realtor: Are you already receiving house listings from a REALTOR®? - 08/03/16 01:07 PM
If so, then she has already been providing you with a great service at no charge!  If you are lucky enough to already have a REALTOR® who has kept you updated with the current listings, then you should strongly consider working with this real estate agent.  After all, she has taken the time to help you get started in the hopes that you would become his client.  Give this agent the first opportunity to be your real estate agent of choice by working exclusively with him.
Please give that REALTOR® the first opportunity to serve you.
Interview the REALTOR® and consider him as … (2 comments)

realtor: Tips on Ordering Home Inspections - 06/08/16 10:40 AM
A physical structural inspection is a critical part of your home purchase. Here is what you need to know about ordering a home inspection:
Your REALTOR® will help you order a home inspection and schedule it There may be other reports you need also The reports must be completed within the inspection timeframe required by your offer Review the results of these inspections with your REALTOR® If you want the seller to repair anything, you must ask for it in writing before your contingency period expires Read more in our book, "Buy Your First Home", http://tinyurl.com/nrvmgc7.
(5 comments)

realtor: How to Select a Real Estate Agent to Work for You - 01/19/16 10:38 PM
You have your choice of top real estate agents.  There are so many real estate agents!  So how do you choose the best one for you?  Remember our formula:  Research 5, interview 3, and select 1.
Find out about the business professional with which you will be working closely.  Is this a person you want representing you?  Do you trust him or her to negotiate on your behalf?  Find out his or her communication and working style.  If you are tech savvy, you will be best suited by selecting an agent who also is tech savvy.
Find out each agent’s reputation in the … (7 comments)

realtor: NEW Guide Book will Revolutionize Our Industry - Learn the Lingo 2015 - 01/01/15 01:00 AM

Hello fellow real estate professionals: 
We hear a lot of unusual “house” words in our real estate industry, and sometimes we don’t understand all of them.  Often called jargon or lingo, we learn these buzz words in the field and on the job.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a reference book with all of the real estate industry “catch phrases” in one handy guide?  You can impress your clients with your knowledge of the right words at the right time.  That’s why we compiled all the terms you need to know, plus more, into this comprehensive reference manual.
This guide … (7 comments)

realtor: Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 3) - 11/06/14 07:24 PM
Article as published in The San Diego Realtor® magazine, pages 20-21.
By Regina P. Brown
Part 3 or 3
In Part 2, we learned about “green” walls, flooring, HVAC systems, attics, and ceilings.  Today we continue with Part 3:  Windows, lighting, fixtures, appliances, plumbing, electric, fireplaces, roofs, and landscaping.  We’ll explore both old-fashioned methods and modern tech gadgets that conserve energy and contribute to a lower environmental impact.
Windows & Lighting
The simplest, least expensive way to harness nature’s power is by using windows that take advantage of the sun.  Switching out light bulbs is another small but powerful strategy.
Daylighting
Building designed to employ sunlight through the … (0 comments)

realtor: Showing Houses to Buyers? Follow Beverly’s BASIC Safety Procedures - 09/30/14 07:54 AM
Beverly Carter was a successful Realtor® because she worked hard.  Buyers and sellers depended on her for excellent client service.  She had a great reputation for professionalism among her industry colleagues.  The community recognized her giving and generous spirit.  She was like many of us Realtors®; she was also very trusting.
So when a prospective cash buyer called Beverly to view a home late one Thursday afternoon, of course she rushed over to show him the house.  Turns out, he was an evil, malicious convicted felon with a vendetta against “rich brokers” and a gun cocked.  Unfortunately, we all know the … (8 comments)

realtor: Who’s a Real Realtor®? - 08/11/14 12:08 AM
Confusing?  Here’s a quick rundown of agent terms:
Agent - An agent is a person who is hired to work on behalf of another (the agency relationship should always be in writing).  An agent has a fiduciary duty to act in their client’s best interest.  A person who is hired as a real estate agent must be licensed as either a Salesperson or a Broker.
Real Estate Salesperson - Sales agents are licensed and regulated by the state.  Sales agents are required to work under the supervision of a real estate broker.
Real Estate Broker - Brokers are licensed and regulated by the state.  … (48 comments)

realtor: 13 Ways To Avoid The Dreaded Capital Gains Tax - 07/09/14 12:35 AM
Helpful Tips from Tom Bass, EA CTC, Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute
Because most savvy people (or at least those who have a smart tax pro in their corner  ) can decide the timing and amount of capital gains they choose to realize each year, the capital gains tax is considered by many economists to be very "elastic".
And as such, the amount of capital gains we choose to realize on your behalf depends heavily on the favorability of the capital gains tax rate.
As a result, over half of capital gains in this country are never taxed. They are avoided … (2 comments)

realtor: Review the Inspection Results with your REALTOR® - 07/05/14 12:38 AM
Since you went to the home inspection and met the home inspector, you already know what to expect on the report.  If you could not attend the home inspection, your REALTOR® can give you a summary of what the inspector found.  Most home inspection reports are completed within 2 days after the inspection, and the report will be emailed to you.
When you receive the report, read it, and write down your concerns.  Your home inspector should have given thorough explanations and taken plenty of pictures so you can easily understand the report.  Ask your real estate advisor or the home inspector … (5 comments)

realtor: Fast Track Home Buying Steps - 07/02/14 09:52 PM
Dreaming of buying a home?  Tired of throwing away your money by renting?  Want to enjoy the stability and comfort of home ownership?
Stop dreaming and start planning!  No matter what situation you are in now, you can become a home owner, if you want to do so and are willing to take the necessary steps.
Follow the steps below to “fast track” your dreams into reality:
Prepare for Purchase
Write down your family’s financial goals (short term and long term). For example: Buy a house within one year; Be debt-free within 10 years. Prepare a monthly family budget. Your monthly … (4 comments)

realtor: Preparing Home For Buyers - 01/02/14 11:01 PM
If you are planning to sell your home, some minor cosmetic changes can make your home more appealing to potential buyers.  The relatively small expense involved may be well worth your investment since your home could sell faster and for a better price.
Consider the following suggestions from professional Realtors:
Paint the interior walls a bright neutral color such as white or ivory. Paint the front door and put down a new welcome mat. Plant flowers everywhere and keep the lawn and shrubs neatly trimmed. Clean the carpets and polish hardwood floors. Replace all light bulbs and open drapes and window … (5 comments)

realtor: Be a LION and Let's Connect on Linkedin - 12/23/13 08:20 AM
I'm a LION on Linkedin... "What does that stand for?" you may ask.  L.I.O.N. stands for:
Linked In Open Networker LIONS are a group of folks who will NEVER give their colleagues a bad rap.  When we receive an invite, we will not mark it as spam.  It doesn't mean that we will accept every invitation; however, we have pledged to NOT report another Linkedin member as a "spammer" simply for sending an invitation.
For example, I received a linkedin invitation from a linkedin member.  Linkedin asks me if I choose connect with that member?  You can choose "Accept" or "Ignore" … (6 comments)

realtor: Get the entire family involved in writing down your financial goals! - 11/05/13 10:23 PM
If everyone is focused on the same goals, then it is easier to make sacrifices together. I recommend having a family meeting every week to allow communication, commitment, and accountability.  If you are a family of 1 (in other words, you are single), get a friend who will consult with you each week regarding your financial goals.  Have a regular time for your weekly meeting.
To start, why not call a family meeting right away and get everyone’s input and commitment to your goals?  Where can each person make sacrifices?  For example, can we cut out some of the entertainment expenses, rent … (2 comments)

realtor: Book Review of Values-Based Financial Planning - 10/17/13 11:07 AM
Both personally and professionally, the people around us yearn for someone with the courage and the desire to listen. Everyone we meet feels a deep longing to be heard. But who’s listening? We’ve learned to believe that the best talkers are the most influential leaders, top salespeople, and brightest personalities. Yet who attracts us most... people who talk a lot or people who listen well?
Would you rather follow a leader who lectures or one who listens and responds to you? To whom would you rather entrust your financial future, a chatty sales-person or a Trusted Advisor™ who sincerely wants to know … (0 comments)

realtor: Write Down Your Financial Goals - 10/11/13 12:47 AM
Home buying is a process.  First, you need to write down your financial goals for yourselves and your family.
Your financial goals will typically include:
Saving money Owning a home Paying off debts Earning more income Contributing to worthy charities
Write out both short-term and long-term goals.
Obviously, becoming a homeowner is at the top of your list.  That’s why you’re reading our book!
When do you want to be debt-free - 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, or 30 years from now?
When are you going to pay off your student loans?  When will you buy a house?  How much … (0 comments)

realtor: Member of local REALTOR® Association and MLS? - 10/03/13 11:48 AM
Verify that the REALTOR® you have chosen to interview is really a REALTOR®.  In other words, is she a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), her state association of REALTORS®, and her local association of REALTORS®?  Some real estate agents are not REALTOR® members and therefore are not obligated to uphold high standards such as the REALTOR® code of ethics.
Has she joined her local MLS?  If not, she will not have access to the current listings for sale in your area.  If a real estate agent is not a member of her local MLS, how will you receive instant … (3 comments)

realtor: "Can do" Attitude - 07/28/13 06:56 PM
How important is attitude?  Extremely important! You need to choose a REALTOR® who can persevere despite obstacles; someone with a positive attitude.  If your REALTOR® has good negotiating skills, you can feel confident that you will get a great deal with no hassles because he will go to bat for you.  If there is a challenge, she will craft a solution.  You need a professional with this type of fortitude and persistence to work on your behalf.
A person with a positive “can do” attitude will help your buying experience to be smooth and enjoyable.  It is great to have a professional … (4 comments)

realtor: Where Do I Find a REALTOR®? - 07/18/13 02:36 PM
How do you find a great REALTOR®? Just like when you select a mortgage lender, you can ask your friends and family, co-workers and neighbors who they recommend. Look around your neighborhood, and see which real estate agent has the most houses for sale and observe which REALTORS® are holding open houses.
Research the top 5 agents by reviewing their online resumes at LinkedIn. It is a great place to start, and you should read their blogs to find out how much they know. For example, ActiveRain is an online source for top real estate agents who write blogs and articles.
Read more … (0 comments)

realtor: How Do We Capture All of Our House’s Square Footage? - 03/11/13 12:01 PM

Question from Pondering Owners:  The tax record shows that our house is 1,800 square feet, but when we bought it there was an upstairs addition with a bonus room that was not included in the square footage.  We estimate that it’s 2,400 total square feet.  We want to list our house for sale soon, and we want to include the total square feet.  How do we go about doing this?
Dear Pondering Owners:  Most likely a previous owner built an addition without getting building permits from the correct government agency.  That is a very common situation, especially in California where homes are … (7 comments)

realtor: RealtyPro MasterMind Monthly Meeting Group - 05/18/12 09:46 AM
Are you interested in joining our MasterMind group?  We just dropped our fees from $59 to FREE for our members (they can join RealtyPro Agents for free also)!  Sign up at www.RealtyProAgents.com and you can select the free membership.
Dates:  2nd Friday of each Month in 2012Time:  2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ETLocation:  Phone MeetingCost:  FREE for RealtyPro Agent memberswww.RealtyProAgents.com
SET & ACHIEVE 2012 GOALS
What obstacles are you facing in your career? Do you want to advance in 2012 and earn top profits? What's holding you back? Come and brainstorm solutions to challenges you are facing, so that your career can … (3 comments)

 
Regina P. Brown, M.B.A., Broker, Instructor (MBA Broker Consultants)

Regina P. Brown

M.B.A., Broker, Instructor

Carlsbad, CA

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MBA Broker Consultants

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Top California Broker and Realtor Regina P. Brown writes articles and blogs about local real estate trends, houses for sale, and tips for home buyers.


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