In the fast-paced world of real estate, every call could be a game-changer. Commission-based professionals often find themselves tethered to their phones, living in fear of missing that one pivotal call. But what if I told you there's a way to reclaim your freedom, stand out from the crowd, and still come off as the top-notch professional you are? Enter: The Daily Voicemail Hack.

????**Why Update Your Voicemail Daily?**????

1. Stand Out from the Crowd

Every time you miss a call and the caller hears your updated voicemail, they immediately recognize your dedication and commitment. It's a clear indicator that you're on top of your game and are meticulous in your approach - a trait every client appreciates, especially in the real estate world.

2.…

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The housing market in Connecticut has seen significant changes in the past several years, much like other states throughout the nation. But what in particular has been happening with Connecticut housing prices? Where is it going up and where is it going down? Understanding the drivers behind these shifts is critical for sellers and buyers alike. Factors such as median household income, local economic health, lending practices, and back-end ratios also play significant roles in the housing market's volatility.

The median household income is a key factor to consider when examining Connecticut's housing market. The median household income in a town can greatly impact the typical home value. High-income towns like Darien, Greenwich, and Westport…

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Think creatively and look for opportunities - State of the market for new buyers in New London County

It is no secret that the housing market is in a tough situation right now. The problem is that the majority of Americans, no matter where they live, cannot afford to buy a home in the cities or towns in which they work. Why is that the truth? Looking back on the market, the selling price, along with the price per square foot, were at all-time highs just before the financial crisis in 2008. 

These all-time highs eventually dropped to all-time lows around 2015, before they started to slowly climb back up. Then, we had a global pandemic that decided to take a slow climb and accelerate at an exponential pace, and the slope of median selling…

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Search Engines

WARNING!!! 5 Hidden Dangers of Choosing Realtors from Leading Websites

It's important to acknowledge that many outstanding real estate professionals in the marketplace excel in research, valuation, and marketing. These dedicated agents work tirelessly to ensure their clients receive the best possible service and expertise. However, when searching for a realtor, some consumers may be tempted to use the convenience of top websites to find an agent, which might not always be the best approach.

While there's no doubt that some excellent realtors can be found on these platforms, relying solely on these websites might lead to potential pitfalls:

 There are several reasons why relying solely on them may not be the best idea, and here are five…

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Connecticut's real estate taxes can vary greatly depending on the municipality and districts within them.  The graphic above illustrates the base rates for each town. Additional rates are applied to specific locations where services are provided.  These services can include public water, sewer, trash removal,  police services, or a firehouse.  A town or district with a lower Mill rate may not offer these services.  Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average property tax rate in CT for 2023 is $30.50, with the highest being Hartford at $68.95 and the lowest being Salisbury at $11. 

Town Mill Rates 23

How to Calculate Connecticut Property Taxes

The…

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In recent years, the commercial real estate industry has seen a concerning trend where commercial brokerage firms opt not to offer co-brokerage commissions to buyers' agents. The withholding of these commissions can have significant negative consequences for property owners, buyers, and the industry's reputation as a whole. 

Adverse Impacts of Not Offering Cobrokerage Commissions

  1. Reduced Market Exposure

Cobrokerage commissions incentivize buyers' agents to bring their clients to a property, which expands the pool of potential buyers. By not offering these commissions, commercial brokerage firms limit the property's exposure to the market. This can lead to longer times on the market and, ultimately, lower sale prices.

  1. Lower Sale…

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Washing Machine and septic

Professionals in the real estate industry often face complex issues involving regulations and guidelines that impact their clients' properties. One such issue is the disposal of wastewater from washing machines into septic systems. To ensure the best outcomes for clients, real estate professionals must conduct thorough due diligence and vet the sources of information they rely on. The case of Tim Bray, broker/owner of Seaport Real Estate Services, highlights the importance of obtaining accurate information from reliable sources, especially when dealing with matters that can have significant consequences for homeowners.


Due diligence is the process of gathering and analyzing information to make informed decisions. This often involves researching…

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The commercial real estate market operates within two distinct segments: off-market and on-market transactions. Each segment has its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, catering to different types of investors and property owners.


Off-market transactions refer to commercial properties that are bought and sold without being publicly advertised or listed on popular real estate websites like Crexi and Loopnet. These deals often occur through personal connections, word of mouth, or specialized brokers with extensive industry networks. Off-market properties may exchange hands before the general public becomes aware of their availability, offering several advantages: 

Less competition: Off-market transactions can allow…

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AVM

Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) have become increasingly popular in recent years as a tool for estimating property values in the real estate industry. These models employ algorithms and vast amounts of data to generate property valuations quickly and efficiently. While AVMs may offer several benefits, including reduced costs and faster processing times, they are not without their drawbacks. 

 

Limited Data and Data Quality

One of the primary reasons AVMs can be prone to errors is the quality and availability of data used in the valuation process. AVMs rely on historical sales data, property characteristics, and local market trends to generate valuations. However, the data available may not always be accurate, complete, or up-to-date.…

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Man Thinking

In the world of real estate, there's a pervasive belief that it's always a good time to buy and sell property. However, the truth is that's not always the case. In fact, sometimes, it's in a client's best interest to hold off on buying or selling real estate altogether.


Now, I know this might sound counterintuitive coming from a real estate professional, but hear me out. As someone who's been in the industry for years, I've seen firsthand the consequences of clients making hasty decisions based solely on the belief that they need to be in the market.


The reality is that the market is constantly changing, and sometimes it's not in a client's favor. While there may be an overall trend toward buying or selling, it's important to take a closer…

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