Posted on Aug 27 2018 - 1:51pm by Housecall
Comments Off on Transcending the Median: Examining Success in Real Estate

By Frederick Peters, CEO of Warburg Realty What do real estate agents really earn? Every year the National Association of REALTORS® releases data on the median income of its members. For 2017, the median income for real estate agents countrywide was just under $40,000, while the median income for experienced brokers was over $100,000. Of course, there are many variables...

Posted on Aug 24 2018 - 3:23pm by Jameson Doris
Comments Off on Webinar Recap: How to Boost Sales by Leveraging Your Database

As a real estate professional, it's crucial to build relationships with clients and prospects. This was the topic covered in RISMedia's recent webinar, "Connections Into Cash: Activate Your Database to Drive Referrals," sponsored by American Home Shield®. Related: From Contact List to Follow-Up Machine: Database Tips The webinar dove into the database tactics...

Posted on Aug 23 2018 - 1:57pm by Suzanne De Vita
Comments Off on Budgeting to Buy a Home? Consider the ‘Extras’

Homeownership is one of the best investments for long-term wealth—but, it is an investment. According to a new report by Thumbtack, a local professional services site, and Zillow, the average "extras"—insurance, maintenance, taxes and utilities—run $9,394 a year. The expense fluctuates with location. Portland, Ore., has the highest maintenance price tag, at...

Posted on Aug 23 2018 - 11:03am by Suzanne De Vita
Comments Off on #CEOX2018: The Latest on Policy Shifts in Washington, and What They Mean for Real Estate

With the economic engine and homeownership inarguably intertwined, changes at the federal level have ramifications for real estate—and for brokers, both business- and consumer-focused issues are in the spotlight today. At RISMedia’s 2018 Real Estate CEO Exchange, held in New York City this September, National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Director of Real...

By the Experts at Hippo You've just returned from a trip to the beach. You ask yourself: Why should I continue to pay rental fees when I could own a vacation home and rent it out? Unless you're fairly wealthy, you'll need to make sure you can commit to buying a seasonal home before you start shopping around. Here are five indications that you're ready to take the...

Posted on Aug 21 2018 - 12:49pm by Zoe Eisenberg
Comments Off on Where Are Homeowners Moving in Q3?

Which cities are homeowners moving to in Q3? According to new ATTOM Data Solutions research, the majority of homeowners are making moves to Chicago, Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. ATTOM Data Solutions' recently released Q2 2018 Pre-Mover Housing Index—based on a study of the highest pre-mover index in the second quarter of 2018—found that Chicago,...

Posted on Aug 20 2018 - 12:15pm by Housecall
Comments Off on Making Your Flip a Smart Home: 3 Key Upgrades

By Eric Murrell Flipping an older home may be one of the best financial decisions an entrepreneur can make. Take a little bit of vision, combine it with a lot of sweat equity, and you have everything you need to turn a once-forgotten property into a modern home with massive potential for profit. Related: What Homebuyers Should Know About Smart Homes Any flipper will...

Posted on Aug 17 2018 - 9:33am by Liz Dominguez
Comments Off on Mortgage Comfort Letters: No Need to Panic

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...

Posted on Aug 16 2018 - 9:39am by Suzanne De Vita
Comments Off on #CEOX2018: The Biggest Brands in the Industry Are Overhauling—Here’s Why

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...

Posted on Aug 15 2018 - 11:05am by Housecall
Comments Off on 6 Costs Homeowners Overlook and How to Pay for Them

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...