By Chris Taylor, Tuesday, January 4, 2005. "Psychologist, visionary, philosopher, salesman, handholder. I don't know any industry that requires you to be so many things." So says David Michonski, CEO of Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy, and apparently he's very skilled at that kind of multitasking. After all, he's somehow managed to cram in a number of lifetimes already. Philosophy student and would-be classics professor? Check. Dormitory cook and Boston bartender? Check. State Department advisor, venture capitalist and eventual head of one of the fastest-growing brokerages in the nation? more...
By Steve Viuker, Tuesday, January 4, 2005. Starting as a financial planner and part-time sales broker, Dorothy "Dottie" Herman today owns and directs a real estate empire that last year generated $200 million in revenues, and $6.5 billion in sales volume. With more than 56 offices stretching from Manhattan to Montauk, Prudential Douglas Elliman is recognized as one of the fastest growing full service residential real estate companies in the United States. Herman traces her relentless ambition back to a childhood tragedy. more...
By Samantha Peterson, Tuesday, January 4, 2005. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that the reform of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act would save the average real estate loan borrower $936 in settlement costs, but the potential cost savings could be much lower at about $225, according to The TowerGroup. more...
By Inman News, Tuesday, January 4, 2005. Josh Sharfman has worked with the California Association of Realtors for the past 18 years, currently serving as the group's chief technical officer. He first began his work with CAR as a consultant and later worked as an outside board member of the association's Real Estate Business Services subsidiary. more...
By Inman News, Tuesday, January 4, 2005. The National Association of Real Estate Editors today announced that its Journalism Competition deadline for entries is approaching next month. This competition is open to all professional journalists who have covered real estate and home and design in the past year in print, broadcast or online media. more...
By Inman News, Tuesday, January 4, 2005. The Southeast Georgia and Somerset-Lake Cumberland Kentucky Boards of Realtors became the first in their respective states to contract with SentriLock for Realtor Lockboxes, the National Association of Realtors announced today. The Southeast Georgia BOR has nearly 100 members and affiliates, and Somerset-Lake Cumberland, Ky., has nearly 200. Neither group had a consistent lockbox platform across its membership. more...
By Inman News, Tuesday, January 4, 2005. Starwood Preferred Guest has teamed up with Awards for Mortgage and Real Estate to offer members incentives for hotel services when they use certain home loan and real estate products and services. Awards for Mortgage and Real Estate provides rewards for customers who buy, sell, finance or refinance a home, or purchase van line moving services. Starwood Preferred Guest is one of the hotel industry's top loyalty programs, and includes such hotel brands as St. more...
By Inman News, Tuesday, January 4, 2005. Housing, finance and mortgage industry experts on Thursday will present residential real estate and economic forecasts for 2005. The National Association of Home Builders is hosting a teleconference at 1 p.m. more...
By Robert Bruss, Tuesday, January 4, 2005.
DEAR BOB: Our daughter, age 27, earned her MBA degree last June and has a wonderful high-paying job. Frankly, she earns more than I do. Her mother and I are very proud of her. However, she has virtually zero savings for a down payment on a nice new condo she wants to buy. The mortgage company approved her for a nothing-down mortgage. But the "catch" is dear old mom and dad have to co-sign on the loan. We are willing to do that. However, the lender says we also must take title to the condo with our daughter. We would prefer not to do so for various reasons. more...
By Barry Stone, Tuesday, January 4, 2005.
Dear Barry, I've been renting a home for four years and would like to purchase it from the landlords. The building was originally a garage and was converted to a dwelling before permits were required. Recently, the owners added a foundation to an unpermitted addition and did not obtain a permit for the work. I expressed concern, but the work just proceeded. Should I go ahead with the purchase and deal with the county if problems arise later? What do you recommend? – Kathy Dear Kathy, more...
By Robert Bruss, Tuesday, January 4, 2005.
Whether you are already an active realty investor or a beginner, you will have a new perspective after reading "Real Estate Investing for Dummies." This new book explains the real estate investing pro and con basics, plus advanced techniques that experienced professionals use when deciding whether to acquire specific residential rental or commercial properties. more...
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