Cathy Holthe, Licensed Realtor EXIT Realty - Great Plains

Congratulations to my buyer's today on the purchase of their first home! And what a beautiful first home it is! Thank you Amanda and Chance for letting me help you on your home buying journey. Thank you to Kim Kreiss, GRI, EXIT Realty - Great Plains, The Title Team and Jessie at Bank Midwest in Fairmont for a smooth transaction.

NEW REAL ESTATE RULES AUGUST 17TH!

In case you haven’t heard —

Did you know that starting August 17th a REALTOR can no longer show you a property without a signed written agreement? It can be exclusive or non-exclusive but it MUST be signed. This means they can’t even unlock the door 😳 without it.

Doing so as an agent can results in a thousands of dollars in fines. 💰💰💰💰💰

A buyer's agency agreement legally binds you to that particular agent for an agreed-upon timeframe, spells out their compensation, and details their duties to you.

There is no such thing as a "free service" for using a buyer's agent. Now, as with sellers, buyers must truly hire their agent.

Hiring an agent that has done many transactions and has experience matters more than ever before.

Sellers always interview agents, and now so will buyers. Not all buyer’s agents will be offering the same values.

Yes, sellers can still pay a buyer's agent compensation (and I expect that to still happen 95-99% of the time of the offer is realistic) but it’s no longer listed in the MLS.

Educate yourselves so you aren’t caught off-guard when an agent explains this to you. A GOOD buyer's agent can offer incredible and valuable services that may lead to finding & winning your dream home and protect you from legal issues that can cost you thousands.

If you have any questions, reach out any time!

Cathy Holthe
EXIT Realty - Great Plains
507-822-1889

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

Realtors® Relief Foundation Grants Available for Flood-Displaced Minnesotans

This great home in Sherburn is back on the market. If you thought you were too late, here's your opportunity! 3bed/1.25 bath, garage has heat and a/c and a nice yard. You will definitely want to see this property!

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3 bed/2 bath Home in Sherburn for $96,500 17 N Osborne Street Sherburn, MN. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Sherburn, MN on exitisgreat.com -- Real Estate Search.

Closing Day today!!! Congratulations to first time home buyer, Kayden! So excited for you! Thank you to Jarod Mathiason, CMA - Supreme Lending and Jarrod Vacura for all of your help in making this happen.

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I am proud to be a sponsor of the Sundown Showdown Jackpot Barrel Race at the Jackson County Fair 7/23/24. If you love fast horses like I do, swing on by and watch some runs and then head over to the BARnyard for a cold one served by my fellow EXIT Realty Great Plains agents! Lots going on at our county fair this year, be sure to check us out!

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SPONSOR SHOUT OUT!
Thanks to Cathy Holthe - EXIT Realty Great Plains for supporting the 2024 Sundown Showdown as an ADDED MONEY SPONSOR!

Cathy Holthe - EXIT Realty Great Plains is your favorite local Realtor®. Serving all your Real Estate needs whether that’s buying, selling, upgrading, downsizing or needing help finding a reputable Realtor® to help you relocate to another area. Cathy can help you with your next Real Estate chapter.

Cathy is also the friendly face you meet at check-in and race day is her birthday this year! Be sure to thank her and wish her a happy birthday when you see her tomorrow!

Find Cathy Holthe - EXIT Realty Great Plains is your favorite local Realtor® online here:
https://www.facebook.com/CathyHoltheEXITRealtyGreatPlains
https://www.exitisgreat.com/

Got this beautiful home under contract yesterday for my buyers. So excited for them!! Remember! I can show any property to you, not just my listings. Call me and let's find your dream home!!

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These two are sold! Congratulations to my sellers! If you are looking to buy or sell, call me!! I'd love to help!

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

Thank you Julie for your kind words! I love what I do because it is so much more than just the transaction. If you are looking to buy or sell, I'd love to help!

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

Do you want to know if now is right time to buy or sell? Call me. I can help you make an informed decision.

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

Give me a call if you are considering putting your home on the market. I can help you decide what improvements will be the most beneficial and help you price your home right to help it sell as quickly as possible. Call me today. I'll be with you every step of the way!

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

Pray for our Jackson and Windom communities. So much flooding. River crested last night in Windom and they are expecting a second crest in the next 24-48 hours from rain and runoff up river. Jackson is just down river and the water is rising there now. We dropped off cases of water, Gatorade, Propel, Tea and snacks at the county shop in Jackson where there are so many people filling and hauling sand bags. 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼

Whether you are looking to upgrade or downsize I can help. Call me. I'll be with you every step of the way!

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

Congratulations today to my buyer on this cute house in Jackson and my sellers of this amazing house in Mt. Lake today! Thank you for trusting me to help you with your Real Estate needs. I am truly honored! Call me if you are ready to buy or sell, I am here to help and will be with you every step of the way!!

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

Call me today if you are thinking of selling your home. I can help you through the process from pre-listing to sold. I'll be with you every step of the way!

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

APPLICATIONS OPEN!

The MNR-backed First-Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance program is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

Buyer-recipients can qualify for up to $32,000 of down payment assistance with a zero-interest loan that is forgiven over five years—as long as the homebuyer lives in the home as their primary residence.

Realtors® can help consumers navigate and take advantage of this incredible fund resource. Learn more about buyer eligibility, conditions, and the application process here. www.firstgendpa.org/ Minnesota Homeownership Center

Come on down to downtown Jackson Thursday for hotdogs served up by our local businesses, the Cruisin' Club car show, and live music in the Pillars parking lot sponsored by me! I would love to see you all there!!

After a year of servicing Bell Athletes at the Indy Pro Shop and around the country, we’re very excited to announce the RELAUNCH of TL Racing, LLC.

We will continue to offer factory level sales and service for Bell Helmets, and their new associated soft goods, at Jackson Motorplex, Huset's Speedway and Knoxville Raceway.

Along with that, we will offer sales and marketing consulting services focused on sponsor activation/retention, strategic planning and event management, inside or outside of the racing industry. Super excited to bring 20-plus years of high level sales and marketing experience to the TL Racing brand.

Please reach out with any questions through a DM, my cell: 507-841-1060 or at [email protected].

If you’re so inclined, please give this post a share. We’d very much appreciate it.

Thanks,

Shane Phillips, owner

Coming to a Billboard near you.........

This charming home located in Mt. Lake, MN has everything you need and more. This 3 bed, 3 bath home has been completely updated and has a big yard with enough space for anything you can think of. Want to garden? There's space for that. Want to have flowers? There's space for that. Want to have a place for all of your toys? There's space for that. Completely updated kitchen and a finished basement with a bedroom, office and a bathroom. You will want to take a look at this one! Call today for your showing.

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3 bed/3 bath Home in Mountain Lake for $175,000 733 10th Street N Mountain Lake, MN. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Mountain Lake, MN on exitisgreat.com -- Real Estate Search.

Looking for your next home? This one is located in Sherburn, MN conveniently situated between Jackson and Fairmont. So much potential in this property and this property has a garage that could be the ultimate workshop with both heat and a/c. Call today for a showing .

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

3 bed/2 bath Home in Sherburn for $101,500 17 N Osborne Street Sherburn, MN. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Sherburn, MN on exitisgreat.com -- Real Estate Search.

Check out my new listing in Wood Lake! Just a 15 min commute to Granite Falls and 30 min to Marshall. This beautiful 4 bed/1 bath home boasts new flooring, paint, carpet, light fixtures, interior doors and several new windows. Vinyl siding, metal roof, vinyl fencing and composite decking mean exterior maintenance is kept to a minimum. This house sits on a large corner lot with a big, fenced in back yard. You will want to make this your home!

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

4 bed/1 bath Home in Wood Lake for $168,900 298 2nd Street S Wood Lake, MN. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Wood Lake, MN on exitisgreat.com -- Real Estate Search.

Welcome back home! I helped friends who were looking to relocate back to the area find their perfect home. Thank you for trusting me to help you find a place to land. Thank you to Vonnie Cone - Re/max Total Realty and The Title Team for a smooth transaction.

Text CATHY1889 to 85377 for my mobile business card.

I meant to post this yesterday - the last day of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness month. The day, well actually, the whole month, kind of slipped by so quickly. Gabrielle is and will continue to be our miracle. On this journey we have struggled to find that balance between having realistic expectations of what she will be capable of doing and the hope that she will continue to surpass our expectations of her recovery. I told her caregivers once in our weekly meetings that I was never going to ask them what Gabrielle's recovery would look like, not because I didn't respect their opinion, because I did. I told them it was because I did not want those pre-concieved notions in my head. I wanted Gabrielle to be the lead on how far she could go. Look at her! She amazes me every day! Thanks for hanging with me through all of my posts this month. Your support of Gabrielle and all of us during this journey continues to be a huge source of comfort to us.
💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

Happy Easter!!! I hope today finds you all filled with hope and peace.

Many of us have received at least one phone call with life altering news. My phone call about Gabrielle F. Holthe came when I was sitting at the monthly horse sale in Jackson buying prizes for the 4-H Horse project kiddos fun show. I hope if you ever get one of these phone calls, you have all the support you need in the coming days, weeks, months, years ahead. We were surrounded immediately with all the love and support we needed to survive. It looks different now, but we are still able to tap into that support system whenever we need to. We are blessed in so many ways. As always, stop at ALL of the stop signs!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

SUPPORT YOUR REALTOR!! There is a lot of talk in the news about real estate agent commissions. They LOVE what they do and they do it because they LOVE helping people but there is almost always a huge misconception on what they do and how they get paid. It's not a secret so here ya go...😊

The average FULL TIME REALTOR’s earnings last year was $31,900 @ 40+ hours a week. (Notice I wrote full time 40+ hours not 0-20 hours a week) which is well below the living wage. As a REALTOR they do not get paid a hourly wage or salary and they only get paid if they sell a home and it closes. They can only get paid by broker to broker. As an agent you could work with someone days, weeks, months, or years with no guarantee of a sale ever.

Essentially they wake up each day unemployed going on Job Interviews and they deal with constant rejection. They dedicate time away from family, use our time, gas, pay for babysitters, miss dinner and weekends and rarely take vacations. They are on 24/7! You constantly need to be on, or you could miss an opportunity. Once they do close a home, half goes to the other persons agent from the remaining half. They have lots of upfront expenses that must be paid out before they even get paid:

Broker Splits and Fees
Office rent and utilities
MLS Fees
NAR Fees
Local Association Fees
E&O Business Insurance
Extended Auto Insurance
Self-Employment Tax
State Licensing Fees
Advertising Fees
Showing Service Fees
Website Fees
Assistant's Salaries
Showing partners
Transaction coordinator
Yard Signs
Photographers
Videographers
Office Supplies
Business Cards
Property Flyers
Electronic Lockboxes
Continued RE Education
Legal Fees
Gas
Income taxes are not taken out so they have to put that aside around 25-30%.

Don’t forget health insurance if you don’t have a spouse who provides it.

As a listing agent they have lots of tasks far more than just selling a home.

1. Prepare Listing Presentation for Sellers
2. Research Sellers Property Tax Info
3. Research Comparable Sold Properties for Sellers
4. Determine Average Days on Market
5. Gather Info From Sellers About Their Home
6. Meet With Sellers at Their Home
7. Get To Know Their Home
8. Present Listing Presentation
9. Advise on Repairs and/or Upgrades
10. Provide Home Seller To-Do Checklist
11. Explain Current Market Conditions
12. Discuss Seller’s Goals
13. Share Your Value Proposition
14. Explain Benefits of Your Brokerage
15. Present Your Marketing Options
16. Explain Video Marketing Strategies
17. Demonstrate 3D Tour Marketing
18. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
19. Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process
20. Create Internal File for Transaction
21. Get Listing Agreement & Disclosures Signed
22. Provide Sellers Disclosure Form to Sellers
23. Verify Interior Room Sizes
24. Obtain Current Mortgage Loan Info
25. Confirm Lot Size from County Tax Records
26. Investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements
27. Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers
28. Agree on Showing Times with Sellers
29. Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing
30. Explain Appraisal Process and Pitfalls
31. Verify Home Owners Association Fees
32. Obtain a Copy of HOA Bylaws
33. Gather Transferable Warranties
34. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
35. Verify Security System Ownership
36. Discuss Video Recording Devices & Showings
37. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
38. Agree on Repairs to Made Before Listing
39. Schedule Staging Consultation
40. Schedule House Cleaners
41. Install Electronic Lockbox & Yard Sign
42. Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot
43. Meet Photographer at Property
44. Prepare Home For Photographer
45. Schedule Drone & 3D Tour Shoot
46. Get Seller’s Approval of All Marketing Materials
47. Input Property Listing Into The MLS
48. Create Virtual Tour Page
49. Verify Listing Data on 3rd Party Websites
50. Have Listing Proofread
51. Create Property Flyer
52. Have Extra Keys Made for Lockbox
53. Set-Up Showing Services
54. Help Owners Coordinate Showings
55. Gather Feedback After Each Showing
56. Keep track of Showing Activity
57. Update MLS Listing as Needed
58. Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Seller
59. Prepare “Net Sheet” For All Offers
60. Present All Offers to Seller
61. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Buyer’s Agent
62. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Qualifications
63. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Lender
64. Negotiate All Offers
65. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
66. Check Buyer’s Agent Has Received Copies
67. Change Property Status in MLS
68. Deliver Copies of Contact/Addendum to Seller
69. Keep Track of Copies for Office File
70. Coordinate Inspections with Sellers
71. Explain Buyer’s Inspection Objections to Sellers
72. Determine Seller’s Inspection Resolution
73. Get All Repair Agreements in Writing
74. Refer Trustworthy Contractors to Sellers
75. Meet Appraiser at the Property
76. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
77. Confirm Clear-to-Close
78. Coordinate Closing Times & Location
79. Verify Title Company Has All Docs
80. Remind Sellers to Transfer Utilities
81. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
82. Resolve Any Title Issues Before Closing
83. Receive and Carefully Review Closing Docs
84. Review Closing Figures With Seller
85. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made
86. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
87. Attend Seller’s Closing
88. Pick Up Sign & Lock Box
89. Change Status in MLS to “Sold.”
90. Close Out Seller’s File With Brokerage

As a buyers agent they also have many tasks.

1. Schedule Time To Meet Buyers
2. Prepare Buyers Guide & Presentation
3. Meet Buyers and Discuss Their Goals
4. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
5. Discuss Different Types of Financing Options
6. Help Buyers Find a Mortgage Lender
7. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Their Lender
8. Explain What You Do For Buyers As A Realtor
9. Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions
10. Explain Your Company’s Value to Buyers
11. Discuss Earnest Money Deposits
12. Explain Home Inspection Process
13. Educate Buyers About Local Neighborhoods
14. Discuss Foreclosures & Short Sales
15. Gather Needs & Wants Of Their Next Home
16. Explain School Districts Effect on Home Values
17. Explain Recording Devices During Showings
18. Learn All Buyer Goals & Make A Plan
19. Create Internal File for Buyers Records
20. Send Buyers Homes Within Their Criteria
21. Start Showing Buyers Home That They Request
22. Schedule & Organize All Showings
23. Gather Showing Instructions for Each Listing
24. Send Showing Schedule to Buyers
25. Show Up Early and Prepare First Showing
26. Look For Possible Repair Issues While Showing
27. Gather Buyer Feedback After Each Showing
28. Update Buyers When New Homes Hit the Market
29. Share Knowledge & Insight About Homes
30. Guide Buyers Through Their Emotional Journey
31. Listen & Learn From Buyers At Each Showing
32. Keep Records of All Showings
33. Update Listing Agents with Buyer’s Feedback
34. Discuss Home Owner’s Associations
35. Estimate Expected Utility Usage Costs
36. Confirm Water Source and Status
37. Discuss Transferable Warranties
38. Explain Property Appraisal Process
39. Discuss Multiple Offer Situations
40. Create Practice Offer To Help Buyers Prepare
41. Provide Updated Housing Market Data to Buyers
42. Inform Buyers of Their Showing Activity Weekly
43. Update Buyers On Any Price Drops
44. Discuss MLS Data With Buyers At Showings
45. Find the Right Home for Buyers
46. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
47. Prepare Sales Contract When Buyers are Ready
48. Educate Buyer’s On Sales Contract Options
49. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
50. Explain Home Warranty Options
51. Update Buyer’s Pre-Approval Letter
52. Discuss Loan Objection Deadlines
53. Choose a Closing Date
54. Verify Listing Data Is Correct
55. Review Comps With Buyers To Determine Value
56. Prepare & Submit Buyer’s Offer to Listing Agent
57. Negotiate Buyers Offer With Listing Agent
58. Execute A Sales Contract & Disclosures
59. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
60. Coordinate Earnest Money Drop Off
61. Deliver Copies to Mortgage Lender
62. Obtain Copy of Sellers Disclosure for Buyers
63. Deliver Copies of Contract/Addendum to Buyers
64. Obtain A Copy of HOA Bylaws
65. Keep Track of Copies for Office File
66. Coordinate Inspections with Buyers
67. Meet Inspector At The Property
68. Review Home Inspection with Buyers
69. Negotiate Inspection Objections
70. Get All Agreed Upon Repair Items in Writing
71. Verify any Existing Lease Agreements
72. Check In With Lender To Verify Loan Status
73. Check on the Appraisal Date
74. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
75. Coordinate Closing Times & Location
76. Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed
77. Verify Title Company Has Everything Needed
78. Remind Buyers to Schedule Utilities
79. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
80. Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing
81. Receive and Review Closing Documents
82. Review Closing Figures With Buyers
83. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made By Sellers
84. Perform Final Walk-Through with Buyers
85. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
86. Get CDA Signed By Brokerage
87. Attend Closing with Buyers
88. Provide Home Warranty Paperwork
89. Give Keys and Accessories to Buyers
90. Close Out Buyer’s File Brokerage

Whew…exhausting isn’t it!?! 🤯

✨You don't need to buy or sell a home to support your agents real estate business – here are just a few simple ways to show your support!⁣ By sharing one of their listings, sending a friend or family member their way, letting them connect you with agents outside their area for a broker to broker referral, or leaving them a positive comment or review, this helps them feel seen and supported - (thanks to you)! ❤️✨

If you’re a Realtor, please feel free to copy & paste and continue to share this information.