How often do you hear, ‘The market is unpredictable’? Probably more times than you can count. It’s true, and it's partly why emerging markets can vary from one quarter to the next. But, staying abreast of the market is key to keeping up with the trends.

As the new year approaches, many people reconsider their investing strategies. Whether you're just starting real estate investing or expanding an existing real estate business, you may wonder what to do or change in 2023.

Time is something most of us wish we had more of - time off from work, time to relax, time to be with loved ones, time to travel, and time to pursue hobbies or creative interests. One survey found that 80 percent of adults wish to spend more time with friends or family. But work or other obligations often get in the way, leading to "time scarcity," which usually decreases happiness.

This is a common question for people who are interested in property investing for the first time. When you first begin real estate investing, you may not realize all the services you will need to streamline the process.

Property management companies are an indispensable asset to property owners, particularly those who own multiple properties or lack the time to manage their investments effectively. These companies offer a suite of services designed to maximize the return on investment while minimizing the stress and workload for property owners.

In the time of social media, fact checkers are having a battle in identifying and correcting the sums of misinformation that run rampant on the web. No industry or topic is exempt from a tale or two parading as truth. In fact, real estate is one of the most heavily discussed and misconstrued topics on the net.

Squatters are a growing problem nationwide. It is when a person, other than the owner or an authorized occupant, takes up residence in a home. This action was typically common among obviously abandoned homes but has become a burdening problem for even the most lavish of neighborhoods.

The rental market is constantly evolving, with new laws and regulations being enacted to protect both landlords and tenants. Staying informed and compliant with these changes can be a daunting task for property owners and landlords. This is where property management companies can make a significant difference. Property management companies offer a wide range of services that can significantly simplify the property ownership and rental management process.

Maneuvering the real estate terrain can be tricky for investors, especially multi-site investors who have operating assets in multiple states. The laws can differ from one state to another, along with the specific county ordinances and regulations. In these cases, it's the best interest of the investor to be aware and operate within the respective laws and regulations to avoid any compliance challenges.

Home renovations and new construction properties share one very important element - they require a well-structured and organized contractor. Depending on the size of the job, it could possibly require multiple contractors.

Real estate is a huge industry for a multitude of reasons. The most dynamic is because it's literally the business of shelter, one of the most important aspects of life. So understandably the industry that provides housing, something that everyone desires to be invested in, is a hard-hitting money maker.

Have you ever heard the phrase (or something similar): Real estate is a long game? If not, we will explain the meaning. Think of real estate as a plant. You research the types of seeds you would like to plant, prepare the soil (whether it's directly into the ground or a pot), plant, water, and feed. Even if you have never personally planted a seed, you can attest to the fact, that it will not sprout by the next morning, and you may spend quite some time nurturing the seed before anything happens, but still, you trust the process and when it finally sprouts, it may seem like it was overnight, but you know first hand the work it took.

Real estate investing has the potential to be a wealthy venture. Whether you are looking for a long-term or short-term earning opportunity, it’s there. It’s also one of the oldest and most proven avenues for building generational wealth, both short and long-term, making it obvious as to why.

As we transition into warmer days and shorter nights, spring is the perfect time to take inventory of the 'things to get done' around your property. Winter storms are behind you, and right before the rainy season and high temps come in, there are a few maintenance concerns that can be handled to keep your property in tip-top condition, preventing further problems and maintaining tenant satisfaction.

Knowledge is the fuel for a better life experience. This accounts for all areas of life, especially professionally. As you may already know, knowledge is powerful in the ever-evolving real estate space. So, it's necessary to utilize available digital and physical resources to increase industry knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a prospective homebuyer, or a curious enthusiast, staying abreast of real estate topics is crucial. As we make our way into 2024 let's reflect on the past year's most researched real estate topics as many of the key themes are dominating the inquiries and discussions within the real estate sphere.

One aspect that plays a pivotal role in an agent's financial success is commission splits. When partnering with a new brokerage, one of the more significant questions is: What is the commission structure? This is an essential question, but it is often discussed in a rather hushed manner. It is also important to remember that the structure can vary from one brokerage to the next, based on performance or similar.

Salespeople get a tough rep for a specific skill that their very business is built on: negotiation. It's often viewed by the consumer as haggling. The two are very different. Haggling is more the insistent act of bargaining for the sole purpose of price. Negotiations on the other hand create value through communications. The goal is to reach a conclusion that delivers a result beneficial to all parties.

As we prepare to migrate into the final quarters of 2023, it brings the question to the forefront: What should we expect to see happen in the housing market? While the market can be unpredictable and the number of factors that plays a part in how the market plays out on a large scale can be endless. One of the most discussed factors is, of course, the mortgage rate. The national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate seems to find a sweet spot between 7% and 8%.

Business has changed over the years. At one point, the biggest aspiration as a business owner was to operate a thriving brick and mortar. Today, brick-and-mortar businesses are reserved for businesses that must have a physical location. Entrepreneurs and business owners are thriving online by building a strong presence and marketing their products and services accordingly. As a Realtor, you provide a service that requires social interaction, meaning a solid online presence, including social media, is your very best friend. Here are a few tips for capitalizing on a strong social presence.