decades

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I love shopping at thrift stores. You can find the coolest things for little money, and I’m always one trying to save. So what should you buy?

For the First-time Thrifter: Books, Pottery, and Hard Furniture

For the Seasoned Secondhand Shopper: Upholstered Furniture and Light Fixtures

What You Shouldn’t Buy Secondhand: experts’ lists include mattresses, stuffed animals, pillows and “anything soft that looks like it could have collected decades of dust that has sunken into it.” Buy linens, blankets, and the like only if you’re able to wash them. 

Expert Thrifters’ Favorite Finds and Tips

  • Reuse over buying new
  • Mix thrifted pieces alongside modern items for a fresh take on vintage-style.
  • Look for items with good bones and personality.
  • Consider items that aren’t in the art or home decor section as art.

(RealSimple)

Source: q1019.iheart.com

Apache is functioning normally

In the competitive world of real estate recruitment, brokerages fight for the attention and loyalty of talented agents who can drive their success. As the lifeblood of the industry, agents play an important role in attracting clients, closing deals and determining the ultimate profitability of a brokerage. For real estate firms, recruiting a high number of agents as well as recruiting the best-fit agents for your firm is the key to long-term success. 

Today, new brokerage models and disruptors are the norm. A firm’s ability to adjust to new competitors and evolve its way of doing business will determine if it comes out ahead in the agent attraction showdown.  

At the heart of our comparative analysis, we’ll examine two popular brokerage models: the flat-fee model and the traditional model. Each one boasts its own approach to compensating and supporting agents, promising distinct advantages and challenges. By examining the data, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of each and determine which ultimately comes out ahead. 

The flat-fee model: Simplifying compensation, embracing independence

In the flat-fee model, the traditional commission-based structure takes a backseat. Instead, agents are charged a fixed fee or a flat monthly rate, which allows them to retain a more substantial portion of their commissions from transactions. This straightforward approach grants agents the freedom to keep more of their hard-earned income, resulting in potentially higher take-home pay.

  1. Pros:
    1. Perceived enhanced earnings with a reduced fee structure.
    2. Flexibility to structure their services and marketing strategies to fit their needs.
    3. Lower financial risk by keeping costs low, particularly during leaner times.
  1. Cons:
    1. Typically, limited support and resources in the form of training, marketing, etc. 
    2. Usually, less brand recognition as compared to well-established traditional firms.

The traditional model: Commission-driven powerhouses

In the traditional model, agents are compensated through the classic commission-based structure. They earn a percentage of the commission from each completed transaction, but a portion of it is shared with the brokerage. This model has been the bedrock of the real estate industry for decades, with established firms carrying well-known brand identities.

  1. Pros:
    1. Extensive support and training with a significant investment in agent development, mentorship, and marketing resources.
    2. Established brand recognition, attracting clients and contributing to an agent’s credibility.
    3. High-value transactions due to their market position and network.
  1. Cons:
    1. Higher cost structure, leading to potentially lower take-home earnings.
    2. Limited flexibility with agents sometimes bound by brokerage policies and practices, typically leaving less room for individual business decisions.

The analysis 

To assess the agent attraction expertise of the flat-fee and traditional brokerage models, we looked to the data. We meticulously examined a collection of 20 of the largest real estate firms; 10 flat-fee firms collectively closing $100B in annual sales volume versus ten traditional firms which were also collectively closing $100B in annual volume [2022 RealTrends 500 brokerage data]. We excluded from our analysis any alternative models, disrupters, luxury brands and any other firms that may skew our findings.

Agent count & average sides per agent comparison

Using 2022 data from RealTrends, we first looked at the number of agents associated with each model as well as the total number of sides transacted. The data reveals that flat-fee firms collectively had a 136% higher agent headcount than their counterparts, the traditional models.

As a whole, the flat-fee firms also transacted more sides than traditional firms; approximately 19% more sides closed. We would expect that flat-fee firms would transact a higher number of deals since they have a significantly higher agent count. However, agents within the flat-fee model on average closed four deals per agent while agents within the traditional model closed eight deals per agent.

Average volume per agent & average home price per transaction comparison

Another critical data point to review is found in the average closed volume per agent. A higher closed volume can indicate an agent’s future earning potential as well as longevity in the business. In addition to examining the total volume, it’s also helpful to review the average size of the deals closed by agents within each model, which will provide insight into experience level and expertise.   

The data shows that agents within flat-fee firms close less in average volume per agent, approximately 52% less. We can also see that they also closed smaller deals, on average.  

Attracting new-to-the-business agents

Based on the statistical analysis, it becomes apparent that flat-fee firms often focus on a large agent count with high transaction volume. A notable trend emerges where agents drawn to flat-fee models are frequently those who are relatively new to the industry or are brand new licensees. Additionally, individuals attracted to the part-time flexibility that a real estate career offers are inclined towards flat-fee firms.

Consequently, a greater number of agents are required within flat-fee firms to achieve equivalent volume targets. Remarkably, this demand for increased agent numbers has not posed a deterrent for flat-fee firms, as evidenced by their substantial growth in recent years.

Historical shifts

While the initial data analysis reinforces existing assumptions, a more interesting and unexpected dimension emerges when historical shifts in volume and sides across both brokerage models are examined. Following the post-COVID real estate boom, both flat-fee and traditional firms experienced a surge in sides transacted as well as increasing property values, contributing to an upswing in overall sales volume.

However, the scenario shifted in 2022 with the market downturn. Traditional brokerages experienced a sharper decline in sides, attributed in part to agents leaving due to high costs, whereas flat-fee firms exhibited greater resilience. The notion that flat-fee models attract individuals who do not rely primarily on real estate as their main business is worth noting. Most intriguing is the fact that although sides decreased more significantly, the impact on overall sales volume was less severe for traditional firms compared to flat-fee firms.

A plausible theory suggests that agents within traditional firms specialize in higher value properties than flat-fee firms, leading to increased value growth. Their higher production per agent, coupled with greater experience and support, equips them to navigate market fluctuations more adeptly.

Takeaways:

  • Stability in challenging times:
    • Flat-fee models were less affected by side reductions in bad years, possibly due to part-time agents with diverse income sources.
  • Traditional brokerage strategy:
    • Traditional models maintained stable sales volume despite fewer sides, likely due to experienced agents handling higher-value deals.
  • Diverse model strengths:
    • Flat fee emphasized transactional efficiency, accommodating a larger number of transactions.
    • Traditional models prioritized experienced agents and larger deals, ensuring steady revenue despite lower transaction count.
  • Market adaptation:
    • Both models should consider adapting strategies to market conditions and leveraging their unique strengths.

As we conclude our analysis, it’s evident that the many seasons of change in real estate demand a strategic negotiation between innovation and tradition. Agents, the driving force of the industry, now have the luxury of choice. To win in agent attraction, flat-fee models can further bolster their appeal by offering targeted support and mentorship, enhancing their brand recognition, and cultivating a sense of community among their diverse agent base. 

Conversely, traditional models can leverage their established brand identities to attract experienced agents while embracing flexibility in their offerings to cater to the changing preferences of a new generation of real estate professionals. By embracing the strengths of both models and charting a course that resonates with modern agents, brokerages can ensure they remain at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.

Diana Zaya is the founder and president of Maverick RE Consulting.

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

In the competitive world of real estate recruitment, brokerages fight for the attention and loyalty of talented agents who can drive their success. As the lifeblood of the industry, agents play an important role in attracting clients, closing deals and determining the ultimate profitability of a brokerage. For real estate firms, recruiting a high number of agents as well as recruiting the best-fit agents for your firm is the key to long-term success. 

Today, new brokerage models and disruptors are the norm. A firm’s ability to adjust to new competitors and evolve its way of doing business will determine if it comes out ahead in the agent attraction showdown.  

At the heart of our comparative analysis, we’ll examine two popular brokerage models: the flat-fee model and the traditional model. Each one boasts its own approach to compensating and supporting agents, promising distinct advantages and challenges. By examining the data, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of each and determine which ultimately comes out ahead. 

The flat-fee model: Simplifying compensation, embracing independence

In the flat-fee model, the traditional commission-based structure takes a backseat. Instead, agents are charged a fixed fee or a flat monthly rate, which allows them to retain a more substantial portion of their commissions from transactions. This straightforward approach grants agents the freedom to keep more of their hard-earned income, resulting in potentially higher take-home pay.

  1. Pros:
    1. Perceived enhanced earnings with a reduced fee structure.
    2. Flexibility to structure their services and marketing strategies to fit their needs.
    3. Lower financial risk by keeping costs low, particularly during leaner times.
  1. Cons:
    1. Typically, limited support and resources in the form of training, marketing, etc. 
    2. Usually, less brand recognition as compared to well-established traditional firms.

The traditional model: Commission-driven powerhouses

In the traditional model, agents are compensated through the classic commission-based structure. They earn a percentage of the commission from each completed transaction, but a portion of it is shared with the brokerage. This model has been the bedrock of the real estate industry for decades, with established firms carrying well-known brand identities.

  1. Pros:
    1. Extensive support and training with a significant investment in agent development, mentorship, and marketing resources.
    2. Established brand recognition, attracting clients and contributing to an agent’s credibility.
    3. High-value transactions due to their market position and network.
  1. Cons:
    1. Higher cost structure, leading to potentially lower take-home earnings.
    2. Limited flexibility with agents sometimes bound by brokerage policies and practices, typically leaving less room for individual business decisions.

The analysis 

To assess the agent attraction expertise of the flat-fee and traditional brokerage models, we looked to the data. We meticulously examined a collection of 20 of the largest real estate firms; 10 flat-fee firms collectively closing $100B in annual sales volume versus ten traditional firms which were also collectively closing $100B in annual volume [2022 RealTrends 500 brokerage data]. We excluded from our analysis any alternative models, disrupters, luxury brands and any other firms that may skew our findings.

Agent count & average sides per agent comparison

Using 2022 data from RealTrends, we first looked at the number of agents associated with each model as well as the total number of sides transacted. The data reveals that flat-fee firms collectively had a 136% higher agent headcount than their counterparts, the traditional models.

As a whole, the flat-fee firms also transacted more sides than traditional firms; approximately 19% more sides closed. We would expect that flat-fee firms would transact a higher number of deals since they have a significantly higher agent count. However, agents within the flat-fee model on average closed four deals per agent while agents within the traditional model closed eight deals per agent.

Average volume per agent & average home price per transaction comparison

Another critical data point to review is found in the average closed volume per agent. A higher closed volume can indicate an agent’s future earning potential as well as longevity in the business. In addition to examining the total volume, it’s also helpful to review the average size of the deals closed by agents within each model, which will provide insight into experience level and expertise.   

The data shows that agents within flat-fee firms close less in average volume per agent, approximately 52% less. We can also see that they also closed smaller deals, on average.  

Attracting new-to-the-business agents

Based on the statistical analysis, it becomes apparent that flat-fee firms often focus on a large agent count with high transaction volume. A notable trend emerges where agents drawn to flat-fee models are frequently those who are relatively new to the industry or are brand new licensees. Additionally, individuals attracted to the part-time flexibility that a real estate career offers are inclined towards flat-fee firms.

Consequently, a greater number of agents are required within flat-fee firms to achieve equivalent volume targets. Remarkably, this demand for increased agent numbers has not posed a deterrent for flat-fee firms, as evidenced by their substantial growth in recent years.

Historical shifts

While the initial data analysis reinforces existing assumptions, a more interesting and unexpected dimension emerges when historical shifts in volume and sides across both brokerage models are examined. Following the post-COVID real estate boom, both flat-fee and traditional firms experienced a surge in sides transacted as well as increasing property values, contributing to an upswing in overall sales volume.

However, the scenario shifted in 2022 with the market downturn. Traditional brokerages experienced a sharper decline in sides, attributed in part to agents leaving due to high costs, whereas flat-fee firms exhibited greater resilience. The notion that flat-fee models attract individuals who do not rely primarily on real estate as their main business is worth noting. Most intriguing is the fact that although sides decreased more significantly, the impact on overall sales volume was less severe for traditional firms compared to flat-fee firms.

A plausible theory suggests that agents within traditional firms specialize in higher value properties than flat-fee firms, leading to increased value growth. Their higher production per agent, coupled with greater experience and support, equips them to navigate market fluctuations more adeptly.

Takeaways:

  • Stability in challenging times:
    • Flat-fee models were less affected by side reductions in bad years, possibly due to part-time agents with diverse income sources.
  • Traditional brokerage strategy:
    • Traditional models maintained stable sales volume despite fewer sides, likely due to experienced agents handling higher-value deals.
  • Diverse model strengths:
    • Flat fee emphasized transactional efficiency, accommodating a larger number of transactions.
    • Traditional models prioritized experienced agents and larger deals, ensuring steady revenue despite lower transaction count.
  • Market adaptation:
    • Both models should consider adapting strategies to market conditions and leveraging their unique strengths.

As we conclude our analysis, it’s evident that the many seasons of change in real estate demand a strategic negotiation between innovation and tradition. Agents, the driving force of the industry, now have the luxury of choice. To win in agent attraction, flat-fee models can further bolster their appeal by offering targeted support and mentorship, enhancing their brand recognition, and cultivating a sense of community among their diverse agent base. 

Conversely, traditional models can leverage their established brand identities to attract experienced agents while embracing flexibility in their offerings to cater to the changing preferences of a new generation of real estate professionals. By embracing the strengths of both models and charting a course that resonates with modern agents, brokerages can ensure they remain at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.

Diana Zaya is the founder and president of Maverick RE Consulting.

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

A community bank in Oklahoma is upset over the Department of Justice’s characterization of the redlining settlement the two parties entered into Monday.

Endeavor Moore Media – stock.ado

American Bank of Oklahoma has agreed to settle redlining charges brought by the Department of Justice and will make restitution by lending $1 million in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Tulsa. 

Executives of the Collinsville, Oklahoma, bank denied wrongdoing. In a press release late Monday, they said they entered into the settlement “to avoid the cost and distraction of protracted litigation.” 

Chief Executive Joe Landon criticized the DOJ for disclosing racially charged emails the government claims American Bank employees forwarded to each other, and for mentioning the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in its press release announcing the settlement, as well as in the complaint against American Bank. 

Both consent order and complaint were filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma in Tulsa. 

According to the DOJ’s 24-page complaint, American Bank employees circulated emails that contained racial slurs, including use of the “N-word” in its entirety. Other emails exchanged among co-workers at the bank touched on sensitive topics like immigration, gang violence and the supposed decline of Detroit, Michigan.

American Bank of Oklahoma CEO Joe Landon

But in an interview Monday, Landon said “the majority” of the emails DOJ referenced came from outside the bank “and I have no control over that.” 

“I get 100 to 200 emails a day. I don’t read them all,” Landon added. 

In a subsequent statement, American Bank claimed that “many of the quotes were taken from unsolicited communications forwarded or written by third parties, and others were taken out of context.”

“Any racially or ethnically insensitive sentiments included in these emails do not reflect our culture or values,” American Bank added in the statement. 

The DOJ also noted some of the neighborhoods American Bank allegedly redlined were victimized in the 1921 Race Massacre, where white rioters destroyed the city’s largely African American Greenwood District, killing as many as 300 people, according to some accounts.

“Providing equal access to credit is essential in every community, but the painful history of Tulsa makes this agreement particularly poignant because the redlined areas include historically Black neighborhoods that have endured the legacy of racial violence and the continuing effects of segregation and discrimination,” Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke said Monday in a press release. 

The complaint is more explicit on this point, stating the “area that [American Bank] redlined includes the historically Black neighborhoods in Tulsa that were the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.”

Landon, for his part, said he founded American Bank in 1998, nearly eight decades after the attack on Greenwood. He voiced his concern that mentioning the Race Massacre might dampen customer interest in the lending program American Bank has agreed to undertake in the settlement.

“We were kind of shocked that they brought that up,’ Landon said Tuesday in an interview. “We didn’t see the relevance. We’re moving into a new community. We’re going to do our best. I think we can be successful there. … I sure don’t see it as helping.”

Andrea Mitchell, American Bank’s attorney, called the DOJ’s references to the 1921 Race Massacre “politically charged and entirely irrelevant.”

“Seeking to link bank conduct to this event over 100 years ago entirely undermines the remedial purpose of a consent agreement, which is to create a framework for banks to develop trust with minority communities to be able to better serve those communities with mortgage credit and other banking services,” Mitchell, managing partner at the law firm Mitchell Sandler in Washington, said Tuesday in a statement. 

A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment on its references to the 1921 Race Massacre. 

The DOJ claimed the $383 million-asset American Bank steered clear of minority neighborhoods in the Tulsa metropolitan statistical area, confining its operations to majority white communities. “American Bank of Oklahoma engaged in the illegal practice of redlining and failed to serve the diverse members of our Tulsa community as they attempted to purchase homes,” Clinton Johnson, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, said in DOJ’s press release. 

The DOJ alleged that American Bank’s federal regulator, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., warned about fair-lending risk and recommended specific measures to address the issue. None of the recommendations were implemented and, as a result, American Bank made far fewer mortgage loans in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods compared with similarly situated lenders, according to the DOJ. 

But Landon said American Bank’s business model has been to focus on small towns in eastern Oklahoma, rather than deliberately avoiding lending to mortgage borrowers in Tulsa’s minority neighborhoods. “I’m from a small community,” Landon said Tuesday. “I’ve always lived in a small community. I love small towns. That’s one of the reasons we chose where we are. It had nothing to do with race.” 

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

Apache is functioning normally

Creating a sleek space is simple and can involve elevating pieces you already own.

If your living room is feeling dull or just plain outdated, elevating your living space to have a more modern and sleek feel is your solution. Modern decor seamlessly blends style with functionality, creating an ambiance that feels timeless but also in the moment. It’s also important to note that modern and contemporary styles hold key distinctions, and we’ll note some differences to look for later.

From the muted perfection of neutral tones to the boldness and power of a few carefully placed statement pieces, our 13 tips will transform your living room into a modern masterpiece. No matter your personal aesthetic, crafting a living room that transcends time and trends feels unmistakably modern.

What makes a modern space, modern?

Modern decor is defined as distinct features that, together, create a sleek, clean and sophisticated aesthetic. As decor trends evolve and experience fluctuating popularity, modern decor shines in what seems to be timelessness. However, like everything else, modern decor retains some strong influences with aesthetics developed decades ago.

That’s perhaps why the term “modern” is frequently misused in the realm of interior decoration. Its confusion with the contemporary style is fairly widespread.

The modern style that we encounter today actually stems from a German design movement that originated at the cusp of the 20th century, specifically the Bauhaus movement. This so-called “modern” style in furnishings and decor dominated the early-to-mid 20th century before transforming to another style we love today, mid-century modern.

Modern design pays homage to natural materials, employs neutral or earthy tones and embraces a minimalist approach by removing excessive embellishments. While contemporary styling can encompass a diverse color palette that carries some brash, bohemian influences at times, the modern style more strictly adheres to monochromatic hues in lieu of anything overtly loud or adventurous.

Modern vs. Contemporary: Telling Them Apart

Because the distinctions between modern and contemporary styles still probably seem confusing, we’ll break it down into bullet points so you get the exact style you’re going for. If contemporary calls to you, great! You’ve found new language for the look you envision, and that’s never a bad thing.

Modern

  • Functional furniture pieces with clean lines
  • Minimalistic vibes, mid-century influence
  • Neutral color usage throughout most of the room
  • Furniture that serves more than one purpose
  • Sparse natural material embellishments that add visual interest

Contemporary

  • An eclectic fusion of diverse influences
  • Bold patterns and textures, and sometimes colors
  • Dramatic and sculptural lighting fixtures
  • Functional art pieces that blur the line between form and function
  • Global inspirations
  • Signature furniture pieces with unique silhouettes and unconventional shapes
  • Eclectic mix of classic pieces with modern elements

13 modern living room tips to update your space

The key to a successful modern living room design is finding a balance between functionality, aesthetics and your personal style preferences. These tips offer guidance to work conjunctively with your own unique tastes to achieve your modern masterpiece.

1. Paint the walls a neutral color

If you’re allowed to paint your walls in a rental (make sure to check with your landlord first), this is a great way to set the modern tone in your space. Whether that be a crisp off-white or a cool grey, neutral wall tones can shift the space from feeling dull to more modern in a few paint strokes.

2. Install open shelves

An open display shelf is a great way to combine clean lines and functionality. For a rustic modern look, try a wooden ladder propped up against the wall and adorned with your favorite decor items.

3. Adorn the room with a natural rug

Modern living rooms often feel too simple, leading to a sterile feeling that just isn’t homey. Add visual interest to the space with textures like a natural rug. A faux cowhide rug, furry rug or even a woven jute rug can break up the monotony of neutral tones and minimalist furniture while maintaining a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

4. Illuminate the room with a simple floor lamp

By incorporating a simple floor lamp into your modern living room decor, you create a well-lit and visually appealing space. This piece offers some creative freedom when it comes to choosing the style of the lamp.

5. Make a statement with an artistic focal piece

A statement art piece serves as the visual center of attention in your living room. It’s the first thing that catches the eye when someone enters the room, which sets the tone for the entire space. This is important in modern design, where bold and captivating art piece breaks the monotony of minimalism and adds intrigue.

6. Opt for acrylic or glass pieces

Acrylic and glass pieces are a great option for working with a limited color scheme. Plus, they look space-age and modern. For example, a transparent coffee table creates sleek sharp lines while naturally matching the colors around it. Acrylic furniture is also inexpensive and is easily repurposed in other rooms.

7. Add smart home technology

Part of the modern aesthetic is the newest and freshest technology. Smart devices complement modern spaces well and seamlessly integrate into the sleek and minimalist design. Think smart lighting, speakers and other on-trend appliances.

8. Go bold with geometric patterns

Introduce modern geometric patterns through rugs and throw pillows to infuse a contemporary vibe. Choosing a pattern that resonates with your personal taste is a great way to add personality to the space as well.

9. Play with decorative mirrors

Mirrors are great decor pieces that naturally reflect light which helps the space feel larger. On top of their benefits related to room size, they’re also neutral when it comes to fitting a color scheme. (And if you liked the one we featured two photos up, we linked to one similar to it here.)

10. Create continuity with strategically placed wood items

Wooden furniture is a staple when it comes to monochromatic living rooms. The natural color of the wood often seamlessly fits into the feel of the room, while remaining a timeless piece with repurposing opportunities in other decor themes down the road.

11. Remove furniture to create negative space

Negative space, which is defined as the intentional creation of empty spots, is a common theme in modernly decorated spaces. Less is more in a modern living room, so purging unnecessary decor items and furniture is a must.

12. Add wall-mounted shelves and open up floor space

If you struggle to fill large open shelving and want to utilize wall space, opt for wall-mounted storage, like floating shelves. This also creates more negative space, helping give your space a more modern feel.

13. Make use of monochrome

Picking one color and using varying shades is the most common theme found in modern decor. The easiest way to go about crafting your color scheme is to select a base color and gather shades, tints and tones of that color. Create depth with contrasting light and dark variations by consulting paint experts or using color templates on Pinterest and other design platforms.

Your modern living room awaits

Incorporating these tips can help you craft a modern living room that exudes confidence and functionality while keeping with the times. With these tips and recommendations, you can easily achieve a modern living space that embraces both contemporary aesthetics and your unique preferences — even without hiring an interior designer.

Remember, modern design is about embracing simplicity and making every piece count, resulting in a space that feels efficient and effortlessly up-to-date. Find your dream apartment to make your modern muse today!

At Rent., our goal is to be the most efficient digital resource to help people find and live in a place they love. We strive to help renters make informed decisions by providing them with valuable information and advice, including money-saving tips, local guides, HD photos and certified ratings and reviews from actual residents.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Anne Hodge and Debra Dobbs are joining the Chicago office of Compass, the company announced Friday. The top agents were previously at brokerage @properties.

“We are thrilled to welcome Anne and Debra to our growing Chicagoland team,” Fran Broude, regional vice president at Compass, said in a statement. 

With her 20 years of experience, Hodge is one of the top-producing agents in the western suburbs of Chicago. Before becoming an agent, she was a civil engineer. She ranked 102nd in the 2023 RealTrends ranking of the top agents in Illinois by volume. Her sales volume was of $25,146,500 in 2022.

“I’m excited to be working alongside the top real estate agents in Chicago and look forward to tapping into the Compass tools that are proven to scale agent business,” Hodge said in a statement.

Dobbs, on the other hand, has nearly four decades of experience. She ranked among the top 1% of Chicago Realtors in 2017 and is also a past president of the Women’s Council of Realtors. On her website, Dobbs claims that she was among @properties’ 2022 Altitude Award earners, which indicates that her team raked in between $20 million and $50 million in total sales volume. 

“We’re excited to bring our business to the end-to-end Compass platform and integrate AI-based processes to the benefit of our clients,” Dobbs said.

Compass joined the Chicago market in 2017 and has since grown to 22 offices and over 1,600 licensed agents, the company said.

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

Your job in real estate is to be a problem solver. There is no greater problem for a motivated seller than figuring out why their home didn’t sell! You are a real estate professional, they have a home to sell. It makes a lot of sense for you to be speaking with each other.

If you do not yet have the wealth you desire and deserve, it’s simply because you have yet to figure out how to help enough people reach their goals. When you help enough people achieve their goals, achieving yours will follow!

The most logical prospect for listings in any real estate market is the homeowner of an expired listing. They clearly have a desire to sell and have demonstrated the willingness to list.

Expired Math. Let’s say you are committed to earning while you learn, that you become only somewhat efficient at prospecting expired sellers, somewhat proficient with the scripts and closing, and you win some of the time… The math is still on your side!

Let’s break down the numbers:

When you have 10 conversations per week with expired sellers, two to three will relist the property immediately. At least one will list with you. When you do this just two weeks per month, using the average sale price in the U.S. today of $400,000, netting you $9,600 after 20% expenses per transaction, that’s 2 x $9600/month = $19,200 per month x 12 months = $230,400. This is if you are only somewhat OK with this skill. Earn while you learn. As you get incrementally better, so will your expired math.

Secret: Many of our coaching clients can set one expired appointment per day, take two listings per week, and are grossing over $1 million per year. why? Because it’s not just the expired listing that you are selling, it’s the additional business it creates for you. You can sell that listing, generate buyers from your marketing, open houses, and prospecting around that listing, then lather, rinse, and repeat.

The ratios of contacts to conversions are the best of any opportunity you have in real estate. When you’re good at the script, one in 20 will turn into listings for you. When you’re great at the script it will be 1 in 10 — on some days even better than that. It’s extremely efficient.

Expired listings have been market tested. You know what the wrong price is in most cases. Sometimes you can relist at the same price and sell right away. Either way, the days on the market for relisted expireds are way less than fresh listings, especially in a shifting market. You can see this when you monitor your MLS hot sheet daily. You’ll see a home expire, get relisted, and sell in 30 days or less in most cases.

The agent you would have competed against has failed to sell the home. The seller is now serious about getting a fresh approach from someone who will solve their problem. They’re now open to listing with someone they don’t already know.

The seller of an expired home will correct any negative feedback for you when you relist it, versus resisting when it was a fresh listing. They are much more ‘coachable’ and motivated. They’ll often say, ‘Just tell me what to do to get this done!’

The listing will create more business for you as a result of all of your efforts to sell it.

The scripts are logical and easy to learn. Remember that you’re there to solve a problem, speaking to (almost always) a very motivated seller! Don’t wing it. Instead, follow a systematic approach, asking logical questions which will lead you to a prequalified appointment and then your next new listing.

Tim and Julie Harris host a podcast for real estate professionals. Tim and Julie of Premier Coaching have been real estate coaches for more than two decades, coaching the top agents in the country through different types of markets.

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

Your job in real estate is to be a problem solver. There is no greater problem for a motivated seller than figuring out why their home didn’t sell! You are a real estate professional, they have a home to sell. It makes a lot of sense for you to be speaking with each other.

If you do not yet have the wealth you desire and deserve, it’s simply because you have yet to figure out how to help enough people reach their goals. When you help enough people achieve their goals, achieving yours will follow!

The most logical prospect for listings in any real estate market is the homeowner of an expired listing. They clearly have a desire to sell and have demonstrated the willingness to list.

Expired Math. Let’s say you are committed to earning while you learn, that you become only somewhat efficient at prospecting expired sellers, somewhat proficient with the scripts and closing, and you win some of the time… The math is still on your side!

Let’s break down the numbers:

When you have 10 conversations per week with expired sellers, two to three will relist the property immediately. At least one will list with you. When you do this just two weeks per month, using the average sale price in the U.S. today of $400,000, netting you $9,600 after 20% expenses per transaction, that’s 2 x $9600/month = $19,200 per month x 12 months = $230,400. This is if you are only somewhat OK with this skill. Earn while you learn. As you get incrementally better, so will your expired math.

Secret: Many of our coaching clients can set one expired appointment per day, take two listings per week, and are grossing over $1 million per year. why? Because it’s not just the expired listing that you are selling, it’s the additional business it creates for you. You can sell that listing, generate buyers from your marketing, open houses, and prospecting around that listing, then lather, rinse, and repeat.

The ratios of contacts to conversions are the best of any opportunity you have in real estate. When you’re good at the script, one in 20 will turn into listings for you. When you’re great at the script it will be 1 in 10 — on some days even better than that. It’s extremely efficient.

Expired listings have been market tested. You know what the wrong price is in most cases. Sometimes you can relist at the same price and sell right away. Either way, the days on the market for relisted expireds are way less than fresh listings, especially in a shifting market. You can see this when you monitor your MLS hot sheet daily. You’ll see a home expire, get relisted, and sell in 30 days or less in most cases.

The agent you would have competed against has failed to sell the home. The seller is now serious about getting a fresh approach from someone who will solve their problem. They’re now open to listing with someone they don’t already know.

The seller of an expired home will correct any negative feedback for you when you relist it, versus resisting when it was a fresh listing. They are much more ‘coachable’ and motivated. They’ll often say, ‘Just tell me what to do to get this done!’

The listing will create more business for you as a result of all of your efforts to sell it.

The scripts are logical and easy to learn. Remember that you’re there to solve a problem, speaking to (almost always) a very motivated seller! Don’t wing it. Instead, follow a systematic approach, asking logical questions which will lead you to a prequalified appointment and then your next new listing.

Tim and Julie Harris host a podcast for real estate professionals. Tim and Julie of Premier Coaching have been real estate coaches for more than two decades, coaching the top agents in the country through different types of markets.

Source: housingwire.com