When it comes to choosing a mortgage, your gambling instincts (or lack thereof) may surface. Will you throw caution to the wind with a one-year adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or play it safe with a set monthly payment over thirty years? Will you go for more points and less interest, or lower interest but higher costs up-front? No matter what tack you take, there"s risk and reward, pro and con, factored into each mortgage choice..
For at least the past decade the National Association of Realtors has been trying to figure out how to handle the online distribution of homes listed by member brokers. Several Internet brokerages claimed that early NAR rules placed them at a competitive disadvantage, claims NAR denied and claims now put to rest with a proposed settlement between NAR and the Justice Department.
The internet can be a remarkable marketing tool, especially since the majority of buyers begin their searches online. Despite this -- many agents don"t take the time to build relationships -- and powerful emails -- with potential clients!