First Blog Posts

Real stories. Real people. Real peace of mind.When people think of a notary, they often imagine a quick stamp-and-go process. But the truth is, we do so much more than that. As notaries, we’re often the bridge between life’s biggest moments and the legal documents that make them official.Whether it's: Helping a first-time homebuyer sign their loan documents  Assisting a family with power of attorney for a loved one’s care decisions  Witnessing the signing of a will to ensure someone’s legacy is protected  We’re trusted to bring clarity, professionalism, and integrity to the table. At CMD, we take pride in being that reliable presence—showing up on time, with a smile, ready to serve.Did you know? A notary’s main role is to prevent fraud. We verify identities, ensure all parties are signi... 06/28/2025

Are you considering buying a home in Houston? The process can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges. Understanding your home loan options, mortgage rates, and eligibility criteria is essential to making an informed decision. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, securing the right mortgage is key to a successful purchase. Let’s dive into the details of Houston home loans, so you can confidently navigate your journey toward homeownership.Why Houston?Buying a home in Houston means investing in a city with:✅ Strong job growth in energy, healthcare, and technology✅ Affordable housing compared to other major metro cities✅ Cultural diversity and world-class dining, arts, and entertainment✅ No state income tax, increasing disposable income✅ A thriving rental ma... 06/27/2025

You know what? I’ve been driving the same 2010 car for years. It’s not a head-turner. No Bluetooth, no backup camera, no badge that screams, “I made it.” But you know what it does have? Peace. It’s paid off. No monthly payments, no lease drama, no need to impress anyone at a red light. I even gave it a fresh paint job recently—not because I’m trying to stunt—but out of respect. This car showed up for me during the toughest season of my life, and I never forgot that. See, back in 2008, I lost it all. I’m talking BMWs. Plural. Gone. Mini mansion? Gone. But what hit hardest wasn’t the stuff—it was realizing how fragile “status” really is. When everything disappeared, something beautiful happened. My real friends stayed. They didn’t care what I was driving or how big my house was. They car... 06/25/2025

There are a lot of good reasons to become a real estate agent. You can make your own hours, earn good money, and help people find their dream home.And if you're going to put in all that hard work and effort into becoming a real estate agent, you might as well become the best one there is.Whether you're new to the business or you're a veteran, there's always room for improvement. With that in mind, here are 10 tips for becoming the best real estate agent in your area.1. Learn the Art of CommunicationGood communication is important in all types of business, but in real estate, it's imperative. A client doesn't want to work with an agent who is too busy to take the time to listen to them.Selling a piece of property is usually very emotional for people. Whether the property was their place ... 06/24/2025

🏡 PRICE DROP – Now Listed at $698,000 in Waddell, AZ!📍 18620 W Diana Avenue | White Tank Foothills---If you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it.This beautifully upgraded Waddell home just got even better with a new list price of $698,000, and the sellers are motivated to make the right deal happen.More than just a home, this is a lifestyle move. Whether you’re looking for room to roam, space for your toys, or mountain views in a quiet setting—this property has it all, and then some.---✨ Why This One Stands Out💰 Now listed at $698,000🚗 Fully air-conditioned RV garage – ideal for toys, tools, hobbies, or guests🏜️ Incredible White Tank Mountain views with no homes behind🌵 Oversized lot with privacy and space🪑 Furniture available (not included in sale) – easy move-in option🎁 Home warranty... 06/19/2025

I’m incredibly fortunate to be recognized as a top Arizona Realtor for several of the most popular 55+ communities in the state. As a result, I often get questions from clients, friends, and family about how to choose the best fit for their lifestyle.One of the most common questions I’m asked is:“What should I consider when deciding which 55+ community is right for me?”Below are the top five questions I always recommend clients consider before touring homes for sale in an active adult community.1. What’s My Budget?This goes beyond simply saying "$500K–$750K" or “under $400K.” You’ll want to think through: Are you purchasing with cash or financing? If using a mortgage, speak with a trusted lender to determine: Your down payment amount What monthly payment you're comfortable with What are... 06/18/2025

Columbia, Tennessee (located in Maury County) is a city that's rich in history and full of life. It's a place  where the old meets new and creates a unique blend of old south charm and modern trends.  Columbia’s restate market has become as diverse as the city itself. It has historic homes, small and large acreage, and new constructions, there's something for everyone and lifestyle. For us at Team Romines, buying a home is more than just browsing online and signing paperwork.  Although house hunting can be fun, it’s more about finding a place where you can build a life, a community, and a future.  It’s why we've created this guide. To help you navigate the Columbia, TN real estate market and find the right home for you.  We will explore the different types of homes available, the advant... 06/17/2025

In the fast-paced world of property management, working with the right real estate partner can make all the difference. While large chain brokerages may offer name recognition and expansive reach, more and more property managers — especially in competitive urban markets like New York City — are turning to boutique firms for a better experience and better results.This trend isn’t just anecdotal. It reflects a growing awareness across the industry that personalized service, hyper-local insight, and flexibility are often more valuable than size or brand prestige.1. Boutique Brokerages Offer Direct, Personalized ServiceOne of the top frustrations property managers report when working with larger brokerages is the lack of consistency. You may speak with one representative during onboarding, ... 06/17/2025

End Zillow.Keep 100% Of Your Commission Zillow made $2.2 billion last year—off your listings, your clients, and your market.How much did you make? Qrixe ends that game—for good. With our patent-pending QR code technology, every homeowner in your farm area can instantly view your CMA, your full marketing plan, and a video of you explaining the next steps. Join the Zoom Preview No ad spend.No cold calls.No farming.No lead cost.No commission splits.No more broker leads with 50-50 splits that you still have to chase.No more gimmicks or guru funnels. Why It Matters  You keep 100% of your commission Your proposals are generated and delivered instantly—for free Videos, CMAs, and QR distribution are all included at no charge You’ll reach 5,000+ homeowners per day with your face, voice, and stra... 06/07/2025

Imagine shedding the weight of a big house—mowing the lawn, fixing the roof, paying those hefty property taxes—and stepping into a vibrant, low-maintenance life where your days are filled with new friends, sunny walks, and zero home maintenance stress. Sounds dreamy, right? For seniors looking to downsize, Long Island’s 55+ communities are the perfect solution. These neighborhoods combine affordability, luxury, and an active lifestyle, all wrapped up in the charm of Long Island’s beaches and proximity to New York City. Let’s dive into why downsizing to a 55+ community is a game-changer and explore the best options on Long Island, NY, to make your next chapter the best yet. Why Downsize to a 55+ Community?Downsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller space; it’s about embracing a simpl... 06/05/2025

Many people, like me, are born with so-called "common" names, like John Smith. In my case, I was given the name Kenneth Jones.Although living with a common name can be used as a humorous conversation starter,  having such a name becomes a very significant issue when trying to market yourself.Throughout the first 15± years of my real estate career, while I was required to use my full legal name, Kenneth J. Jones, on legal documents, I marketed myself and was commonly known as KenJones.During that time, the Internet didn't exist. Consequently, there were also no websites, no domain names, and no email addresses. While this limited one's marketing outlets mainly to various forms of print media, signage, and, to a lesser degree, radio ads, having a common name wasn't much of a handicap, if ... 06/05/2025

If you're seeking an elegant, move-in-ready home in one of Gwinnett County’s most desirable 55+ communities, 332 Rosshandler Road in Suwanee, Georgia, is a must-see. Located within a gated, sidewalk-lined neighborhood just minutes from Suwanee Town Center, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence redefines luxury living for active adults who value comfort, customization, and convenience.For more information-> https://www.moderntraditionsrealty.com/listings/view/residential/7587068Thoughtful Design Meets High-End CraftsmanshipBuilt in 2018, this four-sided brick home stands out for its custom upgrades and sophisticated features rarely found in comparable properties. Step through the glass front door and you’ll immediately notice the grand 12-foot ceilings, elegant crown molding, and designer... 06/03/2025

Real estate has traditionally been seen as a bricks-and-mortar industry, defined by physical assets, location, and economic cycles. But in today’s evolving landscape, intellectual property (IP) is playing a surprisingly transformative role in shaping the future of real estate. Whether it’s smart buildings, sustainable materials, or proprietary construction techniques, innovation in the built environment is increasingly dependent on protecting and leveraging IP assets. As developers push the envelope with technology-driven projects, understanding the role of IP—particularly patents, trademarks, and copyrights—has become essential. From property design to operational efficiency, IP is now a valuable layer that gives modern real estate projects a competitive edge. Why IP Matters in Real E... 06/03/2025

16 years ago I published this article on HousingPredictor.com, which I founded and published before selling the website. Today the same message rings true, with some exceptions.The bottom of each real estate market in America won’t occur with much fanfare. In fact, few people will realize that it’s even happening when they do, and they’re usually only recognized after the bottom has already hit.The search for the elusive bottom to any real estate market is akin to finding the proverbial needle in a hay stack. Once they’re fully realized, the elevator is usually on the way up and higher prices follow.Bottoms to real estate markets are a lot like trying to determine when stocks in financial markets are at their lowest price. Veteran investors say it’s a fool’s game to try to find the bott... 04/24/2025

Summer will be here before you know it! And while sunny days and backyard BBQs are exciting, it’s also the perfect time to prep your home. A little handyman work now can save you from bigger problems later. Let’s walk through 7 simple things you can do to get your home summer-ready (and maybe save money in the long run). 1. Check and Clean the Gutters Your rain gutters are your home’s first defense against water damage. When they’re clogged with leaves and debris, rainwater can back up and cause problems—especially during summer storms.Here’s what to do: Scoop out leaves, twigs, and gunk from the gutters Flush the system with a garden hose to make sure water flows Check for loose or sagging sections that need to be reattached Bonus tip: If you're not a fan of ladders, a handyman can tak... 04/15/2025

Two years ago, I held 25 state Mortgage Loan Officer licenses. To obtain these, I had to complete a pre-licensure course and pass the NMLS National Exam. The former was fairly easy, while the latter was hard. "I can do hard things" my 4-year old son often says. If he chooses to become a MLO when he's older, one of those hard things may be the NMLS National Exam, which has failure rates of 44% for first-time tries and 54% for subsequent attempts.Even though my son can do hard things, sometimes taking the easy route makes more sense. After all, once I passed the NMLS National Exam, I was able to get licensed in Illinois, where I live. I then had to apply to get licensed in each of the additional 24 states, which meant fees for each and - maybe worse - continuing education in each, every s... 04/15/2025

Have you ever opened up your garage one cold morning to work on a project only to be met with a brutal blast of cold air? That dream of a cozy workspace fades fast when you end up shaking and losing the ability to function with your fingers. You're not alone. For many homeowners, an unheated garage becomes an unattainable dream, disrupting hobbies, repairs, and impaired usage. Having a warm and comfortable garage often brings the most important question: What Size Garage Heater Do I Need?Selecting the proper size garage heater is more than just dispelling the chill; it is finding a compromise between efficiency, comfort, and safety. An undersized heater will work too hard to adequately heat the area, which can cause frustration and even overwork the unit, while an oversized heater can w... 04/15/2025

Window treatments are more than just decorative elements — they serve a crucial role in regulating light, enhancing privacy, and elevating the overall ambience of a room. From traditional curtains to modern plantation shutters, Australians have a wealth of options to choose from when dressing their windows. But with so many types, materials, and styles available, selecting the right window covering may feel like a daunting task.This guide walks you through the different types of window treatments, their practical benefits, current trends, and things to consider when deciding what works best for your space.What Are Window Treatments?Window treatments refer to any type of material or product used to cover windows, either for functional or decorative purposes. This includes: Blinds – typic... 04/13/2025

Use Coupon Code "apts2agents" for 100% offAre you a newly licensed real estate agent — or a seasoned one looking for a better way to generate consistent income? Stay with your broker, this is training!Most agents start with dreams of closing big deals, only to find themselves stuck in slow markets, juggling open houses, or chasing listings with no guarantee of a paycheck.There’s another way. One that’s fast, simple to learn, and surprisingly profitable:👉 Become an Apartment Locator.💰 Why Apartment Locating Makes Sense Right NowAs an apartment locator, your job is to help renters find the perfect apartment. That’s it. When they lease through you, the property pays you a commission — often equal to one full month’s rent. That can mean $1,000–$2,500+ per lease, and you can work from your p... 04/09/2025

Adding 15 acres of land to the principality, the small nation has created a new Eco-District, with luxury residences & public amenities..The principality’s no-tax status—no income, capital gains, or wealth taxes—makes it a magnet for the world’s wealthiest individuals. Throw in its perfect Mediterranean climate, world-class healthcare, political stability, and high levels of privacy & security..Source: https://robbreport.com/shelter/new-construction/monaco-record-luxury-real-estate-market-1236355684/ .#monaco#realestate#luxury#mediterranean. 04/07/2025