In a perfect world, every home sells for the initial listing price (or higher). But when it doesn’t, a downward price adjustment may be needed. While this conversation is cringe inducing for many real estate agents, it also provides you with a great opportunity to showcase your professional skills. If done correctly, you will not … Read More
Author: Cindy Koebele
Top Tips for the College Freshman
Armed with knowledge and a diverse skill set you think you are ready to conquer the world. Think again. As you dive into adulthood, we want you to have a happy, fulfilling, and meaningful life. But before you go chase your dreams we’d like you to consider our Top Tips for College Freshmen. 1. Learn … Read More
Younger Agents Joining the Biz
The number of new people coming into the real estate business — people with a year or less of experience — jumped from five percent of the one million members to nine percent. NAR President Steve Brown suggested the influx “shows that those agents getting into the field are attracted to the many benefits and … Read More
TitleSmart, Inc. Expands with Apple Valley Location
We are very pleased to announce the expansion of our business with a new branch in Apple Valley, Minnesota. We are the leading Twin Cities title insurance company and a certified Women’s Business Enterprise that has been providing title, escrow, and real estate closing solutions to the Twin Cities since 2007. Currently, we have seven metro … Read More
Vacation Home Sales Surge
Vacation-home sales jumped 29.7% to an estimated 717,000 last year, from 553,000 in 2012. The trend shows no sign of slowing, according to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Growth in the equity markets has greatly benefited high-net-worth households, thereby providing the wherewithal and confidence to purchase recreational property,” he said. “However, vacation-home sales are still … Read More
5 Things the TitleSmart Team does to Stay Successful
Starting your day off right is essential to being successful. After reading a recent article on LinkedIn about what successful people do when they begin their workday, made me think. … What do I do? My staff? It made me realize that I need to be successful throughout the entire day. What can I do … Read More
Homebuyers More Willing to Compromise
Faced with tight inventories of homes for sale, more buyers are realizing they may have to bend a little, or a lot, in order to get the home they want. According to a new survey by the real estate brokerage Redfin, 35% of real estate agents said, “Buyers are now willing to pay more … Read More
How to Stay Positive at Work
Let’s be honest, doing the same routine every day, even if enjoyable, can lead to boredom. It’s very important to love what you do for a living and staying positive is a great place to start. Our fantastic team at TitleSmart came up with five ways to help YOU stay positive at work. 1. Express … Read More
Investors’ Bulk Buying Days Slipping Away?
Investors are finding it more and more difficult to buy foreclosures in bulk and then rent them out for a sizable profit. Home prices have risen faster than rent and it’s chipping away at investors’ returns on investment, according to a new report from CoreLogic. Following the housing crash, investors were buying up foreclosed homes … Read More
TitleSmart: A Women’s Business Enterprise
TitleSmart just received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Development Center – Minnesota, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC’s national standard of certification is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to … Read More