Smartphones and tablets are vulnerable to malware, which enables hackers to access them and compromise your email, online banking information, and apps. But you may not even know your mobile device has a virus—yes, Apple products are just as at risk as Androids, despite common misperceptions to the contrary—and that can lead to a more dangerous situation. So how can you tell if your phone or tablet has been infected? USA Today flagged several
A few years ago, outdoor kitchens were considered a hot amenity, but they began to fall out of favor. In fact, in a December 2015 survey by the National Home Builders Association, builders indicated that outdoor kitchens would be one of the least likely features to be added to new single-family homes in 2016. But now, architects say homeowners and prospective buyers are showing resurgent demand for outdoor cooking spaces, according to the America
After the Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate about a month ago, mortgage rates were expected to increase as well. Instead, they've been dropping in recent weeks. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.08 percent last week, its lowest point so far in 2017 and its fourth consecutive week for declines, Freddie Mac reported.When the Fed raises its federal funds rate, it becomes pricier for banks to borrow money, which generally leads to
A property may not garner enough interest because of a variety of problems, including inadequate pricing or insufficient marketing.Put more emphasis on visual content. When a home isn't generating much interest, real estate agents should first take a look at the marketing materials and make sure the visuals are spotlighting the home in the best light. So make sure the photos and virtual tour are professional quality. "If photos and videos are of
Millennials may often get all the attention, but members of Generation X are really the ones who have been driving the housing market lately. Gen Xers, who are between the ages of 37 and 51, make up the second largest share of home buyers, comprising 28 percent in 2016, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®. They also are buying the largest, most expensive homes compared to any other generation.The median price of homes pu
Here are the five key renovation strategies that are time-tested, require minimal effort and provide options for every budget. They are designed to get sellers the best bang for their buck and top dollar for their listing.1. Flooring Every single person in a household will touch the floor every day in varying degrees, whether it’s the bedroom, living room or kitchen. It comes as no surprise that upgrading the flooring is a key feature that w
Be patient -- this doesn't happen over nightKey Takeaways New agents have a long road to setting up their career, but setting up their spheres, absorbing all they can learn and finding a good mentor are all things that will help.When I sit down with new agents for training and we start delving into the “meat and potatoes” of getting their business set up, almost every single person is extremely disappointed when I tell them it could take them
Most agents continue to use the same pricing approaches that the industry did 50 years agoKey Takeaways People searching for homes priced at $500,000 to $550,000 will never see your $499,999 listing.The rules of pricing properties are changing, yet most agents continue to use the same pricing approaches that the industry did 50 years ago. Are you making this costly mistake on your listings?A constant topic of conversation on my company’s group
An open house is a powerful tool to sell a home, yet some agents dismiss it as an old method that’s used only to satisfy the seller. They feel that the full day of work that’s required, which includes marketing, creating pamphlets, preparing the home and showing it, may not be worth their time.However, many agents feel just the opposite and continue using this method as a means to help their clients sell their homes.If you’re a real estate
One of the most stressful aspects of retirement can come down to real estate. Many retirees face several choices, like deciding whether to downsize, buy a second property, keep the family home, or move to a senior community. Realtor.com® recently featured some of the biggest mistakes experts say retirees most often make with real estate matters, including:Holding off too long on moving.If a retiree wants to purchase a second property, real estat
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