Today's real estate landscape is radically evolving due to the recent NAR Settlement. This is particularly true for how you as an agent working with buyers should handle the newly mandated Buyer Agreement (abbreviation in this article will be BA). Although BAs are not new, they were often overlooked in practice, except in some states that required them by law. As a result of the NAR Settlement, BAs will now be required for all "MLS participants" that are "working with" buyers. Come August, you as a buyer's agent must have your buyers sign an agreement of compensation before you can show them homes. And the biggest change is that it is now the buyer's responsibility to pay you directly, rather than the seller. This represents a radical change in the industry which has for decades placed … [Read more...] about How to Leverage the New Buyer Agreements
How to Market Yourself for Best Results in 2024
As a real estate professional working strictly on commission, you are your own rainmaker. Coming on the tail of foundational changes in the real estate industry, this can feel more daunting than ever. By and large, successful agents are hard workers and earn every penny of their commission. In addition to bringing in new business, finessing relationships, and negotiating contracts, there is also the critical need to consistently and constantly market yourself. Marketing is about maximum visibility to past, present and future clients and it's a must for any business. Sadly, it's often the first thing to go when things get busy or lean. But it's at exactly those times when you need to lean in to your marketing program. Here's how to market yourself for best results in 2024: … [Read more...] about How to Market Yourself for Best Results in 2024
How to Break Into the Listing Game
More than ever, success in real estate hinges on mastering your role as a listing agent. As the saying goes, "list to last." Once you are able to build your reputation as the go-to for sellers in your neighborhood, you will see your business snowball. Future sellers will see your yard signs, note how long it takes for the "pending" rider to fall into place, and act accordingly. Getting that first listing can seem monumental, but accomplishing that--and more importantly, the timely sale that goes along with it--will literally transform your business. Following is how to break into the listing game: … [Read more...] about How to Break Into the Listing Game
Everything You Need to Understand About the Coming “Silver Tsunami”
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