Whether the housing market is hot or cold or somewhere in between, consistently practicing solid real estate basics will ensure your success as an agent. But what does it mean to “get back to basics” in real estate? Following is a blueprint that outlines the basics of real estate that never go out of style regardless of market dynamics. … [Read more...] about Get Back to Basics in Real Estate
How to Avoid Buyer Back-Outs in a Cooling Housing Market
Gone are the days of contracts being written without inspection contingencies. As the housing market continues to cool, more and more homes that were once in contract are now “back on market.” The main driver of this latest trend is the impact higher mortgage rates are having on affordability. Higher rates can add hundreds of extra dollars to a monthly loan payment. In addition to higher mortgage rates, many buyers are questioning the timing of their purchase and some are looking for any excuse to get out of the deal. Following are tips on how to avoid buyer back-outs in a cooling housing market. These practices will help eliminate surprises and keep your deal moving forward to closing. … [Read more...] about How to Avoid Buyer Back-Outs in a Cooling Housing Market
Make the Most of a Home Warranty with “Options”
If you’re an experienced real estate agent, then you are well aware of the incredible value a home warranty offers to your clients. In addition to being a great closing gift, a home warranty protects your clients. It also helps to protect you if anything goes wrong after closing. Want more reasons to "touch" clients? A home warranty provides numerous opportunities to stay front and center of your clients. This ensures you will be the first one they go to when they are ready to buy or sell again. And as we all know, repeat business and word of mouth are what separate highly successful agents from agents that barely get by. With that in mind, go one step further and make the most of a home warranty with “options.” … [Read more...] about Make the Most of a Home Warranty with “Options”
Be the Local Market Expert
As real estate agents enter an increasingly tight market, learning what it takes to be the local market expert will set you above the fray. Inventory is up, there are more real estate agents than ever, and qualified buyers are more able to pick and choose. Be the local market expert, and the buyers that are still looking and able to purchase will pick you over the rest. … [Read more...] about Be the Local Market Expert
Validating Your Commission
In the face of ever-increasing discount brokerages, it's understandable that sellers may question your commission amount. And they may even ask for a discount. As such, expect this topic to come up, and don’t be tongue-tied when it does. Be prepared to fully articulate the services you offer. Validating your commission to your sellers is part of the real estate business, and you want to respond in a respectful but confident manner when the issue comes up. Understand that sellers may tally up the numbers and conclude that your commission is excessive. As such, make sure you can prove your worth when it comes to commission. … [Read more...] about Validating Your Commission