Realty Executives Associates Celebrates Over 40 Years

Realty Executives Associates, of Knoxville, TN, is proud to celebrate over 40 years of service and growth in 2021. Throughout the decades, Realty Executives Associates has solidified itself as the #1 brokerage of East Tennessee, through its dedication to global resources mixed with a local approach.

Founded in 1977 by R. Vance Burkey, the brokerage brought the Realty Executives industry’s original 100 percent commission model to Knoxville and has now grown to over 700 agents, 13 offices and over 50 employees. Burkey founded the company on the basis of putting agents and their clients first, innovating and cultivating a culture that prides itself on community and providing an unparalleled level of support to not only its agents, but clients as well.

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Well-Known Padre Island Draws in Home Buyers with Hidden Gem North Island

North Padre Island isn’t the typical beach scene of cheesy shops and tourist-filled walkways. Offering miles and miles of undeveloped beach and wilderness, this coastal land is perfect for those looking for an oasis to call home.

With its mix of sea, sand and entertainment, North Padre touts various recreational, cultural and lifelong hobbies and activities not often seen in big cities. Recognized as the longest stretch of undeveloped beach in the world, this Texas gem is much more than spring-breakers and party scenes. 

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Backyard Remodeling Projects to Increase Value

For households that are lucky to have a backyard, the area serves as a haven where they can truly enjoy their free time or escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Whether you spend a lot of time in the backyard, are planning to use this space to entertain your guests, or want to boost your property value, a backyard remodeling project could be the right choice for you. 

No wonder, a majority of homeowners are investing in upgrading their backyards. 

In this post, we have a few simple yet profitable backyard upgrades that will boost the curb appeal and value of your home.

Refresh Your Landscape for Privacy

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Top Five Binge-Worthy Real Estate Shows

Are you a reality TV junkie with a love for real estate? There are so many shows, whether through streaming giants or cable networks, that give you a behind the scene look into the world of real estate, home design and cut-throat business.Check out our list of the top five most binge-worthy real estate shows! 

Selling Sunset

If you follow pop culture at all, you’ve probably heard of Selling Sunset. This Netflix original has become a phenomenon after only three seasons of airing and a fourth on the way. This show follows the fashionable and successful real estate agents and brokers of the Oppenheim Group, an LA-based brokerage, catering to exclusive and luxury clientele. The show not only gives you a glimpse into the world of high-end California real estate, but also provides plenty of drama between fellow agents in and out of the office. Nominated for Critics Choice award and mentioned by several media outlets, this show is a must-watch.

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Common Real Estate Terms and What They Mean

Buying or selling a home is an exciting journey. But with so many different things to research and decide, it may be overwhelming. Especially when you aren’t familiar with terms commonly used during real estate procedures. Our experts are here to help! Let’s go through some of the most common real estate terms and what each one means for you.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

This phrase is mostly used for home buyers who are calculating their loan amount. Your APR is the amount of interest charged every year on the loan.

Contingency

This is one of the most used words in a real estate contract or by a real estate agent. A contingency refers to certain events that must take place in order for the contract, between buyer and seller, to not be nullified or voided. For example, a buyer’s contingency may state that the seller must replace the water heater before sale is final. If the seller chooses not to meet this requirement, the buyer may pull out of the sale.

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5 Tips for Saving Your Down Payment

If you’re wanting to break into the housing market and become a homeowner, the first thing you’ll often need is a home loan. The initial deposit on a home loan is generally between 10 to 20 percent of the total value of the property. There are also other upfront costs to take into account, which can take some home buyers by surprise.

The price of housing is getting more expensive, and that ultimate dream of owning your own home may be appearing out of reach. If you’re wanting to save for a deposit but don’t know where to start, there are several things you can do to help you save more, faster.

1. Take stock of your finances

Saving for a down payment takes time. By having a savings plan, you will stand a better chance of reaching your goal sooner. 

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Broker/Owner Raye Mayhorn Receives Exclusive Luxury Training

Raye Mayhorn, Broker/Owner of Realty Executives of Killeen, recently completed the Luxury Livestream training offered by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the premier source for training and certification of real estate professionals working in high-end markets.

The training builds expertise and skills to serve affluent clients in local markets and abroad. With her completion, Mayhorn has become an exclusive member of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, giving her access to resources and a large network of professionals, helping her find qualified buyers and potential luxury listings in Killeen. 

“The luxury market provides new opportunities for realtors looking to expand their existing real estate business- but they must prepare if they want to be successful.” Alysia Heun, Vice President of Realty Executives International, said. “Our collaboration with The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing has allowed our Executives to access world-class training and resources that thoroughly prepare them to serve luxury clientele. Raye is a wonderful example to show that fantastic realtors never stop learning, and that client service is the number one priority.”

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Best States to Start a Real Estate Business in Right Now

Is 2021 going to be the year you start your real estate business? Perhaps you’re ready to build your business, but you’re not sure about which state is the best place to start. Real estate is one of the best investments you can make, but you must invest your money in the right place. Here are the best states for starting a real estate business in 2021.

Florida

Florida is a great location to start your real estate business. The tax-friendly sunshine state continues to grow in popularity. Florida’s diverse population attracts people from all walks of life. Young independent singles are moving to the state to escape the big city lifestyles in LA and New York. Whilst families are moving for the warm weather and friendly atmosphere. Whatever the reason, people are setting up roots in Florida, and you can capitalize off of this. 

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Realty Executives Elite Home’s Matthew De Fede Completes Luxury Training to Better Serve Growing New Jersey Market

Broker/Owner Matthew De Fede of Realty Executives Elite Homes in Nutley, NJ,  recently completed the Luxury Home Marketing training offered by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the premier independent authority in training and designation for real estate agents working in the luxury residential market.

The training builds expertise and skills to serve affluent clients in local markets. Throughout his real estate career, De Fede has continued to build his portfolio with ongoing education and certifications. The completion of this focused training also provides De Fede with membership into The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, giving him access to exclusive resources used to successfully market  luxury residential listings and find qualified buyers for high-end property in the Nutley community.

 “Institute members represent the most qualified and skilled luxury real estate professionals in their respective markets,” said Diane Hartley, President of The Institute. “They understand the unique needs of high net-worth individuals when it comes to listing and selling luxury estates and have access to an extensive network of successful luxury agents made possible by The Institute.”

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Maribel Salgado-Little Partners with Mainstreet Organization to Open Little Free Library

The Little Free Library has arrived at Memorial Park and Hart Park in Blue Island thanks to the generosity of the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors, local REALTOR® Maribel Salgado-Little with Realty Executives Elite and Board of Director for Mainstreet, and in partnership with the Blue Island Park District, Thomas Wogan, Executive Director, Blue Island 2nd Ward Alderman, Fred Bilotto, and 6th Ward Alderwoman, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman.

As a REALTOR® Maribel is passionate about giving back to the community she grew up in and serves by helping many of her clients sell and buy real estate locally. She wants to inspire every child and adult to enjoy the love of reading by increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds by fostering a community book exchange. The Little Free Library is a free book-sharing box where anyone may take a book or share a book. It functions based on the honor system. You do not need to share a book to take one.

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