Keller Williams Realty Signs Deal with CitiMortgage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 24, 2011)–Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement with CitiMortgage to create a customized mortgage services program for the company’s offices across the United States. This type of agreement is the first of its kind for Keller Williams Realty and CitiMortgage.

CitiMortgage will now offer Keller Williams Realty clients reduced fees on jumbo loans, and as a part of the SureStart Pre-Approval® program, will not charge a pre-approval fee for Keller Williams agent’s buyers. As a part of CitiMortgage’s commitment to exceptional service, they also offer all Keller Williams borrowers an On Time Closing Guarantee of $1,500.

“Our goal is to ensure that our associates have access to the best resources possible so they can focus on their main priority-their client. We are confident that with five million mortgage customers, CitiMortgage has the experience and expertise to support our Market Centers and associates at the highest level possible," said Anthony Azar, director of strategic business alliances at Keller Williams Realty.

CitiMortgage will also support Keller Williams Realty in its efforts to help associates win more business. In addition, Market Centers will have the opportunity for an in-house mortgage representative, as well as a dedicated support and fulfillment team for Keller Williams associates and their clients.

“CitiMortgage was looking for a national realtor partner and after reviewing Keller Williams business model and culture, we realized this was a perfect fit for both companies," said Fred Bolstad, managing director of National Sales for CitiMortgage. “CitiMortgage can provide the strong training and tools their agents need to succeed. Our service-oriented national lending platform can help their customers realize the dream of home ownership in a more efficient and effective way."

Keller Williams Agency Ranked #1

"Keller Williams Realty Ranked as Top Real Estate Franchise by Industry Leader and Entrepreneur Magazine!

Keller Williams Realty joined the ranks of the top franchises in the world last week, when the company was ranked as the #1 real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 List by Entrepreneur magazine. During the same week, the company was also voted to Most Recognizable Brand of Real Estate Franchises for 2009 in an industry-wide survey fro the Swanepoel Trends Report.

The most important criteria to determine the top franchises included financial strength and stability, as well as growth rate and size of the franchise system. Entrepreneur magazine also looked at the number of years the company has been in business and the length of time it has been franchising.

Earlier in the year, Keller Williams Realty also received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms from J.D. Power and Associates for the SECOND year in a row!"

I am so proud to work with such an amazing brokerage! Keller Williams has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. As such I am able to give more to my clients. It's no wonder we've been ranked #1 by J.D. Power and Associates in customer satisfaction for 2 years in a row!

I congratulate all my Keller Williams colleagues in helping our firm reach this fantastic achievement!

Way to go my fellow Keller Williams Teams across the Nation!

Holiday Safety Tips

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

Every holiday season fire kills over 400 Americans, injuring 1,650 more, and causing over $990 Million in damage. (Source: the United States Fire Administration)

Following the tips below can help ensure a safe and Happy Holiday season!

Holiday Lights and Decorations:

• Inspect holiday lights every year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, and broken or cracked sockets Before putting them up.
• Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory, like UL approval
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate is is safe.
• Periodically check the wires; they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights unattended.
• Use only non-flammable decorations and keep all decorations away from lit fireplaces and heating vents.
• Never place wrapping paper in a fireplace; it can result in a very large fire and shoot dangerous sparks and embers that could result in a chimney fire.

Caution With Candles:

• If you do use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they can not be knocked over.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Do not put lit candles on a Christmas tree, real or artificial.
• Keep candles well out of the reach of children and pets.
• Never leave candles burning overnight.

Christmas Tree Safety:

• If using a live tree, choose those with green needles that are hard to pull back from the branches. Needles should not break from freshly cut trees.
• Bounce the tree on the ground; if many needles fall-off, the tree is not fresh, and is a fire hazard
• Do not place your tree close to a fire place, or heating vent.
• Do not put your tree up too early, or leave it up longer than 2 weeks, as that is the average time it takes for a tree to dry out.
• Keep the tree stand filled with fresh water at all times.
• Turn-off the tree lights before going to bed, or leaving the house.
• Dispose of your tree properly, do not burn it in the fireplace, or in a wood-burning stove.

As in every season throughout the year, have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed on every floor of your home. Test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

On behalf of the entire Keller Williams Realty of Greater Nassau Family, and me, Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos we wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season!

New Construction vs. Existing Home?

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

New houses offer many advantages over existing homes. They are designed to accommodate the wishes and needs of today's homeowners as opposed to features that were popular many years ago. They will include the most requested features, such as Central Air Conditioning, Walk-in Closets, Open Living Space, Family Rooms, more Bathrooms and larger Bedrooms, for example. New homes are more energy efficient than older homes, and since everything is new (and usually under warranty), in the short-term there is less of a chance that the home buyers will spend money on costly repairs.

However, the quality and character of higher-end older homes simply cannot be compared to new construction. The craftsmanship, architectural details and materials that were used is superior to that of new/current construction.

Potential home buyers who prefer the idea of a new home, but do not have the time or budget for custom building, can satisfy their needs by purchasing a home built by a developer with a pre-determined design and specifications. Designs and specs are based on the developer's choices (not the buyer's). Depending on the developer the buyer may have some flexibility when selecting finishes, and cabinetry, etc.

In many parts of the country developers build large scale communities, in New York, however, this is extremely rare as there is very little undeveloped land left in the 5 boroughs (NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Nassau). In Queens and Nassau counties, for example, builders will often times buy homes in poor condition, tear them down, and re-build, or remodel and expand an existing home to the point where it is no longer recognizable.

Home buyers should not make the mistake of assuming that new construction is sound construction. You should do your homework, just as you would when buying a previously owned home. Investigate the builder, evaluate the location, get a through inspection, and negotiate for upgrades. Home buyers should feel comfortable with the builder before committing to a purchase. Whether through referrals, or personal research, the reputation of the builder should be checked carefully. A smart home buyer will visit other homes built by the same builder and should interview the homeowners, as durability of construction and homeowner satisfaction are extremely important.

From time to time you will find a group of homes, or a small-scale development in New York. However, they are often built on the developing edge of a neighborhood, so it is warranted to check the future plans for the community. Local zoning and planning departments may have a master development plan for the future development of an area. You should verify the school district and find out the general tax rate of the neighborhood.

It is also important to note that most new homes come with minimal landscaping, and it can cost the homeowner thousands of dollars to landscape. Most new homes also come with a basic level of finishes for carpeting, cabinetry and window treatments - do your research, sometimes it is cheaper to upgrade these features directly with the builder.

If you are considering a new home purchase give me a call today at 917-921-5397!