Bob Brandt

Moving with Kids

For many adults, the thought of buying a house can cause some distress. But buying a house can be stressful for everyone in the family, not just the parents. But how can parents help make buying a house easier on their kids.

Kids' Survival Guide to Moving

This award-winning RE/MAX Satellite Network production features kids telling kids what to expect when their parents are buying a house in a new place. A move is almost always stressful for children. But information about buying a house and what to expect, especially concerning important issues like friends, belonging to new schools, can make buying a house much easier - especially if the reassuring words come from peers. #95722 $9.95.

Winner of the Parents' Choice award. Approved by the American Library Association.

View the video clips:
Tip 1 - Don't decide how you feel.
Tip 2 - Give it some time.
Tip 3 - Ask lots of questions about buying a house.
Tip 4 - Pack your own stuff.
Tip 5 - Keep important stuff with you.
Tip 6 - Say goodbye to your house.
Tip 7 - Let parents know how you feel about buying a house.
Tip 8 - Stay in touch.
Tip 9 - Get an address book.
Tip 10 - Explore your new home.
Tip 11 - Unpack your belongings right away.
Tip 12 - Make new friends one kid at a time.
Tip 13 - Introduce yourself.
Tip 14 - Checking out the new school.
Tip 15 - Ask for help.
Tip 16 - Visit the new school before first day.
Tip 17 - Make the most of make-shift house.
Tip 18 - Talk about it.
Tip 19 - Work as a team.
Tip 20 - Give yourself time.
Tip 21 - Be accepting.
Tip 22 - Talk to your classmates.
Tip 23 - Make a neighborhood map.
Tip 24 - I will survive.
Tip 25 - Make a poster for your class.
Tip 26 - Talk to your parents.

It's important for a child to feel that his or her about his or her parents buying a house matter. Parents should explain to their children what to expect during the move and how long buying a house takes. This way, they can prepare themselves for the move.

Moving Assistance

Buying a new home? Before you can enjoy it, you'll have to survive the rigors of moving. Help is a click away.

Moving after buying a new home is often difficult for children and families. New friends, new schools, new neighbors - everything changes. Learn how to help your kids make the move after buying a new home with a collection of 26 online video tips.

"Kids' Survival Guide to Moving" is an award-winning RE/MAX Satellite Network production featuring kids telling kids and families what to expect after buying a new home. A move is often stressful for children. But information, especially concerning important issues like making friends and belonging to new schools, can make transition easier - especially if the reassuring words come from peers.

Buying a New Home

Whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or you're unsure whether you can afford it, the questions about buying a new home can feel endless.

You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with RE/MAX, the industry leader in experience and service. Research Buying a New Home now.

Why use RE/MAX?

When you choose a RE/MAX Sales Associate to sell your home or help you in the home buying process, you'll experience an exemplary level of service.

First, RE/MAX Associates are The Hometown Experts With a World of Experience®. They are the most knowledgeable agents who have the experience and community connections to assist you in the home buying process. Across the globe, they make their living in the same communities in which they live. They're the people next door, or just down the block.

Consummate professionals, RE/MAX Associates on average lead agents affiliated with competing brands in advanced real estate education and production. That's why customers going through the home buying process know RE/MAX Associates as The Real Estate Leaders® and why no one in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.

Customer Satisfaction

The proof of quality service is in repeat customers and in customers who refer RE/MAX Associates to friends who are embarking on the home buying process. RE/MAX Sales Associates average 70 percent of their business from repeats and referrals, while other agents average about 30 percent from those sources.

Education

RE/MAX Associates lead agents of competing brands in professional designations, which represent specialized training and education. These designations - some geared toward clients in the home buying process and toward others who are selling - set RE/MAX Associates apart from the rest of the crowd. They dominate the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Certified Relocation Professional (CRP), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) ranks.

Miracle Home® Program

Why list your home with a RE/MAX Associate? Your home may be designated as a Miracle Home®. If it is, your RE/MAX Sales Associate will make a contribution during the home buying process to the local hospital affiliated with Children's Miracle Network once the transaction is complete. The funds raised in your community remain in the area to benefit local families.

Sold for the CureTM

Mirroring the Miracle Home Program, Sold for the Cure gives your RE/MAX Sales Associate the opportunity to designate your home as a Sold for the Cure property to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Upon completion of the transaction, your RE/MAX agent will make a donation to the local Komen Affiliate to help support the breast cancer movement. Programs like these make the home buying process an even sweeter deal for buyers who are indirectly contributing to the Komen mission of finding a cure for breast cancer.

For All You're Worth®

On average, RE/MAX Associates sell more real estate than other agents. They are better qualified to set the right price for the homes they list, are better equipped to market those homes, and are likely to find clients engaged in the home buying process in a shorter period of time. That experience and education also means they are better qualified to find the right home for any buyer. The home buying process can be a daunting task, but with the expertise of a RE/MAX Associate, buyers can rest easy.

Competitive Advantage

The real estate network that has the most competitive advantages to offer those in the home buying process and sellers will be an industry leader, and RE/MAX is that network. Thanks to its global network and stellar reputation, it's no wonder RE/MAX is the name people turn to when they embark on the home buying process.

When you look for the highest quality real estate service, look to a RE/MAX Associate. RE/MAX Associates are "The Real Estate Leaders®". You can depend on RE/MAX Associates to make the home buying process or sale of your home as effortless and seamless as possible.

Advertising

On average, a RE/MAX Associate spends about $10,000 each year on personal promotion and on individual and group advertising. Personal advertising plus national television advertising and Internet exposure generates the highest number of prospects in the home buying process and sales market. This draws consumers who are in the home buying process to seek out RE/MAX Associates. Be assured that a RE/MAX Associate will deliver on his or her promise.

Network Size

The revolutionary RE/MAX Concept of enabling real estate professionals to maximize their business potential has evolved into a network of more than 100,000 Sales Associates in more than 65 countries and more than 7,000 offices.

Premier Market Presence®

The real estate network with the greatest market share has the most to offer clients in the home buying process as well as sellers. The sum total of all RE/MAX momentum, growth and Associate production over more than 30 years is reflected in current RE/MAX market strength. RE/MAX has achieved 30-percent-and-higher market share in area after area across North America and is growing in market share around the world. A measure of business leadership, Premier Market Presence (PMP) results from community-minded high-producing Associates giving superior customer service under a respected company banner.

The RE/MAX Balloon Logo

The red, white and blue RE/MAX Balloon, with its "Above the Crowd®" slogan, is one of the most recognizable business logos in the world. RE/MAX boasts a fleet of more than 120 Hot Air Balloons, which allows for more than 6,000 appearances around the world each year.

The Sign That Brings You Home®

The famous red-over-white-over-blue RE/MAX yard sign and your RE/MAX agent lead you to properties in areas in which you'll want to live and work. If you want to sell your property, the RE/MAX yard sign attracts those in the home buying process. Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX.

An Industry Leader

RE/MAX was the first real estate network to be involved in more than 1 million transaction sides in a single year. Each transaction or sale consists of two sides, the listing side and the selling side to clients in the home buying process.

Global Expansion

With offices in more than 65 countries worldwide, the power of the RE/MAX name boosts business and attracts consumers who are in the midst of the home buying process. The continuous expansion into remote parts of the world means more visibility and endless possibilities.

Main Street. Not Wall Street.®

Being locally owned and operated, RE/MAX offices are staffed with professionals who live in the area they work in. Thus, committed to their communities, they have a deep personal interest in the customers they serve.

Home of the Best Agents®

In a business environment of mergers and acquisitions, RE/MAX is the only major real estate network still owned and directed by its founders. The excellence of RE/MAX Broker/Owners and Sales Associates has led to an ever-increasing number of accolades from the business community at large. In January 2007, "Entrepreneur" magazine ranked RE/MAX No. 6 - up from No. 9 - on the 2006 Top Global Franchises list and again named RE/MAX "Best of the Best" for real estate services for the seventh time in eight years. RE/MAX climbed from No. 11 of Fastest Growing Franchises to No. 7 and finished in position No. 2 among Top Low Cost Franchises. It's no wonder more people look to RE/MAX to help them in the home buying process.

More Than 35 Years "Above the Crowd®"

RE/MAX - now an established industry leader - celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2008 and looks ahead to even greater real estate achievements in the years to come. Whether you're in the home buying process or looking to sell, choose a RE/MAX Associate. When you choose a RE/MAX Associate, you'll have a real estate agent for life.

Real Estate Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

acceleration clause
A provision in a mortgage that gives the lender the right to demand payment of the entire principal balance if a monthly payment is missed.

acceptance
An offeree's consent to enter into a contract and be bound by the terms of the offer.

additional principal payment
A payment by a borrower of more than the scheduled principal amount due in order to reduce the remaining balance on the loan.

adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
A mortgage that permits the lender to adjust its interest rate periodically on the basis of changes in a specified index.

adjusted basis
The original cost of a property plus the value of any capital expenditures for improvements to the property minus any depreciation taken.

adjustment date
The date on which the interest rate changes for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

adjustment period
The period that elapses between the adjustment dates for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

administrator
A person appointed by a probate court to administer the estate of a person who died intestate.

affordability analysis
A detailed analysis of your ability to afford the purchase of a home. An affordability analysis takes into consideration your income, liabilities, and available funds, along with the type of mortgage you plan to use, the area where you want to purchase a home, and the closing costs that you might expect to pay.

amenity
A feature of real property that enhances its attractiveness and increases the occupant's or user's satisfaction although the feature is not essential to the property's use. Natural amenities include a pleasant or desirable location near water, scenic views of the surrounding area, etc. Human-made amenities include swimming pools, tennis courts, community buildings, and other recreational facilities.

amortization
The gradual repayment of a mortgage loan by installments.

amortization schedule
A timetable for payment of a mortgage loan. An amortization schedule shows the amount of each payment applied to interest and principal and shows the remaining balance after each payment is made.

amortization term
The amount of time required to amortize the mortgage loan. The amortization term is expressed as a number of months. For example, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the amortization term is 360 months.

amortize
To repay a mortgage with regular payments that cover both principal and interest.

annual mortgagor statement
A report sent to the mortgagor each year. The report shows how much was paid in taxes and interest during the year, as well as the remaining mortgage loan balance at the end of the year.

annual percentage rate (APR)
The cost of a mortgage stated as a yearly rate; includes such items as interest, mortgage insurance, and loan origination fee (points).

annuity
An amount paid yearly or at other regular intervals, often on a guaranteed dollar basis.

application
A form used to apply for a mortgage loan and to record pertinent information concerning a prospective mortgagor and the proposed security.

appraisal
A written analysis of the estimated value of a property prepared by a qualified appraiser. Contrast with home inspection.

appraised value
An opinion of a property's fair market value, based on an appraiser's knowledge, experience, and analysis of the property.

appraiser
A person qualified by education, training, and experience to estimate the value of real property and personal property.

appreciation
An increase in the value of a property due to changes in market conditions or other causes. The opposite of depreciation.

assessed value
The valuation placed on property by a public tax assessor for purposes of taxation.

assessment
The process of placing a value on property for the strict purpose of taxation. May also refer to a levy against property for a special purpose, such as a sewer assessment.

assessment rolls
The public record of taxable property.

assessor
A public official who establishes the value of a property for taxation purposes.

asset
Anything of monetary value that is owned by a person. Assets include real property, personal property, and enforceable claims against others (including bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds, and so on).

assignment
The transfer of a mortgage from one person to another.

assumable mortgage
A mortgage that can be taken over ("assumed") by the buyer when a home is sold.

assumption
The transfer of the seller's existing mortgage to the buyer. See assumable mortgage.

assumption clause
A provision in an assumable mortgage that allows a buyer to assume responsibility for the mortgage from the seller. The loan does not need to be paid in full by the original borrower upon sale or transfer of the property.

assumption fee
The fee paid to a lender (usually by the purchaser of real property) resulting from the assumption of an existing mortgage.

attorney-in-fact
One who holds a power of attorney from another to execute documents on behalf of the grantor of the power.

Real Estate 101

Class is in session. Proceed at your own pace to learn about:

Buying a home, including advice on where to start, and how to select the right property at the right price. Whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a place, or are still unsure about what you can afford, the questions surrounding real estate can feel endless. You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with RE/MAX, the industry leader in experience and service.

Selling a home, with advice on showing buyers your property's best side and increasing its value. As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you'll help your agent sell your house faster, at the best possible price. The easiest and most reliable way to improve a home's appeal is to enlist an expert who can help you highlight its best attributes.

Working with an agent, including tips on finding the right real estate professional to meet your real estate needs and making your experience the best it can be. Selecting the right professional to help you buy or sell your home is essential to a smooth transaction.

Why use RE/MAX? A skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent saves you time and money. RE/MAX agents lead the industry in experience and education - and results. Consummate professionals, RE/MAX Associates on average lead agents of competing brands in advanced real estate education and production. That's why they're known as "The Real Estate Leaders®" and why no one in the world sells more real estate.

The real estate glossary demystifies real estate jargon, from "amortization" to "wraparound mortgage."

MLS Listings are the core of the real estate buying and selling process, providing agents and consumers with comprehensive insight into a market's past, current and pending sales activity.