60 acast.com REAL Smart with Cheryl King and Maura Neill https://shows.acast.com/real-smart en Maura Neill real estate,realtors,home buying,home selling Maura Neill REAL Smart is a podcast about real estate for real estate industry folks — REALTORS®, real estate agents, lenders, closing and title folks, real estate investors, and hey, anyone looking to learn a little more about real estate…and get REAL(ly)* Smart.


Join REALTOR® Maura Neill and Real Estate Attorney Cheryl King as they discuss all things real estate -- sometimes they agree, and sometimes they don't (but it's more fun that way, isn't it?). Coming to your ears October 2022, wherever you listen to podcasts!



*Fellow grammar nerds...we hear you.



CHERYL KING: Cheryl is a real estate closing attorney the Director of the Infinity Institute. She frequently provide presentations to attorneys, mortgage companies and real estate companies on negotiation, financing, loan fraud, contract creation, contract interpretation, cybersecurity, and social media. She is a certified instructor for the Georgia Association of REALTOR®’s Partners in Education Department.

She co-hosted the Home Radio real estate radio show on iHeart Radio and currently co-hosts the REALsmart real estate podcast. She published a monthly newsletter on Linkedin and on her smartstips.com website.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. While attending the University of Richmond, she was the Managing Editor of the Journal of Law and Technology and was named the University of Richmond’s “Woman Lawyer of the Year” by the National Association of Women Lawyers.

She and her husband are both Louisiana State University alumnae and there daughter is currently at LSU studying engineering and computer science.


MAURA NEILL (ABR, AHWD, CRS, e-PRO, MRP, PSA, MA): Maura is a second-generation REALTOR® who combines her love for the industry with her passion for education. Before getting into the real estate business in 2001, Maura previously taught at Florida State University and the University of Phoenix. She is an active agent with RE/MAX Around Atlanta, leading her team and representing buyers and sellers on a day-to-day basis, and considers education – both clients and other real estate agents – an important part of her role as a REALTOR®.

Maura is sought-after nationally for leadership training and as a real estate speaker and instructor on subjects such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving and goal setting, negotiation strategies, and customer service and client retention. She was the Lead Instructor and Subject Matter Expert for NAR’s Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification and for the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) elective class, “Generating Buyer and Seller Leads: Capture, Qualify, and Convert.”

In 2021, she was a member of the NAR Leadership Team, serving as President Charlie Oppler’s Public and Federal Issues Liaison, and policy, RPAC, and advocacy are a strong focus in her business and work as a REALTOR® volunteer; she is involved on the national, state, and local levels. Peer recognitions include the 2020 CRS National President’s Award and the 2015 Atlanta REALTOR® of the Year. Maura is a 2016 graduate of the NAR Leadership Academy, a Platinum R RPAC investor, a member of RPAC President’s Circle, and was honored at the $50k level of the NAR RPAC Hall of Fame in 2022.

Maura lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with her husband Ben, and their Beagles Charlie, Jarvis, and Bebe.

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]]> REAL Smart is a podcast about real estate for real estate industry folks — REALTORS®, real estate agents, lenders, closing and title folks, real estate investors, and hey, anyone looking to learn a little more about real estate…and get REAL(ly)* Smart.


Join REALTOR® Maura Neill and Real Estate Attorney Cheryl King as they discuss all things real estate -- sometimes they agree, and sometimes they don't (but it's more fun that way, isn't it?). Coming to your ears October 2022, wherever you listen to podcasts!



*Fellow grammar nerds...we hear you.



CHERYL KING: Cheryl is a real estate closing attorney the Director of the Infinity Institute. She frequently provide presentations to attorneys, mortgage companies and real estate companies on negotiation, financing, loan fraud, contract creation, contract interpretation, cybersecurity, and social media. She is a certified instructor for the Georgia Association of REALTOR®’s Partners in Education Department.

She co-hosted the Home Radio real estate radio show on iHeart Radio and currently co-hosts the REALsmart real estate podcast. She published a monthly newsletter on Linkedin and on her smartstips.com website.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. While attending the University of Richmond, she was the Managing Editor of the Journal of Law and Technology and was named the University of Richmond’s “Woman Lawyer of the Year” by the National Association of Women Lawyers.

She and her husband are both Louisiana State University alumnae and there daughter is currently at LSU studying engineering and computer science.


MAURA NEILL (ABR, AHWD, CRS, e-PRO, MRP, PSA, MA): Maura is a second-generation REALTOR® who combines her love for the industry with her passion for education. Before getting into the real estate business in 2001, Maura previously taught at Florida State University and the University of Phoenix. She is an active agent with RE/MAX Around Atlanta, leading her team and representing buyers and sellers on a day-to-day basis, and considers education – both clients and other real estate agents – an important part of her role as a REALTOR®.

Maura is sought-after nationally for leadership training and as a real estate speaker and instructor on subjects such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving and goal setting, negotiation strategies, and customer service and client retention. She was the Lead Instructor and Subject Matter Expert for NAR’s Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification and for the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) elective class, “Generating Buyer and Seller Leads: Capture, Qualify, and Convert.”

In 2021, she was a member of the NAR Leadership Team, serving as President Charlie Oppler’s Public and Federal Issues Liaison, and policy, RPAC, and advocacy are a strong focus in her business and work as a REALTOR® volunteer; she is involved on the national, state, and local levels. Peer recognitions include the 2020 CRS National President’s Award and the 2015 Atlanta REALTOR® of the Year. Maura is a 2016 graduate of the NAR Leadership Academy, a Platinum R RPAC investor, a member of RPAC President’s Circle, and was honored at the $50k level of the NAR RPAC Hall of Fame in 2022.

Maura lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with her husband Ben, and their Beagles Charlie, Jarvis, and Bebe.

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]]> false Maura Neill maura@buysellliveatlanta.com 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b real-smart episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b/1665944188234-7345508cbc1500d3f81a90fd61a90f91.jpeg https://shows.acast.com/real-smart REAL Smart with Cheryl King and Maura Neill Closing Chaos - Fixtures vs. Feelings Closing Chaos - Fixtures vs. Feelings Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT 41:09 69caabbfbfb99db0bcf5f86a false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/fixtures-vs-feelings 69caabbfbfb99db0bcf5f86a 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b fixtures-vs-feelings April 2026, Episode 2 full 4 11 assumed can quickly blur, especially when it’s not clearly defined in the contract. In this episode, Cheryl and Maura break down how small items create big disputes and how to eliminate confusion before it becomes conflict.

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]]> assumed can quickly blur, especially when it’s not clearly defined in the contract. In this episode, Cheryl and Maura break down how small items create big disputes and how to eliminate confusion before it becomes conflict.

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]]> Closing Chaos: Possession Problems Closing Chaos: Possession Problems Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:51:31 GMT 37:31 69caaba516bd65d0693154ad false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/possession-problems 69caaba516bd65d0693154ad 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b possession-problems April 2026, Episode 1 full 4 10 think was agreed to versus what’s actually in writing? In this episode, Maura and Cheryl unpack how post-closing and pre-closing possession can go sideways, and how to structure these agreements so the keys change hands without the chaos. 

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]]> think was agreed to versus what’s actually in writing? In this episode, Maura and Cheryl unpack how post-closing and pre-closing possession can go sideways, and how to structure these agreements so the keys change hands without the chaos. 

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]]> Coming Up Green - Pay to Play? Rethinking Seller-Offered Compensation Coming Up Green - Pay to Play? Rethinking Seller-Offered Compensation Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:20:30 GMT 37:31 69baeab09f7cc5ed0397dea8 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/seller-offered-compensation 69baeab09f7cc5ed0397dea8 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b seller-offered-compensation March 2026, Episode 5 full 4 9 In this episode, Maura and Cheryl explore the shifting landscape of seller-offered compensation. With changes like South Carolina REALTORS® removing cooperative compensation from listing agreements—and new expectations around buyer brokerage agreements—agents and sellers alike are rethinking old norms. Should sellers still offer compensation upfront, or is it time for commission to become just another negotiable piece of the deal? This conversation zooms out to the bigger picture and what it means for how deals get structured going forward.


Link to Cheryl's Buyer Broker Compensation Strategy Sheet: https://www.smartstips.com/resources

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]]> In this episode, Maura and Cheryl explore the shifting landscape of seller-offered compensation. With changes like South Carolina REALTORS® removing cooperative compensation from listing agreements—and new expectations around buyer brokerage agreements—agents and sellers alike are rethinking old norms. Should sellers still offer compensation upfront, or is it time for commission to become just another negotiable piece of the deal? This conversation zooms out to the bigger picture and what it means for how deals get structured going forward.


Link to Cheryl's Buyer Broker Compensation Strategy Sheet: https://www.smartstips.com/resources

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Coming Up Green: When Deals Die - Loan Denial Letters Decoded Coming Up Green: When Deals Die - Loan Denial Letters Decoded Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:23:05 GMT 37:35 69bae8ae6cb58679e8f51282 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/coming-up-green-loan-denial-letters 69bae8ae6cb58679e8f51282 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b coming-up-green-loan-denial-letters March 2026 - Episode 4 full 4 8 In this episode, Maura and Cheryl tackle loan denial letters in Georgia real estate transactions—what actually qualifies as a valid denial under GAR forms and what doesn’t. They also explore how to navigate conversations with lenders who may not be familiar with Georgia’s contracts and timelines. It’s not the most glamorous topic, but understanding it can make all the difference in protecting your clients—whether you’re representing the buyer or the seller.


Get Cheryl's Loan Denial Cheat Sheet, here: https://tr.ee/lFaDR4XFjB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode, Maura and Cheryl tackle loan denial letters in Georgia real estate transactions—what actually qualifies as a valid denial under GAR forms and what doesn’t. They also explore how to navigate conversations with lenders who may not be familiar with Georgia’s contracts and timelines. It’s not the most glamorous topic, but understanding it can make all the difference in protecting your clients—whether you’re representing the buyer or the seller.


Get Cheryl's Loan Denial Cheat Sheet, here: https://tr.ee/lFaDR4XFjB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Coming Up Green: Fine Print That Pays - GAR Financing Exhibits Coming Up Green: Fine Print That Pays - GAR Financing Exhibits Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:05:21 GMT 48:01 69ba85af40ff3ead63c57941 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/fine-print-gar-financing-exhibits 69ba85af40ff3ead63c57941 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b fine-print-gar-financing-exhibits March 2026, Episode 3 full 4 7

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]]>

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]]> Coming Up Green - Skin In the Game (Earnest Money and Option Money) Coming Up Green - Skin In the Game (Earnest Money and Option Money) Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:19:28 GMT 30:36 69a57202ccf5ebd4b1af4922 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/coming-up-green-episode-2 69a57202ccf5ebd4b1af4922 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b coming-up-green-episode-2 March 2026, Episode 2 full 4 6 This week, Cheryl and Maura break down how buyers prove they’re serious with the two checks that matter most: earnest money and option money. But this isn’t just a conversation for drafting the initial offer, and these deposits aren’t tools for buyers alone.


Sellers and their agents need a sharp understanding of how these two very different forms of money can strengthen their position as well. When you truly understand earnest and option money, you unlock a deeper layer of negotiation strategy and elevate how you serve your clients, no matter which side of the table you’re sitting on.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week, Cheryl and Maura break down how buyers prove they’re serious with the two checks that matter most: earnest money and option money. But this isn’t just a conversation for drafting the initial offer, and these deposits aren’t tools for buyers alone.


Sellers and their agents need a sharp understanding of how these two very different forms of money can strengthen their position as well. When you truly understand earnest and option money, you unlock a deeper layer of negotiation strategy and elevate how you serve your clients, no matter which side of the table you’re sitting on.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Coming Up Green - Show Me the Money is Good! Coming Up Green - Show Me the Money is Good! Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:38:40 GMT 37:43 69a56cc20aa3b600dfc2b42c false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/coming-up-green-episode-1 69a56cc20aa3b600dfc2b42c 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b coming-up-green-episode-1 March 2026 - Episode 1 full 4 5 It's March, and this month is all about the green...money, that is. In this episode, Maura and Cheryl discuss a new federal law regulating all-cash transactions. Starting March 1, 2026, a new federal FinCEN rule requires reporting of all-cash (non-financed) residential real estate transfers to legal entities or trusts to combat money laundering. This applies to 1-4 unit properties, condos, and some land, covering LLCs, corporations, and trusts nationwide, including Georgia. Title companies must file reports for these transactions, disclosing beneficial owners. Tune in to learn more and make sure you're ready to help your clients navigate the new normal for cash buyers.


Link to Cheryl's guide to the new FinCen rules: https://tr.ee/O5AgtbEs3R


Link to the National Association of REALTORS® guidance on FinCen Rules: https://www.nar.realtor/money-laundering-and-terrorism-financing/fincen-residential-real-estate-rule-faqs-for-real-estate-professionals


Link to info on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network website: https://www.fincen.gov/rre


Link to Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers, in the National Archives: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/29/2024-19198/anti-money-laundering-regulations-for-residential-real-estate-transfers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> It's March, and this month is all about the green...money, that is. In this episode, Maura and Cheryl discuss a new federal law regulating all-cash transactions. Starting March 1, 2026, a new federal FinCEN rule requires reporting of all-cash (non-financed) residential real estate transfers to legal entities or trusts to combat money laundering. This applies to 1-4 unit properties, condos, and some land, covering LLCs, corporations, and trusts nationwide, including Georgia. Title companies must file reports for these transactions, disclosing beneficial owners. Tune in to learn more and make sure you're ready to help your clients navigate the new normal for cash buyers.


Link to Cheryl's guide to the new FinCen rules: https://tr.ee/O5AgtbEs3R


Link to the National Association of REALTORS® guidance on FinCen Rules: https://www.nar.realtor/money-laundering-and-terrorism-financing/fincen-residential-real-estate-rule-faqs-for-real-estate-professionals


Link to info on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network website: https://www.fincen.gov/rre


Link to Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers, in the National Archives: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/29/2024-19198/anti-money-laundering-regulations-for-residential-real-estate-transfers

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]]> Breaking Up is Hard To Do - Leaving Well, Leaving Smart Breaking Up is Hard To Do - Leaving Well, Leaving Smart Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:14:36 GMT 21:55 697e055a4b1113c2c82f302a false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-4 697e055a4b1113c2c82f302a 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-4 February 2026 - Episode 4 full 4 4 It's not always a sales contract or client relationship that breaks down; sometimes, it's the agent-broker relationship that needs severing. This week, Maura and Cheryl dive into what agents need to know when leaving a brokerage. From contracts and clients to responsibilities and risk, they cover how to exit well and set yourself up for a smooth transition to what’s next.


Download Cheryl's Brokerage Change Self-Evaluation Worksheet, here: https://www.smartstips.com/product-page/brokerage-change-self-evaluation-worksheet

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]]> It's not always a sales contract or client relationship that breaks down; sometimes, it's the agent-broker relationship that needs severing. This week, Maura and Cheryl dive into what agents need to know when leaving a brokerage. From contracts and clients to responsibilities and risk, they cover how to exit well and set yourself up for a smooth transition to what’s next.


Download Cheryl's Brokerage Change Self-Evaluation Worksheet, here: https://www.smartstips.com/product-page/brokerage-change-self-evaluation-worksheet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Breaking Up is Hard To Do - Repair, Renegotiate, or Release Breaking Up is Hard To Do - Repair, Renegotiate, or Release Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:08:26 GMT 19:59 697e04dc957c1c04b0625085 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-3 697e04dc957c1c04b0625085 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-3 February 2026 - Episode 3 full 4 3 Continuing on the theme of breaking up, this week's episode is a little more positive. This week, Cheryl and Maura focus on contracts that are on the brink -- but not done yet. They discuss when a deal is worth saving, how to de-escalate conflict, and the strategies agents and clients can use to either hold a contract together or thoughtfully let it go.


Want to know more? Click here to access Cheryl's Save the Deal Toolkit: https://www.smartstips.com/post/save-the-deal-toolkit

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]]> Continuing on the theme of breaking up, this week's episode is a little more positive. This week, Cheryl and Maura focus on contracts that are on the brink -- but not done yet. They discuss when a deal is worth saving, how to de-escalate conflict, and the strategies agents and clients can use to either hold a contract together or thoughtfully let it go.


Want to know more? Click here to access Cheryl's Save the Deal Toolkit: https://www.smartstips.com/post/save-the-deal-toolkit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Breaking Up is Hard To Do - Breaking Up Without Blowing Up Breaking Up is Hard To Do - Breaking Up Without Blowing Up Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:08:26 GMT 29:31 697e04a7f0f157225a8ab0eb false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-2 697e04a7f0f157225a8ab0eb 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-2 February 2026 - Episode 2 full 4 2 February is all about breaking up -- and this is episode 2 in this month's series. This week, Maura and Cheryl tackle what happens when the agent–client relationship isn’t working anymore. They explore how brokerage agreements can end, what obligations remain after the breakup, and how to part ways professionally and cleanly.


Check out Cheryl's Termination and Expiration Guide for even more info! Link here: tr.ee/wfFjhsUd96

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]]> February is all about breaking up -- and this is episode 2 in this month's series. This week, Maura and Cheryl tackle what happens when the agent–client relationship isn’t working anymore. They explore how brokerage agreements can end, what obligations remain after the breakup, and how to part ways professionally and cleanly.


Check out Cheryl's Termination and Expiration Guide for even more info! Link here: tr.ee/wfFjhsUd96

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Breaking Up is Hard To Do - Legal Ways To Walk Away Breaking Up is Hard To Do - Legal Ways To Walk Away Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT 26:18 697e03e765c54ec919dcbb44 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-1 697e03e765c54ec919dcbb44 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-1 February 2026 - Episode 1 full 4 1 REAL Smart's new series format launches this month, and this is Episode 1 of "Breaking Up is Hard To Do." This week, Cheryl and Maura break down what happens when a buyer–seller contract starts to unravel. They discuss who can terminate, when termination is allowed, and how to walk away the right way, without creating bigger legal or financial consequences.


Not all contracts stay together, and not all buyers and sellers are a lovematch -- make sure you tune in all month for more on "breaking up"!


As promised in this episode, here is a link to Cheryl's "Right to Cure" contract tips -- make sure you listen to the episode for more details! Link here: https://linktr.ee/CherylConnerKing?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#538673628

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]]> REAL Smart's new series format launches this month, and this is Episode 1 of "Breaking Up is Hard To Do." This week, Cheryl and Maura break down what happens when a buyer–seller contract starts to unravel. They discuss who can terminate, when termination is allowed, and how to walk away the right way, without creating bigger legal or financial consequences.


Not all contracts stay together, and not all buyers and sellers are a lovematch -- make sure you tune in all month for more on "breaking up"!


As promised in this episode, here is a link to Cheryl's "Right to Cure" contract tips -- make sure you listen to the episode for more details! Link here: https://linktr.ee/CherylConnerKing?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#538673628

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]]> Luxury Lessons with special guest, Jack Cotton Luxury Lessons with special guest, Jack Cotton Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT 36:48 66b2690d38389602414fce9e false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/luxury-real-estate-with-jack-cotton 66b2690d38389602414fce9e 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b luxury-real-estate-with-jack-cotton full 3 3 On this episode of REAL Smart, Maura and Cheryl are joined by Jack Cotton, CRS, a leading expert on luxury real estate and a REALTOR® in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Jack will be visiting the Georgia REALTORS® on September 9 at our Annual Conference to teach the Residential Real Estate Council's class, "Succeeding in the Luxury Home Market" and joined the podcast to discuss the luxury real estate market, the effects on luxury of the NAR lawsuit proposed settlement, client service, and "The Treehouse Feeling."


You can find out more about Jack (and see his video on "The Treehouse Feeling") on Jack's website, www.jackcottonrealtor.com.


You can sign up for the "Succeeding in the Luxury Home Market" class at GAR's Annual Conference on September 9, 2024, here (but hurry -- seats are selling quickly): https://garportal.ramcoams.net/Education/Registration/Details.aspx?cid=0b92deda-21f1-ee11-9e94-00155d23443a


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> On this episode of REAL Smart, Maura and Cheryl are joined by Jack Cotton, CRS, a leading expert on luxury real estate and a REALTOR® in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Jack will be visiting the Georgia REALTORS® on September 9 at our Annual Conference to teach the Residential Real Estate Council's class, "Succeeding in the Luxury Home Market" and joined the podcast to discuss the luxury real estate market, the effects on luxury of the NAR lawsuit proposed settlement, client service, and "The Treehouse Feeling."


You can find out more about Jack (and see his video on "The Treehouse Feeling") on Jack's website, www.jackcottonrealtor.com.


You can sign up for the "Succeeding in the Luxury Home Market" class at GAR's Annual Conference on September 9, 2024, here (but hurry -- seats are selling quickly): https://garportal.ramcoams.net/Education/Registration/Details.aspx?cid=0b92deda-21f1-ee11-9e94-00155d23443a


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[VA Home Buyers & Agent Compensation: What You Need To Know]]> Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:00:21 GMT 1:01:03 669ec69a60b0ed46da49d09f false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/va-home-buyers-and-compensation 669ec69a60b0ed46da49d09f 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b va-home-buyers-and-compensation full 3 2 On this episode of REAL Smart, Maura and Cheryl dig into the new temporary rule change for VA-eligible borrowers, released from the Department of Veterans Affairs on June 11, 2024, which goes into effect August 10, 2024. What does this rule change mean for VA_eligible home buyers? What does it mean for agents? How will it change your process with your buyers? And is it really temporary? (The answer to this last one is YES.) Settle in for an in-depth discussion of how to prepare yourself to best prepare yourself and your VA buyers for success!


FOR YOUR REFERENCE:

VA Circular, dated June 11, 2024: https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/documents/circulars/26-24-14.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1-ND3de9u_CjfJ71ODjXkv4ijnJBwcR4NKXPT-Qwl7T_6TCjfpEvIgnBo_aem_WBttxhkO1mIVchUFCiGI-g


VA Lender Handbook - Chapter 8: Borrower Fees and Charges and the VA Funding Fee

https://benefits.va.gov/WARMS/docs/admin26/handbook/ChapterLendersHanbookChapter8.pdf


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]]> On this episode of REAL Smart, Maura and Cheryl dig into the new temporary rule change for VA-eligible borrowers, released from the Department of Veterans Affairs on June 11, 2024, which goes into effect August 10, 2024. What does this rule change mean for VA_eligible home buyers? What does it mean for agents? How will it change your process with your buyers? And is it really temporary? (The answer to this last one is YES.) Settle in for an in-depth discussion of how to prepare yourself to best prepare yourself and your VA buyers for success!


FOR YOUR REFERENCE:

VA Circular, dated June 11, 2024: https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/documents/circulars/26-24-14.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1-ND3de9u_CjfJ71ODjXkv4ijnJBwcR4NKXPT-Qwl7T_6TCjfpEvIgnBo_aem_WBttxhkO1mIVchUFCiGI-g


VA Lender Handbook - Chapter 8: Borrower Fees and Charges and the VA Funding Fee

https://benefits.va.gov/WARMS/docs/admin26/handbook/ChapterLendersHanbookChapter8.pdf


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]]> Lead-Based Paint Disclosure - Ch-ch-ch-changes Lead-Based Paint Disclosure - Ch-ch-ch-changes Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:00:22 GMT 59:32 668efe3c42838c26fcaa68b5 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/lead-based-paint-disclosure 668efe3c42838c26fcaa68b5 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b lead-based-paint-disclosure full 3 1 WE'RE BACK! Maura and Cheryl are back with an exciting third season and lots to talk about. Kicking it off with an in-depth discussion of lead-based paint disclosure and the changes to the EPA's required form, as well as some strategy for how to follow the new requirements and how to make sure you're covering all your bases in real estate transactions involving properties built before 1978. Tune in and make sure you and your contracts are all compliant with the requirements and the new changes to the EPA's form.


A few resources we promised you in this episode:


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]]> WE'RE BACK! Maura and Cheryl are back with an exciting third season and lots to talk about. Kicking it off with an in-depth discussion of lead-based paint disclosure and the changes to the EPA's required form, as well as some strategy for how to follow the new requirements and how to make sure you're covering all your bases in real estate transactions involving properties built before 1978. Tune in and make sure you and your contracts are all compliant with the requirements and the new changes to the EPA's form.


A few resources we promised you in this episode:


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]]> UPDATE! 40-Year Listing Agreements Now Unlawful in Georgia! UPDATE! 40-Year Listing Agreements Now Unlawful in Georgia! Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:00:33 GMT 25:12 647f9647b19ea100118e35c1 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/update-40-year-listing-agreements-unlawful-in-georgia 647f9647b19ea100118e35c1 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b update-40-year-listing-agreements-unlawful-in-georgia full 2 1 Back in December 2022, Maura and Cheryl brought you a disturbing episode on a new trend in Georgia (and several other states): companies preying on homeowners, offering small cash payouts in exchange for listing agreements (or options to list) for up to 40 years, creating liens on properties, and filing lawsuits demanding payouts when those properties change hands, even without their assistance in the sale or marketing of those homes. Thanks to REALTOR and Georgia State Representative Clint Crowe, this practice is now unlawful in Georgia, and other states are following suit. Join Maura and Cheryl as they discuss this new law and what it will now require for listing agreements and options to list to be lawful, as well as what is now required of real estate solicitations in the state.


40-Year Listing Agreements - December 2022 episode, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-smart-with-cheryl-king-and-maura-neill/id1649216459?i=1000590155875


Read the new law, here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Llyhb4TAp7HX_HxTnlC2QJ1WkwGpHsnr/view?usp=sharing

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]]> Back in December 2022, Maura and Cheryl brought you a disturbing episode on a new trend in Georgia (and several other states): companies preying on homeowners, offering small cash payouts in exchange for listing agreements (or options to list) for up to 40 years, creating liens on properties, and filing lawsuits demanding payouts when those properties change hands, even without their assistance in the sale or marketing of those homes. Thanks to REALTOR and Georgia State Representative Clint Crowe, this practice is now unlawful in Georgia, and other states are following suit. Join Maura and Cheryl as they discuss this new law and what it will now require for listing agreements and options to list to be lawful, as well as what is now required of real estate solicitations in the state.


40-Year Listing Agreements - December 2022 episode, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-smart-with-cheryl-king-and-maura-neill/id1649216459?i=1000590155875


Read the new law, here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Llyhb4TAp7HX_HxTnlC2QJ1WkwGpHsnr/view?usp=sharing

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]]> REAL SMART SEASON TWO IS COMING! REAL SMART SEASON TWO IS COMING! Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:10:51 GMT 1:35 647f92cca9bc080011ce1ff9 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/real-smart-season-two-is-coming 647f92cca9bc080011ce1ff9 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b real-smart-season-two-is-coming REAL Smart Podcast - Season Two Trailer trailer 2

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]]>

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]]> Homestead Exemption - Saving Money On Your Property Taxes Homestead Exemption - Saving Money On Your Property Taxes Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:00:47 GMT 46:09 63f50de11bb24100111d282c false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/homestead-exemption-property-taxes 63f50de11bb24100111d282c 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b homestead-exemption-property-taxes full 1 12 It's that time of year! January 1 through (in most counties) April 1 is the time to file your Homestead Exemption for property taxes in Georgia! Join Maura and Cheryl as they talk through the basics of Homestead Exemption, how to file, how to create value-add reminders for your entire database of clients around this topic, and the all-important (and little known) Georgia Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Thanks for tuning in!


MORE RESOURCES:

Thomas & Brown, Attorneys at Law, information on homestead exemption by county: https://thomasandbrownlaw.com/resources/homestead-exemption/

Georgia Department of Revenue, filing a proeprty tax appeal: https://dor.georgia.gov/filing-property-tax-appeal

2015 - 2020 property tax appeal statistics: https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax-appeal-statistics

Georgia Department of Revenue, information on Property Tax Homestead Exemptions: https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax-homestead-exemptions


National Association of Counties list: https://www.naco.org/sites/default/files/documents/Property%20Taxes%20A%20Look%20at%20Exemptions,%20Tax%20Limits%20and%20Assessment%20Cycles.pdf



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]]> It's that time of year! January 1 through (in most counties) April 1 is the time to file your Homestead Exemption for property taxes in Georgia! Join Maura and Cheryl as they talk through the basics of Homestead Exemption, how to file, how to create value-add reminders for your entire database of clients around this topic, and the all-important (and little known) Georgia Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Thanks for tuning in!


MORE RESOURCES:

Thomas & Brown, Attorneys at Law, information on homestead exemption by county: https://thomasandbrownlaw.com/resources/homestead-exemption/

Georgia Department of Revenue, filing a proeprty tax appeal: https://dor.georgia.gov/filing-property-tax-appeal

2015 - 2020 property tax appeal statistics: https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax-appeal-statistics

Georgia Department of Revenue, information on Property Tax Homestead Exemptions: https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax-homestead-exemptions


National Association of Counties list: https://www.naco.org/sites/default/files/documents/Property%20Taxes%20A%20Look%20at%20Exemptions,%20Tax%20Limits%20and%20Assessment%20Cycles.pdf



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]]> Working With Your Preferred Lenders Working With Your Preferred Lenders Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:00:12 GMT 36:54 63f7b2240a0d2300117a1bf3 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/working-with-lenders 63f7b2240a0d2300117a1bf3 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b working-with-lenders full 1 11 Maura and Cheryl welcome their first-ever guest, Brian Krebs with Alcova Mortgage, to talk about WHY and HOW real estate agents should have a list of trusted mortgage loan originator partners. What's in it for the agent? What's in it for the lender? And most importantly, what are some things that Brian (and frankly, probably all lenders) wish real estate agents knew about a loan officer's job and how to better communicate with consumers/interested homebuyers before they reach out to lenders to begin the preapproval process.


Have a question for Brian? Here's how you can reach him!

Brian Krebs

Branch Partner, Alcova Mortgage

NMLS ID# 62941 

(404) 786-4513 C

bkrebs@alcova.com

ALCOVA.com/bkrebs

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]]> Maura and Cheryl welcome their first-ever guest, Brian Krebs with Alcova Mortgage, to talk about WHY and HOW real estate agents should have a list of trusted mortgage loan originator partners. What's in it for the agent? What's in it for the lender? And most importantly, what are some things that Brian (and frankly, probably all lenders) wish real estate agents knew about a loan officer's job and how to better communicate with consumers/interested homebuyers before they reach out to lenders to begin the preapproval process.


Have a question for Brian? Here's how you can reach him!

Brian Krebs

Branch Partner, Alcova Mortgage

NMLS ID# 62941 

(404) 786-4513 C

bkrebs@alcova.com

ALCOVA.com/bkrebs

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]]> Why You Should Partner With A Closing Attorney Why You Should Partner With A Closing Attorney Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:00:13 GMT 51:59 63d173d4438a290011d60b48 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/partner-with-a-closing-attorney 63d173d4438a290011d60b48 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b partner-with-a-closing-attorney full 1 10

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]]>

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]]> Lead-Based Paint and the Real Estate Transaction Lead-Based Paint and the Real Estate Transaction Wed, 18 Jan 2023 10:00:51 GMT 46:17 63c72c9d6bb05b00108b8bd4 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/lead-based-paint 63c72c9d6bb05b00108b8bd4 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b lead-based-paint full 1 9 1978. Every real estate agent knows the significance of this year -- the year after which lead was no longer used in the manufacture of paint in the US. We have federally mandated EPA lead-based paint exhibits attached to our contracts (for sale and for lease) for all properties that were built prior to 1978, and the fines for incorrectly executed lead paint exhibits are cost-prohibitive enough to encourage that they be used correctly. But what are we missing in educating our clients about lead-based paint...and what are the consequences if we don't? Cheryl and Maura discuss some important ways real estate agents can be better for our clients.


Here's some follow-up reading for you:

EPA Information on Lead-Based Paint: https://www.epa.gov/lead


HGTV’s Christina Hall Reveals Diagnosis; https://www.newsweek.com/what-mercury-lead-poisoning-hgtv-christina-hall-reveals-diagnosis-1769224?amp=1


HGTV's Chip and Joanna Gains Will Pay Fine Over Lead Paint Violations: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/us/chip-joanna-gaines-fixer-upper-lead-paint.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare


Cleveland, OH Lead Paint Ordinance Info: https://www.clevelandohio.gov/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/LeadCertification


Philadelphia, PA Lead Paint Ordinance Info: https://www.phila.gov/2019-10-22-rental-property-lead-certification-law/


Why Lead Paint Still Haunts Industrial Cities in the US: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-29/why-lead-paint-still-haunts-industrial-cities-in-the-u-s 


Settlement Reached in Lead Paint Death: http://archive.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2003/11/02/settlement_reached_in_lead_paint_death/ 


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]]> 1978. Every real estate agent knows the significance of this year -- the year after which lead was no longer used in the manufacture of paint in the US. We have federally mandated EPA lead-based paint exhibits attached to our contracts (for sale and for lease) for all properties that were built prior to 1978, and the fines for incorrectly executed lead paint exhibits are cost-prohibitive enough to encourage that they be used correctly. But what are we missing in educating our clients about lead-based paint...and what are the consequences if we don't? Cheryl and Maura discuss some important ways real estate agents can be better for our clients.


Here's some follow-up reading for you:

EPA Information on Lead-Based Paint: https://www.epa.gov/lead


HGTV’s Christina Hall Reveals Diagnosis; https://www.newsweek.com/what-mercury-lead-poisoning-hgtv-christina-hall-reveals-diagnosis-1769224?amp=1


HGTV's Chip and Joanna Gains Will Pay Fine Over Lead Paint Violations: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/us/chip-joanna-gaines-fixer-upper-lead-paint.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare


Cleveland, OH Lead Paint Ordinance Info: https://www.clevelandohio.gov/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/LeadCertification


Philadelphia, PA Lead Paint Ordinance Info: https://www.phila.gov/2019-10-22-rental-property-lead-certification-law/


Why Lead Paint Still Haunts Industrial Cities in the US: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-29/why-lead-paint-still-haunts-industrial-cities-in-the-u-s 


Settlement Reached in Lead Paint Death: http://archive.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2003/11/02/settlement_reached_in_lead_paint_death/ 


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]]> Our Favorite Famous Hollywood Holiday Houses Our Favorite Famous Hollywood Holiday Houses Thu, 22 Dec 2022 09:00:58 GMT 36:51 636aec207a3ddb0011462a31 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/hollywood-holiday-houses 636aec207a3ddb0011462a31 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b hollywood-holiday-houses bonus 1 8 HO HO HO! It's our BONUS episode on our Top 5 Favorite Hollywood Holiday Houses...er...Properties <wink>! We had so much fun delving into the history of the properties that feature in our favorite holiday movies -- we hope you get some fun nuggets, too! Be sure to check out the links below for SO MUCH MORE info on these properties... And to quote Cheryl, "we hope that you spend the holidays with everyone that you want to, and in the place that you want to." Happy Holidays, y'all -- see you in the New Year!


Home Alone:

https://www.fancypantshomes.com/movie-homes/the-real-life-home-alone-house-then-and-now/#:~:text=If%20you're%20wondering%20where%20to%20find%20it%20in%20real,so%20please%20respect%20their%20privacy).

https://parade.com/1273571/kaigreen/home-alone-house/ 

REALTOR.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/671-Lincoln-Ave_Winnetka_IL_60093_M88320-53321 

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/homes/671-Lincoln-Ave,-Winnetka,-IL-60093_rb/3360197_zpid/


A Christmas Story:

https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/homes/3159-W-11th-St-Cleveland,-OH-44109_rb/33338086_zpid/


Elf: http://onthesetofnewyork.com/elf.html 


National Lampoon Christmas Vacation:

https://houseandhistory.com/national-lampoons-christmas-vacation-house/ 

https://hookedonhouses.net/2009/12/20/griswold-house-national-lampoons-christmas-vacation/ 


Die Hard:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Plaza_(Los_Angeles)

https://la.curbed.com/2019/12/13/21011651/die-hard-christmas-building-name

https://gizmodo.com/i-went-to-die-hards-nakatomi-plaza-and-not-a-single-hos-1828012587/amp

https://www.dirt.com/feature/nakatomi-plaza-die-hard-century-city-1203357697/amp/


Sound effects credit: “Sleigh Bells Ringing” by Mike Koenig, which can be found on SoundBible, here.

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]]> HO HO HO! It's our BONUS episode on our Top 5 Favorite Hollywood Holiday Houses...er...Properties <wink>! We had so much fun delving into the history of the properties that feature in our favorite holiday movies -- we hope you get some fun nuggets, too! Be sure to check out the links below for SO MUCH MORE info on these properties... And to quote Cheryl, "we hope that you spend the holidays with everyone that you want to, and in the place that you want to." Happy Holidays, y'all -- see you in the New Year!


Home Alone:

https://www.fancypantshomes.com/movie-homes/the-real-life-home-alone-house-then-and-now/#:~:text=If%20you're%20wondering%20where%20to%20find%20it%20in%20real,so%20please%20respect%20their%20privacy).

https://parade.com/1273571/kaigreen/home-alone-house/ 

REALTOR.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/671-Lincoln-Ave_Winnetka_IL_60093_M88320-53321 

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/homes/671-Lincoln-Ave,-Winnetka,-IL-60093_rb/3360197_zpid/


A Christmas Story:

https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/homes/3159-W-11th-St-Cleveland,-OH-44109_rb/33338086_zpid/


Elf: http://onthesetofnewyork.com/elf.html 


National Lampoon Christmas Vacation:

https://houseandhistory.com/national-lampoons-christmas-vacation-house/ 

https://hookedonhouses.net/2009/12/20/griswold-house-national-lampoons-christmas-vacation/ 


Die Hard:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Plaza_(Los_Angeles)

https://la.curbed.com/2019/12/13/21011651/die-hard-christmas-building-name

https://gizmodo.com/i-went-to-die-hards-nakatomi-plaza-and-not-a-single-hos-1828012587/amp

https://www.dirt.com/feature/nakatomi-plaza-die-hard-century-city-1203357697/amp/


Sound effects credit: “Sleigh Bells Ringing” by Mike Koenig, which can be found on SoundBible, here.

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]]> 40-Year Listing Agreements 40-Year Listing Agreements Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:00:34 GMT 38:53 63933d35126d5c00103f8e17 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/40-year-listing-agreements 63933d35126d5c00103f8e17 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b 40-year-listing-agreements full 1 7 There's an old saying: "there's no such thing as a free lunch." Today's episode takes a look at something that all real estate agents and consumer need to know about -- companies offering small amounts of cash to homeowners who are in need of financial assistance in exchange for decades-long listing agreements, some as long as 40 years! Is this even legal? Is it ethical? Who is at risk for this type of targeting? Maura and Cheryl discuss what you need to know to educate yourself and your clients.


Georgia License Law - https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2020/title-43/chapter-40/section-43-40-25/ 


Here's some follow-up reading for you:

https://www.wftv.com/news/action9/action-9-uncovers-risky-realtor-contracts-that-you-cant-afford-sign/2VOKFPUJ75AOXMX6AFFNCR7HHQ/

 

https://www.wpxi.com/news/investigates/homeowners-blindsided-free-money-trap/7MUWLK7D2ZBXNICK2FIODTF7TQ/

 

https://www.whio.com/news/local/i-team-free-money-your-signature-monday-5pm-news-center-7/W4E4D3XDRZA2VJ76OGJTT4J7DI/

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mv-realty-introduces-residential-real-150000054.html


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]]> There's an old saying: "there's no such thing as a free lunch." Today's episode takes a look at something that all real estate agents and consumer need to know about -- companies offering small amounts of cash to homeowners who are in need of financial assistance in exchange for decades-long listing agreements, some as long as 40 years! Is this even legal? Is it ethical? Who is at risk for this type of targeting? Maura and Cheryl discuss what you need to know to educate yourself and your clients.


Georgia License Law - https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2020/title-43/chapter-40/section-43-40-25/ 


Here's some follow-up reading for you:

https://www.wftv.com/news/action9/action-9-uncovers-risky-realtor-contracts-that-you-cant-afford-sign/2VOKFPUJ75AOXMX6AFFNCR7HHQ/

 

https://www.wpxi.com/news/investigates/homeowners-blindsided-free-money-trap/7MUWLK7D2ZBXNICK2FIODTF7TQ/

 

https://www.whio.com/news/local/i-team-free-money-your-signature-monday-5pm-news-center-7/W4E4D3XDRZA2VJ76OGJTT4J7DI/

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mv-realty-introduces-residential-real-150000054.html


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]]> Holiday Gift Guide - Part 2 Holiday Gift Guide - Part 2 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 10:00:44 GMT 8:15 6387bfb0e6fffa0011d113e6 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/holiday-gift-guide-2 6387bfb0e6fffa0011d113e6 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b holiday-gift-guide-2 The Rules Around Giving full 1 6 IT'S HERE! Cheryl and Maura's Inaugural Holiday Gift Guide, Part 2. Part 1 was our Gift Guide, our take on creative gifts for your favorite loan officer, broker, closing attorney, home inspector, co-op agent...and maybe a few things for you to throw under the tree for yourself. Join us for a cozy cocktail (yes, it's our first episode in a bar!) as we take you through our picks for those important people on your extended real estate team. Links for all of the items we mention are below in these Show Notes!


Part 2 is a little BONUS content for you on following the rules (like, the official ones, folks -- RESPA, real estate law) of giving. Hope you enjoy!


FIND (almost) ALL of our gift recommendations, here: https://a.co/aJLHBHf


And the awesome Conde Nast print Cheryl mentions can be found here: https://condenaststore.com/featured/you-seem-to-know-something-about-law-i-like-robert-weber.html


More on gift giving and an interview with Giftology author John Ruhlin: “The Art of Giving Gifts” on the Smart Passive Income podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-giving-gifts-with-john-ruhlin/id383084001?i=1000399097289


Sound effects credit: “Sleigh Bells Ringing” by Mike Koenig, which can be found on SoundBible, here.

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]]> IT'S HERE! Cheryl and Maura's Inaugural Holiday Gift Guide, Part 2. Part 1 was our Gift Guide, our take on creative gifts for your favorite loan officer, broker, closing attorney, home inspector, co-op agent...and maybe a few things for you to throw under the tree for yourself. Join us for a cozy cocktail (yes, it's our first episode in a bar!) as we take you through our picks for those important people on your extended real estate team. Links for all of the items we mention are below in these Show Notes!


Part 2 is a little BONUS content for you on following the rules (like, the official ones, folks -- RESPA, real estate law) of giving. Hope you enjoy!


FIND (almost) ALL of our gift recommendations, here: https://a.co/aJLHBHf


And the awesome Conde Nast print Cheryl mentions can be found here: https://condenaststore.com/featured/you-seem-to-know-something-about-law-i-like-robert-weber.html


More on gift giving and an interview with Giftology author John Ruhlin: “The Art of Giving Gifts” on the Smart Passive Income podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-giving-gifts-with-john-ruhlin/id383084001?i=1000399097289


Sound effects credit: “Sleigh Bells Ringing” by Mike Koenig, which can be found on SoundBible, here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[It's Here! Our Inaugural Holiday Gift Guide!]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:54:52 GMT 40:16 6387bf8ea628f3001290ddd2 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/holiday-gift-guide 6387bf8ea628f3001290ddd2 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b holiday-gift-guide full 1 5 IT'S HERE! Cheryl and Maura's Inaugural Holiday Gift Guide -- our take on creative gifts for your favorite loan officer, broker, closing attorney, home inspector, co-op agent...and maybe a few things for you to throw under the tree for yourself. Join us for a cozy cocktail (yes, it's our first episode in a bar!) as we take you through our picks for those important people on your extended real estate team. Links for all of the items we mention are below in these Show Notes!


FIND (almost) ALL of our gift recommendations, here: https://a.co/aJLHBHf


And the awesome Conde Nast print Cheryl mentions can be found here: https://condenaststore.com/featured/you-seem-to-know-something-about-law-i-like-robert-weber.html


More on gift giving and an interview with Giftology author John Ruhlin: “The Art of Giving Gifts” on the Smart Passive Income podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-giving-gifts-with-john-ruhlin/id383084001?i=1000399097289



Sound effects credit: “Sleigh Bells Ringing” by Mike Koenig, which can be found on SoundBible, here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> IT'S HERE! Cheryl and Maura's Inaugural Holiday Gift Guide -- our take on creative gifts for your favorite loan officer, broker, closing attorney, home inspector, co-op agent...and maybe a few things for you to throw under the tree for yourself. Join us for a cozy cocktail (yes, it's our first episode in a bar!) as we take you through our picks for those important people on your extended real estate team. Links for all of the items we mention are below in these Show Notes!


FIND (almost) ALL of our gift recommendations, here: https://a.co/aJLHBHf


And the awesome Conde Nast print Cheryl mentions can be found here: https://condenaststore.com/featured/you-seem-to-know-something-about-law-i-like-robert-weber.html


More on gift giving and an interview with Giftology author John Ruhlin: “The Art of Giving Gifts” on the Smart Passive Income podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-giving-gifts-with-john-ruhlin/id383084001?i=1000399097289



Sound effects credit: “Sleigh Bells Ringing” by Mike Koenig, which can be found on SoundBible, here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Special Stipulations - To Write or Not To Write Special Stipulations - To Write or Not To Write Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:00:39 GMT 41:58 636aeb90f3b309001179010c false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/special-stips 636aeb90f3b309001179010c 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b special-stips full 1 4 Cheryl and Maura tackle special stipulations -- those pesky contract "add-ons" that can make a contract stronger OR make it harder to enforce.


Don't forget to visit Cheryl's incredibly helpful website, www.smartstips.com, for more helpful tips!

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]]> Cheryl and Maura tackle special stipulations -- those pesky contract "add-ons" that can make a contract stronger OR make it harder to enforce.


Don't forget to visit Cheryl's incredibly helpful website, www.smartstips.com, for more helpful tips!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Title Monitoring: Necessity for Property Owners or a Solution Looking For a Problem? Title Monitoring: Necessity for Property Owners or a Solution Looking For a Problem? Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:00:57 GMT 34:27 635ffd3866dc53001280553d false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/title-monitoring 635ffd3866dc53001280553d 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b title-monitoring full 1 3 Title monitoring services? A necessity to protect your property or "a solution looking for a problem"? Maura and Cheryl discuss title fraud, title monitoring, and title insurance -- and what property owners (and agents) should be on the lookout for.


RESOURCES:

  • DeKalb County, Georgia, has a Fraud Registry that provides email and text notification services once you register your property. This system was put in place in 2014 in response to the property fraud issues in the city of Atlanta.
  • As of 2022, Fulton County, Georgia owners can also sign up for free alerts any time there is a change to their property title. I signed up for their R.E.A.A.C.T. (Real Estate Activity Alert and Contact Tool) in minutes and will get an email and text if there is any activity. This means that all of the city of Atlanta is now covered by a registration system.
  • In Georgia, all county deed records are available online through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA.org) but this is a pay service used predominantly by people and companies in the real estate industry. Some counties also provide their deed records free online on their own county site. Homeowners can check their state and county on netronline.com. Georgia counties that do provide free records searches include: Cherokee County, Cobb County, and Forsyth County.


ADDITIONAL READING:

"Georgia gang inmate, 31, steals $11M while in max security jail after claiming to be billionaire" -- you can read it, here.

"How a Miami Couple Used Empty Mansions to Pocket Millions" -- you can read it, here.

"Fake Home Loans Land Perpetrators in Prison" -- you can read it, here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Title monitoring services? A necessity to protect your property or "a solution looking for a problem"? Maura and Cheryl discuss title fraud, title monitoring, and title insurance -- and what property owners (and agents) should be on the lookout for.


RESOURCES:

  • DeKalb County, Georgia, has a Fraud Registry that provides email and text notification services once you register your property. This system was put in place in 2014 in response to the property fraud issues in the city of Atlanta.
  • As of 2022, Fulton County, Georgia owners can also sign up for free alerts any time there is a change to their property title. I signed up for their R.E.A.A.C.T. (Real Estate Activity Alert and Contact Tool) in minutes and will get an email and text if there is any activity. This means that all of the city of Atlanta is now covered by a registration system.
  • In Georgia, all county deed records are available online through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA.org) but this is a pay service used predominantly by people and companies in the real estate industry. Some counties also provide their deed records free online on their own county site. Homeowners can check their state and county on netronline.com. Georgia counties that do provide free records searches include: Cherokee County, Cobb County, and Forsyth County.


ADDITIONAL READING:

"Georgia gang inmate, 31, steals $11M while in max security jail after claiming to be billionaire" -- you can read it, here.

"How a Miami Couple Used Empty Mansions to Pocket Millions" -- you can read it, here.

"Fake Home Loans Land Perpetrators in Prison" -- you can read it, here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Haunted House? Who Ya Gonna Call (and What Do You Have to Disclose)? Haunted House? Who Ya Gonna Call (and What Do You Have to Disclose)? Tue, 25 Oct 2022 09:00:39 GMT 34:49 634aea5dbd7046001173f1f3 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/haunted-disclosure 634aea5dbd7046001173f1f3 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b haunted-disclosure full 1 2 Haunted house? You need to know who to call...but more importantly, you need to know what you need to disclose when it's time to sell. Pull up a chair, grab a blanket and a candied apple, and get ready for the story of a ghostly sale and the court case that followed. From hauntings to other kinds of stigmatized properties, Maura and Cheryl dig into disclosure, starting with the New York court case that started it all, the infamous "Ghostbusters Ruling."


Want to keep digging? Here are some more resources for you:

Review the court case, here.

 

Read the original 1977 Reader’s Digest Article (with original page ads), here.


News articles when the house went back on the market in 2019, here and here and here.


Other podcast episodes about the house, here and here.


“Due to the infamous 'Ghostbusters Ruling,' this New York house is Legally Haunted on Ranker.com, click here.

 

Check out the house that led to the “Ghostbusters Ruling” on Zillow, click here. 

 

DiedInHouse.com, click here.



ATTRIBUTION 3.0: This episode features royalty-free spooky sound effects, including "Backwards Souls" by Mike Koenig, which can be found on SoundBible, here, and also "Wind" by Mark DiAngelo, which can be found here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Haunted house? You need to know who to call...but more importantly, you need to know what you need to disclose when it's time to sell. Pull up a chair, grab a blanket and a candied apple, and get ready for the story of a ghostly sale and the court case that followed. From hauntings to other kinds of stigmatized properties, Maura and Cheryl dig into disclosure, starting with the New York court case that started it all, the infamous "Ghostbusters Ruling."


Want to keep digging? Here are some more resources for you:

Review the court case, here.

 

Read the original 1977 Reader’s Digest Article (with original page ads), here.


News articles when the house went back on the market in 2019, here and here and here.


Other podcast episodes about the house, here and here.


“Due to the infamous 'Ghostbusters Ruling,' this New York house is Legally Haunted on Ranker.com, click here.

 

Check out the house that led to the “Ghostbusters Ruling” on Zillow, click here. 

 

DiedInHouse.com, click here.



ATTRIBUTION 3.0: This episode features royalty-free spooky sound effects, including "Backwards Souls" by Mike Koenig, which can be found on SoundBible, here, and also "Wind" by Mark DiAngelo, which can be found here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[What's Up With Pre-Listing Appraisals?]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:00:26 GMT 22:38 6344b29e10bd3400124bbb67 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/prelisting-appraisals 6344b29e10bd3400124bbb67 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b prelisting-appraisals full 1 1 Maura and Cheryl dive into the concept of the pre-listing appraisal -- a handy tool for any agent's (and seller's) toolbox, especially in a shifting real estate market. They discuss the WHY and WHEN of the pre-listing appraisal and what to look for when choosing an appraiser for this type of consultation.


A few more resources:

Read Cheryl's recent newsletter on this topic via LinkedIn, click here.


Read Maura's recent blog post on pre-listing appraisals for shifting markets, click here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Maura and Cheryl dive into the concept of the pre-listing appraisal -- a handy tool for any agent's (and seller's) toolbox, especially in a shifting real estate market. They discuss the WHY and WHEN of the pre-listing appraisal and what to look for when choosing an appraiser for this type of consultation.


A few more resources:

Read Cheryl's recent newsletter on this topic via LinkedIn, click here.


Read Maura's recent blog post on pre-listing appraisals for shifting markets, click here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> REAL Smart - Trailer REAL Smart - Trailer Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:29:10 GMT 1:39 6318c84c6179b90013499988 false https://shows.acast.com/real-smart/episodes/trailer 6318c84c6179b90013499988 6318c00f29ed3800128eed9b trailer Coming soon...stay tuned! full Get a sneak peek from Maura Neill and Cheryl King at REAL Smart, a new podcast about real estate for real estate industry folks — REALTORS, real estate agents, lenders, closing and title folks, real estate investors, and hey, anyone looking to learn a little more about real estate…and get REAL Smart. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Maura is a REALTOR and Cheryl is a closing attorney -- two perspectives on topics ranging from contracts to negotiation, client consultation, title issues, navigating mortgage options, and crazy “can you believe this really happened” stories…and so much more! Two practitioners, both of whom are instructors and educators with a passion for real estate, learning, teaching, and generally making the real estate world a better place for all of us…one podcast episode at a time. 


Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts, and stay tuned! Coming October 2022!


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Get a sneak peek from Maura Neill and Cheryl King at REAL Smart, a new podcast about real estate for real estate industry folks — REALTORS, real estate agents, lenders, closing and title folks, real estate investors, and hey, anyone looking to learn a little more about real estate…and get REAL Smart. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Maura is a REALTOR and Cheryl is a closing attorney -- two perspectives on topics ranging from contracts to negotiation, client consultation, title issues, navigating mortgage options, and crazy “can you believe this really happened” stories…and so much more! Two practitioners, both of whom are instructors and educators with a passion for real estate, learning, teaching, and generally making the real estate world a better place for all of us…one podcast episode at a time. 


Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts, and stay tuned! Coming October 2022!


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>