House hunting with teens: What to put on your “must-have” list

family-sitting-on-front-steps

Working with families as a professional organizer, I’ve learned that needs are different for a family with teens. With little ones, you want a bedroom close by your own room and a big yard where they can run and play. With older kids, your shopping list becomes an interesting combination. You want and need space to be together and interact. And at the same time, your teen needs space to be alone and to grow.

Here are some different factors to consider if you’re house hunting with teens or soon-to-be teens.

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To decorate or not to decorate: Selling your home during the holidays

Girl taking photo of Christmas decorations

The housing market doesn’t come to a standstill during the holidays, and several real estate experts have found that buyers shopping for homes during this time are more motivated and deadline-driven.

“Homebuyers who shop during the off season, and in particular around the holidays, are typically very serious about getting into a house,” says Sharon Voss, president of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.

Buyers may be looking to relocate for new jobs before the start of the new year, or they may want to close a deal before the end of the tax year. Whatever the case may be, should you put the holidays on hold for you and your family, or go ahead and decorate your home?

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Quiz: How to tell if a real estate agent is right for you

Puzzle pieces

Hiring the wrong real estate agent could significantly impact your experience as a buyer or a seller. The right real estate agent will not only have a great resume and be genuinely committed to helping you meet your needs, but he/she will “click” with you too.

“Real estate is a people business. You have to like and understand people if you want to succeed in real estate,” says Matt Williams, Broker/Owner of Realty Executives Williams Sykes Realty.

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Meet Realty Executives International’s Franchise Advisory Council for 2016/2017

Realty Executives Franchise Advisory Council

The Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) represents Broker/Owners from across the Realty Executives International system. The group, which rotates membership periodically, works with management to exchange ideas and opportunities for growing Realty Executives at the grassroots and network levels.

“The FAC provides the perfect setting for franchisees to participate in the development of the Realty Executives brand, marketing, technology, tools, training, and concierge support,” says David Celaya, Vice President of Training and Product Development.

The FAC currently consists of nine members spread across North America and meets twice a year to help shape the development agenda for the network. Members are not only expected to participate in meetings, but to also reach out to their peers for ideas and input throughout the year. FAC member brokerages also participate in beta testing for technology and marketing initiatives in order to help fine-tune plans prior to releasing to the system-wide network.

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Matt Winzenried: “The heart of my business is referrals”

Matt WinzenriedRealty Executives Cooper Spransy was recently voted one of the Best Places to Work in Madison, Wisconsin.

“The culture that we have is the best around,” says Broker Associate Matt Winzenried. “Our agents are always open to helping each other, and even the style of our office makes you want to come in and just hang out.”

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Chris Barnett: “I love the challenge of helping people”

Chris Barnett PC

Chris Barnett PC, Principal Broker/Owner of Realty Executives Southern Oregon, enjoys the challenge of helping clients with their unique needs. “I love the challenge of helping people. I go home every night knowing that I helped someone get into a home, or helped them move out of one. It’s very rewarding and gives me an adrenaline rush,” he says.

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Scott Grigg: “I work 24/7, I know my market”

Scott Grigg on cover of Top Agent

Scott Grigg has sold over $300 Million worth of real estate in his 12-year career, consistently ranking in the top 1% of luxury REALTORS® every year. According to Real Trends The Thousand award program, Grigg ranks ninth in the state of Arizona.

“I love what I do. I don’t consider it work since I have a passion for it. I am a deal junkie. I get a high every time we put a deal together,” he says.

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Bruce Nemovitz: “My laser focus has made all of the difference in my success”

Bruce Nemovitz

Bruce Nemovitz is an expert in helping seniors transition into a different lifestyle. “My niche is helping older adults transition from their long-time home to a senior apartment or community. Many times this includes working with their children, who are helping mom and dad. I have a team of professionals all working together to make the senior’s move easy and successful.”

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