commissions: The Perfect Farm? - 10/23/07 05:45 PM
I am noticing that a lot of agents are getting back into the habit of farming for business. They are door-knocking, mailing postcards and newsletters, etc. but some aren't getting anywhere. Most ask why they go through the expense of printing and mailing when they get little or no results.
If that is … (0 comments)
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commissions: Kentwood's Profitability An Anomaly - 10/21/07 01:20 PM
http://www.realestatezealot.com/blog/2007/10/kentwoods-profi.html
BrokerIPTV : We are talking today with Peter Niederman, the chief operating officer of The Kentwood Companies. Pete I want to talk about profitability in real-estate. Profits are down in the real-estate industry the average profit they say a top 500 company is making as less than … (0 comments)
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commissions: Who Wants To Pay Big Commissions? Part Two - 10/19/07 05:44 PM
Last week we talked about the implications of listing your home with a low priced real estate broker. We discussed how negotiating down the agent's commission impacts your results. To review that blog, see last weeks blog post for "Who Wants to Pay Big Commissions? Part 1"
Now, let's consider some steps that … (0 comments)
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commissions: What's your commission? - 10/19/07 11:50 AM
It is amazing how many conversations about real estate start with that question. It baffles me to this day that this is the one field in which people think they can make a decision simply by how much money the professional practitioner will "charge" them. It gets asked other ways, like … (0 comments)
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commissions: How Home Sellers Go Wrong - 10/19/07 04:58 AM
How Home Sellers Go WrongAs a home-seller you need to understand that there are certain things you must do to ensure a successful sale of your home. These are things that should be done before you list with an agent so you do not waste your time or your agent’s.
First, let … (0 comments)
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commissions: Realtors® Make Too Much Money says the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice - 10/18/07 09:55 PM
Excerpt From CAR
NEW Dept Of Justice WEB SITE EXAMINES COMPETITION IN BROKERAGE SECTORThe Antitrust Division of the U.S. Dept. of Justice launched a new Web site this week aimed at educating consumers about the benefits of competition within the real estate brokerage sector. The site, which is drawing heavy criticism from the … (4 comments)
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commissions: Department of Justice website adresses COMPETITION AND REAL ESTATE - 10/18/07 01:06 AM
The Dept of Justice put up a new website this week and NAR is not happy (paranoid???). NAR contends that the DOJ is prepping the public for a single (discount) service; the DOJ's position is they're educating the public as to how they can save money when using a real estate broker.
According … (3 comments)
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commissions: Increase Your Volume By Hiring A Virtual Assistant - 10/16/07 08:07 AM
Increase your volume! Isn't that what all agents strive to do-more volume equals more commissions. The only problem is a single agent can only handle a limited number of transactions or listings at a time. A single agent is limited to the amount of work they alone can produce and that … (3 comments)
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commissions: YOU-NIQUE-BRANDING-TIPS-FOR-THE-SALES-PROFESSIONAL - 10/15/07 12:27 AM
There are many ways to get your name out there or sale your brand. Blogging is incredible but can also be very boring. Why not try something different, audio or video blog. I love to talk on the radio and educate others. Of course, i have termed myself as the educational ambassador, but … (4 comments)
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commissions: Who Wants To Pay Big Commissions? - 10/10/07 02:04 PM
So, you're selling your house and looking for a real estate agent that is offering a discounted commission rate. You've decided there's no way you'll pay a full 7 percent commission, or even the 6 percent rate that most agents pitch as part of their fees.
You would, however, consider 5 percent … (3 comments)
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commissions: Half The Money, All The Commision? - 10/03/07 09:41 PM
Are there any Ethics Police or experts in Moral Dilemma ready for a challenge?
I have a dilemma. I have a new offer that is being presented to the seller tomorrow. It is my listing, and we have had two deals fall apart in financing lately. The last deal blew up … (10 comments)
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commissions: Feeling the Squeeze of "Commission Compression?" - 10/03/07 01:38 PM
Are you feeling the squeeze of "Commission Compression?" Here's the best way I've found to deal with closing on commission questions.
Start with pulling a search from your MLS of all the competing actives within the serviceable area (all the homes you would potentially show a buyer that would be interested in … (8 comments)
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commissions: It's all for the 'consumer' . . . the 'discounting' model that is . . . NOT! - 10/03/07 10:42 AM
This is probably one of the best articles I've seen written about the so-called consumer friendly company's aka 'discounters'. We won't even get into the whole 'it can't be a discount if there is no set price' concept. Instead, take a gander at this article written by Blanche Evans at Realty … (2 comments)
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commissions: So Are These Guys on DRUGS????? - 10/01/07 09:23 AM
I'm preparing my itinerary for a showing expedition to Fairfax County.
Gettin' the map, checkin' it twice and what have we here?
A house with a single under-exposed photo of the outside, no virtual tour, but fabulous locaiton, price seems OK and -
Oh! No!! What's this right under the "Do Not Contact … (59 comments)
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commissions: DOES A HIGHER BAC WORK? - 09/28/07 09:55 AM
i havenoticed since the market has got tougher that more and more sellers are offering a higher BAC.
to be truthful, i have recently done thje same
what i would like to know is how other realtors feel about that
does it motivate you to find a buyer for that property?
does it motivate you … (7 comments)
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commissions: In the Evolving Role of the Real Estate Professional in the Internet Age, LESS IS MORE - 09/27/07 05:47 AM
Last week, in "Broker proposes new real estate marketing platform: Universal MLS", Inman News Writer Glenn Roberts discussed a "Universal MLS" that is the brainchild of Colorado real estate broker Creed Smith, a specialist in bank-owned foreclosure properties. A real estate broker since 1987 who has a master's degree in marketing, Smith … (2 comments)
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commissions: 5000 Real Estate & Mortgage Brokers/Agents Needed Now - 09/26/07 02:33 PM
FFG is looking for 5000 Independent Real Estate & Mortgage Brokers/Managers and an appropriate number of Sales Associates in the United States during the next 2 years to market their new TDR Assisted-Mortgage® products.
With FFG TDR Assisted Mortgage® Products you will be offering your prospective clients a regular mortgage, with regular … (0 comments)
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commissions: Is More Always Better? - 09/24/07 10:26 PM
In this market of excess inventory and slow moving listings, it is not uncommon for brokers to offer a higher than usual cooperating commission to entice other agents to come and show their listings. While I certain appreciate the lure of the higher commissions, I can't help but think... who … (14 comments)
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commissions: Justification - 09/24/07 07:11 PM
So help me help a friend who is selling a home in Newport Beach CaliforniaHe bought the home about 5 years ago and has seen the property go from $1.3 to $2.7 in price.He asked me what the justification was to pay 6%. Give me your best answers and I will … (18 comments)
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commissions: For Sale By Owners... - 09/18/07 11:06 AM
Okay, I admit, I was once a "For Sale By Owner" but it wasn't by choice. I knew that a Realtor would be able to sell our property faster than we could, but of course I was out voted. I really do not understand why anyone would want to be bothered … (0 comments)
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commissions: A Closing Attorney to add to the black list - 09/13/07 08:23 PM
Just to let you know up front- this Attorney that is representing the sellers has been called by myself and the buyer's Attorney for the past 2 weeks and NEVER returns a call. Every-time you call her office- you get her voice mail! I get a call this morning from the buyer's … (0 comments)
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commissions: Builder Incentives- Paying the Agent More than the Buyer - 09/03/07 03:26 PM
Under certain circumstances a builder will offer higher than traditional commissions to buyer's agents.
Here are some of the circumstances under which a builder may offer such a premium:
Builder is approaching close-out. The builder may be ready to deploy the selling agents at a newer community. By offering higher incentives the … (0 comments)
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commissions: The Power Of Being A Good Negotiator - 08/31/07 04:51 PM
Do you ever find it amazing when you come across REALTORS® that shy away from negotiations? What is it about this simple process that makes some people weak in the knees? Is it the fear of not knowing what to say or do? Perhaps it's because sometimes people try to be … (37 comments)
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commissions: Change with the times to stay alive - 08/29/07 06:57 PM
I was inspired by my agent who sold us our first home to go into real estate. She was a fantastic agent and was very down to earth. We connected right away and became fast friends. Well after I had gotten my license, I went to work for Keller Williams (she … (4 comments)
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commissions: The Great Mortgage Correction. A Three Part Series - 08/24/07 09:46 AM
This is the first post in a three part series that will discuss some key factors that are causing the Great Mortgage Correction, as well as some opinion on what can be done to alleviate some of the pressure on consumers and mortgage professionals.
Part 1. The Clone Age and … (4 comments)
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commissions: Commissions Come Out In The Wash - 08/23/07 04:19 PM
Thank you for your input in regards to the Buyer's Agents Commission. I am sharing your comments with my Sellers. How does everyone feel about a modification to the Listing Agreement to a "Variable Rate Commission" and put in the confidential remarks section that a co-op is offered for a full price offer. We … (3 comments)
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commissions: ARE YOU MY BUYER? - 08/22/07 03:43 PM
Are you my Buyer?
As the president of your own professional sales corporation, your job is to create and keep customers with whom you enjoy working and who appreciate the extent of the job you do for them and how you treat them. Then you'll have an abundance of ‘clients for … (1 comments)
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commissions: Discovering Costa Rica, the start of an adventure…Part 3 - 08/18/07 02:37 PM
I left off Part 2 on the verge of buying my "dream lot" in the Central Valley town of Santa Ana, west of San Jose and next door to Escazu, over an acre and a quarter of land looking west, in a platted subdivision near the top of a small mountain. … (5 comments)
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commissions: Sorry...I Offered You Too Much Money - 08/17/07 09:18 AM
"I'm sorry. I offered you too much money and now I have to apologize. I put you in an uncomfortable situation and I regret it...so to make it up to you I want to say that I would still want you to work for our firm...and we will be happy under … (1 comments)
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commissions: Who is making a killing in this housing market? - 08/15/07 05:45 PM
I asked that purposely, and not sarcastically because for me....it is getting really quiet. My advertising bill is growing and my closings are far and few. I have turned down listings because: 1. The sellers are not willing to be realistic in setting their selling price and 2. They are real serious about selling … (3 comments)
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commissions: Commissions Based on Asking Price... Good Idea?? - 08/14/07 05:00 PM
I had a listing appointment on Saturday, and I got asked a question that I had never been asked before. I thought it was an odd question, but the seller was very serious as he has bought his last two houses without a Realtor's help, and has never had to sell … (53 comments)
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commissions: Is your income below $12,000? - Important update from Mark Nadel - 08/13/07 07:49 PM
A few days ago I published a post "Is your income below $12,000 per year?"
As Caleb decided not to feature it because it might weaken AR's chances to be acquired by Realtor.com in the near future (just joking Caleb - I know that you don't select featured posts - it … (12 comments)
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commissions: Lake Worth Real Estate-Selling Your Home - 08/13/07 12:05 PM
Selling your home
With the current real estate slump in high gear and the inventory of homes at an all time high, what can you do to sell your home? Selling a home like any type of sales is a numbers game. The more showings you get, the better chance of finding … (3 comments)
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commissions: Is your income below $12,000 per year? - 08/12/07 05:02 AM
Jim Walker (look up also his Trulia Voice profile) published the following question/request on Trulia Voice earlier today: Agents! Do you know what Nadel's 4 questions are? Read his 66 page polemic to learn to defend yourselves.
For those who don’t know, Mr. Nadel is an attorney/policy adviser with … (17 comments)
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commissions: CUT MY COMMISSION?? SAY WHAT?? - 08/12/07 01:34 AM
Hello Everyone,
Responses to a couple of commissionectomy situations.
I list a home and sell it within a couple of days. The seller asks, "Will you cut your commission since you only had the listing a few days and didn't really spend much on advertising, time on open houses, etc.? A response, " So, … (6 comments)
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commissions: If Progressive Insurance can do it, Why not Zip Realty? - 08/10/07 11:56 AM
This mornings Inman News Highlighted Zip Realty's "new" Feature, Tool, Service, Product for real estate consumers. Zip is offering a commission comparison tool based on a Zestimate. The consumer will be shown the range of commissions being charged in their market and an estimate of what they could save. I tried … (18 comments)
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commissions: Sunday 8-5-07 - 08/05/07 10:57 AM
Here it is Sunday morning. In some of the areas, some are already doing open houses, some door knocking, some emailing, some spending time with the family, and some just getting up.
What are you doing today? Are you building your business? Are you vacationing? Are you going to church? I … (12 comments)
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commissions: Do we discount our comissions? Are you kidding!!!! - 08/04/07 07:39 AM
We are blow away on a daily basis by how many Realtors in our area are still discounting their commissions. Thankfully (and predictably) most of the discounted brokerages have gone out of business however there are still a ton of agents from respectable companies that are listing their co-broke commissions at … (5 comments)
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commissions: I Can't Wait To Go Home!!!! - 08/01/07 04:45 PM
I closed the other day on a house, and I recieved my check yesterday. It actually ended up being larger than what I expected, which is always nice.
So last night I made the trek down to Target in Cambridge to attempt to find tiny dog collars for my puppies. Hey, it's … (17 comments)
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commissions: STOP WHINING and Give Them a REASON to Call YOU!! - 07/29/07 09:12 PM
reposted.. Its all good now!
I Have put quite alot of thought into this before writing this post. I have absolutely raved about this site since stumbling across it last week. What great way to network, share ideas and have very "colorful" commentary. Let me first say, I am writing this to set the … (11 comments)
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commissions: Real Estate Blogs' Fascination with Redfin - 07/19/07 03:03 PM
Sixteen years ago this fall, I was at Sun Devil Stadium when Arizona State’s football team beat the University of Arizona for the first time in nine years. Students (and alumni, such as myself) stormed the field. After wandering aimlessly, I went over to the stands in front of the band … (2 comments)
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commissions: Saratoga Realtor gets a FREE Car? Slimy? You Decide! - 07/17/07 03:00 PM
I read with interest Jonathan Daltons post on Realtor incentives - specifically the offer for a free red Corvette on top of the regular sales commission!
I too get an unreasonable amount of e-mail flyers touting all kinds of properties in a variety of locations - do other agents assume I don't … (1 comments)
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commissions: Boston Real Estate: Logistic Confussion - 07/16/07 04:44 PM
For any of you who may of been confused by the recent Banker and Tradesman misprint about our Boston Real Estate brokerage operations, here it is again.
ANTH | JAMES is an independent Boston real estate agent located here in downtown Boston, MA. Our primary brokerage service we offer is to … (0 comments)
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commissions: What is your hourly rate? - 07/04/07 12:27 PM
My stepdaughter recently asked me how much I charged per hour. I explained that Realtors get paid only when the deal closes. She didn't see how that made good sense.
Her father owns an Auto Repair Business. He charges by the hour. Her aunt is an interior designer. She charges by the … (8 comments)
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commissions: Commission Rebates - 06/29/07 04:17 PM
If you are in a battle but don't realize it or refuse to acknowledge it, you are sure to lose. Underestimating your competition can prove fatal. For years, real estate commissions have been under attack. Historically, FSBO's and discount brokers have been a small share of the market, while full service … (8 comments)
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commissions: NY Times Article: One City's Home Sellers Do Better on Their Own - 06/28/07 11:35 AM
According to this recent article in NY Times, FSBO home sellers did better than Realtors in Madison, Wisconsin. I am not a realtor but this article caught my because of the debates I see on AR about discount brokers and FSBO listings. The article goes into a bit of detail on … (3 comments)
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commissions: Canadian Yellow Pages Pick Up on Home Staging Trend - 06/25/07 12:29 PM
Have you looked in the yellow pages lately and noticed some of the headings? So many are now obsolete or totally behind the times. How many people do you know look up film anymore? In NC, we can't find organic foods using listing headers or carpooling despite the need for them. … (5 comments)
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commissions: A New Twist to Home Staging - 06/25/07 11:11 AM
I read about a real estate firm that sells new homes. They have them staged and sell them faster. The new twist, however, is that if the new buyer has a home to sell before they can buy, the agent of the new home will pay to have their home staged … (10 comments)
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commissions: Realty Agent Commisions Rose Last Year - 06/22/07 02:24 PM
Congrats.
I had this article laying around the office since the beginning of the month, now I'm disposing of some trash.... seems I always have a Real Estate Section laying around.
Apparently this is the first time in years the average commission has risen and sits around 5.2%. With the growing number of firms … (1 comments)
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commissions: Redfin's Summer Vacation - 06/18/07 01:41 PM
Last Friday, Redfin announced it was taking a two-week break from accepting new listings. According to Glenn's post on the company blog, this was done in part because many Redfin agents had been working long hours for weeks on end without any time off. In other words, they were working as … (46 comments)
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commissions: Not all listings are created equal! - 06/17/07 08:28 AM
When you have several listings that are average sale price and several others that are higher end homes, do you market with prejudice? Do you give the same marketing care to your lower end homes as you do for those who would make you the commission of the year?
It is easy … (2 comments)
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commissions: Referrals - 06/08/07 10:11 AM
I would just like to let all Realtors know that we will work referrals in our office. If you have someone wanting to move to Laurinburg, Wagram, Laurel Hill, Gibson, Marston, Maxton, Pembroke, North Carolina, give us a call and we can discuss the terms. Also I would like to have … (0 comments)
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commissions: Tennessee Association earns Pyrrhic victory - 05/31/07 05:59 PM
Greg was the first to post the news, courtesy of the Nashville Tennesean:
Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a bill reinstating a ban on cash rebates for home sales and other real estate transactions, despite opposition from consumer advocates and federal antitrust officials.
The good news is somewhere there’s a lawyer … (2 comments)
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commissions: What's Your Background? - 05/31/07 08:06 AM
I'm curious to know what you did before you got started in the staging business.
1. Interior Designer
2. Artist
3. Real Estate Agent
4. Home Remodeler
5. Professional Cleaner/Organizer
6. Mom
7. Other (If other, tell me what other, ok?)
And what made you decide to stage instead of what you had been doing before? Inquiring minds … (27 comments)
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commissions: Try Your Hand at Writing - 05/29/07 09:06 AM
Article writing is great marketing tool that can establish you as an expert in your field. An article written by you is more meaningful and holds more credence than placing an advertisement.
Deciding what to write about is as easy as thinking about your last job. What questions did your client … (15 comments)
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commissions: 60 Minutes Piece "Chipping Away At Realtors' Six Percent" - 05/28/07 05:07 PM
I missed the TV broadcast but read the transcript on CBS's web site http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/11/60minutes/main2790865.shtml.
"And the reason is, as any homeowner knows, they charge a six percent commission on the price of every house they sell. So, for instance, a home that goes for a half a million dollars will net agents … (1 comments)
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commissions: Minneapolis Real Estate Stats - 05/28/07 10:13 AM
I love research and finding the best place for stats for my area. As I look, I always find great stat sources for other locations. Here is a good one for Minneapolis:
http://www.mplsrealtor.com/Segments/Realtors/Research.htm
This has weekly and monthly stats, consumer research, market reports, and yearly outlook. It also allows you to compare 100 … (0 comments)
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commissions: Use the Internet To Your Advantage - 05/28/07 10:07 AM
With over 80% of buyers looking on the Internet to determine what house they want to see in person, using the Internet is a MUST! In addition to having a listed home on your company's site, you might also list the home on:
A listing specific site (www.123anystreet.com)On Trulia Real Estate SearchRealtor.com … (9 comments)
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commissions: Great stats if you are an agent in the DC areas - 05/28/07 09:52 AM
If you are trying to keep up with real estate statistics in DC and the surrounding VA, MD, and PA, you will love this site. They have monthly stats that come out the 10th of each month. For instance, in Arlington Co, VA, for the time of April 10 to May … (2 comments)
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commissions: Using an Email Signature - 05/28/07 09:38 AM
According to a survey, 44% of REALTORS® communicate with their clients by e-mail more than 50% of the time. To me, this is not surprising. I am in contact with my clients by email at even a higher rate. Of course, I always check to be sure that they use their … (4 comments)
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commissions: What Repeat Home Buyers Want From Agents - 05/28/07 09:27 AM
These are stats reported from the NAR:
What Repeat Buyers Want Most From Real Estate Professionals Help you find the right house to purchase -53% Help with price negotiations - 13% Help with paperwork - 8% Tell you what comparable homes are selling for - 11% Help determining how much buyer can … (3 comments)
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commissions: SC oceanfront taking a hit - 05/26/07 10:02 AM
The Myrtle Beach area posted the biggest decline at 22 percent. That region also showed a 68 percent spike in the number of days homes are staying on the market — up to 251 days from 149 in April 2006.
Hilton Head in April saw a relatively mild 8.7 percent decline in … (4 comments)
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commissions: Interesting Vacant Staged Home Burglary Story - 05/26/07 09:57 AM
I had never considered that staged vacant homes could be the target of a burglary. According to an article from a San Francisco area, it can be a problem. Burglars know that a house is for sale and vacant. There is beautiful furniture inside. They back up a truck and haul … (13 comments)
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commissions: Disconnect between the NAR and Realtors - 05/24/07 04:10 PM
This just in courtesy of Inman PM:
"Realtor-backed legislation that would ban cash rebates to consumers in real estate transactions awaits the governor's signature in Tennessee. The U.S. Department of Justice opposes the bill, which it alleges "would impede real estate brokers from competing on price and force Tennesseans to pay … (3 comments)
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commissions: What is wrong with these buyers?? - 05/24/07 12:38 PM
Lately I have pondered exactly what went wrong with some of my recent buyers that did not turn into a closed transaction. I had a buyer who demanded many hours of work from me where I called many other agents to find the perfect seller financing situation. I found the right … (8 comments)
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commissions: : You can't get fillet minion from ground round - Same can be said for Realtors :: - 05/23/07 04:49 PM
My response comment to Tim on Elizabeth Ruvo's Active Rain blog this morning got me off on the right foot. She was good enough to let me paste it here on my blog. Have a look.
from Tim:
"I would encourage all of the real estate agents that have posted here and … (6 comments)
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commissions: Latest Real Estate Internet Stats - 05/22/07 08:55 AM
More than 80 percent of U.S. buyers went online while house hunting, and they rated pictures as the most helpful tool in their search, according to a National Association of Realtors survey of buyers and sellers. The survey also found that 24 percent of homebuyers got their first look at their … (5 comments)
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commissions: Firsthometours.com - anyone tried it? - 05/19/07 01:42 PM
I found this press release - thought I'd share:
First Home Tour is proud to announce the launch of a new virtual tour platform, http://www.firsthometour.com. This site offers Realtors® a simplified and cost effective way to create, upload, and showcase available properties in the most economical and flexible virtual tour package available. … (2 comments)
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commissions: Talking About Prices - 05/18/07 06:50 PM
In light of recent news articles highlighting the state of real estate commissions many members on this network have engaged in tangential discussions with their colleagues. Many of these discussions have gone into areas that the put participants at risk.
I have brought to you the consequences of talking … (81 comments)
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commissions: Luxury Homes and Rennovations - 05/18/07 07:53 AM
I have a list of "don'ts" when discussing home upgrades for moderately priced homes:
1. Adding high-end appliances to a modest home.
2. Adding hand painted tiles in the bath or kitchen.
3. Adding a central vacuum.
4. Replacing windows with newer models.
5. Adding a swimming pool.
However, when you are dealing … (4 comments)
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commissions: If You Flip, You Might Want To Stage - 05/18/07 07:37 AM
If you are an investors purchasing foreclosures and other types of fixer upper homes, you often want to flip these homes on the retail market for a quick profit. As the real estate market has slowed it has become more difficult to flip these houses quickly. Since staged homes sell for … (6 comments)
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commissions: How the Federal Reserve Affects Your Business - 05/18/07 07:34 AM
The already slow real estate market situation was compounded when the Federal Reserve announced that interest rates will not be going down, which has negatively impacted the stock market, and may continue to impact home sales for some time. This doesn't mean that a house will not sell when put on … (2 comments)
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commissions: Hey NAR - Discounted or Negotiable - Which is it? - 05/17/07 12:08 PM
In NAR's May 14th response to the CBS 60 Minutes story, they listed a few issues where NAR felt that the "facts" presented by 60 Minutes were less than accurate.
Here is one such example:
Error: The six percent commission is "sacrosanct." Fact: All commissions are negotiable. The average commission rate is … (5 comments)
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commissions: Others Use This Marketing Idea - So Should You! - 05/16/07 08:12 AM
You are driving down the road and see a sign in the yard. Not a for sale sign, but a sign that says Roofing by XYZ Co, Landscaping by XYZ company or Siding by XYZ company. Why not have a sign in front of the yard that says Home Staging by … (14 comments)
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commissions: Redfin - The Devil's In the Details - 05/15/07 04:51 PM
Let's say the owner of a $400,000 home decides to list their home for sale with Redfin (not a possibility in Arizona as of yet, but local readers can substitute the flat-fee listing company of their choice for the example.) Under a 6% commission schedule, the total commission would be $24,000.
The … (6 comments)
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commissions: Traditional versus flat fee real estate companies - 05/15/07 11:43 AM
There have been many interesting posts about traditional versus flat fee real estate companies. I debated writing this post because there are lots of A/R members who do both and I don't want to step on any toes. However, after having worked with a friend who owns one of the flat fee franchises, … (8 comments)
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commissions: CBS/60 Minutes - Shame on you! - 05/14/07 10:09 PM
Last night's show was the worst reporting I have seen and it came from a source I have always trusted. 60 Minutes!
You can find the 60 minutes segment here. Then please read the excellent response from NAR.
Do you think Leslie should be making the same income she made 25 years ago? … (6 comments)
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commissions: A REALTOR's Worth: What 60 Minutes "forgot" to tell you. - 05/14/07 08:06 PM
by Rich Schiffer, Weichert Realtors
In the post, 60 Minutes -- "Et tu, Brutae?" which discussed the 60 Minutes segment that led consumers to believe they are being taken for a ride by full service brokerages, someone posted the following comment:
"I can see why all of you who are real estate agents … (39 comments)
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commissions: Press Release Examples - 05/14/07 12:15 PM
I wrote a post the other day on press releases. I promised to show some examples, so here they are.
Large kind:
For_Immediate_Release:
Teri B. Clark has written 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought. This book's hints and tips from professionals is … (0 comments)
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commissions: Stop Focusing on Other Agents Commissions, Worry About Yours - 05/13/07 04:25 PM
I have read many discussions about commissions. Many focusing on what other companies or agents are charging. Some were interesting and some well lets just say maybe missing the real point.
Let me start by saying I have a personal policy. I will not comment on a blog post that mentions a … (18 comments)
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commissions: Revisiting Redfin's So-Called Bill of Rights - 05/11/07 08:58 PM
There are two old solutions to writers’ block known throughout the world of journalism to which I once belonged: writing a “three-dot bandit” column, a series of unrelated thoughts separated by ellipses, and revisiting a previously covered topic in the interest of updating your readers. I’m shooting for the latter by … (3 comments)
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commissions: Never before worked with a Realtor? This will help..... - 05/09/07 08:56 PM
If you are a potential buyer of a property and have never before worked with a Realtor, there are a few "fun" things that you will want to know.
Time and time again I find that the general public has not been educated about buying real estate property. The majority begin the … (8 comments)
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commissions: Press Releases are Essential - 05/08/07 11:44 PM
Public Relations is all about creating visibility and exposure for your business in the media to encourage sales by communicating with the public and your ideal customers. The public may include customers, staff, suppliers, the government and so on. Public Relations (know as PR) does not have to be expensive … (10 comments)
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commissions: Cut My Commission? Why? - 05/07/07 07:33 PM
There are many scripts to follow when a potential client asks you to cut your commission. But I've never really learned them. I rely on the question "Why?". I start there and move on. And here are two of my favorite examples of how asking why allowed the Seller to answer his … (5 comments)
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commissions: Why Use Video Tours? - 05/04/07 08:17 AM
Although it is true that people move to new homes within their old neighborhood, community, or city, it is also true that many people are moving from much further away. If they are moving due to a job relocation, they may only have a day or two to come into town … (9 comments)
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commissions: Marketing Idea - With Home Tours - 05/04/07 08:09 AM
At different times of the year, many cities offer home tours. Sometimes it is the historic homes. Sometimes it is new homes that won some kind of award at a builder's show. Etc. Have you ever considered asking to stage or redesign one of the rooms and then be there, in … (3 comments)
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commissions: Is Your Website Classy and Informative? - 05/04/07 08:03 AM
What does your website look like? I've been busy reading about all the latest and greatest for real estate agents and their websites. As I did, I came across a blurb about a Los Angeles design company called Dressed to Close. This site is full of wonderful slide show photos and … (7 comments)
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commissions: HGTV is Not The Only One! - 05/04/07 07:52 AM
I knew that home decorating/selling/flipping shows were quite popular on HGTV, but I had not heard of them on other stations, other than locally run "sell you property in Sanford, NC" type shows.
However, Women's Entertainment (WE) has a popular series Take This House and Sell It. (Saturdays from 10pm to midnight … (8 comments)
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commissions: New Questions: Are These Better Than the Last Ones? - 05/03/07 11:09 AM
I unwittingly wrote a controversial post when I asked if agents hated certain questions. My reason for asking if they were hated was because the author of the article felt that agents did not have the answers to them. I asked if those here were ready with answers. Many suggested that … (4 comments)
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commissions: HGTV Keeps On Helping - 05/03/07 10:02 AM
Starting May 6, HGTV will air Secrets That Sell and Get It Sold as part of a new Sunday morning real estate block beginning at 11 a.m. ET/PT in which pros come to the rescue of frustrated homeowners who need help selling their homes.
20 Ways to Add Value to Your Home … (3 comments)
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commissions: How Much Is a Home Worth? - 04/28/07 02:32 PM
While doing a bit of research, I came across something that described the difference between actual value and perceived value.
The actual value of a property is based on the square footage, number of bedrooms, number of baths, size of kitchen, the location, etc. Perceived value is based on what the … (2 comments)
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commissions: Exterior Home Staging: Where Do You Draw the Line? - 04/28/07 02:24 PM
I know that as stagers, we can focus so much on the interior of the home, that we forget about staging the exterior. However, potential buyers see the outside first and will decide in 10 seconds or less if they are even going in. If the exterior doesn't bring them in, … (11 comments)
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commissions: Talking Commissions=Serious Consequences - 04/28/07 05:49 AM
I am reposting this because some of the posts I saw this week, and some of of the comments that followed.
As a real estate professional you are held to a high standard. You must be aware of these regulations. It is your responsibility.
I AM NOT A LAWYER and I … (84 comments)
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commissions: Great eMediaWire Press Release Being Picked Up - 04/25/07 11:55 AM
According to emediawire's site:
The recognized leader in online news and press release distribution service for small and medium-sized businesses and corporate communications. PRWeb pioneered SEO Press Release Distribution and continues to set the standard for online news distribution.
I don't know if this is an overstatement, but I do know that … (0 comments)
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commissions: This Quote Was Too Funny To Simply Read - I Had to Share! - 04/25/07 11:47 AM
I was reading an article about staging. It was pretty much the same information - declutter, clean, make those small repairs. But as I continued to read, Sid Davis, a Salt Lake realtor said this:
"You fix your home up and make it nice, it's going to sell quick," Davis said. "Otherwise, … (6 comments)
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commissions: Newspaper or Online? - 04/25/07 11:36 AM
Traditionally, real estate has been advertised heavily through the newspaper. Most consumers know to look in the Sunday morning paper to see what's new or to find open houses. Is this still true today?
Media research firm Borrell Associates has said online real estate advertising will swell from a $2 billion category, … (26 comments)
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commissions: Don't Sell a Home - Sell a Lifestyle - 04/25/07 11:31 AM
I was reading about an agent that decided to stop selling homes and sell lifestyles instead. Of course, this is just a play on words, because of course he sells homes. However, he focuses his marketing to the lifestyle one can lead in the home he is selling.
I immediately thought of … (8 comments)
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commissions: IDX - I Only want to speak to the listing agent! - 04/23/07 09:07 AM
Since our real estate business model is mostly Internet, we receive loads of calls from buyers that have loads of questions, but do not want an agent. They only want to work with the listing agents. Their thoughts are they are going to get the listing agent to come off the … (38 comments)
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commissions: Do You Like Stats? - 04/22/07 10:42 PM
Do you like to see the latest stats on the real estate market? Do you want to know the "big" headlines, but don't have the time to search for them (but, oh, the joy of searching! I'm being real here - I love to find stuff online!)? I found a pretty … (3 comments)
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commissions: Single Listing Web Sites - Do You Use Them? - 04/22/07 10:29 PM
I have helped a friend stage their home. They've moved back to England and are not here to be sure that things are moving along, so I've been in contact with their agent and such. I was rather dismayed at the photos that were taken and put on the web, so … (22 comments)
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