Real Estate News And Views

5 Things Your Sellers Need to Do Before Putting their Home on the Market

2010-04-30T16:38:00.001-07:00

1. Organize and Clean

Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

2. Have a Pre-Sale Home Inspection

Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

3. Get replacement Estimates

Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Spruce Up the Curb Appeal

Pretend you're a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

5. Find your Warranties

Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

Source: Realtor.org

Helpful Tips for Hiring a Licensed Contractor

2010-04-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Ready to make some home improvements? With warmer weather on the way, now is the time to consider your summer projects. Before you hire a contractor, read these helpful tips for hiring a licensed contractor. Maximize your experience by:

- Hiring only licensed contractors
- Asking friends or relatives for recommendations
- Contacting the Contractors State License Board at www.cslb.com.gov or at 800-321-2752 to verify the contractor's license
- Making sure that the contractor has worker's compensation insurance and general liability insurance - this will cover any accidents that occur on the job
- Getting three references and reviewing past work
- Getting at least three bids
- Getting a written contract - don't sign anything until you completely understand the terms
- Ensuring that the contractor gets all of the necessary building permits
- Paying 10 percent down or $1,000 whichever is less
- Not letting the payments get ahead of the work
- Not paying cash
- Not making the final payment until you are satisfied with the job

(Source: WannaNetwork.com)

Gain in Pending Homes Sales

2010-04-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Ready to obtain your real estate license, but need some positive incentives? Read on.

According to a recent report from NAR, pending home sales rose in February, potentially signaling a second surge of home sales in response to the home buyer tax credit.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in February, rose 8.2 percent to 97.6 from a downwardly revised 90.2 in January, and remains 17.3 percent above February 2009 when it was 83.2. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which usually occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Learn more now - check out this interview with Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, who believes that, "The rise in buyer contact activity may signal the early stages of a second surge of home sales this spring."

Source: www.realtor.org

NAR Survey: First Time Buyers Comprised 47% of the Market in 2009

2010-03-25T14:46:00.001-07:00

According to the National Association of Realtors 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, first time home buyers made up 47% of the market during that year. And with luring incentives like the federal tax credit, low mortgage rates and affordable housing, this statisitc may not comes as a great shock.

So, who are these first time home buyers, what do they want and what makes them tick? If you have your real estate license, or even if you're simply thinking about it, you need to know the answers to these questions. Check out research from NARs 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers:

Most are married. 49% are a married couple. Next, single females comprise a quarter of first-time buyers. Single males account for 12%.

They're Young. 53% are between the ages of 24 to 34. 12% are younger than 24.

They're Diverse. 22% are part of a minority group. 6% speak a language other than English and 12% were not born in the United States.

They Like Suburbia. 22% purchased in an urban area, while 52% percent preferred the suburbs. The remainder gravitated towards a small town.

They Take their Time. First time home buyers take approximately 12 weeks to find their home. Repeat buyers took approximately 10 weeks.

Foreclosures Interest Them. 11% of first time home buyers bought a foreclosed home, while 56% considered it. Only 9% of repeat buyers bought a foreclosed home, while 41% considered it.

They're Most Likely to Use a Referral. 53% found their agent through a referral, compared with 36% of repeat buyers, many of whom sought the services of their previous agent.

According to housing economists, 2010 will be an even bigger year for first time home buyers. Get your real estate license online or renew your real estate license online - you don't want to miss the opportunity to market your services to this group.

Source: realtor.org; 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Top 4 Reasons to Take Action and Sell Your House Now

2010-03-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

You might think that in today's real estate market, it's a good idea to wait and sell your house when the industry gains strength. However, there are some really compelling reasons to take action and sell your house now in today's current market. Why? Read on…

1. You might sell low, but you can buy low too - Your property value may be down but you are going to buy low too, making everything equal. Plus, if you get a good bargain, which is abundantly available in today's market, you'll make gains in the years ahead – a plus for your financial portfolio!

2. There is down payment help to be had nationwide - Today, you do need to have some money to put down on a house – gone are the days of zero-down financing. But there is assistance available for low-income and first-time buyers to help them get into a house. Do your research - there is help readily available across the country. Programs will vary based on where you live - check online or consult a real estate professional.

3. Take advantage of government-based programs - There is still time to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and the $6,500 move-up credit if you act fast. If you miss these benefits, there are still energy tax credits available that can put money in your pocket for making home improvements.

4. Real estate professionals are ready for business - There are dedicated real estate professionals, who have are established in the field, that are eager for real business. Consult you local agents, brokers, contractors and lenders - they will be willing to really work for you and get you into the house of your dreams.

Source: McClatchy Tribune, Kate Forgach (02/07/2010)

Simple Living Room Staging Tips

2010-02-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

You obtain your real estate license and take on your first listing. You're excited. However, there's a problem. From a showcase cabinet full of dusty dolls that are straight out of a horror movie to heavy drapery that defies sunlight and the faded, 1970's couch that's way past its peak - the living room is a designer's nightmare.

Don't worry. By mastering a few, simple staging techniques, you can turn that eyesore into a comfortable setting that's more inviting than scary. Check out this video from Realtor TV and see how staginhg can transform a space for the better.

Source: Realtor.org

Get That House Sold: 5 Outside-the-Box Ideas

2010-02-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

Once you obtain your real estate license, you may disciver that a little creativity can go a long way. And when it comes to getting a house sold, open houses and marketing flyers are just the beginning. Check out these out-of-the box ideas from www.realtor.com and see how agents from coast to coast are successfully selling homes using some uncommon tactics.

1. Organize a Raffle. Partner with a charity to raffle the house. That's what Tom and Dianne Walters did when they needed to quickly sell their 4,500-square-foot, six-bedroom home in Edgewater, MD. The couple partnered with the Annapolis, MD., charity We Care and Friends, which administered the raffle and received 10 percent of the ticket sales. We Care sold 23,000 tickets through the site www.fiftydollarhouse.com. Although the Walterses needed to sell 31,500 to break even on the property, all parties involved felt it was a win-win.

2. Have a Sleepover. Take inspiration from the HGTV show "Sleep On It" and give buyers a chance to try out a house. Apparently, some sellers are doing just that, allowing one-or-two-night stays to give serious buyers a feel for the house and the neighborhood. As a special touch, owners can leave a gift certificate to a local restaurant or a free gym pass for prospective buyers to enjoy.

3. 'Invite' a Celebrity. Real estate practitioners are pros at editing garbage cans and lawn clutter out of photos, but have you ever thought about adding whimsical images to your interior shots? In her Ink blog, media maven Barbara Corcoran of New York suggested this example: a photo of Marilyn Monroe in the listing's living room. Tip: Expect to pay for celebrity photos, and remember that copyright laws apply to photography as well as text.

4. Appeal to Their Good Taste. Some practitioners are serving high-end lunches at their high-end listings. One salesperson in Florida parked a latte cart outside her listing and sold the house nine days later for $23,000 more than the asking price. Have multiple listings on a block? Team up with colleagues to host an open house block party.

5. Go for More Exposure. That huge billboard that you drive by every morning could be yours for less than you think. Typical suburban billboards rent for as little as $400 a month and cost about $100 to produce. Another tactic: Use a car magnet that advertises your Web site. For a few dollars, you can advertise your listings all over town.

Source: www.realtor.org

Is Now a Good Time to Study Real Estate?

2010-02-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

Want to obtain your real estate license? Now might be the right time. In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Michael Lea, director of the Corky McMillin Center for Real Estate at San Diego State University, says he is encouraging students to study real estate because we are at the bottom of a cycle. By the time these students have graduated, he believes the industry will have recovered.

"I don't think we'll ever again see the 2005-2007 heyday in real estate. That was an anomaly, and actually, I hope we don't go back to that. But within real estate, there are a lot of opportunities, such as property management and lending," he says.

Lea sees apartments as a particularly bright spot.

"I think as more people realize that homeownership is not quite what it was cracked up to be, we're not going to have marginal people buying homes any more," he says. "That's ultimately going to mean more people going back to the rental sector. We're growing as a population, and people have to live somewhere, so I think the rental market is in relatively good shape and will strengthen as we go forward."

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune, Roger Showley/www.realtor.org (02.08.10)

15.2% Increase in Bay Area Median Home Prices

2010-02-02T15:19:00.001-08:00

Want to get your California resl estate license? Now might be the right time. For example, the median home price in the nine-county San Francisco Bay area increased 15.2 percent in December compared to a year ago, reaching $380,000, according to MDA DataQuick. And in Southern California, the median home price increased 7.5 percent to $360,000.

Economists say the improvement in coastal California was driven by jobs and the increasing availability of venture capital. California is often considered a bellwether of trends in other areas of the country.

Source: The Wall Street Journal (C. Tuna 02.02.10)

CA Real Estate Agents & Brokers: Do You Need an MLO License Endorsement?

2010-01-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

California real estate agents and brokers who perform residential mortgage loan originator (MLO)activities will now need to obtain an MLO license endorsement. Why?

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 has set forth new regulations. And a section of Title V called the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (S.A.F.E.) is of particular importance to individuals who perform MLO activities. And in the State of California, this act has set a precedent for how real estate agents and brokers who execute MLO activities will conduct business in the future.

Basically, the SAFE act is about greater accountability. Its main purpose is to increase consumer protection and decrease fraudulent activities.

According to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), here's what you need to do to obtain your MLO license endorsement:

-Successfully pass the national and California components of the SAFE mortgage test
-Submit an MLO licensee endorsement application (after DRE joins NMLS&R in March 2010)
-Submit fingerprints to the NMLS&R
-Satisfy 20 hours of pre-licensing education
-Submit authorization for the NMLS&R to obtain a credit report

Visit www.dre.ca.gov/lic_safe.html for complete details concerning California MLO license endoremsent requirements and due dates.

Are you a real estate agent or broker from another state and wondering if you also need to obtain an MLO license endorsement? Visit the NMLS Web site and check the state licensing requirements page to learn more. Regulations and due dates vary by state. In fact, according to the NMLS, it is individual state law that determines when you must pass the SAFE mortgage test, complete education and/or continuing education courses and a background check.

Tips for Eco-Friendly Kitchen Design

2010-01-13T13:17:00.001-08:00

Attention Realtors - once you complete your required real estate education and obtain a real estate license, you will be ready to enter an industry that is heavily influenced by the green movement.

In fact, in addition to demanding eco-friendly materials that will cut home energy costs, consumers also want these environmentally-friendly materials to have major design appeal. And the good news is that consumers are willing to pay more to save on utility costs (NAHB 2007 Consumer Preference Survey).

So, how can your home seller incorporate a few green upgrades to attract the growing numbers of environmentally-conscientious home buyers? Why not focus on one of the home's major assets - the kitchen. Here's a video from REALTOR TV to provide you with tips and inspiration that will help you to better advise your clients.

Media Source: REALTOR TV (BETA)

2009 Stats Show Texas is Most Affordable State for Homeownership

2010-01-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

Texas continues to beat the rest of the U.S. in housing affordability, according to 2009 first-quarter statistics from the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M.

The Center uses a Texas Housing Affordability Index (HAI) to compare the ability of a Texas median-income family to purchase a median-priced existing home in their area vs. consumers in other states. Where higher numbers are better, Texas had a ratio of 1.95 in first quarter 2009 compared with 1.55 nationwide.

"Texas continues to maintain its place as the most affordable high-growth state in the country," says Jim Gaines, Ph.D., research economist.

Source: Real Estate Center at Texas A&M

Realtor Handouts and Scripts Can Offer Instant, Fresh Insight

2010-01-05T14:55:00.000-08:00

As a licensed Realtor, you will work with a wide-range of clients with an even broader range of personalities, needs and demands. And sometimes, a little help and a fresh perspective on classic client challenges can be the difference between closing the deal and losing a sale.

No worries - there's an easy way to obtain instant insight: check out the scripts and client handouts on realtor.org.

For example, one of the latest scripts covered a variety of FSBO (For-Sale-By-Owner) objections and provided the kinds of thought-provoking come-backs that may encourage your prospect to enlist your help. Other scripts covered topics such as:

-Why Now is a Good Time to Buy
-Getting a Listing Agreement Signed
-Responses to Common Commission Questions

Want to save time and look professional? Why not instantly download a variety of educational buyer and seller handouts? In fact, realtor.com encourages you to download the handouts from their Web site, customize them with your logo/branding and utilize them in our marketing materials, including newsletters, mailings, Web sites and more.

Educational handouts are organized by buyer and seller needs and include categories such as: Getting Ready for Homeownership, Home Financing Tips, Finding the Right Property, How to Prepare for Home Showings and more.

As a Realtor, you're busy and your time is vital. So don't work harder, work smarter.
Benefit from online resources and training opportunities that allow you to save time, like online real estate license renewal, and focus one what's important - your promising real estate career.

Are More Americans Moving to Texas?

2009-12-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

Is now a good time to get your Texas real estate license? You decide. According to a CNNMoney.com report, in the year ending July 1, the state of Texas added more people than any other state.

And in the previous 12-month period, Texas was the third state in the nation with the fastest growth rate (1.97%). In fact, the state added over 3.9 million residents throughout the 2000's.

Staggering unemployment rates, among other factors, are posing challenges in some states that once boasted numerous and prosperous metro areas. However, some states have a more positive tale to share - like Texas.

For example, according to the CNNMony.com report, the state of Texas did not experience the boom-and-bust housing cycle that ravaged other states. Overall, Texas home prices stayed affordable. Plus, according to a November 2009 BLS Unemployment by State report, Texas is at eight percent. This is currently two percentage points below the national average.

With a population that is growing steady and an economy that is more stable than other states, no wonder Texas is attracting new residents. So here is the question - who will help all of these new Texans locate new homes? Why not you?

Consider getting your real estate license and take a Texas real estate course. Whether you are interested in transitioning into the real estate industry from your current job, or are simply seeking a career path, a career in Texas real estate has much to offer.

The career potential of a Texas real estate license includes some major perks. For example, you can experience greater schedule flexibility and the freedom of working out in the field. Plus, you are your own boss and your earning potential is up to you - never be limited by an income cap again. Lastly, is the reward of helping an individual experience one of the most significant events of their life - homeownership.

Benefit from Texas population growth and the state's stable economy. Choose an online real estate school, satisfy pre-licensing requirements on your schedule and launch an exciting career you can be proud to call your own.

Home Buyer Tax Credit 2010 Extension

2009-12-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Home Buyer Tax Credit has persuaded home buyers across the country to get off the fence and into the home market. In fact, according to NAR, pending home sales across the country have experienced nine consecutive months of gains.

Not only is this good news for seasoned Realtors who are helping clients benefit from attractive government incentives, but also for individuals considering a career in real estate - now is an ideal time to break into the industry, educate potential home buyers and create your own niche.

In fact, the U.S. Congress also believes that the Home Buyer Tax Credits are helping to stimulate the U.S. housing market, which is why a new legislation has passed to:

- Extend the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit (up to $8,000 for those who qualify) through April 30, 2010

- Expanded tax credit availability to include current home owners who may qualify to receive up to $6,500 towards the purchase of a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010

In order to qualify for the extended First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, buyers must not have owned a residence in the past three years and must put their credit towards the purchase of a single family home, condo, townhome or co-op between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

To qualify for the expanded tax credit, a current home owner must have lived in their primary residence a minimum of five consecutive years, within the last eight years, and plan on purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

For first time home buyers, the maximum credit is $8,000 and for current homeowners the maximum credit is $6,500. The allowable credit amount is determined by the buyer's income and the price of the home.

And there's even more good news for buyers who participate in the extended Tax Credit program. As long as the buyer lives in the property for a minimum of three years, they will not need to repay the tax credit. However, if the buyer sells the property before the three-year period, they will be required to repay the full amount of the Tax Credit.

The Home Buyer Tax Credit program has been a powerful incentive that has turned potential buyers into proud home owners. And its an ideal marketing tool for individuals who are considering a career in real estate.

These advantageous government incentive programs won't last forever. However, by helping buyers benefit from these programs now, you can build a base of contacts and references that will serve you well throughout your career. Especially in a market that is gradually and continually stabilizing.

"As inventories continue to decline and balance is gradually restored between buyers and sellers, we should reach self-sustaining housing conditions and firming home prices in most areas around the middle of 2010," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "That would mean broad wealth stabilization for the vast number of middle-class families."

To learn more about the exteded Fist Time Home Buyer credit, visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. Ready to set your real estate career in motion? Check out the benefits of an online real estate school and meet your educational requirements online when it's convenient for you.

Polish Your Real Estate Career Speech

2009-10-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

USA Today business columnist Rhonda Abrams urges real estate practitioners to work on honing their 30-second answer to this important question: "What do you do?"

It seems like an easy question for a real estate professional to answer, but
simply saying, "I sell real estate" doesn't distinguish you from the thousands of other practitioners out there, Abrams says. Instead, give listeners a reason to remember you: "I sell homes in the North Carolina area, specializing in first-time buyers."

Get someone to videotape you answering this key question until you've polished your intro into a can't-miss conversation starter that includes information about the core of your business, why acquaintances should do business with you, and what excites you about what you're doing, Abrams advises.

Source: USA Today, Rhonda Abrams (Oct. 9, 2009)

Buyers Are Cutting the Fluff, Architects say

2009-10-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

Home buyers are scaling back, according to a quarterly survey by the American Institute of Architects choosing energy-saving amenities over recreational ones.

Two-thirds of architects say their clients want better insulation, including double- and triple-glazed windows, water-saving devices, and solar panels. The most popular bonus room is a home office, with 46 percent of architects saying these rooms are gaining in popularity.

The architects identified a sharp decline in the demand for high-end kitchens and baths and said that there was also less interest in game and media rooms and in-law suites.

The AIA said residential billings, a leading indicator of activity, rose to 38 in the second quarter, up 20 points from the first quarter of 2009.

Source: Reuters News (10/06/2009)
Image Source: AIArchitect (Volume 18)

Pending Homes Sales Increase to 6.4 Percent

2009-10-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in pursuing a real estate career? Now might be the right time. According to an Associated Press news story on MSNBC.com, U.S. pending home sales have experienced seven consecutive months of gains - the highest since March 2007. Here are highlights from the story:

Construction spending rose in August. According to the release, this unexpected increase represents the biggest jump in housing activity in nearly 16years - a positive sign that the real estate market is recovering.

Sales and homebuilding influences are strong. A combination of the $8,000 tax credit, cheap foreclosures and low mortgage rates are powerful reasons to get off the fence and into the real estate market.

Growing support for extending the $8,000 tax credit. Over one dozen bills have been presented to Congress, pushing for an extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.

In all but a few cities, home prices are slowly increasing. The slow, nationwide housing price increase is a reversal from a three-year descent. And, according to the release, bidding wars for discounted properties in hard-hit areas like Las Vegas and Phoenix are common.

NAR index of sales agreements - higher than expected. According to the National Association of Realtors, its index of sales agreements rose 6.4% from July to 103.8%, beating forecasts. It was the highest since March 2007 and 12% above a year ago. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected the index would rise to 98.6%.

Prepare for the Florida State Exam with Complimentary Flash Cards

2009-10-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

Flash cards are an ideal way to learn important real estate concepts. Reinforce what you need to know for the Florida state exam with handy cards that travel with you wherever you go!

For a limited time, you can receive a complimentary set of Florida Real Estate Flash Cards when you enroll in any Florida Real Estate Sales Associate course. That's a $30 value! You'll receive your real estate course, plus the tools to effectively prepare for the state exam.

Use the Florida Real Estate Flash Cards to commit key terms to memory. They are Florida-specific and contain 375 terms and definitions broken down into five categories: Legal, Finance, Practice, Closing, Appraisal & Economics. Call (800) 617-3513 to take advantage of this limited-time offer and get your complimentary Florida flash cards.

Reinforce Florida Real Estate Concepts with These Helpful Study Tips

We've included some study tips from Allied's 7 Secrets to Studying. When preparing for the Florida state exam, you'll benefit from incorporating these helpful tips into your study routine.

Tip #1 Use Study Aids to Your Advantage
Plan a review of each chapter as you go along, so that you don't have to review everything all at once right before the exam. Use these study aids for maximum results:

Flash cards are very good tools, particularly for memorization of important terms and definitions. Focus on the ones you're having most difficulty with - review them in random order until you feel confident that you know the information.
- Use flash cards to track your progress
- Know instantly which topics require extra review
- Use flash cards at home or on the go to instantly recognize terms and definitions

Practice tests can help you prepare for the actual exam. As you prepare for the FL state licensing exam, try to score 90% or better on the practice tests - mastering these practice tests can be an indication of how you'll do on the real thing.

Tip #2 Remember to Use Memorization Tools!What's the best way to recall important facts? Apply these associative memory techniques to remember the content from your flash cards and learn your Florida real estate concepts:

Acrostics
In real estate, when you want to remember property tax dates, use the acrostic "No Darn Fooling Around" (for November, December, February and April). See if you can make up creative acrostics for areas you need help remembering.

Acronyms
Acronyms are words formed from the first letters of a series of words you need to remember. In grade school when you had to remember the names of the Great Lakes, you probably used the word "homes" to remember all five lakes - Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.

Rhymes
Making up a simple rhyme can be a very effective memorization tool. Remember, "I before e, except after c?"

Imaging Techniques
Use "linking" to recall a list or series of words by creating a visualization that contains all the words you need to recall.

Repetition
Reading and re-reading is helpful, but also saying things out loud, writing them down, inventing acronyms or using the linking technique can help you remember important terms and concepts.

With the complimentary flash cards that you may receive when you enroll in your Florida real estate course, you can use these study tips to assist with your state exam preparation. Take advantage of this limited-time offer and learn the terms you need to know, in the comfort of your home or on the go.

Does Florida Real Estate Offer the Best Bargains for Homebuyers?

2009-10-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Opportunity to benefit from the Florida real estate market is looking a little sunnier - for buyers, for savvy Florida real estate agents and sellers who can find the silver lining. According to a report released by Zillow.com this month, of the 25 cities with the biggest median discounts in August, 14 of them were in the state of Florida.

The Florida city where sellers offered the most significant price reductions was in Vero Beach, where buyers negotiated prices down by 10.2%, a savings of $23,500. Other Florida hot spots were Naples at 7.8%, Daytona Beach at 7.5% and Sarasota at 8.2%.

According to Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries, "The fact that many Florida markets are still showing comparatively higher differences between the last listing price and final sale price suggests that inventory levels are still relatively high, keeping considerable downward pressure on prices and encouraging buyers to seek large discounts off the listing price."

Florida just might be the ultimate playground for serious home bargain hunters. And sellers shouldn't be dismayed. Although a property may sell far below the asking price, a great deal on a replacement home can balance it all out.

A combination of low interest rates, lower home prices and a wide inventory variety are encouraging all types of buyers to take action. So, how can buyers and sellers land the best deal and who will help them get it? Guidance from a trained Florida real estate professional is paramount, which is why now might be a strategic time to obtain a Florida real estate license from an online real estate school and benefit from this growing client market.

Need more incentive? Take a peek at a complimentary offer from Allied Real Estate School, check out the course and envision yourself in the Florida real estate agent role.

First Servicer Performance Report Encouraging to Those Ready to Obtain a Real Estate License

2009-09-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Have you always wanted to get your real estate license? Now may be a good time. The real estate market continues to experience an increase in activity, and with the recent release of the first monthly Servicer Performance Report, the future of the real estate industry is looking brighter.

As an initiative of the current administration, the Servicer Performance Report is a monthly progress review the Making Home Affordable (MHA) loan modification program. The report also includes a plan of action that promotes the continued stabilization of our housing market.

MHA loan modification initiatives include:

- Additional protection for borrowers. The administration has asked program compliance agent Freddie Mac to create a "second look" process to review MHA modification applications that have been repeatedly declined.

- CEOs of participating servicers were asked to redouble their efforts to increase staffing, improve borrower response times and streamline the application process.

- Stricter real estate laws aimed at alleviating past mistakes, standards for smarter real estate transactions and greater accountability in the real estate profession.

In just a few short months, the MHA has made rapid progress. For example, servicers covering more than 85 percent of loans are making modifications under the program. To date, over 400,000 modification offers have been extended and more than 230,000 trial modifications are underway. At this pace, the program is on track to offer assistance to some 3 to 4 million homeowners over the next three years.

And here's more good news - pending listings are up for the fifth consecutive month and many first-time buyers who qualify for the $8,000 tax credit are taking advantage of the opportunity to own a home. The continued upswing in the real estate market is a positive indication that recovery is underway.

Curious about what training is needed to sell real estate? Start your research online and consider an accredited online real estate school. In a matter of months, your dedication could contribute to greater stabilization in your local real estate market.

Use Online Social Networking Sites to Market Your Real Estate Services

2009-08-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Once you get your real estate license, constant communication with potential clients is vital to your success. Direct mail campaigns and door knocking are all tried and true marketing tactics in the real estate industry, but today's consumers are Web savvy. You need a multi-faceted marketing approach that won't bust your budget. It's time to jump on the social networking bandwagon.

Are you ready to expand your real estate business? Consider utilizing social networking Web sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and ActiveRain as more opportunities to maintain your connection with clients. You can use these five basic rules to help you achieve the greatest benefit from these tools:

Get organized.
Use Facebook lists to group your contacts (colleagues, high school friends, neighbors, past clients, etc). Just click on the "Friends" link on the top of your profile page, and then click on "Make a New List" on the left side of the screen. This will make communication easier as you expand your network. Create similar groupings with your contacts on Twitter and other social sites.

Be a sleuth.
By signing up at TweetBeep.com, you will receive e-mail alerts when keywords related to you or your business appear in a Twitter message, or "tweet."

Be authentic.
When people visit your Web page, the first thing they will see is your profile. Be honest about who you are and what you do, and be sure to include details. For instance, calling yourself a "real estate expert" isn't nearly as revealing as "20 years of experience in the marketing and sale of residential property with a major national brokerage firm." Also, touch on your life outside of work, including photos if possible. Adding this human element to who you are is paramount to building relationships.

Be an observer.
Spend some time researching Facebook groups, fan pages and events related to your field. For instance, take note of how they communicate with their members and the amount of activity on discussion boards and wall posts.

Be a giver, not a taker.
Share information with your network without any expectation of getting something in return. You might post a link to an interesting article or video, and offer insightful comments on links posted by others. Be willing to take time to build and nurture relationships with people in your network. The more resources you present, the more trust you build and the more potential clients you will generate.

Seeking out new marketing tools and techniques should be a vital part of your ongoing real estate education. Understand the latest trends in your local area, market your benefits online to a mass audience and keep your real estate career on track.

Is Now a Good Time to Obtain Your California Real Estate Broker's License?

2009-08-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Do you need incentive to obtain your California real estate broker's license? Benefits of the first-time home buyer tax credit, increased pending home sales and low interest rates are a few of the factors that continue to help boost buyer activity in a stabilizing housing market.

"Some states are offering bridge loans that allow first-time buyers to use the tax credit for down payment and closing costs," said NAR President Charles McMillan, who also noted the variety of nationwide home buyer assistance programs. "There are many other local government and nonprofit programs available to buyers, depending on location."

The Pending Home Sales Index, the leading indicator for the housing sector, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 percent in April of 2009 from a reading of 84.6 percent the previous month, and is 3.2 percent above April 2008 when it was 87.5 percent. NAR's Housing Affordability Index is in record territory, showing a rise to 174.8 in April from 171.9 in March. This is excellent news for the real estate industry.
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The facts are in and the real estate market is progressing. Prepare for the market upswing and train for your California real estate broker license now. Your leadership is needed in an industry that is ready for greater accountability. Click here to learn more about California broker license course.

Real Estate Education is the Key to Making a Smart Home Purchase

2009-07-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

With credit starting to flow again, many families with reasonable down payments are receiving the go-ahead to proceed with the home buying process. And with home buyer incentives more attractive than ever, there's no time like the present to obtain your real estate license and educate buyers on how to make a successful home purchase.

Differentiate yourself from the competition - don't just help your buyers select a home. Educate them with these smart, "tried and true" principles so they can enjoy the long-term rewards of homeownership:

1. Borrow within your means. Just because your buyers receive lender approval for a specific mortgage amount doesn't necessarily mean the monthly payments will fit their budget. The old-school tradition - a "safe" home mortgage is no more than three times a buyer's annual family income - is one that certainly should be reinstated.

2. Understand local markets. Don't rely on national trends alone - Understand the housing market in the specific area where your client wants to live. Factors to pay attention to include:

-Foreclosure statistics
-Price movements
-Local job market strength
-Lack/abundance of newly built homes
-Prices of comparable sales in the neighborhood
-Average length of time a home is listed before it sells

3. Beware of price warning signs in the next cycle. Continuous price run-ups should raise a big red flag. From 2000 to 2005, U.S. housing prices rose by an average of 53%. Many housing markets experienced an increase that was even greater, including Nevada at 94%, Florida at 90% and California at 109%.

4. Buy for the long term. Now is not the ideal time to make a quick profit in the housing market. Since it is unclear when prices will bounce back, advise your clients to stay put for the long haul when buying this year.

5. Save smart for a down payment. While it's true that tying up all of your equity in a mortgage can deplete your emergency cash cushion, the market is starting to stabilize and there are definite advantages of a big down payment. Putting down between 15-20% will ultimately be beneficial in the form of higher equity, lower payments, better interest rates and more readily accessible financing.

These simple guidelines can help your clients make smarter home buying decisions. Plus, many economists agree - there is light at the end of the tunnel. For example, Harvy Rosenblum, executive vice president and director of research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, believes our economy will show marked improvement in the coming year and should be back on track by 2011.

It's time to think big. Choose to work within the confines of a cubicle, or become your own boss, see potential beyond media hype and pursue the rewarding real estate career challenges you know you can handle. Get your real estate license online in your free time and tap into this market. You can turn the home ownership dreams of qualified buyers into reality and be prepared to take on the next market upswing.

Get your Real Estate License and Help Buyers Benefit from $8K Tax Credit

2009-06-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Congress passed legislation that provides a tax credit of up to $8,000 for individuals purchasing their first home. Help spread the word - get your online real estate license and begin a rewarding career where you make a difference.

As a licensed real estate salesperson, here's what you need to know in order to help first time buyers take advantage of this exciting opportunity:

-Your client must purchase a home sometime between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009

-The buyer or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence for at least three years prior to buying the home

-The maximum amount of tax credit given to those who qualify is $8,000

-There are two main factors involved in determining the total for each buyer: the price of the home and the annual income of the purchaser

-While the credit will be equivalent to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000, single buyers who make $75,000 or less, as well as married couples who earn up to $150,000, are eligible to receive the most credit

-If a buyer's income surpasses these limits, but does not exceed the maximum, they may still qualify. The credit amount decreases for single buyers who bring in between $75,000 and $95,000, and for buyers filing jointly who gross between $150,000 and $170,000 per year. (Those with incomes that exceed $95,000 for singles and $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the tax credit.)

-Buyers who occupy the home for a period of at least three years are not required to repay the tax credit and, since it is fully reimbursable, can get their credit returned to them in the form of a payment

With the recent announcement of the eagerly anticipated guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), there is even more positive news for first-time buyers. FHA-approved lenders have been given the okay to begin the development of bridge-loan products which will make it feasible to use the benefits of the federal tax credit upfront. Home buyers can use these loans to help cover closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or put down more than the minimum 3.5 percent.

First time home buyers are often unaware that these programs exist. Obtain your real estate license, educate first time buyers and transform them from renters to proud home owners - a dream they may have never thought possible.