Whether you are looking to sell your home, or seeking to buy either your first house, or a new one, statistics indicate, those represented by quality, responsive real estate agents, generally, obtain the best/ finest results! In most areas, there are a large number of agents, to choose from, so doesn’t it make sense, to take the time, and make the effort, to carefully, interview several, and determine, who’s best, for you? There are many factors to consider, but, since, for most of us, our house, represents, either our single – largest, or one of our largest, financial assets, it’s worth the effort, to get, what you need, and deserve. In other words, you need a CARING real estate agent, and. only, when you take the time, and effort, to choose wisely, it’s in your best interests. With that in mind, this article will briefly examine, consider, and review, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and represents.

1. Character; clarity; cooperative: Focus on the true character, of each individual, Will he proceed, with the level of clarity, to make a quality difference, for the better? Does the prospective agent, proceed with a cooperative approach, rather than an adversarial one?

2. Attitude; aptitude; attention; articulate: You benefit when your representative possesses a positive, can – do, attitude, and looks for ways, you can, rather than focusing on problems. How well – developed are the individual’s skills and aptitude? Will he pay keen attention, to you, and your needs? Choose someone who is articulate, and clearly communicates with all parties!

3. Relevant; realistic; ready: Markets and economies change, and only someone, who pays attention, and uses relevant methods and approaches, achieves the finest results. Avoid someone who seeks to buy, your listing, by suggesting an overly optimistic, listing price. Is the agent, ready, for prime – time?

4. Integrity; ideas; imagination: The single – biggest thing to demand, is someone with absolute integrity! When you find this, then you need someone who will have a well – developed, relevant imagination, and ideas, which make a difference, for the better!

5. Needs; neighborhood: Choose someone who knows the neighborhood, thoroughly, and believes in it. Combining this, with putting your needs, first, is in your best – interest!

6. Generate goodwill; great: A great agent proves his worth and value. by generating goodwill, based on a combination of integrity, knowledge, skill – set, negotiating ability, and other relevant characteristics, as well as his responsiveness, etc. Find yourself, a great, rather, than, merely a good one!

Who you choose to serve your real estate needs, has a significant impact! Choose wisely, and carefully, and make it, a great – fit!

While there may be certain periods of time, when one, might find a better opportunity, than another, in terms of buying or selling real estate, it is rarely a good idea, to try to apply the principles of market – timing, to this endeavor. There are so many factors, which might impact pricing, some more obvious and/ or predictable, while others more dependent on less predictable current events, etc. While human nature, is such, we all like to find a bargain, the actual fact, is, doing this, has certain risks and uncertainties, and other factors, involved. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, review, and discuss, some reasons, market – timing, is challenging, and often unwise.

1. Are you selling one house, and buying another?: If you are, as many do, when you sell the first home at a higher price, the new home, will also cost more. Therefore, how might market – timing make a difference?

2. Mortgage interest rates: So many factors affect interest rates, and the effect of rising interest rates, generally raises the rate one pays monthly, for mortgage expenses. Every increase in rate, means someone may not qualify for the same amount of loan, and will pay, more, every month, for every dollar borrowed.

3. All real estate is local: Market conditions change from region to region, and, in some cases, from neighborhood, to neighborhood (even when nearby). The adage, All real estate is local, explains, how conditions vary, depending on location, and since factors, such as supply and demand, pricing, schools, safety, conditions, etc, should also show you, why it is not only challenging, but often, ill – advised, to proceed, that way!

4. World and domestic changes/ conditions: When events in Washington concern financial markets, we sometimes witness increases in interest rates, real estate value, etc, which go beyond, logic, but are often based on emotional factors. In addition, unrest in areas, in the rest of the world, trade wars, and restrictions, etc, have an often – unanticipated result!

5. Supply and demand: The economic law of Supply and Demand, states, when supply is high, or demand is low, prices drop, and when they are the opposite, we witness rising prices. What causes certain changes in market inventory, and when this might change (often, somewhat, suddenly, and not expected), makes market – timing, considerably challenging!

A simple rule should be, to know your needs, goals, priorities, reasons, and personal finances, consider mortgage rates, etc, and, if you find the right house, for you, at a fair price (based on local market), try to buy it. Will you have the discipline to do, what’s best for you?

Whether, you are a homeowner, who has decided, it’s time to sell his house, and relocate, or a potential buyer, seeking for the so – called, home of your dreams (the American Dream of home ownership), you will have the choice, of either, doing so, on your own, or using the services of, and being represented by a quality, experienced, professional, real estate agent. Some believe they will get a better deal, when they do so, on their own, because, there will be no, or fewer commissions. However, according to the National Association of Realtors, or NAR, homeowners, generally, net more, even after considering these, than those who do so, alone. Buyers also benefit because the right agent, has the local knowledge, to properly provide you, with relevant, professionally prepared, Competitive Market Analysis (or CMA), so you have a better idea of market value and the competition. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, examine, review, consider, and discuss, 8 important reasons, homeowners benefit from using the right real estate agents, for their specific needs, and situation.

1. Local knowledge: Although markets, and times, change, in the vast number of circumstances, you will get your best offers, in the first few weeks, after it’s listed on the market. Therefore, pricing it right, from the start, often makes the difference, in a significant, major way!

2. Marketing expertise: The right agent, will create a customized, personal marketing plan, which addresses your specific residence and property, location, etc, as well as your priorities, needs, etc. There is no, one – size – fits – all, marketing process, so using a quality real estate professional, often makes a significant difference.

3. Agent’s network: Those who try to sell their house, on their own, often discover, they fail to attract as many potential buyers, as those using a professional. This is referred to, as an agent’s network, which includes the important tool, of listing the property, on the Multiple Listing Service, etc.

4. Hold client’s hand: The process of selling one’s house, is often, a stressful one, so using a professional, who has been through it before, and has a better idea of what to expect and anticipation, eases many of these stresses. Seek someone who patiently, is willing to, hold your hand, through the entire process.

5. Explanations/ expectations/ modifications: Rather than assuming or guessing, wouldn’t it help, to have clear explanations? Many homeowners have excessive or wrong expectations, and the individual, who represents you, must have the inner strength, to explain fully, his reasoning, and strategies. In addition, modifications, in terms of marketing, strategies, and pricing, are necessary, and someone with more experience and expertise, is far better positioned to guide you properly.

6. Convenience: Do you want to have to stick around the house, to show, the property, or wouldn’t it make sense, to hire someone, to do so, professionally? Open – houses, are only a small component in the overall strategy!

7. Negotiating: Professionally negotiating, on your behalf, benefits the client! Wouldn’t a professional, do a better job, in most cases?

8. From transaction stage, through closing: Hire someone who will be there for you, from the initial listing stages, showings, marketing, service, to the transaction stage, and then, until the closing, and house transfer is completed!

These are only 8 of the advantages of hiring the right person to represent your real estate needs. Focus on your needs, interview several, and choose, the right agent, for you!

After decades of involvement, in financial planning, and more than a decade, as a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, in the State of New York, periodically, I find it valuable, to take a closer look, at the current trends, future possibilities (and factors which might have an impact), and how, to carefully, be in a position, to offer the best possible perspectives, etc. Let’s begin by clearing stating, there is no such thing, as a Crystal Ball, when it comes to real estate, and, for that matter, any financial issue. At the same time, however, possessing an historical perspective, understanding how certain issues, etc, might impact the market, etc, are significant, relevant issues. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly review, examine, consider, and discuss, some factors, which might affect the real estate market.

1. Factors affecting interest rates: When interest rates, go up, mortgage rates follow. The higher this rate, the more it costs, on a monthly basis, to own a home. Remember, the vast majority of homeowners, take advantage of a mortgage loan, in order to purchase their house. A small increase may raise, the monthly expense, and, so, some individuals, might not qualify, for the loan, because of this. In addition, many people consider their monthly budgets, and personal comfort zone, so any significant increase, may reduce the number of qualified, potential buyers. The overall impact of this, may be, transforming a sellers market, to a buyers, or neutral market. This often creates price adjustments, and, wise consumers, do, what they can, to beware, and prepare. What will 2019 witness, in terms of interest rates? No one knows for certain, but, the best guess, would be a small increase, on a gradual basis, unless, some major factor happens.

2. Confidence: When people are more confident in the future, housing generally benefits. We often see this, in stock market swings, but, it also happens in real estate. With a low employment rate, we have witnessed good markets, the past couple of years, but, how might this partial government shutdown, factor in, and will, the market remain strong? We must closely examine the possible factors involved, which include: political uncertainty; world dangers; economic upticks/ downturns, etc. Most factors seem to indicate both, positive and negative factors, so proceed wisely.

3. Competition: Up until the fourth quarter of 2018, the previous couple of years, witnessed a Sellers Market, where many houses sold quickly, and above listing price. The fourth quarter showed some slight cooling, and a little more normalcy. However, we have also seen a slight uptick, in the number of houses, listed, and, thus, a somewhat increased inventory.

4. Pricing: While uncertain, most factors point to, more stable pricing, instead of the fast increase we have witnessed, the past few years. Most experts are calling for a slight increase, year – over – year, but, beware, many factors might come into play.

5. Inflation: If we have a higher rate of inflation, home prices will rise. Most are calling for only moderate inflation.

Don’t ignore other factors, such as uncertain political issues, world crises, climate, etc, because they affect housing and the market. Beware, and prepare, and proceed, with your eyes, wide – open.

Anyone, who, either, as a professional, or, simply, a curious observer, watches the real estate markets, and possibilities, must take a close look at the possible factors, which might impact, what might be trends in the housing market, as well as the overall economy. Beware, there are no guarantees, but, simply probabilities, or best guesses (also called, educated guesses)! After more than a decade as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, in the State of New York, I believe, the more educated and aware, a potential buyer might be, the better his chances. That’s why I have been using my trademarked slogan, for many years, I’ll always tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear. (TM)

1. Interest rates and mortgage rates/ terms: Most economists are forecasting a gradual, moderate rise, in interest rates, and the Federal Reserve, has stated, its intentions to raise rates, twice during 2019. Most believe these will be, relatively minor increases, and, with present mortgage rates, relatively low (from a historic perspective), the overall result will probably be, fewer qualified buyers, slightly higher monthly payments, and probably, a slower rate of price increases (especially in terms of the pace). When rates rise, potential buyers often shop for slightly less house.

2. SALT: In the tax legislation, passed, at the end of 2017, there is a cap placed, on the amount of State and Local Taxes, known as SALT, which remain tax – deductible. In higher tax states, such as New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois, California, etc, this becomes significant, in terms of selling a house, especially if it is, in the higher price range. Potential buyers might consider, home ownership, as less beneficial, from a tax standpoint, and, this might, hinder the perceived value, and desirability, of purchasing certain types of homes.

3. Uncertainties: No one knows for sure, how long, the present, partial government shutdown, might last, and continue, but, at present, the opposing sides, appear far apart, and not close to a meeting – of – the – minds! Uncertainty is the enemy of nearly every financial market! Will the Stock Market continue on its present downward spiral? Will the changing political climate, be a positive or negative influence? How will consumer confidence be, during 2019? Will potential buyers perceive, job security, which encourages, especially, new buyers, to seek a home, of their own?

An educated consumer, who pays close attention, and is aware, and prepares, normally, is most successful. What are your real estate plans, for 2019?

There are a lot of things to learn in Real Estate before you start investing. In fact, investing in Real Estate is much more complicated than the stocks investing. That is why Real Estate has become the common investing area for many people and thus have become more popular over the years. One needs to have financial and legal knowledge before investing in the Real Estate.

So, here we are providing you five basic tips which helps you to familiarize yourself with the basic concept of Real Estate.

1. Location:

Location Matters which is an old age saying perfectly suits when we think of the investing in Real Estate. The first thing you should make sure while investing in a property or proceeding forward is whether it is located in a good place or not.

If it is the best location, it can be the worst house there, but that doesn’t matter as you can just fix the issues or resell it to someone who wants a house in the best location. This is called as the Fixing and Flipping formulae by the professional Real Estate investors.

2. Wholesale properties:

Being wise is also very much important while investing. You need to follow the Warren Buffet formulae from the stock market investing which says “You need to be greedy, while everyone else is feeling fearful.” You need to look out for the wholesale properties that are being offered at great discounts and thus avoid paying full prices.

Using this technique, you can buy the property at low price and keep the selling price twice the buying price which helps you in maximizing your investment return.

3. Connect with local investors:

Hanging out with the local investors and talking with them about the local Real Estate market will help you in knowing the things better. Ask them to show their properties and take in every single bit of information they give you.

4. Reading helps a lot:

There is a tremendous amount of information available online these days. You can also gain information that you may need regarding the Property field and investing as well. Buy and read books that give you practical knowledge about buying, flipping, renting and selling the properties.

5. Find a good Realtor:

This is the best part. When you are all set and finally ready to invest in some property, then a Realtor is the person who helps you with it. And a good Realtor who understands the concept of investing returns and also have sold a number of properties can be the best choice.

Property investment can offer fabulous returns, but there are also people who are bankrupted after investing in Real Estate. It is all in your hands, so be sure and know everything involved before you invest.

For generations, a core component, of attempting to market, and sell, your client’s house, is conducting an Open House, in order, to attempt to generate interest, and, hopefully, inspire and motivate potential, qualified buyers, to seriously consider, your house, for their needs. However, if it was so simple, and basic, one would simply, hold these, and their houses, would receive multiple, qualified offers. The reality is, it isn’t so simple or basic, and, these events, must be perceived, as one component of an overall, sales and marketing program/ plan. Some houses, and certain circumstances, are more suitable for an Open House, while others, may not be! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, consider, review, examine, and discuss, some of the basics, of making the most of these, as part of an overall attempt, to achieve the best possible price, in the shortest, possible, period of time, with a minimum of hassle/ stress.

1. Objectively evaluate the property: Before proceeding, objectively consider, and evaluate the target property, know the strengths and weaknesses, and how it compares with the competition! Why would you select a specific, listing price, and will it, provide positive results? Once you know the strengths and weaknesses, how will you accentuate the positive, while effectively, addressing areas of weakness. Is this house, a candidate for staging, and how might, doing so, show the house, to better response, etc?

2. Preparing for the Open House: Smart agents take their clients, for a ride, so they can observe, for themselves, the curb appeal, etc, the home, possesses! This will help convince the owner, certain basic steps, might benefit the cause. Then, enter the main/ front door, and observe, the first impression, a potential buyer, might experience. Are there any undesirable obstructions, or odors, which might, negatively impact, the possibilities? Would touching – up, the paint, etc, be helpful? How about the floors?

3. Should the house, be staged?: What’s the condition of the existing furniture and fixtures, etc? Is the home, over – crowded, and, if, so, staging might, reduce unappealing clutter, etc?

4. Marketing the Open House: How will the event, be promoted? In the past, newspaper advertising was the sole way, however, today, the most effective way, is, on the Internet, Featuring the Open House, on the appropriate websites, such as Zillow, Trulia, MLS, etc, is important, but, at least, for the first ones held, marketing and advertising, in local newspapers, is often helpful. In addition, contact as many other real estate agencies, and inform them, of the Brokers Inspections, in order to generate more interest. The better, you target the audience, and attract, the appropriate, qualified, potential buyers, usually, the better the results.

5. Day of Event: Smart agents arrive early, have the owners get away from the house, and quickly, observe, what needs, attention, such as straightening beds, putting away toys, emphasizing homeowners, put away valuables, and reduce personal pictures, etc. They put out signs, and use effective sign – in technology. They follow – up on everyone who attends, and do so professionally, and in a timely manner.

6. Review results with owner: After the event, review the results with your client, especially, the turnout, level of interest, etc.

Agents must let their clients understand, houses must be seen, to be sold, and the more effectively, this is done, the happier they will be. Will you be a quality agent?

In many areas of this country, there is no shortage of licensed real estate agents, yet, we often, witness, some, who are merely, going through the motions, rather than, taking their responsibilities, duties, etc, seriously, and helping, buyers and sellers, reach a well – considered, mutually satisfied, meeting – of – the minds. While every client and customer, has certain unique needs, priorities, goals, etc, a quality agent, recognizes, he has, both, a legal, and ethical responsibility, to doing what’s right, consistently, rather than merely what might be expedient, and/ or easy! With that in mind, therefore, this article will attempt to briefly, examine, consider, discuss, and review, some of these basic responsibilities, and why, customers and clients, deserve quality, responsible, responsive, relevant service, and representation.

1. Fiduciary: Both ethically (according to the Code of Ethics, of nearly all realtor organizations, as well as most state’s real estate laws), and, morally, an agent must realize, he has a fiduciary responsibility, to his clients. This means, he must protect a client’s privacy, and avoid disclosing, any personal items, or reasons, someone might be selling, which might hurt the homeowner’s bottom – line! However, there is a somewhat, fine line, at times, between doing this, and the legal responsibility to disclose, honestly, anything which might be considered, a material issue, etc. Some of those include: material defects; known issues about the area, which might impact values, etc. Protecting, ethically, a client’s needs, include: non – disclosure of the seller’s financial information; stating a client’s time – table, especially if it’s needs – related, etc.

2. Integrity: Agents must demonstrate a clear, commitment, to maintaining their absolute integrity, even, when there might be a temptation, to take a short – cut. Quality representation means, your clients’ best interests, must come first, and any personal benefits, and/ or, self – interest, must never interfere with that focus and intention! Agents must be service – oriented!

3. Responsiveness: How well someone articulates their message, and responds to, the questions, concerns, etc, of, both, their clients, as well as potential buyers, often differentiates between, responsible, responsive agents, and the rest – of – the – pack! Your representative must provide you, with his feedback, and be prepared to give you insights, recommendations, etc.

Before hiring someone, to help you, market, sell, and represent, your home, you should carefully interview, several, to determine, who might best, serve your specific needs, goals and priorities. Since, for most, our house, represents our single – biggest, financial asset, doesn’t this make sense?

Selecting a commercial real estate company can be a challenging process. You want to hire someone who is knowledgeable, skilled, experienced and can match your goals and ideals. This is easier said than done. One company may offer you some of these features while others have the remaining characteristics you desire. There is no lack of the number of commercial real estate companies out there, which claim to possess peerless knowledge and skill. So, how do you go about selecting a commercial real estate company?

The secret lies in finding a real estate company that suits your needs and criteria. Yes, there are some overlaying concerns that also need to be considered like appropriate documentation. However, when you are looking for one of the best real estate companies for your needs, you need to do more than just scratch the surface. Here are some tips outlined below that can be useful in helping you during this process.

Let’s take a look at them:

Look at their experience

Commercial real estate is a blanket term and this business can be multi-faceted and highly nuanced. Therefore, you cannot just hire any real estate company for your needs. You have to start looking for one that suits your criteria. For instance, if you are interested in buying or selling properties in strip malls or shopping districts, you shouldn’t hire a company that deals in offices and residential homes. You want someone with a background in the kind of real estate you are focused on or else the company will be of little use because they will be out of their depth.

Assess their reputation

One of the best ways of spotting the best companies is by taking a look at their reputation. How can you do that? There are certifications, customer reviews as well as awards that are readily available due to the magic of the internet and the culture of open communication. If you find a commercial real estate company that seems appealing, you can do some research and discover if they do stack up. This step can be immensely helpful in allowing you to dodge a bullet.

Go over client’s opinions

The greatest problem with reviews is that they are mostly from satisfied customers. Unhappy customers either don’t post or their reviews are removed. Therefore, it is recommended that you ask the commercial company to provide you with a list of their past clients. This allows you to do some homework of your own and identify any weaknesses or problems that a previous client encountered.

Meet the representative

Last, but very important; don’t hire a company over the internet. Always meet their representative in person and see if they understand your needs. Open communication is vital in this business and if you are not comfortable with them, there is no point in starting a relationship.

Use these pointers to pick out one of the companies for your realty requirements.

Disclaimer: This is based on my personal and professional experience. It’s still best to consult with an attorney or your accountant for further clarification.

Today, let’s talk about your properties and what you can do to protect them. Some of you might have recently acquired a property or invested in one but don’t really know how to protect the investment long term. It’s hard to not have assurance on the protection of an investment you spent thousands or millions of dollars on. It’s best that hear from personal and professional experiences on how these people were able to go about protecting their investment.

With my years of experience, I’ve found that the best way to protect your properties is to put it under a Trust. I’ve done this many times that at this point, it only takes me a few minutes to put one property on a Trust.

It works like this: I pick a trustee and you pick anyone that you trust. Then, there will be two important documents that go on the Trust. These are the Trust Certificate and the Declaration of the Trust.

This has a number of advantages. For instance, someone sues you for an accident which involves your house. They’ll see that a Trust owns it and they’ll pull out more information from the Trust.

However, they’ll see that the Trust doesn’t own anything else since what I do is I put each property on separate Trusts which is under its own name.

Most of the time, the attorney would back out when they see that the Trust only has one property. They know how tedious it is to go through the process, especially those owned by LOC.

Another advantage is if ever you get married to someone who owes child support or taxes, their financial obligations will attach with the house. But when your house is under a Trust, no one can touch it.

For me, this is a good thing to have. It reassures you and protects your rights as a property owner or heir. It could be a challenge for you to take the first step, but with the right attitude and goal, you should be able to find a way on how to protect your investments.

Once again, it’s important that you consult with your attorney and accountant for further knowledge.

Protect your assets, seal your future. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!