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Cushman & Wakefield has released the results of its 2010 Self-Storage Investor Survey in a report titled “Resilient Asset Class Gains Traction.” The valuation and advisory publication expands on results found in reports such as the …

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Cushman Wakefield Releases 2010 Self Storage Investor Survey

Green real estate includes things like alternate energy sources, energy-efficient appliances and even things like better insulation to conserve energy. New “green” homes are built with environmentally-friendly building materials, and may be built in areas that make the homes themselves more efficient. For example, a “green” home may be built into the side of a hill to conserve energy and maximize insulating properties.

Green property isn’t just for environmentally-conscious individuals. Eco-friendly real estate has practical benefits for homeowners. For example, if your property includes energy-efficient appliances and low-flow plumbing fixtures, you can save substantial costs on utility and water bills every month. If you’ve got an alternate energy source, you can use less electricity, thus lowering your energy bills. Some alternate energy sources also generate excess electricity that you can “sell back” to the utility company, in the form of a credit on your bill for electricity that you do use.

The government is getting on board with “green” housing, too. When you invest in some alternate energy sources, the government offers tax credits and write-offs that can cover a portion of the cost or the entire cost for your alternate energy sources.

For example, through the end of December 2010, you may qualify for “Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency” to offset the costs of installing energy efficient doors, windows, insulation, heating and cooling. Solar energy systems may qualify for a 30% tax credit if installed before December 2016. For detailed information on tax credits, check with the U.S. Department of Energy. More →

Randolph Realtor Douglas Tucker lists some mistakes that listing agents make which can negatively affect a home sale.

1. Submit incomplete paperwork – A commission agreement is only a small part of the listing paperwork which a seller must complete. The other documents include a seller’s property disclosure, consent to dual agency, lead paint disclosure, consumer information statement, multiple listing input sheet, and the New Jersey law against discrimination. When all the paperwork is completed, the seller should get a copy of all the signed paperwork, as well as the pink copy of the commission agreement.

2. Fail to take photos – The vast majority of buyers are drawn to a property because of the pictures and video tour. If a listing agent doesn’t include photos, it will make the property less marketable to a huge amount of clients.

3. Listing the home and then forgetting the listing – If a realtor has a busy real estate business, he or she may list many properties but not be able to service the clients.

4. Share too much information about the seller’s situation – It is no one’s business if the seller is divorcing or having financial difficulty. The seller’s agent has a fiduciary duty to work for the seller only; if he or she gives unnecessary information to a buyer or a buyer’s agent, it will put the seller at a disadvantage in negotiating.

5. Skipping the inspections – Holding a transaction together in today’s market is a challenge. To better service your client, be visible at the home inspection, appraisal, termite inspection, and oil tank inspection.

6. Pushing the seller into using a favorite attorney – It is okay to recommend a favorite attorney or mortgage lender to a seller. However, listing agents should provide three referrals and let the seller make the choice.

7. Ignoring the wishes of the seller – The seller doesn’t want an open house, or a lock box, and wants potential buyers to remove their shoes? The listing agent must obey the seller.

8. Delegate all responsibility to an assistant – The seller hired you and not your assistant unless you went into your first meeting saying you were a team and interchangeable. Do not be there just to sign the listing and the give another agent all the tasks to do.
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