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Help Homebuyers Prepare for Life’s Stages

Barbara Ballinger [Demographic-based grouping], Buyers, Consumer, Customer Service 1 Comment

By: Barbara Ballinger Homeowners’ needs change as they ramble through life. One minute a two-story house with a landscaped yard fits their family’s needs. Before too long, they’re empty nesters who find it hard to navigate stairs and handle maintenance. They begin contemplating a condo with a small deck. Help your buyers match the type of house that will bring …

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5 Financial Solutions for First-Time Buyers

Blog Contributor Buyers, Financing & Credit, Working with Clients 1 Comment

By: Wendy Rose Gould It’s no secret that housing costs have become increasingly expensive over the past few years, and there’s no sign of a drastic market change anytime soon. Hopeful first-time buyers are arguably experiencing the crunch more than anyone else, with many feeling like their long-held dream of purchasing real estate is simply out of reach. What clients …

The kids are eager to help with all the moving

Help Clients Avoid Moving Scams

Blog Contributor Buyers, consumers, Sellers, Working with Clients 5 Comments

By Anita Clark Moving scams are real and if you or your clients have ever been victimized, you know how difficult the frustration and struggle is to get your property. While real estate agents are typically not involved in the moving aspect of home relocation, they can provide advice or even provide a list of potential sources to make the …

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What You Need to Know About Condo Sales

Marcelo Steinmander Buyers, Condominiums 3 Comments

By: Marcelo Steinmander Contrary to what you might think or have been told (or read somewhere), buying a condominium unit is not complicated. If done right, the transaction should feel similar to buying other residential real estate. True, there are specifics to take into consideration with condos that should not be ignored, but none of them should make the process …

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Where Are ‘All the Single Ladies’ in the Real Estate Market?

Lee Davenport, Ph.D Buyers, Fair Housing 4 Comments

By: Dr. Lee Davenport The below are all direct quotes from community members. These statements were made in 2020, even though they sound like they’re from a very different time. “I didn’t know I could buy a house without a man.” “I want to wait until I get married to buy a home.”  “I’m afraid to intimidate any potential suitors.” …

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Home Features Young Buyers Care About

Blog Contributor Buyers 2 Comments

By: Wendy Gould According to NAR’s 2023 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends study, first-time homebuyers make up about one-quarter of the market. The elder and younger millennials and Gen-Z generations comprise this market section. It’s particularly exciting to see Gen-Z make their way into the market, said Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research, …

Love Letters to Sellers: Why They’re Not a Good Idea

Neil Goradia Buyers, Customer Service, Fair Housing, Legal, Sellers 4 Comments

By: Neil Goradia Letters to home sellers from buyers may seem innocent enough, however, they pose a very real legal threat. As a real estate professional, you must steer your clients clear of using love letters during the buying and selling process. Useful Resources: Here are some resources to get you started. Use these to educate yourself and to provide …

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Does Home Maintenance Deter Millennials?

Blog Contributor Buyers, consumers, Customer Service, Homeownership Education & Counseling 3 Comments

By Barbara Ballinger Millennials are buying houses—many for the first time—and in doing so they’re learning that houses require maintenance, which can often be pricey. These days, repairs can also be a challenge if the homeowners are not handy since contractors can be as scarce as the houses in some communities. Puronics, a Livermore, Calif.-based company that develops pure water …

3 Reasons the Real Estate Market Could Change in 2022

Blog Contributor Buyers, Mortgage Financing, real estate, Sales & Marketing, Working with Clients 5 Comments

By Hazel Emlen As we roll into the new year, one of the hottest topics nationwide continues to be the real estate market. It’s no surprise since 2020 and 2021 proved to be record-breaking years for real estate! Most people in the industry have been the busiest they’ve ever been. In describing the last two years, the word that comes …