To welcome the spring season this April 1st, ATG Title, the DMV’s leading title insurance, escrow, and closing company is proud to offer a new line of services for our furry friends: Dog house title searches and insurance!

Why are we offering this? Simply put, we went sniffing around and after pawing it over realized there is a begging need for it.  After the executive team tugged around the rope they all agreed it is time our furry friends get the same protections we have.

It all started with a dispute over a certain doggy domicile when the land survey “dug” up an old marking from a few summers before. Fluffy the Bullmastiff was casually relaxing in her new home when Cujo the Chihuahua suddenly laid claim to the house.  As you can imagine, it was a “ruff” situation!

When Fluffy first came to ATG for help, she appeared to be “crying wolf,” but after listening to her side of the story, we agreed that the situation was simply “for the dogs!” [Read more…]

Becoming a Realtor is easy, and it only takes 5 steps.

1. Get your real estate license
2. Join a brokerage
3. Become a member in your local Realtor’s Association
4. Pay your dues
5. Take the required continuing education courses and pass the tests

Once you do this you’ll be able to add Realtor to your title.

Having the title Realtor also provides you with numerous benefits. Being a Realtor builds trust with your clients since you’re adhering to best practices and in many cases can let you charge more. You gain access to Realtor only networking events to grow your lead funnel and the esteem can make you more desirable to brokerages. Here is more information on the differences between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent.

Now that you know the steps to become a Realtor and the benefits, here’s a bit more information on each step. [Read more…]

If you’re on this page, you’re currently trying to determine a fair selling price for a home on the market and heard about comparative market analysis. Don’t let the term scare you. It’s quite simple.

A comparative market analysis, or CMA, is a tool used to estimate a home’s value based on the selling price of similar properties recently sold within the immediate area. It does not generate a suggested listing price for the home. It is merely the means to help determine one.

Learning how to do a comparative market analysis can also be one of the essential tools when trying to sell a home quickly, make a good profit, or make a reasonable offer on a home. Once you learn this simple concept, it becomes one of the more exciting and helpful tools in your real estate arsenal.

What is a market analysis on a home?

A comparative market analysis, or CMA, is a tool used to estimate a home’s value based on the selling price of similar properties recently sold within the immediate area. It does not generate a suggested listing price for the home. It is merely the means to help determine one.

Agents and Brokers both create CMA reports that may be available to you. In this case, it’s rather easy to do the research needed to determine the best listing price. Alternatively, you can perform your own CMA by using real estate listing sites to search for comparable properties. [Read more…]

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…]

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.

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…]

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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. Signs. They are Everywhere.

[Read more…]

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…]