By Bob Corcoran The last thing you want in this fragile economy is to not get a strong return on your investments. These days you can’t afford to waste a penny. But one area where I often see agents

By Daniel Hanlon Did you know that since 1974, individuals have able to purchase investment real estate with their retirement money as opposed to having it sit in stocks? Individuals who choose this option don’t pay any penalties and

By Craig Witt Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits…to that I say…resist! Keep the healthy habits and drop the unhealthy ones. We are off and running in 2011 and it

By Michael Michalak Although it may seem small when first mentioned, one percent can result in a big change. This came to mind recently when speaking with a buyer about mortgage rates. She was concerned that home prices had

By Greg Viti What makes a great real estate office? For me it starts at the top. The manager is the gate keeper, they set the tone. Recruiting solid agents must be a big part of the good to

by Bill Altier After reading the responses posed by Loretta Alonzo, future president of IAR, I was inspired to submit my own blog detailing my responses to her article. To see her original responses, please click here. In response

By Scott R. Maesel It seems as though short sales are becoming common transactions throughout the residential side of the business. Prominent residential real estate companies in Chicago now tout themselves as Short Sale specialists. Not that there is

Do you have clients that you know are wary about taking the plunge and buying their first home? These buyers waited out 2010, and now they’re asking you if you think 2011 is the year to be a homeowner.

by Zipporah Porton The year is winding down and 2011 is quickly approaching. Before the holidays arrive, after you have caught up on time with the family – or simply gotten some rest – it’s time to get in

Can you believe another 10 years has come and gone? The good news is…a decade is ending. The really good news is…a decade is beginning! Not only a whole new year is upon us, but a chance to make

By Britta Rivera Many agents are fearful of blogging. Most do not believe they are the best writers so they don’t blog. This is a big mistake, since this is a great way to draw prospects to your website.

By Stanley Popovich Stress and anxiety are very common when you work in the real estate industry. As a result, here is a list of techniques that a person in the real estate industry can use to help manage

By Jim Merrion The affordability of a classic single-family home has improved by 66 percent in the seven-county metropolitan Chicago real estate market over the last five years. In the third quarter of 2005, the affordability ratio in the

Over the Thanksgiving holiday week I started taking an inventory of what I was thankful for. This year what really came to mind was my office. I am very very thankful to be where I am at and working

I recently returned from what seemed like a month on the road attending trade shows, our Annual EXIT Realty Convention, NAR and other meetings and appointments with customers. It gets to a point where you are more comfortable in

By Michael Michalak A recent Chicago Skyline article titled “Housing market rising from ashes of the great recession” paints a positive picture. The article mentions appreciation from the Case-Shiller home price index over the past three years. Additionally historically