What is a comfort letter and why do you need one? The mortgage process when purchasing a home can be tricky—there's a ton of paperwork to read through and sign, so much that your hand might just cramp up from the vast amounts of signatures required. But don't worry if your mortgage lender requests that you write them a "comfort" letter—it's just a statement clarifying...

From brands iconic in the industry to legacies with a regional stake, brokerages are pivoting, announcing fresher logos and made-over missions, all with an eye to the future while keeping its roots in tradition. RISMedia’s 2018 Real Estate CEO Exchange, held in New York City this September, will address the movement toward rebranding, and the balance needed to...

By the Experts at Hippo For many people, a house is the biggest investment they'll ever make. And whether you're a first-time homeowner or you're buying your third property, you're bound to end up covering some unexpected expenses. Here are six costs homeowners tend to overlook and how to pay for them: 1. Property taxes Be prepared to pay property taxes and keep...

By Hannah Whittenly Selling a home can be very lucrative, but you need to make sure you don't make any major mistakes. Many first-time sellers hit roadblocks that end up costing them time and money. Here are a few simple tips that will help you sell your home quickly and at the right price: Focus on Minor Upgrades Unless you have endless funds to spend on major...

In the following interview, Thomas Brown, founder/owner of The Agency Texas in Austin, Texas, discusses converting leads from online with success. Region Served: Texas
Years in Real Estate: 20
Number of Offices: 3, with one to open in Dallas in 2019
Number of Agents: 55 What is the first action your team takes when receiving an online lead?

Hockey Hall of Famer and co-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins Mario Lemieux recently listed his Québec summer castle—yes, you read that right. The estate is listed with broker Michel Naud of Engel & Völkers for $21,999,066—the 66 reflects Lemieux's jersey number. The 50-room, 17,000-square-foot estate is the most expensive single-family home to ever be listed...

If you're a real estate pro looking to up your sales, it may be time to turn a scrutinizing eye to your relationships. This was the topic covered in our recent webinar, "Essential Relationships to Increase Sales," sponsored by Quicken Loans. The webinar, held August 1, ran down ways you can use relationships within your team, and outside parties, to boost your business...

Have you been getting enough grill time in this summer? With the sweltering heat much of the U.S. has experienced the past month, there hasn't been much grilling going on—but don't fear! It's likely that most of the country will have outdoor grilling weather straight through September. Related: How to Make the Most of Grilling Season However, when it's time to...

For brokers, growth is measured in numerous ways—but with commission pressures proliferating, the mission has morphed from growing for growth’s sake to growing smart. RISMedia’s 2018 Real Estate CEO Exchange, held in New York City this September, will address approaches to recruitment and retention, with brokers discussing their growth methods, and how they...

Dogs are man's best friend, but how far does that friendship go? You may not realize how important pets truly are to their owners until you look at their real estate behavior. For many, furry companions play a significant role in the home-buying process, reports a recent study conducted by realtor.com® in collaboration with Harris Research. Related: Top Things Millennials...