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…]

With the news focusing on the bad about the pandemic, they’re forgetting one important thing. Bringing you actual news that can help you or benefit you!

For example, interest rates are incredibly low right now. This makes it a prime time to refinance your mortgage.

Refinancing your mortgage is simply getting a new mortgage to replace your old mortgage. When interest rates drop, you are able to save in the short and long run by paying a lower mortgage interest rates. But that is only one reason to refinance your mortgage now.

Here Are 6 Ways You Can Save by Refinancing Today:

• 6. Lower Interest Rates Means More Money in Your Pocket

  If you still have a lot to pay off on your loan, going with a lower rate will save you money because your monthly payments will be lower. This can help make life a bit less stressful if you’re having cash flow issues.

• 5. Lower Interest Rates With Shorter Deals

• 15 year mortgages are typically around ¼-½ % lower than 30 year mortgages. When refinancing rates are low, like right now, you can likely refinance and choose a shorter loan term and save in the long run.

• 4. Refinancing to Pay off Debts

• If you refinance and get a lower rate, you may also be able to take cash out.

  This cash can be used to pay off debts.

• It can clear space on a credit card, reduce the risk of losing expensive items you’re making payments on, and help you with extra cash if you lost a job and need cash.

  Bonus tip – If you pay off credit cards at 24% to a lower interest mortgage rate, this strategy can save you a ton of money overall!

• 3. Refinancing to Make a Needed Purchase

• Just like paying off a debt, you can take the money and use it to buy a car, make an improvement on your home, or even apply it to start a business.

• 2. Lower Monthly Payments

• Just like in number 6, lower rates may lower your monthly payments and save you money in the long run.  This seems duplicate, but it is important so I want to add it again.

• 1. Putting Cash In to Lower Rates & Payment Intervals

• This may sound weird, but putting cash towards the balance of the loan when refinancing your mortgage can save you money.

  Please note that the numbers below do not reflect actual loan amounts.  I am using simpler numbers for example purposes only.

• Suppose you inherit 50K and owe 125K on your mortgage. If you go to refinance for a lower rate, by putting money in the rate could drop even further. Here is how.

  If the rate on the refinanced 125K mortgage is 5%, and the rate on a $75K mortgage is 2.5%, by applying your $50K from the inheritance you could now only have to pay 2.5%.

• By using this money to pay down your balance on the loan (interest free), you can save money in the long run.

As a bonus, did you know that you can choose who does your closing for your refinancing?  See, we made sure there are 6 options in this post as promised.

By choosing your own closing company, you can save even more. If you would like a quote from us, email us by clicking here or click here to learn about our closing services and fill out the form on the top of the page.

When we think of the heroes right now, they are visible people like Nurses and Doctors, the grocery store worker stocking shelves, the trash collectors, and the delivery person helping to keep restaurants afloat.  But there is one professional that is being overlooked.  Real Estate Agents.

Real Estate Agents provide essential services you probably aren’t thinking of right now.

Agents are essential because they are saving people’s lives and helping to prevent others from losing their homes as bills pile up.  Not to mention the 50,000 americans who need/needed to find housing solutions last minute as they repatriated during the outbreak.  Not sure what I’m referring too?

Here are six examples of how real estate agents are saving lives during Covid-19 by being the eyes and ears of their buyers and sellers.

1. People Facing a Pre-existing Foreclosures

   Before the “stay home” and social distancing orders started, people were being foreclosed on.  The only way to avoid foreclosure and have a bit of money to continue with your life is through selling your house before it can be auctioned off.

   With an experienced agent, these people can move their homes and have one less thing to worry about during Covid-19.

2. Escaping an Abusive Spouse

   Domestic abuse is a problem.  Being trapped at home with the abuser, especially if there are children involved, can be the final straw that gives the person enough courage to leave.

   By contacting a trustworthy real estate agent, the person who needs to escape can have the agent scout out apartment buildings and houses for sale or for rent by using their network privately.  Because the agent already has knowledge and a database, they can do this in secret so the abuser doesn’t find out.Now the person has a chance to escape, especially when they cannot safely look for a new place to live as the abuser is home with them and may catch them looking for a way out.

3. If The Bread Winner Passes Away

   Whether it is from coronavirus or other causes, if the person that brought in the majority of the household income passes away, the spouse or family may no longer be able to afford their home.  If this happens to elderly people or someone who is “at risk”, attending open houses and shopping around for a deal is not an option.  This is where a real estate agent comes in.

   Real estate agents can and likely will take photos and video of the property.  The real estate agent will look for affordable options, and also use their skill sets to find the shopper a new home that they can afford.  Even better, that same agent can help sell the persons home and help them to get a fair or even better price than the seller would get on their own.

4. Job Loss With Kids

   Jobs are being lost, but plenty of companies are also hiring.  If a person loses their job and is looking, or has already found a new job but it doesn’t pay as much, a real estate agent can help that person find a more affordable house or apartment in the same school district.

   Now the family does not have to leave the area they love living in and more important, their kids do not have to change new schools and make new friends.

5. Covid-19 Potential Foreclosures

   Once the lockdown is over, bills are still piling up and not all banks or lenders are being flexible.  If it looks like someone is going into foreclosure, a licensed and talented agent will be able to spend time cutting deals now to sell their client’s home before it gets foreclosed on.  They’ll also be able to help their client find a new place to live.

   If it looks inevitable that you are going to lose your home, an agent can help protect you from losing everything and get to work now before foreclosure begins.

6. The Elderly and At Risk People Who Cannot Shop In Person

   As we mentioned above, it is not wise right now for anyone to leave their home for unnecessary travel.  This is especially true for the elderly and people that are “at risk”.  Real Estate Agents are life savers for them.

   The agent can go to the new homes and live stream the property with a video walk through.  The agent can make sure all questions and answers are being asked, and the agent has access to title companies like ours that are doing eclosings so elderly and at risk people do not have to come in contact or engage with others which would endanger themselves.

Real Estate Agents are essential during pandemics and times of crisis.  If you haven’t thought of a real estate agent this way, then you are lucky enough to not be in these situations.  It is important to thank our doctors, nurses, EMTs, store clerks, waste collection specialists, and also to remember the other people out there risking themselves to help the communities around them.  That includes Real Estate Agents.

Ever since Virginia made it legal in 2012 to become a remote online notary public and notarize documents from real estate closings to wills, other states have been jumping on the bandwagon.  You can now legally sign and notarize documents virtually from any state, anywhere, except Iowa, even if you are not currently there.

If you’re selling your home in Texas but are vacationing in Las Vegas, Nevada, remote online notary (RON) can help you through this.  But how does it work and is it legal?

How Remote Online Notary Services Work (EClosings)

Remote notary services or eclosings can only work when you can verify both parties are legitimate and you have a way to record, sign and document the transaction.  That means you need a way to process digital signatures, record the transaction using both audio and visual recordings, and you must be able to verify the identities of all parties involved.

What is the process for a Remote Online Notary & Closing

The process is simple:

1. All documents are submitted electronically and reviewed for accuracy.
2. Once the documents are verified accurate, everyone will join a video and voice recorded meeting.
3. Each person involved in the transaction will authenticate through a secure platform to verify they are the right person.
4. Now that everything is verified and all parties agree to the terms, electronic versions are sent for signing, recording and notarizing.
5. Once notarized, electronic versions are securely stored, and sent to all parties.  

Can I get a printed version as well?

[Read more…]