10 Links to Success from Floyd Wickman

“Ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things if they just master basic life and job principles and learn how to keep improving and implementing those skills,” says REALTOR®, Floyd Wickman. Wickman has been referred to as the “extraordinary ordinary man” by Success Magazine and recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® as one of the ”25 […]

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Successful Problem Solving for your Clients

As real estate professionals, you know the moment you acquire a new client that there will be many obstacles before closing. Here are some successful problem-solving tips to help navigate huge hurdles for both buyers and sellers. Explain the Process Even if the buyer or seller tells you they’ve “done this before,” it’s best to […]

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REALTORS® Rally to Find Flood Insurance Solutions

Flood insurance costs continue to put small businesses and homeownership at risk, but the National Association of REALTORS® told U.S. Senators recently that a range of solutions are on the horizon. David McKey, 2016 vice chair of NAR’s Insurance Committee, testified on NAR’s behalf before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee. McKey told Senators in attendance that […]

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Fostering Innovation through Embracing Change

A fear of change will never spur the growth needed to maintain success in a fluctuating real estate market. In the following interview, Tracy Bradley, President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawai’i Realty in Kailua, Hawaii, offers insight on innovation and embracing change. Region served: Oahu Years in real estate: 30 Average time on market: Approximately […]

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Building Relationships

In the following interview, Tonya Callies, a broker with Windermere Group One Tri-Cities in Richland, Wash. discusses the importance of building relationships with her agents, her clients, and more. Region served: Greater Tri-Cities Area Years in real estate: 18 Number of offices: 2 Number of agents: 65 Favorite relationship-building strategy: Authentic face-to-face time with clients […]

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Park Slope One-Bedroom With Juliette Balcony, Washer/Dryer on Park Block Asks $699K

The location is prime and so is the building. This serene one-bedroom co-op apartment is located at 10 Montgomery Place in Park Slope, in a landmarked Beaux-Arts building designed, surprisingly, by Montrose Morris. One of the greats of Brooklyn architecture, he is better known for his earlier Queen Anne and… Read More >

The post Park Slope One-Bedroom With Juliette Balcony, Washer/Dryer on Park Block Asks $699K appeared first on Brownstoner.

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3 Reasons Your Website Doesn’t Show Up in Google

Your website is a very important part of your business. It’s often your primary online presence and can be a great source for leads. The more traffic that you are able to direct to your website, the more leads you will typically acquire. Unfortunately, for most people, getting traffic to their website is a difficult […]

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Home Prices Make a Spring Sprint

New data shows home prices continue to rise across the country over the last 12 months, according to the latest results for the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. The S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 5.0 percent annual gain in April, down from 5.1 percent the previous month. […]

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A Look Inside a Premium, International Real Estate Academy

As a brand, Engel & Völkers has always valued training and coaching as an essential component to maintaining the high level of expertise and service that has come to be expected by the most discerning homebuyers and sellers worldwide—a brand promise that is the foundation of our acclaimed international reputation. We also take the success […]

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NAR Broker Tip of the Month: View or Download Presentations from the 2016 REALTOR® Broker Summit

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) has made available for viewing or downloading presentations from key speakers at the 2016 REALTOR® Broker Summit that took place in Denver, Colo. June 9-10, 2016. View these presentations here.

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Spotlight: Expert Level Data Critical to Real Estate Success

Real estate is a fluid industry that demands many skills of its practitioners. Agents need to be good listeners, mobile-enabled and on the go, with the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and efficiently. But perhaps even more important to an agent’s success is the breadth of his or her local market knowledge. For Barbara […]

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Renovate Don’t Decimate: How to Remodel and Preserve Old Homes

DIY enthusiasts from around the world are learning that renovating something old is far better than buying new. Home building used to be an art, and it is important for our neighborhoods that we preserve history rather than bulldozing it for a new, cheap house. While new buildings are nice, there is something about the charm […]

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Landmarked French Neo-Grec Brownstone in Bed Stuy With Details, Potential Wants $2 Million

This landmarked brownstone at 114 MacDonough Street in Bedford Stuyvesant has no shortage of grandeur but looks as though it could benefit from a thorough updating, even though it may well be in move-in condition, going by the photos.

Built in 1890 and likely designed by noted Brooklyn architect Amzi… Read More >

The post Landmarked French Neo-Grec Brownstone in Bed Stuy With Details, Potential Wants $2 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

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How Much for a Studio in Brooklyn? 5 Options Starting at $1,350 a Month

Tired of roommates and want to see how far your budget will go for a studio apartment in Brooklyn? We've rounded up five studio apartments in a range of neighborhoods and prices.

From $1,350 to $1,600, you'll find options in central and southern Brooklyn. In coveted neighborhoods south and west of… Read More >

The post How Much for a Studio in Brooklyn? 5 Options Starting at $1,350 a Month appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Commentary: Thanks, Brexit! Well-Qualified U.S. Buyers Reap a Windfall

The surprise victory in Britain of the campaign to leave the European Union may be spurring panic across the Continent (and among some regretful British voters), but “Brexit” has left U.S. home buyers with a very definable windfall: mortgage rates that are now the lowest they’ve been in more than three years. The average 30-year […]

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Save on Your Summer Road Trip

NAR PULSE—Now through August 31, you can save $25 on your next weekly car rental through Budget®, a proud REALTOR Benefits® Program partner! Let Budget® help you make planning your next trip easy. For year round savings, use NAR’s BCD discount code every time you rent from Budget®. See offer for terms and conditions. Click […]

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Spotlight: Ensuring Efficiency throughout the Real Estate Transaction

As any real estate professional can attest, there’s no shortcut on the road to success. Instead, propelling your way to the top is the direct result of hard work, perseverance and a commitment to doing everything you can to meet and exceed the needs of each and every client. And in today’s ultra-competitive market, putting […]

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Strategic Growth Leads to Continued Success

Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur Matt Widdows, HomeSmart International is continuing to make waves in the residential real estate industry. What began as a brokerage firm with just two agents, a receptionist, and the dream of a new real estate brokerage model with high-touch customer service, low agent fees and efficient technology, HomeSmart International has […]

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They’re Playing Our Song: ERA American Real Estate’s Playlist for Success

It’s the height of the summer selling season on the Emerald Coast of Florida, and ERA American Real Estate broker/owner Gloria Frazier is making a move of her own. After 35 years in the same location, Frazier has packed up her company and moved to a new space. The move, carefully planned and flawlessly executed, […]

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What Makes a Home a Home?

Some may say a house, some may say family. Some might say comfort. Home is all of the above—and then some. The Life at Home report, released annually by IKEA, surveys thousands of people around the world to determine what makes a home a home. The findings this year pose an idea of home that transcends […]

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Live in Statement-Making Fort Greene Brownstone Near Park for $14K a Month

This townhouse at 50 South Portland Avenue in Fort Greene takes the whole-house luxury Brooklyn rental to a whole other level. In the front, it's a stately Italianate brownstone; in the rear, it's a modern architectural statement.

On the parlor floor, you'll find grand proportions and a wealth of 19th century… Read More >

The post Live in Statement-Making Fort Greene Brownstone Near Park for $14K a Month appeared first on Brownstoner.

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5 Fabulous Co-ops in Brooklyn and Manhattan With Two Bathrooms, Starting at $650K

Sometimes you don't know what you want but you know it when you see it. So it is with these five co-ops, each of which has at least one showstopper feature, be it soaring ceilings, a sprawling floor plan, or luxurious bathroom facilities.

Of these five co-ops, four are in Brooklyn… Read More >

The post 5 Fabulous Co-ops in Brooklyn and Manhattan With Two Bathrooms, Starting at $650K appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Mortgage Rates Keep Housing on Track

June numbers show that low mortgage rates are keeping housing on track despite rapidly rising house prices, according to recently released date from Freddie Mac. The report examines current projections of homeownership rates in the years to come from among various experts, as well as the latest results on refinance statistics from current homeowners. So far, […]

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NAR Call for Action: Pass HR 3700/S.3083—Tell the Senate to Get to Work for Future Homebuyers

Editor’s Note: This is part of a monthly video series from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® to inform and educate members about important aspects of being a REALTOR®. Watch for this series each month in RISMedia’s Daily e-News. NAR Call for Action: Pass HR 3700/S. 3083 Take action now to urge your Senators to co-sponsor […]

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Reader Report: The Real Estate Software Pulse

Using the right CRM, lead and transaction management programs is critical to managing your business and staying on track and organized. Industry professionals have many software platforms to choose from or may use their own approach to keeping track of contacts and contracts. RISMedia would like to take a pulse on this topic and report […]

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Three Surefire Methods for Making the Most of Your Open House

Looking to make the most of your open houses? The following three tips can help up your open house game. Digitize For REALTORS® who want to enhance the Open House experience for prospects and bolster their own system for capturing leads, Open Home Pro fits the bill. An excellent alternative to paper sign-in sheets, this […]

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Nelson Zide: Training Tops Priority List

For the past 25 years, Nelson Zide has been a national ERA multi-million dollar seller, and while he doesn’t shy away from admitting that the money is a big part of why he loves the business, it’s the people he helps that really make him happy. “I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces when […]

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5 Ways to Test Your Retirement Readiness

(TNS)—These days, planning retirement is more complicated than ever and involves countless decisions. “Retirement looks very different for people today than it did 50 years ago,” says Aaron Hatch, a financial planner and co-founder of financial services firm Woven Capital. “People are living longer, and their families sometimes live across the country, or even across […]

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Pared Down Yet Historic Bed Stuy Brick Italianate Asks $1.595 Million

A lesson in the skillful blending of the old and new, this three-story brick Italianate at 279 Putnam Avenue in Bed Stuy may appeal to home hunters who like their old houses updated but not ransacked.

Crisp white walls and dark floors set off two marble mantels and a streamlined, mostly… Read More >

The post Pared Down Yet Historic Bed Stuy Brick Italianate Asks $1.595 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

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What Is a Condo and What Are Their Pros and Cons?

What is a condo? Depending on where you live, a condo might conjure visions of a townhouse or an apartment. But it's actually a form of property ownership, not a building style.

A condominium may offer certain advantages over other properties, such as a house or co-op, depending on your situation and… Read More >

The post What Is a Condo and What Are Their Pros and Cons? appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Top 10 Brooklyn and Upstate Real Estate Listings: Hudson Valley Victorians for the Win

Move over, Brooklyn -- this week's top listings are in favor of historic homes in the Hudson Valley. You'll find Victorians in Newburgh, Coxsackie and more, as well as Brooklyn homes near Prospect Park and a Red Hook townhouse.

Which would you choose?

10. A new construction condo on the Prospect Heights… Read More >

The post Top 10 Brooklyn and Upstate Real Estate Listings: Hudson Valley Victorians for the Win appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Entry-Level Home Prices Continue to Climb

The bottom third of the housing market has grown increasingly competitive, with fewer price cuts on listed homes and faster growing home values than more expensive homes, according to the May Zillow®Real Estate Market Reports. Home values for the most expensive homes on the market, which at one point in February 2014 were growing at an average […]

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Online Marketing: Know Your Audience

With the prevalence of technology, people across the world are spending an increasing amount of time online. Be it through computers, tablets, smartphones, or other devices, to be alive in 2016 means to be familiar with the internet. Marketing has transformed to satisfy this changing technological culture. This hasn’t meant simply taking advertisements previously seen […]

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Spotlight: Reinventing the Mortgage Process

As many buyers, sellers and agents know, the mortgage process can be a tricky aspect within any real estate transaction. But with Quicken Loans, securing a mortgage is now easier than ever before. Real estate agents around the nation are feeling the relief thanks to Quicken Loans’ VIP Agent Team. There to help every step […]

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Is this the New Normal for Real Estate Financing?

Housing may be back to pre-crisis levels, but mortgage lending can’t claim the same. There are many indicators that the housing market has at last returned to “normal.” Foreclosure filings are down to 2006 levels, according to RealtyTrac data, and home prices are showing consistent appreciation. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS® […]

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Putting Agents First

In the following interview, HomeSmart Realty West’s Executive Broker Roger Lee and CFO Abe Hamideh discuss managing growth, staying ahead of competition and catering to their agents. Roger Lee Executive Broker Abe Hamideh CFO HomeSmart Realty West Carlsbad, Calif. Region served: San Diego Years in real estate: Roger, 16; Abe, 5 Number of offices: 3 […]

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U.S. Markets Drop Sharply after ‘Brexit’ Vote, Feds Prepared to Provide Dollar Liquidity

(TNS)—Major U.S. stock indexes plunged Friday morning following a large-scale global selloff overnight in the wake of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. The Dow Jones industrial index plummeted 500 points, or about 3 percent, in early trading. The broader Standard & Poors 500 index and the technology heavy Nasdaq composite also were down […]

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18 Percent of Housing Markets Less Affordable Than Ever

Eighteen percent of U.S. county housing markets were less affordable than their historically normal levels in Q2 2016, up from 5 percent of markets in the previous quarter but down from 20 percent of markets exceeding historically normal home affordability levels a year ago. This data comes from a new RealtyTrac® Q2 2016 Home Affordability […]

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Spotlight: RealEstateCalendars.com Makes It Easy for Real Estate Professionals to Showcase Their Pride in the U.S.

With Independence Day right around the corner, patriotism is flying high. And thanks to RealEstateCalendars.com’s patriotic line of tried-and-true farming tools designed specifically for real estate professionals, it’s easier than ever for agents to showcase their American pride throughout the holiday weekend—and all year round. “All of our patriotic products are made proudly in the […]

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Michael Saunders: Building Business while Making a Difference

When Michael Saunders founded the Sarasota, Fla.-based Michael Saunders & Company in 1976, she wanted the firm to be something special. As the firm celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Saunders feels it’s come to stand for everything she had hoped—especially when her son Drayton became her partner in 2003. “It’s exciting to look back […]

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James Taylor’s Childhood Home Hits Auction

Fans of famed troubadour James Taylor, rejoice. You can now live in the star’s childhood home. Well, if you win it at auction, that is. The sweet North Carolina spot is currently on the market, with bids due by 3 p.m. on June 29. With a sleek, modern look, the home and guest house—built in […]

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How to Buy a House in a Super Competitive Market

When homes sell in minutes and accept offers way over list price, how do you stand a chance? I work in one of the most competitive markets in the country and have seen how frustrated buyers can become. After seeing a few horror stories myself, here are five tips that will help manage expectations (for both […]

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Four Houses Under $2 Million to See This Weekend

Our open house picks this week span a variety of neighborhoods and conditions, but all clock in between $1.395 million and $1.895 million.

The highest priced of the bunch is also the biggest. A standalone Victorian or Edwardian on Rugby Road in West Midwood, close to Brooklyn College and two… Read More >

The post Four Houses Under $2 Million to See This Weekend appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Extra-Wide Greek Revival Townhouse in Columbia Street Waterfront District Asks $2.495 Million

This 1840s Greek Revival brick and brownstone townhouse at 95 Kane Street in the Columbia Street Waterfront District has had some serious work done, but more remains. The structure and staircase have been reinforced, the mechanicals and roof are new, and it's been insulated.

A prospective buyer could go one of… Read More >

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Open House Picks Six Months Later: Two Sold

Of our Open House Picks from six months ago, two homes sold and one is still on the market.

The properties really run the gamut, from location -- ranging from prime Brooklyn Heights to a dead-end street at the very end of Bushwick -- to type and condition. Options include a fully renovated… Read More >

The post Open House Picks Six Months Later: Two Sold appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Generate More Leads with These Four Video Ideas

To make sure you stay top-of-mind, it’s important for real estate agents to stay on top of the newest technologies and popular methods for getting and staying in contact with clients and prospects. A great way to connect with clients is through video marketing. There are a number of benefits to using video in your […]

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How to Help Combat FSBOs

“For sale by owner” is an increasingly popular for homeowners who think they know better than a real estate professional (or are looking to cut costs) and opt to sell their house without the aid of a professional. Real estate professionals know this to be unwise for many reasons. But as an experienced professional, it […]

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Talking Tech on Main Street: On the Verge of Virtual Reality

Last month during our conversation with Tyler Smith, founder and CEO of SkySlope, he mentioned virtual reality (VR) as the technology he was most excited about—and he’s not the only one. Virtual reality has the potential to be the next great technological disruptor, creating monumental shifts in industries we can only begin to imagine. Some […]

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Portal Report: Hottest June Market in 10 Years

Following the strongest spring in a decade, the residential real estate market has kicked off the summer with the hottest June in just as long, according to new data on inventory and demand on realtor.com®.  Homes for sale in June are moving two percent more quickly than last year as prices continue to hit new record […]

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New Home Sales Drop 6 Percent, Report Says

A recently released New Home Sales Report for May reported sales of newly built homes dipped 6 percent from the level in April, but rose 8.7 percent since May 2015. The report, a joint release by the Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development shows new single-family sales dropping after reaching a […]

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DIY Fails: Hire a Pro for These 5 Home Improvement Projects

Consumer spending on home remodeling is outpacing the growth of the economy, according to data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The proliferation of home improvement programs on TV and online has contributed to the DIY movement, but don’t think you can do it all yourself. Realtor.com reports that only about […]

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Upper Triplex With Details in Prospect Heights Brownstone Comes Furnished for $12,500 a Month

Large and lovely are two words that could be fairly applied to this rental, an upper triplex with garden access on Sterling Place in Prospect Heights, close to Grand Army Plaza. It sits within a stately brownstone designed by William H. Reynolds, the prolific architect who put his stamp on… Read More >

The post Upper Triplex With Details in Prospect Heights Brownstone Comes Furnished for $12,500 a Month appeared first on Brownstoner.

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What $2,500 to $3,000 a Month Gets You in Brooklyn

A budget of $2,500 to $3,000 a month in rent will nab you a prime apartment just about anywhere in the borough. As you might expect, the number of bedrooms will vary according to geography.

You will find studios and one-bedrooms at that price point in areas such as Dumbo,… Read More >

The post What $2,500 to $3,000 a Month Gets You in Brooklyn appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Existing-Home Sales Reach Highest Pace in Over Nine Years

Existing-home sales sprang ahead in May to their highest pace in almost a decade, while the uptick in demand this spring amidst lagging supply levels pushed the median sales price to an all-time high, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. All major regions except for the Midwest saw strong sales increases last month. Total […]

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Charles Oppler: Well-Versed in the Language of Luxury

With 37 years of experience in the Northern New Jersey real estate game, Charles Oppler understands that there’s no better sales tool than experience. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons that the chief operating officer and broker/owner of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty in Tenafly, N.J., has seen his firm have the highest […]

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Paying It Forward with Value and Service

In Maryann Vitale’s St. Louis, Mo., marketplace, sales prices are up, buyers are preapproved and ready to buy, but low inventory is taking the wind out of the proverbial sails. “It’s definitely a seller’s market with multiple offers; then once it goes under contract, it becomes a buyer’s market,” explains Vitale, president of Berkshire Hathaway […]

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Brand Report: Homebuyer Demand Moves Market Higher

As homebuyer demand continues, May saw a 10.3 percent jump in sales over April and a 5.1 percent increase over May last year, which is slightly higher than the average year-over-year sales increase of 4.5 percent so far in 2016. According to the recently released June 2016 RE/MAX National Housing Report, the Median Sales Price […]

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Providing Industry-Best Service

In the following interview, Michael Knight, President & CEO of CENTURY 21 Desert Rock in Hesperia, Calif. talks tech, recruiting, and providing the best possible service. Region served: The High Desert and Inland Empire of Southern California Years in real estate: 13 Number of offices: 1 Number of agents: 40 Best time management tip: Get […]

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Independence Day Redux: How Alien Proof Is Your Home?

In celebration of the upcoming release of “Independence Day: Resurgence,” Homes.com put together a guide on how to protect your home from a potential alien invasion, which includes handy tips such as where to purchase UFO insurance, as well as booby trap ideas to keep the extra-terrestrials at bay. To go alongside it, they have also created […]

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Newly Renovated Six-Bedroom Edwardian in Caton Park Asks $2.395 Million

This six-bedroom Edwardian on Rugby Road in Caton Park (a mini-'hood between the Parade Ground and Prospect Park) is newly and completely renovated -- even the front and rear lawns look newly installed. It combines some original details -- inlaid parquet floors, wainscoting, stained glass, a pair of fireplaces -- with… Read More >

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What Is a Condop? Understanding New York’s Rare Apartment Hybrid

Have you ever heard of a condop? There are fewer than 300 such buildings in New York City, but you are likely to encounter the occasional condop apartment as you peruse the real estate listings.

A condop is an unusual New York City building type that sprung up in the… Read More >

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Lotteries Open for Affordable Units Starting at $882 a Month in Williamsburg, Bushwick

Lotteries are now open for 11 affordable units at two new developments that include affordable housing, one in Williamsburg and the other in Bushwick.

In Williamsburg, applications are now open for nine newly constructed affordable units at 11 Jackson Street, a few blocks from the Metropolitan Avenue G station and the… Read More >

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Boomerang Business: The Key to Mastering Real Estate

For brokers and agents at the top of their game, attracting prospects and making sales can lead to great success, but keeping the best clients coming back is really the key to mastering the biz. In RISMedia’s most recent webinar titled, “Boomerang Business: Build a Brand That Keeps ‘Em Coming Back,” Robert Allan Paul, founder […]

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Discover the RAM® Experience‎ with FCA US LLC

NAR PULSE—FCA US, NAR’s official automobile manufacturer, lets members save even more on the purchase or lease of select vehicles, including the RAM 1500 with Best-in-Class Fuel Economy. Whatever the needs of your business, you can rely on a RAM commercial vehicle to get the job done right! While the $500 cash allowance and two […]

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3 Ways to Buy Real Estate with a Small IRA

With the popularity of Real Estate IRAs gaining ground, it’s important that you, as a trusted real estate advisor, stay up to date on this topic.  Clients in your database that have retirement wealth may look to you to provide more information about investing in real estate.  I am always sharing important information on this […]

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The Right Leads, the Right Results: Wisconsin Agent Builds business with Homes.com

Starting out in real estate just two years ago, Robert Dye chose to carve his own unique path to success. A broker associate with New ERA Realty in Twin Lakes, Wisc., covering the southeast corner of the state, Dye relies on a back-to-basics strategy to build personal relationships with prospective homebuyers: creating trust, loyalty…and results. […]

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Business Building: More Agents, or More Productivity?

I’m a big fan of productive agents and great brokers, so I really enjoy RISMedia’s Power Broker Report. Not only does it recognize the amazing accomplishments of top brokerages, but if you dive a little deeper, it also shines a light on how different companies approach things. For example, the 2016 report illustrates the contrasting […]

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When Packing a Storage Unit, Strategy Is King

Whether you’re in the process of downsizing or simply looking to open up your home a bit, self-storage units offer a practical solution to the lack of space issue homeowners are faced with on a day-to-day basis. While factors such as security, cleanliness, temperature control, customer service and price will likely play a large role […]

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Williamsburg Condo With Double-Height Living Room, Two Outdoor Spaces Asks $1.425 Million

This Williamsburg condo has nice finishes, a double-height living room with arched 12-foot windows, and a pair of outdoor spaces -- a balcony and a rooftop terrace. It's one of eight units in a new development at 150 Richardson Street, where the first units went up for sale early last… Read More >

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What Is a Legal Bedroom and Why It Matters

Is that bedroom in a basement apartment legal? What about a bedroom with no windows? Whether you are a prospective renter or buyer in New York City, there are compelling reasons to know the legal definition of a bedroom.

It could be unsafe to sleep in a room that is not… Read More >

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Nab a Newly Constructed Affordable Bushwick Two-Bedroom for $1,071 a Month

Score one of four affordable units in this under-construction development on Bushwick Place.

Located in the Bushwick loft area, about five blocks from Roberta's and two blocks from the Montrose Avenue L station, the four-story apartment building will house 20 units spread across 13,191 square feet.

The affordable units at 83 Bushwick… Read More >

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3 Essentials to Achieving Success

In my office, I have a quote from Michelangelo, “Ancora imparo,” which translates to, “I am still learning.” Regardless of how much knowledge and experience you have, or think you have, there is still more to learn. Learning is essential for growth, and growth is critical to success. After all, if you don’t grow, how […]

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Protecting Buyers and Sellers One Home Warranty at a Time

When Aaron Healey joined Ruhl & Ruhl REALTORS® in 2012, he was immediately introduced to American Home Shield (AHS®)—a leading home warranty provider currently servicing 1.4 million customers across 49 states and the District of Columbia. As one of the firm’s top home warranty sellers last year, Healey has been recommending AHS home warranty plans […]

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NAHREP Top 250 Latino Agent Report Sets New Record in Total Transaction and Sales Volume

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), in association with Zillow®, released this past week its fifth annual Top 250 agent report recognizing exceptional Latino real estate agents from around the country. Hailing from 30 states with aggregate sales over $5 billion, this year’s report includes lists of top millennial agents, top individual […]

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From ‘Flopens’ to Cycle Saloons: Getting Creative to Get the Business

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty in Seattle is known as a cutting-edge real estate firm with some ‘rock star’ marketing campaigns. Here, RISMedia interviews Andrea Savage, VP of Marketing, on the success their marketing approach has brought to the company. Dean Jones, CEO/Owner Stacy Jones, VP/Owner Andrea Savage, VP, Marketing Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty Region served: […]

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The American Dream Is Alive and Well, but Will the Starter Home Survive?

Achieving the American Dream conventionally involved acquiring a starter home—purchasing a house for life led now, with the intention to trade up to a home that meets needs in the future. The Dream’s alive and well. Starter homes? Hardly. A solid three-quarters of first-time homebuyers polled by Bank of America would prefer to forgo an […]

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Sprawling Ditmas Colonial Revival With Two-Car Garage, Pair of Porches Asks $2.2 Million

This is a fine specimen of a Ditmas Park house, with a couple of trees in the front yard, a deep garden in the rear, a wraparound porch, a two-car garage and seven bedrooms. It's at 421 East 19th Street, on a fine specimen of a tree-lined and landmarked Ditmas… Read More >

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Commune With Nature: 5 Homes Near Prospect Park for $625K or Less

All of these apartments are located just blocks (if not directly across the street) from Brooklyn greatest amenity: Prospect Park. The location is ideal for getting down with nature daily, taking in arts and culture at the museum or library, and frequent stops at the farmers market.

We're rounded up five… Read More >

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Technology as a Utility

The Problem: At times, on a subliminal level, a lot of us think of our business technology as a one-time investment. We know there are ongoing costs, of course, but every time we buy a Mac or PC or make a major purchase we think we are “over the hump.” There is that feeling we […]

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What You Must Know before Getting a Mortgage Online

Mortgage lending today is rapidly joining the realm of new websites and mobile apps aimed at streamlining financial processes and making it easier for people to take control of their money. New online-only mortgage lenders and online options for existing lending institutions are available to the public every day. As virtual tools become the new […]

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The NAR Power Broker Roundtable: Onboarding New Agents

This month, moderator J. Nicholas (Nick) D’Ambrosia, Liaison for Large Residential Firms Relations, NAR and Broker of Record, The Long & Foster Companies, Chantilly, Va. Interviews participants Mike Brodie, Broker/Owner, Keller Williams Realty, Plano, Texas; Lori Arnold, President/Owner, Coldwell Banker Apex REALTORS®, Dallas, Texas; and Robert Bailey, Broker/Owner, Bailey Properties, Santa Cruz, Calif., about the […]

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Spotlight: Utah’s ERA Brokers Consolidated Highlights 30 Years in Business as Hall of Fame Inductee

It’s not often the fiercest of competitors become the strongest of allies. But that’s exactly what happened to five Utah-area business owners during the 1982 recession. Knowing business was scarce and overhead was high, the five brokers banded together, closing most of their offices and consolidating their businesses into one multi-service real estate company. Low […]

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New Regulations Protect Students and Taxpayers from Predatory Institutions

The Department of Education recently proposed regulations to further protect student borrowers and taxpayers against predatory practices by postsecondary institutions. The regulations clarify, simplify, and strengthen existing regulations that grant students loan forgiveness if they were defrauded or deceived by an institution. The proposed regulations would also hold financially risky institutions accountable for their behavior and ban schools’ […]

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7 Tips for Bringing the Indoors Out This Summer

Now that the cold, wet dreariness of winter is in our rearview mirrors, it is time to rejoice in the “summery” outdoors. But what do you do if you’ve gotten so used to spending your days cooped up inside that you’ve forgotten how to take advantage of your backyard? The answer is simple: bring the indoors […]

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Top 10 Brooklyn Real Estate Listings: Move-In-Ready Picks in Prime Nabes

Nearly all of this week's top listings, most of them in prime Brooklyn neighborhoods, are ready for your immediate arrival -- our No. 1 pick being the sole exception.

Carroll Gardens, Park Slope or Crown Heights -- which would you choose?

10. In Gowanus on 11th Street, between 3rd and 4th avenues,… Read More >

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Housing Starts Decline in May, Building Permits Rise

Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,138,000. This is 0.7 percent (±1.3%)* above the revised April rate of 1,130,000, but is 10.1 percent (±1.8%) below the May 2015 estimate of 1,266,000. This, according to a joint announcement Friday on new residential construction statistics for […]

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Proper Pricing Key to Moving Homes in Today’s Competitive Environment

As the real estate business continues to change at the speed of light, pricing a home to sell is one of the biggest challenges real estate professionals are confronted with on a day-to-day basis. For those who are serious about becoming pricing experts, the National Association of REALTORS®’ newest course, Pricing Strategies: Mastering the CMA, […]

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Applications for New Home Purchases Decrease in May

In May, mortgage applications for new home purchases decreased by 6 percent relative to the previous month, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS).This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. “Despite applications being down in May, each month this year has seen positive year over year growth […]

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How to Deal with Loud Neighbors

(TNS)—Q: Your neighbors host friends on nights and weekends — frequently. You’ve already asked them to keep it down once or twice, but music and loud partygoers are still keeping you up. What should you do? A: This is a tricky one, as we are now approaching the start of summer, which comes with graduation […]

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Four Houses Under $1.4 Million to See on Father’s Day

For Father's Day house peeping we've got four candidates on the lower end of the price scale -- they top out at $1.4 million, and three are below the $1 million mark. Two are newly renovated flips, another is in move-in shape, and one could use some attention. They're found… Read More >

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Open House Picks Six Months Later: Three Sold, One Still on the Market

Our Open House Picks from six months ago come Bed Stuy, Clinton Hill and Gravesend -- slim pickings as we chose them during Christmas season.

In the Bed Stuy division is a two-family house on Halsey Street, set up with a three-bedroom upper duplex and a two-bedroom rental, with a… Read More >

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Are You Limiting Your Social Reach? Five Unique Ways to Break Through

We often see statistics about how important it is to have a social strategy in real estate. According to a recent NAR study, 91 percent of REALTORS® use social media in some way. With this much social noise, how can you stand out when consumers are scrolling through their news feeds? If you search online […]

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5 Social Media Trends to Keep on Your Radar

To connect with your clients, attract new ones and grow your business online, you need to be in the know about the changing landscape of social media. Explore these trends so you can create an effective social strategy and stay ahead of your competition. Prepare to Pay Social media giants like Facebook and Twitter have […]

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Beyond the Zillow-Realtor.com Settlement

I was reading about the Zillow-Move settlement this morning and couldn’t help but think that if our industry had grabbed the web marketing “bull by the horns” early on, the portals would probably have never gained the power they have today. There’s a lot of discussion about the bigger corporations making money from the smaller […]

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2 Rate Hikes Are Better than 4

With all eyes on the Federal Reserve, real estate brokers around the nation anticipated a strong spring market this year. The year began with some pessimism marked by the double-whammy of the first rate increase since the Great Recession in December, followed by a January stock market plunge on the first trading day of 2016. […]

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How New Payday Loan Rules Will Affect You

(TNS)—The $46 billion payday loan industry is in for a big blow, thanks to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has proposed new regulations that would limit payday lenders’ ability to grant cash advances to borrowers who can’t afford them. Here’s a look at the new payday loans rules proposed by the CFPB. The […]

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Tips for Re-Entering the Workforce for Stay-at-Homers

(TNS)—Just got another call from a job hunter who has been out of work for a long while—a really long while. No, this isn’t a person who is counted in the long-term unemployed statistics. This is a woman who chose to be a stay-at-home mom and now wants to return to the workplace. She’s like […]

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Fort Greene Condo With Lap Pool, Fireplaces, Japanese Garden View Wants $7,000 a Month

This three-bedroom unit is bright, spacious and nicely appointed. It's new construction, but a particularly nice specimen of the breed, on the third floor of a 46-foot-wide condo building resembling a Victorian townhouse at 237 Cumberland Street in Fort Greene. It was completed in 2008, and holds a unit on… Read More >

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What Is a Self-Managed Co-op and What You Need to Know Before Buying One

The self-managed co-op is an unusual type of apartment building that merits a good deal of research before taking the plunge. While it's potentially an ideal matchup for some homebuyers, this type of hands-on living situation is most definitely not for everyone.

A quick definition of a self-managed co-op
A self-managed co-op… Read More >

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Discovered: Geographical Sweet Spots for Homeownership

San Antonio, Texas is the sweet spot for homeownership, according to Zillow’s latest analysis. San Antonio is a market with strong income growth, a growing job market, and a place where you can break even on a home purchase in just over a year. The Zillow® Breakeven Horizon, released quarterly, looks at how long home buyers […]

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Honoring NAHREP’s Chapter of the Year: Achieving Success in South Florida

During NAHREP’s 2016 Hispanic Housing and Policy Conference this past March, one local chapter stood out from the rest. Based on impressive membership growth, outstanding events, and an unbeatable commitment to NAHREP’s mission of achieving sustainable Latino homeownership, NAHREP’s South Florida chapter was honored as the 2016 Chapter of the Year. Here, Chapter President Albert […]

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Purchase Mortgage Demand to Rise while Credit Standards to Remain Level

Lender attitudes toward the housing market are positive overall heading into Q3, having recovered from a significant decline in recent quarters, according to Fannie Mae’s second quarter 2016 Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey®. Conducted in May, the survey results show that lenders reporting demand growth for GSE eligible purchase mortgages over the past three months rebounded […]

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An Entire United States Spy Town Is Up for Auction

It’s not the first time that an entire American town has gone on the auction block, but it might be the most unusual. Sugar Grove Station, W.Va. was originally a United States Navy military base to support part of the National Security Agency’s surveillance operation. Though the array of giant parabolic dishes that continue to […]

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Great Spaces: Horse-Lovers Dream Ranch

This five-acre property is an ideal stomping ground for the equestrian fanatic. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch has everything you need for pony play: a riding arena, stables and pastures. Extra posh amenities include a saltwater pool with its own beach and cabana, a sauna and room for a helicopter landing pad. The private ranch’s 4,200-square-foot […]

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Workplace Besties Help Colleagues, Company

(TNS)—Having a best friend at work is good for you, your friend and your work, according to a study by O.C. Tanner, a global employee recognition consulting firm. It’s the first time the company has attempted to measure what Gary Beckstrand, a vice president there, calls “social well-being.” Wellness programs tend to be about the […]

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Stunning 10-Bedroom Victorian in Prospect Park South Asking $2.35 Million

Here's a rare opportunity for someone not afraid to roll up their sleeves. On Marlborough Street in Prospect Park South, it's a striking 10-bedroom stand-alone house with a wraparound porch that offers some 6,000 square feet of faded glory, in need of restoration and updating.

The photos depict an uncommon amount… Read More >

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What Is a Prewar Apartment and Why Are They Great?

The prewar apartment is a New York City type that conjures visions of prime residences from the era of Dorothy Parker and Cole Porter with thick walls, high ceilings and hardwood floors.

A quick definition of prewar apartments

A prewar apartment is one that was built before World War II. Authorities differ… Read More >

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Need Three Bedrooms? Here Are 5 Move-In-Ready Options Starting at $649,000

A three-bedroom apartment may be just what is needed for large families, parents buying for children and their roommates, and those searching for an extra office or an investment property, or just more space.

You'll find three-bedroom apartments throughout Brooklyn, and at a range of prices. We've rounded up five, all… Read More >

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New Study Reveals Owners in Western Cities Underestimate Appraiser Value

Home appraisals in May were an average of 1.89 percent lower than what homeowners were expecting, according to the national Home Price Perception Index (HPPI) put out by Quicken Loans. This is a slight move toward equilibrium compared to a difference of 1.95 percent in April. The East and Midwest are seeing the same discrepancy […]

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Introducing New REALTOR Benefits® Program Partner Members’ Gift Galleria

NAR PULSE—Members’ Gift Galleria, powered by member marketplace™ and available in partnership with NAR’s REALTOR Benefits® Program, is now open for business! Members’ Gift Galleria is a private, customized online marketplace where you and your agents can purchase brand name products from an extensive line-up at deep discounts for personal use, as well as for […]

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Recruiting, Training and Education Ensure Growth

In the following interview, Whitney Finn LaCosta, Branch Manager of Coach REALTORS®, discusses growth, success, and how to appeal to millennials. Nick Caruso: What stands to shake up the market in the year ahead? Whitney Finn LaCosta: The outcome of the presidential election and the very real possibility of an increase in gas prices could […]

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Walkable Urban Locations Continue to Rise in Popularity

Walkable real estate development projects and places continue to be on the rise nationwide, but certain metro regions are progressing faster than others, according to a new national report released by LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors, a program of Smart Growth America, in conjunction with the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis at […]

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A Social Media Cheat Sheet for REALTORS®

As time goes on, the realm of social media is constantly changing. Real estate agents use visually heavy platforms like Instagram consistently, so it’s always beneficial to stay on top of any changes coming down the pipeline. Today we’ll look at five crucial tips that will help you elevate your presence on social media. We’ll […]

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Living Smart: Consider Seamless Countertops

(TNS)—If you’re spending a good amount of money to have new countertops installed in your kitchen, you’ll likely want the end result to be perfect—free from visible seams. Seams can stand out and can take away from the overall appearance of the countertops. The lack of seams would give the countertops a smoother, more appealing […]

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Co-op in Converted Cobble Hill Schoolhouse Asks $1.495 Million

This two-bedroom unit offers a distinctive space, with multiple tiers, high and angled ceilings, and jutting exposed girders. It's on the top floor of a converted schoolhouse, at 174 Pacific Street in Cobble Hill.

The living space is open plan and a bit loft-like, with a wood-burning fireplace in the living… Read More >

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71 Percent Believe Student Debt Delays Homeownership, NAR Finds

Seventy-one percent of non-homeowners repaying their student loans on time believe their debt is stymieing their ability to purchase a home, and slightly over half of all borrowers say they expect to be delayed from buying by more than five years. This is according to a new joint survey on student loan debt and housing […]

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Understanding First-Time Homebuyers: What to Know, and How to Serve

The summer buying season is in full swing, and first-time homebuyers make up a sizeable portion of your firm’s potential clientele—32 percent, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). What do we know about today’s first-time homebuyer? Most are married couples with no children and a combined income of $77,500. At an average age […]

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Great Spaces: Italian Luxury Living amid the Scenic, Secluded Landscape of Sardinia

Italy Sotheby’s International Realty recently announced the exclusive sale of Is Molas Golf Resort, a private 300-acre, pristine, multi-generational resort community set on the southern coast of Sardinia, Italy. Designed by the renowned Massimiliano Fuksas and wife and interior designer Doriana Fuksas, Is Molas offers four prototypes of eco-friendly, open-concept, and uniquely designed villas spaciously […]

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HUD Awards $46.5 Million to Make Thousands of Homes Safe from Lead

To protect children and families from the hazards of lead-based paint and other home health and safety hazards, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded $46.5 million in grants to 15 local and state governments. The grant funding will reduce the number of lead-poisoned children and protect families by targeting health […]

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Elegant Landscape Designs Can Greatly Enhance Property Value

Elegantly designed exterior landscapes can greatly enhance the appearance, curb appeal and market value of almost any home or property. Even large-scale landscaping projects can often be completed with relatively little cost and may add several thousands of dollars to the market price of a home or other property. Advanced options, such as hardscaping installations, xeriscaping or more […]

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Wood or Wood-Like Flooring: What’s the Difference?

Traditionally, hardwood floors added warmth and natural beauty to the home. These days, hardwood competes with copycat laminates and engineered wood floors, which can cost less. Here are the differences between wood and wood-like flooring, according to Melissa Maker, host of the Clean My Space channel on YouTube. Hardwood – Hardwood flooring is made of solid, […]

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Romanesque Revival Mansion With Details Near Prospect Park Asking $4.8 Million

This Romanesque Revival number at 44 Montgomery Place in Park Slope is quite the grand residence, designed in 1881 by C.P.H. Gilbert on a distinguished park block.

It's got some sweet details intact, including inlaid floors, moldings, woodwork, cabinetry, pocket doors and stained glass. (There's also an original clawfoot tub in… Read More >

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Top 10 Brooklyn Real Estate Listings: Wide-Ranging Homes From $169K and Up

This week's top listings are a wide-ranging bunch, both in terms of location and price. You'll find rentals under $2,000 a month, apartments for less than $200,000, and single-family homes priced in the low millions, in neighborhoods like Flatlands, Windsor Terrace and Bed Stuy.

Which would you choose?

10. Last week's No.… Read More >

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Diving Deeper in This Month’s Cover Story: From Vision to Reality – Upstream Gains Momentum, Appoints CEO

“All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come.” These words, penned by poet and novelist Victor Hugo, describe the momentum building behind the concept dubbed “UpstreamTM,” which has dominated conversation within the real estate industry recently. As the idea moves to reality, we are learning more […]

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Negative Jobs Report Prompts Drop in Mortgage Rates

Average fixed mortgage rates following 10-year Treasury yield lower after the May employment report came in well below expectations, according to the recently released Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®). According to the PMMS, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.60 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending June 9, 2016, down […]

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Home Purchase Sentiment Increase Rockets to New High

Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index™ (HPSI) increased 1.6 points to 85.3 in May, reaching a new all-time survey high and rebounding from an 18-month low in March. Three of the six HPSI components increased in May, led by a 7 percentage point increase on net in the share of consumers reporting that their income […]

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4 First Steps to Sprint into Homebuying

(TNS)—Homeownership is a marathon, but homebuying is a sprint. Maybe you came up short in previous attempts. Maybe you “just weren’t ready.” But if you’ve decided that now is the time, here are four ways to get a lead right off the starting block. Of course, working with a real estate agent will offer the […]

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Great Spaces: San Marino Stunner

Looking for a sweet new spot that mixes the best of modern living with historic details? Enter 1740 Ramiro Road in San Marino, Calif. Built in 1928 and recently renovated, this 4,600-square-foot Mediterranean estate has original detailing—think tiles, mahogany doors, wrought-iron hardware—and luxurious updated entertaining areas, outdoor living spaces and a park-like lawn. The home, […]

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Manufactured Stone Veneer: A Cost-Effective Option for Improving Curb Appeal

If you’re looking to lift the curb appeal of your home, the solution may be written in stone. Homeowners are increasingly turning to manufactured stone veneer, a lower-cost alternative to natural stone siding, to spruce up the exterior of their homes. In Remodeling magazine’s 2016 Cost vs. Value Report, manufactured stone veneer ranked as the […]

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Mortgage Applications Rise over 9 Percent

Mortgage applications increased 9.3 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending June 3, 2016. Results include an adjustment to account for the Memorial Day holiday. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 9.3 percent on […]

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Understanding Dodd Frank Section 342: Diversifying Vendor Partnerships

Mention Dodd Frank 342 and you may get a blank stare, but it’s a regulation that needs some serious thought. The disproportionate impact of the economic downturn on diverse communities, minority- and women-owned businesses prompted legislators to seek stop gaps for future downturns. Congress passed Section 342 of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and […]

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Redefining the Real Estate Experience

Listen. Plan ahead. Stay humble and hungry and grateful. These are the words Dan Forsman, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties lends to budding real estate agents. Read the following interview for more insight. Barbara Pronin: Dan, you didn’t start out in the real estate industry. Can you briefly trace the career path that […]

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Ceiling Art: Color and Style from Above

Looking to add a little more art to your home, but out of wall space? Look up. Trending hot in homes right now are innovative ceiling designs. From prints to poppy splashes of color, ceilings are moving far, far away from that boring off-white. From texture to color and lighting, the following infographic from The […]

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Four Updated Houses From Windsor Terrace to Crown Heights to See This Weekend

Our open houses this weekend hit four points on the Brooklyn map: Carroll Gardens, Crown Heights, Gowanus and Windsor Terrace. Some are recently renovated, and all appear to be in move-in condition, going by the listings. The prices start at $1.599 million and top out at $2.5 million.

First up, a… Read More >

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Open House Picks Six Months Later: Three Sold, One in Contract

Our Open House Picks from six months ago all need some meaningful attention, and are found in Crown Heights, Park Slope, Prospect Lefferts Gardens and South Midwood.

On Maple Street in PLG is a single-family, Axe Hedman–designed limestone with a lot of detail, which could be quite a looker with a… Read More >

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How to Buy a Co-op Apartment in NYC: Here’s How the Process Works

Purchasing a home can be daunting to the uninitiated -- and for those looking to buy a co-op, the process is even more intense.

A co-op is a special kind of apartment with its own arcane buying procedure. It's essential to understand the steps and avoid pitfalls such as working with… Read More >

The post How to Buy a Co-op Apartment in NYC: Here’s How the Process Works appeared first on Brownstoner.

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The Elephant in the Room: Five Tips for Working with Unrealistic Sellers

There’s nothing more frustrating as an agent than putting a lot of time, research and effort into a listing, only to have the seller insist on overpricing the home. Before you can get a seller to agree to a realistic selling price, you have to understand why they insist on overpricing their home in the […]

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Best Apps for Real Estate Professionals

Real Estate Professionals are always on the move—and no two days are the same. For hectic days, technology can make things much easier. Here are a few great apps for your phone, to keep you on top of your game: RoomScan Pro- $4.99 for iOS This app takes the guesswork out of floor plans—and draws […]

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Older Americans Ready to Tackle Housing Market, Survey Says

Three out of four homeowners born before 1961 are confident they will have a financially comfortable retirement according to the Freddie Mac 55+ Survey, a comprehensive survey of the housing perceptions and preferences of Americans over the age of 55. The first Freddie Mac 55+ Survey also found that the majority of homeowners in this […]

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Drone Photography Is Rapidly Changing Real Estate…Are You Keeping Up?

Real estate companies are quickly adopting drone technology as it offers them a new way to catch the eyes of potential buyers. According to Joe Carriere, owner of Dallas Air Photos, “Most real estate professionals utilize MLS to promote their listings online. Up to 30 images of a property can be uploaded to the MLS […]

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Spring Staging without Flower Overload

When staging a home, it can be challenging to come up with creative ways to make your listing stand out from the crowd. This can be especially difficult during the spring selling season, when florals reign supreme. While incorporating colorful, fresh flowers and flower prints into a home can feel like a breath of fresh […]

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Rustic Williamsburg Duplex With Backyard Artist’s Studio Renting for $7,995 a Month

This charming duplex apartment offers a cozy country feel in an unlikely spot: an industrial stretch of South 1st Street in Williamsburg. It's on the bottom two floors of a townhouse that stands like an outpost on its largely commercial block.

Inside you'll find wood-beamed ceilings, wide-plank flooring, a wood-burning fireplace… Read More >

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Down Payment Assistance Programs Save Qualifying Homebuyers More Than $17,000 on Average over Life of Loan

Analysis of the impact of down payment assistance on the cost of buying a home— including the down payment and monthly house payments for a median-priced home in 513 counties nationwide—was released this week in a joint report by RealtyTrac® and Down Payment Resource. The report, released at the National Association of Real Estate Editors […]

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The Importance of Culturally Competent Mortgage Professionals

Home-buying season is in full swing and with more homes expected to hit the market, it should be a busy season. If 2016 shapes up to be like 2015, we can expect about 32 percent of the homebuyers to be first timers, according to the 2015 NAR Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report. How […]

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ADA and Website Compliance

Many real estate professionals have become increasingly concerned about the lack of guidance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) with respect to a business’ obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to make its website accessible. The business community anticipated a rule in the spring of 2016, but was disappointed by the DOJ’s announcement […]

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Sellers: What Every Buyer Wants to Know about Your Home

Home sellers are in an advantageous position this summer, with demand high and sales at their strongest in close to a decade. Planning to list your home in the coming weeks? Get the most for your house before the season’s up by making it accessible to buyers—with information. Every homebuyer wants to know specific aspects […]

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As the Housing Market Recovers, Negative Equity Concentrates in the Rust Belt

As the housing market continues to recover, homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages are increasingly concentrated in the Rust Belt, while West Coast homeowners are less likely to be in negative equity, according to the first quarter Zillow® Negative Equity Report. Nationally, 12.7 percent of homeowners with a mortgage were in negative equity, meaning […]

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Three-Bedroom Flip in Prospect Lefferts Asks $1.499 Million

This two-story home on Sterling Street in Prospect Lefferts Gardens is a flip, overhauled from top to bottom. If you're looking for a period-perfect Victorian, you can move along, but the re-do skillfully blends a few choice original details with a modern update.

It all looks to be in brand-new condition,… Read More >

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