You are not logged in [login] | [register]
RSS MAD is both an RSS feed archive and online feed reader.
You can browse our categories, search for a feed, or if you already have a URL, use our online feed reader.
Simply start browsing the site, and if you find some feeds you like, register to view them on your own personalized page!
you are here: home » business » real estate
Searching 183956 articles in 8938 feeds.
Do you like RSS MAD? Why not spread the news and tell a friend about it - it's as easy as filling out this form!
added: Wed, 21st June 2006 | 388 views | 0x in favourites
feed url: http://www.realestatelicense.com/reblog/news.xml
According to recent DataQuick home selling statistics, a span of 22 business days from mid August through September 15 revealed a 25.7% increase (above one year ago) in Orange County home buying. In fact, home sales doubled or more in 17 Orange County zip codes. Here's a look at the zip codes and the year-over-year increases:
1. Santa Ana (92703) - 450%
2. Santa Ana (92706) - 300%
3. Santa Ana (92707) - 300%
4. Anaheim (92806) - 266.7%
5. Anaheim (92805) - 221.1%
6. Anaheim (92807) - 200%
7. Garden Grove (92844) - 200%
8. Santa Ana (92704) - 171.4%
9. Garden Grove (92843) - 170%
10. Tustin (92780) - 161.1%
11. Anaheim (92804) - 144.4%
12. Fountain Valley (92708) - 142.9%
13. Santa Ana (92701) - 130.8%
14. Anaheim (92801) - 128.6%
15. Westminster (92683) - 128%
16. Newport Beach (92662) - 100%
17. Santa Ana (92705) - 100%
With good deals on the market and programs like the government's $7,500 tax credit for first time home buyers, Orange County home buyers are getting off the sidelines and into the game. Real estate is cyclical, so while some housing markets face challenges, other housing markets flourish. These 17 zip codes are a prime example.
Why not take advantage of this opportunity and others? Get your California real estate license online in your free time and tap into this market. Turn the home ownership dreams of qualified buyers into reality and be prepared to take on the next market upswing.
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.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,http://www.realestatelicense.com/
How does USPAP affect your career as an appraiser? As a licensed or certified appraiser, you must comply and perform your appraisals according to these standards. By following these guidelines, you ensure that you are qualified to offer fair and accurate appraisal services.
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, known as USPAP (pronounced YOOS-PAP), include the accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in North America. It defines the guidelines for all types of appraisal services. There are specific standards that apply to real estate appraisals. Their purpose is to promote and maintain a high-level of service in the real estate field.
History of USPAP
Prior to 1987, there was no universal set of standards when it came to real estate appraisal. To promote fair business practices and prevent fraudulent activities, eight U.S.-based organizations and one Canadian company formed a committee and created USPAP. Developed in 1986 by the Ad Hoc Committee on Uniform Standards and copyrighted in 1987 by The Appraisal Foundation, USPAP forms the guidelines that are followed by every real estate appraiser in the United States. Its purpose is to create a minimum set of criteria that professional appraisers conform to, as well as develop uniform standards that are recognized in the marketplace.
As a real estate appraiser, you need to stay current with your USPAP training. If you are getting your Appraisal Trainee License or want to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser, you need to complete the 15-hour National USPAP course. If you are a Licensed or Certified Appraiser and need to satisfy your two-year USPAP requirement, you need to enroll in the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course.
It is easy to fulfill the USPAP requirements through distance education. The self-paced, user-friendly courses can provide you with the training you need to keep your appraisal license current and up to date.
Prepare for California's real estate market upswing! Approximately 39,507 California homes sold in July. That's a 12.2% increase from 35,202 in June and 12.3% increase from 35,185 for July 2007*. Take action now and get your California real estate license with this limited-time offer! Through September 10, Allied's offering their Fast Track Premium Course for only $248 (textbooks included). That's a $100 savings! Don't miss out - call 888-751-2286 and learn more today!
*Source: MDA DataQuick
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.realestatelicense.com
Ready for a new career challenge? Consider getting your Georgia real estate license online. As a real estate salesperson, you're the boss, you make your own schedule and there are no barriers to your income earning potential. Sound good? Here are the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) requirements you must satisfy before getting started:
1. Age Requirement.
You must be at least 18 years of age.
2. General Education.
You must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of equivalency.
3. Real Estate Education.
Complete the required 75 Hour Principles course. Choose a GREC approved online school that includes exam prep materials and student support with your course.
4. State Exam.
Pass the Georgia real estate licensing exam administered by AMP and approved by GREC. The exam fee is $91. You must apply for your salesperson license within 12 months of taking the exam. After 12 months have passed, you must retake the examination.
5. Background Check.
In order to apply for a Georgia salesperson's license, a copy of your criminal history or a Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Report must be brought to the AMP testing center prior to receiving your license.
6. Licensing Fee
If you're applying for your license within three months of taking the state exam, the licensing fee will be $170. If you apply for your license after three months, but less than 12 months, the licensing fee will be $340.
With a real estate career, you 'll enjoy a flexible schedule where no-two-days are alike. Plus, you'll be by your clients' sides as they experience one of the most important moments of their lives - the purchase of a home. So why wait? Choose an online real estate school and work towards your real estate career at your own pace. Before you know it, you could be listing historical homes in Savannah or become the go-to loft expert for young, professionals in Atlanta. As a Georgia real estate salesperson, you're in charge of your career!
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.realestatelicense.com
According to the Florida Association of Realtors, sales of existing single family residences rose for the first time in over two years. Although the rise in home sales is a modest number (under 10 homes), it's a positive move towards greater market stability. Here's more good news from the Florida Association of Realtors:
- 11,498 existing homes sold throughout Florida in July of 2008 compared to 11,492
sold in July 2007
- Over half of Florida's metropolitan statistical areas showed sales increases for
existing homes in July
- Seven of Florida's metropolitan statistical areas showed gains in condo sales
- Realtors throughout the state reported higher levels of activity, including more
phone calls, home showings and pending sales
- The West Palm - Boca Raton metropolitan statistical area experienced an 8%
increase in homes sold in July 2008 compared to July of 2007
As more buyers enter the market, the demand for real estate professionals will increase. And with the housing bill's $7,500 home buyer tax credit encouraging new buyers to enter the market, now's the perfect time to get your Florida real estate license. Enroll in an online real estate school and play an important role in turning homeownership dreams into reality.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
There is good news for real estate appraisers.
Southern California's home sales increased over year-ago levels for the first time since September 2005, climbing above 20,000 transactions for the first time in 13 months. After having gone without a sales increase for a record 33 months and sales down every month but February 2007, things are starting to look up.
DataQuick reported that home buyers are taking advantage of discounted prices and buying foreclosure properties in more affordable areas. Although this has led to a decrease in the median price, it has driven up sales numbers. Foreclosures accounted for 44% of all resales.
With every house sale requiring a home appraisal, this opens the door to opportunities in real estate appraisal. The increased activity will eventually lead to an upswing in the real estate market -- leading to more opportunities for the licensed appraiser.
It's the perfect time to start an appraisal career and be prepared for opportunities on the horizon!
Holding an open house this weekend or some time soon? Start planning now. With the proper preparation, you just might find the right buyer or some potential hot leads to keep your momentum going. Here's your open house checklist:
1. Advertise. Get the word out online and offline. Send an email to your list of prospects. Submit press releases to the media, include a spectacular photo and praise the home’s most alluring attributes. Leave flyers on neighbor's doors. This is just a start - the advertising possibilities are endless.
2. Open House Signs Galore. One or two open house signs won't cut it. Make sure you have at least six directional signs and that they start on the busiest street closest to your listing. Then follow the signs to ensure your route will allow potential visitors to easily find your listing.
3. Refreshments. Give your open house visitors a reason to linger a little longer. Keep an assortment of drinks on ice and a tray of tasty treats. You can even package the treats in little bags, top it with a ribbon and neatly attach a business card and/or property flyer.
4. Information Table. This table should be right next to the refreshments. Include additional information on your listing, like a pre-home inspection report. Also include sales and listing data for homes in the surrounding area. Your open house visitors may not buy the home they just looked at, but more than likely, they're considering the community. This is your time to shine and impress them with your local expertise.
5. Parting Gifts. Don't allow your open house visitors to leave empty handed. Give them something that will benefit their home search. A list of foreclosures in the area? A report discussing all the benefits of the local community? You decide. And of course, include your contact information.
6. Incentives. On the collateral materials you hand out, include a reason to visit your website. Free school performance reports, real estate market news or a contest to win dinner for two may keep you on the minds of your open house visitors after they leave.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.realestatelicense.com
President George Bush recently signed a comprehensive bill into law in an effort to halt the rising number of home foreclosures. In addition to several large housing-related initiatives, the bill contains provisions that reinforce the importance of competent real estate appraisals to the mortgage lending process.
The part of the bill that pertains to appraisers is the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act, H.R. 3221. The act amends the FHA Appraiser Roster requirements by requiring certification by a state or "a nationally-recognized professional appraisal organization" as well as "demonstrate verifiable education in FHA appraisal requirements."
H.R. 3221 is welcomed by the Appraisal Institute, as it promotes the use of highly- qualified real estate appraisers to address today's valuation issues. Bill Garber, Director of Government and External Affairs for the Appraisal Institute, says that, "Our organization believes that quality valuations performed by competent and ethical appraisers are an essential part of government guaranteed loans and we're delighted that Congress has taken steps to ensure the government's lending policies are safeguarded."
Most importantly, the bill prevents other people interested in real estate transactions -- from lenders to bankers -- from trying to influence appraisers. This provision protects appraisers working under the Hope for Homeowners Program and the FHA Appraiser Roster.
The Hope for Homeowners Act came to fruition under H.R. 3221. It is a voluntary program that allows homeowners facing foreclosure to refinance into a more affordable, secure FHA-backed mortgage. It requires that all appraisals done under this program be conducted in accordance to Title XI of FIRREA and performed by an appraiser who meets the competency requirements of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
"This is the first step in working to make appraisal standards uniform across the nation," Senator Mel Martinez, R-Fla, said. "This provision strengthens standards for FHA appraisals and ensures the integrity of the new FHA program that offers foreclosure assistance."
Do you know what features home buyers want most? If you have your real estate agent license, grab a pen and take notes. According to the NAR 2007 Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences, these are the top ten features desired by all home buyers:
1. Central Air Conditioning
2. Garage (2 or more spaces)
3. Walk-in closet in master bedroom
4. Backyard/play area
5. Cable/Satellite TV-ready
6. High-speed Internet Access
7. Separate shower enclosure in master/main bath
8. Patio
9. Fencing
10. Home less than 10 years old
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
On July 30, 2008, Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Intended to stabilize financial markets, this measure is regarded as the most significant housing legislation in decades.
Housing Bill Highlights Include:
- $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit towards the purchase of a home
- Mortgage relief for struggling homeowners
- Low income housing tax credits for more affordable rental housing
Mortgage relief means fewer foreclosures. With a decreased number of homes on the market and an increased demand from buyers with tax credits, the real estate market is on the upswing.
The demand for real estate agents, brokers, appraisers and home inspectors will increase as more buyers enter the market. Trained real estate professionals will play an important role in facilitating the housing bill, but turning homeownership dreams into reality will be the most rewarding part of this career choice.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Real Estate School, www.realestatelicense.com
The appraisal report is a detailed description of the process the appraiser used in estimating the value of a specific property. An appraiser collects market data and thoroughly analyzes it using industry-standard methods. Based on the analysis, a value is determined for the property and presented in an appraisal report.
Appraisal reports can take different forms depending on how the information will be used. However, each report includes standard sections and types of information -- this can include an introduction, factual descriptions, data analysis, the appraiser's opinions, and an addendum.
The appraisal report is designed to provide information to assist people making real estate decisions. They can be complex and include detailed analyses of market data and procedures for estimating value. The report should always provide information in a clear and effective manner.
Types of Appraisal Reports
Oral report -- This report is used when the client does not need a formal written report. It should include a description of the property and the facts, assumptions, conditions, and reasoning on which the conclusion is based. The appraiser should keep detailed notes and data providing written evidence of his or her analysis and conclusions.
Letter report -- This report usually contains the appraiser's investigations and analyses only. Certain items must be included, such as the certificate, property identification, valuation date, limiting conditions, indication of the contributions of others, and a statement of non-bias. Please note that use of the letter report is limited.
Letter-form appraisal report -- This report is primarily used by governmental and financial institutions. The form provides a clear-cut way to locate information and ensures that no item required in the review process is omitted. However, it restricts additional information, which must be introduced as a supplement.
Narrative report -- This report provides the most complete appraisal information and is the most commonly used by appraisers. It provides a thorough documentation of all reasoning and data in the appraisal process (within financially feasible constraints). The report includes four parts: introduction, factual descriptions, data analysis and appraiser's opinions, and addendum.
Whatever type of report the appraiser decides to use, he or she should ensure that all of the included information provides the client with an understanding of the basis for determining the value. The sections should be tied together and lead to a clear-cut, reason-based conclusion.
Great News! Allied Real Estate School has received approval for the 2008 15-Hour National USPAP Course and 7-Hour National USPAP Course in the following states. Call or go online to enroll and fulfill your appraisal education requirements today.
15-Hour National USPAP Course
California -- approval # 05828009
Indiana
Iowa
Maine
Maryland
Delaware
Illinois -- approval # 573.0000403
Mississippi -- approval # 7191
Oregon
South Dakota -- approval # SD 352
Texas
Utah -- approval # A070502
Colorado
Virginia -- approval # 4003 000231
Michigan -- approval # 01700902
Washington -- approval # AP2270
Wyoming
Louisiana
Vermont
Kansas -- approval # NO8.P.300
New Jersey -- approval #120000
Connecticut
DC -- approval # 2089
7-Hour National USPAP Update Course
California -- approval # 03542C106
Indiana
Maine
Maryland
Delaware
Mississippi -- approval # MAB 7210
Oregon
South Dakota -- approval # SD 421 CE
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin
Colorado
Michigan -- approval # 01700901
Washington -- approval # AP2271
Wyoming
Louisiana
Virginia
Vermont
Kansas -- approval # NO8.C.299
New Jersey -- approval #120001
Connecticut
Oklahoma -- approval # 700
DC -- approval # 2088
Alabama
Georgia -- approval # 51846
Alaska -- approval #6848
Rhode Island
Take advantage of an opportunity to save $300 on Allied's Apparisal Licensing Package. This limited time offer is available from July 28, 2008 to August 1, 2008. Benefit from this savings and be one step closer to becoming a real estate appraiser. Call (800) 617-3513 for more information!
Considering a career in real estate, but not sure where to begin? Check out this helpful step-by-step guide. Obtaining your Washington real estate agent license is easier than you think!
The Washington State Department of Licensing sets requirements for obtaining a Washington real estate license. Here's what you need to do:
1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Complete 60 hours of approved real estate fundamentals education.
3. Prepare for your exam with prep materials.
4. Complete your exam application and have your school stamp required info.
5. Schedule and pay approximately $138 to take the exam.
6. Pass exam, complete application for license and include first license fee.
You must take your Washington real estate licensing exam within five years of completing your 60 hours of education. Also, once you pass the exam, your results are valid for one year from the date you pass your exam. Your first license fee is approximately $146.
Get started by locating a Washington real estate license course. Look for a Washington Department of Licensing approved school that offers online courses. That way, you can begin working towards your real estate career while maintaining other important responsibilities.
For additional information, like exam locations and schedules, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Real Estate School, www.realestatelicense.com
Once you obtain your real estate agent license, you'll evaluate new ways to market client properties to the masses. Get savvy and save money with this new, pocket-sized marketing tool.
Pocket Promoters, launched by The Personal Marketing Company in June 2008, are about the size of a business card and look like mini-property brochures. According to the company's website, an agent can order 100 Pocket Promoters for under $25. This price includes printing, delivery, a full-color property photo, a property description plus an agent photo and contact information.
Pocket Promoters can be left on the counters of local coffee shops, dining spots, dry cleaners or any place where your target audience frequents. Plus, they fit neatly into a wallet as opposed to an 8.5x11 flyer, which is likely to get folded in half and forgotten about.
In addition to local hangouts, agents can hand out their Pocket Promoters at open houses and place them in for sale sign brochure baskets.
If your marketing plan needs revamping, Pocket Promoters may be your economical alternative to other advertising tools. Constantly evaluate and improve your marketing efforts - it's an effective way to defy market challenges.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Real Estate School
Get a real estate agent license and you'll quickly learn the art of competition - especially in a market where inventory is a smorgasbord of choices for picky buyers. Get creative and make your listings stand out with these six competitive tactics.
1. Pump up your online presence.
You completely filled out the MLS data for your new listing plus you posted a few extra photos and spent time describing features. Great, now it's time to get down to business. Get your client's home on as many websites and real estate blogs as possible with a personal Real Simple Syndication (RSS) content feed. Companies like www.myrealtyfeed.com offer an easy way to start showcasing listings and open houses via news readers all over the Internet.
2. Stage to impress.
Fresh paint, mold-free bathrooms, clean windows and spotless carpeting - your listing must have all this and more. Don't be shy when it comes to advising clients on the virtues of staging. Small changes can make the difference between months on the market and a full price offer.
3. Lure buyers with stellar photos.
With a staggering amount of buyers beginning their home search on the Internet, why wouldn't you post an array of quality photos? Quality photos are clear and capture features that matter most to buyers - that doesn't include a cute family pet, a pretty rose bush or the front view of your listing blocked by a car in the driveway.
4. Attract buyers and agents with incentives.
Once you're satisfied your seller's staged home is ready to impress, invite other agents to take a look. Lure them with food, drinks and a gift certificate raffle. The main objective is to get your client's home on the radar of as many local agents as possible. To lure buyers, see what your sellers are willing to include in their price. A flat screen television for the living room, new appliances for the kitchen or even a year of paid association dues can make a fickle buyer take notice.
5. Set a price that reaches your target demographic.
When setting a price for your listing, consider more than just nearby comparable home sales. Who's your target audience and what can they afford? If you set the price even $5,000 to high, some multiple listing services will place your listing in a higher bracket than where your target audience is looking.
6. Advertise to your target demographic.
Find out how your listing's target demographic prefers to receive information. For example, if you specialize in 55+ communities, door knocking with flyers may be more effective than the Internet. Also, if your listing is in a community that caters to foreign language speakers, seek out websites and/or local media that will specifically reach them.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
Obtain a real estate agent license and you'll be the one managing your time. So how do you know if a buyer is really serious? Ask them to sign an exclusive buyer representation agreement.
Say you've been working with a client for nearly three weeks. You've spent over 70 hours on their behalf researching the MLS and you've chauffeured them through various neighborhoods looking for the "one." Then out of the blue, you find out another agent submitted an offer on the buyer's behalf for a home you showed them. You've lost time, potential leads and gas money.
Although unfair, a buyer has no obligation to use your services, regardless of how long you've worked with them, if you don't have a buyer representation agreement in place. So, how does an agent get a client to work with them without scaring them off with a contract?
First, when meeting a new buyer/potential client, interview them and gage how serious they are about buying. If you decide they're worth your time, set a limit on the amount of work you'll perform on their behalf. After you've proven your dedication to their home search, it's more than appropriate to present them with an exclusive buyer representation agreement.
If the buyer declines the agreement, and you've assisted them to the very best of your abilities, take it as a sign to move on to new prospects. Your time is precious and you want to beat housing market challenges. Hopelessly fickle buyers are red flags that productive real estate agents avoid.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.realestatelicense.com
Whether you're looking to renew your real estate agent license, or interested in starting a real estate appraisal course, an online real estate school offers a convenient way to quickly meet your goals.
Not all online real estate schools are equal. So when selecting the right online school, make sure they offer the following:
Accreditation
If your online real estate school is not accredited by a qualified accrediting agency, find another school. Why? Accreditation means the school operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved study program, has qualified instructors, approved recruitment and admissions policies and advertises its courses in a factual manner. Accreditation is your assurance that the course you're taking will lead to a viable certificate or diploma.
Student Support
What if you need assistance in selecting your online real estate course? A student support department helps your online experience run smoothly. Make sure your online school's support department is staffed by more than one person. Also, you should have multiple contact options including email, phone and fax.
Educational Support
With an educational support department, you're never alone during your studies. So if you don't understand the escrow process discussed in chapter six, an online school's educational support department will walk you through the steps.
Tech Support
The last thing you want to deal with while pursing a real estate license is technical problems. That's why your online school should offer a tech support department that quickly answers your questions and remedies your computer frustrations via phone, email or fax.
Guarantees
You did your research, but how do you know if the course you purchased is really worth it? Your online school should have a money-back guarantee that allows you to return the course materials within a specific timeframe. Make sure to inquire about your online school's guarantees and take the time to understand how they work.
An online real estate school is an ideal choice for those who like to manage their own time, enjoy learning from home or must attend to other responsibilities while pursuing their education. Choose your online school carefully and you'll be on your way to a rewarding career in real estate in no time.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
Once you obtain a real estate agent license, home sellers and seekers will look to you for guidance. So, beef up your trusty list of resources and visit the latest Real Estate Wiki.
Like Wikipedia.com, RealEstateWiki.com is an extensive, user-generated, online encyclopedia - except Real Estate Wiki is everything real estate.
RealSure, a real estate consulting and publishing services company, launched the site earlier this year with approximately 3,000 real estate terms, 1,000 Q & A's, 500 real estate acronyms, 400 biography pages and more. Around the beginning of June, there were over 19,000 entries on the site. This latest Real Estate Wiki follows the likes of wikis on Zillow.com and Inman.com.
RealEstateWiki.com has approxiamtely 70 user friendly categories that cater to a variety of interests. For example, if you're an agent who needs to renew your real estate license online, simply check out the Government, Associations and Organizations section and click on Real Estate Schools and Colleges. If your buyers need a certified home inspector or want to work with a licensed real estate appraiser, check out the Real Estate Companies section.
Other perks include a glossary of terms, local market reports, blogs, social networks, marketing services and so much more.
Real estate professionals, and anyone interested in real estate, is encouraged to sign up and contribute relevant data to the free site. Log on, check it out and maybe even add your own entry.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
With affordable housing, a high quality of life and continuous population growth, Texas is an ideal place to get your real estate agent license.
According to Dr. Mark Dotzour, chief economist for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M;, "Texas has the best tax structure for business and will continue to outperform other states in attracting relocating companies and job growth."
With a healthy job economy, Texas' growing population will not only require housing, but assistance from licensed professionals with a Texas real estate license.
"The job markets in Texas are strong," said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. "They (Texas consumers) are going to go out and buy homes because home prices are affordable."
Texas real estate agents have the opportunity to prosper while helping others realize their dreams of home ownership.
"There are ample opportunities in the current market for buyers who have good jobs and good credit," said Virginia Cook, chief executive officer of Virginia Cook Realtors in Texas. "Conventional loans are available, rates are reasonable and FHA-insured mortgage applications have been rising as low and moderate-income buyers seek alternatives to subprime loans. In the next 15 years, enough people will move to Texas to create a new Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio."
Now is the perfect time to start your real estate course and get your Texas real estate license. Learn more about licensing requirements by visiting The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) website at www.trec.state.tx.us/.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
Do you have a real estate agent license? Check out the new Realtor.com beta release. It's packed with exciting, new features that promise to enhance the visibility of your listings.
The Realtor.com phased transformation started with the "Alpha" release in December of 2007. The beta release will be followed by the "General Audience" release in July of 2008. The beta release includes improvements to the home page, search results page and listing details page.
Here's just a few of the ways agents can benefit:
- All listings now include helpful neighborhood and school information
- A map is integrated into the listing page layout
- Lure buyers with stellar photos-basic listings show four photos
- Showcase listings display agent contact info in a business card format
- Showcase listings can show up to five open houses in the Realtor.com control panel
- Listing details are updated several time a day
- A new video tab on the listing detail page can be viewed full screen
- New listings will be posted with a "new" or "new this week" notation
According to Realtor.com, extensive testing confirms the new changes greatly improve the consumer experience and enhance the effectiveness of the real estate agent's advertising.
Take a peek for yourself and see how your real estate career can benefit by visiting www.beta.realtor.com.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
Are you ready to get your California real estate license? Pass your state exam and begin a California real estate career quickly by preparing with effective exam prep tools.
Not all California real estate exam prep tools are equal. For example, some prep kits have more than 30 hours of review. Do you have that kind of time? Instead, choose a prep program that zones in on important review topics, like real estate practice and valuation, in half the time. Here's what to look for so you pass the first time with ease:
Professional Instruction
Don't just memorize definitions, learn real estate agent skills from professionals who've mastered them. Look for materials that include instruction from an accomplished individual in the industry.
DVDs
It's the perfect addition to your real estate license course. Sit back in the comfort of your home and enjoy instant instruction on key California real estate principles.
Workbooks
Your workbooks should summarize all main key points and include comprehensive review exercises that help you retain each key point.
Practice Questions and Exams
Your California real estate exam prep kit must have a variety of practice questions and exams that closely mirror the state exam. This is a powerful way to prepare.
Math Emphasis
You can bet the California real estate exam will have a math emphasis, so look for prep kits that help you sharpen forgotten arithmetic skills.
Study Tips
You've armed yourself with all the recommended tools for passing your state exam, but do you know how to use them? Look for an exam prep kit with an instructional study guide and test taking tips that will help you pass the exam.
With the right real estate exam prep tools, you can take your California real estate license exam with confidence and easily move on to an exciting career change.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
Agents have a new way to beat housing market challenges, while buyers and homeowners alike have a good reason to smile. Fannie Mae, the nation's largest source of financing for home mortgages, announced in May of 2008 four positive changes to their policies and procedures.
Changes:
1. Homeowners can now refinance up to 120% of their home value as long as they are paying their mortgage on time.
2. Fannie Mae will buy jumbo-conforming loans for the same price they purchase other conforming loans through the end of the year.
3. Partnerships with state Housing Finance Agencies are being expanded. This will provide $10 billion in financing for qualified first-time home buyers.
4. A partnership with the Self-Help Credit Union will help qualified families get into foreclosed properties via a rent-to-own program. The program will focus on communities where the real estate markets were hit hardest.
Fannie Mai mortgages are available through a nationwide network of lender partners. Choose the best lender for your needs by checking out Fannie Mae's "Find a Lender Search" on www.fanniemai.com.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
Get a real estate license and you'll help clients avoid home buying pitfalls like moving into a community with a questionable HOA. Here's how to determine if their dream home is in a dream neighborhood.
Visit the HOA Office
Meet with a representative from the office and learn about what the HOA fees include. Also ask about the rules. For example, some communities don't allow cars to park on the street. If your clients have frequent visitors or if they have a large truck that doesn't fit in a garage, living in a community with strict HOA rules may not fit their lifestyle.
Review the HOA Budget
How are the HOA board members spending the community's money? Are they buying chairs for the community pool area when the landscaping needs dire attention? Overall, you want to make sure the board members aren't spending more money than their taking in. If they are, your clients can bet on an HOA fee increase in the near future.
Check the Meeting Minutes
Sit down with your clients and carefully review the HOA meeting minutes from the last six months to a year. It's a great way to see what's really going on.
Get a Disclosure Statement
Your buyer's disclosure statement should outline each HOA fee. It should also mention any special projects planned for the next year or two that will lead to an HOA fee increase.
Way the Options
If your clients find out the HOA fees will significantly increase, point out the positives. For example, an HOA will deal with a sloppy neighbor, and if the board members are making smart decisions, an attractive neighborhood could lead to a quick home sale in the future.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com
» more
» more
Is RSS MAD missing something? Tell us about new feeds here.