ATG Title

Call Us Today - 703.934.2100  |  info@atgtitle.com
  • Home
  • Locations
    • Virginia
    • Washington DC
    • Maryland
    • Miami
  • Home Owners
    • Why You Need Title Insurance
    • What Happens During the Real Estate Closing Process
    • Closing Costs Explained
    • Real Estate Resources
    • What Is ALTA & What Do They Do?
    • Real Estate Glossary
  • Realtors
    • Settlement Agents
    • Commercial Title Services
    • 1031 Exchange
    • REO Division
  • Lenders
    • How ALTA Best Practices and Compliance Protect You
    • Settlement Agents
    • Reliable Commercial Title Services For Your Real Estate Deals
    • 1031 Exchange
    • REO Division
  • About Us
  • Blog

7 Alternatives to Facebook Ads for Real Estate Agents

August 18, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

Alternatives to Facebook Ads for Real Estate Agents

Did your Facebook ads for your real estate business get shut off? So did everyone else’s.

Facebook lost a $400 Million lawsuit to HUD, and it resulted in the need to block real estate ads as they may violate the Fair Housing Act.

“According to HUD’s Charge, Facebook enabled advertisers to exclude people whom Facebook classified as parents; non-American-born; non-Christian; interested in accessibility; interested in Hispanic culture; or a wide variety of other interests that closely align with the Fair Housing Act’s protected classes” Explains HUD.Gov.

No matter the case, real estate agents are forced to find alternative means of advertising for business.

Despite Facebook’s former status of the “go-to” platform, there are still plenty of other great options. Below are some of the best places on the internet for you to post your real estate ads.

  1. LinkedIn

    LinkedIn lets you target people by jobs, titles, and demographics. You can use this site to reach people that are about to relocate on account of a new career. That may mean helping them sell as they leave the area or finding a home.

    Bonus tip – You can also run ads for movers, contractors and others to make an introduction to your real estate business. Now you can cultivate the relationship and build your lead funnel from industry professionals.

  2. Craigslist Marketing

    Craigslist is a free classifieds service that can be used to list housing and advertise real estate services. This platform is excellent for reaching people who may not use social media platforms. The ability to search for services and listings in all parts of the country is useful for gaining local clients. It can be especially helpful for linking with those who are considering relocating to your area.

  3. Google Ads

    Google Ads is an effective means of targeting potential clients based on their keyword search.

    Campaigns can be tailored to capture particular demographics based on home type, location, buying/selling, and even device type. You have the option to create general ad campaigns.

    Still, it can be hard to capture audiences as ads from Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and Realtor are often top search results that are hard to separate from ads posted by organic users. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Real Estate Marketing

Real Estate Agent Vs. Broker: Let’s Clear the Confusion

August 11, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker

If you’re new to real estate, you’ve already heard of real estate agents and brokers. You’re probably wondering what the differences are between them and you may have even heard of real estate agents being referred to as brokers. They may sound similar, but they play very different roles.

So is there a difference? Yes, there is, and we’re here to clear the confusion.

What is the difference between a broker and an agent?

An agent is a person responsible for facilitating the real estate transaction. They can work with buyers and sellers but are ultimately responsible for bringing the two together and aiding the sale along.

Real estate brokers can own real estate firms that agents work for. In simple terms, agents work for brokers. Brokers act as the liable party and are responsible for the actions and managing interactions of the real estate agent. They are also responsible for negotiations, arranging, and overseeing the entire transaction.

The real estate agent is whom the buyer and seller interact with. The agent shows homes, introduces buyers and sellers to one another and walks either party through their end of the process. Brokers handle legal contracts and report any requests relative to the transaction to the broker.

What can lead to confusion is when someone who is a licensed broker still works as an agent. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles

21 Real Estate Closing Gift Ideas & Where to Buy Them

August 6, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

real estate closing gift ideas

Selecting the right closing gift can be tricky. The process has to be thoughtful and personalized, but finding the right one can be tedious.  That’s where we come in!

Below you will find 21 unique ideas for closing gifts that not only incorporate something unique about the buyer, but something that is memorable.  Each gift also has a long-life span so that as they are ready to buy a new home, or someone asks who they would recommend, you are still in front of them.

Let’s face it, the last thing you want to be is forgettable. This will help your clients spread a positive vibe about you, helping to grow your reputation and ultimately your business.

Once you find the perfect option below, customize it around their preferences including words, slang and other things that make sure they know you put time, effort and a lot of thought into the gift.

  1. Lone Star Etched Laser Etched Hammer

    Handymen and women love their tools. A full-size hammer with a personalized message to the buyers is a beautiful way to say thank you. It may not be used practically but will find a special place in their workshop. This is simple but will surely leave a lasting impression.

  2. Local Woodworker’s Club Membership

    Woodworkers love to share with and learn from a like-minded community. Relocating to a new town means disconnecting from their community, and a membership to a local woodworker’s club is an affordable way to help movers connect with local woodworkers.

  3. Black and Decker Drill and Home Tool Kit

    A young couple buying their first home may be interested in performing their own repairs. They may also not have the money to spring on many tools. While tools may be expensive, the basics don’t need to be. This kit includes everything one will need to perform small jobs and will surely leave a lasting impression.

  4. Naked Wood Works-Personalized Cutting Board

    A personalized cutting board is an excellent choice for those who love to cook. This board is offered in maple or walnut and can be engraved with the purchase date and names of the new homeowners. Additionally, real estate agents have the option to have their business info engraved on the back for future reference.

  5. Memory Weaver Studio Glass Cutting Board with Custom House Portrait

    As an alternative to a wooden cutting board, you can opt for this beautiful piece of art. This features a digitally rendered water painting of the buyer’s home with their family name and date of purchase. While this may be used as décor, it can be used practically as a cutting board without the risk of damaging the portrait. Whether it’s used as a display or for preparing food, it’s sure to make an impact.

  6. Instant Pot 6-in-1 Pressure Cooker

    Pressure cooking is growing in popularity, and you may hear your client speaking about their interest in one for their kitchen. The Instant Pot line is trendy right now on account of its versatility. It can be used to prepare many meals, and gifting one to your clients will surely help them remember you. Best of all, it is very affordable.

  7. Local Cooking Lessons

    Cooking lessons are a great way to get clients connected with their community and learn about the local cuisine.  Cooking classes let your clients meet new people, provide them with a new recipe to enjoy in their new home and are also just fun.  Each time your client cooks their new favorite dish, they’ll remember you’re the one who bought them the class and that keeps you in the backs of their minds.

  8. Personalized Cheese Boards

    A cheese board is something very few people have but always delights the recipient. If your client mentioned they’re a fan of cheeses, charcuterie and wine, this is an excellent gift idea.

  9. Stone Fly Studio Engraved Fly Box

    Outdoorsman moving to a new area will be hard-pressed to find new fishing spots. StoneFly offers fly boxes that feature a map of a river engraved on the exterior. They have a range of boxes, each with a different river featured on it, meaning you may be able to find one of a river in their town or nearby. An optional feature is to personalized message engraved on the rear of this box. Even if it’s kept as a decorative piece, it’s something every fisher will love.

  10. Local Hobby/Club Memberships

    An alternative gift for an outdoorsman is to set them up with a membership with a local hobby club. It could be anything from photography to knitting, books or whatever the person is into.  If your client is brand new to the area, this is a great way to help them meet their new group of friends and leave a positive lasting impression of your services.

  11. Personalized Compasses

    Fisherman, hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, or any other outdoorsy person who spends time exploring will benefit from a compass. Look for a model that can be engraved with a personal message to your client, congratulating them on their home and wishing them well on their adventures.

  12. Personalized Shadow Boxes

    For clients who like to travel, a shadow box is an excellent gift idea. This allows them to place small items they’ve collected on their journeys in one enclosure. Try to remember something they mentioned or a specific word they used to describe a trip while you were helping them shop. Then engrave that onto the box for that added personal touch.

  13. Red Robot Engraving Personalized Realtor Gift Pack

    If your client loves preparing elegant meals and enjoying complimentary wine, there’s no better gift. This kit includes a wine box with tools, a cutting board, vegan leather key chain, and two stainless steel stemless wine glasses. All that is included in this pack can feature custom engravings. All that’s left is to pair it with the wine of choice.

  14. Personality Gift Shop Personalized Monogram Whiskey Decanter Set

    You can always purchase a whiskey drinker a bottle of their preferred brand, but once the bottle is gone, it’s gone. That’s why a classy decanter can be ordered with a custom monogram that features your client’s name and if you also want have the date their home officially became theirs engraved too.Now the decanter has extra meaning, and if you fill it with a special whiskey they can enjoy a toast each anniversary of their home purchase.  And don’t forget matching monogrammed glasses if you really want to leave a lasting impression.

  15. Personalized Humidors

    If your client is a cigar aficionado, or simply enjoys an occasional smoke with a brandy, it is doubtful they’d complain about getting a quality humidor.  Have the inside engraved with a custom message that will trigger their memory of you helping them. Now each time they go to relax they’ll remember who to thank.

  16. Succulent Bar Store Ultimate House Warming Succulent Gift Box

    Succulents are a favored houseplant by many. They don’t need much care and will live for years and years. You can buy subscriptions to succulents of the month clubs as a fun gift, or a completed terrarium kit with a stunning landscape that works to bring life to their home.  These unique gifts double as conversation pieces to help get you in front of their friends and get your name out as a bonus!

  17. Family Initial Garden Stones

    What better way to solidify their new home than by handing them the keys and having your clients look to see a family initial garden stone to welcome them. This is a heart warming and thoughtful gift that will certainly last the test of time and show you appreciate them choosing you as their real estate agent.

  18. Outdoor Fire Pits

    While a fire pit isn’t for every client, you’ll know the ones they mean a lot to. This gift helps make the home a more relaxing and enjoyable space. It allows them to settle into their yard and may even help inspire social activities, which will help them connect with the neighborhood.

  19. Engraved Personalized Planter Box

    Clients with a green thumb may have been forced to leave their plants behind during their big move. Buying a plant may be a bad idea, but a planter is a great one. Your client will not only be starting their new lives in their new home, but this will help “give the house life” and “sprout” a new lifestyle.  A personalized engraving gives it a personal touch they will remember you by.

  20. Yard Games or a Cornhole Set

    Yard games are the perfect way to get clients to take advantage of their new back yard. While many are tailored just for kids, Cornhole is a great game the entire family can play. This particular set is very affordable. It’s also a simple game that allows for bonding with the kids, friends, or neighbors. A big plus is its popularity that ensures it will be a big hit at their house warming party.

  21. Personalized Kids Books

    Clients with young kids may have a hard time getting them to settle into their new home; never mind getting them to focus on learning. Personalized children’s books provide kids with an escape and can be an incredibly useful tool for teaching. Best of all, the parents will appreciate your thoughtfulness and efforts to help them and their children!

Do you have a real estate closing gift that works great with your clients. Feel free to share it in the comments below.

Filed Under: Articles

The Fourplex – A Real Estate Investors Solution to Tricky Houses

July 30, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

fourplexes investing for real estate investors

Are you struggling with a property you want to flip, but the market isn’t quite right to fix and sell it? Or maybe you have an older building where the architect designed a “unique interior” and layout. Instead of struggling on how to fix it up, or which walls to knock out, go with a fourplex!

By definition, a fourplex is a property that contains four separate living spaces.  It can be a house, an apartment building or any type of structure as long as there are four unique quarters where people can live separately.

Fourplexes provide tenants with affordable and desirable living spaces, and landlords a creative way to make more money off of a single rental property.

They’re attractive to young couples and singles because these types of renters can live in a home with a yard for less money than buying their own houses, not to mention they can live in a house without roommates. But the benefits mostly lie with the real estate investor.

Flexibility is one of the key benefits of a fourplex for a real estate investor.  Specifically when it comes to leases and pricing.

You can list some units as short term and others as long term. The short term units are attractive for corporate housing, military and study abroad students. Long term leases are perfect for professionals, young couples and singles that aren’t ready to buy. Because it is four separate units, you don’t have to worry about renting the entire home to have money coming in.  You can have a steady cash flow from the long term rental agreements and large bursts of revenue from the short term leases.

If you are a real estate investor and do not have a large staff, fourplexes have another advantage for you.  Upkeep on a fourplex is less time consuming because there is less travel in between properties. You can also complete all inspections in one swoop instead of multiple days at multiple properties. Not to mention the peace of mind with not having to worry about one roof, HVAC system, plumbing, lawns, etc. instead of multiple buildings.

You can also get creative with pricing and make more money with a fourplex than you can when renting the entire home to a single tenant.

For example, the rental price for a single family home in your market could be $1,300 per month. The cost per single bedroom apartment could be $450 and a studio $300. By having the same house as a fourplex you now have the ability to charge $1,650 per month if you charge market rate for each.

If there is parking, you can also charge per space vs. including parking spots it if the building was a standard home rental.  By adding the parking spaces in as separate rentals, you could be earning $1,800 per month if you charged $75 per space when compared to the market rate of $1,300 for a single tenant home rental.

Now remember, not all units in the building will be as desirable. Not everyone will be happy walking up one or two flights of stairs. Basements don’t always have as many windows making them not as appealing for a renter. By knowing this you can get creative.

In the same market prices mention above, why not charge $300 for the basement, $400 for the second floor unit and $550 per month for the two more desirable rental units. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Real Estate Investing

What is Wholesale Real Estate?

July 22, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

What is Wholesale Real Estate

Wholesale real estate is when a real estate investor enters a contract with a seller and then assigns the contract to a buyer at a higher price. The investor  is then able to keep the difference as profit.

Wholesaling real estate can only occur when property is being sold under its market value. This is typically the case with foreclosures, but not always.

The key is to find a seller that is motivated to sell their property quickly. The main causes of a property going into foreclosure are normally financial hardships or excessive repairs the owner is not willing to deal with anymore. Once the property ends up in foreclosure, the price drops substantially making it incredibly appealing for a wholesaler that knows the specific market and also knows that they can turn a quick profit.

It is important to know that real estate investors may also work as a wholesaler and tend to find these opportunities through advertisements, contractors, and networking.

Once they find a desirable property, they make contact with the motivated seller and enter into a contract as the buyer. If they can get the property before it is foreclosed on they can guarantee it is in their hands and the home owner gets to leave with money in their pocket so it is a much better situation than a bidding war and the home owner leaving with nothing.

When the wholesaler cuts the deal with the seller, the next step is to line up an investor or DIYer that doesn’t mind some extra work. Unlike a traditional fix and flip or sale, the wholesaler’s goal is to never actual have to take the title and purchase the property. Their goal is to get a new buyer to purchase the property quickly and ideally before the contract closes.

When the deal closes, the initial investor (the real estate wholesler) collects the difference between the agreed prices as profit.  Other times they may sit on the property and take it as a net loss for their taxes because they know the property value is going to increase.

One major difference between being a real estate wholesaler and an investor is that a wholesaler rarely actually sells the home. Instead, they are trying to sell the rights to purchase the property and broker a deal. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Real Estate Investing

What To Know About Procuring Cause & Your Rights

July 14, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

Procuring Cause Your Rights

As a real estate agent, you‘ll put in many hours working with your clients before receiving payment. This includes finding and showing the property, marketing it, and all of the negotiations, phone calls and travel time.

After you’ve done all of this work and your client buys or sells the property, you rightfully feel entitled to a commission of the sale.  That is where Procuring Cause comes in.  But what is procuring clause?

Procuring cause is simply your right to collect a commission on the sale of a property.  It refers to the interaction between a real estate agent and a buyer or seller that directly results in the sale.

But what if the buyer uses more than one agent? What if both agents happened to show the same piece of property that was purchased? Who is entitled to commission?

After signing the contract in the MLS, other agents may file a complaint leading to a commission dispute if they, too, had shown the buyer the property which was purchased. This is where the issue lies as both of you likely did the work but only one of you will get paid.

If you are facing a commission dispute, there are some things you should know.

There is no predetermined rule of entitlement. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles

12 Useful Facebook Marketing Tips for Real Estate Agents

June 30, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

Facebook Marketing Tips for Real Estate Agents

Even though Facebook turned off ads for real estate agents to attract new buyers and sellers, the platform is a prime opportunity for you to drum up business.  Below you’ll find 12 Facebook marketing strategies you can use to grow your leads funnel of home buyers and sellers. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Real Estate Marketing

21 Realtor Problems Only a Real Estate Agent Understands

June 24, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

21 Realtor Problems Only a Real Estate Agent Understands

Everyone in real estate just sits back and collects money from property sales. Well, that’s what everyone thinks until they walk that proverbial mile in the shoes of a real estate agent.

The grueling daily agenda of a real estate agent is bound to change anyone in the industry’s perspective. Don’t worry; you’re not the only one dangling over a fence, in the middle of the day for a house showing.

Nothing is more wildly inaccurate than claiming real estate agents have it easy. They don’t know about all of the unique struggles you face and even if you explain it to them. They still wouldn’t get it.

There are some things only a real estate agent could understand.

  1. Break that Scanner out!

In the paperless world, your job is so out of touch. All day, every day you’ll be running that scanner like it’s 1999. Don’t forget, you’ve got to file and carry many copies of those forms on your person.

  1. Negotiation is Robbery

There’s nothing like trying to negotiate to someone who is offended by your offer. Chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time explaining yourself in an effort to bring down hostility.

  1. Contactless Clients

Every once in a while you’re going to come into contact with some strange folks. Such as those who don’t have emails or cell phones. Luckily for them, you’ll do whatever it takes to touch base!

  1. Signs. They are Everywhere.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles

What Does a Title Company Do?

June 17, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

What Does a Title Company Do

Curious about what a title company actually does?  No problem, we’re happy to help with an answer.

A title company does three things for home buyers:

  • Ensures that a piece of property is legitimate
  • Transfers the title from seller to buyer
  • Provides title insurance for that property

Ensuring a property’s legitimacy is an essential step to protect you from any legal issues associated with the property. A title company will perform the title search, which is the research of public records to determine legal ownership of the property and any existing claims on that property.

Besides researching the property and transferring the title from the seller to the buyer, a title company will also offer insurance.

There are two types of title insurance: owner’s insurance and lender’s insurance. Both are to protect the parties involved from legal fees and claims that may arise over the property. You will likely pay for the lender’s insurance upon closing on the house and may also need to pay for the owner’s insurance.

What does the title company do at closing?

When you are ready to close on a home, the title company is responsible for handling and transferring the title. They may also handle any escrow accounts necessary to complete the closing process. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles

How Much Should Home Inspections Cost & Other FAQs!

June 10, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

How Much Should Home Inspections Cost

Ready to get your home inspected for sale?  Or maybe you’re about to purchase a condo and want to know what to expect.  This guide to frequently asked questions will help you with all things home inspection!

  • How much does a home inspection cost?
  • How long does a home inspection take?
  • Does a condo cost the same as inspecting a house?
  • What does the inspector look for?
  • If the inspector finds more issues, does the cost increase?

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

Home inspections can cost from $200-$500. The price depends on the home’s size, age, location, and if additional steps are required, such as testing for mold and/or radon.

Below is a list of what you can generally expect to pay for a home. With so many factors that play into the final cost of a house, the charge can vary from the suggested price that is listed. [Read more…]

Filed Under: House Buying Tips

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 7
  • Next Page »
Call Us Today 703.934.2100  |  info@atgtitle.com

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Follow Us On Social Media

Main Office: 11320 Random Hills Road Suite 120, Fairfax VA 22030

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday : Closed

Copyright © 2021 · ATG Title · All Rights Reserved