Home Buyers

5 Tips for Saving Your Down Payment

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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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Uncategorized

Broker/Owner Raye Mayhorn Receives Exclusive Luxury Training

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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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Real Estate

Best States to Start a Real Estate Business in Right Now

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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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Executives in the News, Real Estate Agents

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

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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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Executives Giving Back, Press Release

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

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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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Home Design

Kitchen Trends That are Here to Stay

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Whether you want inspiration to revamp your kitchen (and do it right!) or simply learn about what’s the most up-and-coming in the realm of kitchen design, we’ve got you covered.

There are many kitchen design trends that spring up each year, but here we dive deep into the top four ones that are very much here to stay.

Kitchen Islands

Breakfast bars and kitchen islands are not a new trend, but they’re surely here to stay. These provide a cozy spot for quick and casual dining and can also serve as a workplace with storage.

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Homeowners, Real Estate

Tips for Moving During Winter

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Often considered the most magical time of the year, winter can be a tough season for any kind of obligation. Relocating can get messy on any regular day, let alone during a snowstorm or cold day. Luckily, we have some tips to tackle some difficulties of moving during winter.

Watch the weather

If you’re relocating during winter, it’s important to watch the weather forecast. Although weather can change quickly and unexpectedly, you can try to monitor as best you can and plan to move on a day that is reporting a high percentage of no snow or ice.

Prepare the gear for moving during winter.

You can minimize all the risks by preparing the necessary gear. This mostly applies to the transportation vehicle for you and your belongings. Some things you may need are:

  • Tire chains
  • Aid kit
  • Shovel for snow
  • Tow rope
  • Resilient window wipers
  • Warm clothes and blankets
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Executives Giving Back

Realty Executives Raises 18,000 for Charity

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Realty Executives First Choice, of Winnipeg, MB, has raised and donated a total of $18,000 this year, for the Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) Shelter Foundation. The donations will be used to support various Manitoba shelter-focused non-profits.

The MREA Shelter Foundation was founded in 2007, with the mission to raise money and support for charities helping Manitoba community members receive shelter. Throughout its existence the foundation has raised over $945,000. Realty Executives First Choice became involved with the charity in 2009. All money raised was given directly by brokerage Executives, many donating a percentage of their commission throughout the year. Shona Scappaticci, Broker Associate of First Choice, is a board member of the MREA Shelter Foundation and is thankful for all the support her fellow Executives have shown. 

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Real Estate Agents

Habits of Highly Productive Real Estate Agent

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The real estate market is affected by so many factors, and yet top, elite agents find a way to always grow and thrive in any market.

Sherri Johnson, premier real estate gives her take on how to work like the most productive agents do!

Making the difference

I remember my first manager telling me that I could make it in any market because I went out and “made it happen” and didn’t rely on one particular lead source for all my business. When you truly know how to add value and deliver five-star level service, you can create your own success. It takes grit, dedication, a business plan and a winning mindset.

Here, I share the “uncommon” characteristics of top selling real estate agents that allow them to keep growing their business regardless of outside economic factors.

These atypical but totally necessary behaviors ring true with all top, elite agents. When adopted and implemented fully, these attributes will become the “difference makers” you need to go from good to great and from wishful thinking to potentially doubling or tripling your production and income.

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Homeowners

Preparing Your Home For a Winter Storm

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Do you live somewhere where blizzards are a regular part of your winter life? Many homeowners struggle with having to get ready for a harsh season and harsh conditions hitting their home. Let’s go through a checklist of what you can do to get your home ready for winter.

Stock Up

Now let’s not go toilet paper crazy like we saw in the early months of COVID-19, but it may be a good idea to get a few essential items before being trapped inside because of a blizzard. De-icing salt, shovels, flashlights and batteries are all great items to pick up.  You’ll want flashlights and batteries, just in case the power goes out. The salt is a necessity for many homeowners since oftentimes driveways and walkways get very slick during winter, while the shovel will come in handy once snow starts to build up and you have to dig your doorway or garage out. If you live in an apartment or rented property, the chances are your landlord has hired a service to salt and plow these areas, so you luck out!

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