Home » Archive for July, 2010
Got Knowledge?
In the world of transitioning business competencies that face today’s broker, few have proven more difficult to overcome than the concept of knowledge. For more than half a century, most North American firms have focused their efforts in the area of agent and manager education. Unnoticed by most is the fact that at some point between 2007 and 2009, education silently slipped into history and...
Find Remodelers with the Designation Edge
You know your client’s home is probably the most significant investment they will ever make. And maintaining and improving it adds lasting value and enjoyment. A well-planned and well-done remodeling project, small or large, will substantially enhance their home’s worth.
The Certified Green Professional (CGP), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist...
5 Signs You Are Out of Touch With Technology
Do you feel out of the loop of technology? You may not be alone. Here are the top five signs you are out of touch with technology.
You have an AOL account and you use it for business. Same applies to Yahoo and Hotmail. Time to stop using these e-mail services (which can be perceived as unprofessional) and convert over to a business e-mail like name@yourname.com.
You can even have your old e-mail...
A REALTOR®’s Guide for Representing Outbound Residential Buyers
As the purchase of real estate becomes ever more global, you as a real estate professional may encounter a situation where knowledge of international real estate will be quite useful. What if you receive a call from a couple that want to relocate and live abroad, but have never been outside of the United States? They give you specifics on home size, desired lot size, desired topography, proximity...
IABC/Houston Honors HAR CEO Bob Hale With 2010 Communication Leadership Award
Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) President and CEO Bob Hale was honored by the Houston chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Houston) with the 2010 Communication Leadership Award during the organization’s Bronze Quill Awards ceremony on June 3. The annual award is given to an organizational leader who actively supports communications by initiating,...
NOMF “Swing for the Cure” Golf Tournament Held in May
The Houston Association of REALTORS® and the Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation joined together to help raise funds for breast cancer research at the first Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament. On Monday, May 17, a total of 18 teams participated in the event held at the Sweetwater Golf Course that benefitted the foundation.
The day commenced with a putting contest sponsored by Iberia Bank...
U.S. Senate Approves New Tax Credit Closing Deadline
Note: The information contained in this article is current as of June 18, 2010. Please consult the online edition of Houston REALTOR® magazine (http://www.hro.har.com) for any updates regarding further action by Congress.
The Senate has amended a bill to give homebuyers who were under contract on a home purchase by April 30 an additional three months to close the deal and claim the federal homebuyer...
Health Insurance Reform: Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: Who will be subject to the new taxes imposed in the health legislation?
A new 3.8% tax will apply to the “unearned” income of “High Income” taxpayers. Another 0.9% tax will apply to the “earned” income of many of these same individuals. Both levies are referred to as “Medicare” taxes. (For a description of the new 0.9% tax, see separate Q&A...
2010 Texas REALTORS® Convention and Trade Expo Comes to Galveston Sept. 13-15
Galveston rolls out the red carpet for Texas REALTORS® from across the state at the 2010 Texas REALTORS® Convention and Trade Expo September 13-15 at the Galveston Island Convention Center. This is an opportunity to network with other REALTORS®, share new ideas and learn about the latest technology. With more than 40 hours of MCE, there are sure to be classes to help you grow your business. There...
Disclosure of Short Sales and Loss Mitigation Fees in MLS
Due to the recent economic climate, lenders now appear more willing to consider short sales over foreclosures than they were just a few years ago. While short sales have the potential to be more favorable than a foreclosure for both the seller and the bank, short sale transactions are complex and present their own set of challenges on both sides of the transaction. The distinct nature of this type...
