General articles on the life

Just for you

Choosing The Best Realtor

Article by James Murr

In today’s turbulent real estate market, it has never been more important to select the realtor that will best represent the interests of the client. In a marketplace filled with opportunity, valuable tax incentives and fluctuating values, proven experience, integrity, market awareness and outstanding communication skills are essential. No client can afford to compromise on these qualities. Real estate acquisitions and sales are too significant to place in the care of inexperienced, unproven realtors.

Whether dealing with a commercial or residential property transaction, the client should verify that the realtor is a member in good standing with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This membership assures the client of the realtor’s commitment to educational programs and compliance with standards of ethical conduct and cooperation. The National Association of Realtors has been instrumental in developing and implementing high ethical standards of conduct throughout the industry.

In addition to enrollment with the NAR, the realtor that can best locate and list for sale either residential or commercial properties will be a member of a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a regional marketplace that is designed to assure clients of maximum exposure to available properties and the cooperation of many other real estate companies. Whether buying or selling, clients should insist that the realtor be a member of the local Multiple Listing Service.

It is important to recognize that the term realtor refers to the agency itself. Realtors, or real estate brokers, retain agents that list, sell and lease real estate, on behalf of the realtor. However, the realtor is responsible for the activity and conduct of its agents, the company’s marketing plans and the interaction with other cooperating brokerages. Selecting a proven and reputable realtor can maximize the sale of a real estate property and assure the buyer of making an informed choice.

Real estate marketing has changed dramatically in the past few years. The industry has been impacted by the advent of enhanced MLS services that have made properties available for review on the internet. A recent survey showed that nearly 70% of residential homebuyers began their search on the internet. In today’s marketplace, the best realtors have fine-tuned internet strategies, marketing plans and communication programs that keep their agents, their listings and their clients abreast of activity as it occurs.

Programs such as virtual tours and digital photography can do much to enhance the visibility of listings and can be supplemented with the availability of aerial photographs, tax documents and copies of deeds and disclosure statements. Good realtors are capitalizing on the public’s desire for internet access by creating web logs for listings, agents and relevant projects.

As important as the internet is to overall real estate marketing, it is imperative to select a realtor with outstanding communication capabilities. There is no reason for a realtor to miss a call or be unaware of market activity as it happens. The best realtors understand the importance of being on top of the market at all times and are always available to their clients. With advances in new telephone systems, buyers and sellers alike will benefit from a relationship with a realtor who is always at the ready.

Traditional real estate marketing activities, like signs, brochures, flyers, business cards and even Open Houses still have value in the marketplace. Good realtors incorporate these standards with new-age technology to maximize exposure and facilitate the purchase and sale process.

All sound realtors are current on mortgage markets. Many of the best realtors have direct lines of access to lending institutions and programs. In today’s marketplace, clients should examine the realtor’s knowledge and connections to the financing arm of the industry. A realtor’s ability to connect buyers and sellers to suitable financing can have a big impact o a property’s marketability and can help bring transactions together easily.

Top 5 Things to Look For in a Realtor

Article by Tony Mandarich

Finding a good realtor is tough. There are billions of real estate agents listed online making the decision difficult. So how do you know who is reputable and who isn’t? What makes a good realtor? Before you dive into the process of finding a successful realtor follow these five easy tips, then start your search. With these tips as a guide, then it shall be a cinch to find the realtor suitable for you.

1. Find a realtor that knows the area. There are many realtors who have no idea about the area they are selling. They are not familiar with the neighborhood, territory, the pros and cons making it difficult for the realtor to provide a true insight regarding a certain region. Many realtors did not grow up in the area they are showing, and relay generic information you are able to discover yourself online. Therefore, find a realtor that grew up and/or lives in the same area. A realtor active in the community you desire to live is able to supply ample knowledge regarding traffic, driving routes, if the area is suitable for kids, schooling system, parking, shopping, etc…

2.Verify the realtor’s reputation. No matter if you are searching for commercial or residential real estate, you should verify the realtor is in good standing with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Also, check the local chapter of the NAR ensuring the realtor is legitimate, doesn’t have any negative marks against him/her, and is a stand-up real estate agent. You do not wish to begin your home search without this essential step done first. In addition, ask for references. Ask to speak with past clients. If the realtor is successful, then it should not be a problem to ask past buyers/sellers regarding a specific agent.

3.Choose a realtor with internet, mobile and interactive communication capabilities. Realtors today utilize the internet, cell phones, emails, and other various accessible devices. You do not wish to be limited during your search. Searching for a home takes time and money. Thus, choose a realtor that uses all methods of communication. For if you are out of town and do not wish to put a halt to the house hunting, then a realtor capable of sending you interactive video, photos, listings, etc…directly to your email and/or cell phone is key to the progression of the search.

4.Find a realtor that is a MLS user. MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service (MLS). It is a tool real estate professionals use to find residential and commercial locations for clients. MLS is able to breakdown searches by school districts, cities, zip codes, streets and more. You are able to make it as detailed or as a broad of a search as you like and MLS helps you achieve this goal.

5.Choose a realtor that is accessible to you even when appointments aren’t scheduled. It is a tough market for realtors right now and for a realtor to remain on top, then he/she should be accessible via cell phone during reasonable hours of the day and/or early evening. Every realtor wishing to be the best at what they do understands it is imperative to be reachable after 5 P.M. Thus, find a realtor compatible with your hours and make sure he/she is able to be reached even if not during traditional bank hours.

Realtors and Home Builders: If You Knew a Sure-Fire Tactic to Generate More Sales- Would You use it?

Article by Rick Storlie

I’ve been teaching quite a bit of real estate continuing education of late and have noticed there is still a HUGE chasm between Realtors® and builders.

So here’s the questions…

How can Realtors® leverage builders to increase their business in 2010?

How can builders increase their co-op Realtor® sales?

Building relationships with Realtors® and builders is the fastest, easiest way to build your business. Here’s how to do it.

~Rick

Cracking the Realtor®/Builder Code
Every time I teach a real estate continuing education class I always ask this question…

“How many of you derive 5 – 15% of your income from representing buyers in new home sales?”

The statistics are pretty consistent…about 5%!

That means 95% of Realtors® AND builders are leaving money on the table.

Here’s what Realtors® are telling me about WHY they aren’t comfortable with builders…

1. They don’t trust builders. Either they’ve been burned by a client going directly to a builder or have heard a story about it in their office.
2. They don’t understand the building process. It’s hard to admit but Realtors® don’t feel comfortable working with builders because they don’t understand the process.
3. They don’t think of it. Most brokerages don’t have a training program that deals with buyer representation in new construction. Out of sight and out of mind.
4. They don’t want to wait to get paid. Would you? Let’s see…you can sell a used home and get paid in 45 days or wait 6 months to get paid for a build. Tough choice, isn’t it!
5. They don’t realize new homes are available in the area they’re showing homes. Most Realtors® don’t realize infill possibilities exist. Most aren’t aware of remodeling options and renovation financing either.

Now I’m sure there are more reasons but these are the top 5 I’m hearing on a consistent basis.

Builders Pay Attention

Because 85 – 95% of all transactions in any particular market are used- builders need Realtors® a lot more than Realtors® need builders.

Here’s the top mistakes I see builders making when it comes to working with Realtors®…

1. Paying the builders representative a higher commission if no outside Realtor® is involved. And how is this set up supposed to foster better cooperation?
2. Making the client registration process difficult. Have registration forms available at your model, office and on your website. Phone calls are just fine for temporary registrations too.
3. Relying on the MLS for your Realtor® business. Relationships, not showings will build your Realtor® business. Remember Mr. Builder, you need them more than they need you. You have to put your best foot forward to get these relationships going.
4. Treating the co-op fee as a commission. The 2-4% you pay out, Mr. Builder, is not a commission- it’s a marketing fee. The best news is you don’t pay a dime of it unless the sale is made.
5. Offering to take 2-4% off the price since the buyer doesn’t have a Realtor®. Look, I work in the trenches with my clients and I know how tight deals are today. But the minute you utter these words to your buyer and they get back to the Realtor® community- it’s the kiss of death. AND think about it- unless 100% of your sales are with cooperating Realtors®, you don’t have a 2-4% co-op fee built in on every sale.

“So herein lies our problem- Realtors® and builders keep traditional mind sets and no new business relationships are fostered. Well, is that good enough for you in 2010?”
Fresh Opportunities for the New Economy

Realtors® and Builders can’t continue the oil and water relationships of the past. Each needs a new avenue for business and both have something the other wants.

I’ve developed a list of “best practices” for Realtors® and builders. It’s called Cracking the Realtor®/Builder Code- 10 Sure-Fire Tactics to Jack up Your Sales.

This list is based on direct feedback from Realtors®, builders and builder sales representatives.

http://nhsalescoach.com/free-sales-resources.html#salestools2

What about Your Thoughts?

Am I missing anything?

What are some of the successful relationships you have fostered with Realtors or builders?

We all have our horror stories of the past but that won’t help anyone grow their business today. I look forward to hearing what you think! Leave a comment below.

Happy Selling!

Rick Storlie

P.S. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Realtor and have never sold a new home or are a seasoned builder representative. You need to change the way you approach working with each other.

http://nhsalescoach.com/free-sales-resources.html#salestools2

Discount Realtor A Better Option

Article by Shawn Jim

Discount realtors can be a great option to reduce the expense of full-service realtor commissions from the sale of a home that typically range in the amount of six percent of the sale price for which a home sells. Before using a discount realtor, homeowners must consider that using a discount realtor will not save them the full commission price. Discount realtor services range in price from a flat fee mls service to lower percentage rates depending on the services the seller wants. Lower commissions or fees means less service so that the homeowner must determine services he or she is willing to forfeit for savings in commission costs.

Getting a for sale by owner listed on a flat fee mls service is the best way for homeowners to get the word out about their home for sale to realtors. Whether a local or a flat fee mls service covering a larger geographic area, only flat fee realtors can get homes listed on these services. There are flat-fee services that permit for sale by owner to get their names on a multiple listing service through a realtor that can range in price usually around $ 100. Therefore, having your for sale by owner home listed on a multiple listing service is not sufficient justification for signing a contract with a traditional realtor.

By having a for sale by owner home on a flat fee mls service other realtors will bring home buyers into your home. If another realtor brings in a buyer, the homeowner will have to pay a commission to that selling realtor. This is important for sellers to remember because it means that they will be saving half the commission they would have paid using a full-service realtor rather than the full amount.

Flat fee realtors offer many of the same types of document services that full-service realtors provide including binder and contract documentation. Realtors that assist with this documentation also range in providing document services for less than traditional rates or for flat rates. Because contracts used by flat fee realtors are typically fill-in-the-blank documents, sellers can often obtain such a document on their own and the provision of such a contract would not in itself justify commission paid to a realtor. Sellers can also use an attorney for the contract for the sale. Receiving the down payment at the time of the contract signing which is typically about 10 percent of the purchase price will require that a homeowner have a realtor or attorney or escrow agent to hold the down payment money. Other documentation from title searches to mortgage documents are typically handled by professionals in those fields and as long as a seller is using a checklist to make certain necessary documentation is obtained for a closing, a realtor is not a necessary part of assembling this paperwork. Arranging closings and contacting appropriate parties will also likely be part of a for sale by owner’s job when a discount broker is used.

The most significant area that distinguishes full-service flat fee realtors from the range of full-service realtors is in the area of marketing the home. From signs to advertisements in media to screening buyers and bringing in traffic, realtors advertise that their services will save a seller hassle and effort in getting an interested buyer. This is a judgment call that each seller must make for him or herself. Showing a home, making appointments for buyers to see your home and determining the ability of a buyer to pay for your home can be time-consuming work that may be worth the additional expense. On the other hand, discount realtor services are thriving because many people do not believe that realtors live up to their promises about providing these specific marketing services.

Realtor marketing past, present and future

Article by Bill Nadraszky

I am not sure about anything in Realtor marketing before the 70′s but I have been thinking over the last couple of days about what has been, and what is, and what will be in the future for Realtor marketing. This will probably be a multi part post as I am not sure exactly how long I will be able to go on for with each post.

First of all, back in the 70′s many Realtors where using geographic farming techniques or just talking to friends and neighbors. The real organized way to do Realtor Marketing at the time was to find a small geographic area and walk around knocking on doors. This was a very effective method that still works although the original idea was diluted by losing the knowledge of the area and instead getting a larger and larger farm market. There is nothing wrong with geographic farming and I know of many Realtors that make it work still although I believe that it is not nearly as effective as it once was for a few reasons.

First of all geographic farming is time consuming in an area of 500 homes and most Realtors have tried to increase the size but have to reduce their effectiveness. How do Realtors do this? Well most of the time the Realtor will instead of door knocking and getting their face out will instead phone through an area and either before or after send a newsletter or a notepad or some thing else. I know that it works but it the personal feel of the Realtor coming to the house has been lost in a way.

Second there are many more Realtors know then there ever have been. As home prices have skyrocketed the number of Realtors has skyrocketed as well. Trouble is sales have not kept up and the average Realtor makes just over 30,000 dollars a year. I know that becoming a Realtor is a bit of a fad and I am sure like any other market things will equalize over the coming years I am not really sure what is going to change that. If you are a Realtor now and facing this huge number of Realtor issue then you must set yourself apart by using Realtor Marketing in a different way.

In the 80′s more and more Realtors had started doing Realtor marketing by using the phone to do farming and databases were just starting to get into place so that Realtors could access past, present and future clients could be easily mailed to and contacted. Again this was a very successful method of marketing but as the 90′s started and especially late in the 90′s as Act, Maximizer and Top Producer became popular as Realtor marketing tools and cheap enough for many Realtors to be able to afford. The type of Realtor Marketing that had earlier been very successful become oversaturated and lost its initial effectiveness. I am sure that this method has become less and less effective but is still popular and easy to do for most Realtors. I know of some Realtors that will mail a letter a day to expireds for two weeks or Realtors sending some kind of mailing to past clients every two weeks.

Now that we are into the internet age and with access to MLS info only a mouse click away Realtor marketing has again changed. If you are looking to make a difference then you must again go back to the way that Realtors worked in the 70′s and that the most successful Realtors have worked over the last few years.. No, I do not mean go door knocking but instead make sure that you are getting into the customers head by being likeable, trustworthy and top of mind by being a person and not just a voice on the phone or a signature on a letter or email.

It is more important now more than ever to be sure to use technology and to personalize your service. I believe that the best was to do this is to have a website that speaks in your own words and follow that up with a weblog that talks about not only real estate and contains Realtor marketing but also personal stories that create an aura of being a real person instead of just a salesperson.

Making sure you and your realtor really click

Article by Playa del Carmen

Property transactions can be highly stressful. There are endless hoops to jump through from property appraisals to credit checks, and each hoop seems to have a deadline that must be met. Any delays may cost extra time and money. To ease the stress in these transactions, people often solicit the help of a realtor to guide them through the process. In order for a realtor to really ease the stress though, he or she really needs to know your wants and needs. So, make sure you and your realtor really click by making yourself really clear.

The best way to make sure that you and your realtor are working well together is to be very clear very often about your needs. A realtor is working for you, so they should get lots of feedback on how they are doing based on your expectations.

An important thing for the realtor to understand right away is what your budget is. Be sure that you have properly evaluated your finances before you solicit a realtor. It can be very frustrating to work with a realtor if she is constantly finding property that is either too low or too high on the pricing scale. Your realtor really needs to understand what price range you are looking for, so give him the high end and the low end figure of what you want.

Make sure the realtor knows your needs. If you have four kids and a dog, and the realtor doesn’t know it, he might research homes with only two bedrooms and cause a lot of wasted time and frustration. So let the realtor know from the beginning what you need. Also, if you are looking for a vacation home, be sure that the realtor knows that. A vacation home may need a lot less storage space or a smaller yard. Perhaps you need to let the realtor know that you don’t want much of a yard because you don’t like doing yard work. No matter what the preferences or needs are, be sure that the realtor knows and understands all of the details.

It may be a good idea to let the realtor know your feelings about timing. If you really want to work well with your realtor, she needs to know if you are interested in a quick sell or a sell in a few months. Also, what is more important timing or pricing? Maybe you already have another home picked out and you want to sell quickly before the new home is bought by someone else. The realtor needs to know this to really work well for you. On the other hand, perhaps you are most interested in getting exactly the price that you are asking for. It may take extra time, but you are willing to wait for it. If that is the case, let the realtor know.

To be honest, if you don’t specify what you want, the realtor will likely do whatever is in his best interest. Maybe the realtor needs another sell this month to meet goals or make commissions. He may sell your home for a lower price to get the commission sooner. Or maybe the realtor is overloaded right now and really can’t devote the time to your listing but takes it anyway. Since it is your money hiring the realtor, be sure to let her know what you want so that you and your realtor can really work well together.

You will also want to be specific with your realtor about how to show your home, especially if you are still living in it. If you need extra heads-up when the realtor wants to stop by with potential buyers, be specific about that. If you are uncomfortable being there when people come to look at your house, tell the realtor. Maybe you are worried about having a lot of random people walking through your home; tell the realtor that you want people to be pre-qualified to make sure that they are serious buyers and not just gawking.

Basically, to really make sure that you and your realtor are really clicking you need to make yourself really clear. Let the realtor know all of your wants, needs, and expectations. After all, you are hiring this person to work for you!

Choosing the Right San Diego Realtor for YOU!

Article by John Harris

Whether buying or selling a home, it is one of the largest financial events that happens only a few times within your life. That makes choosing a realtor just as important and a crucial decision that can add to the stressful event or make it smoother and easier. So, choose your realtor as carefully as you would choose your doctor or attorney.

The first step in choosing the RIGHT realtor is to ask your friends, neighbors, acquaintances and business associates for recommendations. Ask them why they liked the realtor, what kind of service he/she provided, and would they use him/her again? Do not consider recommendations of their relatives — it is doubtful that you are getting an accurate perspective on the realtor.

If you did not get several truly exemplary recommendations, then drive throughout your neighborhood and check the “for sale” signs, especially those with “Sold” stuck across them. Note the realtor names. Also, check out real estate, display and classified advertising in your newspaper and local neighborhood paper. Which realtors have the most listings? Which have the largest or most display ads with photos of the homes? Note the realtor names.

By now, you should have a good list of potential realtors. It is time to check them out. Attend at least one open house for each realtor you are considering. Observe them in action and judge their expertise. Are they professional — or do they come across as a “used car salesman”? How familiar is the realtor with the property he/she is selling? After you leave, make detailed notes of your observations and how you felt about the realtor.

If you only used the recommendations of others, now check the advertising in the newspaper and neighborhood media for the realtors in which you are interested. Do the drive through of your neighborhood to see how many sold signs these realtors have. Make notes of how visible these realtors are and their marketing efforts.

Next, choose your top three realtor selections. It is better if they are from different companies, ensuring they will work harder for your business. Call all three and set appointments. For sellers, make the appointment in your home and let them know you would like an estimate of your home’s market value. For buyers, let them know you would like them to determine how much you can afford to pay for a home. Be sure they know that you are meeting with two other realtors and will not make your decision until you have met with all three.

During each interview, take detailed notes on the realtors’ presentations. Note any thoughts you have. Ask the following questions, along with any you may have:

* For sellers –
o How will they sell your home? What are their marketing plans? Are they customized to your listing?
o How many years have they been a full-time realtor? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will be giving your listing his/her full attention.
o What is their sales record? This includes their production level, rating, closed rate, expired rate on listings, and average time listings have been on the market before selling within the last year.
o Are they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?
o What level of technology will they use to promote your listing — web sites, virtual tours, online photo galleries, and so on?
o What services do they provide from the time of listing your home to the end of the closing?
o What are their communication procedures with you from listing through closing?
o Do they provide working relationships with local inspectors, appraisers, and real estate attorneys?
o Will they help you “stage” you home for showing. This is a walk-through of the property, suggesting things that should be repaired, renovated or changed to improve your pricing for the home. It also includes things that would “show” the home better. For example, too much furniture adds a clutter affect, making rooms look smaller. The realtor may suggest storing some of your furniture until after the sale.
o How did they arrive at the results of their marketing analysis? Ask for the actual addresses of any homes they used for comparison.
* For buyers –
o What services do they provide from the time you contract with them through the closing?
o How many years have they been a full-time agent? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will give his/her full attention to finding you a home.
o Are they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?
o What are their communication procedures with you during your search for a home through closing?
o What level of technology and research methods will they use to locate potential homes for you to view?
o What is their production level and rating? How many satisfied buyers in the past 12 months?
o Do they provide working relationships with inspectors, appraisers, title search companies/attorneys, and real estate attorneys for contracting and the closing? Can they suggest mortgage lenders, if you need one?
o Do they network with other realtors in the area? Sometimes, such relationships may afford you a viewing before a property is “officially” listed, giving your first view.

Tell the realtors that you will make a decision and contact them in the next day or two.

After all interviews are completed, note the following:

* Who gave you the most usable information?
* For sellers, the market value for your home should be in similar ranges for all three realtors Note if someone is unusually high. They may be only trying to get your listing with the idea of talking your price down later. Also, drive by the homes they used for market value comparison. Which realtors compared apples to apples, and which compared apples to oranges?
* For buyers, your buying potential (what you can afford to pay for a new home) should be in the same range for all three realtors. If a realtor is much higher or lower than the others, note this. You may even call him/her to inquire about the difference and how they arrived at the amount?
* Who answered your questions with genuine sincerity?
* Who genuinely appeared most excited about your home and its sale?
* Who truly listened, and who did not?
* Which realtor seemed to be the best fit for you?

Choosing a poor realtor can turn an already stressful event into a nightmare with ramifications that you must live with for years to come. Choosing the right realtor can make the experience a dream come true and a totally satisfying event. Selling or buying a home is stressful enough. Be sure you do not choose a realtor that is going to add to that stress.

1964 Mary Poppins board game-Complete, original, colorful!

Jeezle Pete's Trivia thon Board Game NewSealed LoTsAfUn

US $12.50
End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 22:03:35 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $12.50
Buy it now | Add to watch list

Hasbro Clue Carnival Board Game Sealed 5+ Missing Prize
US $8.95
End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 22:03:36 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $8.95
Buy it now | Add to watch list

LOT of 12 Win/Mac CD Rom Board Game Titles Jeopardy, LIFE, & more FREE SHIPPING
US $15.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 22:03:44 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $19.99
Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

School Board President Offers To Pay For Insurance Coverage For Clarkstown Cup

School Board President Offers To Pay For Insurance Coverage For Clarkstown Cup
“I don't believe the school board should be taking on that precedent.” The May 12 inaugural event of the foundation will be held at Clarkstown South High School and includes baseball, softball and lacrosse games and tennis matches plus field day events …
Read more on Patch.com

Teens: You don't need money to have fun
If you're looking for a more interactive form of entertainment inside, try dusting off one of the many board games you surely have stashed away somewhere. Maybe a little outdated, right? But who doesn't enjoy Monopoly or putting together a puzzle?
Read more on San Jose Mercury News

Do You Suffer From Kickstarter FOMO?
I frequently cruise the Board and Card Games section, and I like to poke around to see what projects are near me in Portland. Oh, and of course there are the emails that Kickstarter sends out, too, plugging their “Projects We Love.
Read more on Wired News

State workers join national cancer study

State workers join national cancer study
By Cathleen F. Crowley New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav R. Shah has a blood sample taken as he enrolls in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study. Several state unions participating in a recruitment campaign for the cancer …
Read more on Albany Times Union

Skin cancer: women have a 30% edge
By Reuters Women diagnosed with melanoma are more likely to survive the skin cancer than men and less likely to have it recur, according to a European study. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, support research showing that …
Read more on Independent Online

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers use mathematics to fight cancer
Using mathematical models, researchers in the Integrated Mathematical Oncology (IMO) program at Moffitt Cancer Center are focusing their research on the interaction between the tumor and its microenvironment and the "selective forces" in that …
Read more on Science Codex