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The COVID-19 pandemic has us all a bit confused. On the one hand, you have medical emergencies and country-wide measures issued to keep it at bay. On the other, you have a large recession caused by months of isolation and quarantine. Now, trying to cover these complex subjects within a single article is impossible. So, to help understand this situation a bit better, we are going to take a closer look at how recession will impact real estate in 2020. This should shine a bit of light on one of the effects of the coronavirus and help us better understand the crazy times we are living in. Understanding the current recession To understand the recession impact on real estate in 2020, we first need to take a look at the recession itself. After all, the real estate market is influenced by numerous other markets, which is why real estate agents have trouble adapting to COVID-19 circumstances. So, we cannot properly consider it without first taking a look at the overall effects of COVID-19. The effects of COVID-19 Ever since the coronavirus pandemic started, the world has been in a state of continual lockdown. First countries started limiting travel and trying to figure out more lenient ways to fight the coronavirus. But most countries decided that more strict measures were necessary and that economic effects had to be put on the backburner. While this has helped us keep COVID-19 at a relatively manageable level, the economy has suffered greatly. The lack of trade has led to a considerable amount of layoffs. So much so that 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits since the coronavirus started. Now, there are certain signs that the economy will start picking up. But if there is one thing we can say for sure, it's that this recession will stay with us for a considerable amount of time. The recession impact on real estate in 2020 So, how will recession impact real estate in 2020? Well, there are a couple of notable ways that the current recession will affect real estate. You might expect that the lack of trade will lead to a decrease in overall real estate prices, be it rent or purchase. But, as you will soon learn, the true effects of the recession are a bit more complicated to unpack. Renting Renting prices are experiencing a downward trend. While the full drop of rent prices has not yet come in effect, there are telltale signs that rents are going to drop significantly. This is properly due to a lot of people losing jobs or working for a fraction of their former pay. Because of this, they are not able to afford the apartments they previously rented and some of them are even moving to a more affordable state. So, this leaves landlords with two options. They can either: • Evict the current tenants and look for ones that can afford them. • Reduce the rent price to something more affordable. And seeing that relocation and travel are still difficult and that the job market is in decline, the second option is usually the smarter one. Selling and buying So far, the buying prices of real estate have remained pretty much the same. Be it homes, apartments, or lofts, the prices are holding steady. True, there has been a slight decrease in the price of commercial real estate. But, this is only in certain areas, and not in any significant degree. People are turning away from luxury homes. But how much of this is due to COVID-19 is discussable. Commercial space Another notable recession impact on real estate in 2020 will be in commercial space. Numerous companies are going out of business, which means that a lot of commercial space will free up. And seeing that no one is crazy enough to open up a business during the recession, most of those spaces will remain without a tenant. This will definitely lead to a substantial decrease in price, at least until the recession is over. So, if you plan on opening a business after the recession, pick a commercial space now and keep a close eye on it. To find out how to prepare for commercial relocation, keep on reading on vanexpressnj.com. Travel industry and real estate One of the bigger factors we need to consider is the travel industry and the real estate related to it. The travel industry has taken a major hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just consider the fact that most summer vacations have been canceled. And, as a result, the price of real estate in tourist areas is declining. Beach home, vacation properties, and especially summer rental homes are going to be quite cheap in the near future. Final thoughts about real estate in 2020 As of writing this article, the coronavirus is at a seemingly downward trend. Some countries like Russia and Brazil are still battling it, but Europe and the U.S. are slowly starting to recover. Now, the important thing to mention is that this is only the first wave. If the Spanish flu, Asian flu, and the Hong Kong flu have taught us anything, it's that these things come in waves. And, unfortunately, the second wave has usually been the most deadly. So, while it is good for the overall economy that the countries are trying to boost, we are far from being free of COVID-19. If you are a betting person, expect that we'll see at least one more wave of quarantine, a ban on travel, and an economic decrease in 2020. How will real estate further develop in 2020? While real estate is connected to different economies, it can be slow to react to changes in them. So, the current trend of steady prices may change if the recession lasts. If you are looking for advice on what to do, we would advise against making any considerable investments. How the recession will impact real estate in 2020 is difficult to predict, to say the least. So, if you are not absolutely certain about purchasing a piece of real estate, we would advise that you wait a bit before doing anything with it. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

Working as a real estate agent offers plenty of fantastic possibilities. By selling real estate and earning a commission, you can quickly make good money and build a strong communication network. However, working as a real estate agent also requires talking to people, arranging meetings, and being there in person to finalize the deal. With the current coronavirus pandemic, this may be challenging and potentially dangerous for your health as well as that of your clients. The ultimate question arises - How can real estate agents adapt to new circumstances caused by COVID-19 outbreak and continue their business? The answer is simple - real estate referrals! What are real estate referrals? If you are unfamiliar with this term, here is a short explanation. A real estate referral is an act of referring a friend or a family member to top real estate agents in the business. If you are not able to actively participate in closing the deals, there is no reason to lose money over it. Connect the people you know with other real estate agents or companies and earn a referral fee while sitting in your chair and drinking your favorite beverage. What's the catch? - you might ask. There isn't one - it's as simple as it sounds. How to become a network associate? If you wish to become a network associate of a real estate referral company, all you need is to have an real estate license. With it, you can simply apply for the position, pay a yearly fee, and enjoy your referral commission while staying safe at home. Although this option is the best, there are some alternatives that can help real estate agents adapt to new circumstances caused by COVID-19 outbreak. Maintaining connections with your clients COVID-19 may have slowed down businesses, but the key to success is maintaining a strong connection with your clients. If you cannot meet in person, the next best thing is an online meeting. Some even consider that option to be superior. You should be there for your clients to look for real estate properties when they cannot. It is important that they realize you will always be there to support them and provide any help or assistance they may need. Outline the importance of general safety Another important message that your clients should get is that, while you are still open for business, you primarily care for their health. Today, the only successful business is a safe business. Caring about the health of your clients, as well as the clients of other agents, will help you build and maintain your reputation. Online and VR tours We are lucky that the technology around us allows us to improve our businesses in such a way that it does not suffer under these harsh conditions. Since your clients cannot really go out and look at apartments of houses, you must bring real estate to them. One of the options at your disposal is to create online tours on your website. Make sure to upload photos and videos that show the entire place. This allows your clients to look at properties from the safety of their homes. Another fantastic option that is probably a bit costly is to implement virtual reality tours, that will not only allow your clients to look at properties, but to also have some fun while doing it. Furthermore, virtual reality tours are an excellent tool that will help you connect buyers and sellers. Research what type of property is most valuable now Since the pandemic has caused financial issues as well, buyers are turning away from luxury properties in order to save some money. With that in mind, carefully think about the price range. We advise doing a small survey on a weekly or biweekly basis where you can easily find out what types of properties are in demand and at what prices. Surpass the expectations Furthermore, now is the perfect time to surpass the expectations of your clients. Think in terms of more than they need at the moment. For example, your client may want to look at houses in order to buy one in the future. Once that transaction is complete, they will want to move. What you can do is, compile a list of the best movers in your area, such as AAA Insta-Move FL, and match them with your clients. This gesture will show them that you are doing everything in your power to help your clients pull through this difficult situation caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Also, have in mind that this kind of partnership can bring new clients to you as well. Any relocation company that closes deals thanks to your recommendation will return the favor and connect you with their clients. The best way to help real estate agents adapt to new circumstances caused by the COVID-19 outbreak We have covered an array of ways for real estate agents to adapt to new circumstances caused by the COVID-19 outbreak: ● become a network associate and earn a commission through referrals ● offer online and VR tours for your clients ● outline the importance of staying healthy while connecting buyers and sellers ● research the type of property in demand, together with the price Out of all these options, we must say that becoming a network associate seems like the best option. First of all, you are not putting anyone at risk. Your job is to help your clients connect with other agents. Next, minimal work is required of you, as the only thing you need is a bit of soft skill in communication, a license, and some goodwill. Third, your expenses are lowered to a minimum. Finally, this is the safest option for you as well, since you will not be contacting anyone directly. Helping real estate agents adapt to new circumstances caused by the COVID-19 outbreak is crucial, and real estate referral business delivers without exceptions! Written by: List Robert with US Moving Experts

Florida's real estate markets are hot and not cooling down in the foreseeable future. It no surprise, though. The economy is strong which is a good basis for new job openings. Consequently, new workers increase the demand for housing. They are also inclined to stay long-term, attracted to favorable tax policies, affordable cost of living, and year-round sunny weather. If you add a fascinating college coverage, the #2 modern infrastructure in the States, and hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, it is not a wonder that Florida is continually home to the hottest real estate markets. Hottest Florida real estate markets in 2020 When we take into account all the factors, the bottom line is that Florida will go into 2020 with several real estate markets exceptionally good for investors. Moreover, it is very important to identify the three simple rules in the real estate industry that will help you recognize the beneficial markets: 1. Firstly, when you hear that the market is "good" it implies that you can sell whenever you wish or need. 2. A "balanced market" denotes a market with inventory levels falling into a range between four and seven months. 3. "Sellers' market" indicates that inventory levels dropped below four months of supply, while the "buyers' market" indicates the market with supply exceeding seven months. It goes beyond saying that you should look for an area with a lot of housing activity, that is, the sellers' market. But which ones among those markets are the most lucrative? One of the most important Florida home-buying basics includes finding the right location in the Sunshine State. The trends in real estate have brought up several areas into the spotlight ● Tallahassee, Leon County ● Kissimmee, Osceola County ● Gainesville, Alachua County ● Sarasota, Sarasota County ● Lakeland, Polk County Tallahassee Tallahassee homes are appreciating rapidly. Depending on the neighborhood, an increase in price goes between 6% and 20% of the last year's price and is bound to increase for another 6% by this time next year. Slowing the appreciating rate is possible, however, only through an increased supply of real estate for sale, which is favoring the construction industry. Both buyers and sellers should see this as an opportunity. If the price goes too high, due to high demand, selling may prove difficult or outright impossible. Buyers shouldn't wait for that to happen. Once the Tallahassee property is yours, moving will be easy with the help of local movers such as visionmovers.com; after all, who knows the locale better? Kissimmee You don't have to live out of state to invest in hot real estate markets. Even relocation from one part of Florida to another opens as a possibility. However, note that not every city here has the right potential for real estate investment. Kissimmee is certainly among the popular investment locations due to several good reasons. First of all, buying an inexpensive real estate is only the first step. Turning it into an investment property is the next. Kissimmee is in the perfect spot for both long-term and vacation rental strategies. Moreover, 2020 is the right time to invest. The Florida economy is strong, leading to population growth and, thus, to high demand for available properties. Being just south of Orlando only adds to Kissimmee's appeal. Gainesville Having in mind the depth of the market collapse that hit Florida, and especially Gainesville, one would think that recovery would be too difficult. However, trends are showing that great progress has been made in the past years. Right now, it means good things for Gainesville. The employment rate is higher than the national average, and the number of housing permits is on the rise. They are all signs of a recovering economy. For the time being, Gainesville is the most affordable place to live in Florida. Hence, it attracts buyers as well as the still present backlog of foreclosed homes. Finding a suitable property here for you should be among the things every real estate agent in Florida needs to know. However, choose carefully and team up with an expert. There is still time to purchase a property in Gainesville at below-market value, remodel it, and then sell at or above the market price. Sarasota Just like Gainesville, Sarasota is another Florida city that is going through a fast-paced recovery. For the same reasons, it presents a hot real estate investment spot not only in 2020 but in the years to come. One positive thing leads to another; as the economy profits from an influx of newcomers, the local real estate market is looking to satisfy the rising demand. Moreover, the most popular neighborhoods in Sarasota, that will fuel the investment takeoff are expected to be Bayou Oaks, Arlington Park, Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores, Downtown Partnership, and Lido Key. Aside from finding the right neighborhood, note that finding a high-class Florida real estate agent is a priority, easily accomplished if you seek help from a real estate referral company. Moreover, to point out how active the Sarasota real estate market is, it is sufficient to say that most homes sell for around list price and go pending in around 41 days while hot homes list as a pending sale in around ten days. Lakeland If you thought that Sarasota homes sell fast, Lakeland will truly surprise you. While a majority of Lakeland homes go pending in about 26 days, the hottest among them are marked as a pending sale in around seven days. As expected due to a relatively low level of housing supply and steady growth of population, real estate prices in Lakeland are bound to go up as of 2020. When factors such as unemployment rates, local economy, population trends, and median household incomes are taken into account, the picture is clear. According to the analysts, Lakeland could easily become one of the hottest Florida real estate markets this year. This course is the logical sequel to the previous years' trends; Lakeland doesn't seem to be slowing down. All buyers interested in a property here should not waste time as the real estate prices are on a steady rise. The foreseeable future looks bright not only for Lakeland but for all five abovementioned markets. Written by: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

Every year brings something new to the real estate market, including design trends that entice buyers or form their tastes. However, some designs are rightfully becoming constant, continually attracting buyers across the States. These home design trends and features have at least two traits in common - visual appeal and functionality. Hence, combinations are endless. Knowing that finding a perfect home for a buyer is a near to impossible task, we've enlisted several attractive home design trends that have already taken hold. Attractive home design trends and features Winter is the perfect season to make renovations and spruce up a home for the spring sale. Sellers and their real estate agents should be aware that these renovations are not necessarily costly. Moreover, they have a very good return on investment if they're implemented with those two abovementioned traits in mind. The most sought-after home design trends involve ● Energy-efficient features ● Open floor plans ● Blending indoor and outdoor ● Neutral monochromatic tones with a touch of color Showing off only a few of these designs and features combined will make holding an open house an immense pleasure. Not to mention the price the home will gain. Also, it is worth noting that smart technology adds significant appeal to a modern-day home. A house with smart features will have an advantage over a similar home without any. The sale price and time spent on the market will be in favor of a smart home until smart tech inevitably turns from a trend to a standard home characteristic. Energy-saving and eco-friendly features Energy disclosures are slowly becoming common practice in the real estate industry and a rising number of buyers are looking forward to owning a home with energy-saving features. After all, who doesn't feel attracted to the notion of paying less even though, in truth, it only means using or spending less. Energy-conserving features are various; from double-panned windows to improved insulation, LED lighting and solar panels. Those who deeply care about the environment and use eco-friendly quality boxes and other materials belong to the type of buyers who will greatly appreciate energy-efficient hardwired appliances, water consumption monitors, and water-saving devices. Those who are environmentally conscious and are truly concerned for the state of the planet, along with those who only follow trends, make the majority of people who keep the eco-friendly features on top of the list of continually trending designs. Open floor plans in home design trends The open floor plan is rightfully popular. More natural light and a visually bigger space are only a few of its benefits. Remodeling and creating an open floor design is not too expensive and has a great return on investment. If a homeowner doesn't know where to place excess belongings during the renovation, they can always rent a short term storage unit from a local moving company like Moving Kings Van Lines Florida, for example. Other things that go in favor of the open floor plan and make it so popular are improved communication and interaction. Such space will hardly ever appear overcrowded and it will allow for unhindered traffic within. Also, it encourages the blending of indoor and outdoor space, which is another popular feature that stands the test of time. Blending indoor and outdoor living space As per the rising interest in natural elements in home design, plants of all shapes and sizes are being regularly introduced in popular modern interior. This is nothing new; advantages of indoor plants have been discussed in length and no one disputes them. More recently, however, plants have been used in a more modern setting of vertical gardens, which is gaining popularity. Not only that vertical gardens go hand in hand with the popular minimalist home design, but they also have health benefits. Home design trends like this, that include affordable but beneficial and visually appealing features, speak to those buyers turning away from the high-end property. Moreover, home designers have been successfully dimming the line between indoor and outdoor space, extending living rooms into backyards. Why are such home designs continually popular? They are functional all year round. Regardless of the location in the States, personal outdoor space is priceless. In the summer, it is an extension of a living room. It is connected through an open floor setting with the kitchen and, thus, perfect for parties and other large gatherings. In the colder days, it becomes an otherworldly living room, a zen garden for those who enjoy a warm drink next to a fire pit or outdoor heaters. Color trends that have become classics The right color palettes are among the things every real estate agent in Florida should know. While there will always be those homeowners who prefer bold and intense colors, they are a minority. Trendsetters in interior design keep returning to the classics for inspiration and right there they find neutral tones. Those colors make a perfect background for a plethora of home design trends. In general, monochromatic palettes are popular for creating an atmosphere in the space without excess furniture. Also, they are well complemented by stronger colors. While Classic Blue is the Pantone color of 2020, it should not be used alone but as an accent to beige or shale. Aside from colors, homes with carefully implemented textures, like metal accents, velvet, and stone, are continually attracting buyers with a sense of aesthetics. Conclusion Homebuyers require appealing houses that will make their lives easier. Every other feature that adds a touch of luxury at an affordable price is a bonus. Unsuccessful trends come and go, successful ones evolve into something better. In the core of such trends are undeniable visual appeal and aesthetic quality, as well as improved functionality. Modern-day buyers and sellers prefer a home that stands out; buyers want something they never had before and sellers something they can easily sell for top dollar. Home design trends that keep returning are design trends that will make both parties satisfied. Written By: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

Selling luxury properties and becoming a top-notch luxury real estate agents takes a lot of work. However, even when you do everything right, some homes simply won’t sell soon enough. That’s why real estate agents need to understand the needs of their buyers, and most importantly – what are the things that buyers don’t like. The current situation in the real estate market is that everything is booming, except for the high-end, luxury part. That’s why we’ve made a list of reasons why buyers are turning away from luxury property – a simple guide that will help real estate agents sell properties like that much faster. What are the reasons buyers are turning away from luxury property Even though luxury homes are attractive, real estate agents are having trouble selling them in recent years. Here are some reasons for it. ● Is money the problem? Actually, not. Affordability is not the main issue of why buyers are turning away from luxury property. The truth is, now more than ever, people can afford expensive luxury homes. So, the reason must be something else. ● Location No matter the house price and its characteristics, the location is the most important factor when buying a luxury home. This may be the reason why buyers are turning away from luxury property, but also why some housing markets remain strong whatever happens. Some locations are simply more popular among high-end buyers, which definitely shows a change in how fast home sells there. ● Taxes Some states have changed their rules of tax deduction, which results in high-tax states becoming less desirable for high-end buyers. Apart from the houses being sold less frequently, this resulted in more relocations – especially to states like Florida or Nevada, that have a more attractive tax system. So, if you’re thinking of becoming a Florida real estate agent, now is the time to do so. With a simple relocation anywhere in Florida and a positive start, you can start selling homes immediately. ● High-end buyers are not taking risks When it comes to wealthy buyers, they are for sure aware of all the financial uncertainties and most importantly, their own budget. And that’s why they won’t take any risks and buy a luxury home until they are sure they’re doing the right thing. ● More options in the luxury housing Another reason why buyers are turning away from luxury property is the excess inventory in the luxury real estate market. As the supply is not limited, the prices are going down, which results in buyers being pickier. This means more time for luxury homes to stay on the market and less fun for real estate agents. ● Many millionaires don’t live in luxury homes The most surprising item on the list is definitely the way millionaires live at the moment. If you’re wondering why buyers are turning away from luxury property – well, they enjoy living next door. According to a recent study, most of the rich Americans don’t choose luxury properties as their homes. Only 16% of wealthy homeowners live in luxury homes priced at $1 million or more. Others choose to live in properties that are far more affordable – mostly $250 - $500 thousand. How to sell a luxury home? Tips for real estate agents As a luxury real estate agent, you may find the current situation troublesome. That’s why you need to do everything you can to sell luxury homes faster and be more successful. Here are some tips on being more effective in the real-estate business. Understand your buyers’ needs Whatever homes you’re selling, you need to understand the needs of your buyers and get to know them better. For example, most of the buyers nowadays are millennials, and they happen to have more specific and different needs. The biggest difference is the size of the properties. Millennials are not looking for huge luxury homes, but rather high-quality and practical homes that aren’t that spacious. So, be sure to investigate more about your clients and address their specific needs. Also, make sure you ease their purchase and relocation by recommending them the right companies to work with. For example, a positive relocation experience with a reliable company like Best Cross Country Movers will give a more complete picture of you as a real estate agent, and bring you more referrals. Choose the neighborhood correctly – actually, the neighbors One valuable piece of advice for selling luxury homes is picking the right neighborhood for your clients. You should know that most wealthy buyers like their neighbors to be the same. They tend to choose homes in areas with wealthy residents. Don’t force it As we mentioned, wealthy buyers are probably aware of all the aspects of a home purchase, so you shouldn’t force them to make the decision. It’s best to present the properties well and gather all the necessary information about it, and let the buyer pick his own home. Advertise the property to attract the buyers It’s important to advertise the property you want to sell in such a way that buyers are immediately attracted to it. One of the ways to do it is to host an event or a party, that shows the true potential and strengths of the property. Be sure to know who are the people coming, so you can adapt the event to their taste. Give your high-end buyer a high-end treatment You already know that you need to know your buyer in order to sell them the right home. However, as you’re dealing with wealthy buyers, you need to give them a special, million-dollar treatment to convince them to buy a property. This includes a high-quality showcase of the property, a premium meal when showing the place, etc. Spending some money on treating your buyer well will definitely pay off in the end. Accept the changes When you take a look at the reasons why buyers are turning away from luxury property, you need to notice that the real estate market rules are changing. And that’s the key to successful sales – accepting the changes. A good real estate agent will find a way to adapt and use his experience and skill to work at different times and circumstances. A positive attitude brings more sales! Written By: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

Being a real estate agent in Florida is not easy. Sure, there is a lot of real estate properties that you can potentially sell to willing clients. And a lot of people are looking for summer homes in Florida. But there is also a lot of competition. Just know that in 2018 there were around 251,000 registered real estate agents working in Florida. So, in order to make it as a Florida real estate agent, you need to do your research and work hard. While the second part of that is entirely up to you, we can give you a hand with the first one. So, let's go over some things that every real estate agent in Florida needs to know. What every real estate agent in Florida should know Being a real estate agent in Florida will require you to be a jack of all trades. There are a plethora of skills that you need to hone in order to find real estate, communicate with clients and close deals. If you lack in just one of these skills, all others will suffer. So, your best bet is to first carefully read what you need to be good at. Then identify your biggest weakness. That way you will improve in the most efficient manner. And, hopefully, become one of the top Florida real estate agents. Communications skills As a real estate agent in Florida, your job will require you to communicate on a regular basis. You will either talk to buyers in order to understand their wishes and budget, or you will talk with sellers in order to figure out how to make the most money out of their real estate. Whatever the case, you need to be able to communicate your ideas clearly. You will have people from all walks of life coming to you for help. And, no matter your knowledge or skills, you won't be able to do so if you cannot communicate with them properly. Teaching clients A big part of communication is being able to teach your clients. Remember, 95% of them are absolutely oblivious of the real estate trends and the legal background of dealing with moving. And, even if you don't have complete knowledge of all these aspects, you need to know how to help your clients get it. This can mean letting them know about sites like movingkings.com in order to learn the basics of relocation. Or help them find a contractor to remodel their home. It is a part of your job to help them learn what they need to know in order to deal with real estate property. Negotiation skills One important part of being a successful real estate agent in Florida is being able to negotiate. Up to a certain point, you can rely on your other social skill, and on the willingness of clients to close deals. But, whether you like it or not, you will need to negotiate a bit in order to help your clients buy a home. There will come times where no other form of communication will be possible for closing a deal and seeing a transaction through. So, even though ideally you won't negotiate, be ready to do so. It's better to be a warrior in the garden, then a gardener in a war. Adapting to the market If you spend even a modest time dealing with the real estate market in Florida, you will learn that it is always changing. Certain styles of a home can become more trendy. People can start valuing things differently, new models of real-estate marketing can suddenly become viable... A bunch of things can happen. And, if you want to get to the top of the Florida real estate market and stay there, you need to learn fast and adapt. Remember, once a new trend sets in, it is always the early bird that gets the worm. Keeping track of the Florida real estate market The aforementioned skills are somethings that every real estate agent should have, regardless of the state they work in. But, the one thing that every real estate agent in Florida really needs to know is how to keep track of Florida's real estate market. Know that the timing of your information is almost as important as its content. If you wish to play the real estate game properly, you need to be aware of potential clients quickly. That way you'll be able to accommodate them as efficiently as possible. Legal aspect But, before we go over the skills required to follow the Florida real estate market, we would advise you to learn what the legal aspect of dealing with real estate is. Even though you can always get legal counsel to help you, we advise you to look up online on various legal aspects of managing real estate. From an agent's professional liability in Florida to financial claims and ownership paperwork. The more you know about the legal aspect of real estate, the smoother and less stressful your work will be. Networking and following local trends The essence of knowing and keeping track of Florida's real estate market is networking and following local trends. Remember, no good real estate agent is out there alone. Your best bet is to have a network of agents working with you. That way you'll be able to share information quickly and your future clients will have an easier time finding you. This is usually done by focusing on a certain area and then working with agents that are not your direct competition. This allows you to keep track of real estate trends in your local area. Also, to easily contact people that are outside of it, but are looking to invest in it. Remember, seldom can you find a successful real estate agent who works in huge areas. No one can afford to spread themselves so thin! Written By: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

The real estate market is one of the most competitive environments in the business world nowadays. It is a demanding career and not everyone is cut out to be a successful real estate agent. Being one is so much more than being any other seller. Real estate agents have to deal with the ever-changing demands of their clients and at the same time, they need to make a living. So, how do they do it? What are the habits of highly effective real estate agents that separate them from the average ones? Habit no. 1 - Getting up early You are probably familiar with the saying: The early bird catches the worm! Well, successful real estate agents know the saying too and they are trying to live by it. Practicing the right set of morning routines is also helpful to get your day started. Here are some good examples of morning routines you can try: ● Start your day with calming thoughts - You can pray, meditate, or just enjoy the silence, it is up to you; ● Encourage yourself - Tell yourself the inspiring words that will help you overcome fears and achieve goals; ● Visualize - Think about success and how you would feel after achieving it. One of the habits of highly effective real estate agents is following the footsteps of the people who have made it. You can easily find top real estate agents in your area and learn from them. ● Write down your thoughts and ideas - Your mind is as fresh as it gets in the mornings, so it makes sense that some of the best ideas will come to you right after you wake up. There are many more things you can do if you get up earlier than before. Try to imagine how much more money you would be able to earn if your day lasted an hour longer. Habit no. 2 - Taking good care of your health It's not always easy to take care of yourself when you have a busy career and almost no time for yourself, but you have to make some. Your health should always come first. Remember, once you lose it you will not easily get it back and you'll be unable to perform the job you love so much. Start by making some smart food choices and devoting some time to physical exercise every day. It doesn't have to be a full training session, ten to fifteen minutes can be enough for your morning workout. You will quickly see the benefits. An early morning workout will help you feel more energetic and feel better about yourself. You will certainly need that confidence as the day goes by. Habit no. 3 - Never stop learning If you want to become one of the best real estate agents, you must never stop learning. Learners are earners, and nowadays you do not have to rely only on formal education. There are so many ways you can upgrade your knowledge. You should take all the courses that you can find, especially the local ones. For example, if you are coming from the West Coast, you cannot be familiar with everything it takes to become a Florida real estate agent. You will just have to find more about the specifics of your new area. Habit no. 4 - Building relationships with your clients When people come to you, they want to sell their old home or buy a new one. You are there to witness some of the greatest decisions of their lives. They depend on you to make their dreams come true, and that is a big deal. If you want to make your customers happy and excel at what you do, you will have to gain their trust. Be ready for many changes of heart from their part and even more compromises on yours. Be that as it may, they need to feel they can trust you. Your work doesn't stop when they sell or buy a home. They will need help moving, so you can help them find some reputable movers such as gibraltarvanlines.com and your clients will appreciate you even more. Habit no. 5 - Having to-do lists Planners and to-do lists are there to keep us on track all the time. Being organized is a priority number one for any successful real estate agent. Many deals, listings, clients, business partners, paperwork procedures can make you forget about something really important. So, always have a planner at hand. Habit no. 6 - Keeping up to date You just have to be in the know if you want to succeed in the real estate market. So, if you do not have a habit of checking what's going on in your community and following the latest market statistics, you'd better start doing so right away. People want to know that they can rely on a professional who knows it all. They want to know they are dealing with someone who can help them relocate to Florida from New Jersey with ease after finding a new home. You just have to be able to provide them with all the information they need at this stage in their lives. Habit no. 7 - Being resilient The real estate market is often volatile, and you need to learn how to survive. Prepare to get up as many times as the market knocks you down. There will be times when your efforts will be useless no matter how hard you try. That is when you have to be bullet-proof and show that you are cut out to be a great real estate agent. Habit no. 8 - Being a networker There is a common misconception that if you are an introvert, you are just not going to make it as a real estate agent. Luckily, the theory proves wrong. Both introverts and extroverts can be great sellers, but they need to be able to focus on other people. They need to have a networker’s mindset. For a good networker, a coffee shop or bar is as good of a place for meeting new potential clients as an office. Constantly looking for opportunities to meet new people just doesn't feel natural to all of us - it is a habit that needs to be built. Joining one of the real estate referral programs can be helpful here. Habit no. 9 - Reading Reading is so important for staying on top of your game. Not having enough time is not an excuse. Nowadays, there are many ways you can read without even looking at a book or a screen. Audiobooks are great for real estate agents who spend a lot of their time commuting. There are also many apps you can download to help you take in the content you like. Habit no. 10 - Living within your means This is one of the habits of highly effective real estate agents that is often learned the hard way. It is easy to get lost in impressive commission fees, but you should always try to save some for a rainy day. Written By: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

Question: I currently have an Inactive real estate license in Georgia and work in a whole other industry full-time. I saw your program and was curious. What can I do with this license? Asked by: David Miller Expert Reply: Hi David, if you have a real estate license in Georgia that is current but is inactive, you cannot legally collect a real estate commission. Inactive means that you are in good standing with your license, it’s just that you are not active under a real estate company. Our company Park Place Realty Network is ideal for your situation. You can place your license with our company as we are active in Georgia in which you would then have an active real estate license and can now collect real estate commissions. Whenever you know of someone looking to buy or sell any type of real estate worldwide, we would refer that person to a top agent who would handle the entire sale for you. You would then make a high portion of the total commission as a referral fee once that transaction closes. Go to our website www.ParkPlaceNetwork.com to get more details. If you're wanting to sell full-time, your best bet is to join your local board of Realtors and the MLS associations and working with a local brokerage. I hope this answers your questions, if you have any additional questions, please let me know.

While holding open houses is not the only way to attract buyers, it can certainly be a very useful tool. As real estate agents don't usually send their clients to see open houses, this means that most of the people who will look at a home you're selling will have just begun their home-seeking process. As such, they'll need someone to listen to their needs and inform them on whether this particular home is a good fit for them. And if it is, then you've most likely just found a buyer! If it isn't, though, then perhaps you've found another client? But, what exactly is an open house? Basically, it is an event taking place over a specific period of time when anyone can drop by and inspect the house. However, modern realtors will need to be prepared in order to get the most out of it. With that in mind, we've prepared this guide to holding open houses. After reading, hopefully, you'll know just what to do when it's time to hold an open house of your own. Attract potential buyers Before they're ready to hire the reliable professionals on instamove.com and relocate to a home you've sold them, you'll first need to reach the potential buyers. Of course, the more people that are aware of an open house you're holding, the bigger the chance that you'll be able to sell the property quickly and for a good price. How can you initially reach these people? There are several ways, and you should utilize all of them for maximum gain. • Advertise the home digitally. Apart from using the social media, you can also use websites that are aimed at helping realtors and buyers alike, such as Zillow or Trulia. Just make sure that you upload enough high-quality pictures, that will provide viewers with plenty of important information about the property. Don't try to make the home appear better than it actually is, as doing so won't bring anything good once the potential buyers arrive. • Next, you'll also need plain, regular, good old physical signs. Make sure that there are enough of them and that they will precisely lead interested parties to the property. Post them all around the neighborhood, however, don't put up an excessive amount of signs. As for when to put up the signs, it's often a good idea to post most of them some two hours before the open house commences. That way, anyone who sees the sign will usually have enough time to finish whatever they were doing and come see the house. • Put the listing in print and also have brochures ready. Some people might avoid print listings and digital ads altogether. They could simply be driving by and then decide to check out the property right there and then. Having a brochure ready in such cases will prove to be useful. A finely-made brochure will feature all the important information related to the property - the asking price, the size of the property, and so on, as well as your contact information. • Set the date and the exact time when you'll be holding the open house, and include it in all of your promotional materials. Most people will want to look at houses on Sundays, and then on Saturdays, so choose Sunday if you can, and if you can't, Saturday is the next best option. As for the time, we recommend the morning hours between 8 and 11 AM. Do what you can to prepare the home After you've done what you can in order to attract the potential buyers, you'll need to prepare the home so that it is in the best possible shape. You should work with your client to come up with an asking price that accurately reflects the quality of the home on the open house day, that is also not too high nor low when compared to prices in the neighborhood. Knowing the asking price right away will, of course, also be useful to potential buyers, as they'll be able to determine if it suits their budget. They can also calculate the cost of this relocation online to get the full picture. There are several things you can do to prepare the home for sale: • Work with your client to remove as much of their belongings as it is possible. Buyers will have a hard time imagining their lives in a home that is full of the previous occupant's belongings. What's more, it's best if your clients aren't present at all when you're holding open houses. • Make sure that the property is in a presentable state. This involves home chores such as mowing the lawn, mopping and sweeping the interior, making sure that windows are clean, and so on. Basically, if you've ever cared about keeping your home in a good shape, you'll know what to do. Also, if you'll be holding open houses during the winter, try to obtain some pictures of the house that were taken when it was warmer (especially if the exterior is visible and it looks neat). • Buyers should have easy access to the property. The driveway should be clear, so don't park there, and ask your client to park somewhere else too. If it's winter, remember to remove the excess snow from the driveway so that buyers can park easily. Holding open houses 101 Once you've prepared the house, it's time to prepare yourself as well! The people who are searching for homes will decide whether the property is right for them based on its characteristics; however, you can still push them in the right direction. On the other hand, if they feel uncomfortable around you, that could make them look elsewhere. • Greet the buyers as soon as they arrive, give them brochures, tell them about any home features that you think they might be interested in, and then let them look around at their own pace. After a while, talk to them again, see what they think and if there's anything you can do to help them make a decision. • If visitors seem to be even slightly interested, it's a good idea to have printed additional documents with more information to hand out to them. These documents can include some general information on the neighborhood, as well as all the additional details related to the property that weren't on the brochure. For example, as buyers might be purchasing real estate for them and their family, mention all the best schools in the vicinity, show them a room that would be an ideal kids' room, and so on. • Another good idea is to invite the neighbors as well. While this may sound strange (why would the neighbors want to move into a house that is so close to their current home?), there's a chance that they'll recommend the home to someone else. They would probably love to be living so close to their friends. What's more, if they ever need a realtor later on, you might be the first person they decide to call. • Finally, be prepared for success. While holding open houses should eventually get you buyers if you do everything right, that probably won't happen during the first week (or even the second or the third). Still, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't be prepared. A loan officer should be present at all times. If you strike a deal, he or she will be able to determine right away if the buyer can prequalify for getting a loan, thus saving everyone precious time. Written By: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

First-time buyers often find home purchase confusing and overwhelming. Too many details, paperwork, and the costs make home buyers afraid of the whole process. However, if you are well-informed about it, you will find browsing for homes and selecting your dream house very enjoyable. That’s why we’ve prepared some basic information on purchasing a home in Florida and the best tips on how to go smoothly through the whole process. Here are all the home-buying basics in Florida you will need. WHERE SHOULD YOU BUY A HOME IN FLORIDA? The first part of home buying basics in Florida is selecting the right location. “The Sunshine State” has been a popular journey and residential location for years now. However, when buying a home in Florida, you need to be a bit more thorough and select the right location just for you and your family. One of the best places to buy a home in Florida are: • Miami Beach – with a population of around 93,000 and the median income of $47,000 this part of Florida has been the most popular one. A pleasant climate, exciting nightlife make this place a home for people of different nationalities and cultures. • St. Petersburg – a very attractive option, since it is quite affordable and has almost 250 sunny days every year. Also, it’s one of the top USA cities that proves to be dog-friendly! • Vero Beach – one of the best small towns in the country, Vero Beach is located on the Treasure Coast. It’s a place of amazing beaches, golf courses, shopping, and nightlife. It has a population of only 15,000 which is great if you choose to lead a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle. • The Crossing - even though not the first choice, this place has a high livability score and is becoming more and more popular. HOME BUYING BASICS IN FLORIDA – WHEN YOU SHOULD BUY A HOME? Of course, you can find a good home all year round, but you should look at these clues before you start house browsing. Median prices are higher in the summertime, compared to winter. However, even though you can find a cheaper home in the wintertime, there will probably be fewer homes for sale. But you shouldn’t give up – maybe your perfect home happens to be for sale in winter. MEDIAN HOUSE PRICES When it comes to the Sunshine State, the median home value is $235,500. The house prices are rising, though, and they are expected to grow 2% over the next year. HOW TO BUY A HOUSE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE - HOME BUYING BASICS IN FLORIDA The process of buying a home is usually followed by a couple of steps you need to make until you move into your dream home. Here are the things you should do to have a smooth and safe house purchase. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL TO TAKE YOUR THROUGH THE PROCESS It is very important for first-time buyers that they have someone who will help them with all the house-purchase details. Hiring a professional real estate agent is definitely the best decision you can make when you decide to buy a home in Florida. The reasons you should hire someone from a trustworthy realty network are many: • an experienced real estate agent will find exactly what you need and recommend a home that suits your needs and lifestyle. • you’ll save a lot of time – with a real estate agent, you’ll go straight to good options, rather than wasting time on browsing too many homes. This way, you’ll have more time to prepare for your Florida relocation and start packing for your new home. • you’ll avoid houses with problems – real estate agents know what to look for when it comes to common hidden house problems. This can save you a lot of money you would spend on repairs. • Florida real estate agents know Florida’s house market and can recommend the best houses on the market. • agents help you with the paperwork – there are a lot of documents to go through when buying a home. Since real estate agents know all the steps in detail, the house buying process will be much clearer and easier for you. BE REALISTIC WHEN COMPARING FLORIDA’S HOUSES When you browse and search for properties, be realistic when comparing different houses. In Florida, the prices are made for the air-conditioned square footage. Furthermore, prices depend on the location, too, so some homes may be similar in size and condition, yet very different in price. Think about what your priorities are when it comes to house preferences, and choose a home that suits your needs. Furthermore, be realistic when it comes to your budget – look for homes that suit your finances and ask the real estate agent to help you out to find as much as possible for the price. SORT OUT YOUR HOUSE BUDGET If you are paying in cash – there’s no need to worry. However, if you need help from a financial institution, start the preparations in advance. Think about mortgage pre-approval, because it can come in handy if you come across a home you really love. HOME BUYING BASICS IN FLORIDA – HOW TO MAKE AN OFFER This step will be much easier with a real estate agent. They can speak to the seller and feel the situation with a spoken offer. This way, they can check their reaction and help you make the right offer. In Florida, you need a formal contract to make an official offer – this document includes all the details and requirements on both parties. Just remember that seller doesn’t need to accept the offer and he doesn’t need to explain why. However, when you hear back from the seller, you can start some negotiation if the offer was too low. IT’S TIME TO MOVE TO FLORIDA When you finally select your dream Florida home, it’s time to prepare for the relocation. Be sure to hire professionals to help you out – hire someone reliable like Orange Movers Miami. Local Florida moving companies like this know the area very well and can help deliver your items safely and quickly. STAY POSITIVE One of the most important points of home buying basics in Florida is to stay positive throughout the process. It’s not always easy to find a perfect home, and it can often take more time. That’s why you should start your search in time and stick to your priorities. Just remember – no house is perfect, so be sure not to lose a perfectly good home over minor details that can be fixed. Enjoy house browsing and good luck! Written By: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

When buying or selling a home, the assistance of a real estate agent is always highly useful. Their expertise, knowledge, and experience can help you facilitate and accelerate the whole process to a large extent. Moreover, they can help you get the best possible value for your money or sell your home for the best possible price. Choosing and hiring a local real estate agent goes even beyond. What are the advantages of making such a decision and why is it important to find top real estate agents in your area? Here is our answer. A local real estate agent knows the specific area you are interested in Everybody says that doing research is necessary if you want to make the most reasonable choices when buying a home. What are the best neighborhoods in the town you are interested in? Is the cost of living favorable? Are there enough educational and sports facilities? Are the job opportunities ample or scarce? These are the questions you cannot but ask yourself prior to making any further steps in the purchasing process. Luckily, one of the advantages of hiring a local real estate agent is that they can provide you with the answers to these questions in no time. All you need to do is simply make a list of important questions to ask your real estate agent and the problem is solved. Similarly, when selling your home, a local real estate agent can provide you with vital information on the average market price. It is a wide-known fact that setting the price is crucial for the success of your sale. By following trends of your specific area, these professionals can come up with the best strategy to increase your home’s market value to the maximal level. Local real estate agents are more available to their clients Firstly, one of the advantages of hiring a local real estate agent is that you can easily avoid any potential confusion in communication. Having a conversation personally is much better and more convenient than speaking on the phone or even using email. When you become impatient to find and purchase the home of your dreams, a local real estate agent has the power to eliminate the anxiety you feel. As soon as you explain your wishes clearly, an expert will know exactly what type of home you are looking for and then be able to arrange showings for you very quickly. It will not take much time until you contact exceptional movers at spydermoving.com to move all your belongings flawlessly. Finally, when you are planning on selling your home, a local real estate agent can be by your side whenever you present it to prospective buyers. Being located in the same area, the agent will not have to waste much time traveling to meet you, which is certainly a great benefit. Moreover, open home hours will undeniably be much longer in the given circumstances. These significantly increase your chances to find a buyer in a shorter period of time. A local real estate agent will suggest respectable service providers Local real estate agents with many years of experience have worked with a significant number of other service providers in the area. Consequently, one of the advantages of hiring a local real estate agent includes knowing the names of respectable service providers you can indeed rely on. Whether buying or selling your home, you will need to contact local contractors, mortgage professionals, painters, landscapers, plumbers, home inspectors and many others. Your local real estate agent will be able to suggest the providers who are professional, trustworthy and utterly helpful to their clients. This way, you will be able to make the most intelligent choices given the circumstances. Your local real estate agent is there for you even after the closing Although people think their problems end with the completion of the transaction, this is very often not true. A lot of problems can come up after the closing, and then you need your reliable expert by your side once again. Whether you have a problem with the taxing authorities, the former owner or your buyer, local real estate agents are there to assist you and find the solution in no time. Not seldom do these professionals show appreciation to their clients or provide them with a nice gift once all the problems have been solved. A local real estate agent will be there for you for all your future businesses Attracting and retaining clients is a necessary step on every local real estate agent’s road to success. Once you get high-quality service and helpful assistance from your local real estate agent, this agent will be your number one choice for all the future businesses. Moreover, these experts know that a satisfied customer will provide them with the most effective marketing. Hence, they will try their best to meet all your requirements and fulfill all your demands. Understandably, this is exactly the quality you expect from a local real estate agent you have trusted your home purchase or sale with. Final words on the advantages of hiring a local real estate agent It is important to know how to avoid real estate scams and find the right agent. Hiring a local real estate agent comes with numerous benefits regardless of whether you are selling your current or buying a new home. Firstly, local real estate agents offer an important advantage comparing to others. This is the knowledge of the area you are interested in. During a simple conversation, you can find out all you want to know on the specific area and thus save a considerable amount of your precious time. Secondly, they are more available and willing to assist every time you present your home or view the house you are interested in. Furthermore, they have a wide network of contacts and can suggest respectable service providers you will need at some point in the process of buying or selling. Finally, they stay by your side even after the closing and they will be happy to offer their services whenever you need them in the future. Get connected with a top agent in your market who will pay you back 15% of their total commission. Written By: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts

Whether you're buying or selling your home, doing so on your own is not advisable. Buying or selling real estate is a complicated procedure, and a lot of money is involved. Even if you are feeling adventurous, it is not something to be taken lightly. However, you may be wondering how to find the best real estate agent in Florida who is also affordable? When one is looking for a real estate agent, he or she is usually presented with a lot of options. In fact, there are currently more than 250,000 licensed real estate agents in Florida. So, how to choose the best one? How to initially find several potential candidates A good way to find the best real estate agent in Florida is to either look online or ask your friends and relatives who've recently moved. If you'll be moving into a new town, looking for real estate agents online is your best option. In that case, trying to find the right home and close the deal on your own will be even harder to pull-off. Moving takes a lot of time, and moving long-distance even more so. While you're busy trying to find relocation assistance when moving from afar and handling all the details pertaining to the move, a good real estate agent will take care of all the details related to buying your new home. Best is not always cheap Once you've found a few candidates for the position of your trusted real estate agent, it's time to choose the best one. The first thing that we'll discuss has to do with the word "affordable" in the title of this article. Namely, "best" and "cheap" usually don't go hand in hand. While the best real estate agents can also be affordable (and often are), we wouldn't suggest simply hiring a real estate agent who will ask for the lowest commission. Since there are so many real estate agents competing in Florida, it is hard for inexperienced agents to land clients. Therefore, they will often accept a lower pay rate. However, inexperienced agents are usually not the best agents (nor are they even close to being the best). The best real estate agent has the negotiating skills and the necessary know-how to land you the best deal. Inexperienced agents often struggle with that, as they don't yet have a lot of contacts, and they haven't had much chance to practice their negotiating skills. Therefore, they could be easily intimidated by the other party's agent, especially if he or she is one of the best. What's more, they could be looking to simply seal the deal as quickly as possible, so that they (finally) get paid. The trick, therefore, is to choose the most affordable agent out of the experienced, skilled agents you've interviewed, who will then look out for your best interest. The best real estate agents won’t beat around the bush How to find the best real estate agent, that's just right for you? The first thing to look out for is - honesty. If you've interviewed several real estate agents, and most of them have given you a similar opinion, but one of the agents seemed to be unrealistically optimistic, it could be that this agent doesn't want to tell you the bad news. A good agent will be straightforward with you. They'll tell you if your asking price is too high. They'll tell you honestly what kind of a market you are dealing with. They'll tell you if you need to make costly repairs before selling. They'll tell you the bad news, because that's good for you in the long run. Determine how expeditious an agent is The next thing to look out for is how quick a real estate agent is when answering your calls/texts/e-mails. There aren't that many homes to sell in Florida currently, so making an offer quickly is very important. One way to gauge your agent's efficiency is to look out for their responsiveness levels. If an agent replies quickly when you try to contact him, there's a good chance that he/she'll be just as quick when it's time to make an offer. While initially interviewing agents, ask how many clients they have. If they have many clients, ask them to guarantee that they'll have enough time to provide you the best possible service as well. It could be that they're working with a team of qualified assistants, who will take care of your inquires; that is perfectly fine. It's worth noting, however, that agents usually prefer texting. If you'd rather communicate in another way, look for an agent who won't have a problem with that. Hire a professional agent who knows the area you're interested in It is very important to hire a professional agent. Many people in Florida have recently been trying to become professional real estate agents, after previously doing something else for a living. What you're looking for is a professional who knows exactly what they're doing. So, ask all the candidates to show you their license, as well as a list containing the details pertaining to all the deals they've closed recently. Ask for references too, and later check on them. A professional will also respect your opinion. If it seems that your agent is simply trying to close the deal as soon as possible, while disregarding your opinions in the process, then you're most likely not dealing with a real professional. And even if you are sure that a certain agent is a professional, it is also very important that he knows the given neighborhood well. If he does, he'll be able to quickly find a home based on the description you've provided. He'll also be able to point you in the right direction if a home that precisely fits your description cannot be found in the said neighborhood. So, be adamant to find an agent who is a skilled professional and is also very familiar with your area of interest. Working with such an agent, together with a reliable moving company such as Movin' Murdy - Pittsburgh Movers, should guarantee that your relocation goes as smoothly as possible. If you're selling, digital marketing is important Finally, if you'll be selling a home, try to find an agent who also knows how to market your home online. As that's where a lot of buyers will look for homes, you'll need to have high-quality pictures posted, as well as a nicely-written description. All the details about your home should be included in this description, and it should be written in such a way so as to entice potential buyers into considering your home. If you remember and put to use all of our advice, you should be able to find the best real estate agent in Florida for you. Even better, there's a good chance you'll find a few great real estate agents, and then you'll be able to choose the most affordable one. Follow our advice, but don't forget to use your instincts as well. Good luck! Get 15% back on your real estate purchase and get connected with a top agent in your market. Written By: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts