Seaport Real Estate Group Blog

The Impact of CoStar Acquiring Realtor.com

The acquisition of Realtor.com by CoStar Group could have several impacts on the real estate industry, including:

1. Increased market dominance: CoStar is already a major player in the commercial real estate data and analytics space, and the acquisition of Realtor.com, a leading consumer-facing real estate website, could give the company even more market dominance.

2. Increased access to data: CoStar's access to data and analytics could be further enhanced by integrating Realtor.com's consumer-facing data into its platform, allowing the company to provide even more detailed information and insights to its customers.

3. Increased competition: The acquisition could lead to increased competition for other real estate websites and…

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Are Zillow Estimates More Accurate than a Realtor?

Both Zillow and realtors can provide valuable information for buyers and sellers in the real estate market. However, the reliability and accuracy of the information provided by each may vary.

Zillow is a popular website that provides real estate information, including home value estimates (Zestimates) and property listings. Zillow's data is crowdsourced, meaning it relies on users to provide information, which can lead to inaccuracies. Zillow's Zestimate algorithm may not take into account certain factors that would affect a home's value such as the condition of the property, updates and renovation, location, and market conditions. Zillow Zestimate is considered a starting point to get a rough idea of a home's value, but it's not a substitute for…

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5 Steps to Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Finding the right real estate agent can make a huge difference when it comes to buying or selling a home. A good agent will have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions. But with so many agents to choose from, how do you find the right one for you? Here are some tips to help you find a great real estate agent.

1. Look for an agent with experience in your area. An agent who is familiar with the local market will be able to give you valuable insight into the neighborhoods, schools, and amenities that are important to you. They will also be able to help you find homes that meet your specific needs and preferences.

2. Look for an agent with a good reputation. Ask friends, family, and…

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How Real Estate Agents Can Do More for Their Clients

Do More.

Do Better.

No Excuses.

I saw this somewhere today, while working, either online or on tv. I don’t recall where I saw it, only that I did not forget it. These 6 words seem to express the desire of every individual at the start of a New Year. They point to our dissatisfaction with the status quo and our desire to achieve no matter what the cost. The unrelenting desire to have, do, and be more is what is at work here. But in reality, having it all and doing it all doesn’t mean you will be it all. Not by a long shot.

“With all thy getting, get understanding.”

In the business world, the goal is constant growth and improvement. 

• Grow the business. 

• Reduce expenses. 

• Increase revenue. 

• Beat last…

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Five Things to do Before Investing in Commercial Real Estate

Investing in anything requires determination and careful planning. Real estate is no exception. While investing in real estate is an amazing financial opportunity (consistent returns, passive income, and growth potential), it's important to understand that increased reward requires increased responsibility. As always, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a commercial-certified expert (reach out to us for more info), but here are some tips we think you should do before deciding to invest or purchase commercial real estate. 

Determine Goals and Needs

Before jumping into any decision, it's important to know why you're doing it. Are you looking for an investment property? Do you need business space? Are you interested in developing? Determining…

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Why so many real estate agents fail.

There are several reasons why many realtors fail in their careers. Some of the common reasons include a lack of experience, inadequate training, and an inability to adapt to changing market conditions.

One of the main reasons why many realtors fail is a lack of experience. Real estate can be a complex and competitive industry, and inexperienced realtors may struggle to navigate the challenges and pitfalls of the business. In order to succeed, realtors need to have a thorough understanding of the local real estate market, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the industry.

Another reason why many realtors fail is inadequate training. In order to become a successful realtor, individuals need to have a strong foundation in real…

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Advantages and disadvantages of residential real estate.

Residential real estate refers to the purchase, ownership, and use of a home or apartment for personal living purposes. This type of real estate can provide several financial advantages and some potential disadvantages.

One of the main advantages of investing in residential real estate is the potential for long-term capital appreciation. Over time, the value of a well-maintained property can increase, providing a solid return on investment. Additionally, residential properties can generate income through rental payments, allowing investors to earn passive income.

Another advantage of residential real estate is the potential for tax benefits. Mortgage interest and property taxes are often tax-deductible, which can help reduce the overall cost of…

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The importance of Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is an important type of insurance for anyone living in an area that is at risk of flooding. Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters, and it can cause significant damage to homes and other structures. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not typically cover flood damage, so it's important for property owners to have separate flood insurance coverage.

Having flood insurance can protect your home and belongings from the financial impact of flooding. If your home is damaged by a flood, your flood insurance policy can provide financial assistance to help you repair or rebuild your home. It can also help to replace any personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed in the flood.

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1031 Exchange. What are they and how can they be of benefit

A 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange or a Starker exchange, is a tax strategy that allows investors to defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of a property. This is done by reinvesting the proceeds from the sale into a similar property.

To qualify for a 1031 exchange, the property being sold and the property being purchased must be considered "like-kind," according to the IRS. This generally means that the properties must be used for the same purpose, such as for investment or business purposes. The properties do not need to be identical, but they must be of a similar type or nature.

There are several benefits to using a 1031 exchange. The most significant benefit is the ability to defer paying…

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What is title insurance and should I buy it?

What is title insurance?

Traditional insurance policies protect insureds against future losses. For example, a car insurance policy will protect the driver from future accidents, and a health insurance policy will protect an insured from future health problems. However, title insurance is different because it protects insureds against claims for past occurrences.

Who does title insurance protect?

Two different types of title insurance exist. A real estate owner can choose to purchase title insurance, and lenders can elect to do so. Lenders will require title insurance by mortgagors to secure their security interest in the property. Furthermore, a property owner will purchase title insurance to protect their investment in their property.

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