New Affiliate Is Good to Know in Wellfleet, MA

By Kevin Ostler

Broker Mandy Robinson’s Prudential Cape Shores Real Estate brokerage becomes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Cape Shores Real Estate May 19. The broker this week received an early transition present while on a listing presentation in her Cape Cod, MA market.

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Managing Expectations

By Carrie Foley

I always strive to keep a positive attitude, see the potential in everything and remain optimistic in all my dealings, professionally and personally. I recently came to the conclusion that it is not always in our clients’ best interest to be perpetually optimistic, particularly with homesellers.

Previously, I would tour a client’s home, praising their gorgeous kitchen counters, cooing over the natural light and becoming giddy about some other upgrade. But with these reactions, I was artificially stroking the ego of the seller and setting them up to expect this same warm feedback from picky homebuyers. They would love my enthusiasm for their home, but when the first few showings resulted in no offers and less than flattering feedback, the sellers were dismayed – and angry with me.

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Open Houses: Best Practice or Not?

By Todd Waller

The decision to sell your home, the place you have lived for years and where you created memories, is no easy decision.

Still, the process of selling your home should be as smooth as possible. Proper research, pricing and marketing will produce a sale in the shortest amount of time possible, for the highest price, and the least amount of inconvenience.

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Differentiate Your Business with Place Pins

By Lisa Schultz

Pinterest is an excellent platform to build relationships with prospective clients and promote your business. If you’re already a Pinterest user, you might have noticed messages and emails letting you know you can now add a map to your Pinterest boards. If you haven’t tried “Place Pins” yet, now is the time to start. These pins are quick and easy to create, and can add immense value to your profile.

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A Message to Potential Spring Buyers: Don’t Wait

By Anthony Turco

It’s that time again — the time real estate agents around the country anxiously await all summer and winter long: the spring buying season.

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Something from Nothing: What Today’s Low Inventory Means for Sellers

By Todd Waller

Last week, I wrote about historically low levels of inventory experienced in real estate markets around the country and how the lack of properties might affect buyers. Today, I want to talk about what this market condition means for sellers, especially as we remain in a “seller’s market” heading into spring.

As frustrating as lack of inventory can be for buyers, it sounds like a great time for sellers, doesn’t it? Well, when it comes to the final sales price and the time on market, you would be generally correct. But there is one little thing called convenience and it can quickly become an issue.

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Great Expectations: What Every Consumer Should Expect from their Real Estate Agent

By Darrin Friedman

Choosing the right real estate agent can sometimes be a confusing experience. After all, there are choices everywhere! From your aunt who has been in the business so long she used to complete transactions on typewriters, to your ex-roommate who got his license six months ago; your options are numerous.

But that’s not what this blog is about.

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Wounded Veterans and Their Homeownership Dreams

By Amanda V. Stepp-Marcum

After watching the Academy Award winning movie American Sniper, I began to reflect on our wounded veterans around the country. As a real estate agent, my focus is always on helping others achieve the American Dream of homeownership but this movie made me think about the physically wounded soldiers in the U.S. and their specific housing needs.

It also happens that the subject is a very personal one for me.

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How Do You Know When To Buy a Home?

By Jake Breen

In America, homeownership has always been considered a lofty goal, a dream that millions upon millions hope to make real. However, before these would-be buyers find homes, they usually rent. In the age-old rent vs. own debate, each generation seems to have its own idea about what is right. Baby Boomers tend to ask, “Why rent when you can own?” And millennials typically assume it’s always better to rent than own, at least when you’re first entering the job market and disposable income is limited. As rates of homeownership fluctuate, economists look to these differing ideologies to try to figure out just where America stands.

So, when is it better to rent than own? In the long run, it’s always better to buy. Buying a home is an investment in your future. However, many factors come into play when purchasing a home including timing and local market conditions.

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For Valentine’s Day, A Love Letter to Your Future Client

By Maggie Aiken

Dear Future Buyer,

I am so excited to start this journey of finding a house with you. Let me start by telling you a little bit about what I do as your real estate agent and how I am going to make this process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

I have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) along with an outlet of agents who work together to make sure we know about all properties that are on the market or coming on the market in your area. I also have access to all houses that are listed, so you don’t have to worry about calling owners and listing agents yourself to schedule showings. Another huge plus is that the vast majority of sellers will compensate me to represent you – so there is really no reason to try to take on this process alone! The seller is represented by a listing agent, who is working in the seller’s best interest. Considering this is one of the biggest financial purchases you will make in your lifetime, don’t you want to have someone who is solely representing you throughout the entire process?

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