Unbox Happiness: Housewarming Gifts Every First-Timer Desires

By Janice Imoisi  |   Submitted On August 22, 2023

For a real estate agent, successfully guiding clients to their dream homes is not just a transaction—it's a journey that culminates in one of life's most cherished milestones. As an agent, you're not only a witness but also an integral part of this life-changing decision. When the keys change hands, and the paperwork is finalized, it’s not just a deal that’s closed; it’s the beginning of countless memories in a space that your clients will call 'home.'

The act of gifting isn't just an afterthought in this journey. It's an extension of the care, professionalism, and personal touch that you, as an agent, provide. A well-chosen housewarming gift serves as a lasting token of appreciation, reinforcing the bond you've built with your clients. It’s a gesture that says, "I understand and celebrate your new beginning."

Housewarming gifts do more than just fill a space in a new home. They embed memories, evoke emotions, and remind the homeowners of the journey they've embarked on with you. These gifts have the power to transform a house—a mere structure of walls and beams—into a warm, personalized space filled with love and memories.

This guide is crafted for the discerning real estate agent who understands the nuanced art of gifting. It’s about going beyond the conventional and finding gifts that resonate, that speak of thoughtfulness, and that, quite simply, unbox happiness. Dive in to discover a curated list of housewarming gifts, each chosen with the new homeowner in mind, ensuring that your gesture becomes an unforgettable part of their new beginning.

Housewarming Gift List:

👉Personalized Home Sign

A sign that makes a house feel like a home.

👉Personalized Key Holder

No more lost keys with this stylish addition.

👉Welcome Mat

Greet guests with a touch of personality.

👉Essential Oils Diffuser

Bring comforting scents into every room.

👉Kitchen Basics Set

Quality essentials for memorable meals.

👉Monogrammed Towel Set

Luxury that every homeowner deserves.

👉For Cats - Deluxe Cat Tree

Playtime made fun for the feline family member.

👉For Dogs - Personalized Dog Bed

Restful nights for man's best friend.

👉For Kids - Personalized Storybook

A magical adventure for the little ones.

👉For Kids - Indoor Play Tent

Endless hours of imaginative play.

👉Memory Scrapbook

Capture every cherished moment in the new home.

👉Amazon Gift Card

Enjoy a well-deserved break from unpacking.

👉Indoor Plants

Breathe life into every corner of the home.

👉Starter Herb Garden

Fresh flavors at the homeowner's fingertips.

👉Cozy Throw Blanket

Perfect for movie nights in their new living room.

👉Wall-Mounted Family Calendar

To help keep track of everyone's activities in their new life.

Conclusion

The memories and warmth these gifts bring.

Wishing happiness and love in the new home.

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5 Areas, Real Estate Agents, Must, Proactively, Address!

By Richard Brody  |   Submitted On July 19, 2021

There are millions of licensed, real estate agents, brokers, etc, in the United States! Only, a small percentage of these individuals, however, are responsible, for the majority, of all the transactions, etc, however! The finest professionals, consistently, put, their clients, best interests, first, as well as consistently, proceeding, with the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, and integrity! Although, a combination, of a variety of skills, behaviors, abilities, attitude, etc, are important, and necessary, this article will attempt to look, specifically, at 5 specific areas, in terms of the most essential characteristics, etc! With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, these items, and why they matter.

1. Client - first, ethical behavior/ focus: To serve and represent his clients, effectively, the finest professionals, consistently, proceed, with the highest ethical behavior and standards (ethics), and putting the best interests of his clients, first! Most states, and associated, real estate boards, require, conformity, with their Code of Ethics, but, the best agents, go further, consistently!

2. Pricing: Markets change, times change, and so do, needs, and market conditions and types, so the finest professionals, are experts, at pricing houses, according to specific, current conditions, and the local market, etc! It is important to realize, there is usually, a significant difference, between, listing, and selling prices, and buyers, and sellers, must realize, these differences, etc. If you are a homeowner, you need an agent, who, proactively, suggests pricing, based on local conditions, current trends, and, to a great extent, using a Comparative Market Analysis, etc.

3. Marketing: Great agents must be experts, in both, marketing, and selling houses. Marketing refers to the process, and actions, to attract, qualified, potential buyers, and taking the steps, and using the means, which get it done! On the other hand, selling is bringing the deal, to fruition!

4. Negotiating: Creating a meeting - of - the - minds, between a homeowner, and a well - suited, interested buyer, requires professional expertise, when it comes to negotiating, and getting the best deal (for his clients) done! When representing a seller, it means doing, everything, possible, to create, a combination of the best available/ plausible, price, at the best - terms, in the shortest period of time, in an effective, responsible way!

5. Pay attention to all details, and obstacles, from start, to finish: Great agents must pay keen attention, to all, related, details, from the start, to the closing! He must be prepared for all eventualities, and obstacles, handling these, in a positive way, as challenges, to overcome, instead of being overwhelmed, by perceiving them, as problems! It often means, holding one's client's hand, throughout, the entire transaction period!

You have a choice of selecting the right, real estate agent, to represent you! Since, for most, the asset value, of a house, is their single - biggest, financial asset, doesn't it make sense, to interview, carefully, and choose, wisely!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades, and a RE Licensed Salesperson, for 15+ years. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://PortWashingtonLongIslandHouses.com and LIKE the Facebook page for real estate: http://facebook.com/PortWashRE

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Brody/492539

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10487724

Getting A Home Warranty: A Buyer's Peace Of Mind: 4 Advantages

 By Richard Brody  |   Submitted On November 04, 2019

Imagine, if, a homeowner, could do something, which would position his house, in such a way, which made it, stand - out, in a meaningful way, from much of the competition? Consider, if a home buyer, could purchase a house, with greater confidence/ assurance, and, thus, far more, peace - of - mind? For a relatively, small price/ investment, acquiring a Home Warranty, from one of the better known, licensed, reputable companies, might be a viable solution, to achieve, this objective, for both parties. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 4 advantages of proceeding, in this manner.

1. No major, out - of - pocket expenses: While, a Home Warranty, doesn't mean, you will assume no responsibilities, in terms of properly maintaining your house, it does mean, those major, out - of - pocket, potential costs, and expenses, might be significantly reduced, minimized, and, perhaps, in some cases, eliminated. Since repairing certain major components of a house, such as heating system, plumbing - related issues, electrical system, and major appliances, can become costly, those, with this type of protection, significantly reduce their level of exposure, and/ or, risk!

2. Have it inspected, carefully!: A smart home buyer, uses the services of a Home Inspector/ Engineer, from the onset, in order, to ensure, a minimum of foreseeable risk! When you have it professionally, inspected, major areas, are looked at, and a quality report, and evaluation, is provided!

3. List of qualified professionals, including plumbers, electricians, etc: Most home warranty policies provide the home owners, with a list of recommended, qualified professionals, in the area. These individuals, are, often, certified, in their areas of expertise, and, have been given, consistent, quality reviews, by those, who've used their service. Imagine, if you felt, confident, in knowing who to call, as a plumber, electrician, heating and air conditioning technician (HVAC), carpenter, handyman, etc? Wouldn't this provide you, with fewer stresses, and, more, peace - of - mind?

4. Peace of mind/ avoid a Money Pit!: One of a new homeowners, greatest nightmares, and fears, is his fear of purchasing, what is generally referred to, as a Money Pit! Only, when the previous 3 steps, are properly used and utilized, and one proceeds, with his, eyes - wide - open, is he prepared, relatively, stress - free, for the possibilities, and contingencies!

Will you pledge to be a smarter buyer? If you are selling, do you hope for the finest, possible results? Using this process, addresses both parties concerns!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades, and a RE Licensed Salesperson, for a decade+. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://PortWashingtonLongIslandHouses.com and LIKE the Facebook page for real estate: http://facebook.com/PortWashRE

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Brody/492539

Buying A House In A Sellers Market: What Could Possibly Go Wrong In The Future?: 4 Possibilities

 By Richard Brody  |   Submitted On July 12, 2021

After, over 15 years, as a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, in the State of New York, I believe, I have never witnessed, the type of market, we currently, are experiencing! Not only is this, an extreme, Sellers Market, but, no one, can be sure, of how long, it might continue. Many factors, have contributed to this, including: Post - pandemic, emotions, needs, perceptions and priorities; extended period, of historically - low, mortgage interest rates; rising consumer confidence; job/ employment improvements; etc. For those, who are buying, it is probably wise, to better understand, and consider, what might go wrong, when purchasing, what, to most, is their largest, personal, financial asset, when prices, are rising, extensively, and for a prolonged period, etc. With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 4 possibilities, which it is wise, to understand, and prepare for.

1. When mortgage rates rise?: At some point, mortgage rates will increase! When this, may, occur, and how much, is speculation, but, when rates do rise, how will that impact pricing, and the overall real estate market? The higher the rate, the more, one pays, to borrow the funds, needed, by most, to purchase a house! It also, relates, to lenders' qualifications, in terms of what are generally, referred to, as, the economic proportions/ rations, which are generally, the standards, in terms of borrowing funds. In addition, if it costs more, monthly, how does that impact, affordability, and then, subsequently, and, eventually, prices?

2. Price resistance point: When, I see. what houses in my area, are selling for, I wonder, at what point, will there be, a price resistance, point/ level! How high, will buyers, be willing, and able to go, because, remember, most people, use a mortgage, but, must, also, put - down, a considerable, down - payment? When this is combined with Closing Costs, when will the size of this, become a significant factor, etc?

3. Supply and Demand: At present, there is a significantly, greater demand, than supply, which means, we have a Sellers Market. This creates rising prices, less competition, less time - on - market, etc. At, what point, will this balance, shift, how quickly, and to what degree, will the pendulum, shift?

4. If you try to sell in a few years: Those, selling today, especially, who have owned their homes, for a while, may see significant prices, from these sales. However, with the considerable, up - tick, in pricing, what might happen, when some current buyers, desire, or need, to sell, in a few years?

If you are considering, buying a house, the better you understand a variety of factors, the better, you will serve, your best interests, etc! Will you proceed, in a smart way?

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades, and a RE Licensed Salesperson, for 15+ years. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://PortWashingtonLongIslandHouses.com and LIKE the Facebook page for real estate: http://facebook.com/PortWashRE

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Brody/492539

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What’s It Really Like Being a Real Estate Agent?

 By Janice Imoisi  |   Submitted On October, 2022

The Truth and Nothing but The Truth

Most days, being a real estate agent is great! Sometimes it could feel like real estate agents where a lot of hats. 

We can often feel like we are family counselors, personal assistants, educators, psychiatrists, lenders, referees, emotional babysitters, etc.

There are a lot of emotions and feelings for a buyer who is buying a house and you will have to deal with some if not all of what they are feeling and going through.

The hard, fast truth is that you must be able to communicate in a clear and sound way what is expected and have some people skills to be in the real estate business. It’s not for those who are as quite as a mouse.

Sometimes your skin must be thick and thinking outside of the box in certain situations is a learned skill.

For example, if you have a client who is having a difficult time with the lender and red flags have been an issue with the underwriter, you should already be thinking about informing your client to go with a different lender to get their loan complete.

Not all lenders are the same and they don’t usually carry all the same exact products.

Here is a list of five important skills to master if you want to be good as a real estate agent.

1.    1. Negotiating – sometimes you need to get an extension from the other side, and they can either grant it or not. If you keep in touch with the seller’s agent on a regular basis and informed them immediately when an issue arises with your borrower, this could go a long way when it’s time for you to ask the listing agent if she can inform her client as to why you need the extension.

 

For example, the underwriter is asking your buyer for additional information that will take a week to get mailed to your buyer. This will ultimately push the closing out by another week.

 

2.    2. Empathy – can you tell and sense when your buyer is feeling some type of way? Or if they just need to know that you are with them and available to answer all of their questions? This goes a long way with buyers.

 

3.    3. Presentation – what are you telling your buyers you can do for them? How are you helping them during this process? What information should they be aware of that they don’t already know? Your presentation should be about the buyer and not you. They really don’t care how long you have been in the business or that you are a top real estate agent. 

    They want to know if the going gets tough, will you be there to help them through it? The buyer has already heard horrible stories of friends and families not making it to the finish line and getting the keys to their dream home. How will you calm the fears and prepare them for the journey they are about to take? 

4.    4. Closing Disclosure – even though it is the job of the lender to go over the closing with the buyer, the buyer almost always wants an explanation from their real estate agent. The title company will make an attempt to explain it but you better be ready if you don’t want that deer in the head lights look when your buyer ask you to please explain it and point out credits they were supposed to receive, then you had better get familiar with the details of the closing disclosure.

 

5.    5. Sharing with Buyer What They Don’t Know About the Process – most buyers don’t know what they don’t know. For example, every time a document is submitted to the underwriter, it could delay the closing because each time the buyer is waiting patiently to see if the underwriter will issue the final approve or CTC (Clear to Close). 

So, the next time you are having a conversation with the lender, you might want to ask them their turnaround time when a file goes into the underwriter.

 

Tell the buyers not to schedule vacation time or time off from work until you receive the CTC (Clear to Close). Why? Because any and everything could happen up to this point. I feel this is the most important stage of the home buying process. Not the preapproval, not the conditional loan approval but the clear to close.

 

You can have the loan approval and still not get a clear to close for many reasons. For example, the buyer deposited a large amount of cash in their bank account one week before closing. Or, the soft pull credit report revealed a new negative account reporting. It could also be that you were laid off from your job.

 

And no, you will not be closing because the underwriting team will verify that you are still gainfully employed before they issue the clear to close.

 

In conclusion, learning the business of being a real estate agent takes hard work and dedication to the profession. You must keep up with your continuing education credits (CE), dues, MLS fees, access key fees and any updates and changes to forms, addendums, and contracts just to name a few. Remember to make the journey be about the buyer’s experience and not your own.

For Texas Real Estate Agents "How to Get Your Real Estate License" for you to download. Click here >> FREE Ebook Download.<< I try to update this Ebook every year. (Updated Sept 2, 2022)

Why You Should Seek A Real Estate Agent, With ETHICS?

 By Richard Brody  |   Submitted On December 16, 2020

One of the responsibilities, both, by - law, and according to real estate boards, is, agents must maintain, high ethical standards, consistently! Whether, you are a homeowner, who hopes to sell his home, or, a qualified, potential buyer, searching for the house, of his dreams, it's important, wise, and relevant, to hire, the right agent, and this individual, must possess, and maintain, true ETHICS! Since, being ethical, is, not, merely, proceeding, morally, but, a code, to live one's life, by, and an overall, personal philosophy, it is often, challenging, to clearly, know, who is the right person, to trust, as your agent, and representative! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and represents, and why, it matters.

1. Empathy; excellence; enrich; efforts: Representing a client, should, be, about the client's needs, and priorities, and, not, merely, the agent's! To do so, means, prioritizing, effective listening, and learning, from every conversation, and experience, and proceeding, with the utmost degree of genuine empathy! He should never be satisfied, with, good - enough, but, rather, demand his utmost degree of personal excellence! Hire an agent, whose efforts, focus on enriching, your client, and providing, the best efforts, to achieve, the client's efforts, and priorities!

2. Trustworthy/ truth/ trust; time - tested; timely; trends: High ethical standards, must include, identifying, and effectively, using, any trends, which might benefit one's clients! An agent must know, understand, and use, well - considered, time - tested concepts, and consistently, proceeding, in a timely manner, so clients' best interests, are served, and protected! Only, when one is, consistently, trustworthy, and tells the truth, even, when it may be inconvenient, will he earn the trust, of others. Do the right thing!

3. Humane; healing; head/ heart: Ethical behavior includes, consistently, proceed, in a truly, humane manner! He must seek healing, and bringing people together, for the greater good! It requires using the finest aspects of one's emotional and logical components, in a head/ heart balance!

4. Integrity; ideals; ideology; intentions: Integrity must be absolute, and, never, selective! It requires, aligning, quality ideals, and a core ideology, which prioritizes, service and representation! Consider, one's intentions, as well as his actions!

5. Character; clarity; choices/ chooses; credibility: Will the agent, you choose, possess, and maintain, the desirable, quality of character, needed, to ensure, consistently, ethical behavior? Ethics requires a clear message, and clarity - of - intentions! We all have choices, and what we do, and decide, generally indicates, and determines, our overall credibility!

6. Sustainable; solutions; service; systems: Agents should consider, both, shorter - term, relevant items, as well as sustainable ones! Combining finest solutions, and maintaining the highest levels of service, as well as using a system (marketing, and selling), which serves a client's priorities, goals, and necessities!

Don't overlook the need, for an agent, to proceed, consistently, with ETHICS, and the highest ethical standards, behavior, performance, and actions! Clients must take the time, to evaluate these characteristics, before hiring someone!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades, and a RE Licensed Salesperson, for 15+ years. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://PortWashingtonLongIslandHouses.com and LIKE the Facebook page for real estate: http://facebook.com/PortWashRE

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Brody/492539

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Five Lessons Your Dog Can Teach You About House Hunting

 By Dennis Maier  |   Submitted On October 05, 2020

1. Focus Anyone who has played catch with a dog has a good example of a dog's laser focus. In our culture of distraction focus is a rare beast. To succeed in owning the best home develop single minded focus on the project to its completion. You, your family, and your dog will benefit for decades to come.

2. Hunt a dog's most basic interest is to hunt, not only for food but also for shelter and a mate to raise a family. This is basically what house hunters are all about. Home and family, including the family dog, are essential to human and canine happiness. While house hunting is often laborious and time consuming, enjoy the hunt as would the dog.

3. Trust Your Nose A dog's nose is its keenest sense; he or she uses it to investigate everything. In real estate we call this due diligence, doing the math, checking out all aspects of a purchase, asking questions, studying the research. It also means sniffing out situations beyond what the numbers indicate, trusting your nose for an advantageous situation.

4. Jumping in Dogs rarely hesitate before jumping into a situation, say when the ball lands in a puddle. Competition for the best homes is often stiff. While it is often easier to walk away, faint heart never won fair home. This is not to say one should act is haste. Here dogs too are an excellent example. They sniff around and approach new situations cautiously. But when they are sure of their prey they go for it rather than second guessing themselves as we humans often do.

5. Team Players Dogs are thrilled when you walk in the room. They are never in a bad mood and never blame or judge you for anything. They cheer you up when you're feeling down and stick by you no matter how tough the going gets. They are members of your pack and respond with loyalty and trust. Real estate also works best when everyone pulls together, family, Realtors, Attorneys, Inspectors, Lenders, etc.

6. Bury a Bone We get upset when our dog digs up the garden to bury a bone but he is following a primal instinct judiciously telling him to save for a rainy day. This is excellent advice for both owning and maintaining a new home. Having financial reserves can often make the difference between success and failure. Avoid becoming "house poor". Your dog will love you just as much in a more affordable home. What matters to him or her is you and the family.

Dennis Maier Principal Realtor Broker Real Estate New York, inc. Real Estate New York

First licensed in Chicago 1972, co-founder Landmark Realty; Founded The Albany Professional Team, inc 1994; Founder and CEO Real Estate New York 1999 Dennis J. Maier

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dennis_Maier/10729

 

Why a New Home Buyer Should Not Rely on the Former Buyers Home Inspection Report

By Jim Troth  |   Submitted On August 15, 2017

Not all home buyers end up closing on the home that they put an offer on. Things happen and deals do fall through. This happens for several reasons. The top reasons are financial approval fell through, the seller and buyer got along poorly, the sellers decided not to sell the home, and the condition of the home was worse than the buyer originally thought it was.

Once the home purchase has been cancelled the first home buyers usually look at other homes. The sellers are now left to hope another buyer comes along. The home inspection report is often shared with the real estate agents and the seller. Erroneously this home inspection report is sometimes shared with the new home buyers. This is an error for a couple of reasons.

The first reason is because the second buyer has no contract with the home inspector or the home inspection company. Because there is no agreement/contract if the second buyer has an issue with the home claiming that the home inspector missed a major issue there is zero responsibility for the inspector to take care of them. There was zero legal obligation.

Another reason is that the new home buyer was not present at the inspection and therefore has not idea what conversations the former home buyer and inspector had. This can be vital information. Sometimes in the inspection agreement the buyer request somethings not be inspected so the report is not as whole as the new buyer may believe.

The last reason I am giving here for not relying on the home inspection report created for a previous home buyers has to do with your warranty. To help sell homes agents and sellers will often buy a home warranty for the new home owner. However most home warranty companies will not repair a lot of your issues if you did not have a home inspection completed for you. I spoke with a home warranty rep and they do depend on the home inspection report to determine if items such as your furnace or air conditioner were working when you bought the home. If you do not have your own inspection report to verify that things did operate when you bought the home then you are out of luck and the warranty company will not pay to fix your broken stuff.

If you are buying a home that was previously inspected then you need to have your own inspection done to be protected as fully as possible. If anyone tells you that it is fine to use the previous home inspection report they are wrong. Your are not protected well at all. When Habitation Investigation does a home inspection the client has the ability to get an 18 month warranty for the fee of 12 months. Habitation Investigation also provides warranties such as sewer line protections, 5 year roof leak warranty and 90 day warranty on structural and mechanicals. All those things are there for the home buyer if Habitation Investigation does the inspection for the clients who buy the home.

Jim Troth is the Manager of a multi inspector company, Habitation Investigation, in Ohio and the former Education Coordinator for InterNachi Ohio. He attributes the growth to excellent customer service and referrals from satisfied clients. The company provides inspections in the Central Ohio Columbus area, Hilliard, Powell, Pickerington, Pataskala, Dayton, New Albany, Delaware, Gahanna, Westerville, Galloway, Grove City, Worthington, Dublin, Marysville, London, West Jefferson, Mechanicsburg and other cities surrounding Columbus, Ohio. His home inspection company is Habitation Investigation LLC. The website is: http://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jim_Troth/79145

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