Agents, are you prepared to handle this new demographic?Key Takeaways Divorce rates are rising nationally for older couples, which means agents should be prepared to handle this group as they sell the property they shared and buy new, separate property. Agents should be sensitive to the challenges faced by former spouses who have not been active in the workforce.If you’re no longer in love with your spouse, you both are toward the end of your c
With the right approach and advice, being the bearer of bad news can be an opportunity in disguiseKey Takeaways The U.S. average credit score is 687, well under the 741 average had by mortgage borrowers in Q1 2017. Although it’s difficult to be prescriptive when helping buyers restore financial credibility, there are many solutions available. If you have time, mold buyers into the clients they need to be.While widespread inventory shortages m
The easy way is hardly ever the best path to serve clientsKey Takeaways Adopt a global mindset about luxury real estate, use out-of-the-box thinking, and pay attention to the small details.The luxury real estate industry is a business like no other, and high-end clients have unique requirements. Luxury real estate agents must learn to interact successfully with their luxury buyers and sellers. As such, here are eight truths about the luxury clien
According to a survey conducted in 2016, Google Maps is by far the most popular mapping app among smartphone users (Android owners prefer it by 78 percent and iPhone users by 69 percent). And there's a special program that offers real estate professionals and others the opportunity to boost their presence on this platform, known as Google Local Guides.Victor Lund, cofounder of real estate consulting company WAV Group, offers step-by-step instr
Most home inspectors carefully scrutinize a house from top to bottom, many with checklists that contain more than 1,600 features to evaluate. But some items require a specialist for a more thorough evaluation.The fireplace and chimneyInspectors often open and shut dampers to make sure they’re working properly. They may shine a flashlight up the chimney to look for any obstructions. But for anything further, buyers likely will need to hire a fi
Homeowners often look for which properties hold the best long-term value to protect their biggest asset.SmartAsset, a personal-finance technology site, recently analyzed historical price data and ranked the top housing markets for growth and stability. Researchers considered the 358 largest urban markets and focused on homes purchased between the first quarter of 1992 and the last quarter of 2016.The 10 best housing markets for growth and stabili
Cybercrime is posing a risk to an increasing number of real estate transactions, with home buyers’ down payment funds the main target of scammers. Anthony Lamacchia, broker-owner of Lamacchia Realty in Waltham, Mass., wrote a recent article for Boston.com warning consumers to beware about the scam.Criminals are targeting home buyers by sending them emails that look like they might come from their real estate agent or attorney. The emails may c
Santiago Arana is a top producer for good reason -- his connectionsSantiago Arana, a top real estate agent in Los Angeles, has found that partnering with the right people can reap rewards — and listings.He’s currently representing two listings that he clinched by virtue of his team-up attitude, one in San Clemente, California, and one new construction offering that he masterminded on Tigertail Road in Los Angeles — and he landed both listin
You can rock a new farm area quickly -- prepare to amazeKey Takeaways Get your mind right, get your time committed, hit it hard, and be super consistent with all sorts of authentic enthusiasm and hard work.So you’re just getting started in real estate and wondering how to gain traction in a particular area? Here are 13 pointers to help you do it faster, cheaper — and come across as a pro.1. Get into the right mindset Believe that you
The Senate plans to vote on the bill this week; here's what's insideKey Takeaways If you buy your insurance on the state or federal exchanges or are covered by Medicaid, you might be losing a tax credit or Medicaid coverage under the BCRA. If you were enrolling in a health care plan only when you needed it, you'll have to start waiting six months before your coverage kicks in. States would be allowed to decide what "essential benefits" are; this
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