Melanie Speed

Buying a Condo When You Own Pets

If you're looking to buy a condo when you own a dog or cat, tread carefully. There are a lot of things that can seriously jeopardize your peaceful pet ownership if you do not make sure that you abide by the condo rules. There are several preventative meas... Read >

5 Real Estate Blogging Tips For Agents

If you enjoy blogging, consider adding a blog about real estate to your website.  A blog brings you closer to the people who you want to connect with and can give them a better idea of your personality and what you can do for them.  If you take the t... Read >

Three Great Reasons to Buy a Home Today!

There has been a lot of doom and gloom hovering over the real estate industry of late, and for good reason.  The foreclosure crisis, America hovering on a recession… these are things that might make you want to wait.  However, there are a few grea... Read >

The War of the Worlds Most Expensive Homes

At one time the $70 million New York Pierre three-floor penthouse was considered among the most expensive homes in the world. Designed to resemble a French chateau it has spectacular views of Manhattan, Central Park, the East River and the Hudson River. ... Read >

Freshen Up Your Kitchen

So you're selling your home and you've read all the books on staging and how to effectively get your home ready for showing. Once of the simplest things that many people overlook is cleaning. Their home may be tidy and staged beautifully, but is it clean?... Read >

When your House Gives Buyers the Creeps

We've all had the experience of walking into a place and feeling as though something was not right. Our skin tingles, our hearts beat faster, and a knot forms in the stomach. Usually this occurs without any rational explanation for the feelings. We call ... Read >

Tips for Successful Relocation

Relocating to a new city can be a harried experience even for people who've had several months to prepare. This is because of the sheer number of details that must be taken care of. If you're thinking about moving somewhere new, there are a few things you... Read >

Managing Your Real Estate Investment Cash Flow

If you've got ahead enough to invest in real estate, congratulations! You're on your way to a steady income stream that can set you on the path of independent living! However, if you're new to the world of real estate investment, the idea that you are g... Read >

5 Ways of Earning Alternative Income With Real Estate

When people think of real estate income, they usually think of the two most popular ways of gaining this: buying/selling and renting. These are very successful methods of gaining income through real estate, but there are other ways that you can get some ... Read >

Is Private Lending for You?

If you do not have outrageously generous, rich relatives, you might think that, when it comes time to get a loan to buy or renovate a home, that your bank and credit union are your sole sources of major capital. However, the Internet has revolutionized t... Read >

Real Estate Drinking Game

It might not find you a house, but might help you deal with the stress of house hunting. For buyers, sellers and realtors alike! You'll need: - a bottle or two of your preferred liquor - cup for each person - real estate publication - Any of ... Read >

Finding your Living Room's Focal Point

People are visual creatures. We are attracted to color and contrasts cause our eyes to take notice. Focal points in a living room serve to draw the eye and hold it, preferably in a positive manner. This article is going to discuss some points on how to cr... Read >

Five Stories of Stupid Home Owners

Questions these people should have asked themselves about before they took on their houses and made their idiotic decisions: 1. Is this home going to be a foreclosed grow-op? The San Bernardino County Sun reported that a Fontana, CA man was arreste... Read >

A Comedy of Expenses

Once upon a time, there was a new homeowner. Let us call her Jane. Jane: I finally realized the dream! I own a house! I'm going to celebrate. Mortgage: No, you're not. Jane: Well, I meant in a small way. Insurance: By 'small', I hope you mean "... Read >

Expanding Your Market With a Little Help From the Competition

Sometimes it's easier to work with the competition than to keep competing with it. That lesson has helped many tech-savvy real estate agents prosper even as competitors stack up in the online realty world. As new business broaden the industry and offer v... Read >