Tips - Real Estate, Updates, News & Tips

Your Complete Smart Home Security Checklist Before a Vacation

These 11 security steps will help keep your home safe, set and ready while you're spending well-deserved time away.Vacations should be fun, but worrying about your home while you're away can be a headache. Smart tech has made this much easier: From cameras that can send smart alerts when they recognize humans in specific areas to smart locks that you can control from afar or share passes to, your home is still at your fin

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How Real Estate Tech is Streamlining Processes

The real estate industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by advancements in technology. From the initial property listings to the final closing processes, technology is reshaping how real estate transactions are conducted. This article delves into the various ways real estate tech is streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving the overall experience for buyers, sellers, and real estate profession

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NAR's MLS Policy Changes Set for Aug 17th, 2024

NAR Practice Changes: Reviewed & Adopted Under practice changes that will take effect Aug. 17, real estate professionals will no longer be able to communicate offers of compensation in the MLS. However, offers of compensation will continue to be an option consumers can pursue off-MLS through negotiation and consultation with their real estate professionals. Per the requirements stipulated in the proposed Settlement Agreement, NAR has reviewe

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Buyer’s Remorse Rooted in Surprise Property Issues

Consumers may be distracted by fancy fixtures and finishes during a home tour, overlooking more serious problems, researchers say.Eighty-two percent of home buyers express regrets about their recent property purchase, according to a new survey(link is external) from Clever Real Estate. Their most common regret: buying a home that requires too much maintenance.Twenty-eight percent of home buyers say they were shocked at the cost and time

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7 Types of Tax-Deductible Home Improvements

With Tax Day approaching, make sure your clients are taking all the home deductions for which they may qualify.Nearly a quarter of homeowners(link is external) say they’re planning major renovations this year, and some of those projects may be eligible for a tax deduction. This could help alleviate some of the high costs of homeownership.Here’s an overview of a few examples of tax-deductible home improvements.  As always, your

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Protecting Homes from Extreme Weather

Preventative measures help homeowners mitigate the risks and costs of weather-related damage while increasing sustainability.In recent years, news reports have updated homeowners on climate change and disasters, from hurricanes that cause catastrophic flood and wind damage to snowstorms that lead to ice dams and frozen gutters. Wildfires, hailstorms and drought also top the list of damage-causing disasters. One map from the National Oceanic and A

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Top Picks for the Best Smart Locks of 2024

The smart lock landscape in 2024 showcases an array of options tailored to enhance security and convenience in modern homes.Smart locks continue to redefine home security and convenience in 2024. The innovation of smart locks is evident with enhanced connectivity, security features and seamless integration with smart home systems. Having personally tested over 30 smart locks, I’ve put together a list of my top recommendations, trends and featur

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New-Home Buyers May Want to Consider ‘Phase Inspections’

Newly built properties are not flawless. Bringing in an inspector for multiple checkups during construction can solve problems early.New-home buyers may want to bring an inspector into the construction process earlier and at multiple intervals—such as when the foundation is poured and again before the walls are sealed.Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, which has 200-plus offices nationwide, says “phase inspections” can off

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Best Time to Sell a Home in 2024 is Coming Soon

A new realtor.com® analysis looks at historical listing metrics to pinpoint when sellers have the biggest advantage this spring.Mark your calendar: The week of April 14 could offer the perfect mix of market conditions for home sellers, according to a new realtor.com® study(link is external).The study, an analysis of trends in home sales, finds that sellers could potentially fetch as much as $34,000 more for their home if they list between

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Be Aware of Physical Hazards Inside Aging Homes

Listen to the very real dangers a real estate professional and a home inspector have faced when working with homes in disrepair.Older homes and fixer-uppers, which buyers are turning to for greater affordability, are often in disrepair and can present hazardous safety conditions during a showing or inspection. One Florida real estate broker recalls a home inspector falling through the floor of an attic, landing on the agent in the garag

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