Seaport Real Estate Services Blog - Tips & Advice

The Trail of Discovery

On a quiet morning, I stand by the window of my hotel room at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, observing the ever-changing skyline. Older buildings, once familiar landmarks, are being knocked down and replaced with modern structures. Yet, amidst this transformation, my gaze settles on the Capital Crescent Trail—a constant through the years, much like the enduring values that guide my life.

Years ago, I embarked on a career with a burgeoning company called Realty Information Group, which later evolved into CoStar Group. This experience wasn't just about aiding corporate growth—it was about discovering my own capabilities and potential. The bustling streets of Bethesda and the challenges of early career life served as my proving grounds. Each week, as…

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The Impending TikTok Ban and Its Broader Implications

In recent weeks, the buzz around the potential U.S. government ban on TikTok has reached a fever pitch. With nearly 170 million American users engaged on the platform, the prospect of losing such a prolific source of entertainment and connection has sparked significant public debate. However, the issues at stake extend far beyond TikTok’s vast user base, touching on critical concerns regarding national security, data privacy, and the influence of foreign powers in American digital spaces.

The Heart of the Matter:

At first glance, TikTok is a vibrant social media platform where creativity and content reign supreme. Yet, beneath the surface, the implications of its operations are vast and complex. Owned by ByteDance, a company based in China,…

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Ethical Real Estate Practices: Lessons from the MV Realty Lawsuit and the Importance of Due Diligence

In real estate, the ethical standards we uphold not only define our business practices but also cultivate the trust we establish with our clients. The recent legal challenges faced by MV Realty in Florida highlight crucial aspects of transparency and fairness in real estate transactions. This blog post explores the implications of the MV Realty lawsuit for the industry and underscores the critical role of due diligence in protecting both agents and homeowners.

The MV Realty Case: An Overview MV Realty, known for its unique homeowner benefit agreements, is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by the Florida Attorney General. The company is accused of deceptive practices by securing 40-year contracts with homeowners that require a 3% commission from any…

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Temporary Buydowns: An Alternative to Price Reductions.

The reality of price reduction is that when a seller lowers their price, the buyer may not know that the price has been reduced, and they likely don’t really care, because they will begin their negotiation from the new, lower price. When this happens, the seller gets no credit for reducing the price, and that is a shame. Also, after a seller or builder has done a price reduction, they are much less likely to entertain the thought of another one. So, reducing price is not always the best option if that leaves no further room for negotiations, which is understandable.

 When the buyer looks for financing, they are seeking the lowest interest rate available on the mortgage, with 0 points. As you know, a buyer can pay a point or two and get a lower interest…

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The Beauty of Cancellation or Last Minute No Show.

In the whirlwind of our daily lives, we often find ourselves meticulously planning every minute, leaving little room for spontaneity. However, life has a funny way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way, such as last-minute cancellations or no-shows. While these moments may initially be met with frustration or disappointment, there's a hidden beauty in embracing them. Let's explore how unexpected cancellations and no-shows can be opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and a fresh perspective on life.

1. Unexpected Free Time

Cancellations open up a slot in your schedule that you didn't anticipate. Instead of viewing this as time wasted, consider it an opportunity. This newfound free time can be used for self-care, pursuing hobbies…

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Commercial Property Owners!!! Do not make these mistakes before selling.

Maximizing Long-Term Value in Real Estate and Business Sales: Top 5 Strategic Mistakes to Avoid

By Tim Bray, Broker/Owner, Seaport Real Estate Services

Hello, I'm Tim Bray, the broker/owner of Seaport Real Estate Services and a graduate in Real Estate & Urban Economics from UConn. Through my years of experience, I've seen how focusing on short-term gains can lead to long-term challenges in real estate and business sales. Let's explore the top five strategic mistakes to avoid for maximizing long-term sale values.

1. The Pitfall of Underreporting Income Underreporting income, particularly through cash transactions, may offer short-term tax benefits, but it drastically reduces your property's perceived profitability and legal standing. Accurate…

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Better to let a fool win a debate than to lose your peace. Wisdom lies in choosing your battles

"Have you ever found yourself in a debate where winning seemed less important than maintaining peace?" 

Better to let a fool win a debate than to lose your peace. Wisdom lies in choosing your battles.

In today's increasingly polarized world, where opinions and beliefs often clash with high intensity, the value of preserving relationships and inner peace becomes paramount. This perspective is not just about avoiding conflict; it's about recognizing the deeper importance of human connections and personal well-being over the fleeting triumph of winning an argument.

The Cost of Winning at All Costs:

1. Relationship Strain: Insisting on winning an argument, especially on sensitive topics, can strain relationships. Friends, family members, and…

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"The Daily Voicemail Hack: Elevate Your Professional Game"

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

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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2023 CT Mill Rates

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. 

How to Calculate Connecticut Property Taxes

The…

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