Eastern Connecticut Association of REALTORS®

Existing-home sales declined in March after rebound in February

Existing-home sales fell 4.9%, according to NAR data BYVERONIKA BONDARENKO Existing-home sales fell 4.9 percent in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.21 million, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). After a small rebound in February, the total… Read More

7 reasons pre-listing inspections are an absolute must

Just as a buyer needs to do their due diligence, a seller needs to do theirs so that bad judgement calls don’t derail their deal BYCARA AMEER Whether you’re a rookie agent, a rising team leader or an established veteran… Read More

Study Finds Homeowners Will Spend Nearly $21K to Sell Homes This Year

Homeowners shell out an average of $20,851 to sell their properties, according to new data compiled by Zillow and Thumbtack's 2019 Hidden Costs of Selling analysis. This includes closing costs, but also the improvements and other projects made when people are… Read More

What is the No. 1 thing you should look for in a brokerage?

Your ideal brokerage should subscribe to training methods that best suit your learning style BY GINA CASTRORAO As a new real estate agent, you are bringing a lot to the table: you have charisma, drive and motivation to start fresh in a… Read More

Here’s what NAR wants in the next versions of Fannie and Freddie

The advocacy group hopes things like the 30-year mortgage and affordable credit stick around for the foreseeable future BYJIM DALRYMPLE II The largest real estate trade and lobbying group in the U.S., the National Association of Realtors (NAR), believes Fannie Mae… Read More

4 MLS mistakes that can kill your listing’s appeal

Put in the extra effort to craft a thoughtful, well-written listing description with professional photos, and you’ll increase interest and likely net a better price BY SHARI MATTERN Your listing’s MLS description is the very first gateway to charming and attracting… Read More

7 Essential Behaviors of High-Performing Mega Teams

Sherri Johnson, CEO & Founder, Sherri Johnson Coaching & Consulting explains What Makes A Team Thrive Whether you’re growing your team at a steady pace, or experiencing the struggles and setbacks that most teams have—maybe it feels like you take… Read More

7 New Year’s resolutions you’ll actually keep in 2019

Keep your list simple, and make daily habits BY BILLY NASH It’s that time of the year for holiday parties, gifts, reflection and thinking about how to be your  most productive self in the coming New Year. I personally air on… Read More

How the government shutdown is impacting homebuyers

Realtors and loan originators offer advice on navigating the shutdown BYPATRICK KEARNS A partial shutdown of the U.S. government has entered its sixth day as both Democrats, Republicans and President Donald Trump dig in their heels over partial funding for… Read More

Why we need to take agent safety seriously

We can’t just talk about doing things differently, it’s time to take action BYJAY THOMPSON Last week, there was horrific news of yet another real estate professional being murdered while on the job. Steven Bernard Wilson was shot while in a… Read More

Jd Ross argues that millennials face considerably bleaker prospects than previous generations, which could ultimately hurt the economy BYJIM DALRYMPLE IIStaff Writer Millennials are regularly maligned as lazy, avocado toast-loving hipsters, but according to a co-founder of Opendoor — and… Read More

10 things sellers should never say to their listing agents

When homeowners put limits on the possibilities, they create a more difficult and cumbersome selling experience BYCARA AMEER When it comes to putting a home on the market, sellers love to share their insight about how the selling process should… Read More

Co-Marketing Tips for Following RESPA Rules

Have you given or accepted gifts from mortgage lenders, title companies, closing attorneys, or other settlement service providers? If those gifts are in exchange for referrals, then you’re breaking the law. by Erica Christoffer What’s a settlement service provider? What constitutes… Read More

The polite way to sell a home around the holidays

Above all, be prepared to work odd hours BY VERONIKA BONDARENKO While most of the world will be eating pie and exchanging gifts during the holidays, many Realtors will be hard at work — as we reported earlier, many zealous buyers hope to… Read More

8 seller tasks that can make or break your sale

Put in the extra effort now for smooth sailing (and selling) later BYCARA AMEER If you want your sellers to crank things up a notch for a speedy sale, advise them to tackle these eight tasks that’ll have buyers racing to put… Read More