I am paraphrasing the great Yogi Berra when I say that predicting the future is easy, but getting it right is a bit trickier. Many of my colleagues have offered their prognostications in a market that is the perfect storm of black swans, judicial actions, economic uncertainty, and so many competi
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11/26/2024
This originally started as a draft about artificial intelligence, but the ads in my social media feed got me off my rear and and getting it completed. Quick story:Back in 2008 and 2009 as the market was cratering and distress properties became a larger part of the market share, I paid some compan
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03/20/2024
Change is here. Soon, if it hasn't already occurred, you'll log onto the MLS and see offers of compensation to buyer agents of $1. Or $0. Or a figure lower than you may be accustomed to. While this makes some agents fearful that they will no longer be able to earn a living, other licensees see op
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02/20/2024
As many of you may recall, Grant Schneider was an extremely active participant on this platform for many years. Sadly, in late January, we lost Grant to cancer. He died peacefully surrounded by his family. You can read his obituary here. I knew Grant for more than 10 years. He was not in the real
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02/15/2023
[Note: This is a draft from 2015 but I thought it worth publishing. Some think a buyer's letter to a seller is a smart move, others don't. I think ti has everything to do with what's in that letter. This is an example of perhaps what not to write, borrowed slightly from one that was with an offe
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01/08/2018
SEATTLE In the very same week that the Zillow Group set social media in the real estate space on fire with their purchase of software firm Dotloop, CEO Spencer Rascoff has announced the purchase of website AshleyMadison.com.It is unknown how the dating platform for cheating spouses fits into Zill
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07/24/2015
As a broker with over 60 agents, I am approached fairly often by many in related industries about getting my business for their product or service. They could be mortgage loan officers, lawyers (NY is an attorney state), title people, inspectors, or any other housing resource. I'm often bemused b
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07/20/2015
I got a nice compliment from a seller client that was nice to hear, but the reason for it wasn't as nice. She told me that I was by far the most professional agent she has dealt with in selling her home, which was why she listed with me. That was great to hear. Then she lamented her experiences w
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05/13/2014
It has been quite a while since I last wrote anything, but certainly not for lack of interest. Lack of time. I have been busy. Here's the latest: The indomitable Jenn Maher and I have partnered up on a new commercial brokerage, J. Philip Commercial Group. The firm will be based in Mahopac, NY and
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04/24/2014
I am happy to share that 2013 was perhaps the best year in the company's history. Not only did we crush our 2012 numbers, but J. Philip Real Estate exceeded some lofty goals I had set a year ago. 2013 was the first year that the firm closed over 100 transactions. That was my most ambitious pipe
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12/31/2013