If you dread the negotiating process when buying a home, never fear. Your real estate agent is an experienced negotiator who helps keep the bargaining from becoming emotional and veering off track. Your agent must know your desires by heart and have quick access to you if a negotiation point needs to be made. It’s important to stick to the strategy you and your agent have agreed upon — showing the seller how strong your offer...

      Buying real estate is one of the most complex undertakings of your life. Success is much easier to live with than failure, so decide from the start what “success” means to you in terms of purchasing real estate. Then, be prepared to learn everything necessary to achieve it. Savvy buyers take two approaches when preparing to excel at buying real estate, especially in hot markets and sought-after neighborhoods: 1....

    Buyers and their agents need to feel welcome to look at the property at their leisure without danger or distractions. So while you adore your sweet-tempered pit bull rescue, he could turn territorial, barking and growling at potential homebuyers. And it could cost you the opportunity to sell your home. Think of buyers as guests and work to make them feel comfortable as they consider your home for purchase. If you have a protective...

            Rev up the DeLorean and get set to go back to the future! The same decade that spawned countless classics like Top Gun, Miami Vice and Charlie’s Angels is now back in style when it comes to home interior design. While some ’80s trends — like pastel colors and neon socks — might make us shudder, others — like funky patterns and kitchen tables — deserve a second chance. Here’s a look at some ’80s trends...

Everyone has that favorite outfit, business suit, dress, tie or scarf. When that favorite piece of clothing also happens to be in your best color, you can become invincible. In sales, success hinges on confidence. When your confidence is soaring, it’s the ideal opportunity for prospecting and/or closing on sales. Knowing the color or designer that gives you that added confidence is crucial to your individual success and closing abilities....