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Kathy Hyatt

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Recent Changes Made to Escrow Rules

10-26-08
Kathy Hyatt

1Recent Changes Made to Escrow Rules *Be in the Know

The Florida Real Estate Commis­sion amended its Rule regarding escrow deposits that apply to sale and purchase contracts where the Attorney or Title Company is the escrow agent. Rule 61J2-14.008 of the Florida Administrative Code now requires Licensees, who prepare or present an offer to indicate the Name, Address and Telephone num­ber of the Attorney or Title Company that will serve as Escrow Agent. The most recent versions of the FAR and FAR/BAR contract forms provide the space needed to write the neces­sary information.

1Within three business days after a deposit is due--either an initial deposit or an additional one--the licensee's broker must make a writ­ten request to the escrow agent for a written verification that the deposit has been made. Within 10 business days after making the request for written verification, the licensee's broker must provide the seller's broker--or the seller directly if the seller has no broker--with a copy of the written verification provided by the escrow agent, or written notice that the licensee's broker did not receive verification from the escrow agent.

All commu­nication must be in writing.

Kathy Hyatt Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

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Oh No You Don't, My Buyer is not Paying!

08-06-08
Kathy Hyatt

Oh No You Don't, My Buyer is not Paying!1

Here in South Florida we have more than our fair share of "Foreclosures" and "Short Sales". We have such an abundance that our MLS System recently had to setup a Field where you have to answer either a Yes or No.

Since the Banks are paying the Real Estate Commission, they often times pay only a reduced percentage of 5.0% instead of the normal 6.0%, so already I am unhappy.

The Bank will also not pay the "Transaction Fee" and I am seeing more and more Property Listings where it 1states that the Buyer has to pay the Listing Broker's "Transaction Fee" when purchasing this property.

When speaking with my Broker, he told me that this is a Violation of MLS Rules and they cannot force my Buyer to pay!

It is hard enough to get my Buyers to pay my "Transaction Fee" let alone have them pay both sides! So I am waiting for Acceptance by the Bank of my Contract of which I will be then be breaking the news to the Listing Agent, that~ On No You Don't, My Buyer is not Paying your Transaction Fee!

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Tips You can Use to Capitalize in a Slow Market

08-02-08
Kathy Hyatt

You hear the words slow market and what images pop into your mind?1

  • You, sitting at a desk doing nothing but waiting for the phone to ring?
  • Constant Worry and Anxiety, thinking about your bills?
  • A neighborhood filled with for sale signs and no buyers in sight?

Now, replace those images with these:

  • You, sitting at your desk talking to eager buyers.
  • Going to the bank to make yet another deposit in a growing Svg account.
  • An open house where buyers are streaming in like kids into a candy store.

1So you ask, how do you get from the first set of images to the second?

Well, in a slower market, you have the power to choose how to react. You can certainly choose to see the uglier side, and it's easy to do. What's more, it's easy to find a group of Agents like this.

However, you can see the other side. Instead of fearing a slower market, you can view it as an opportunity to let your professionalism not only pull you through, but also make you shine. You see, history dictates that the best agents will continue to succeed.

While at first glance this may seem hard to believe, consider that in a strong market anyone can sell real estate. But when times get tough, many less than Professional Agents fall by the wayside. This is when consumers start paying attention to the Credentials, Experience and Quality of Service when choosing their Realtor.

Here are a few tips you can use to capitalize in a slow market:1

  • Emphasize your Credentials, Experience and Quality Service. Change your Marketing Materials.
  • Highlight your dedication. Let prospects know you're a full-timer.
  • Price properties to the market. Explain market conditions and why setting the right price is the key.
  • Get properties into top notch shape. In a tight market, it becomes a beauty contest.
  • Be more selective with your time. Avoid running around without a purpose. Realize that time is an asset.

Now is the time to make the Commitment to tap the Deeper Powers within your Professionalism to meet the Opportunities that await you.

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I get my day started with "Life is Beautiful"

07-25-08
Kathy Hyatt

I get my day started with "Life is Beautiful"

1I attended a Real Estate Seminar where they had featured a Motivation Speaker by the name of "Terry Watson" who hails from Chicago.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him and he made all kinds of interesting points and his energy was amazing.  One of the things he touched on was not to watch the media on television in the morning.  Not a lot of positive things are reported and who wants to start their day that way?  He suggests to listen to music or other motivational materials.

So I am a Rock-n-Roll Girl and I listen every morning to "Life Is Beautiful" by   Sixx am   which is a band that was put together by Nikki Six of Motely Crue.   The song has Energy, Meaning and YES, Life is Beautiful!  So Active Rain, how do you get  your day started?

Kathy Hyatt  Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

 

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Cell Phones Causing Brain Cancer?

07-24-08
Kathy Hyatt

Cell Phones Causing Brain Cancer?

1As a Realtor my cell phone is my lifeline and if my phone is not ringing I get worried. Now I have new reasons to worry about my cell phone.

In Pittsburgh today the head of a prominent cancer research institute issued an unprecedented warning to his faculty and staff on Wednesday. Warning people to limit their cell phone usage because of the possible risk of cancer.

This warning came from Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. He says it takes too long to get answers from science and he believes people should take action now - especially when it comes to children. Although the evidence is still controversial, he is convinced that there is sufficient data to warrant issuing this advisory.1

In the memo, he says children should use cell phones only for emergencies because their brains are still developing. Adults should keep the phone away from the head and use the speakerphone or a wireless headset.

A driving force behind the memo was Devra Lee Davis, the director of the university's center for environmental oncology. "The question is do you want to play Russian roulette with your brain," she said in an interview from her cell phone while using the hands-free speaker phone as recommended. "I don't know that cell phones are dangerous. But I don't know that they are safe."

So what does everything think? Do we also need to worry about our Microwaves too?

Kathy Hyatt Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

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