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As consumers increasingly use the internet as their main home search tool, real estate professionals know it’s essential to meet them there.

According to a new survey by the National Association of Realtors, agents say the top technology tools they use to obtain leads include social media (used by 47 percent of agents), MLS suites (32 percent), their brokerage’s website (29 percent) and listing aggregator websites (29 percent).

The survey also found that real estate professionals are well aware of the need to stay up to date with advancing technology, but said it remains one of the toughest challenges they face.

As for buyers, the vast majority used a mobile device to search for homes for sale online. They used those devices to look at sites with home listings, photos and others with information about buying a home. Following this initial search, most contacted a real estate agent and viewed an average of 10 homes in 10 weeks before deciding on which one to buy.

“Consumers have the ability to do more homebuying research online than ever before,” NAR President John Smaby said in a statement. “Still, realtors present tremendous value to buyers from every generation and every background. While consumers have more technological tools at their fingertips, realtors continue to be a large part of the home buying and selling equation.”

Survey respondents said the most difficult step in the homebuying process was finding the right property. Of these, 44 percent began looking online as a first step. However, a whopping 87 percent used the help of a real estate agent when buying their home.

That number grows to 90 percent in the case of millennials, who also rank online listing information and photos as the most important features on home search websites. The most important features for baby boomers meanwhile include virtual tours and direct contact with a real estate agent. Those

As for agents, most say they are increasingly embracing technology in order to better serve their clients. Some 93 percent said they prefer using email to communicate with their clients first and foremost, followed by text messages (92 percent), and instant messaging services (37 percent).

Not surprisingly, real estate professionals also find themselves being highly active on social media in order to connect with clients. The most used platforms are Facebook and LinkedIn, with 97 percent and 59 percent of respondents using them. Instagram is also popular, used by 39 percent of agents.

As for real estate companies, these are increasingly providing all manner of specialized software tools to assist their agents, including MLS platforms, comparative market analysis tools, electronic contracts, e-signatures and more.

Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected].
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Source: realtybiznews.com

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With the sparkling Great Lakes, the lower peninsula’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the upper peninsula’s Hiawatha National Forest, there are plenty of reasons to love living in Michigan. If you’re considering residing in Michigan, then chances are you have a budget you’d like to stay under when it comes to renting or buying a home. As of July, the median home sale price in Michigan is $289,000. 

Don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has collected a list of the 15 of the most affordable places to live in Michigan, and they all have a median home sale price under $289,000. From Detroit to Grand Rapids, let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.

#1: Detroit

Median home price: $90,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $78 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,320 
Median household income: $32,498 
Detroit, MI homes for sale
Detroit, MI apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $90,000, Detroit claims the first spot on our list of affordable places to live in Michigan. Detroit is home to roughly 639,100 residents and is known for many things, from its Motown and automotive histories to Detroit-style pizza and professional sports teams. If you’re considering moving to this city make sure to take a tour of the Motown Museum, visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk, and explore Belle Isle Park.

#2: Lansing

Median home price: $140,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $107 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $961 
Median household income: $44,233 
Nearest major metro: Ann Arbor (65 miles)
Lansing, MI homes for sale
Lansing, MI apartments for rent

Taking the second place on our list of affordable cities to live in Michigan is Lansing. When living in this city of 112,600 people, you can visit the Michigan State Capitol building and museums like the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum and the Michigan History Center. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as exploring Crego Park and strolling along the Lansing River Trail.

#3: Taylor

Median home price: $170,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $143 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $775 
Median household income: $52,872 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (18 miles)
Taylor, MI homes for sale
Taylor, MI apartments for rent

About 63,400 people reside in Taylor, which is located just southwest of Detroit. The median home sale price is $170,000 which is about $120K less than the median home sale price in Michigan. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable city, make sure to visit Heritage Park. 

#4: Battle Creek

Median home price: $182,169 
Average sale price per square foot: $147 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,030 
Median household income: $44,233 
Nearest major metro: Lansing (50 miles)
Battle Creek, MI homes for sale
Battle Creek, MI apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Taylor is the city of Battle Creek. With a population close to 52,700, there is still plenty to do in this mid-sized city. Plan to visit green spaces like Leila Arboretum Society and the Woodland Park and Nature Preserve, see a live event at Kellogg Arena, and explore the shops and restaurants in town.

#5: Westland

Median home price: $190,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $164 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,012 
Median household income: $44,233 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (30 miles)
Westland, MI homes for sale
Westland, MI apartments for rent

Another great area to add to your list is Westland. With 85,400 people living in this affordable town, Westland is a great option to consider when looking to live in Michigan without paying the premium for a home in a larger city. Living in Westland, you can explore Nankin Mills Recreation Area where you’ll find a few trails, and stop by Central City Park.

#6: Pontiac

Median home price: $201,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $123 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $775
Median household income: $34,673 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (28 miles)
Pontiac, MI homes for sale
Pontiac, MI apartments for rent

A recognizable Michigan city is Pontiac, where the median home sale price is about $88K less than the state’s average. Home to roughly 61,600 people, Pontiac is a great place to consider buying a home this year. There are lots of activities to do in this city which is just north of Detroit. You can check out downtown Pontiac, see a race at the M1 Concourse, and visit one of the parks like Hawthorne Park, among many other local favorites.

#7: Kalamazoo

Median home price: $210,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $158 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,081 
Median household income: $43,222 
Nearest major metro: Grand Rapids (50 miles)
Kalamazoo, MI homes for sale
Kalamazoo, MI apartments for rent

Coming in seventh place on our list of affordable places to live in Michigan is Kalamazoo. With a population of close to 73,600, living in Kalamazoo is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city to call home. Don’t miss out on exploring the downtown area where you’ll find concert venues, museums, local shops, and stellar restaurants. You can also spend time strolling through the expansive Asylum Lake Preserve and checking out Spring Valley Park if you move to this city.

#8: Warren

Median home price: $211,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $160 
Median household income: $51,796 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (20 miles)
Warren, MI homes for sale
Warren, MI apartments for rent

If you’ve been living in Michigan for some time, you might know of Warren. Almost 139,400 residents call this affordable city home, which is located just north of Detroit. Be sure to spend the day at one of the many parks, go shopping, or eat at a local restaurant once you move to Warren.

#9: Dearborn Heights

Median home price: $215,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $175 
Median household income: $50,987 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (15 miles)
Dearborn Heights, MI homes for sale
Dearborn Heights, MI apartments for rent

With a population of about 63,300, Dearborn Heights is a great place to consider living in Michigan. Fun activities to do in Dearborn Heights include golfing at one of the courses or grabbing a meal at a local restaurant.

#10: Southfield

Median home price: $222,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $156 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,079 
Median household income: $58,076 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (15 miles)
Southfield, MI homes for sale
Southfield, MI apartments for rent

Taking the 10th spot is Southfield, another one of the affordable places to live in Michigan. This city has a population of 76,600 and you can visit parks and nature preserves like Beech Woods Park and Bauervic Woods Park, or golf at one of the courses. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend while living in Southfield.

#11: St. Clair Shores

Median home price: $273,250 
Average sale price per square foot: $182 
Median household income: $62,935 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (18 miles)
St. Clair Shores, MI homes for sale
St. Clair Shores, MI apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $273,250, St. Clair Shores is another affordable city to consider buying a home in this year. There are about 58,900 people living in this city, giving St. Clair Shores a city-like feel without the hustle and bustle. If St. Clair Shores is the city for you, be sure to grab a meal at one of the many lakefront restaurants, and visit the historic Ford House.

#12: Dearborn

Median home price: $240,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $181 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,390 
Median household income: $56,302 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (9 miles)
Dearborn, MI homes for sale
Dearborn, MI apartments for rent

The city of Dearborn takes the 12th spot on our list. For those looking to buy a home, the median sale price is $240,000. If you move to Dearborn, the nearest major metro is Detroit which is just 9 miles west. There is plenty to do in Dearborn like checking out the exhibits at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, touring Fair Lane, the home of Clara and Henry Ford, and exploring Ford Field Park.

#13: Wyoming

Median home price: $273,250 
Average sale price per square foot: $210 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,350 
Median household income: $57,088 
Nearest major metro: Grand Rapids (6 miles)
Wyoming, MI homes for sale
Wyoming, MI apartments for rent

The city of Wyoming is another awesome affordable city to consider residing in. With a median home sale price of $273,250 and a population of 76,500 there are plenty of reasons that might convince you to move to Wyoming. You’ll find lots of activities, such as visiting some of the parks in town like Lamar Park, Battjes Park, Pinery Park, and Palmer Park, and golfing at one of the courses.

#14: Sterling Heights

Median home price: $273,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $194 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,212 
Median household income: $66,346 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (24 miles)
Sterling Heights, MI homes for sale
Sterling Heights, MI apartments for rent

In the 14th spot on our list is Sterling Heights. There are about 134,300 residents in the city, and there is a lot to do in the city whether you’re looking to spend time outdoors or inside. For example, you can explore the tranquil Clinton River Park North, golf at one of the courses, or grab a meal at a local spot.

#15: Grand Rapids

Median home price: $279,900 
Average sale price per square foot: $203 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,150 
Median household income: $51,333 
Nearest major metro: Detroit (157 miles)
Grand Rapids, MI homes for sale
Grand Rapids, MI apartments for rent

Taking the 15th and final spot on our list of most affordable places to live in Michigan is Grand Rapids. The median home sale price in Grand Rapids is $279,900, and there are about 198,900 residents in the area. If you’re looking for something to do while living in Grand Rapids, make sure to check out Ah-Nab-Awen Park along the Grand River where you’ll find historic sites and museums. You can also admire the artwork at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and explore Riverside Park where you can hike, bike, and bird-watch.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Michigan. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

Source: redfin.com

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Things are continuing to heat up in Zillow Group’s legal battle with discount brokerage REX Homes, as the September 18, 2023, trial date looms ever closer.

On Friday, Judge Thomas Zilly, the U.S. District Court judge in Seattle overseeing the lawsuit, issued a minute order denying in part and deferring in part Zillow’s motion for summary judgement in the case.

In mid-June, the three parties involved in the suit, Zillow, REX and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), all filed motions for summary judgment on at least some issues, if not the entire lawsuit.

Three of REX’s claims Zillow filed motions for summary judgement on were denied by Zilly, while Zillow’s motion for summary judgement on REX’s antitrust claim was deferred.

Originally filed by REX in March 2021, the lawsuit alleges that changes made to Zillow’s website “unfairly hides certain listings, shrinking their exposure and diminishing competition among real estate brokers.”

Two months prior, in January 2021, Zillow began moving homes out of its initial search results for sellers who chose not to use agents adhering to the NAR and local multiple listing service (MLS) practices.

In January 2022, NAR filed a countersuit claiming that REX uses false advertising and misleading claims to deceive consumers in violation of the Lanham Act, but the countersuit was dismissed in late April 2022.

In mid-May 2022, REX ceased its brokerage operations. 

Since then, REX, Zillow and NAR have gone back and forth with filing various motions to compel during the discovery phase of the trial.

In his minute order filed on Friday, Zilly denied Zillow’s motion for summary judgement on REX’s Lanham Act claim, REX’s claim for unfair and deceptive trade practices and REX’s defamation claim.

In regards to REX’s Lanham Act claim, Zillow contended that REX cannot prove that the allegedly false statements in question were made in “commercial advertising or promotion,” and that REX cannot establish injury or damages. However, Zilly felt that Zillow had not demonstrated that REX is unable to satisfy the test for commercial advertising or promotion.

In its motion for summary judgement, Zillow also claimed that REX’s unfair or deceptive trade practices claim should fail if the Lanham Act claim fails. However, according to Zilly’s order, REX has pleaded “both the “unfair” and “deceptive” prongs” of a consumer protection act (CPA) violation.

“Zillow has not demonstrated that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law with respect to REX’s CPA claim,” Zilly wrote.

Finally, Zillow’s motion for summary judgement on REX’s defamation claim also was also denied. In the motion, Zillow argued that REX’s defamation claim fails as a matter of law as REX cannot prove damages, however, during oral arguments REX noted that it only seeks nominal damages. Zilly denied the motion as he felt that given the record on this claim, “the Court cannot determine as a matter of law whether REX can prove the actual malice necessary to be entitled to nominal or presumed damages.”

NAR and REX also filed motions for summary judgement on the case in June, but rulings have not yet been issued. 

“We continue to maintain the claims made in REX’s lawsuit are without merit. REX chose to use Zillow’s services to advertise their for-sale properties on Zillow – for free. Zillow has consistently advocated for outdated rules to be changed to allow the broader display of all listings on all platforms, including For Sale By Owner and listings from other companies like REX.  Zillow’s business decisions were squarely focused on improving the data on our site and the experience for customers,” Will Lemke, Zillow’s corporate communications manager, wrote in an email. “We hope the court sees this suit for what it is: REX seized upon Zillow’s website design change to hide its own business failings.”

NAR also believes its side will succeed in the lawsuit.

“While NAR was not a party in Zillow’s filing, we still believe the law is on our side and we remain confident we will ultimately prevail,” Mantill Williams, NAR’s vice president of communications, wrote in an email. “NAR guidelines and local broker marketplaces create highly competitive markets, empower small businesses and ensure equitable home ownership opportunities, superior customer service and greater cost options for all buyers and sellers”

Lawyers for REX did not offer comment on the ruling at this time.

Source: housingwire.com

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For those hiring, there’s a great list of Opendoor alum that were unfortunately impacted by the recent lay-offs curated/aggregated by the Opendoor community. The individuals are broken out by category:

  1. ENGINEERING, PRODUCT, DESIGN, DATA SCIENCE
  2. OPERATIONS
  3. MTTG / BIZ OPS / FIN

Interested? Check them all out…

FIND A CANDIDATE

Source: geekestateblog.com

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Before becoming a Realtor, Brett Rosenthal worked as a real estate attorney. Today, he joins us to talk about his transition to real estate sales and the strategies that helped him find fast success in his new career. Brett shares ways to get more, better leads and covers the art of building rapport when in front of potential clients. This podcast also features market predictions and advice for new real estate agents.

Listen to today’s show and learn:

  • About Brett Rosenthal [1:03]
  • Brett’s transition from real estate law to real estate sales [2:05]
  • How a legal background may help your real estate business [3:14]
  • Why Brett never turns down a deal [4:13]
  • Brett’s first year in real estate [5:12]
  • Why real estate agents shouldn’t only talk about real estate [6:17]
  • What it’s like starting a real estate team [9:17]
  • Alternative ways to win new business [10:30]
  • A trap that too many Realtors fall into [12:37]
  • Stats from Zillow on who consumers choose as their Realtor [14:38]
  • Brett’s follow-up plan [15:48]
  • Why Brett loves Follow Up Boss [17:11]
  • How Brett’s real estate sales have grown over time [24:01]
  • Crucial tasks for generating new business [25:25]
  • A realization that helped Caleb ramp up his repeat and referral business [27:33]
  • Strategies for getting more client reviews [29:25]
  • What’s worked best for Brett on social media [32:38]
  • The future of the Philadelphia real estate market [37:16]
  • A value proposition for investors [39:33]
  • Caleb’s real estate predictions [40:47]
  • Brett’s advice for new real estate agents [42:12]
  • Tips on getting your articles picked up by real estate websites [44:54]
  • Where to find and follow Brett Rosenthal [48:24]

Brett Rosenthal

As an experienced real estate professional, Brett is a member of the top unit producing, award-winning Revolve Philly Group at COMPASS. Their offices are located in Center City Philadelphia and they also work out of Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, Ardmore, and Blue Bell. Brett cover all areas of the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, including the Main Line, Bucks County, Delaware and Montgomery County.

Brett  has received numerous awards and recognition for his sales performance. He was recently ranked in Homesnap’s Top 5 Percent Realtors. Brett was awarded as a Top Real Estate Producer by Philadelphia Magazine. He is a member of the Pennsylvania and Montgomery County Association of Realtors®. Prior to real estate, Brett worked as a sales executive and manager for a business technology company and was an Attorney where he worked in Real Estate Law for a large NYC Law Firm. He received his real estate license in 2015 and focus on providing home buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Brett understands the importance of listening to his clients to find them exactly what they want in a home. Skilled in effectively marketing all ranges of residential and commercial real estate, Brett offers assistance with single family homes, condos, multifamily properties and investment properties. He practices patience, clear communication, and skilled negotiation to work with his clients and adapt to their wants and needs.

Brett’s flexibility, listening skills and hard work ethic contribute to his success. He has had over 215 transactions over the last two years and can sell a home in all markets. Brett’s passion in Real Estate is also helping others succeed in the industry and am constantly looking to hire new agents for their team and help them have instant success. Active in his community, Brett coaches a youth ice hockey team and reside in Philadelphia. As a leader of the busy Revolve Philly Group, Brett has helped many Realtors without any experience at all start successful Real Estate careers and help tons of home buyers and sellers in the Philadelphia area with their home needs. Contact Brett, he would love to work with you!

Related Links and Resources:

Thank You Rockstars!

It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.
-Aaron Amuchastegui

Source: hibandigital.com

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If you want to beat car dealerships at their own game, you need to first understand the true market value of what you’re buying and trading in. You should also get quotes via phone or email before you physically go into the dealership, and then skip all the extras they’ll push you to buy.

Source: moneyunder30.com

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In the United States, we value our cars. We’ve become a nation of drivers. It rarely occurs to us that walking might be an option, even for short journeys. One-quarter of all automobile trips in the U.S. are less than a mile in length; forty percent are less than two miles (one source of many). Looked at another way: of all trips less than a mile in length, eighty percent are made by car (source).

I know a man who drives to work, even though he lives half a mile from his office. Why does he drive? Because he may need the car for some errand during the day. How many errands did he run during the workday last week? None. The week before? None.

I have a family member who will spend time circling a parking lot, looking for the perfect space. In the time it takes her to find these utopic spots, she could usually have parked farther from the entrance and burned some calories by walking a few hundred feet to the store.

Another friend lives just over a mile from her brother. She never walks to see him, but always drives. Why? Because walking would take too long. (The drive takes five minutes because of the road layout; walking takes less than twenty minutes.)

Walking offers tremendous health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking can help:

  • Reduce your risk of heart attack.
  • Manage your blood pressure.
  • Reduce your risk of developing diabetes (or help you to manage an existing condition).
  • Manage your weight.
  • Manage stress and boost spirits.

(Read more in the Mayo Clinic’s Walking for Fitness guide.)

Many fitness programs encourage a regimen of 10,000 steps per day. When I’m sedentary, I get fewer than 2,000 steps per day. How do I know? I track my progress with a pedometer. They’re cheap and effective. I use this model, which costs less than five bucks. I covet this deluxe model, which costs less than twenty.

But walking doesn’t just help you stay fit. It can also help you achieve other goals:

  • The average cost of operating a vehicle is 52.2 cents. Walking is free.
  • A regular walking regimen can take less time than going to the gym. And there are no membership fees.
  • When I walk to the grocery store, I buy much less. A car effectively gives me unlimited carrying capacity. When I have to haul each item home by hand, I’m much more particular about what I purchase.
  • Walking helps you become more aware of your surroundings. I see a lot more of my neighborhood when I walk.
  • The only pollutant you produce when walking is sweat.

Perhaps, like me, you want to walk, but find it easy to rationalize driving. Or you’re procrastinating the start of a fitness program. Or you’re not even sure how to begin. Here are a few ways to make walking easier and more appealing:

  • Walk with a spouse or friend.
  • Walk your dog.
  • Listen to an audiobook.
  • Count your steps.
  • Observe the world around you: the plants, the birds, the beasts.
  • Greet every person you meet. (Yes, this sounds cheesy, but it’s surprisingly fun.)
  • Have a destination in mind: the coffee stand, the park, a friend’s house.

In time, you may even come to like walking. Perhaps you’ll begin taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Maybe you’ll park farther from the entrance to the mall, your office, the library.

Here’s an excellent guide to starting a walking program. For more on this subject, check Could you walk or bike to more places? at Money and Values.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Most buyers are honest people, and are happy to be working with a private party instead of a dealership. To get the best price from your car, follow these steps:

  • Prep your vehicle. Check the vehicle to be certain that everything works. You may consider having a mechanic examine your car and issuing a report about its condition.
  • Research the market. Spend a few weeks scouring your local used-car classifieds to learn what people are asking for similar vehicles. Use the Kelly Blue Book or NADA Guides to get additional information.
  • Set a competitive price. Determine what you think your car is worth, and then add a little to the price for wiggle room. (You don’t want to start negotiations from the price you think the car is worth.) Decide on a rock bottom price below which you will not entertain offers.
  • Gather records. Prepare a folder containing all maintenance records. If you had a mechanic inspect the car, include his report. Consider purchasing a vehicle report from CARFAX — it can help set potential buyers’ minds at ease. Also have a bill-of-sale ready to go. (What you need for a bill-of-sale will vary by location; here’s a list of state motor vehicle division web sites.)
  • Clean your vehicle. Wash the car thoroughly. Don’t just run it through a car wash — scrub it down. Wax it. Clean the interior. Get all the junk out of it and vacuum it. Make it look its best.
  • Create an advertisement that sells. Mention top options and improvements. List any recent upgrades, such as new tires or battery. Has your car lived all its life in a garage? Say so! Do you have all the maintenance records? Mention that, too.
  • Spread the word. Get as much exposure for your ad as possible. The more demand you can generate, the more money you’ll make. Online, try craigslist, Autotrader, and Cars.com. (Quality photos are important for online ads.) Run your ad in a newspaper over the weekend, when it will reach the largest audience.
  • Be prepared to answer questions. People will call or e-mail to ask for more specific information. Be ready to provide it. Keep a list of key facts by the phone.
  • Show your car to interested buyers. If you’re nervous about your ability to deal with people, get somebody to help. You’re selling yourself as well as the car, so make a good impression. Allow the buyer to take a test drive, but be sure to ask for a valid driver’s license first! Permit buyers to take the car to their mechanic, even if you’ve already taken it to yours.
  • Negotiate a fair price. A good price is fair to both parties. Having done your research, you’ll know what your car is worth. Be confident in this knowledge. When you’re sure of a vehicle’s value, it’s easy to stand strong when somebody tries to lowball you. Have a firm bottom price in mind, but if a reasonable offer is only a couple hundred dollars from this figure, consider accepting it.
  • Make the sale. Complete a bill-of-sale transferring ownership. Again, what you need for a bill-of-sale will vary by location. (Here’s a list of state motor vehicle division web sites.) Ask for cash or a cashier’s check. (Here’s a page about avoiding fraud, including fraudulent cashier’s checks).
  • Take care of details. After the sale is complete, cancel your insurance on the vehicle. Offer your phone number to the buyer so that you can answer questions, but be clear that the sale is final.

If anything about the transaction makes you nervous, call it off. If the buyer seems shady, he probably is. If the buyer wants to pay more than you’re asking and then be issues a refund, he’s probably trying to pull a scam. Don’t do it. Trust your gut.

If your car has trouble, if it’s a lemon, don’t sell it to a private party. Sell it to a dealer. You’ll get less money, but you won’t be screwing over somebody else. And the dealer will be better equipped to repair the trouble. Remember: your goal is to provide an excellent transaction for yourself and for the buyer. You’re not there to rip anybody off.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Bonds gave back a bit less than half of Friday’s gains in the overnight session with most of the losses seen after the start of European trading.  That said, there wasn’t any clear connection between data/events and the selling.  It began right after the EU open and accelerated into 6am ET, pulling Treasuries along for the ride.  Two Fed speakers were out over the weekend commenting on the prospects for additional rate hikes.  We have to wonder how much the market cares about such things given the fact that longer term yields are underperforming (opposite would be true if rate expectations were changing much).

Oil prices were among the scapegoats conjured up by reporters in search of concrete correlations.  Since fuel prices are one of the best places that a majority of the population can witness price changes, the connection between oil and inflation/rates resonates with many market watchers.  But when those claims are thrown around, it always makes sense to check the actual market movement.  While there’s no doubt that oil broadly impacts global price pressures, it often fails to justify the intraday movement it’s often credited with.  Today is just such a day with oil generally FALLING at the same time it was being credited as an underlying cause of higher yields.

All of the trading seen so far today can’t help but be relegated to the “noise” category as there are much bigger fish to fry in the coming days.  The opening act will be the newly larger Treasury auctions starting tomorrow afternoon.  We’ll make it through 2 of the 3 before getting the week’s obvious headliner: CPI data on Thursday morning.  

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com