Michelle Magnus Brown

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

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

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”

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