Ward Spears has sold residential real estate since the fall of 1994.  Over the years, he has had the attitude that clients come first. This approach is clearly seen in his representation of buyers.  Appalled by the loud-mouthed-big-haired-hard-selling stereotype of real estate agents (which is sometimes actually true!), I have made the commitment over the years to become real estate experts and work to help their clients make the best decisions possible, often warning clients against a property even though the client may have expressed a desire to purchase it.  Another example is suggesting to clients contingencies that could be added to complex transactions that will help protect them. 

 

In August of 2007, the home financing world changed.  Suddenly banks found it much more difficult to securitize loans and sell them to secondary investors.  The effect this has had is to reduce the availability of financing to homebuyers.  Since that time, lending guidelines have steadily tightened, sometimes rapidly tightening.  As a result home values have really taken a beating, in some areas they have fallen drastically. During times like this it is more important than ever to work with agents who have committed to be experts, to help their clients make good decisions.  Since I’ve been in the business since 1994, it should be obvious that I'm here for the long term, and it’s this long term thinking that gives this perspective. 

 

I also represent home sellers!  Whether you’re in an equity position in your home, or need to work something out with the bank in order to sell, I can help you.  Part of becoming a real estate expert has led me to obtain the designation of Certified Short Sale Professional.  There is quite a bit of confusion among agents on how best to handle short sale transactions (those transactions where there is insufficient value to cover the mortgage), so the hours of research and training I’ve undertaken has eliminated the trial and error stage that most agents go through to learn how to handle these transactions.  Don’t risk being someone’s trial and error with something so important. 

 

Many people know that today’s real estate market is rapidly changing.  Deciding to work with someone who has made the commitment to be an expert and to the continual learning necessary to adapt to change is a smart choice to make for your real estate needs.  Call today for a free no obligation consultation.  Even if you just have a question I don’t mind pointing you in the right direction.

 

--Ward Spears

(503)522-8269

wspears@equitygroup.com