Real Estate, Updates, News & Tips - George Zoumot - iPro Real Estate

Owners, Appraisers Disagree on Home Values

Homeowners feel like their homes are worth more than what appraisers say they are, and the gap between the two estimated values has grown for the sixth consecutive month, according to Quicken Loans’ National Home Price Perception Index.Appraised values were, on average, 1.93 percent lower than what homeowners expected, according to the index. Appraisals are drifting farther from owner estimates, even though their assessments continue to rise

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Fed Votes to Raise Key Interest Rate Again

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve took a largely expected move to raise its key interest rate one-quarter percentage point. This marks the second of three hikes that is expected to occur this year.“The stance of monetary policy remains accommodative, thereby supporting some further strengthening in labor market conditions and a sustained return to 2 percent inflation,” according to the Fed’s statement.While mortgage rates aren’t directly

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Google Enters the Multifamily Market

Google owner Alphabet Inc. is dipping its toe into the real estate industry in order to help its employees deal with escalating housing costs in Silicon Valley. The tech giant purchased 300 apartment units from a modular-home startup known as Factory OS. The apartment units are expected to serve as short-term housing for Google employees, The Wall Street Journal reports.The cost of the deal is reported to be between $25 million and $30 millio

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1031 Exchanges Under Threat?

A major tax advantage for the commercial real estate industry may be one of the casualties in a sweeping federal tax reform expected this year, The Wall Street Journal reports.Some lawmakers are eyeing the 1031 exchange provision to get the tax-rate cut they seek. The provision allows sellers of real estate and other assets to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting any profit in “like-kind” properties. The 1031 exchange applies to a range

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Decor that Adds Value to Homes

A home's price is based on many factors that can’t be changed, such as location, square footage, and age. While these fixed factors may seem like an end-all-be-all, you can present your client’s home in other ways that may add perceived value for buyers. A full overhaul or shiny new kitchen are not the only options — choosing the right home decor can go a long way in bringing buyers.Here's a look at some top accessories and decor choices

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The top 10 issues facing the real estate industry in 2017

The No. 1 challenge? Polarization and political uncertaintyKey Takeaways Political uncertainty affects trade, consumer prices, home prices and mortgage interest rates. Big baby boomer and millennial populations (who want different things in their homes) are causing generational disruption and housing mismatch. The proliferation of real estate technology is also going to have a big impact on consumers, agents and brokers.DENVER — Every year, the

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REALTORS: 5 ways to sell potential homebuyers on your fixer-upper

Help buyers find their dream home using a little imaginationKey Takeaways Selling a fixer-upper isn’t magic -- it just takes good pricing, charming descriptions and an agent’s vision.As a real estate agent, you know that not every house is perfect. Each has its own quirks that make it ideal for the right homebuyers.However, homes that may require some TLC (at the expense of the future homebuyer) can appear quite daunting. Regardless, fixer-up

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Welcome to the Team Christopher D Gordon out of Tampa, FL

iPro currently deals throughout the states of California and Texas with new offices in New York and Florida. We continue to strive to broaden opportunities for real estate professionals and consumers. Visit www.iprore.com for the latest information and links.Click here for information on how to become a salesperson.

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How to Fly the Stars and Stripes

The original "Stars and Stripes" version of the U.S. flag, designed by Betsy Ross, was adopted by Congress on June 14, 1777. Tomorrow marks the flag's 240th birthday—Flag Day—a day when homeowners across America will display the flag proudly outside their doorsteps. But before the flag is raised, pass on these tips to your sphere from the Veterans of Foreign Wars on proper flag etiquette. Never let the flag touch the ground. When flown on the

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Best Cities for Early Birds, Night Owls

Night people vs. day people: There may be a perfect city for you.After all, some cities may be more in tune to the routines of early risers, while others may be better suited for those who prefer to stay up to the wee hours of the night. Realtor.com®’s research team scoured city data for average bedtimes, the percentage of home buyers using realtor.com after 10 p.m. (for night owls) and before 9 a.m. (for early risers), the number of restauran

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