clients through rigorous education focusing on the Luxury Home Market and their understanding of the special demands of affluent buyers and sellers. Members of the Luxury Home Council are professionals; they value the client/agent relationship and are assuredly, the best in the country.
For more information contact Donna Bonneau at 813-855-8000 or The Luxury Home Council at (800) 480-5150, email: support@luxuryhomecouncil.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Donna Bonneau is recognized as an Accredited Home-Staging Specialist and is awarded the AHS Designation
Tampa, Florida July 01, 2008 - Donna Bonneau, a member of the Greater Tampa Asociation of Realtors, was recently awarded the Accredited Home-Staging Specialist (AHS) designation. Bonneau joins a select and growing group of real estate agents who have recognized the importance of providing this value-added service to their clients.
In today’s increasingly competitive real estate market, these trained agents set themselves apart by helping homeowners market and showcase their homes for maximum impact to potential buyers.
Bonneau earned the AHS designation by completing the prescribed online coursework and completing an end-of-course competency-based test. The Accredited Home-Staging Course is designed to provide agents with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively stage a home for a faster sale and higher sales price. In fact, research has shown that properly staged homes sell for 5% more on average than non-staged homes and sell approximately 2-3 weeks faster.
Armed with the AHS designation and an increased awareness of the principles of staging, real estate professionals such as Donna Bonneau are immediately able to better serve their current and prospective home sellers. This knowledge sets the individuals who have attained the AHS apart from their peers, because it gives them the tools to be able to assess a a homeowner’s property and then stage that property to maximize appeal and speed the sales process, often with little or no expenditures or financial investment of their own.
For general information visit www.stagingspecialist.com, and for specific help on how the benefits of staging might help sell your home, contact Donna Bonneau, your local Accredited Home-Staging Specialist at 813-855-8000.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JOHN BONNEAU is recognized as a Certified Short-Sale Professional and is awarded the CSP Designation
Tampa, Florida August 01,2008 - John Bonneau a member of THE GREATER TAMPA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, was recently awarded the Certified Short-Sale Professional (CSP) designation. Bonneau joins a select and growing group of real estate agents who have recognized the importance of providing this value-added service to their clients. In today’s increasingly competitive real estate market, these trained agents set themselves apart by helping homeowners navigate through the process of short selling their home before it goes into foreclosure.
BONNEAU earned the CSP designation by completing the prescribed online coursework and completing an end-of-course competency-based test. The Certified Short-Sale Professional course is designed to provide agents with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively guide their client through the short-sale process. Unlike normal real estate transactions a short-sale requires particular care and additional work to be completed smoothly and, if done improperly, may cause the homeowner to go into foreclosure.
Armed with the CSP designation and an increased awareness of the principles of short sales, real estate professionals such as John Bonneau are immediately able to better serve their current and prospective home sellers that may need to short sale their home. This knowledge sets the individuals who have attained the CSP apart from their peers, because it gives them the tools to assess a homeowner’s situation and properly guide them and the buyer of the property through all the necessary approval processes required to short sale a home. A CSP will be able to help the owner prepare the required documentation, navigate through the mortgage framework and keep the homeowner’s property from being foreclosed upon.
For general information visit www.CertifiedShortSaleProfessional.com. For specific help on how a CSP trained agent might help sell your home during this difficult time, contact John Bonneau, your local Certified Short-Sale Professional at 813-855-8000.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Agent Earns REALTOR e-PRO® Certification
August 10, 2008 – John Bonneau Broker/Owner of Premier Choice Properties, Inc., has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.®
The REALTOR e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.
“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” said John Bonneau of Premier Choice Properties. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.”
The exclusive REALTOR e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help REALTORS stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.
Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.
Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade®. The course instructs participants in the professional use of e-mail, the development of an interactive Web site, and the use of online research tools. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.
For more information, e-mail John Bonneau at Bonneauteam@realtor.com or call 813 855-8000.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2008
Finding the Right Home
With all the choices in today's market, how do you go about finding the right home? It seems the more research you do, the more alternatives you discover.
It's important to visualize your needs and plan ahead. "Know what you want in a home, what's important to you, and what you can live without," John Bonneau, Broker/Owner of the Premier Choice Properties says. "Many of us start out with a champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, so it's important to be realistic," he adds.
Where and what you buy will affect you for as long as you live in the house. "Get your priorities in order before you start looking or even talk to a real estate broker or sales associate," Bonneau says.
For first-time home buyers this is a new experience, so it's especially important to do your homework. If you currently own a home, you know exactly what's lacking. You may need another bedroom or bathroom, or a good school nearby.
First, decide where you want to live. A big part of the answer hinges on where and how you earn a living. If your job requires a lot of reading or is quite stressful, public transportation may offer valuable time to sit quietly. "Regardless, you should practice the commute in rush hour before you make a commitment. A seemingly quiet road can transform into gridlock during peak hours," Bonneau cautions.
People with children have other major considerations: school and safety. If you plan to send your children to private schools, you can live where you want assuming you can easily arrange transportation. On the other hand, a lavish public school system may indicate high local real estate taxes. Check them out.
Obviously, lifestyle is an important consideration. People who frequently dine out, go dancing and attend the theater probably belong in the city or a close-in suburb. "In other words, make sure you're in close proximity to the things that matter most," Bonneau says.
It used to be that homes came in a limited variety, but today, you have many choices. In addition to the traditional single-family home, you can buy a townhouse, condominium or apartment condominium or co-op.
In planned unit developments (PUDs), you can find almost any combination. In condos and other such communities, make sure the rules and regulations, as well as the by-laws, match your lifestyle. This type of housing is great for people who want to own their own space without being responsible for mowing the lawn or repairing the roof; a management company handles that.
On the other hand, you'll pay fees for these services. "In addition to checking the documents and financial soundness of the homeowner's association, you must determine if the monthly fees are worth the services and additional amenities such as a swimming pool or exercise room," Bonneau explains.
Affordability can be a factor not only in the type of housing, but whether it's new or an existing home. Old houses often have fine woodwork or interesting nooks and crannies not normally found in new homes. They generally sit on landscaped lots with mature trees and grown bushes.
New homes may cost more, but you can make many more decisions on amenities, colors, carpeting and fixtures. "Make sure you're dealing with a reputable builder, and have an attorney review all documents, Bonneau says.
Selecting a real estate professional is an important first step in beginning your search. "Ask for personal recommendations to find an individual who is knowledgeable about the neighborhood and has access to the local Multiple Listing Service," Bonneau says. Make sure you feel confident about his or her knowledge and skills, and understand the business relationship that you have established between you.
John Bonneau is one of more than 40,000 members of the Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, who have attained the ABR®, Accredited Buyer Representative, designation. As the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is "The Voice for Buyer Representation," with more than 44,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2008
Historic Opportunities in Real Estate
Learning The Lessons Of The Past
It 's often said, "What's Past is Prologue." In real estate, the past can indeed determine the future, when buyers choose to restore or preserve a historic property. "Opportunities abound for those wanting to purchase a historic home, but so do questions about the soundness of the investment," says John Bonneau, Broker/Owner of Premier Choice Properties.
Before making an investment in history, Bonneau recommends that potential home buyers consider these questions:
What regulations govern local historic buildings and districts?
Does the house need extensive restoration?
Are original or substitute materials available for repairs?
Are craftsmen who are knowledgeable about historical materials and building systems available?
How will the house be appraised?
Knowing what to look for is an important first step. "Potential buyers should understand that there are significant differences between a historic house and a new one," Bonneau says. "Before purchasing a historic home, consumers will want to research just how much restoration is needed and how much the restoration will cost. That includes, of course, uncovering any possible environmental problems not typically found in new construction such as the presence of asbestos or lead paint."
Knowledge of any structural problem and the time and money needed to fix it should not only influence the decision of whether to buy, but also how much to offer. In some cases, the seller may be required to undertake some of the work as part of the purchase agreement.
Yet the advantages of owning a historic house often outweigh the work that goes into finding and securing one. There is a rewarding sense of history in the unique detailing and meticulous craftsmanship found in historic homes as well as the satisfaction of restoration.
"There may also be financial benefits for a historic home owner," explains Bonneau. "Those benefits range from reductions in property taxes and adjustments to assessed value, to state income tax credits and property tax freezes for qualified rehabilitation and restorations."
The National Trust for Historic Preservation reports that 37 states and the District of Columbia have laws that provide individuals with incentives for owning historic properties.
Not every old home is historic. "A historic house is an example of the cultural or physical development of a community, state, or the nation due to its architecture or association with an important historical figure or event," Bonneau says.
If a home does qualify as a historic property, then it may be listed individually or as part of a historic district. The listing of a building or district in the National Park Service's "National Register of Historic Places" provides public recognition of its importance, but will not interfere with an owner's right to alter, sell, or determine how an individual property may be used.
"A local or state government housing preservation organization usually will assist owners who want to pursue a historic designation," Bonneau says. However, even if the historic building meets the designation criteria, it will not be listed if the majority of property owners in a district object for whatever reason. In this case, the building is put on an "eligible" list should the objections be overcome in the future.
For more information on historical properties, contact the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers at 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 342, Washington, DC 20001-1512. For a list of historic real estate specialists, contact the National Trust for Historic Preservation at 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20038. For a list of professional real estate buyer representatives, please contact the Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council, 430 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611; phone (toll-free) 800-648-6224 or direct 312-329-8656.
John Bonneau is one of more than 40,000 members of the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, who have attained the ABR®, Accredited Buyer Representative, designation. As the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is "The Voice for Buyer Representation," with more than 44,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2008
Prequalifying Helps Determine How Much House You Can Afford
Before you start your house hunting in earnest, the real estate professional with whom you are working likely will "prequalify" you to determine a price range you can afford. According to John Bonneau, ABR®, prequalification is a necessary part of the home buying process that helps save you time and money.
"Don't be shy or withhold information about your income or credit status. Your real estate professional isn't trying to pry. Rather, he or she must know all details related to your ability to obtain a mortgage," John Bonneau, Broker/Owner of Premier Choice Properties says.
By candidly discussing your financial situation, you'll give the agent the information necessary to show you homes you can afford, Bonneau notes. "If you don't open up, you are placing the real estate professional in the role of a tour guide, not someone who can help you find a home within your budget. You'll wind up wasting your time and that of the seller," he says.
Once you have signed a contract to purchase a home, you must choose a lending institution or mortgage company from which to obtain your home loan. Your loan application will request financial data including your place of employment, assets, and liabilities (including recurring debts such as credit card bills and car payments).
Here are two important tips on loan qualification from the Premier Choice Properties 1) Do not borrow the down payment without disclosing the loan, submit fake letters-of-credit or gift letters, or make secret financial arrangements. 2) Accurately list your income and assets, all debts and the approximate amounts you owe.
You'll most likely be charged a credit report fee by the lender, which will cover the cost of having your credit history examined. Credit reporting agencies compile credit reports on consumers, including bill payment history, as well as whether you have been sued or filed for bankruptcy among other information.
Federal credit reporting laws do not give you the right to inspect the actual credit report at the reporting agency or to receive an exact duplicate of the report. But, you are entitled to a summary containing the sources of the report's information.
If your ability to obtain a mortgage is adversely affected by the credit report, you have the right to challenge its accuracy and seek corrections.
"The credit report is part of the information the lender uses to determine if you qualify for a loan. It is not a mechanism to prevent you from buying. Remember, lenders want to make loans, not turn them down," Bonneau says.
Bonneau is one of more than 40,000 members of the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, who have attained the ABR®, Accredited Buyer Representative, designation. As the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is "The Voice for Buyer Representation," with more than 44,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.
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Westchase Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate, Westchase Homes for sale, Tampa Homes for sale, Westchase Realtor, Tampa Realtor, Westchase buyers agent, Tampa buyers agent, Tampa communities, John and Donna Bonneau, Premier Choice Properties.
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