Sellers are required to disclose material defects such as a structural issue or a leaky roof, but when it comes to a haunted house’s reputation, that elicits an “emotional response,” that’s when it gets tricky for real estate agents. Haunted houses are often stigmatized and scare buyers away in what may otherwise be a perfectly fine structure.

In 2016, an agent in Texas dressed up as a Panda and it helped her get 12 showings in the first two days. Another agent went prehistoric and donned a T-Rex costume, and agents in Baltimore dressed up as Spiderman and a Unicorn to show off their listings.

If you’re a realtor in Michigan and you want to keep your license, listen up. Anyone who became licensed before August 2nd, 2018 is required to complete 18 hours of continuing education before October 31st, 2018. That includes 6 hours of approved continuing education for each year of the licensing cycle and 2 hours of continuing education each calendar year in Legal Updates.

It’s important to be aware of potential security issues as technology evolves. One new concern is home surveillance. Cameras in doorbells and front entrance are increasingly becoming more common with new the accessibility of technology and smart devices. Although it seems like surveillance is expected in luxury homes to watch over high-end objects, real estate agents are discovering them more in general across the home-price spectrum.

A 2008 initiative by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital began investing in neighborhood homes in a program called Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families.

The real estate market in Utah has been experiencing dwindling inventory that’s been increasing prices, alongside with growth in the multifamily sector. But Utah is projected to double it’s population by 2065 and that growth will have a large impact on reshaping housing and communities.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Idaho was the fastest growing state between July 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017, with a population growing by 2.2% and had an increase of 1.7% in the number of housing units built. Since the last census, Idaho was number 4 in terms of housing unit growth. The state saw it’s housing stock increase by 8.1% between April 1, 2010, July 1, 2017—lagging behind only North Dakota, Utah, and Texas.

According to a recent Forbes article, brokerages have been avoiding big changes in their business models to meet the needs of their customers and employees. Residential real estate continues to be sold via real estate offices, brokers and exclusive property listings, but that seems to be changing quickly. In the past, brokers closely held real estate listing data. The multiple listing service helped centralize the data and internet websites soon made it easy to publish. Technology changes have caused brokers to lose their role as keeper of the information.

Avoid being defensive. It's natural to get hurt feelings or want to retaliate when someone speaks poorly of your business. Avoid this reaction. Instead, do a little research.

A good agent wears many hats to create a successful business transaction. At any moment they can be an advocate, a negotiator, salesperson, or a marketer just to name a few. There are some traits and qualities that all successful real estate agents and brokers have in common.