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Social Media Success: 5 Tips

In today’s online-driven world, developing a working social media strategy to build your online presence is vital. However, between sales calls, listing appointments and other daily duties, many real estate professionals feel stretched for time.

Add social media to the mix and the to-do list goes from manageable to overwhelming.

So how can you use social media in an effective and strategic way to boost your bottom line, gain visibility and position your personal brand as the local go-to professional?

Read 5 tips for boosting traffic, leads and visibility…

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NAR Chief Economist Reveals 2014 Predictions

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Speaking at the 2013 Realtors Conference & Expo earlier this month, National Association of Realtors (NAR) chief economist Lawrence Yun predicted steadiness in existing-home sales over the next year as prices continue to ascend.

Over the past two years, Yun says existing-home sales have shown a 20 percent cumulative increase, while prices have gained 18 percent. Meanwhile, incomes have only barely risen, coming up somewhere between 2-4 percent.

Read more…

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Decorating Ideas to Eliminate Blank Wall Space

Decorating

There’s nothing more stark or empty looking than a blank wall. Before you start buying and hanging art, check out these simple design ideas and art hanging how-to’s.

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Warren Buffett: Top 3 Investing Mistakes to Avoid

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Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor with the Midas touch, has a message for Main Street stock investors: “Don’t beat yourself.”

“The nice thing about investing in stocks is that, over time, equities are going to do well,” Buffett tells USA TODAY. “American business is going to do well. America is going to do well. So you have the tide with you.”

Building wealth in stocks is still the way to go, even though the ride can get bumpy from time to time, Buffett, 83, says.

Read his tips…

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5334 N 47th St, Tacoma, WA 98407

4 bedrooms; 1.75 bathrooms; 2,044 square feet

5334 N 47th St, Tacoma

This home has recently been updated with a new roof, pergo and some new carpet, vinyl and windows. It’s extra private, on a large lot and conveniently located in desirable North Tacoma near Ruston Way and Point Defiance. Ideal for investors, this home features 2 bedrooms & 1 bath on one end and the others on the opposite end. It’s ready to be rented again and a new homeowner can unleash the potential of the large lot that may be sub-dividable. So many possibilities, so little time, don’t miss this!

$230,000

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Winter Preparedness

Snow Shovel

Cold nights and reports of snow are signs that winter is just around the corner. Prepare now to avoid problems related to winter weather, both at home and at work.

  • Examine window frames for rot or decay and replace framing as necessary to maintain structural integrity.  For older windows, check, repair and replace window glazing that has failed in order to prevent glass from falling out.
  • Trim overgrown branches back from structures and electrical wires to prevent iced-over or wind-swept branches from causing property or power problems.  Take care when removing overgrown branches so they do not contact the electrical wires!
  • Inspect the flue system of any fireplace or wood-burning stove to ensure it is clean.  If needed, have a flue professional inspect for build-ups of soot or creosol and clean if necessary.
  • Weatherize machinery by cleaning off mud, grass, etc.  Add a gasoline stabilizer to equipment that will not be run over the winter.
  • Ensure vehicles have full reservoir of anti-freeze windshield washer fluid and ensure that your engine’s coolant can protect the system down to -40 degrees F.
  • Make sure tires are in good condition with adequate tread have the battery checked to ensure that it will work during the coldest of winter months.
  • Keep a blanket, water, non-perishable food, hand warmers, and a first aid kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded and/or injured.  Make sure that you also pack a 12-volt cellphone charger that can keep your cellphone working.
  • Move shovels or other snow removal equipment in places for ease of access before any impending storm.
  • Ensure an ample supply of ice melt or sand on hand for steps, sidewalks and driveways, and keep a bag in your vehicle also.
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International Clients Buy Detached Single-Family Houses

About 64 percent of international clients typically buy detached single-family homes, which they intend to use for primary residence and for longer than six months.   This information is based on the National Association of REALTORS®  2013 Profile of International Home Buying Activity, which captures transactions of REALTOR® respondents with international clients in the 12 months ended March 2013.

International clients include persons who principally reside in another country (Type A) and recent immigrants and foreigners on temporary visas in the U.S (Type B).  About 49 percent of REALTOR® respondents reported that their international client was a Type B client.

Resident foreigners include recent immigrants, professional and managerial employees of businesses and institutions, and International students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities who are in the U.S. on a temporary but extended visit; all of these groups may plan on using the property year round for primary residence.

Read more…

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Experts Shoot Down Housing Bubble Warnings

Several experts at a conference in Miami a couple weeks ago called into question economist Robert Shiller’s recent comments that the housing market was starting to look “a little bubbly.” Shiller, who co-developed the S&P/Case-Shiller Composite 10 Home Price Index, has said he’s concerned some markets across the country may be over-correcting and starting to resemble a housing bubble.

However, a group of housing experts disagreed during the ABS East 2013 conference. Price appreciation is slowing, says Mark Fleming, CoreLogic’s chief economist. Fleming says that the rapid growth in appreciation in previous months was a correction after an overshoot in prices falling during the housing crisis.

“We are certainly not in a housing bubble,” added Laurie Goodman, who heads the Urban Institute.

Even if interest rates continue to move higher, the housing market would still be OK, say Goodman and Fleming. Goodman says that even with a 6 percent interest rate, affordability would remain at 2000-2003 levels.

The article…