How Realtors® Can Preserve Their Commission

Commissions are the livelihood of real estate agents and brokers. It is what motivates them to sell. However, there are times when agents reduced their commission, but felt they were worth more. So, how do you protect the integrity of your commission? It really comes down to negotiating and experience. When a seller asks an agent to take less, what …

Why FSBOs Need Real Estate Agents to Sell Their Home

The growth and popularity of real estate related websites has sparked the popularity of many DIY services including FSBOs (for sale by owners). However, the fact remains that approximately 93% of homes are still being sold by Realtors®, according to the National Association of Realtors®. This means that most FSBOs will need the services of a licensed real estate agent …

Chicago Property Listings That Disclose Energy Costs Close Faster, says Study

Energy efficiency is important to home buyers and Chicago property listings that disclose energy costs close faster and at a higher percentage of the asking price, according to a study conducted by Elevate Energy. Based on its findings, Elevate Energy found that there appears to be a correlation between a home’s energy cost and the actual selling price. “Energy costs …

How Realtors® Can Help Buyers Understand New Loan Disclosure Requirements

A significant change to federally mandated mortgage disclosure documents is on the way and Realtors® will be the key to helping buyers and sellers navigate these new forms that will take effect on mortgage applications submitted on or after August 1, 2015, under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) “Know Before You Owe” initiative. As a result of these sweeping …

Tight Housing Inventory Pushes Selling Prices Higher in Chicago

The tight credit conditions have kept many homeowners from selling existing homes resulting in a shrinking inventory of properties in the Metro Chicago region. But, recent changes that are loosening mortgage restrictions could be a game-changer. And it may have come just in time. It was recently reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce that the economy shrank considerably during …

Is it Time for Realtors® to Get a Smart Watch?

With all the recent publicity surrounding smart watches lately, it is a growing trend that many believe will be the next mainstream mobile device. In fact, the smart watch market is expected to grow significantly over the next few years. Also, it was recently reported that Swiss watch makers are in the process of developing a smart watch. And since …

Realty Sales: Three Cold Calling Myths Debunked

Many sales people shutter when they hear the words “cold calling.” That is despite the fact is that cold calling is still one of the fastest ways to grow your real estate business. That alone should be enough to start calling. So, why aren’t more real estate agents doing this? Well, there are essentially three myths that keep many sales …

What Realtors® Need to Know about the Mortgage Choice Act of 2015

In a bid to ensure that the American dream of owning a home becomes a reality for as many creditworthy consumers as possible, the House of Representatives recently passed the Mortgage Choice Act of 2015. It was introduced by Rep. Bill Huizinga (R-MI) and received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House with 286-140 votes. This is welcome news for real …

5 Best Habits of Top Real Estate Agents

Do you ever wonder what makes some real estate agents consistently more successful than others? While there are several traits, one of the common denominators that top real estate agents and brokers share in common is they develop the best habits, a routine that they diligently follow. In other words, they implement a routine that will set up their real …