Gary Duda's Real Estate Blog

It's become common for the public to watch the actions of the Federal Reserve, thinking that their raising and lower of interest rates will have some affect on home mortgage rates.  The truth is that what the Fed does has very little impact on interest rates for most home mortgages.  To understan...

Now is an amazing time to buy real estate!Interest rates are historically low.  There is lots of inventory.  Builders are making deals.  The sun is shining. The birds are singing and the crisp autumn breeze on my face makes me happy to be alive!  Gosh, I feel like singing show tunes.If you are in...

If your real estate business isn't all it can be, here are some important questions to ask yourself. Do you consistently work a full 40-hour week at real estate?Have you mailed out or used all of the marketing materials you have purchased in the past year?Do you let more than an hour or two go by...

One of my last blogs was about name tags and car magnets - all great things to increase your visibility as a Realtor.  However, I omitted some important common sense items:If you are going to wear a name tag then please don't:Be rude to people - they definitely won't call you.  If you really must...

While there are many ways to market yourself as a Realtor, here are a few inexpensive methods that you may have overlooked.When in public, always wear a name tag that says who you are and what firm you work for.  It may sound corny, but I guarantee it will prompt people to ask you about real esta...

Your listing isn't selling.  Trust me you are not alone.  However, your clients really "need" to sell and you feel frustrated - what can you do?The answer is simple - give your sellers regular feedback on showings and on changes in the market.  Calling for feedback from showings is the key to get...

If you are a homeowner you might want to be aware that filing an insurance claim for damage to your home could one day impact your ability to sell your property.  Insurance claims on homes now may be submitted to a 10-year old database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange Property ...

 If you watched all your friends and neighbors move this past year and you have vowed that next year will be your time to move - start your preparations now.Too many homeowners wait until the last minute to get their home market ready and are often overwhelmed with all that needs to be done.  Con...

Everyone wants a deal in real estate or as it's been called - "the price of a lifetime."  Many home lookers won't even make an offer unless it is tens of thousands under the asking price.My advice to this type of buyer is look at the house and its potential long-term resale.You never know how goo...

If you plan on purchasing a home, the first step is to find a reliable buyer's agent who will help guide you through the process.A buyer's agent is your agent and represents your interests. If the property is listed the seller already has an agent who is looking our for his or her interests.  You...