Jerry Lucius , ABR, CSP, e-Pro 
Prior to entering the field of Real Estate, I worked for the nation's largest food brokerage companies.  As their Vice President of Customer Development, I was responsible for their sales and marketing development, as well as their interaction between customers and manufactures.  It's that positive interaction with people and service to others that I have enjoyed throughout my professional career.

I began my real estate career in May of 2002, and was fortunate to have become a Life Member of Multi Million Dollar Club with Memphis Area Association of Realtors during my first five years in business. Since then I have consistently been a Top 20 Sales Producer.

Primarily, the agent's job is threefold,   The Real Estate Agent is a consultant , negotiator and facilitator .   The market sets the general price for a property, but a skilled negotiator with a strategy can net you 3% to 5% or more.  Concessions and sales price can be affected favorably with good negotiation and knowing what the goals and strategies are.  Many agents have taken additional  training in the area of negotiation to sharpen that skill set.

Specializing in:

Marketing and Condominium Sales (Condo's)
New Home Construction
Fine Luxury Homes
First Time Home Buyers
Marketing and Listing Agent
Buyers Agent
Sellers Agent / Sellers Marketing Agent
Relocation Specialist / Marketing Consultation

Full Time Dedicated Sales/Marketing Team

Real Estate Sales & Relocation Services

Proactive/Not Reactive

Consultative, Conceptual and Creative Selling Ideas

Marketing Agent not just a listing Agent

Follow Thru, Follow Thru

Partnering with the Homeowner from Start to Finish

"You'll Profit from our experience"

» Prepare CMA
» Video & YouTube via Internet
» Take Multiple Photos
» Enter in MLXChange
» Link to Realtor .com, Zillow .com and Trulia.com
» Marx & Bensdorf and Personal Website                                                  
» FaceBook & Commercial Appeal Advertisement 
» Open Houses as needed
» Schedule Agent Office Tour
» Custom Design Yard Sign
» 2-sided Color Brochure for signage box
» Key box access for MAAR members
» E-mail top producing realtors
» Provide consistent communication feedback
» Monitor progress and recommend changes
» Negotiate transaction on clients behalf
» Establish partnership from beginning to close of  the sale

Ready to Downsize ?   Are you Ready to Search for a 1 Story Home? You can eliminate your maintenance worries while improving your lifestyle with one of four-feature filled floor plans. At Shea Downs, home owners never have to worry about mowing, raking or watering the lawn, replacing shingles, cleaning gutters, trimming trees or edging sidewalks. All plans are on one level, the only stairs are permanent Attic Stairs to a floored attic which offers great storage. 
One Level Luxury Condo/Homes are currently available starting  $235k and move-in-ready.

Home Owners Association
    Coverage & Fees   

• Full Exterior Maintenance of Condo   
• Roofing Shingles down to Termite Contract.
• Lawn & Flower Bed care/maintenance
• Pool and Club House
• Structural Insurance on Your Condo
• $200 Monthly Maintenance Fee

• Shelby County Taxes approx $2,800
• Collierville City taxes approx.  $800
• MLG&W    approx.   $125 to $150 per month  (Memphis Light Gas & Water)
• Collierville Utilities approx. $50 to $60 per month

• Single level Floor Plan
• Maintenance Free Life-Style
• Easy Access to Storage
• Walk In Showers
• Whirlpool Tubs
• Lower Living Costs
• Sprinkler and Security System
• Close to Amenities (Shopping, Churches & Hospitals)
• Attached 2 Car Garage / Security, Safety & Seasonal Comfort
• High Speed Internet Access
• Grandchildren Friendly Home
• Luxury Design w/wide doorways
• Custom Cabinetry w/pull out cabinet shelves
• Walking & Jogging Trails Accessibility
• Pre Wired (5) Cable TV Outlets
• Pre Wired (4) Telephone Jacks
• Granite Kitchen Counter Tops
• S/S Kitchen Appliances
• Permanent Attic Stairs to Floored storage
• Vented F/Place w/Gas Logs
• Club House, Pool, Fitness Ctr.
• Sunroom & Fenced Patio
• Double Pane Insulated Vinyl Windows w/2" Faux Blinds
• Hardwood Family/Dining/Kitchen and Sun Room
• Ceramic Tile in Baths & LaundryRm.
• 9' Plus Smooth/Vaulted Ceilings
• Bull Nose Radius Corners
• Ceiling Fan Mstr. Bedroom, Family and Sunroom
• 30yr. Architectural Shingles
• 1 x 8 Roof Decking
• 2 x 8 Conventional Rafters
• Exterior Maintenance "It's All Done For You"

   

Listed & Sold by Jerry Lucius             Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS

       $2,500,000

For relaxation, fresh air, sunshine and the competitive spirit, I visit the Golf Course as often as possible. As you can see from my photo, I have a passion for Golf. However, my Real Estate Career keeps me busy with Sales, Marketing and Consultive activities. Memphis and the surrounding area host several good Public, Resort and Private Courses. Listed below are links to some of my favorite local courses.

Mobile:   (901)-355-3076

Office:    (901)-682-1868 ext.331

Fax:       (901)-682-2097

e-mail:   jerry@marx-bensdorf.com 

Memphis Area Real Estate Listings

Active Full Time Dedicated Realtor in the following areas:
Germantown TN. Realtor
Collierville TN. Realtor

Bartlett TN. Realtor
Cordova TN. Realtor
Shelby County TN. Realtor
Memphis and Surronding Area website Info:
Jerry Lucius
Marx-Bensdorf ,Realtors

Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS is unique in that our agent's diverse background enables us to provide service from Downtown to Collierville. Our broad based coverage area coupled with residential and   land experience translates to expert representation for your real estate needs. Marx-Bensdorf relo department has assisted many clients locally as well as globally. Although we are physically located in Memphis, our service area encompasses all areas of the world, through our membership in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World,  the largest international network of independent real estate brokers. Our resources enable us to manage a single relocation or group move from start to finish.

With over 30 years of corporate relocation under our belt, we have become very comfortable handling pre-marketing, assigned sales, area orientations, property management, and all facets of corporation relocation.
Through partnering, we are equipped to manage all aspects of a move for you. Our program includes, but is not limited to:

Primarily, the agent's job is threefold,   The Real Estate Agent is a consultant , negotiator and facilitator .   The market sets the general price for a property, but a skilled negotiator with a strategy can net you 3% to 5% or more.  Concessions and sales price can be affected favorably with good negotiation and knowing what the goals and strategies are.  Many agents have taken additional  training in the area of negotiation to sharpen that skill set.

Next, a home is the largest investment most people make in a lifetime... why gamble your investment with a part-timer?  If you are selling your home yourself, aren't you a part-timer?  Do you want a part-time doctor, lawyer, accountant?  Or do you want  someone who actively works in the marketplace on a daily basis?  You want someone who gives full time effort to the task and treats real estate like a business; the business of your agent is to get your home SOLD or to find you the right home and CLOSE THE SALE.

Don't forget Realtors are a great resource.  The best Realtors know the best and busiest home stagers, inspectors, lenders and closing attorneys. Did  you know, that 10% of Realtors do 90% of the business?  It's my opinion the question is not whether to use a Realtor, but which Realtor.   Think about this: You hire a Realtor primarily for what they KNOW about selling homes and secondarily for what they DO...sell homes. Experience brings me  a knowledge base for problem solving and innovative solutions that can be a huge asset when things come up in your transaction.  What I do everyday becomes that body of knowledge.  I'm available to work for You! 

As a Buyer or Seller you must be aware of the possible obstacles and hurdles in a Real Estate Transaction.
Listed are "88 Types of Turbulence" you should be prepared for in order to make the Real Estate transaction go as smooth as possible.
 
The Buyer/Borrower
1.      Does not tell the truth on loan application
2.      Submits incorrect information to the Lender
3.      Buyer has recent late payments on credit report.
4.      Found out about additional debt after loan application.
5.      Borrower loses job.
6.      Co-borrower loses job.
7.      Income verification lower than what was stated on loan Application.
8.      Overtime income not allowed by underwriter for qualifying.
9.      Applicant makes large purchase on credit card before closing
10.    Illness, injury, divorce or other financial setback during escrow.
11.    Lacks motivation.
12.    Gift donor changes mind.
13.    Cannot locate divorce decree.
14.    Cannot locate petition or discharge of bankruptcy.
15.    Cannot locate tax returns.
16.    Cannot locate bank statements.
17.    Difficulty in obtaining verification of rent.
18.    Interest rate increases and borrower no longer qualifies.
19.    Loan program changes with higher rates, points and fees.
20.    Child support not disclosed on application.
21.    Borrower is a foreign national.
22.    Bankruptcy within the last two years.
23.    Mortgage payment is double the previous housing payment.
24.    Borrower does not have steady two-year employment history.
25.    Borrower brings in handwritten pay stubs.
26.    Borrower switches to job with a probation period.
27.    Borrower switches from salary to 100% commission income.
28.    Borrower/co-borrower/seller dies.
29.    Family members or friends do not like the home buyer chooses.
30.    Buyer is too picky about property in price range they can afford.
31.    Buyer feels the house is misrepresented.
32.    Veterans DD214 form not available.
33.    Buyer comes up short of money at closing.
34.    Buyer does not properly "paper trail" additional money that comes from gifts or loans etc.
35.    Buyer does not bring cashier's check to title company for closing cost and down payment.
 
The Seller
36.    Loses motivation to sell (job transfer does not go through, reconciles marriage, etc.).
37.    Cannot find a suitable replacement property.
38.    Will not allow appraiser inside home.
39.    Will not allow inspectors inside home in a timely manner.
40.    Removes property that the buyer believed was included.
41.    Cannot clean up liens...is short on cash to close.
42.    Did not own 100% of property as previously disclosed.
43.    Encounters problems getting partners' signature
44.    Leaves town without giving anyone Power of Attorney.
45.    Delays the projected move-out date.
46.    Did not complete the repairs agreed to in contract.
47.    Sellers' home goes into foreclosure during escrow.
48.    Misrepresents information about home & neighborhood.
49.    Does not disclose all hidden or unknown defects and they are subsequently discovered.
50.    Builder miscalculates completion date of home.
51.    Builder has to many cost overruns.
52.    Final inspection on new house does not pass.
53.    Seller does not appear for closing and will not sign papers.
 
The Realtor(s)
54.    Have no client control over buyers or sellers.
55.    Delays access to property for inspection and appraisals.
56.    Unfamiliar with their client's financial position...do they have enough equity to sell, etc.
57.    Does not get completed paperwork to the Lenders in time.
58.    Inexperienced in this type of property transaction.
59.    Takes unexpected time off during transaction and can't be reached.
60.    Misleads other parties to the transaction and has huge ego.
61.    Does not do sufficient homework on their clients or the property and wastes everyone's time.
 
The Property
62.    County will not approve septic system or well.
63.    Termite report reveals substantial damage and seller is not willing to fix or repair.
64.    Home was misrepresented as to size and condition.
65.    Home is destroyed prior to closing.
66.    Home not structurally sound.
67.    Home is uninsurable for homeowners insurance.
68.    Property incorrectly zoned.
69.    Portion of home sits on neighbor's property.
70.    Unique home and comparable properties for appraisal difficult to find.
 
The Escrow/Title Company
71.    Fails to notify lenders/agents of unsigned or unreturned documents.
72.    Fails to obtain information from beneficiaries, lien holders, insurance companies, or Lenders in a timely manner.
73.    Lets principals leave town without getting all necessary signatures.
74.    Loses or incorrectly prepares paperwork.
75.    Does not pass on valuable information quickly enough.
76.    Does not coordinate well, so that many items can be done simultaneously.
77.    Does not bend the rules on small problems.
78.    Finds liens or other title problems at the last minute.
 
The Appraiser
79.    Is not local and misunderstands the Market.
80.    Is to busy to complete the appraisal on schedule.
81.    No comparable sales are available.
82.    Is not on Lender's "approved list".
83.    Makes important mistakes on appraisal and brings in value to low.
84.    Lender requires a second or "review appraisal".
 
Inspectors:
85.    Pest inspector not available when needed.
86.    Pest inspector too picky about condition of property.
87.    Home Inspector not available when needed.
88.    Inspection reports alarm buyer and sale is cancelled.

      Copyright © 2009 | Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. | Real Estate Website Design by BigFish  
    

Forbes.com released their list of Top 10 Best Housing Markets based primarily on the stability of each metro area as measured by affordability rankings and foreclosure rates as an indicator of a lack of excess inventory, making the top cities what they call the best opportunities for home shoppers. Forbes is pretty reliable with their data analysis and take a big picture view of the market. Yes, Memphis Tn. Area made the Top 10 list.

Many people are wondering if now is the right time to buy a new house. Should you snatch up the good deals before prices start to rise or should you wait a little longer to see if the prices will drop even more? It can be somewhat of a gamble, so it is important to make sure that you know a few facts about the current market so that you can make the best possible decision.

One of the most important facts you should consider when determining if now is the right time to buy a new house relates not to the market but your own situation. Consider how long you plan to live in the home. If you know for a fact that you plan to upgrade or even move out of the area within the next five years, then now might not be the best time to commit to the purchase of a home. On the other hand, if you feel fairly confident with the fact that you will be living in the home for at least five years, then now could be a really good time to purchase a home.

Is This a Good Time to Sell My House?

That depends on your reason for selling and your expectations for the sale. If you have already decided to move, accepted a job elsewhere, have purchased another home, or are facing mortgage payments you cannot afford any longer, then the answer is definitely, yes. If you have become an empty nester and you're planning to retire soon, then the answer is most likely yes.

Whatever your reason for selling your home, it is more important to understand there are  key elements that go into the successful sale of your home. One element which you have no control over is location.

Second, which you have control and that is the condition of your home and property. If you can invest $5,000 and raise the ultimate selling price by $10,000, obviously you will want to consider those recommended improvements. A  Realtor® can give you value added suggestions of ways to improve the appearance and the perceived value, of your home.

The third issue is price. In today's volatile market, determining the right listing price for your home may be more important than it has ever been. With an inventory of homes on the market being higher than normal, buyers have plenty of properties from which to choose. You don't have to be the lowest price home in your price range but you probably don't want to be the highest priced home either.

A professional market price analysis is essential. Your Realtor® has access to data regarding the selling price of comparable homes in the recent past as well as the listing prices for all comparable homes in your subdivision and surrounding areas. With this report in hand, you will want to have a conversation with your Realtor® regarding how long you have to sell your home. If time on market is more important than price, then you must be willing to set a price that will put your home high on the list of all prospective buyers of homes in your neighborhood. You cannot have it both ways, high selling price and a quick sale.

Finally, and most important, how long your home stays on the market and the price at which it sells, is determined  by the market and by the quality of the marketing of your home. This is where your Realtor® earns their commission. Some agents are a Listing agent. You want an agent that is a Marketing agent, and can provide you with references to support that.

This involves, electronic marketing and a separate website for your home that is widely promoted and gives prospects a chance to visit your home virtually. Are you aware that over 80% of home buyers today begin by looking for a home on the Internet before they ever contact an agent. Ask your Realtor® to share with you their marketing plan for your home, examples of company and personal website, color brochures, online listings, etc.

Is this the Best time to sell your home? Yes it could be, we are in a Buyer's Market which eludes to the fact Buyers are out looking to Buy, however you must pay close attention to the following elements which are, Location, Condition, Price, and Marketing to attract the right Buyer.

Memphis was just ranked in Forbes Top 10 Best Housing Markets

Over the Last 5 years I have been fortunate to have Sold and Closed approximately 60 Million Dollars in Single Family Residential Property in Collierville Tn.

Listed are a few areas of success:

• Shea Downs at Porter Farms
• Shea Gardens at Porter Farms
• The Crossings at Porter Farms
• Collierville Farms
• Dubray
• Fairways
• Elm Creek
• Halle Plantation
• Wellington Farms
  

Ten Projects That Will Help Your Home Sell Quicker and for More Equity!

1. Paint - New paint adds a fresh smell, and well-maintained appearance. On the other hand, a home that needs paint looks neglected.

2. Landscaping - Well trimmed bushes and a manicured lawn, are signs a home has been maintained.  These tasks may involve more sweat equity than financial investment. While landscaping, take a look at your mailbox. If it is rusty and wobbly, replace it. A nice yard adds to the curb appeal that may get drive-by home shoppers out of their car and through the front door for a better look.

3. Light Fixtures - They don't have to be expensive. But, some old light fixtures can look dated.

4. Window Coverings - Do they let the light in? You don't need costly drapes, but worn, outdated, or heavy window coverings are a definite negative. Natural light appeals to most home buyers.

5. Floors - Attractive flooring adds a lift and can be fairly inexpensive. If carpet is a neutral color and in good condition, it may only need professional cleaning. If not, replace it, stick to med-grade, neutral tones that will go with all color schemes. Nice looking hardwood floors can be a major drawing card. If yours appear worn, it would be a smart use of your improvement dollars to have them refurbished.

6. Central Air Conditioning - Unless your home is in a cool part of the country, this is an important feature and basic comfort that many buyers expect.

7. Updated Kitchen - The kitchen is generally a major selling point, but it is expensive to totally redo it. The national average cost of a completely remodeled kitchen is between $20,000 and $30,000.  It probably would not pay to do this, although an outdated kitchen can lower the market value of a home.  One study suggests the return on a complete kitchen job is about 75%.  That's not bad if you are doing the work for your benefit and can enjoy it for a few years.  But for resale purposes, an alternative is to do spot remodeling jobs that can be accomplished for less money. For example, consider a new sink, countertops, cabinet fronts, lighting, a paint job, and even drawer and cabinet pulls can add to a nice kitchen facelift.

8. Bathroom - You can also do spot remodeling jobs in the bathroom with new fixtures, a new vanity and an interesting mirror.  If the tub is in bad shape, re-caulk and check into getting it resurfaced.

9. Energy Features - If your home is older, energy loss may be a concern for would-be buyers.  In that case, improved insulation for windows, doors, and storm doors can be smart upgrades.

10. Room Addition - An added room may increase the value of your home, but may not pay for itself.  Before adding an extra bathroom or adding a family room, talk to a real estate professional to see what is selling in your neighborhood.  If your home has 2 bathrooms, for example, but recent sales have been mostly 3 bathroom homes, then it might be a worthwhile project.  Otherwise, save your money.