By Nobu Hata The skinny: The Department of Housing and Urban Development is seeking public commentary through Aug. 14 on three “measures” that “reduce financial risk and preserve affordable mortgage financing for responsible consumers.” The measures: 1. Update the combination of credit and down payment requirements for new borrowers. New borrowers seeking FHA-insured financing will be required to have a …
How Google Will Take Over The World
By Toby Boyce Let me start with this: I don’t work and am not receiving any money for this post – unless Google offers it. And to be honest, I have labored against the “mighty one” for years. But here we sit in 2010 and my mind has started to wonder about where the “G” will take the world next. …
Why I’m Excited for NARdiGras
By Rob Reuter, YPN manager This year’s NAR conference and Expo is going to be one for the ages. I haven’t even been to New Orleans and despite all the talk of oil leaks and Post-Katrina Syndrome, I’m still very excited about this trip to the land of Bourbon Street, beads, and body shots. Here are a few reasons why: …
Doctors Make the Worst Patients…
By Crystal Webster …And REALTORS® make the worst clients. Has anyone else had the “privilege” of working with another REALTOR® – or even purchasing a home for themselves? I use the word privilege very loosely. 😉 Some of you may remember, I began looking for my new personal residence back in September. I am pleased to inform you that I …
Show Me Your Barcode!
By Jonathan Osman When you think of a barcode, you are no doubt thinking of the UPC labels that exist on the back of EVERYTHING. The lines on a barcode correspond with a database that delivers information on the item scanned. The technology is so tried and true that it can now be adapted for an untold number of uses …
Top 10 Reasons You Should Enter the NARdiGras Video Contest
By Allison Fitch-Markham, Marketing Director, NAR Conventions Division 10. Face it, you’re just not going to be able to sample fried catfish, shrimp po’boys and sautéed alligator at home. 9. Your childhood dream was to meet Mary Lou Retton and you took out your mum’s favorite vase when you tried to vault the coffee table. 8. If you win, you’ll …
Create Your Own Social Media Policy
By Stefanie Hahn Social Media policies are becoming commonplace with businesses today. Companies want to make sure their employees understand what online behaviors will not be tolerated of their charges. For many of us, these “tolerated” behaviors seem obvious, but we all know that one guy or girl who likes to share a little too much. I think it’s important …
Brick & Mortar or Virtual: Which is More Important?
By Toby Boyce As an agent, would you prefer your brokerage to have an amazing brick and mortar location or an amazing online presence? The question flowed from Michael McClure, president and CEO of Professional One Franchising, on Twitter (@professionalone) recently. There were several agents who jumped right into the discussion — and being on Twitter, it doesn’t take a …
Tap into More Buyers With a Watering System
By G. M. Filisko, contributing writer, HouseLogic Working with sellers looking for another way to make their home stand out? Suggest they dip their toes into a yard-watering system that saves water and money. Almost one-third of the water the average family uses—an average of 100 gallons a day—ends up in home owners’ yard and garden, according to the U.S. …
When to Break Up With a Client: Tales of the Indecisive Buyer
By Brooke Wolford I recently decided to let go of a client. It was a really hard decision for me to have to tell a buyer that I couldn’t work with them anymore. In all, I had to weigh my options. When I had initially starting working with this buyer, it was after a big dispute with another agent in …