By Heather Soldonia It is rare to see such an example of REALTORS® and home builders working together, but both National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) are both rallying for an extension of the first-time home buyers’ tax credit. Though the tax credit has served to stimulate both the existing home sales market …
Oct. 5 is World Habitat Day: Learn How You Can Get Involved
The United Nations has designated the first Monday each October as World Habitat Day. This year on Oct. 5, Habitat for Humanity is leading a global observance in Washington, D.C. and around the world, to declare that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable. The theme for World Habitat Day 2009 is “Planning Our Urban Future.” According to the …
Why is it so Hard for REALTORS® to Go On Vacation?
By Michelle Flaherty This week, I went on a quick trip with my fiancé to visit the site of our upcoming wedding in Marco Island, Florida. With my work week reduced to Monday and Tuesday, I went into action mode, arranged coverage for the week, and packed my laptop so I could take care of business from the beach. Of …
Every Coin Has Two Sides: This REALTOR® Experiences Life as a Buyer
By Crystal Webster I’m in the market for a new home. Wow, I’d almost forgotten what it’s like to be on the other side of the transaction! It’s actually been a great experience to help remind me what it’s like to be the client. I’m normally a very rational, logical person. But house hunting does crazy things to people. I’ve …
Not Blogging Like You Should
By Amy Steele I have been remiss. I readily admit it. I used to blog about the Crestline and Lake Arrowhead area in California on the ActiveRain platform regularly. The best part about ActiveRain is that you get to learn from other real estate professionals from all across the country, reading their stories and experiences, and what to do and what not to …
Three Ways to Convince Your Seller that ‘Less is More’
By Susan Brown Helping a seller get their home market-ready can be stressful. Appearance needs to be addressed. Collectibles are lovely, but don’t have the same meaning to a prospective buyer. As the listing REALTOR®, you want to ask the home owner to declutter in a diplomatic way. 1. Use a Home-Stager. We offer this service as part of our …
I’m Kind Of A Big Deal, But Nobody Knows It! Here Are 8 Tips To Set Yourself Apart.
By Brooke Wolford Have you ever noticed a for sale sign in a neighbors yard and wondered, “Why didn’t they use me?” Well don’t be too hard on yourself. People tend to forget that you are a REALTOR® unless you remind them. Here are some things you can do to set yourself apart from the rest. 1. Do every open …
Being Good to the Environment is Good For Business
By Heather Soldonia The San Francisco Bay area is known for being progressive. In San Francisco we have more than 40 LEED-registered municipal projects in the pipeline, real estate agencies who promote themselves exclusively as “green” and (did I forget to mention…) Berzerkeley. As real estate agents we use a lot of paper, electric, and energy resources. The following are …
Your Chance to Be Part of 30 Under 30
By Katherine Tarbox, Senior Editor, REALTOR® Magazine In 1999, former REALTOR® magazine Senior Editor Robert Sharoff gave birth to the idea of showcasing talented real estate pros under the age of 30. Thousands of applications and hundreds of profiles later, the 30 Under 30 program is thriving. The 2010 edition will mark the 10th anniversary for this feature. REALTOR® Magazine …
How Do You Use Technology? HP is Awarding Prizes for Best REALTOR® Technology Stories
Win a $3800 mobile office package or one of four HP mini Netbook computers. Hewlett-Packard wants to hear how YPN members use technology to win more business, save time, and wow clients. They are running a contest for the best example of technology use of by a REALTOR®. All entries due October 28. The winners will be announced at the …