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RISMEDIA, October 1, 2010—In one of the most challenging real estate markets we’ve experienced in years, real estate professionals across the board are taking the time to set themselves up to find success in today’s market and ride the wave into the future. This was just part of the motivation behind the announcement that Pleasanton, Calif.-based Mason-McDuffie Real Estate, Inc. has joined the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLCs national franchise network—marking the largest franchisee ever to join the …

Today’s tip is not something you would expect me to put on this list but better be your number one priority.  It is a simple concept.  It is “FOLLOW-UP.”

Why is that 20% of the agents complete 80% of the transactions?  Why is it that the majority of investors or agents who invest boat-loads of money to generate leads are always chasing another place to find leads?  The simple answer is lack of follow-up.

Only 1.5% of all agents and …

RISMEDIA, September 30, 2010—Do you have an accountability problem at your real estate company? According to Rick Lepsinger, president of OnPoint Consulting and author of Closing the Execution Gap: How Great Leaders and Their Companies Get Results, there are two main ways to tackle it. First, you need to forestall excuse-generating problems upfront by creating conditions that make it more likely your agents will follow through. Second, you need to help and encourage your agents to take responsibility after …

In our area we are fighting a local government program that will require foreclosures to be registered by the lenders.  The purpose of the program is to force lenders to maintain foreclosed properties.  The local government hopes that the lenders will comply to avoid fines and that better maintained foreclosed property will prevent property values from slipping and crime increasing.

Even though I disagree with the Registry program for multiple reasons, I do agree with community concerns over falling property …

RISMEDIA, September 28, 2010—On October 4, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will implement changes to the premium structures for an FHA-backed mortgage, making it more costly for home buyers to procure FHA loan products. This imminent change in FHA lending, along with the gradual stabilization of the marketplace, are paving the way for conventional financing with private mortgage insurance (MI) to make a comeback in lending for low down payment buyers. Real estate professionals need to stay current on these …