Valentine’s Day is a time to express your love for family and friends. But why not spread the love to your clients, too? Take this holiday as an opportunity to thank them for being your customers, according to trainer and customer service expert Shep Hyken.While flowers are appropriate for your spouse, expressing your appreciation can be achieved in many other ways. “It can be something as simple as a thank-you note or as elaborate as a custo
For singles trying to find a special valentine, their chances may fare better depending on their address. And a move for love may not be so far-fetched: A third of single Americans surveyed say a big determinant for their move will be the number of dateable people living there, Apartment List cites in a new study.Apartment List compiled its 2019 list of best—and worst—cities for dating, using survey data from more than 9,000 of its singl
Real estate professionals not only serve buyers and sellers but also have become major service stewards within their communities. Nearly 70 percent of real estate professionals say they volunteer in their communities each month, according to a survey by the National Association of REALTORS®.That giveback attitude is exactly the point of NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The program recognizes REALTO
Mortgage rates can vary across the country. LendingTree, an online loan marketplace, analyzed just how much mortgage rates could vary across state lines.The average offered interest rate for all 50 states is 4.84 percent and the average offered loan amount is $224,297, the study found. But homeowners in California, New Jersey, Washington, and Massachusetts tend to snag the lowest interest rates. The average interest rate in California is 4.74 per
Where do the wealthiest buyers and sellers own property? Coldwell Banker’s “State of Luxury Real Estate 2019” report breaks down the “power markets,” where affluent consumers flock for lifestyle and culture. The brokerage worked with the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing to analyze the top 5 percent and top 10 percent of active and sold listings in 2018.“There are hotbeds of luxury home sales at the million-dollar price point and hi
While wallpaper is once again an attractive decorating trend for homeowners looking for textures and accents, it's not for everyone. Designer Jessica Lagrange of Jessica Lagrange Interiors in Chicago works primarily with luxury clients who love wallpaper. Here’s what she advises about the “stay or strip” decision before listing a home.1. The clash test. Some wall coverings are neutral, such as those with small patterns, intriguing text
A different kind of market is on the rise, stretching beyond the big cities and just out West, a new realtor.com® report shows.The number one market on realtor.com®’s hottest market list for January is Midland, Texas.“Availability of affordable inventory is what’s driving the markets that are catching up,” says Javier Vivas, director of economic research for realtor.com®.Four of the five housing markets that increased the most in realt
The home theater is moving out of the basement and into the main living area. Home theaters are being replaced by multifunctional media rooms that feature lounge-style spaces—cozy couches, tables, and chairs around a TV, as well as a place to entertain guests or for the kids to do their homework, The Wall Street Journal reports.Homeowners Mark and Kathy Harrison in Indianapolis told WSJ they chose to have their home theater in the
Most markets across the country are still seeing home prices inch up, although at a slower pace than in previous quarters. The national median single-family home price in the fourth quarter of 2018 was $257,600, up 4 percent from a year ago, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Tuesday.Regional BreakdownHere’s how existing-home sales fared across the country in the fourth quarter of 2018:Northeast: Existing-home sales were at an
The tiny home craze has drawn a lot of attention over the last few years, but is it overhyped? Are more homeowners really ready to ditch their spacious digs for living spaces that are 500 square feet or less?Apparently not. Even the priciest places—where homeowners are the most likely to downsize and save on costs—are not favoring tiny homes. Tiny homes comprised only 2 percent of all home sales in New York City and San Francisco over th
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