March is here and in Chicago that means our hopes are getting piqued for warmer days, greener scenery and an even greener Chicago River for St. Patty's Day. But did you know that March is also National Women's History Month? How are you going to celebrate?
Why not drop casually into conversation that it is women's history month? Read up a little about the women in the field you are most interested in. Love sports? Learn about women warriors in Japan. Have fervor for politics? Did you know Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for president in 1872? Like art? Check out Judy Chicago. Music? Learn up on Kathleen Hanna and how she changed rock. You don't have to have a pair of x chromosomes to want to enjoy and celebrate this observance, women's empowerment and strides help everyone. So save the mugs of beer and partying for later in March, and get a little cerebral with your celebrations, learning about the great women in our history as you get together with friends.

Why pay for something you can get at no cost? And it's even better when the free solutions do such a great job of helping you to market and manage your real estate business. I run through software, hardware and services technology solutions with a vengeance. I use them, abuse them, and throw many out. However, I do have some favorites that I use and love. Here are the top ten free real estate technology solutions.

1. Gmail for Lots of Things

Gmail is my most-utilized online application. Not only do I have my personal Gmail address, but I also have multiple business addresses for different purposes. It is accessible from any Internet computer, fast, a huge storage facility, and I can find my old emails with ease. Learn why I made it the first item on my list of free favorites.

Read About How Gmail is Great for Real Estate

By the end of the year, the Rules and Regulations Department will no longer send out correction notices or fine assessment notices via fax. These notices will be automated through the connectMLS system and will be viewable by the Broker, Listing Agent, Office Manager and Office Secretaries on My MLS homepage of connectMLS under the listing and email alert sections. There will be an option to also elect that an email be generated to any of thesse user types within the office as well.
Initially, all participants within the office that have those user types will receive an alert by default.
With this initiative the Rules and Regulations Department will substantially reduce their carbon footprint. The generated notices and fines will be fully automated and reduce paper consumption and in turn facilitate a more efficient and time saving tracking system.
WHAT ELSE DOES MRED PLAN TO DO?
MRED is also adding "Green Disclosure" as a selection to the Public Documents drop-down in TMS/Documents, and the SREA (Sustainable Real Estate Alliance). Green Disclosure form and related glossary will be loaded into the Forms folders of requesting Associations of REALTORS, as well as under MREDs Forms section on connectMLS.
WHAT ABOUT NEW FIELDS?

Many sales professionals are currently trying to figure out what it's going to take to garner sales and motivate buyers. In today’s market it's no easy task. This new market takes creativity, smart planning, technology tools, coaching and leadership. At SourceOne Realty, it is our primary focus. We're here to help you launch your career. Whether you're a licensed Realtor or not, we will get you up and running. We provide, FREE Sales Training by National Real Estate Coach, Rich Casto, our sales professionals may work from home, we provide a free contact management system with linked agent web site for one year and we place every listing on over 425 high-traffic web sites, making you a hero to home sellers. We want to be your next choice. Call us today at 312-380-4702 or ndomico@SourceOneRealty for more information. www.SourceOneCareers.com and www.SourceOneRealty.com Chicago and Suburbs

This article is from Businessweek.com

Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit Likely

Posted by: Jane Sasseen on October 28

From our colleague Prashant Gopal:

It’s increasingly likely that Congress will extend and expand the popular home buyer tax credit, which will expire next month. CNN.com reported today that a compromise proposal based on bills that have already been introduced could pass the Senate as early as this week (assuming that it is attached to a bill to extend unemployment benefits).

The compromise bill would likely open the program to some existing homeowners. The expiring tax credit is limited to buyers who have not owned a home for at least two years.

According to a CNN.com story today:

* First-time buyers could continue to claim up to $8,000. But existing homeowners who have lived in their home for five years could receive up to $6,500 if they trade up to a larger principal residence.

* The full credit would be limited to buyers who earn less than $125,000 a year and for married couples with annual incomes up to $225,000.

* The credit could only be used for homes selling for $800,000 or less.

* Contracts must be signed by April 30, 2010 and sales must close by June 30.

Current list price is $300,000! This immaculate unit is a steal at this price.  
Over $60,000 in price reductions. Motivated Seller to say the least. This impeccable River North unit has two bedrooms and one bath. Crisp clean and modern condo features granite breakfast bar, laundry in-unit, custom closet organizers through out and floor to ceiling windows with a great view. The second bedroom currently being used as a den. Assessment includes: heat, a/c, 24hr doorman, gym, beautiful sundeck, clubhouse & deeded parking space (cable is addtl $29.60/mnth). 

I've been hearing that appraisals have been killing deals or sending them back to negotiations. This is happening due to some areas having a high number of REO / Foreclosure / Short Sale comps that the appraiser is using. Some appraisers will go ahead and account for the fact that these comps are foreclosures but if the amount of foreclosures in the area is driving the overall market price down they may not take this into consideration.

I was going to meet with an inspector and appraiser the other day for one of our listings. I have always pulled at least three comparable sold property sheets from the MLS to give to the appraiser. An agent in the office asked why I do that, why not make them do their job and do what they get paid for. My answer is simple; I always try to find comps that have sold for over what my sale price is to give my seller a chance. With the word out that many appraisals are coming in short and deals are falling due to that...in my opinion, if I don't give the appraiser comps that I used to price my listing and the report comes back and it didn't appraise out, I'll feel as though I didn't serve my client to the fullest. It takes a matter of 5-10 minutes to find and prove that your listing is worth the price you negotiated for your seller.

 Deep thoughts by Nicole Domico....LOL

Gorgeous NorwoodPark 2 story home with 4bedrooms & 3 baths. Hardwood floors thru-out. Newer ceramic tile kitchenwith stainless-steel appliances, granite counters & 42 inch cabinets. Everyroom just professionally painted. Separate dining room. Master suite withoffice or play area & bath just finished upstairs. Basement just finishedwith 4th bedroom or office, recreation room, full bath, laundry room &utility room. 1st floor family room with skylight & sliding doors leadingto deck & landscaped yard. One and a half car garage with a side carport aswell.

Fabulous - completely updated home for sale in Norwood Park area of Chicago!! A MUST SEE!

ShowingAssist will be made available through connectMLS, and at no cost to MRED users, effective July 9, 2009.  This new tool is meant to reduce the time it takes to arrange, schedule and confirm showings, while also providing a vehicle to generate feedback on your listings.  ShowingAssist will enable users to:

    • Receive showing requests from other MRED members
    • Request showings anytime you login to connectMLS
    • Confirm appointments interactively
    • Request feedback on a showing appointment
    • Track showings and feedback   
    • Block out undesirable showing times for your clients on an interactive calendar
    • Secure ShowingAssist instructions available 24/7

ShowingAssist will also eliminate countless appointment phone calls – all directly through connectMLS - using instant notifications sent to wireless devices & e-mail accounts.

ShowingAssist Online Tutorials have been prepared covering the main areas of the product and its use (see below).  Click here to access and view these.