With real estate markets back on the rise almost everywhere, there sure are a lot of new agents out there. If you’re just starting out in real estate, we’ve come up with four things you shouldn’t say when you are working with clients. None of these utterances has to be a deal breaker. We’ve put together a few scripts you can use instead, or perhaps immediately...
In my last post about mastering tablets, I focused on Apple’s iPad and discussed how real estate professionals can utilize it to simplify their day to day tasks. A few Housecall readers suggested I tackle a similar post but with Android tablets, so this blog will focus on the Almighty Google’s operating system. Droid users praise Google for its flexibility; the...
Now isn't that a mouthful? As if living in Sicily wasn't cool enough, you can now bop your way into the former living quarters of the lead singer of the 80’s English soul/pop band, Simply Red. And what's better than the home of a former rock star? The home of a former rock star that comes with its very own vineyard. Simply Red's frontman Mick Hucknall originally...
In not so surprising news, the concept of homeownership consumes much of my day. I read numerous tips for this and advice for that, scan lists of do’s and don’ts, and peruse real estate blogs on a daily basis. I’ll admit, I haven’t crammed everything into my brain, but I have made mental notes of things that I think may affect me. And, I’ve locked away enough...
Looking for a new home can be a pretty exciting task. With that much money on the line, it's worthwhile to read up on the process before you set out. Unnecessary mistakes can and should be avoided while trying to get the best deal for your money. As a first-time homebuyer, proper guidance from seasoned professionals can make all the difference. Here are a few tips...
Apparently, famous peeps like to sell their homes to other famous peeps—who'da thunk it? Why do celebrities like to keep their homes in the celebrity circuit? Well, celebs often have star-sized needs like 14-car garages and closets the size of a private jet launch pad (which they also probably have). Celebs also often share swanky agents, who find it easier to keep...
Thumb through any design magazine these days and you’ll find stunning images of kids’ bedrooms, expertly decorated by some Finnish designer you’ve never heard of. And while they’re beautiful to look at, most parents probably wouldn’t haul in a designer for a child’s bedroom. You’re familiar with the scenario: It’s a girl? Floral wallpaper it is! A...
One of the challenging aspects of being a designer is keeping up with new products, materials and services for the home. One crucial venue for checking out the latest and greatest goodies firsthand is the National Kitchen and Bath Association Conference in Las Vegas. Designer Barbara Murphy of the Neil Kelly Company was there and came away with these top five hot...
Summer is still alive and kicking, and for most regions of the country that means plenty more of hours poolside lounging. So I will revisit the often discussed subject of safety - specifically, preventing household tragedies involving children and pools. Kids Health - a project of The Nemours Foundation - provides a comprehensive punchlist to help maintain a kid-safe...
Every homeowner has mortgage payments on the brain. Whether it’s a 15- or 30-year term, standard, fully amortizing mortgages are designed so that homeowners pay off the balance over the life of the loan. This means that homeowners with a 15-year term will make 180 payments – double that to 360 for a 30-year term. Homeownership, like marriage, is not a commitment...
