Sometimes we all trip up and pull a Rick Perry. Regardless of the fact that it was just a slip up, we should never forget that perception is everything. That is true especially in our business where our primary contact is with the public. There are many ways that our customers and clients can become offended by what we say, wear, write, and display. Here are some examples of behaviors that you should avoid if you want your customers and clients...

Have you heard the news that, beginning January 1, 2012, real estate licensees who are not Realtors® (not members of a Board or Association of Realtors®) will no longer have free access to GAR Forms? All agents affiliated with BHGRE Metro Brokers and CBC Metro Brokers are required to be Realtors and will have access to GAR Forms, but this will be a big change for some other companies that don’t require membership. Once 2012 begins,...

With apologies to the Addams family, They’re creaky and they’re spooky, Overgrown and sooty, They’re altogether pukey, My REO lis-tings. They smell and reek of urine, Seem moldy and all furry, They really are unnerving, My REO lis-tings. So get your rubber gloves on, Your tetanus injection, We’re going to go and check on My REO lis-tings! Okay, so REO listings aren’t the only scary listings, are they? I used to carry a bath towel draped over my...

Conserving energy during the Fall and Winter is about more than reducing your carbon footprint. It can also save you money. In today’s economy it is crucial for families to search out easy ways to reduce their monthly expenses. In many areas of the country energy costs can become quite burdensome. Winter heating costs have risen the last few years, meaning many low income homeowners have been unable to properly heat their homes....

The decision to sell your home can come with a mixed bag of emotions. There is uncertainty and fear about how quickly your home will sell and for what dollar amount. There may be guilt about leaving behind family, friends, or neighbors. You may also feel anxiety about what is to come. A less than stellar market has done little to ease these jitters. Many would-be sellers have even decided to forgo moves for fear that now isn’t the time to...