Mike Hughes' Blog

There are very few great real estate blogs on the Web. But, what does "great" really mean? For most that use the term it probably refers to the appearance, traffic, or lively industry banter in the comments section. I challenge you to change your definition. Start making "great" mean I actually g...

Sometimes it's difficult to figure out whether an agent could be compromising his or her fiduciary relationship with a seller or violating the law regarding material facts. Real estate agents in CA are required to disclose material facts to a buyer. It doesn't matter whether the agent is a listin...

Over the past couple of weeks I've been helping a friend look around for a new condo here in the Chicago metro market. While he's currently just window shopping and hasn't entered into any serious talks with potential sellers, he's your ideal buyer - especially during this slow housing market. Hi...

There is a simple, yet ingenious way to fix much of the housing market, but I cannot take the credit for idea.  A few days back, Mike Ferry presented several of us with a simple concept.  (With Christmas, Hanukkah and 2009 around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider this simple plan to...

If you are feeling a little shameful about how you spent your money in the past, you are not alone. Welcome to the new era of "Luxury Shame". Bye-bye, bling-bling. Each year at this time I am reminded of the following sales pitch I used as the former owner of an auto leasing company: "Gee, don't ...

I wonder if my plea will be heard... Back in August I had a suggestion in this blog post "I have a cure for the housing market but I need your help" which stated that every realtor and seller (including FSBOs) should immediately withdrawl their listings that would knowingly never sell.  If that d...

EEY - How you doin'?  (That's "Chicago shorthand" for "How are you doing this evening?") Over the last few Weekly Status Meetings for our Team, we put together a list of Ten Critical Tips for Getting Your Home Sold in Today's Real Estate Market.  For the sake of brevity, here are the Top Five.  F...

In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to stay in front of your customers. Pick up the phone, send a greeting, or consider e-mail. One of e-mail’s competitive advantages is its ability to help you optimize your most valuable asset - loyal customers - especially in a down econom...

I receive FHA appraisal orders from many different people and many different mortgage companies across the country. I know many times these Mortgage Professionals tell me they telephone interview a perspective borrower about their home and after I leave the home it is obvious they have no idea wh...

Let’s face it, if you are in the market to buy or sell a home as we approach 2009, you are either the hunter or the hunted.  You are in financial disarray or you are seeking to exploit the struggles of another.  I say this without judgment.  A transaction which involves the antithetical goals of ...