Happy 2015! Did you know that the upper half of the US and much of Canada reached temperatures colder than Mars* this week? Grab your device and that coffee or hot chocolate this morning, and settle in to take a peek at just a few of the Real Estate Resource Roundup articles we have for you this week.
New Regulations Affect Homeowners in 2015
In 2015, REALTOR®s will need to be familiar with two new regulations involving air conditioning equipment and water heaters because the regulations will likely force homeowners, contractors and manufacturers to make difficult and costly decisions.
Obama Cutting FHA Costs Boon to First-Time Buyers
A quarter of a million Americans who have been shut out of the housing recovery may be able to get a mortgage now that President Barack Obama has cut the cost to insure their loans.
Five Things To Watch In Housing In 2015
This list includes five areas to watch in the housing industry, as we are reminded moving into the new year that the recovery in the housing market is likely to be long, slow and choppy.
We’re feeling better about the economy, but not necessarily ready to buy
The most detailed survey of consumer attitudes about housing finds that while Americans are more optimistic about the economy, many are still wary of making a big financial commitment like a home purchase.
And around the network, some interesting articles and contributed articles:
The Newest Home Buying Trends to Come in 2015
In this national broadcast segment timed around the start of 2015, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate president and CEO Sherry Chris talks with host Cheryl Casone about new homebuying trends, the shifting rental and second home markets, and the launch of the “Friendliest Search in Real Estate.”
Special report: The shift toward independent brokerages (Inman Select access)
Within this look at Inman’s recent survey, which found that independent brokerages are more prevalent now than they have been in a decade. Sarah Jones, broker and co-owner of Texas-based Bamboo Realty, told Inman that she would consider joining only one brand, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, because she sees it as a company that allows brokerages to keep their unique feel and identity. She points to Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Generations in Alabama, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate 43° North in Idaho and Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Go Realty in North Carolina as examples of companies that have affiliated with the brand without giving up their independent values. Go Realty’s affiliation with the brand gave them access to BHGRE®’s technology and marketing, and access to the potentially lucrative leads in Better Homes and Gardens’ database.
33 people who are changing the real estate industry (Inman Select access)
BHGRE CEO Sherry Chris and BHGRE Generations broker Leighton Dees are included in a list of top real estate professionals who are poised to change the industry and are taking actions to do so.
Sell the community when selling a home
In his own contributed piece, Jeff Martel of BHGRE 43° North discusses the importance of providing buyers with a sense of lifestyle and community when showing properties
Want to hire top talent? 5 interview questions to ask
In his own contributed article, Leighton Dees of BHGRE Generations advises on the top five interview questions to ask when meeting with a prospective agent.
