We all have our favorite title companies, and when our clients get to choose the title company, they generally look to us for advice. We do get to see how other title companies work, though, in all the closings where our client doesn't choose the title company (in our area, the seller generally
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09/07/2006
Actually it's easing in, not breaking in. Very few get there overnight. Here are 3 ways to get ready:1. Take care of your current clients. Some of today's $200,000 buyers will become $1,000,000+ buyers (and sellers, and neighbors of other $1,000,000+ owners). Nurture them and grow with them. W
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09/07/2006
In the luxury arena, I think you're more apt to find Prima Donna agents, who feel they're better than other agents, or assistants, or even buyers. This attitude is a disservice to their clients. I have clients who actually refuse to look at a listing that XX agent has, because they just don't wan
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09/06/2006
Never discount the value of a mail carrier. Prospective buyers may stop the carrier and ask about the neighborhood - Any signs of crime? Much turnover? What are the people like? Some time ago out of town owners came to St Pete Florida to put their home on the market. They asked the mail carrier
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09/06/2006
Listing outside your county is fine if you're really able to service it. We drove past a listing in Manatee County Florida this weekend, and fired up my laptop and air card to get more information on it - nothing in the Manatee MLS. Then we called the 800 number on the sign. Leave a message. W
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09/06/2006
Over the last few years, we've had a lot of flippers buying luxury condos in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. It's advisable for them to be represented by a good real estate agent when they first see the condo, and when they go to contract. That's the only way they can have an advocate through t
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09/05/2006
One thing I haven't seen in new construction contracts, but I think is important to add, is how the builder will treat construction materials. Certain times of the year Florida gets LOTS of rain. When trusses are delivered to building sites, they are generaly set directly on the ground. If month
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09/05/2006
A blog recently talked about the little things we remember about a house. We had a house in Manchester, Tennessee, to which we added a large master bedroom suite. We put in Andersen casement windows, with a diamond pattern mullion. One of the neat, unplanned, memorable features came when the wind
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09/05/2006
In pricing a home, whether CMA or BPO, it's critical to look at more than the MLS and more than the public records. With new home incentives so significant, you'll be sitting on a listing for a long time if you don't take that into account.Today I listed a home that my clients bought 2 years ago.
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09/04/2006
Travelling has become less and less pleasurable - the air journey, that is, not the destination. Packing has also become more complex. What do you pack? How much do you pack? What gets checked and what goes on board?Before leaving, I struggle to find a proper position on the scale to hold my suit
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09/04/2006
