Advice for Real Estate Agents

Feature articles to for real estate pros

Deed Plotter (TM) for Windows, Software Review
Here's a software program that allows you to enter the legal description of a piece of property. The software analyzes the information, and draws the tract. Handy? You bet it is.

Dealing With a Low Appraisal
It's the call we all dread. The lender notifies you that an appraisal came in for less than a home's sales price. Closing is not far away, so everyone panics. Is there anything you can do?

Understanding Restrictive Covenants
Restrictions give a development a more standard appearance, and control some of the activities that take place within its boundaries. Buyers must be given the opportunity to study covenants, to make sure they can live with all of the provisions.

Prepping Sellers for Showings
Giving sellers an early education in Buyers 101 helps prepare them for the realities of showing a house. Once they understand why you ask them to do certain things, they usually comply.

Going to Work: Interviewing the Broker In Charge
Brokers-in-Charge are nearly always in the recruiting mode. If they have desk space available, many will take on anyone with a valid license and a desire to work. But don't get in too much of a hurry, there are many things to consider before accepting a position.

How To Calculate Real Estate Commissions
People who aren't familiar with the real estate profession often assume that the entire commission goes to one agent. If you've bought-in to that fantasy, the information on these pages will help bring you back to earth, and show you what you can really expect to make from a transaction.

Advertising "Red Flags"
Sometimes we get too enthusiastic with the descriptions we use in ads, especially when we've got a great house to describe. Considering a few 'red flags' will help you avoid publishing a misleading ad--one that could lead to liability problems after a closing.

Fair Housing Issues for Real Estate Professionals
US real estate agents deal with Fair Housing issues every day. Learn a few basic do's and don'ts about advertising terminology, and how to avoid problems when showing property.

Identify Styles & Components of Homes
Whether we're listing or selling property, Real Estate Professionals are expected to be knowledgeable about basic home structures and styles. Take this quiz to find out if you know the answers to a few questions about construction terms and architectural styles.

Getting the Sale to Closing
It's surprising how many real estate agents feel the most important part of their job is getting a signed contract. Sure, it's important, but it's just the beginning for any agent who plans to take the Real Estate Profession seriously.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Baby boomers are quickly growing into the largest population of seniors we've seen in US history. Did you know there's a program of real estate education to help you tap-in to this growing senior population?

What is Buyer Agency?
Buyer agency is a relatively new concept for the real estate world. Find out what it's all about, and if all Buyer Agents offer the same services.

1031 Exchange Basics
A 1031 exchange allows sellers to defer 100% of the Federal and State capital gains taxes associated with the sale of property. The seller saves tax dollars, and you have the opportunity to earn double commissions.

Learn to Measure Residential Square Footage
Inaccurately reported square footage is the subject of numerous complaints made each year to state real estate commissions. Take steps to protect yourself.

Better Questions Equal Better Sales
How many times have you shown a buyer a series of houses you thought matched his or her needs, then ended up getting an offer on something entirely different? If this is a common occurrence, it's time to figure out why.

Errors and Omissions Coverage
Protect yourself from financial loss by purchasing this form of malpractice insurance for real estate professionals.