Halloween is behind us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I can almost hear Santa’s sleigh. While the holidays are a wonderful time of year to reflect and spend time with friends and family, do NOT let it interfere with the goals you set for yourself in the beginning of 2013 or impede your planning for an amazing 2014. No, I’m not trying out for the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, but I know how hard you’ve worked this year and want to see each of you get close, meet or hopefully exceed your professional goals for the year.Continue Reading
Real Estate
You Must Feel Like The Only One
Every realtor must demand service, accessibility and the pursuit of perfection from his or her closing attorney. Demanding these three things is the only way to ensure that your real estate business is able to focus on what you do best – helping people find homes and getting listings sold. You are entitled to demand these three things regardless of whether you (1) send the closing attorney 50 closings a year or just one or (2) have long-standing personal relationship with the closing attorney or just met them for the first time through a closing. This is what you deserve as a real estate professional.Continue Reading
Realtor Rumors: Can You Pay Less Taxes If Your Real Estate Business Is An LLC?
Over the past few months several realtors have asked me: “Is it true that if I form a LLC (limited liability company) and run my real estate business through it I can pay less in taxes?” Before I answer that question I must clarify that I am NOT an accountant and this post should not be relied on as accounting advice. This post may, however, be used as “food for thought” and the basis for a discussion with your accountant. I know a number of accountants and they all have different approaches and opinions when it comes to various tax saving “strategies”. The structure below may not work for each realtor (based on your specific situation) and/or your accountant’s position on the issue.Continue Reading
While Your Closing Attorney Must Be Great – The Closing Paralegal MUST Be AMAZING!
So we all know the saying that behind ever great man is an even better woman. While that is true in my household (no, I’m not calling myself great, it’s just an expression), it also holds true (times two) in my office. Yes, the closing attorney often times is what first attracts a realtor or a buyer to a particular closing office; and yes, the attorney reviews the title and deals with issues on problem files; and yes, the attorney conducts the closing, BUT there is so much more involved on a typical closing and that is where the closing paralegal MUST be AMAZING.Continue Reading
Closing Tip: You Want A Smooth Closing? You Better Select A GREAT Lender!
It goes without saying that you MUST select a great closing attorney (and staff) and real estate professional when putting together your TEAM to purchase a home. Do NOT, however, take your selection (or for realtors your lender recommendations) lightly. The fact is a great lender can make all the difference when it comes to finalizing your TEAM.
What many people do not realize is that the lender is more than the loan officer (also known as the loan originator or the person you know at the bank that is sooooo nice). While the loan officer generally is the face of the lender in many instances and plays a critical role, there are two other components to a lender that cannot be ignored – the underwriting and closing department. Below I will briefly address the role of each of the three members of the lending team that you MUST research before selecting a lender.Continue Reading