Ask a CRS: Q: Fill in the blank: “The craziest thing a client ever said to me was _________.” As we leave closing: “Why did they put my wife on the deed? We are getting divorced next week.” —Mike Inman, Coldwell Banker McMahan Co., Lexington, Kentucky Buyer asked if I would loan him $100,000 to […]
Peer-to-Peer: Doc Reiss, Port Angeles, Washington How and when did you get started in real estate? I was a contractor who specialized in crawlspace and foundation work as well as bathroom remodeling, but after six years of a perfectly clean record, our insurance company dropped us, so we folded. I was involved in the Nor’Wester […]
How to conquer 5 common mistakes agents make By Andrew Conner The most successful agents are always striving to improve themselves, whether it’s through increasing their knowledge, being more productive or communicating more clearly. But we all make mistakes. Learn how to avoid or fix these common mistakes identified by agents across the country. Mistake […]
After hurricanes ravaged Texas and the Caribbean, REALTORS® learn how best to work with clients who want to buy or sell homes with possible storm damage. By Daniel Rome Levine In Houston, says Vicki Fullerton, CRS, the first words out of most homebuyers’ mouths these days are, “Did it flood?” With good reason. Hurricane Harvey […]
Agents find homeownership still reigns while renting holds court By Mary Beth Klatt While it’s often been said the American Dream is to own a home, recent headlines offer mixed news. While the U.S. Census Bureau reports that homeownership is up from last year, increasing prices and a tight supply of listings sideline many Americans. […]
By Gwen Moran Running a successful real estate business is no small feat. Always on the go, REALTORS® may be traveling to and from showings, researching buyer inquiries, prospecting, managing documents and email messages, and developing marketing plans for new listings. And that’s just before lunch. The good news is that in this “there’s an […]
Today’s homebuyers are less attracted to cosmetic aesthetics and more to a home’s bones, mechanicals and structural improvements By Donna Shryer Homebuyers—regardless of generation—want a move-in-ready home. That may sound like an old song, but looking forward there’s a new verse. Move-in-ready is less about trending pop and sizzle in the kitchen and bathroom and […]
From the desk of 2018 CRS President Gary Williams When I’m out talking to REALTORS® about the value of becoming a CRS, sometimes I have trouble being succinct. For me, the quality education the Council offers and the networking opportunities for designees has been career-changing. Joining the Council allowed me to achieve levels of success […]
Marketing to and supporting first-time homebuyers By Myrna Traylor Even though homeownership is a cornerstone of the American economy and a goal for many Americans, helping individuals make the transition from non-owner to owner is a process that requires some management. REALTORS® and CRSs have to approach their neophyte clients in a way that will […]
For the highest return, REALTORS® use a multifaceted marketing approach By Megan Craig It’s an obvious goal for every agent: Spend marketing dollars in a way that generates the most leads and, ultimately, the most closed deals. But because a REALTOR®’s marketing plan may include various small actions without obvious and direct financial benefits, calculating […]