Some companies believe that a certain type of personality is more likely to be successful in real estate sales than other. The most common trait companies look for is an outgoing personality. However this wrongly assumes that all clients want someone like this but what about the introverts of the world? This is the last […]
If I’m buying a home, is it bad to only do a 3.5% down payment?
The main drawback with a low down payment is higher mortgage payments. There will also likely be monthly “Private Mortgage Insurance” (PMI) required on any loan where there is less than 20% down payment. This can obviously increase your monthly payment by $100–300 a month depending on your credit rating and other factors. The advantages […]
Can a new HVAC unit increase the overall value of your home when you sell?
New items like appliances, heaters and air conditioners generally don’t increase the value of a property when you are selling it because other homes also have these items as well. New amenities can help a house to sell faster because buyers know they won’t need to be replaced in the near future. Many home sellers […]
Is being a Realtor fun?
There are certainly times of great joy when you help a first time buyer to own a home they never thought they could afford or assist an owner to sell a house for more than they ever thought they could get. Mostly though, it’s just really hard work 24/7 solving the many problems that will […]
Can you make your own schedule as a real estate agent?
Actually no. You are always at the beck and call of your clients. If a qualified buyer wants to see the perfect house that just came on the market in an hour you’re going to drop everything to show it. If an owner calls you about selling their home you will knock over your own […]
Can a real estate agent make $100,000 in one year?
A few real estate agents earn more than $100,000 a year. However, you must recognize that because we are self-employed we have to pay for our own Social Security and Medicare taxes on our commissions which increases our taxes by 7.65% so in order to earn the same $100,000 as someone who has an employer […]
What should potential investors consider other than the cap rate when comparing commercial properties?
While cap rate is a good starting point, I like to also take a long-term view and consider potential appreciation of a property. Cap rate takes into account the return on YOUR money invested while appreciation on a leveraged investment (you’re probably only putting 25–30% down so you’re using 75–70% of a lender’s money) over […]
Can I save money by not using a buyer’s agent?
Your question really should be, “Is it worth it not to use a buyer’s agent”? First, recognize that, in the United States, the seller usually pays the commission to both the listing and selling brokers. If a buyer want to buy a property without an agent the listing agent usually keeps both commissions because they […]
Is becoming a Realtor a good career choice?
It depends. Becoming a real estate professional is NOT a good career choice if you: Want or need a steady and predictable income. Are not comfortable with talking with strangers every single day to get clients. Cannot handle rejection which is a big part of getting the few clients that you will work with. Don’t […]