Well, if you’ve got a first-time homebuyer to shop for, you’re in luck!

Here are 6 budget-friendly gift ideas that are equal parts funny, practical, and memorable. Plus, they’re sure to bring a laugh while actually being (at least somewhat) useful, unlike unlike a “Home Sweet Home” cross-stitch they’ll never hang up:

1) A Random Tools Toolkit

Why not start their homeowner journey with a custom toolkit? Gather up all the random tools you already have lying around. Throw in that extra tape measure, a few mismatched screwdrivers, and the oddly specific tool you’ve never actually used. Voilà, instant toolkit! Bonus points if you package it like a treasure chest—because they’ll treasure it when their first “minor repair” turns into a full-blown DIY saga.

2) A Piece of Furniture You’re Trying to Get Rid Of

Every new homeowner knows the struggle of having to furnish an entire home after spending all of their money on a down payment. So slap a bow on that old chair you’ve been trying to find a taker for and drag it over to their house, rather than to the curb on garbage day! Is it trendy or in line with their decor? Probably not. But hey, it’s better than sitting “criss-cross applesauce” on the floor!

3) A Coupon for Moving Services

Avoid the awkward, last-minute plea for help by giving them a DIY moving coupon ahead of time. Make it official-looking and be sure to include fine print with terms and conditions like, “Expires if pizza and beer aren’t provided” and “Recipient must also provide moving services to gift-giver the next time they move.”

4) A High-Quality Plunger

You don’t know true panic until you realize your new bathroom lacks a plunger…right as disaster strikes. Don’t just get them a basic plunger—splurge and get them the fanciest one they sell and get it engraved with your name and a short message so they think about you every time they use it!

5) An Assortment of Light Bulbs

It’s moving day, boxes are everywhere, and suddenly… darkness. They flip a switch, and nothing happens. Turns out, the house came with exactly zero working light bulbs. That’s where your gift saves the day—a variety pack of bulbs in all shapes, sizes, and wattages. It’s the kind of practical genius they won’t appreciate fully until they’re mid-unpacking and don’t have to fumble for a flashlight.

6) A Bunch of Batteries

Not just your basic AA variety, but an assortment of the elusive kinds. Think chunky D batteries, those flat CR2032 ones, and maybe even some 9-volts for smoke detectors. When their gadgets need juice and they’re stocked up thanks to you, you’ll go from “weird battery giver” to their holiday hero.

The post 6 Humorous Christmas Gifts for First-Time Homebuyers That Won’t Break Your Bank appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

But if Santa ever got sick of his one-day-per-year job and became an agent, he’d probably be a top-producer in less time than it takes a kid to rip through their presents on Christmas morning! He’s got the charm, the skills, and a work ethic that would make even the busiest agent say, “Wow, how does he do it?”

Here are 10 reasons Santa would be a great real estate agent:

1) He’s Got Strong Brand Recognition and Trust

Its You Santa GIFfrom Its You GIFs

Building a name and reputation for yourself in real estate can take years of hard work, networking, and marketing. But who needs a business card when the whole world already knows your name? Not only does pretty much everybody in the world know who he is, they’re totally cool with him letting himself in their house in the middle of the night while they sleep!

2) He Knows How to Delegate and Motivate

Alright Lets Get Back To Work Focus GIFfrom Alright Lets Get Back To Work GIFs

Santa runs a tight ship (or sleigh, in this case). If he can manage a workshop full of toy-making elves, coordinating title companies, attorneys, and other agents would be a breeze.

3) He’s Good at Double-Checking Things

Santa Long List GIFfrom Santa GIFs

Making a list and checking it twice? Sounds like due diligence would be a breeze for Santa! His attention to detail would come in handy when reviewing contracts, closing disclosures, and inspection reports.

4) He Already Knows Every House and Neighborhood… Worldwide

Elf Santa Claus GIFfrom Elf GIFs

Santa doesn’t just know his way around without needing maps or GPS, he knows every chimney, every street, and probably where the good coffee spots are—which is often an agent’s second office!

5) He’s Used to Hitting Tons of Homes in a Single Day

Santa Santa Running GIFfrom Santa GIFs

Showing 12 homes in a day would be child’s play for a guy who hits billions in one night! Santa’s stamina and efficiency would make back-to-back showings with multiple clients a breeze.

6) His Ability to Leave Without a Trace Is an Artform

Tiptoeing Santa Claus GIFfrom Tiptoeing GIFs

Agents are trusted to enter people’s homes and leave it exactly as it was when they came in. Santa’s knack for tiptoeing through houses without leaving a trace would come in super handy as an agent.

7) He Can Eat a Ton of Cookies

Sml Santa Claus GIFfrom Sml GIFs

A plate of cookies is a staple at every open house. Unfortunately, agents often find themselves eating all of them when there aren’t enough visitors coming through. Considering how many cookies he eats in a single night, a platter of them at an open house would be a mere appetizer.

8) He’s an Expert Negotiator

You All Wanna Go On The Naughty List Asking GIFfrom You All Wanna Go On The Naughty List GIFs

Convincing kids to behave all year for one toy? That’s top-tier negotiation skills right there! Whether it’s smoothing out tough inspections or getting a buyer’s offer accepted in a bidding war, Santa’s ability to seal the deal is unparalleled.

9) He’s Unfazed by Tight Deadlines

Santa Santa Claus GIFfrom Santa GIFs

Santa’s timeline is no joke. If he can make the world’s biggest delivery on time in a single day, even the most chaotic closing schedules wouldn’t faze him. Santa thrives under pressure, so even the trickiest closing schedules won’t throw him off.

10) He’s Always Jolly

Sml Santa Claus GIFfrom Sml GIFs

Remaining cool, calm, and collected as an agent is a must, but agents who can also manage to be happy even when things aren’t going smoothly bring joy to the world of their clients and colleagues. Even during stressful transactions and tense negotiations, Santa’s cheerful demeanor could make the process feel like a holiday miracle.

The post 10 Reasons Santa Would Be a Great Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/8-ways-house-hunting-is-basically-trick-or-treating-for-adults Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:17:54 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37939 There’s no definite answer as to how old is “too old” to go trick-or-treating. But let’s face it, if you’re old enough to buy a house, you’re probably going to get some nasty looks if you throw on a costume and go knocking on people’s doors looking for candy handouts. However, you can relive the […]

The post 8 Ways House Hunting Is Basically Trick-or-Treating for Adults appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> There’s no definite answer as to how old is “too old” to go trick-or-treating. But let’s face it, if you’re old enough to buy a house, you’re probably going to get some nasty looks if you throw on a costume and go knocking on people’s doors looking for candy handouts.

However, you can relive the childhood thrill of trick-or-treating as a home buyer…

While you might not get away with knocking on doors in costume anymore, house hunting lets you live out the thrill of Halloween—minus the sugar rush! Check out these 8 ways house hunting is similar to the trick-or-treating:

1) The anticipation as you walk up to a house…

Sass Anticipation GIFfrom Sass GIFs

Remember hoping every house you were walking up to was going to be the one that had king-sized candy bars? You’ll have that same feeling every time you’re walking up to a house you’re going to see, hoping it has more to offer than any other house you’ve been to yet.

2) Trying to get to a house before it’s too late…

Trick Or Treat Halloween Kills GIFfrom Trick Or Treat GIFs

Whether it’s scoring your fair share of candy, or snagging the perfect home, the race is on. You want to get there before everyone else does, because houses—like candy—sometimes disappear faster than you’d expect!

3) Sometimes you need to wait for your turn…

Trick Or Treat Filburt GIFfrom Trick Or Treat GIFs

Whether it’s an open house, or a hot new listing with back-to-back showings, sometimes you’ve got to wait in line to see a house like you did back in the day when other kids were lining up at a house to get candy.

4) What’s behind the door can be disappointing…

Candy Corn Halloween GIFfrom Candy Corn GIFs

When it comes to searching for a house, sometimes the online photos make it look way better than reality. It’s like walking up to a high-end house when trick-or-treating, fully expecting the owner to be doling out Snickers—at least the “Fun Size” ones—and getting a scoop full of candy corn instead.

5) But sometimes the opposite happens…

Happy Halloween GIFfrom Happy GIFs

On the other hand, sometimes you look at a house you almost crossed off your list because the pictures online didn’t look all that promising, and it ends up being way better than you expected! It’s just like that house on your street where the little old lady lived and you thought would be giving out boxes of raisins on Halloween, and she ended up giving you the best loot of the night.

6) The house you didn’t get to in time…

When My House Ran Out Of Candy On Halloween GIFfrom Halloween GIFs

Whether it’s house hunting or trick-or-treating, it pays to get to the door ASAP. Taking your time to go see a house you’re interested in could lead to finding out the house is under contract already, which is the equivalent to getting to a house right after they’ve run out of candy on Halloween.

7) There’s always a house that gives you the creeps…

No Thanks Bye GIFfrom No Thanks GIFs

Every neighborhood has the house you want to avoid on Halloween because there’s a creepy old man living there, or it just looks spooky from the road. Some houses will give you that same vibe when house hunting, because of some crazy urban legend about it being haunted, or just some scary decor.

8) It’s fun to separate the keepers from the throwaways…

Halloween GIFfrom Halloween GIFs

After a long day of house hunting (or trick-or-treating), it’s fun to assess the pros and cons of each house you saw. Which houses made the best impression? Which ones were a total letdown? It’s the adult version of dumping all of the candy out of your bag and sorting through it to make a pile of the candy you want, and making a separate pile to trade or give to your parents.

The post 8 Ways House Hunting Is Basically Trick-or-Treating for Adults appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/creative-things-for-your-real-estate-agent-mothers-day Fri, 10 May 2024 16:04:41 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37418 Your mom will probably be more than happy if you stick with the tried and true gifts — like getting her some flowers, buying her some jewelry, treating her to brunch, or simply visiting her (or at least calling!) — on Mother’s Day. But if your mom’s a real estate agent, that opens up an […]

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]]> Your mom will probably be more than happy if you stick with the tried and true gifts — like getting her some flowers, buying her some jewelry, treating her to brunch, or simply visiting her (or at least calling!) — on Mother’s Day.

But if your mom’s a real estate agent, that opens up an array of unique options to show her how much you care!

Here are 4 creative things you can do for your mom on Mother’s Day, if she’s a real estate agent:

1) Get Her Car Washed and Detailed

Car Wash GIFfrom Car GIFs

Buying your mom a new car is probably not in the budget, but you can always make her car look like new! Agents spend a lot of time in their car, and are often too busy to keep it clean and shiny.

You can always just buy her a gift card to a local car wash, so she can get them done whenever she needs to. But if you want to make it an even better gift, offer to grab her keys and take it to the local car wash for her, and splurge for a full detailing of the exterior and interior. (But you can skip the undercarriage upgrade since her clients shouldn’t be seeing that part of her car…)

If you’re on a tight budget — or aren’t old enough to drive — just grab a hose, a bucket, some soap, and a sponge, and give it a wash right in her driveway!

2) Polish up Her for Sale Signs

Realtor Estate GIFfrom Realtor GIFs

You know what else gets dirty and rarely gets cleaned? An agent’s lawn signs! It’s just one of those things that agents think about doing, but rarely get the chance to do it. The signs are either on people’s front lawns, in the trunk of their vehicle, or in the garage desperately waiting for some love and attention when there’s a break in the agent’s hectic schedule.

Offer to give your mom’s “for sale” and “open house” signs a thorough cleaning, and watch her gasp at how thoughtful you are!

Bonus points: Don’t just do the ones she has stored at home; ask her for the address of each house she currently has a sign at and go there in-person to clean it.

3) Host an “Open House” for Her

Brg Blair Realty Group GIFfrom Brg GIFs

Your mom has probably hosted her fair share of open houses in her career, and would rather not host an open house on Mother’s Day. Unless you’re a licensed agent, it’s not like you can host one for her at one of her listings. But why not host an “open house” at your place (or hers) and invite people she knows and loves to pop by between the hours of 1-4. Make it feel like a real theme party by putting up some directional signs with balloons leading right up to the door, and serve some light refreshments.

4) Celebrate It on a Different Day

Cant We Do That Later Tiffany Haddish GIFfrom Cant We Do That Later GIFs

Sundays are notoriously busy for agents, as you likely know being the child of one! So you probably also know that your mom will say not to worry about doing anything special on Mother’s Day, because she has clients she needs to help.

While she probably would be completely fine with skipping any formal Mother’s Day festivities, she’ll be thrilled if you insist on celebrating her on a different day! She’s used to putting others’ needs ahead of her own, so if you insist on giving her a raincheck to celebrate on a day when she can relax and enjoy some time with you, it’ll be appreciated more than you can imagine!

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]]> https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/finding-your-dream-home-like-finding-four-leaf-clover Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:19:49 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37284 Searching for the perfect home can feel like trying to find a four-leaf clover in a field full of three-leaf clovers. It’s as rare to find a property that checks all the boxes on your wishlist, as it is to find a true four-leaf clover. But even if you find a four-leaf clover, there’s a […]

The post 6 Ways Finding Your Dream Home Is Like Finding a Four-Leaf Clover appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> Searching for the perfect home can feel like trying to find a four-leaf clover in a field full of three-leaf clovers. It’s as rare to find a property that checks all the boxes on your wishlist, as it is to find a true four-leaf clover.

But even if you find a four-leaf clover, there’s a chance nature made it a little less than perfect (or someone trampled over it). Perhaps one of the leaves has a little tear in it. Or maybe it’s not as green as you might have hoped. But it’s still a four-leaf clover! Pluck that thing and consider yourself lucky!

The same goes for your dream home. Even if a house isn’t perfect in every way, that doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect house for you!

Let’s take a look at 6 ways finding your dream home is like finding a four-leaf clover, to help prepare you to be the luckiest buyer in the field the next time you’re searching for a home:

1) It Can Seem Impossible to Find at First

Maes B Lost In A Field GIFfrom Maes B GIFs

When you first start your home search, it can seem like you’re looking out at a vast field of green grass. From afar, it’s certainly impossible to find a four-leaf clover, or your dream home. It helps to narrow down the area you’re looking for, and then look through all of the options, knowing that most of them won’t be what you’re looking for.

2) You Have to Create Your Own Luck

Go Luck Yourself GIFfrom Luck GIFs

Can you imagine how absolutely lucky you’d have to be to sit down in the grass and happen to find a four-leaf clover? Neither a house or a four-leaf clover is likely to just appear in front of you if you’re not actively looking for one. You need to get out in the field and look if you want to increase your odds of finding either!

3) You’ve Got to Be Patient

Star Wars Yoda GIFfrom Star Wars GIFs

Much like patiently combing through clover patches until you find the elusive four-leaf clover, persistently searching for your dream house eventually leads to success. You can’t give up until you find what you’re looking for.

4) It Helps to Have Someone Else Looking Around for You as Well

Jjongjunie Svtxt GIFfrom Jjongjunie GIFs

Picture looking for a four-leaf clover all alone in a field. Having some help would certainly make it easier to cover a lot more ground. But when it comes to real estate, it’s even more important to have a second set of eyes! Make sure you work with an eagle-eyed real estate agent with a knack for knowing where to look, and what to look for, if you want to find your dream home. Otherwise you could easily spend a lot of time looking in the wrong places, and overlooking the perfect home even if it’s right in front of your eyes.

5) When You Find One, You Need to Grab It

My Property Tim Stark GIFfrom My Property GIFs

Four-leaf clovers are rare, and so are houses that meet most (if not all) of your requirements. When you finally come across one, don’t walk away. Don’t sleep on it. If it’s a four-leaf clover you’d certainly pick it, because you know you may never be able to find it again, and someone else might come along and pluck it right out from under you. If it’s a house, make an offer and get it under contract, before another buyer comes along and does it before you do.

6) You’ll Want to Show It Off to Everyone!

Borat This Is My House GIFfrom Borat GIFs

If you found a four-leaf clover, you’d certainly be showing it off to people. So imagine how much more you’ll want to show people your dream house! Whether it’s a humble home that needs some work, or a mansion, take pride in sharing your home with friends and family, because it takes a lot more than luck to buy your dream home.

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]]> https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/sexy-things-to-get-in-the-mood-on-valentines-day Mon, 12 Feb 2024 22:42:35 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37253 Is the love of your life a busy real estate agent? If so, you probably know how difficult it can be to get some (ahem) “quality time” together, even on Valentine’s Day! Well, we’ve got just the right words for you to use to get the agent in your life in the mood to set […]

The post 9 Sexy Things You Can Say to Get Your Significant Other in the Mood on Valentine’s Day… If They’re a Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> Is the love of your life a busy real estate agent? If so, you probably know how difficult it can be to get some (ahem) “quality time” together, even on Valentine’s Day!

Well, we’ve got just the right words for you to use to get the agent in your life in the mood to set aside some quality time for a roll in the hay… or at least rolling on the floor with laughter.

Here are 9 real estate related phrases (loaded with double entendre) that’ll speak their love language, and get them hotter than the coming spring real estate market:

1) “I’d like to schedule a private showing with you.”

Lindsey Kate Lindsey Kate Real Estate GIFfrom Lindsey Kate GIFs

An agent’s schedule is often jam packed with showings, and before they know it, there isn’t time for a personal life. But uttering this phrase is a surefire way to get them excited and block out some time for an appointment with you!

2) “Is that a listing in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?”

Pocket Dogs GIFfrom Hotdog GIFs

“Pocket listings” are industry slang for an off-market house for sale. Dropping this line will stop them in their tracks and show that you’re in the know and care about their career, and how to make something that already gets them excited into something that gets them more excited!

3) “I’ll be coming in with an offer later today…”

Im Gonna Make You An Offer Mrsunshine GIFfrom Im Gonna Make You An Offer GIFs

If you want to make them hope and wonder what’s in store for later in the evening, just use this line! There’s nothing more exciting, yet filled with more potential disappointment than this line in an agent’s life. They get calls from agents teasing a potential offer coming in on one of their listings, but many times it never materializes. Saying this will subconsciously program them to want whatever you have in mind… but also not be disappointed if you change your mind midway through the day.

4) “I can’t wait to see all the amenities you have to offer…”

Communiess Community GIFfrom Communiess GIFs

From community pools, to clubhouses, and gated entries, agents spend all day touting the amenities of housing developments, so they’re sure to appreciate someone wanting to see their amenities at the end of a long day showing property!

5) “I’m ready to sign an exclusive agreement with you.”

Sign This Signature GIFfrom Sign This GIFs

If you’re together but not officially hitched, this line is a great way to pop the question! Agents spend so much time working with prospective buyers who won’t sign an exclusive buyer agency agreement, and end up wasting tons of time showing houses to people who never end up buying a house. Even an agent who has been avoiding getting married will jump at the chance to get a signed exclusive agreement!

6) “You’re pre-approved.”

Amy Jo Mortgage Nerds Brokers Are Better GIFfrom Amy Jo Mortgage Nerds GIFs

Agents also spend a lot of time working with potential buyers who refuse to get pre-approved for a mortgage, and worry that the time spent with them will be wasted if they can’t actually buy a house. Start your agent’s day with a big fat assurance that they’re approved for some action later in the evening, and you’ll certainly have them racing home after showing homes.

7) “You’re clear to close… the bedroom door.”

Bridgerton GIFfrom Bridgerton GIFs

Agents long to hear a lender say that their client is “clear to close” on the house they’re buying, because it means the loan is fully approved, and they can schedule a closing. Take that phrase to another level and make them long for you, by adding a brief pause… and instructions to shut the bedroom door.

8) “No contingencies.”

No Excuses No Distractions Kate GIFfrom No Excuses No Distractions GIFs

An offer that has no contingencies is a sure bet, which is why agents love hearing those words when they’re selling a property. Saying this with a little wink will signal to the agent in your life that it’s on like Donkey Kong later on, and it doesn’t matter if it was a busy day, or the kids take forever to go to sleep, you’re doing the deed. Oh, and no last minute headaches can be used as an excuse to back out of the deal either…

9) “The terms are flexible.”

Sleuthers Chaberries GIFfrom Sleuthers GIFs

It’s not just about getting a client the highest price when selling their home, it’s also about getting them the ideal terms, like a flexible closing date, or fewer contingencies. So it’ll be music to their ears when they hear you’re offering to be flexible, and open to negotiating a creative deal later on! (Just be ready and willing to spice things up a bit if you throw this one at them!)

The post 9 Sexy Things You Can Say to Get Your Significant Other in the Mood on Valentine’s Day… If They’re a Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/creative-places-to-sneak-quick-date-with-real-estate-agent Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:44:25 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=37250 There’s rarely a holiday that real estate agents are able to take time off. It’s not uncommon for them to answer the call of duty on Thanksgiving or Christmas, so it wouldn’t be surprising if elaborate Valentine’s Day plans are difficult for them to pull off. But if your significant other is an agent, that […]

The post 7 Creative Places to Sneak in a Quick Date on Valentine’s Day If You’re Dating or Married to a Busy Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> There’s rarely a holiday that real estate agents are able to take time off. It’s not uncommon for them to answer the call of duty on Thanksgiving or Christmas, so it wouldn’t be surprising if elaborate Valentine’s Day plans are difficult for them to pull off.

But if your significant other is an agent, that doesn’t mean they don’t love you, or want to spend time with you! They might just need you to understand and be flexible about where and when to squeeze in a memorable date.

And it’ll surely be memorable if you use one of these 8 creative places to sneak in a quick date with the agent in your life on Valentine’s Day, by using places they might need to be that day anyway:

1) In a Drive-Through Car Wash

Lallieva Alessandra Mastronardi GIFfrom Lallieva GIFs

Agents need to keep their car looking as clean and presentable as possible, so there’s always a chance they could use a good car wash! Set a time to meet your mate at a local drive-through one, and use the dark, private, self-propelled ride for some smooching.

Pro tip: Spring for the most upgraded package they have to make sure you get the most time and bang for your buck in the impromptu tunnel of love.

2) In a HUD Home

Abandoned House Parched GIFfrom Abandoned House GIFs

It’s unacceptable for agents to use a seller’s house as a place for a romantic date, but if there’s an exception to the rule, you could make an argument for HUD-owned homes as the perfect place for a candlelight dinner, since there’s typically no power!

And it might even feel like you’re eating at a restaurant together, if there are enough squatters eating in various corners of the room you decide to use.

3) In the Middle of Some Raw Land

A Room With A View GIFfrom Meadows GIFs

If you’re in love with a rural agent, or one who’s working with buyers who want to build their dream home from the ground up, there’s a good chance they’ll need to show some raw land.
Meet your sweetheart in the middle of one of those plots of land with a picnic basket and a blanket, and see what develops between you two on the future site of a development.

4) In a Gas Station Convenience Store

7eleven 711 GIFfrom 7eleven GIFs

Agents do so much driving in a day, there’s a good chance your beloved will need to make a pit stop for some fuel. Make the most of that downtime by meeting yours inside the quickie mart for a quick…

…bite to eat!

5) At a Locksmith or Hardware Store

Key Lock GIFfrom Key GIFs

Agents often have to get extra keys made when they take a listing, so there’s a chance the agent in your life might need to visit the local locksmith or hardware store to get some made.

If your relationship is on the new side, and you’re ready to take it to a new level, meet them there and surprise them by getting an extra key made for your place, so they can let themselves into your home after a long day of letting clients into other peoples’ homes.

6) Go to Broker Open Houses Together

Is The Next Appointment Lunch Next One GIFfrom Is The Next Appointment Lunch GIFs

If you like buffets, you’re gonna love this idea! Suggest tagging along with them to any local broker open houses that may be held that day. The listing agents often cater them with some good food, and each one has their go-to spread, so you’re bound to be in for a wide array of options. Way better than just going out to eat at one restaurant if you think about it!

7) At Their Office

Confused Lost GIFfrom Confused GIFs

Last but not least, don’t overlook just meeting them at their office. Most offices are like ghost towns with agents either out on appointments, or just opting to work from home!

The post 7 Creative Places to Sneak in a Quick Date on Valentine’s Day If You’re Dating or Married to a Busy Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/heres-real-estate-independence-day-common Fri, 30 Jun 2023 16:19:58 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=36648 What’s the first thing you think of when you think 4th of July? Probably fireworks, right? Okay, maybe you think about barbeques, pool parties, or parades first. The point is, the first thought for most people isn’t about the nitty-gritty that we’re actually celebrating — our independence as a nation. Deep down, we all know […]

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]]>

What’s the first thing you think of when you think 4th of July?

Probably fireworks, right?

Okay, maybe you think about barbeques, pool parties, or parades first.

The point is, the first thought for most people isn’t about the nitty-gritty that we’re actually celebrating — our independence as a nation.

Deep down, we all know that’s what it’s all about. And we respect it. But, we’re also human. Who can blame us for enjoying our freedom watching fireworks, without giving all that much thought about everything our founding fathers did to get us here?

So it is in real estate…

There’s a lot of focus on the “fireworks” in real estate. The big, glorious, flashy, exciting moments. Like…

• The moment your house first hits the market.
• Seeing the pictures of your house all over the Internet.
• Throngs of people walking through your first open house.
• Receiving offers from buyers…maybe even multiple offers.
• Going under contract.
• Walking into “the” house, and falling in love with it.
• Making an offer on the house you love, and having it accepted.
• Closing on the sale or purchase of your home.

All really exciting “firework” moments.

But they’re not the full story. There’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes in order to get to those fun, celebratory moments. A lot of thought, knowledge, skill, and work… Not necessarily fun, or sexy stuff. But it’s all important. It’s all necessary to get to those exciting “fireworks” moments.

Not that the behind the scenes stuff should be something you think about. As a consumer, you should enjoy the glorious moments. Leave the nitty-gritty to your agent.

Just know that there’s more to it than the “fireworks” you want to see when you buy or sell a house.

The post Here’s What Real Estate And Independence Day Have In Common appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

]]> https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/mlk-real-estate https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/mlk-real-estate#respond Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:27:28 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=31663 Fill in the blank… “I have a _________…” It doesn’t take a psychic to know what word you chose. Was it “dream”? Good chance it was. We all know this line from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speech. So when we hear those first three words, it sort of naturally comes to mind. But what […]

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Fill in the blank…

“I have a _________…”

It doesn’t take a psychic to know what word you chose.

Was it “dream”?

Good chance it was. We all know this line from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speech. So when we hear those first three words, it sort of naturally comes to mind.

But what many people aren’t aware of is how much he affected the lives of real estate agents, buyers, and sellers.

It was his death that gave Congress the last push needed to pass the Fair Housing Act, back in 1968. It’s pretty involved, but to put it simply…

This was put in place to ban racial discrimination in housing. You can’t be refused the rental or purchase of a house, based upon your race.

Seems simple enough to most people now. A given, if you will. But it didn’t happen overnight. And believe it or not, it still can and does come up.

But guess who’s a big part of making sure this Act is followed…

On the front lines, it’s real estate agents. We’re tasked with making people aware that discrimination based upon race (and many other things) are not acceptable, and they must refuse to work with anyone who wants to do so.

Real estate agents are proud to be a part of this ongoing history.

Today is the day where we take a moment to reflect and pay him respect. It’s also a good day to share some insight into how much more responsibility real estate agents have than meets the eye.

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]]> https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/mlk-real-estate/feed 0 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/articles/11-things-agents-would-love-this-christmas Fri, 20 Dec 2019 21:33:14 +0000 https://lightersideofrealestate.com/?p=16211 If Santa had a real estate agent sitting on his lap, he’d probably be pretty surprised at what’s on his or her wish list! A lot of things an agent wants don’t cost much (if anything!) and couldn’t be made by even the craftiest elf. Let’s take a look at eleven things that would make […]

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]]> If Santa had a real estate agent sitting on his lap, he’d probably be pretty surprised at what’s on his or her wish list! A lot of things an agent wants don’t cost much (if anything!) and couldn’t be made by even the craftiest elf. Let’s take a look at eleven things that would make this Christmas one to remember for practically every real estate agent.

1. For telemarketers promising “high quality leads” to lose my number already.

Rpdr Not Today GIF from Rupaul GIFs

via Tenor

2. Wine. LOTS of wine.

Amy Schumer Wine Glass GIF from Schumer GIFs

via Tenor

3. For a regularly scheduled nap time every day… with all communication devices disabled… and with full understanding and compassion from all clients.

ITake ANap Right Here Sleepy GIF from Itakeanaprighthere GIFs

via Tenor

4. For a freakin’ weekend off every now and again.

The #struggleisreal

Posted by The Lighter Side of Real Estate on Friday, October 2, 2015

5. For people to respect our time.

This pretty much says it all! #realestate #realtor #Realtorproblems pic.twitter.com/91Sc30r5Qi

— Misty Brown (@Mistybrown88) July 5, 2015

6. For all homebuyers to understand they need to get pre-approved before viewing homes.

 

7. For the public to watch HGTV for entertainment purposes only… kinda like professional wrestling.

 

8. For homebuyers to be more decisive.

Posted by The Lighter Side of Real Estate on Sunday, September 14, 2014

9. For more opportunities to do THIS…

Posted by The Lighter Side of Real Estate on Wednesday, August 5, 2015

10. Referrals

via GIPHY

11. For my own secret stash of clever, personalized real estate marketing content.

Editor’s note: How convenient! That’s exactly what the Lighter Side of Real Estate provides! It’s called our “Inner Circle’ membership…

Go here to learn more (and to take advantage of our holiday offer)!

 

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