The "Silver Tsunami" describes what could be a massive home turn-over created by Baby Boomers as they age out. The numbers are impressive: The US Census Bureau estimates a population of 73 million people aged 65 and older. Some predict this could radically alter the housing supply landscape. But others argue this coming wave won't help housing supply much. The Baby Boomer generation spans nearly twenty years and thus homes that come to market will not appear all at once. Still, whether it's a tsunami or a long, rideable wave, market expert Meredith Whitney (who successfully predicted the 2008 crash), believes the wave could hit this year. That begs the question: What will this mean for real estate in the United States and how can you prepare for the wave that's coming? Following is … [Read more...] about Everything You Need to Understand About the Coming “Silver Tsunami”
10 Easy Ways to Make Earth Day Everyday
Our life and our happiness depend on our planet being clean and healthy. That’s what April’s annual celebration of Earth Day is all about. But Earth Day isn’t just about remembering our planet one day a year…..we need to honor Earth Day everyday. Here are 10 easy ways to make Earth Day everyday: … [Read more...] about 10 Easy Ways to Make Earth Day Everyday
NAR in a Nutshell: How the Surprise Settlement Could Impact Agents
Over the last several years we've seen one class-action lawsuit after another filed against the Chicago-based National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and its member brokerages. This also includes a legal battle with the US Department of Justice for anti-trust allegations. It now appears a settlement was reached several weeks ago on March 15, 2024. The surprise $418 million dollar settlement calls for NAR to eliminate decades-old commission rules and establish new rules for the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) participation. Changes are expected to be finalized sometime in July 2024 but consumers are already wanting answers. As such you must be prepared to answer questions from both sellers and buyers. Following is how the surprise settlement could impact you and your fellow agents: … [Read more...] about NAR in a Nutshell: How the Surprise Settlement Could Impact Agents
SELL FOR HIGHEST AND BEST WITH THESE HOME STAGING TIPS
Housing inventory remains at all time lows and interest rates are still a challenge. But as we move into spring, it's looking like buyers have accepted these hurdles as the "new normal." Today's house hunters are coming off the sidelines, realizing that waiting to jump in may mean losing their perfect house. With that said, most buyers still expect homes to be move-in ready with a model-home look. Being the smart, on-the-ball real estate professional that you are, you know that staging done well makes all the difference. Don't skimp on staging and ensure your clients get top dollar. Sell for highest and best with these home staging tips: … [Read more...] about SELL FOR HIGHEST AND BEST WITH THESE HOME STAGING TIPS
What is AREA and What You Should Know About It
Clever acronym aside, AREA is not a place but rather a newly created entity to the real estate industry. It stands for "American Real Estate Association" and its ambition is to offer real estate agents a professional trade organization alternative to NAR (National Association of Realtors®). Officially launched in January 2024 at Inman Connect, AREA offers a choice to brokerages and agents concerned by current legal challenges taking place in the NAR organization. Following is the skinny on who is AREA and what should you know about it: … [Read more...] about What is AREA and What You Should Know About It