As the new year rolls in, we end an unprecedented year for the stock market and paradoxically, one of the slowest volume years on record for real estate transactions. The volatile trifecta of inflation, high interest rates, and low inventory continues to keep the housing market more frozen than not, with little relief in sight for 2025. Ironically, both the good news and the bad news is that the U.S. economy continues to be strong, which is keeping inflation on the sticky side, and thus, interest rates higher than desired. With that in mind, here's what you should know about housing predictions for 2025, as per Fannie Mae: … [Read more...] about What You Should Know About Housing Predictions for 2025
Realtor Resources
Quick and Easy Social Media Strategies to Live By
Ah, social media. Whether the term fills you with dread or joy, it's a critical part of marketing for any business. But as with most things, there isn't a one-size-fits all when it comes to social media marketing for real estate. Because real estate is all about building relationships through market savvy and customer service, your social media marketing needs to hit to those targets. Following are quick and easy social media strategies to live by: … [Read more...] about Quick and Easy Social Media Strategies to Live By
A Quick Explanation of the Clear Cooperation Policy
If you've been paying attention to recent industry news then you'll be familiar with the latest kerfuffle in the real estate world: Clear Cooperation. In 2020 the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) adopted a national policy known as Clear Cooperation. On its surface, it was a response to further answer the call for fair housing. But it also came with a number of strings attached, most notably the mandate to put all new listings on the MLS or face stiff fines and penalties. Now that NAR has inextricably landed in the high beams of the DOJ, it's not surprising that the policy of Clear Cooperation has come under its scrutiny. And more notable still is the amount of disagreement--both for and against the policy--among industry professionals. So if you're scratching your head and wondering … [Read more...] about A Quick Explanation of the Clear Cooperation Policy
How to Make the Most of the New Rules on Your Next Listing Presentation
The NAR Settlement went into effect on August 17th, but has been making headlines for the last year. Brought about by several class-action lawsuits and with the weight of the DOJ behind it, the Settlement has effectively changed the way that agents get paid and by whom. As the new reality sets in there still remains a lot of confusion. Keep in mind the new rules* are designed to do several things: Relieve sellers from the obligation of paying commission to the buyer's agent; prohibit advertising an offer of compensation on the MLS; and make it harder for agents to steer clients based on commission amounts. The goal is total transparency. As the new rules relate to the business of listings, your best way forward is to face this head on. Here's how to make the most of the new rules on your … [Read more...] about How to Make the Most of the New Rules on Your Next Listing Presentation
How to Make the Most of the New Rules on Your Next Open House
The new commission rules as per the NAR Settlement in mid August are now in full force. It's impressive to see how most agents are nimbly navigating and evolving to meet the new requirements and do business as usual. Now more than ever it's important to develop a mindset that embraces - and makes the most of - the still-new commission rules. One effective way to do this is to double-down on your next Open House. The Open House marketplace can create opportunities to bring in more qualified buyers. Although the new commission rules add the burden of ever-increasing paperwork, it's possible to turn those lemons into lemonade. Here's how to make the most of the new rules on your next Open House: … [Read more...] about How to Make the Most of the New Rules on Your Next Open House