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RISMEDIA, June 28, 2011—Do you know people with college-bound kids? If so, then you know that one obsession revolves around the higher education process. ACT scores, their kids' chance of getting into their first-choice school, and the grand college tour are regular fodder on the cocktail party circuit. Believe it or not, the topic can be the starting point for any REALTOR® looking for green conversation, and a way to soft-pedal any expertise you may have on green issues, including cost savings and healthier living choices. By offering up useful insight, you just might snag some new contacts for your business.

RISMEDIA, June 27, 2011—"Biography" is one of my favorite TV shows because it pays tribute to the accomplishments of well-known, successful men and women. I gain insight and inspiration from their stories of achievement and personal triumph over adversity. I find it interesting to note that successful people clearly understand the value of a role model and the power of a mentor's guidance. Each of these high-achievers are quick to express sincere praise for their mentors and the positive impact they had on their lives. They're grateful that someone recognized their talent and believed in them enough to help them develop their full potential.

RISMEDIA June 25, 2011—Some of the most talented and experienced real estate professionals gathered at RISMedia’s Achieve! - Real Estate’s Marketing & Opportunity Conference, held on May 24 and 25, to network and attend educational seminars on today’s most pressing topics. Held in Rye, N.Y, the speakers at this two-day event were some of the most knowledgeable in the industry, discussing core concerns including implementing cutting-edge technology, using social media to improve business strategies, and how agents can not only better connect with intended clientele, but make a lasting impression and build relationships.

RISMEDIA, June 24, 2011—In part 1 of this article, we covered some common basic ideas about prosperity. Now we will address how you can change your mind-set to achieve greater prosperity. Typically when people first see me for help in becoming successful, they aren't aware that they have any self-limiting beliefs about money. However, when I start asking powerful, clarifying questions, the hidden beliefs usually come up to the surface fairly easily. I'm going to give you samples of the kind of questions I ask my clients and I want you to ask the same questions of yourself and take notes on the answers that you get.

RISMEDIA, June 23, 2011—Mergers and acquisitions was a hot topic for broker members of RISMedia's Real Estate Information Network® (RREIN) during an exclusive members-only panel at RISMedia's 2011 Achieve! Conference last month. Held in Rye, N.Y. on May 24 and 25, the conference was bolstered by the expertise of its esteemed speakers who gave members deeper insight and tips on how to successfully approach and complete an acquisition in the current market. Held as part of a special educational track for RREIN members and brokers, the panel discussion “Reshaping & Restructuring Your Business for the Future” was moderated by RREIN Member Ed Krafchow, chairman of the board for Better Homes and Gardens Mason-McDuffie Real Estate. The session focused on key areas of external and organic growth for brokers seeking to expand their reach in the current business climate.

RISMedia, June 22, 2011—The 1960 Presidential Debates between Vice President Nixon and Senator Kennedy were the first nationally televised debates in presidential campaign history. With the advent of television the debates took on a visual dimension and for the first time, 70 million voters were given the opportunity to not only hear the candidates, but to visually compare them as well. Surprisingly, opinion polls revealed a sharp contrast between the voters who had actually watched the debates on TV versus those who had merely listened to them on the radio.

RISMEDIA, June 21, 2011—Greg Rand (@gsrand), CEO of OwnAmerica.com hosts “Rand on Real Estate” on 77WABC Radio in New York, where this week’s discussion comes from a caller from Orange County who does not believe that this is a time to buy real estate. Rand addresses a question about the effects of shadow inventory on the market and gives his recommendation to buy now, noting it has never been a better time to become a landlord. Rand also tackles the issue of high taxes making it difficult to turn profits from investments from a caller in New Jersey.

As real estate professionals continue to grapple with the “new normal,” it is more important than ever that brokers and agents understand where our industry is today as well as where it’s headed. This was the theme at RISMedia’s Achieve! Conference, a day-and-a-half-long event that took place last month and brought together leading industry experts and covered several important topics that are critical to achieving success as we head toward the future. John Featherston, president & CEO of RISMedia and Todd Hetherington, CEO, Century 21 New Millennium co-moderated Part 2 of the conference’s two-part Opening Session, and were joined by numerous industry leaders who took an in-depth look at where the industry stands today in addition to providing insight into the opportunities that are available in today’s market.

How do you acquire a Prosperity Mindset? Most people think it's by having a lot of money. But the truth is that you acquire a Prosperity Mindset first by releasing Scarcity Beliefs about money; which leads to successfully creating all the money you want. This article will share the Groundbreaking Secrets to Attracting Money by creating a Prosperity Mindset first. You might be telling yourself consciously or subconsciously, “all this stuff about prosperity consciousness is fine, but I need to get more money and then I'll feel more prosperous.” When we put the cause outside of ourselves, we are disempowered. There's no way to snap your fingers and instantly acquire an abundance of money.

RISMedia, June 17, 2011—New research from NAHB examines the scope of impact on housing markets from the scheduled October 1, 2011 decrease in the GSE and FHA loan limits. These loan limits determine what types of mortgages may be securitized by the GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, or insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Loans that fall outside of these limits would be subject to tighter credit conditions, including higher interest rates and larger downpayments.

RISMedia, June 16,2011—(MCT)—The housing market's continuing funk has metro Atlantans using a grab-bag of creative strategies to buy, sell or just tread water so they can make a career move. For instance: • Renting out a property has become the end-run around the market's chokehold on mobility. More homeowners are turning to real estate agents to keep an eye on their homes, not sell them. Homeowners typically rent out their homes so they can buy or rent somewhere else. This has created a new line of property management work for the real estate industry.

RISMEDIA, June 15, 2011—The current state of the real estate industry is contingent upon an improved consumer experience, according to experts and panelists, including several members of RISMedia’s Real Estate Information Network® (RREIN), at RISMedia's 2011 Achieve! Conference held in Rye, N.Y. on May 24 and 25. As a result of the days' many educational sessions and networking, the conference proved that plenty of opportunities still exist for progressive and forward-thinking brokerages that are focused on its consumers.

RISMedia, June 14, 2011—Today's buyer-take-all bonanza is a boon for fence-sitters and buyers with great credit and deep pockets. But sellers are steeling themselves to new realities that include paying (rather than making) money at the closing table, providing extras to sweeten the deal, and spending more time and cash making the home camera-ready. For first-time sellers who have never been through the process before, it's a different world. One where the value of the house isn't measured in the profit made on the sale, but by the enjoyment the owners had from living in the home.

RISMedia, June 13, 2011—When was the last time you wanted to watch a black-and-white or one of the old “Technicolor” films? For most of us, they just don’t have the same engagement magic they held years ago when compared with the latest innovations like 3-D and special effects. In short, customers want more and a better experience than ever before. Today, consumers are tougher to attract, engage and ultimately connect with due to the highly noisy and confusing market. When it comes to real estate, using the best resources available to engage new prospects will give you the competitive edge, more customers and ultimately more profits.

RISMedia, June 11, 2011—How can you stay self-motivated and productive in the midst of turbulent times and a sluggish economy? How do you persevere as a salesperson when times are tough and customers seem to be holding on to every penny in fear of economic uncertainty? Every challenge, setback and personal difficulty you encounter in life also brings with it the seed of equivalent or greater benefit! The key to overcoming adversity is to avoid the temptation of panic and instead, focus on finding the greater benefit. Adversity will never leave you where it found you; it will either strengthen your character or weaken your resolve.