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Veteran Disability Benefits Now Protected from Bankruptcy

  In August 2019, President Trump signed legislation that protects veterans’ disability benefits from being seized by creditors during bankruptcy proceedings. The sponsor of the bill commented that by protecting these benefits from creditors during bankruptcy, it is possible to help veterans and their families get back on their feet after financial hardships. This article takes a brief look at these recent changes as well as offers some helpful bankruptcy advice for veterans. The Impact o[...]

Four Myths for Sellers to Understand About Appraisals

If you have spent any time in the real estate business, you likely know by now that the appraisal process can be a nerve-wracking business for sellers. After all the work a seller does to list a home and field offers, someone now wants to peruse the house and determines its worth. In reality, an appraisal rarely ruins a prospective sale. To put your clients at ease, there are some additional myths that you as a realtor should appreciate about the appraisal process.  Myth # 1 - Appraisers Determ[...]

How are  Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Payments Calculated?

Beginning the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process often results in people experiencing many emotions concerning fear about what lies ahead. One of the best ways to reduce the negative feelings that you feel about the bankruptcy process is to learn as much as you can about it ahead of time. The following answers one of the most common questions that people ask about the bankruptcy process, which is how courts determine repayment plans for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The Importance of Repayment Lengths Rep[...]

When Should a Realtor Leave a Client?

As realtors, we all strive to make our clients happy. While you likely strive to make the purchase and sale of each home as enjoyable a process as possible, that is not always possible even if you do your best to listen to a client's needs. Instead, there are several situations in which realtors should be prepared to leave a client if necessary. The following will review just some of the situations in which realtors are likely better off leaving the client instead of trying to help them with a p[...]

Ways Realtors can Protect Against Cybercrime

Technology has improved real estate transactions in many ways. Not only is the real estate process much smoother than it once was, but it is also more transparent. While this has brought some advantageous changes, it has also exposed realtors and other real estate professionals to cybercrime. While many real estate companies focus on having the best technology in place, they forget to teach workers about the best tactics to avoid ending up victims of cybercrime. The following will outline some t[...]

Supreme Court Issues Decisions About Bankruptcy Discharge Violations

In 2019, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion establishing the standard that courts must follow to hold a creditor in civil contempt for violation of a bankruptcy discharge. Arriving at its decision, the Supreme Court rejected both the subjective and strict liability standards. As a result, courts are now permitted to hold a creditor in contempt for violating a discharge order only when there are no fair grounds of doubt as to whether the creditor’s conduct during discharge is lawful. [...]

Powerful Negotiation Strategies for Realtors

  One of the most common questions that realtors receive from both buyers and sellers is why a real estate agent is necessary. One of the reasons why you might want to consider retaining a realtor is to increase your negotiation abilities and decrease the risk that a property transaction will fail. Becoming a master of negotiation through powerful strategies is one of the best ways for a realtor to attract clients. The following will review some of the most powerful but also frequently over[...]

What to Know Before Filing for Bankruptcy

  Life is hectic. If you find yourself unable to face some of the debts that you owe, remember that you are not alone. For many people, filing for bankruptcy can offer substantial relief and a second opportunity to rebuild credit. While a bankruptcy lawyer can handle the legal issues involved with your case, it can also help to understand some important facts about bankruptcy before you begin the process. Who is Eligible to File for Bankruptcy? Anyone who can demonstrate that he or she is [...]

 Common Reasons Why Realtors Lose Clients and How to Respond

  It is a universal truth that some real estate clients are more likely to retain an agent than others. This sometimes occurs because people have heard about how helpful a real estate agent can be or sometimes people have limited time to spend on a real estate transaction. Unfortunately, however, just because a realtor lands a client does not mean that the client will stay.  Every day, realtors lose clients for several different reasons. This article examines some of the most common reason[...]

Tips on Handling Student Loan Debt

  Statistics reveal that Americans owe approximately $1.6 trillion in student debt with 44.5 million of the individuals facing monthly student loan bills. While an average undergraduate borrower in 2017 owed $28,650, more than 2.5 million individuals have $100,000 or more in combined debt. These serious debts can cause some individuals to struggle with substantial debt.  Unfortunately, to make matters more complex, many individuals with student loan debt are unable to discharge the amount [...]