NCJAR News
September is Realtor Safety Month. As professionals in the real estate industry, you are dedicated to helping clients buy and sell properties while providing top-notch service. However, it's crucial to remember that your safety is paramount. In this article, we will discuss essential safety tips and resources to keep you safe while conducting business in the field.
1. Trust Your Gut
Your intuition is one of your most valuable tools when it comes to safety. If a situation doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, it's okay to decline a showing or meeting. Always prioritize your well-being over any potential business deal.
2. Pre-screen Clients
Before meeting with clients for the first time, gather as much information as possible. Request their full name, contact information, and ask for a copy of their ID. Share this information with a colleague or supervisor and arrange to meet them at the office before going to a property.
3. Use Technology Wisely
With the September 30, 2023 deadline looming, the possibility of a government shutdown due to a lack of consensus on a Continuing Resolution (CR) is a source of concern. The real estate industry, closely intertwined with federal programs, faces potential disruption, particularly in areas such as housing and mortgages. While essential services like the post office will continue, certain critical programs are at risk. Here, we provide a brief overview of the situation and highlight the ongoing efforts of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to assess the impact on its members and their businesses.
For more resources and information, please read more from NAR https://www.nar.realtor/advocacy/what-a-government-shutdown-means-for-realtors.
Questions:
Calling all real estate enthusiasts! Save the date – September 28, 2023, at 10 AM EST – for an exclusive virtual journey to Portugal's real estate scene.
What to Expect:
- Investment Insights: Discover Portugal's investment opportunities, prime locations, and property types for high returns.
- Trends & Dynamics: Stay updated with the latest market trends and understand the legal aspects of property ownership in Portugal.
- Meet the Experts: Benefit from the expertise of Portugal International Realty (PIR) and Portuguese Real Estate Professionals and Brokers Association (APEMIP).
- Interactive Q&A: Get answers to your burning questions about investing in Portugal.
Higher mortgage rates, along with elevated sales prices and a lack of housing inventory, have continued to impact market activity during the summer homebuying season. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has remained above 6.5% since May, recently hitting a two-decade high in August, according to Freddie Mac. As a result, existing-home sales have continued to slow nationwide, dropping 2.2% month-over-month as of last measure, with sales down 16.6% compared to the same time last year, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
- Single Family Closed Sales were down 30.2 percent to 1,744.
- Townhouse-Condo Closed Sales were down 34.9 percent to 408.
- Adult Communities Closed Sales were down 16.4 percent to 56.
