Being a Successful Realtor and Full-Time Mother

We've talked about how real estate can be a rewarding career path, in part, because you get to "pick your own hours". We've also talked about how in order to be a successful real estate agent, you need to put in the work and treat it as if it were an 8-5 job. Sure, working from home is great, but what do you do if you have children? How do you juggle building a real estate business and caring for your family? We're going to take a look into how one of our most successful agents, who also happens to be a full-time mother, handles her business. 

Interview with Katherine Paquette:

Q: How do you balance being a busy mother and a busy professional?

K: No one has a crystal ball to tell you how busy…

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Tips on Writing Listing Descriptions 

We know the importance of having great photos when it comes to selling a home, but do you ever think about the importance of the descriptions, too? Sure, the pictures are what gets them to click, but the description is a powerful tool to get them to put that home on their list of "must-sees". Here are a few tips on what to do to get your potential clients to want to get in the car and look at your listing. 

1. Don't be repetitive.

You are only allowed so much space on the MLS for your descriptions, so it's important to make the most of it. Do not repeat facts that can be found in the property details section. For example, there is no need to reiterate the fact that the home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.…

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Should You Be A Realtor: What are the Benefits?

More than 44 million people have a side hustle according to Bankrate.  The "Side Hustle" trend has become a huge part of life within the millennial group, especially, in order to save money for big moves like launching a business of their own or for a downpayment on a home. Whatever the case may be, these numbers tell us something. People are willing to hustle.  However, not all "side hustles" can provide the kind of return most are looking for, but real estate can. In fact, real estate is so customizable, that it often becomes a full time career, which is what we strive for with our agents. 

Here is why many people get into real estate, and why you should consider this your next career move. 

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Temporary Relief for Home Owners

According to the National Associate of Realtors Magazine, we're seeing a decrease in mortgage rates across the board. Earlier this spring we were seeing the rates increase rapidly, but it appears there's room to see even more of a decrease in the soon to come months. This is good news for those looking to purchase a home but may only be temporary relief. 

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How To Prepare For Rainy Season 

Rainy season hits Florida hard. If you aren't ready for it, it can end up causing some pretty costly damages. That's why it's important to take these steps to assure you are prepared for what Mother Nature might throw at you.

1. Make Sure Your Gutters are Good To Go.

Clean your gutters out so that there is no backup that can end up causing roof damages, and double check for any holes in them that may cause water to get straight to your foundation.  This is an easy step to take in order to avoid havoc later on. 

2. Make Sure To Have Flood Insurance.

Many homeowners think they are in the clear by not being in a "flood zone". However, there are many times that flood zones still get flooded, especially in…

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5 Tools to Boost Your Facebook Marketing in 2018

Facebook and social media are no longer just "the future". It's here. It's happening. It's where 9 out of 10 American companies build their business. It's where more than 87% of realtors build their businesses. It's now.

 The importance of your social media presence is huge and is only going to continue to rise. If you haven't committed to your social media strategy fully, it's time. There's no time to waste. Social media has taken the win as far as driving traffic to websites over Google, and if that doesn't say something to you, then I don't know what will. Also, I hate to break it to you, but that lead generating site that you pay hundreds of dollars to, is getting their leads straight from…

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Do You Even Need Flood Insurance? 

By Cara Csotty

"I won't flood", "I can't flood", and as Luke Bryan sang, "rain makes corn and corn makes whiskey", so rain is a good thing, right? Well, the big deal is that in the last 5 years, all 50 states have had a flash flood or flooding event. Based on Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Florida has 6 of the country's 10 most at-risk cities to be affected by storm surge. The west coast of Florida is home to four: Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, and Naples.

We commonly hear "flood insurance will cost too much to purchase", but this could not be further from reality. There are currently two ways to buy flood insurance. One is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the other is through a new…

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Breathtaking Views of Florida That Are The Perfect End To Your Day

Florida is absolutely gorgeous! The views of the ocean, the wildlife, and best of all, the sunsets. Mother Nature sure knew what she was doing when she created those masterpieces, because the colors alone are enough to make you move here. One of the most consistently beautiful sunsets that we've found are in Marathon, Fl in the Florida Keys. We've compiled a few photos that just might be the perfect end to your day. 

Do you have any breathtaking sunset photos you'd like to share? Comment below! 

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Tips on Buying a Home 

by Stefanie Gruber, Sale Manager for Tampa office 

If you're thinking about buying a home, you'll want to carefully choose the real estate professional you work with during the process. 

You should commit yourself to working with one sales associate who can learn your likes and dislikes in homes to make your home-buying process easier. Choose a professional who specializes in residential real estate and who has specific knowledge of the local real estate and mortgage markets. 

The person you choose should listen to you and be interested enough in you to find out about your housing needs and preferences. Service first should be the motto of the professional you choose with services going above and beyond what you…

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Knowing The Threats of Hurricanes: For Those Moving To Florida

If you're thinking of moving to Florida, chances are, you've had a few family members or friends warn you of the dangers of hurricanes....we know. Those of you moving from the north, first of all, great choice; paradise awaits. Second of all , you know how it is when it snows. If you're from a place where it snows all the time, your city is prepared and knows how to handle the situation. Hurricanes are a bit the same to an extent. If you are prepared, the damages are lessened, and if you aren't, well, let's just focus on the positives. In order to know how to be prepared, you'll need to know the actual dangers that are involved with hurricanes. Knowledge is power. 

What is a…

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