Home Buyers AdvantEdge Realty

08/11/2024

I’m choosing calluses over paper cuts!

Over more than 40 years in the real estate industry, I’ve witnessed countless changes, especially with the rise of technology. I could bore you with stories of how we previewed houses in the old days before Zillow. It involved a binder and photocopies……I’ll leave it there! Working alongside my Dad for most of those years was a remarkable experience, and it made for a fulfilling career.

Two years ago, as the industry started shifting, I felt it was time to diversify. I launched Small Stuff Handyman, drawing on my background in maintenance from helping my parents with rental properties back in the day in Glen Carbon. To my delight, I found a genuine passion for the handyman business. I love being able to set my own schedule, work hard, and see the direct results of my efforts. As it turns out, for the second time in my professional career, I have found myself in a very niche business. And an added bonus has been reuniting with so many past real estate clients with my handyman hat on.

Due to recent changes stemming from the class action lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors, running my exclusive buyers agency has become an ever-increasing challenge. So, I’m hanging up the cleats. However, I will maintain my real estate license in order to assist friends and family, and will always be available for advice.

I am profoundly grateful for the support shown to Home Buyers and the thousands of clients we served through our Edwardsville and O’Fallon, Illinois offices over the years. Your trust kept food on the table, clothes on our children, and lights on in our home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Looking forward, I’ll focus on growing Small Stuff Handyman and managing our rental properties. My wife, Amber, and I have quietly run Mom and Pop Rentals (I’m Pop) for 16 years, slowly growing over time. We proudly manage our single-family rental homes in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon. For more information on rentals visit www.momandpoprentals.net. (I hear the maintenance man is the bomb.)

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and trust over the years. I look forward to staying connected, whether it’s handyman help, free real estate advice, or maybe I’ll run into you at Sneaky's Bar & Burger Joint, my son Tyler’s place, in Edwardsville.

Here's to the future and to all the new experiences it will bring.

03/19/2024

Hello everyone, it's Paul Ottwein here, some of you know me as a Realtor, more recently I’m wearing two hats and am also the face behind Small Stuff Handyman. Before I picked up a hammer, I spent a significant part of my life navigating the intricacies of the real estate world as a broker for Home Buyers AdvantEdge Realtyy.

Today, I'm here to discuss a matter close to my heart: the settlement of the Realtor lawsuit. Join me as I share my insights and perspectives on this important development.

You may have heard about the recent settlement of a major class action lawsuit by the National Association of Realtors – and let me tell you, it's a game-changer!

When my Dad and I founded our exclusive buyer agency four decades ago, we pledged to prioritize representing home buyers exclusively, steering clear of listings. Back then, dual agency was the norm, often to the detriment of homebuyers. But now, the winds of change are blowing, and big shifts are on the horizon for the real estate industry.

While the specifics are still unfolding, it's clear that this settlement will redefine the way we operate on a day-to-day basis. As someone who's been in the industry for 40 years, I've witnessed the evolution firsthand, especially with the rise of technology diminishing the traditional role of Realtors. I've been preparing for these changes by diversifying my efforts over the years, adapting to the shifting landscape.

With online platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com reshaping how we search for homes, the future of buyer representation is undergoing a transformation. While the settlement may impact first-time homebuyers and those with limited funds the most, it will affect all buyers.

I anticipate a shift towards clients paying out of pocket for buyer representation, perhaps through a customizable menu of services, rather than a flat percentage. The enforcement of the changes as a result of the lawsuit are set to take effect in July.

As more details emerge, I'll keep you all updated on the new direction of my business model.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support over the years. Rest assured, I'll continue to be a steadfast advocate for homebuyers, ensuring they find their dream homes with confidence and clarity. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate these exciting changes together.

04/05/2023

Paul Ottwein with Home Buyers AdvantEdge Realty discusses options for disputing your Madison County real estate tax bill. Appeals are due by April 30th.

12/18/2022

A time to celebrate! I recently had a client close on a home in Edwardsville. I was able to negotiate a reduction on the asking price which has been very difficult in recent months. My client was also able to get a sizable credit in lieu of repairs. Favorable terms for home buyers have not been the case for some time now. It seems there is a swing back toward buyers having some negotiating room while continuing to keep all the usual contingencies such as inspections and appraisals in place. With the rise in interest rates, some buyers have chosen to delay their purchase resulting in less competition for listings that hit the market. Please contact me for any real estate questions or needs, I'm happy to chat.

06/21/2022

Are you hearing stories about buyers waiving inspections? Not my clients.

06/12/2022

It's been a while, let me give you an update...

08/31/2021

Boy we miss Bigelo’s. Where’s your family hangout spot?

We’re soaking up the last few weeks of summer by having delicious family dinner at Bigelo’s Bistro. One of the things our Edwardsville clients love is the variety of restaurant options. What’s your favorite Edwardsville restaurant?? Let us know in the comments below!

06/29/2021

Buying a house will be one of the bigger financial commitments you'll make in your lifetime. Before you agree to buy what you think might be your dream house, consider your long-term plans.

Are you planning on staying at your current job? Getting married?
Having kids?

Here at Home Buyers AdvantEdge Realty, we are committed to partnering with you and your family in order to find out what you envision for your new home.

Start your search for the perfect home today!

06/24/2021

Trusted advisor.
Provider of information.
Home touring buddy.
Confidant.
Friend.

I’m more than just your Realtor!

06/18/2021

When looking at a potential home, don’t forget to check your surroundings. Note the type of neighborhood and proximity to amenities. Is this a community where you can envision yourself living? Stop by during different days and times to get a better idea of what the area is like.

Do you prefer noisy, big city living or do you love the quiet of nature? 🏙🏔

Do you want to live near grocery stores, retail establishments or a coffee shop? ☕️

We serve the entire Southwestern Illinois region and know the area well. Have questions about the perfect neighborhood for your needs? Let’s discuss!