By: Audrey Ellen Brodie, Owner-Realtor

Certainly real estate is one of the best ways to build your personal wealth….but the national media and current volatility of real estate is causing undo hesitancy among consumers.

We are fortunate to be in Delaware. For example, here are our current statistics and project for the Second Quarter, 2009 for Kent County, Delaware:*

With average days on market increasing, buyers have more selection than ever and more power than ever when purchasing.

Even if you have a home to sell, April, 2009 YTD shows that sellers are getting 91.36% as their listing price versus the selling price.*

*Information provided from TReND MLS. www.trendmls.com

If you would like to receive a full real estate report for Kent County, please email Audrey@FirstClassProperties.us or call 302.331.1043 to request your copy.

First time home buyers, although hesitant currently due to the economy, are really in the best position to purchase.

There are three fabulous programs available to provide discounted loans, tax credits and/or closing cost assistance.

1.$8,000 Tax Credit: You can get this money NOW by spending approximately $250 to re-do your 2008 tax return and apply for the money immediately.

2.USDA Financing Options: Includes closing cost loans for rural properties and qualified buyers

3.Delaware Housing Authority Closing Cost Loans: Provides low interest loans for closing costs to be used in conjunction with conventional financing

It is a perfect time to make an investment in real estate. It is more important than ever to insure you are working with an educated and experienced real estate professional.

As always, if you qualify for a loan, it is always the best business decision to buy versus rent. Step one is contacting a mortgage professional who will explain all your options thoroughly and who is familiar with all the loan opportunities currently available. For additional mortgage information, please contact Robin Miller of Wells Fargo at 302.677.0770.

For more information, or to schedule a no obligation consultation, contact Audrey Brodie, Owner/Realtor, First Class Properties at 302-331-1043 (cell), or visit the website at www.FirstClassProperties.us.

Testimonials:
“My husband and I didn’t know how to start to get our deceased mom’s home ready to put on the market. Audrey was so optimistic and educational. She pointed out things we needed to do to positively impact buyers. Audrey explained how we could get the best price possible. She gave us step by step accurate figures on what we could expect for expenses and profits. She was there for us from the first day we listed the home until the closing. She was always available and Audrey makes you feel like you are the most important client in her world. She did a great job and I would recommend her highly to anyone who wants to sell their home.”� ~Elaine L, Wyoming, DE

“Janine and I can’t thank Audrey enough for her outstanding dedication to our land transaction. The glitches were frustrating for all of us but she got us through every detail with a smile. We recommend Audrey to anyone who wants to have a positive and professional buying experience.”
~Dallas N., Smyrna, DE

As President of First Class Properties, Audrey Brodie has converted a property management company into a successful independent real estate office in Kent County.

Audrey has authored a marketing plan that focuses on growing her personal network to develop sufficient visibility and become a respected real estate resource for residents of Delaware.

Paramount in her marketing plan was the integration of meeting people face-to-face during local events and through generously sponsoring community activities. Dover Air Force Base sponsorship was first on her list, where she and her fellow realtors still spend time at First Class Properties sponsored events. The list of exposure events and locations was endless: Dover Days, Delaware Home Builders Association, Chocolate Festival, Chamber of Commerce, Amish School Sale, Mennonite School Sale, and many more.

Audrey is in the top 5% of realtors for sales volume in Kent County.

She and her husband Ken purchased over 30 homes in Delaware as investment properties to build retirement funds. It was that customer experience in real estate that stimulated Audrey’s interest in becoming a realtor and assisting others in increasing their personal wealth using real estate as the springboard.

Her marketing strategy continues to grow to include participation as Secretary to the Dover Colonial Rotary Club, member of the Greater Dover Committee, originator of a statewide Investors Guild, and much more. Most recently Audrey was appointed the Honorary Commander for the Medical Operations Squadron at Dover Air Force Base.

First Class Properties’ new office location at 1641 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, DE (on Route 10 next to Wawa and across from Sonic) is also the official drop off center for donations for Caring Hearts, Helping Hands, a local charity that focuses on caring for working families that are having financial struggles.

First Class Properties’ Mission Statement:
We will deliver a first class real estate experience to each and every client. Our commitment is to provide current and extensive education on all aspects of each transaction. We pledge to present multiple options and opportunities to ensure that every decision made is informed, correct, and in our customer’s best interest.