₦airaland Forum

Hanson peters loves numbers.
But crunching numbers too much can be a crutch, rather than a tool.
Before she subscribed for CIGARO REALTY LTD, Hanson found herself stuck in analysis paralysis. She wanted to invest in rental property, but she kept crunching theoretical numbers without taking action.
“When people talk about how difficult it is to get over analysis paralysis, that is me, that is absolutely me, because I’m such a numbers person,” she said. “I love to analyze every single aspect of something new.”
She’s not alone.
Analysis is great. But analysis paralysis, when overthinking or overanalyzing leads to inaction, is one of the most common obstacles new investors face.
When you’re putting significant savings on the line, analysis paralysis is a normal fear-based response.
But it sidelines you. It shortens your time in the market and the compounding gains that follow.

Hanson recognized this and reached out on to learn how to rigorously analyze properties without succumbing to analysis paralysis.
She learned how to transform analysis into action.
The Abuja resident began her search near lagos island.
In 2020, Hanson was introduced to Ibeju lekki by her former colleague , whose family lives in the area. She noticed that price-to-rent ratios looked promising, so she used the tactics she learned in CIGARO to research the area from afar.
She started looking for off-market deals, including meeting realtors working with clients — “something I learned about in your course,” she said.
Yet something felt off.
She decided to take a break and focus on home rentals and shortlets, she knew she could return to the course for knowledge, support and confidence whenever the time felt right.
Two years later, Hanson had an epiphany while on vacation in LAKOWE LAKE RESORT. This is right, she realized. She wanted to invest in this area in IBEJU LEKKI.
She knew she’d need to be flexible, knowledgeable and innovative to make the numbers work.
Hanson dove headfirst back into the course, refreshing her real estate knowledge by reviewing every module again. She joined CIGARO group. She attended Office Hours. She used the spreadsheets and other resources nearly daily.
“The course is just so comprehensive that when you try to learn it and take all the quizzes and you’re engaging with the course material, you level up your knowledge so much faster,” she said.
She made offer after offer. Most didn’t pan out, but Hanson was undeterred. She had the support of the Company and the confidence that comes from deeply understanding the numbers.
“The last four months has been nonstop real estate for me,” she said.

During the hottest seller’s market in July — early 2022— she made competitive offers, using tactics she learned in CIGARO
On AUGUST 11, 2022, Hanson closed on her first penthouse property, located in the gated company of VICTORY PARK ESTATE, OSAPA LONDON, behind Femi Okunnu Estate.
We talked to Hanson on the day of her closing. Here’s what she said:

What’s next for Hanson? She’s gearing up to renovate her property — as a long-distance investor — and she’s turning to the Renovation Module within the course to support her during this project.
The Renovation Module, she says, prepared her for intense conversations with her contractor, and she’ll be returning to this module repeatedly as she makes renovation decisions from her home in Abuja.

In 2015, we ran a story about Odumade Dorcas, an entrepreneur who makes a six-figure income as a visual artist.
Where is she now?
We decided to follow up her story. How sustainable is her business? How passive is her income?
Here’s Dorcas, with a follow-up in her own words.

[/b]How to Manage Two Successful Businesses (and Why One Wasn’t Enough)[b]
— written by, Odumade Dorcas

When we left off, I was running TheAdeolu Visuals and I was a couple of months away from finishing my degree. I was beyond excited to be done with my degree and focus on the business full time – I was pretty sure I would be living the dream!

I was in for a disappointment. About eight months after graduating and focusing on nothing but the business, it was hitting record revenues but I was dissatisfied, bored, unmotivated and thinking seriously about getting a “real” job.

I was confused. Everything looked great from the outside: I was my own boss, had a super flexible schedule, tons of time for hobbies, and good money.
What was the problem?
It probably would have worked for a lot of people — there’s tons of advantages to running a business like that:
[/b]1.Major flexibility:[b] Gigs are anywhere from two hours to a couple days long. You show up, you do the work, you go home. There’s very little scope-creep which left me with plenty of time for other things.
[/b]2. Travel:[b] I’ve been all over the country for gigs. It’s pretty cool to travel all around without having to pay for it.

[/b]3. Creativity:[b] You can be as creative as you want. People have to be happy with their drawing, but you have major latitude to switch up your style, process, “look” etc.
But, it turns out that those weren’t the things I really valued.

The disadvantages stacked up pretty well too:

[/b]1. Loneliness:[b] I got lonely running the biz by myself. I didn’t have accountability or community. My schedule was getting really slack with nothing but my own internal drive to keep me motivated.

[/b]2.No consistent recurring revenue:[b] For gig work, you’re starting from zero every month. A great month wasn’t a guarantee of the next month being great. I value consistency and predictability and this type of industry can’t guarantee that.

[/b]3. Too much time on my hands:[b] Kind of a blessing and a curse. I had been filling up my time with Radio station and media and now I suddenly had scads of time to fill up. I tried a few hobbies, but I got bored. I needed to be busier.

[/b]4. I wasn’t challenged:[b] My passion wasn’t wrapped up in art and I didn’t want to push myself artistically. I was more interested in other domains unrelated to drawing and cartooning.
It’s not like there wasn’t any growth potential in the business, but if I wanted to grow TheAdeolu visuals into a big company, I would have needed to expand into other types of corporate entertainment, hire a bunch more people, and turn into an all round art agency
For some reason (I found out later what it was), every time I thought about running a business like that, it didn’t appeal to me at all.
After a year of running TheAdeolu visuals full-time, I decided I needed a new challenge, but I wasn’t sure where to look.
In 2016, it kinda just fell into my lap.

[/b]Starting a Second Business: Sea media[b]

A good friend of mine (Emmanuella’, but everyone calls her Elle) moved next door to me in the summer of 2016. During dinner a week or so after they moved in, she mentioned that she wanted to branch out on her own (she had a full-time job in Real estate ).
It clicked! She had the expertise in assessing the market and land titles, mortgage and terms and I had the business development experience! We already knew that we got along and worked well together, so a few weeks later we hammered out a business plan.
We named our company Sea media ( A digital and Real estate firm). We offered digital marketing , rentals/ leases, shortlets, real estate agency.

Our first client was a friend of ours whose landlord was frustrating the hell out of the flatmates. Elle worked nights and weekends on our new company, and after six months, we had enough business for her to quit her job and go full time with Sea media.
Three years in to starting the biz, we have over 50 clients and five employees making up an awesome team of humans doing work that’s valuable, important, and (for me at least) fun!
I still run TheAdeolu visuals and do a decent number of the gigs myself. Turns out, I’m much happier when drawing caricatures is my side gig and it’s balanced out with more analytical type of work.

[/b]How I Manage Two Businesses[b]
The first and most important key is that I’m not managing two businesses by myself.
Elle manages our employees and does the bulk of the account management. She definitely carries the brunt of the workload there. My job at Sea media is to bring in new business, make sales, and onboard new clients.
For TheAdeolu visuals, I have a great virtual assistant who’s been with me for over two years. She’s slowly taken on more and more of the administrative tasks, bookings, and email communications for me.
Over the years, we’ve found a couple of ways to approach work that minimizes how much time I have to spend on it.
[/b]1. Optimize your communication style:[b] Email is my scourge. A cluttered inbox will stress me out quicker than anything else. Because of that, I encourage my assistant to text me for quick questions. If there’s a bigger question, I’ll call her on the phone. Anything to reduce my inbox is completely worth it for me. When email is down, Jules is happy, so I’ve optimized my communication around that principle.

[/b]2. When in doubt, delegate:[b] There’s so many tiny tasks I do in the day that aren’t the best use of my time. But because it’s faster in the moment to “do it yourself”, those tasks pile up. The danger is that you’re spending the bulk of your day on the urgent, but not important, tasks. To mitigate that, I’ve tried to form the habit of delegation. The easiest way for me to do this is to record a screen capture where I do the task while narrating it. The task gets done, and now I have instructions ready-made to hand over. Recording a quick video has removed the barriers to delegation and allowed me to make it a habit.

[/b]3.Make the robots work for you:[b] There are a few key pieces of technology that have allowed me to automate what used to be very time-consuming tasks. For instance, writing emails – I have several dozens of email templates accessible in my inbox for almost everything: sales, follow up emails, frequently asked questions, requests for referrals, notifications, onboarding, you name it! If I have to use any type of copy more than once, I’ll make a template for it.

[/b]Finding Alignment Between Work and Values[b]
I wouldn’t recommend starting a second business to everyone who is feeling uninspired or going through plateau in their main business. But it was the right decision for me.
The biggest improvement has come from working in a team. Having a business partner and now a team is such an exponential improvement from working in (relative) isolation like I was with TheAdeolu visuals. I have people in my corner who are just as invested in the success of the business as I am. Elle helps to balance my weak points and keeps me on track. It generates a ton of momentum and keeps me striving and pushing.
I also knew I wanted to have a bigger impact on the world, and I wasn’t motivated to do it with a caricature company.
Don’t get me wrong it’s absolutely possible to have a major impact with that type of business and plenty of people do it. But TheAdeolu visuals wasn’t the way I wanted to leave my mark on the world.
In the year that I ran it exclusively, I kept trying to “solve” why I was resistant to growing the business.
Finally, I trusted my gut and started something new.
After Sea media got some traction, it became clear to me that we had what it took to tangibly improve peoples lives and businesses in the world of digital marketing , and that’s what feels right to me and motivates me to grow the business.
So I guess I’ve come full circle. Drawing caricatures started out as my side hustle, became my main hustle for a while, and now it’s back to my side hustle.
It’s been a wild ride certainly never one that I would have guessed. It may be an odd journey, but it’s mine, and I love it!
What’s next for seamedia??
— written by Odumade Dorcas
in her own words.

New real estate agents may find it difficult to establish themselves as a local expert in real estate—especially when they’re competing against seasoned professionals. One often overlooked way to gain experience and insight into a local real estate market is to help renters seeking new apartments. If you’re a real estate agent who would like to get your foot in the door with local clients , consider the long-term benefits of providing this service while you’re getting started.

[/b]The Experience Paradox[b]
Many real estate professionals get business through referrals from past clients. They also get business through positive reviews online. The more positive reviews online, the easier it is for them to find new clients. The more transactions they complete, the more likely they are to be seen as someone a buyer or seller would like to work with.
New agents do not have old clients who can make referrals and leave positive reviews. Thus, new agents are at a disadvantage. For a person who is trying to become established in the field, potential clients can be few and far between. Potential clients will often like to see that their agent has a good amount of experience, but, to get that experience, an agent has to work with more clients.

[/b]Helping Renters Presents a Solution[b]
Many renters need help almost as much as buyers. Experienced real estate professionals often turn away from this work because it’s less lucrative. This leaves a large percentage of renters either looking for an apartment on their own or struggling to find a real estate professional who can help. A real estate agent who is willing to help a renter in need is likely to turn them into a loyal and happy client. If the time comes where they want to buy a home, this client may return to their original real estate agent—the one who helped them find an apartment and helped them understand the area.

[/b]Benefits of Helping Renters[b]
[/b]1. Learn and Grow as a Professional[b]
Rental options exist seemingly everywhere. Real estate agents who help renters will see neighborhoods of all types across a wide variety of locations. They can experience showing single-family homes and condos to

As they travel from one rental property to another, real estate professionals learn to navigate the market where they work and identify the trends in each neighborhood. In these interactions with renters, real estate professionals also learn how to help clients in various stages of choosing a place to live. The more they interact with clients, the easier it will be to help clients in the future. By gaining local knowledge and insight, agents can confidently engage with potential buyers and sellers. They can present data and stories they have accumulated throughout their apartment-finding journey.

[/b]2. Make Connections[b]
When people find a real estate agent they like and trust, they may decide to return to that real estate agent over and over again. The agent that helps them find an apartment or rental home one year may be the real estate agent that helps them find a home to buy the following year. Not all renters will want to buy a home in the future, but many will. Some may currently want to buy, but are new in town and would like to test out different areas before making that kind of commitment.

[/b]Gaining New Skills and Perspectives[b]
Helping renters find an apartment is an excellent skill that is transferrable to many different markets. Real estate professionals who want to have as many skills as possible, can start with renting and grow from there. There’s essentially no downside to accumulating knowledge as a real estate agent. Over time, as more clients turn from renters into buyers, some agents may choose to transition to exclusively working with home buyers and sellers. Some may choose to continue working with renters. Others may even choose to work with investors, since they’ll understand what renters in the area are looking for and what kinds of properties/areas are popular.

[/b]Getting Started[b]
Getting started as a real estate professional who helps renters is relatively easy.
* Get to know landlords/property managers: Real estate professionals who know the apartment managers and landlords in their area can introduce renters to new properties as they become available.
* Encourage renters to leave feedback: Once a renter has found a home they’re happy with, encourage them to leave feedback on your website.
* Network with other real estate agents: Networking is another way that many real estate professionals grow their business; by getting to know other professionals they become more visible in their market.
* Recommend referrals: Real estate professionals can ask clients to refer friends and family if they are happy with the service they provided.
* Become familiar with leases: Real estate agents who understand the leases that renters must sign can be a greater help to their clients.
* Put in the work: What you get out of real estate heavily depends on what you put in.

It takes hard work to start a career as a real estate professional. With patience, diligence and some creativity, agents can establish themselves as one of the go-to experts in their market. If you’re a real estate agent hoping to gain experience and recognition, consider helping renters. You may be surprised by how quickly your business can grow and thrive.
Let us help you start your journey as a house owner, be it rental, shortlet, investing, buying and so much more.
Visit www.cigarorealtylimited and start your journey!!!
You can reach us at Cigarorealtyltd on instagram or call us on 09168614668 or 09168724356

shogsman:
Y'all are just getting pathetic and ridiculous now,you want to peddle news,go to your Country's affairs and push it here,stop wasting your life on other people's affairs

unread it sir

Mirabella00:
Let bygone de bygone
Is too much

the legend should be talked about. There’s no such thing as bygone here ma’am

The Queen has home for just about every occasion (Balmoral for the summer, Sandringham for Christmas...). Some of these properties came with the title, while others came from inheritance. Here, a guide to the Queen's six royal and private dwellings.

[/b]1.The Headquarters: Buckingham Palace[b]

Crown-owned, the palace—located in the City of Westminster—belongs to the ruling monarch at the time, a tradition that dates back to 1837. It has a total of 775 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. Visitors can actually tour a number of the state rooms inside the palace during specific times of the year.

[/b]2. The Country Home: Windsor Castle[b]

The Queen moved here first with her sister, Margaret, during WWII for safety reasons. Today, the Queen frequents this location on weekends, and it serves as a country home of sorts, not far from her London home base. As with Buckingham Palace, Windsor is Queen Elizabeth's home for as long as she is ruling monarch. It spans 13 acres and boasts 1,000 rooms, making it the largest occupied castle in the world.

[/b]3. The Scottish Residence: Holyrood Palace[b]

The Edinburgh palace is the Queen's official residence in Scotland, and hosts her when she travels north, typically the first week of the summer—an event known as "Holyrood Week." It was originally founded as a monastery in 1128.

[/b]4. The Summer Home: Balmoral Castle[b]

Balmoral is a private estate owned by the Queen. It's where she spends many weeks at the end of each summer, and is believed to be her favorite residence.

[/b]5. The Holiday Home: Sandringham Estate[b]
A beloved private home for the Queen, sandringham, is often used for entertaining during the holidays. It's well-known for hosting the royals' annual walk to Christmas Day services at St. Mary Magdalene church.

[/b]6. The Irish Residence: Hillsborough Castle[b]

Similar to how the Queen stays at Palace of Holyroodhouse when officially visiting Scotland, the Queen dwells in Hillsborough during her visits to Northern Ireland. It is also the official residence of Northern Ireland's Secretary of State. Built in the 1770s, the home is surrounded by 100 acres of lush green gardens.

[/b]What is Queen Elizabeth II’s net worth?[b]

The Queen is estimated to be personally worth at least £427million, according to Forbes.
The publication estimates the entire British monarchy is worth around £72billion.
This cash comes mostly from the Duchy of Lancaster which is made up of 18,454 hectares of land in England and Wales.
The Queen is also believed to have her own private investments, jewels, cars, horses and royal and historic items of value.

[/b]How has the Queen made her fortune?[b]

Real estate and land ownership all contribute towards the monarch’s fortune.
Her impressive building portfolio boasts both Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle.
According to Forbes, Lenka Duskova from real estate agency Luxent values these two properties at around £80million combined.
While these estates are the jewels in Her Majesty’s crown, she also holds agricultural land across the nation, as well as lavish buildings in the capital.

Determinedbobo:
Hello, I'd like to invest in real estate for a little interest, can you put me through

Kindly send a dm to @cigarorealtyltd on instagram
Thanks

IAmTobore:
You don't have to take it personal.

I am not, I am just replying to you respectfully, thanks.

Buying a house, an apartment, or a condo can feel like a daunting task, especially for first-time home buyers. A skilled real estate agent can play a major role in guiding these fledgling property owners through the maze that is a real .
The following are some guidelines about how to help first-time home buyers have a positive experience when purchasing their first home.

[/b]Honesty Counts[b]
The majority of respondents on feedbacks said they valued honesty and trustworthiness above all else. This is especially true for first-time home buyers who may be coming into this experience with more questions and a need for guidance. We strongly suggests that part of developing trust is by setting up clear expectations for a new home buyer. How far will their budget truly go? What are they willing to sacrifice? What can they afford realistically?

[/b]Location, Location, Location[b]
In an interview with an Entrepreneur , property experts say that a real estate agent can make or break a home-buying experience. An experienced real estate agent is with their buyer from the beginning until closing, and maybe even beyond that. They are honest about what the client can afford, and they are willing to go to bat for them. A good agent is willing to share their knowledge of different areas, as well as share their contacts regarding loan officers, essential documentation that shows sellers the buyers are serious, among other services.

[/b]Answer Questions[b]
In their guide to first time ownership , the National Association of Realtors suggests a number of questions that potential buyers ask their real estate agent. These include how to choose a real estate agent and ask questions about their qualifications. “They help you to find homes in your budget that meet your requirements as well as help you to negotiate the best deal possible in your housing market,” the guide reads. Buyers are also advised to make a list of what they want in their future home or apartments, including size, neighborhood, school district, appliances, bedrooms, and the size of the yard. Narrowing down the answers to these questions will make the journey ahead much smoother.

[/b]Avoid Pitfalls[b]
Ella a real estate agent at the CIGARO Real Estate Group writes that the role of an agent would be to help her clients avoid potential pitfalls. Ella encourages people to ask specific questions about neighborhood schools and their rankings, crime rates in the area, transportation options, demographics, entertainment, and the average price homes are selling for.
Ella also cautions that there are often many financial responsibilities that new buyers may not be aware of. A good agent will be able to demystify this process and ensure that home buyers are able to afford all the costs of owning their new home. She added that a pivotal role for the agent would be to put the buyer in touch with the right professional to get mortgages approved, finalize home inspections, and get a contract drawn up that protects all parties involved. She adds that agents are invaluable in assisting buyers to do due diligence on a property and to help iron out any problems that occur during the process.

[/b]Explain About Closing[b]
There are also certain steps that a realtor must take to ensure a smooth closing and transfer of the property. Many of these questions should be answered prior to closing, such as a breakdown of the mortgage loan and all financial obligations for the buyer, title transfers, and fund disbursements. Buying a home for the first time is not only full of overwhelming information, but it is also a highly emotional process. Helping first-time buyers have a positive experience can lead to new referrals down the road.

IAmTobore:
You need to realise something. This woman narrating her story is not based in Nigeria. She's most likely in the US. That's why her story seem interesting and smooth. And that's why she called her kids "wild"

first off, we all know categorically, how boys are when growing up, it is an adjective used to relate to that in that aspect, secondly, the woman is Infact a complete Nigerian and resides in lagos.
Thank you.

Continue619:
Good afternoon ma , please I want to go into Real Estate, if you are seen this my write up help and contact me, am a newly graduate from civil Engineering
This is my number 08035445354

seen, follow our social media handles and stay tuned for more, � thank you

Dear Smart Investor, Ibeju Lekki (THE NEW LAGOS) is a prosperous commercial center with its natural endowments such as the Atlantic Ocean by Right and Lagoon by Left and great proposed international projects in Lekki Lagos Nigeria.
Ibeju Lekki is part of the prestigious Lekki Phase one that share Boundary with commercial Center of Victoria Island on the right and on the left Ikoyi the most expensive city in Lagos.
NOTE: Originally the main Lekki is an old town located in Ibeju Lekki off the Ocean coastal, but was borrowed and named after this small settlement sharing boundary with Victoria Island and Ikoyi. Here are great reasons why you should consider Investing in Ibeju Lekki now:

[/b]INVESTMENT PROSPECT[b] : Ibeju Lekki have more Investment prospect than Lekki Phase one because Ibeju Lekki have great Proposed International projects that will skyrocket every Investment within this region. Lekki Phase one as extension only got popularity from Victoria Island, with no commercial centers and yet SMART INVESTORS benefited from Lekki Phase one.

[/b]MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENTS[b] : Only Ibeju Lekki seats Multi-Billion Dollar investments such as Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki-Epe International Airport, Lagos-Dubai Smart City, Prestigious Beach Resort Centers such as La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Lekki Golf Course, and Over 100 Developing estates etc.

[/b]BUY LOW, SELL HIGH[b] : As at year 2001 a plot of Land (1000sqm) in Lekki Phase one sell for below ₦7million, but today (2017) prices from ₦150million. Imagine if YOU have purchased just a plot of Land in Lekki Phase one in year 2001 by 2017 you would have made over ₦140million. History is about to repeat itself again, Invest in Ibeju Lekki NOW with as low as ₦3million per plot (LIMITED TIME OFFER) with Global C of O and resale for over ₦50million in few years from now.

[/b]AFFORDABLE WATERFRONT LAND[b] : Back in year 2001 waterfront in Lekki Phase One sell from ₦10million for 1000SQM but today (2017) waterfront Land sell from ₦350million. Now imagine if you have Invested in just a plot of Waterfront Land in Lekki Phase one then, by now you would have been ₦340million richer as Ibeju Lekki have more prospect than Lekki Phase one because of its proposed Int’l projects that will skyrocket every Investment in Ibeju Lekki Lagos.  At the moment Waterfront Land sell from ₦3.5million and above here in Ibeju Lekki Lagos. History is about to repeat itself again, Invest in Waterfront Land at Ibeju Lekki with as low as ₦3.5million per plot (LIMITED TIME OFFER) with Global C of O and resale for over ₦200million in few years from now.

[/b]RECENT ECONOMIC RECESSION [b]: History has it that after Economic recession or depression, there is always a great recovery afterward and ONLY SMART INVESTORS that took advantage by Investing into great Opportunities (especially in Real Estate) always smile afterward.

[/b]NOTE[b]: You will agree with me that Investing in real estate in prime location like IBEJU LEKKI is the best way to secure your children future.
Check out our social media handles for enquirers on investment options; instagram: @cigarorealtyltd, Facebook: @cigaro realty ltd, Twitter: @cigarolimited, Website: www.Cigarorealtyltd.com.

HI, my name is Mrs Mildred Martins, When I began my career in real estate in 2012, I was newly married with a 6-month-old at home and lots of bills. My bachelor’s degree had led me down a path of hard work for little pay. I needed to make a change, and fast, but I also had a fire inside calling me to build something bigger for myself and my growing family. I didn’t know a thing about selling houses. All I did know was that somehow I was going to be my own boss. This girl was not meant for nine to five or stuffy board rooms. So in 2012, I got my license and hit the ground running. Well, sort of.   

No one ever tells you what it actually takes on a day-to-day basis to make it in this business until you’re in the trenches. I was eager to learn but also broke and desperate. I joined a well-known team in my area and learned as much as I could. For five years, I cold-called, held open houses, and worked 60 hours a week, nights and weekends. This was a great experience but definitely not what I had in mind.  
I had a bigger vision for my life. So in 2016, along with my business partner, I joined a company and partnered with them, CIGARO REALTY LIMITED, Since then, real estate has truly changed my life for the better. The flexibility has allowed me to thrive as a working mom, raising 3 wild boys while growing a top-producing team. I now have the opportunity to lead a group of eight amazing women realtors, which has brought to light the unique challenges that we face as women in real estate.  

Prioritize safety
Our photos and contact information is all public. It’s a necessary part of our business, but it also leaves us vulnerable. I know the women on our team are not the only ones who have been the victims of stalking. After many strange calls and late-night hangups, an out-of-state detective connected the dots and informed us of a man who was stalking women in several states that he found online. All were real estate agents, and all had a similar appearance.  We’ve also gotten calls from men who were pretending to be in the market for a home because (after some wasted time, we found out) they were looking for a friend… and we “looked friendly.”  
A potential sale is never worth your safety. Always meet with buyers at your office before showing them a property. If someone is serious about buying a house, they will meet with you. Usually, when I tell a potential client that we meet in the office for safety reasons, there are no objections. When you do meet new clients for showings, always let someone know your location. Be sure to bring someone along to open houses, whether that’s a spouse, a friend, or better yet, ask a mortgage lender to co-brand some marketing materials and come along with you. It’s a win-win.  

Value family
I’m sure juggling family and business is a struggle for all working moms. As entrepreneurs, we often feel the need to hustle and prove ourselves while at the same time managing our guilt if success comes at the cost of time with our loved ones.  
I personally have had mixed experiences. I know for certain that I lost a lot of business when I was expecting my second and third children. Even after explaining to potential clients that I had a support team to cover for me while I was home with a newborn, buyers and sellers (understandably) want to make sure their real estate agent is available at all times.  Although I empathize with their concern, there is no “maternity leave” when you’re self-employed. No clients, no income. 
Last-minute appointments are the name of the game. More than once, I’ve had to throw my kids in the car, bribe them with candy, and pray that they don’t break anything because my buyer’s perfect house just came on the market. Most people are incredibly understanding. 
At the beginning of my career, I would drop everything and run out the door whenever a client asked me to. I missed a lot of dinners with my husband and putting my kids to bed. Set clear boundaries for yourself or you may find yourself with strained relationships and lots of regrets.    
Schedule your family time as “appointments.” Date night? Kids baseball game? Clients don’t need to know what kind of appointment you have!   

Remember self-care
Real estate is so unpredictable. You may find yourself spending more time in your car than in an office. Some days you have back-to-back appointments for 12 hours straight and some days you may work at home in your pajamas. It’s easy to forget about taking care of the most important person (that’s you!) when you’re always on the run. But don’t let the erratic nature of this business get the best of you. Schedule time for personal development and self-care so you don’t burn out. Get a massage. Go shopping. Take classes that have nothing to do with real estate (bonus—you’ll probably pick up business while you’re networking and having fun anyway). Don’t skip this step. You can’t take care of everyone else if you aren’t taking care of you!   
Overall, I’ve been incredibly lucky to be a woman in this industry. I don’t feel that my gender defines me in this field. Powerful women have paved the way for decades and leveled the playing field for us.  
We truly bring so much to the table. We are compassionate, empathetic, and can juggle a million things like nobody’s business. Ultimately I have found that if you just be genuine, be yourself, surround yourself with people that make you a better person, then we can make the most of an amazing career and show future generations of women Realtors what is possible

Buying a house, an apartment, or a condo can feel like a daunting task, especially for first-time home buyers. A skilled real estate agent can play a major role in guiding these fledgling property owners through the maze that is a real .
The following are some guidelines about how to help first-time home buyers have a positive experience when purchasing their first home.

[b][b]Honesty Counts[b][b]
The majority of respondents on feedbacks said they valued honesty and trustworthiness above all else. This is especially true for first-time home buyers who may be coming into this experience with more questions and a need for guidance. We strongly suggests that part of developing trust is by setting up clear expectations for a new home buyer. How far will their budget truly go? What are they willing to sacrifice? What can they afford realistically?

[b][b]Location, Location, Location[b][b]
In an interview with an Entrepreneur , property experts say that a real estate agent can make or break a home-buying experience. An experienced real estate agent is with their buyer from the beginning until closing, and maybe even beyond that. They are honest about what the client can afford, and they are willing to go to bat for them. A good agent is willing to share their knowledge of different areas, as well as share their contacts regarding loan officers, essential documentation that shows sellers the buyers are serious, among other services.

[b][/b]Answer Questions[b][b]
In their guide to first time ownership , the National Association of Realtors suggests a number of questions that potential buyers ask their real estate agent. These include how to choose a real estate agent and ask questions about their qualifications. “They help you to find homes in your budget that meet your requirements as well as help you to negotiate the best deal possible in your housing market,” the guide reads. Buyers are also advised to make a list of what they want in their future home or apartments, including size, neighborhood, school district, appliances, bedrooms, and the size of the yard. Narrowing down the answers to these questions will make the journey ahead much smoother.

[b][b]Avoid Pitfalls[b][b]
Ella a real estate agent at the CIGARO Real Estate Group writes that the role of an agent would be to help her clients avoid potential pitfalls. Ella encourages people to ask specific questions about neighborhood schools and their rankings, crime rates in the area, transportation options, demographics, entertainment, and the average price homes are selling for.
Ella also cautions that there are often many financial responsibilities that new buyers may not be aware of. A good agent will be able to demystify this process and ensure that home buyers are able to afford all the costs of owning their new home. She added that a pivotal role for the agent would be to put the buyer in touch with the right professional to get mortgages approved, finalize home inspections, and get a contract drawn up that protects all parties involved. She adds that agents are invaluable in assisting buyers to do due diligence on a property and to help iron out any problems that occur during the process.

[/b]Explain About Closing[b]
There are also certain steps that a realtor must take to ensure a smooth closing and transfer of the property. Many of these questions should be answered prior to closing, such as a breakdown of the mortgage loan and all financial obligations for the buyer, title transfers, and fund disbursements. Buying a home for the first time is not only full of overwhelming information, but it is also a highly emotional process. Helping first-time buyers have a positive experience can lead to new referrals down the road.

10 ways to boost your real estate marketing efforts


The housing market is in something of a boom at the moment, likely triggered by the events of the past year and a half. We’re spending more time at home these days, and many are finding that they’re ready to buy a house that they like being penned up in.
Here are ten top tips to turn your real estate marketing into gold.

1: Use Color To Catch The Eye
We’re drawn to bright colors, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed if there are too many or too much of any one shade. The most effective marketing uses only a few colors in branding.
A quick search of big real estate firms will reveal that many of them use Blue and/ or red for their branding.
These are excellent choices, as blue is evocative of tradition, reliability, and trust, and red is one of the most dynamic colors, most likely to move the viewer to action. Use color in your branding to draw the eye and to evoke the desired emotion in your audience by taking the psychology of color into account.

2: Hone Your Logo Design
Whether you have an established real estate firm or you’re launching a new business, your logo is the single most important piece of branding. So it’s vital to use a design that stands out as unique, while accurately representing your business.
You can use the services of a professional designer or learn how to use a logo maker tool like logo design and create one yourself. Either way, make sure to:
* Examine what the competition is doing so you can avoid any look-alike logos
* Stay true to the personality of your brand
* Get feedback from your target demographic

3: Use Branded Materials
Any good real estate agent knows the value of a business card. But don’t settle for just any business card. Consider touches that will make it unique, such as a 3-D card or a tabbed design.
Along with that, any branded materials that can be handed out for publicity is a good idea, especially if you’re just getting started. People like free things, so if you can give out pens, t-shirts, and coffee mugs, they’re likely to remember your company and seek you out when the time comes to start home-searching.

4: Make Your Website User Friendly
Website design can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. The most important factor for a real estate website is how user-friendly it is. Make sure that your navigation is clear and easy to follow. Keep the important information — like your contact info — easily available. Keep your load times down by optimizing photos.
A user-friendly website will go a long way towards boosting your credibility with your audience.

5: Create A Mobile Friendly Site
Along with those lines, make sure that your site design is adaptive for mobile access. More than four billion people — over 90% of the global internet population — use their smartphones for internet access, which means that you’re even more likely to get a site visitor via a phone or tablet than you are on a laptop.
Short circuit frustration by making your site mobile-friendly.

6: Interact On Social Media
More than three and a half billion people use social media platforms every day, and more than half of them are turning to social media to research products and brands. So if you’re lagging on the social media front, you’re missing a significant portion of your potential audience!
Set up social media accounts on the platforms most likely to be used by your target demographic, and make sure to interact whenever possible. Share content and respond rapidly to messages, whether questions or concerns.

7: Make It Easy To Share
While on the subject of social media, you can help your target audience to do your marketing for you if you include sharable buttons and links on your listings and web pages. It will also make it easier for a potential client to get feedback from friends and family, as we all like to talk about the houses and properties we’re considering.

8: Sponsor An Event
Sponsoring an event gets your name out in the community and attaches it to positive emotions. Sponsor individuals in walkathons and other events, or put up a tent at a local fair or gathering and display photos of your listings.

9: Enable Virtual Tours
Seting up virtual tours through your website helps your business in a variety of ways. For one thing, it makes it more convenient for the consumer, as they don’t have to leave their house for a walkthrough of a property they’re interested in. This also saves time and money for the real estate agent, too.
Virtual tours are increasing in popularity and homebuyers are searching out agents and firms who can provide for this need.

10: Add Value With Expert Advice
If you’re a real estate agent, you know that selling a home isn’t just about setting a price and putting it on the market. It’s also about showing, staging, comps, location, and keeping a finger on the market’s pulse in the area.
But not every home buyer or seller knows all the ins and outs of the real estate business. That’s what makes your expert advice such a valuable tool, and an excellent way to boost both your marketing opportunities and your value in the eyes of your audience. 
Start a blog with home selling/buying tips, include experiences and interviews with clients, and make sure to use SEO keywords to increase searchability. The more content you produce, especially when it’s valuable, the more opportunities you have to market your real estate agency. 
Applying all ten of these tips will result in a serious boost to your marketing efforts.
Good luck!!!
From Cigaro Realty Limited

In today’s tech-savvy real estate world, a solid digital marketing strategy and a well-honed social media presence can make all the difference. Together, they can increase your brand awareness and, most importantly, deliver more qualified leads.
In fact, according to a survey from the National Association of Realtors, real estate agents rank social media at the top of their lead generation tools, with 47 percent saying it’s the technology that’s given them the highest quality leads in the last year.
Digital ads, email marketing tools, blogs, websites, and CRMs also made the list of tech that’s resulted in quality leads.

1. Find a partner.
A great way to better your digital know-how is to partner up with an agent who’s well-versed in the craft. You might consider looking at agents who are experts in social media and tech but may need a little more guidance in the ways of real estate. Consider a trade-off: they show you the ropes in the digital world, while you advise them as they get their footing in their new career.

2. Choose wisely.
You should definitely be on social media, but that doesn’t mean you need to be on every platform that’s out there. Study up on your target audience and find out where they congregate and what tools they’re using. Targeting first-time buyers? You might want to focus on Instagram and Snapchat. Going for move-up buyers or empty nesters? Facebook might be a better bet. Hone your list and choose the highest-impact platforms to focus your time and energy on.

3. Study up.
There are tons of courses you can take that can improve your digital marketing skills. You can opt for ones aimed specifically at agents or move outside your comfort zone and take a more general marketing course instead. You can also attend marketing conferences or join your local social media networking association.
Keep in mind that the digital landscape is always changing, so it’s important you commit to continued education for the long haul. Expect to take a least a course or two a year to enhance your skills and stay relevant.

4. Watch influencers.
Take the time to seek out and follower influencers in your area of expertise — other agents or real estate pros you know are doing it right (and have a big, engaged following). What types of content are they posting? How often are they doing it? How are they interacting with their followers? Use this knowledge to guide your own strategy, and make sure you watch your post metrics to see how your new efforts fare.

5. Get creative.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your content. People’s feeds can get pretty boring day after day, and it’s easy to just keep on scrolling. Get creative with your posts and force your followers to stop the scroll. There’s no hard-and-fast formula for what will do that, but give something new a try, be willing to make a few mistakes and learn what works for your brand through trial and error. In time, you’ll fall on a strategy that delivers the leads you’re looking for.

6. Follow a voice and style guide.
It’s important you have a consistent voice and style in your posts, as this helps build your brand and forge connections with your followers. To ensure you stay on point, develop a voice and style guide from the very beginning. Will you use shorthand and emojis, or will you approach things more formally? Will you be funny and witty, or are you aiming more for informative and knowledgeable? Hammer out the exact persona you want to portray and stick to it.

7. Measure, measure, measure.
Almost all social media and digital marketing tools have some sort of built-in metrics or analytics tool nowadays. But just having these tools in place isn’t enough. To really be able to improve your efforts and boost your results, you need to be checking in on them regularly. What’s working and what’s not? What can you tweak for better results? You’ll increase your impact if you finetune your efforts in real-time. visit our website: www.cigarorealtyltd.com for more info

A new home may be one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life. Before you begin shopping for the right home to buy you’ll need to explore Mortgage options if you’re planning to finance the purchase.
Not all home loans are the same, though. So, doing your research before moving forward can help you select the most suitable option for your financial situation and possibly keep more money in your pocket. Plus, you’ll know what to expect, in terms of guidelines, when you apply.

Types of mortgages
1. Conventional loan – Best for borrowers with a good credit score
2. Jumbo loan – Best for borrowers with excellent credit looking to buy an expensive home
3. Government-insured loan – Best for borrowers who have lower credit scores and minimal cash for a down payment
4. Fixed-rate mortgage – Best for borrowers who’d prefer a predictable, set monthly payment for the duration of the loan
5. Adjustable-rate mortgage – Best for borrowers who aren’t planning to stay in the home for an extended period, would prefer lower payments in the short-term and are comfortable with possibly having to pay more in the future


1. Conventional loan
Conventional loans are loans which are not backed by the federal government, come in two forms: conforming and non-conforming.
* Conforming Loans – As the name implies, a conforming loan “conforms” to the set of standards put in place by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which includes credit, debt and loan size.
* Non-conforming loans – These loans do not meet FHFA standards. Instead, they cater to borrowers looking to purchase more-expensive homes or individuals with unusual credit profiles

Who should get a conventional loan?
If you have a strong credit score and can afford to make a sizable down payment, a Conventional mortgage is probably your best pick. The 30-year, fixed-rate conventional mortgage is the most popular choice for homebuyers.

30-year fixed-rate mortgage
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a home loan with an interest rate that’s set for the entire 30-year term.

Most popular home loan

* Your interest rate never changes

* Lower monthly payment than with shorter-term loans.

Best for: Home buyers who want the lower monthly payment that comes from stretching out repayment over a long time. The fixed rate makes the payment predictable. A 30-year fixed offers flexibility to repay the loan faster by adding to monthly payments.


2. Jumbo loan
Jumbo Mortgages are home loan products that fall outside FHFA borrowing limits. Jumbo loans are more common in higher-cost areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and the state of Hawaii, where home prices are often on the higher end.

Who should get a jumbo loan?
If you’re looking to finance a home with a selling price exceeding the latest conforming loan limits a jumbo loan is likely your best route.

3. Government-insured loan (NHF LOAN)
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
* Mobilization of funds for the provision of affordable residential houses for Nigerians.
*   Commercial and Merchant Banks to invest 10% of their loans and advances portfolio.
*   Insurance Companies are mandated to invest 20% of non-life and 40% of life funds in the housing sector with 50% of these directly in the funds.
*   Financial contributions of the Federal Government.

BENEFITS
*   Housing loan of up to 90% of the cost of the house.
*   Interest on loans remains fixed throughout the life of the mortgage at 6% p.a.
*   Long period of repayment of up to 30 years.
*   Contributions can serve as additional old age security.
*   Up to N15 million can be borrowed.
*   Refunds with 2% interest on retirement.
*   Loan repayment is about the same as a typical monthly rent.
*   Every contributor has: a lifetime registration number, a passbook for personal recording of contributions and the account statement.

WHO CAN BENEFITS FROM THIS SCHEME?

The NHF scheme is for Nigerians in all sectors of the economy, particularly those within the low and medium-income levels who cannot afford commercial housing loans e.g. civil servants, traders, artisans, commercial drivers, etc. Any intending beneficiary must be a registered contributor and up to date with his/her contributions.

4. Fixed-rate mortgage
Fixed-rate mortgages maintain the same interest rate over the life of your loan, which means your monthly mortgage payment always stays the same. Fixed loans typically come in terms of 15 years or 30 years, although some lenders allow borrowers to pick any term between eight and 30 years.

Who should get a fixed-rate mortgage?
If you are planning to stay in your home for at least five to seven years, and want to avoid the potential for changes to your monthly payments, a fixed-rate mortgage is right for you.

5. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
Unlike the stability of fixed-rate loans, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) have interest rates that fluctuates with market conditions. Many ARM products have a fixed interest rate for a few years before the loan changes to a variable interest rate for the remainder of the term. For example, you might see a 7-year/6-month ARM, which means that your rate will remain the same for the first seven years and will adjust every six months after that initial period. If you consider an ARM, it’s essential to read the fine print to know how much your rate can increase and how much you could wind up paying after the introductory period expires.

Who should get an ARM?
If you don’t plan to stay in your home beyond a few years, an ARM could help you save on interest payments. However, it’s important to be comfortable with a certain level of risk that your payments might increase if you’re still in the home.
Other types of home loans
In addition to these common kinds of mortgages, there are other types you may find when shopping around for a loan:
* Construction loans – If you want to build a home, a construction loan can be a good choice. You can decide whether to get a separate construction loan for the project and a separate mortgage to pay it off. A construction-to-permanent loan, which merges construction costs and financing into a single loan product, is also an option.Both options typically require a higher down payment and proof that you can afford the monthly payments.

* Interest-only mortgages – With an interest-only mortgage, the borrower makes interest-only payments for a set period – usually between five and seven years- followed by payments for both principal and interest You won’t build equity as quickly with an interest-only mortgage, though, since you’re initially only paying interest for a set period. Still, these loans are best for those who know they can sell or refinance, or for those who can reasonably expect to afford the higher monthly payment later.

* Piggyback loans – A piggyback loan, also referred to as an 80/10/10 loan, actually involves two loans: one for 80 percent of the home price and another for 10 percent. You’ll make a down payment for the remaining 10 percent.These loan products are designed to help the borrower avoid paying for mortgage insurance. While eliminating those PMI payments might sound appealing, keep in mind that piggyback loans require two sets of closing costs, and you’ll also accrue interest on two loans. Crunch the numbers to find out if you’re really saving enough money to justify this unconventional arrangement.

* Balloon mortgages – Another type of home loan you might come across is a balloon mortgage, which requires a large payment at the end of the loan term. Generally, you’ll make payments based on a 30-year term, but only for a short time, such as seven years. When the loan term ends, you’ll make a large payment on the outstanding balance, which can be unmanageable if you’re not prepared or your credit situation deteriorates.

Next steps
Now that you have an idea of the right kind of loan for your home purchase, it’s time to find the right mortgage lender to make it happen. Every lender is different, and it’s important to compare and search for the best type of mortgage that fits you.

As a real estate agent, your income is determined by your ability to close the deal. To successfully master the art of real estate negotiations, you’ll want to find the most creative and powerful negotiation strategies. Finding clients is only the first step in the real estate process. The next important step is negotiating with the other side. To help you prepare, we’ve put together some advice on how to handle real estate negotiations, including key strategies that will help you close the deal.

Understanding real estate negotiations
The art of negotiation includes two or more parties attempting to find a common middle ground that is beneficial to both sides. Real estate negotiations usually end up with one or more parties compromising or settling on mutually agreeable points. A sales transaction can literally have hundreds of potential variables. To best serve the negotiation process, a purchase contract offer can be adapted in many different ways. Details such as the price, closing time range, seller credits, and the requested loan contingency time periods for numerous contractual checklist items (e.g., loan qualification, home inspection report, appraisal) can all be modified.
Remember: The real estate sales process goes smoothest when each side of the negotiation table walks away feeling as if they have won something important to them.

Be proactive, not reactive
During real estate negotiations, it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive. It’s important to stay positive, act from a position of strength, communicate clearly, and listen with empathy. Try to avoid being negative and reactive, acting from a position of weakness, and not listening to the other party’s true needs and interests.
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” – Epictetus
Sadly, most people prefer to speak more than listen during hotly contested real estate negotiations. This often leads to no deal for anyone (a “lose/lose” situation). Listen closely to the other party. They are likely telling you the easiest way to find the quickest solutions.

Asking questions leads to positive answers and outcomes
In order to close a deal, both parties need to be flexible and open-minded. Be willing to compromise and change your own mind. When trying to persuade someone else to change their mind, get them to focus on questioning their own perceptions or statements.
In debates, many people will focus on a definitive statement made by the other party, such as “you’re wrong” or “the roof is 100% fine with no leaks,” as opposed to questioning their own beliefs. Changing one’s mind first begins with changing the way we ask ourselves the most empowering questions. Questioning our own thoughts then, in turn, leads to a more flexible and open mindset.
For example, one party may say emphatically, “I will walk away from this negotiation table if you don’t agree to give me a $10,000 credit to fix the roof leaks.” A more positive way to express this same concern is to ask the seller questions like “How much do you think a professional roofer will charge to fix the water leaks?” or “What sort of sales price reduction or credit can you offer us in exchange for this roof situation?” This way, the other party feels that they are the ones offering mutually beneficial solutions.

Key real estate negotiation strategies
To increase your odds of success, use the following key strategies when conducting real estate negotiations.
* Have a positive attitude. Smile, be positive and make the other side feel welcome and appreciated. At the true core, we all just wanted to be liked or loved. Be likable, and the other side will want to make you happy.
* Negotiate in person, instead of online or by phone. We react more to other people’s voice tones and body language, both consciously and subconsciously than to their spoken words. When using email or texts to negotiate, tones and intentions are not easily understood. Someone may be offended by a typed comment which was truly benign, neutral, or even meant to be funny.
* Check your body language. Don’t sit in the conference room with your arms and legs crossed. This conveys to other people that you may be closed-minded, angry (another side of fear), reactive, or hard to please. A better option is to have an open posture and a smile on your face. Try to look the other people in the eye as much as possible to help you seem more honest and trustworthy.
* Find common ground. Create a list of items that both sides can agree on toward the start of the meeting. Then, focus on resolving the other issues that need to be worked out with some form of compromise. If the other side doesn’t agree with the options you present, provide them with alternative options backed with solid evidence.
* Do not become emotionally attached to the deal. Even if you desperately need the commission for this one real estate deal, please don’t act out of reactive fear. Ironically, the fear of losing the deal can be sensed by others in the room, and, in turn, can push them away. Deal with the facts of the real estate transaction as opposed to the emotions.
* Show your good sense of humor, when appropriate. Once another person smiles or laughs, they will become more open-minded and receptive.
* End the negotiations on a good note. Before walking out of the room, make sure everyone feels positive about the outcome of the real estate negotiations that have just taken place. Shake hands, thank each side for their participation, and talk about the next positive steps in the process.
Few things in real estate will make you smile more than a satisfying and productive negotiation outcome. If the other side is smiling too, then that is the sign of a very healthy and profitable sales transaction. It means you are well on your way to mastering the art of real estate negotiations.