There are plenty of valid reasons to own instead of rent, especially in the current low rate environment. Let’s take a look at why homeownership simply makes more sense than renting, especially over a long-term basis.
Real Estate E-Newsletters
A real estate e-newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with past clients and real estate leads, remain “top of mind,” and build loyalty. This article shares four key elements that make up a successful e-newsletter so you can start sending one to those in your real estate contact management system right away.
4 Home Buying Ducks to Get in a Row for 2014
When it comes to putting your ducks in a row for buying a home, a few things are key. First, start early. Whenever you think you should get started doing the actual prep steps, work backwards about 3 or 6 months before that on the calendar and start then.
Secondly, be bold. Many buyers-to-be hesitate to get into the not-so-adorable territory of credit and savings, out of a fear that they’ll learn something that will kill their dreams. The bolder you are about going into scary territory, the faster you’ll learn the truth of what work lies ahead of you – and the more time you’ll have to do what it’ll take to overcome any challenges. Also, just the knowing will make anything scary less so. Here are four ducks you’ll want to start getting lined up and comfortable with now if you hope to buy a home in 2014.
Home Design and Remodeling Trends For 2014
The end of the year brings many things. Special time spent with family and loved ones. Presents from Santa. The promise of a fresh start. And, if you’re like us, an insatiable desire to change up your environment by updating it with the latest trends.
If you are feeling the pull toward renovating, redecorating, or revising your home for 2014, here are some exciting trends you may want to incorporate.
Happy New Year!
Don’t Lose a Listing Over Pricing Objections
“Winning Listing Presentations (For Life)” is a must-read for any agent who wants to improve his or her listing presentation, with one major caveat: Michonski’s approach trains you to focus on how to present yourself and your skills to a seller. The book and scripts are packed with “I” language, which places the focus on the agent rather than using “you” language, which focuses on the seller.
Think Color in 2014
Gray is the new black; reclaimed wood and porcelain floors are made for walkin’; and wireless is controlling sound, window shades, TV, and more.
Whether it’s based on fashion, the economy, new technologies, or the overall mood of the country, home design trends come and go — sometimes slowly and sometimes lickety-split. But as with apparel, some trends become classics and remain strong — a Barcelona chair, for instance — while others go out the window (think avocado and harvest gold kitchen appliances).
Housing Predictions: How 2014 Will Be Different
What should you expect for next year’s housing market? Trulia’s Chief Economist, Jed Kolko, dipped into the data to find out. Check out his predictions for the 5 ways that the 2014 housing market will be different from 2013, as well as the top 10 cities to watch as we enter the new year.
Picking a Home Over the Phone
More home buyers use a mobile device, such as a smartphone, as a primary information-gathering tool. More than half of all page views of listings nationwide now occur through a mobile device, as opposed to a desktop computer, according to an analysis by Realtor.com. Of mobile searches, more than twice as many listings are viewed via iPad and iPhone than via Android devices. Searches with iPhones are nearly three times as high as Android searches.
Predictions for the New Year
The coming year is expected to be a little kinder to home buyers. While affordability will continue to be a problem in hot markets like New York and San Francisco, buyers in general may find they have more homes to choose from and more lenders vying for their business.
