The number of existing homes on the market is in the millions. Annually the number of homes bought and sold within the US is staggering. Like their owners, each home transaction is unique. But owners and prospective buyers want the same thing in the end: the best deal that is right for them, with minimal stress.

Selling a home has evolved from a simple ‘ for sale by owner’ sign in the yard. Things like new seller disclosure statements, thick and elaborate form agreements, plus environmental studies and other concerns have all slowed the process over the span of ten years.

It is no mystery that home selling has changed. Buyer brokerage is a common practice across the US. Homeowners and prospective buyers depend on REALTORS® represent their…

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What Makes a Great "Downtown?"

The best downtowns foster creativity, inclusion and innovation. They showcase what is good about a community by offering a diverse array of local architecture, art, lifestyles and things to do. Great downtowns unite residents from all walks of life, even those in the suburbs, by providing places to connect. Above all, the top-performing downtowns must maintain a high level of energy and give all residents in a city a reason to come on down.

For the most part, our top 10 lists are data-driven – more science than art. The Top 10 Best Downtowns 2014 list, however, is a bit of an exception. Yes, we started with data including improvement in retail and office vacancy rates, population gains, income growth, unemployment, the…

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Once you are approved for your home loan, packing up your house and preparing for the movers might set your mind at ease. But in reality, this is the time that you need to pay extra attention to your lifestyle and how you spend.

Although you have already made good on a down payment and disclosed your earnings history, a diligent lender will recheck your credit right before your settlement date.

Lenders will look to you to assure them that “nothing has changed.” Those exact words. Some precautions to consider before you finalize the big move:

  1. Avoid Applying for New Credit: You may be tempted to open a new line of credit, for instance at a home center or large retail chain, to furnish and update your new home. But just the act of applying for a…

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BOCA RATON, FL - February 14, 2014 — Lang ISG, led by Brian Pearl, a well respected South Florida Realtor recently announced their new level of success, reaching his goal of $30 million in sales volume for 2013.  Although inventory was low, the real estate market was hot and Brian was sure to make the best of the lack of homes available.  “We worked mostly with buyers so creative strategies helped get the deals done,” said Pearl.  “It’s difficult when you have buyers, but no inventory to sell to them so you have to work with what you’ve got.”  He went on to state that innovative marketing and technology attracted many buyers to their website which was a primary source of buyer and seller leads.

“It was an amazing year and it is great to be recognized…

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