Steady employment and economic growth, pent-up demand, affordable home prices and attractive mortgage rates will keep the housing market on a gradual upward trend in 2016. However, persistent headwinds related to shortages and availability of lots and labor, along with rising materials prices are impeding a more robust recovery, according to economists who participated in a recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Fall Construction …

REPOST: Housing Recovery to Pick Up Steam in 2016, but Challenges Remain Read more »

Autumn is typically known as the time of year when housing activity starts to slow down. Generally, home sales tend to be very robust in spring and summer, then begin to soften somewhat during the autumn and winter months. The slowdown begins in the fall because school is starting, and families with kids would rather not move during this time. Mortgage rates likely won’t change …

The Fall Housing Market Read more »

Recent stock market volatility and seasonal trends may give buyers better financial options and more time to make purchase decisions entering the fall. August data remains positive with regard to overall housing health as both demand and supply continue to grow. This year we are seeing inventory continue to grow in August, and while overall demand is strong, the trend in median days on market …

Fluctuating Stock Marketing and Seasonal Shifts Offer Hope for Home Buyers Read more »

Congrats! You’ve spent days, weeks or maybe even months trying and now it’s confirmed — you’re expecting (a listing). There are hundreds of books, blogs and coaches who have given their best advice about what to do when you land a listing lead, but you’re a busy expectant REALTOR® so we’ve gathered the best advice below. Here’s our foolproof guide for how to acknowledge, prep …

What To Expect When You’re Expecting A Listing Read more »

5 tips to make the most of these market conditions: Get invested. Not with money—with your time. Over and over, the successful agents we see are truly invested in something specific, something they have a passion for. Whether it’s community sports, a church, local schools or politics, these agents have inserted themselves into the equation and are a visible presence in their community. Diversify marketing …

5 tips to make the most of these market conditions Read more »

Owners of homes at the bottom of the market are trapped underwater on their mortgages even as the real estate market continues to recover. That’s because low-end homes—the most likely to be upside-down—are losing value. At the peak of the real estate crisis, more than 15 million homeowners owed more on their mortgages than their homes were worth, putting them in negative equity. Foreclosures, short …

Underwater Homeowners Sink Deeper, Even as Home Values Rise Read more »

Today’s real estate agents have countless ways to get their faces and names in front of prospective buyers or sellers, from paid advertising to social media to community involvement and much, much more. Most of you craft some combination of elements to fit your style and target audience. You use Facebook, send emails, buy ads and do a hundred little things that help your prospects …

For Real Estate Success, Always Bring The Value Read more »

Real estate pros are in the business of selling, which is why generating leads is the lifeblood of a successful career. The challenge is, in the seller’s market we are currently in, finding new leads is not always easy. The 2014 NAR Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers reported that 70 percent of home sellers only contacted one agent before selecting the one to assist with …

Tips for Generating Seller Leads Read more »

I have been involved in literally thousands of negotiations over the years. Over that time, I have learned that there are five key factors that play a very large role in determining the success of a negotiation. If at all possible, the buyer and seller should never negotiate directly. Nothing good can come from this! It’s all downside with little potential upside; The less surprises …

5 Key Factors To A Sucessful Negotiation Read more »

1. Dirty or cluttered homes: OK, you’ve probably heard this one before so it’s not that surprising, but it’s a big deal. It can’t be overstated how important it is to keep your home spotless for a showing. No visible dirt or disarray, and above all, no smells. Keep buyers focused on your home, not on your messes. 2. Wallpaper: Universal truth: Homebuyers hate wallpaper. …

5 Surprising Homebuyer Turnoffs Read more »