RISMEDIA, November 20, 2010—When BP’s oil spill reached the shores of Alabama in early June 2010, Realtors’ losses were not deemed eligible for compensation. Thanks to the joint efforts of eight Realtors in the area who were appointed to advocate for agents and brokers, several weeks of campaigning showed that ...

RISMEDIA, November 20, 2010—Green homes offer a wide variety of benefits from reducing carbon footprints to saving money on utility bills to even improving the health of children. However, a recent Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity survey conducted by the NAHB Research Center, polled home builders, as well as consumers, and found

RISMEDIA, November 19, 2010—(MCT)—When Efrain Hernandez couldn't seal a deal before the first-time home buyer tax credit expired earlier this year, he lost faith that he would ever own a house in a market where investors and all-cash buyers are snapping up bargains and mortgages seem hard to come by. But waiting—even though it wasn't by choice—got him more than the $8,000 federal tax credit.

RISMEDIA, November 19, 2010—According to MarketWatch, investor Warren Buffett is among the winners of the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom. Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., which is the parent company of HomeServices of America. HomeServices is comprised of 22

RISMEDIA, November 19, 2010—As innovation prizes continue to gain in popularity, the real estate industry has jumped on board to the tune of $25,000. MRIS, a leading real estate data company and one of the largest MLSs recently launched the $25,000 MRIS Real Estate Innovation

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—Real estate professionals are playing a critical role in moving the housing market forward through these tough times. Consumers, investors, builders and lenders have turned to highly trained and skilled agents to represent their interests in transactions that are very important to them. They are looking for leadership. By developing your local market skills and global market awareness, you position yourself to assist each of these groups and ultimately benefit the industry and the economy.

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—Are you worried that your direct mail campaign is stalling? Even though changes may be in store, you are probably closer to success than you ever imagined possible. By following the five tips below, you can save your direct mail campaign from

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—The last few years have been tough for many brokers across the United States. While some merely try to survive in this economy, many have found ways to thrive. Mergers and acquisitions have become quite common as a result of brokers trying to maintain

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—Southern Californians who feel trapped or simply lack confidence in today’s real estate market can get some relief from regional business and real estate experts who will gather on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 7-9 pm at the Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue,

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—Although the recent trend of rising long-term borrowing rates may mean higher mortgages for consumers in the coming months, the greater obstacles to housing market recovery are job creation and availability of credit, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis. "Modest changes in mortgage rates are less important to a housing market recovery than the number of people who are able to obtain mortgages," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

RISMEDIA, November 17, 2010—Five years ago, a serious buyer who was pre-approved for a mortgage loan typically spent three to four weeks looking for a home and usually visited 15-20 homes. Now the search can take much longer with the amount of inventory on the market. Five years ago, a serious buyer who was pre-approved for a mortgage loan typically spent three to four weeks looking for a home and usually visited 15-20 homes, according to metro Chicago real estate agent Sarah Ritter of RE/MAX Properties in Western Springs, Ill. Now, says Ritter, “people tend to look much longer. They have a hard time saying ‘yes.’ “One couple I’m working with has looked at 42 or 43 houses and still hasn’t made an offer. But that isn’t unusual in today’s market.” 

RISMEDIA, November 17, 2010—This week’s headlines from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® include: a no cost field guide to real estate transfer taxes from NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now initiative; an exclusive offer for REALTORS® on an advanced identity protection

RISMEDIA, November 17, 2010—While many things have changed in the real estate industry the past few years, one thing that seems to have remained constant is the Weekly Sales Meeting. For better or worse, sales meetings are still taking place at brokerages around the country.

RISMEDIA, November 17, 2010—The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) released its annual report to Congress on the financial status of its Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund, FHA’s principal insurance account that includes all single-family and reverse mortgage activity.

RISMEDIA, November 17, 2010—(MCT)—In a bold challenge to its rivals, Facebook Inc. is launching a messaging service for its more than half a billion users, setting off a battle that could shape the future of communication on the Internet. Facebook Messages will meld the three major