Real estate agents make great brokers. Take the next step in your career with Allied's Real Estate Broker License Courses. Be prepared to assume a management role in a real estate office as you oversee the entire real estate process. Receive a high-level of knowledge that includes advanced real estate practice, law, finance, appraisal, economics, property management, escrow, and/or real estate office administration.
With a softer dollar and lower home prices, the United States is drawing international buyers in a big way. According to the 2008 NAR Profile of International Home Buying Activity, between 150,000 and 190,000 homes were sold to international buyers between May 2007 and May 2008. Here are some highlights from NAR's report:
- International buyers purchased properties in every U.S. state
- States most popular with international buyers: Florida, California and Texas
- Four in 10 international buyers paid for their home in cash
- Over 14% of properties sold to international buyers sold in excess of $750,000
- Canadian buyers doubled from 11% in 2007 to 23.05% in 2008
- Of the realtors surveyed by NAR, 26% served international clients in the past year
What does this mean for U.S real estate agents? If you haven't already, broaden your horizons and start thinking globally, not just locally. If your farm isn't providing the business it used to, why not try something new? Use the Internet to start networking and marketing to this new stream of eager buyers. You just might find yourself a new, comfortable niche.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.brokerlicense.com
Labels: California Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Agent, real estate buyer, real estate market
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 4:15 PM • 0 comments
Photography isn't a required real estate broker license course. Yet, it's a skill every real estate broker license holder should master.
Why? Buyers are Internet savvy and you need to grab their attention with an attractive presentation of sharp photos. Here are five photo taking tips to consider before your next home shoot:
1) Time your picture perfectly. The best time to capture an exterior shot is during the middle of the day when the sun is bright and the sky is blue. For interior shots, turn on the lights and use a flash so the photos don't look too dark.
2) Take a variety of quality photos. Buyers want to see more than one or two photos. So include a variety of photos that highlight the home's best features. Consider a professional staging service if the home doesn't photograph well.
3) Don't photograph unnecessary clutter. Remove clutter before taking photos of a home. In the kitchen, clear counters of extra appliances, put away dishes and remove mismatched magnets from the fridge. Throughout the interior, put away toys, make the beds, place fresh towels in the bathrooms and make sure laundry is out of sight.
4) Use your camera wisely. If your photos are poor quality, unimpressed buyers are likely to click on to the next property. Get clear shots by using a higher resolution. High resolution photos are essential for quality print, including flyers, postcards, magazines and newspapers. The photos can always be decreased for use on the web.
5) Take a photography class. Not comfortable with your photography skills? Improve them, and your real estate broker career, by taking a photography class at a local community college, community center or camera shop.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,Broker License School
Labels: broker license exam, Real Estate Agent, real estate broker career, real estate buyer
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 2:25 PM • 0 comments
