Once you have decided that you are ready to buy or sell real estate, the next step is to find the right real estate agent. Do not take this step lightly, it is very important. Carefully consider your situation and what your goal is, this can include a quick sale, maximum profit, finding the biggest discount or generating monthly cash flow. Remember that these agents vary just as greatly as your needs and there are a lot of things to think about.

The real estate agent is your “agent” that is, they are acting on your behalf. They are guided by their fiduciary duties. These are the duties of: utmost care, obedience and good faith, accounting, loyalty and confidentiality, and disclosure of material facts. Some of these may sound confusing but it is similar to the relationships you have with your doctor or lawyer, they are to act in your best interest as long as it is legal as it relates to the real estate transaction. It is important to note that you do not actually need a real estate agent to represent you in any real estate transaction. You may choose to do your own homework and footwork to save the commission. However, these agents do a lot of work for their clients. They find properties, find buyers, compare prices, give experienced recommendations regarding price and negotiations, network and they help to make sure that all necessary forms, money and documents are submitted properly. This can save you a lot of stress and money.

An agent can specialize. The most common type of real estate transaction is buying or selling a single-family residence. If you are looking into something else make sure to find a specialized agent. An agent may have experience in REO’s, investment properties, foreclosures or luxury homes. An agent’s area can also be their specialty. It is usually a good idea to work with an agent who is familiar with the local community, its economy and recent trends. Please note that a real estate agent should not be confused with a Realtor who is an agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors.

Are you feeling a little overwhelmed? It’s understandable, take a deep breath. Start by asking your friends and family. Instead of asking them “Do you know any real estate agents?” Try asking more probing questions like,” Have you ever worked with a really great agent?” Don’t forget that the relationship with your representative is an interpersonal one; you will be spending a lot of time with them. When seeking the perfect agent for you, ask about their personality. Some people like an agent who is thorough and punctual; others prefer an agent with a personal touch who spends lots of time getting to know them. You may want to browse the internet to find an agent; this may give you a lot of ideas about what kind of agents there are out there, but not enough to know if they are the agent for you. Make sure to ask a lot of questions before signing an agent agreement with them.

From the moment you decide on an agent, the key to success is communication. Let them know exactly what you expect and find out their expectations as well. Especially if it is your first time buying. If you do not see eye to eye be prepared to walk away. Staying and regretting it can be an expensive mistake to make.

I am a professional Realtor with over 5 years of experience buying/ selling Real Estate for my clients. I am not just a Realtor I have bought and sold many properties myself over the last 15 years. Before working in Real Estate I worked on Wall Street as a professional Equities trader. I wanted to share some of my opinions about the Real Estate market now.

I am asked everyday by my clients/ customers if now is the right time to buy or sell.

Ok. Here it is. My no nonsense opinion:

The Federal Reserve just started to cut rates. We just got a cut of 1/2 point and we are in for more cuts. As a general rule lower rates equal higher Real Estate prices. I think we are going to see the worst of the Real Estate market this winter. I think if you are an investor you should be looking to buy some more properties this winter. If you are thinking of Relocating and have to sell a home to buy it may be better to stay put for now. If you do not own any Real Estate and have cash then I would look to buy this winter. Winter is historically a cyclically slow time in Real Estate. That coupled with fears that the market has been dropping will allow you to likely STEAL a home this winter.

I think we are going to see the market strengthen this Spring.

The Federal reserve will continue to cut rates supporting the housing market and thus eventually turning prices in an upward 3-5% per year direction again. Spring is also a better time cyclically for the Real Estate market.

Are you thinking of buying or selling Real Estate?

Take a look at my website for helpful hints and ideas.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to email or call.

I look forward to meeting you and assisting with all of your Real Estate needs.

When it comes to moving a house, we suggest that you follow some common but important packaging tips. In other words, if you follow these common hacks, you can save a great deal of time money, and energy. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some tips that can help you pack your desired items before they are loaded onto the truck. Read on to know more.

Labe the Items

This is an essential part of the moving process. It is not enough to place general labels on the boxes. What you need to do is label all of the moving boxes based on the content they contain. The label should clearly state what each box contains.

This is important when you are opening up the boxes and taking out all of the items one by one. Besides, it is a great way of keeping a record of all of the items, which will help you save a lot of time and energy.

Pack the Essentials

If some things are required immediately after all of the boxes are unloaded from the truck, make sure you put these items in special boxes. Some good examples of these items include your toothbrush and mobile phone chargers. Generally, this box should contain items that you use on a regular basis.

Pack your Important Items

When it comes to moving a house, make sure you place all of your important documents in the same box. Some examples of these documents include birth and marriage certificates. Make sure that all of these documents are safe and secure.

It is also a great idea to put all your personal documents such as passwords in your personal bag. After all, losing your passport can get you in trouble and make you suffer a lot of headaches.

Packing Heavy Items

As far as packing heavy items is concerned, you have to be much more careful. After all, you don’t want to end up dropping and damaging these items. Besides, carrying heavy items requires that you maintain your balance.

It is better that you hire the services of professional movers if you don’t want to end up damaging heavy items. Also, it is a good idea to place heavy items below all of the other items you have already packed. Also, you may not want to paste labels on all of the boxes that contain heavy and fragile items.

Packaging Fragile Items

As far as packing fragile items is concerned, make sure you be extra careful. It is a great idea to use bubble wraps for packing all of your fragile and expensive items. Once you have packed all of the items, you can stack them vertically to prevent breakage.

Packaging Toiletries

As far as packing cosmetics is concerned, you may want to use a hard cosmetic case. Apart from this, make sure you separate these things with great care. In other words, you need to separate creams and dry items.