By Devin Meenan

During RISMedia’s final “Lessons

By Devin Meenan

During RISMedia’s final “Lessons in Leadership” Webinar of 2022, 

Dermot Buffini, CEO of Buffini & Co. quizzed fellow panelist Helen Hanna Casey, CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, about what she’s learned from leading other real estate professionals.

After their one-on-one conversation, moderator John Featherston, founder and CEO of RISMedia, jumped in to ask both panelists some questions that viewers of the Webinar had. 

Key takeaways:

Here’s what our esteemed panelists had to say:

“Celebrating the most amount of sales in a season, ok that’s great, but does that really inspire anybody else? Maybe, but celebrate if they really live up to a value that you’re looking for. Excellence, professionalism, courtesy, celebrate the victories, the small things, know their stories. One of the things we try to do at our events is tell a client’s story, because it’s not about Buffini and Co. It’s not about us, it’s about our clients,” -Dermot Buffini, CEO of Buffini & Co.

“We just had a new CTO and it’s the first time we’ve hired a CTO from within. The candidates were just so great from within and we knew them all and again it’s not their personalities, it’s the knowledge that they’ve imparted and how they have built their team, and how they have inspired their team that their own team was asking for them when the other person stepped away. I think you have to look for what their qualities are in leadership, but also skill because you can be a great leader but…if you don’t know what you’re talking about in our business it doesn’t do you any good,” -Helen Hanna Casey, CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

For more information on how you can check out the full webinar here.

To view more webinars from RISMedia, subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

Devin Meenan is RISMedia’s assistant editor. Email him with your real estate news ideas, dmeenan@rismedia.com.

By Devin Meenan

During RISMedia’s latest Webinar–“How to Handle Tech Overload and Choose What Will Work For Your Agents” – moderator Joe Rand, chief creative officer of Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, quizzed his panelists on how they’ve most effectively used technology in their businesses. 

Panelists were Gretchen Pearson, president/owner at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties, Tiffany Curry, CEO/owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tiffany Curry Real Estate, and Brad Nix, COO/owner of Path & Post Real Estate.The event was sponsored by BoomTown.

Key takeaways:

Here’s what our esteemed panelists had to say:

“My experience with real estate agents, why they’re so effective is they don’t really like change, so they administer change through everyone else and so you can not give too much change, and we get very excited as leaders about where we’re taking the company, or the decisions we’ve made and it’s too much,” - Gretchen Pearson, president/owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties

“Visit a local innovation or tech hub in your market. Visit one and take some of your agents with you, so they can see where things are headed, where people are going, in real estate we often get caught up in what we think, because we’re in our own little world, our own cocoon, but when you step outside of it in a lot of the major cities they have these innovation hubs which are tech centers and they’re every major company” - Tiffany Curry, CEO/owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tiffany Curry Real Estate

“I think the biggest problem agents or brokers have is they treat [tech] like shiny objects, ‘oh that sounds cool, maybe I can make that work for me.’ And I think that’s the biggest problem, the ‘make that work for me’ statement. It probably is really cool tech, but having to make it work for you is probably the wrong approach. I think it’s better for agents or brokers or anyone in the industry to have a problem they’re seeking to solve, and then make sure that piece of tech solves that problem,” - Brad Nix, COO/owner of Path & Post Real Estate.

For more information on how you can check out the full webinar here.

To view more webinars from RISMedia, subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

Devin Meenan is RISMedia’s assistant editor. Email him with your real estate news ideas, dmeenan@rismedia.com.

By Paige Tepping

During RISMedia's recent webinar—"How to Reinvent Your Value Proposition"—panelists Jack Cotton, a REALTOR® with Sotheby’s International Realty Cape Cod Brokerages; and Annette Mina, a broker with Douglas Elliman, explored the importance of controlling the agent-to-consumer relationship. 

The webinar was sponsored by Curbio and moderated by Darryl Davis, CEO of Darryl Davis Seminars. 

Key Takeaways:

Here's What Our Esteemed Group of Panelists Had to Say: “When the pandemic hit, after being such a workaholic all those years, it settled me. I was connecting more with my client base, making one-on-one phone calls to my entire sphere and having frank, honest, open conversations about how they were doing. I think it made me a better human, as well as a better communicator, and it caused my clients to actually gravitate toward me even more.” -Annette Mina, Broker, Douglas Elliman

“My first priority is to have priorities. It’s amazing to me how many people don’t have any priorities. They just wake up and wait to see what happens. So being proactive every day by looking at your calendar and setting priorities is critical. My second biggest priority after having priorities is to be expressing gratitude all throughout the day. It keeps your focus and keeps your head on straight.” -Jack Cotton, REALTOR®, Sotheby’s International Realty Cape Cod Brokerages

“The technology space is so saturated, that it almost feels like there’s a new tool coming at you agents every single day, and so, I think when it comes to technology, it’s to really focus on ease of use. Does it seamlessly integrate into your everyday workflow as a real estate agent? If it’s too complicated, or it requires additional steps to your workload, that’s going to be a turnoff in terms of tech.” -Amanda Pflieger, director of demand generation, Curbio 

“We don’t just help people buy and sell real estate. What we do is help people get to their next level in life. And the money that we make is just the gauge as to how many lives we have touched. You are essential to people’s lives. You make a difference, and you chose real estate as the tool to make a difference in the world, so go out there and help people get to their next level.” -Darryl Davis, CEO, Darryl Davis Seminars

For more information on creating the coveted lifetime customer relationship, check out the full webinar here.

To view more webinars from RISMedia, subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

By Emma

By Emma Sturgis 

If you've noticed your HVAC system struggling to stay cool, and it’s been struggling for a long time, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Certain signs will tell you when your HVAC system needs an upgrade, as long as you pay attention and remember to look for them. Here are some things to keep an eye on when considering if it is time to upgrade your HVAC system.

Your HVAC has Stopped Working Consistently If you have been experiencing long gaps in this season's energy efficiency and comfort, you should consider having the unit inspected by a professional. An upgrade is probably in order if the unit cannot be repaired. This may involve replacing the entire HVAC system, or simply updating certain system units.

Furnace Making Strange Sound All HVAC systems have fans, which work to circulate the air throughout your home. The sound it makes is something to pay attention to, and you should consider upgrading if you hear something different. If you notice an unusual sound coming from your system, it might be time to contact a furnace diagnostics company for a checkup to find out what is causing this issue.

Worn Down Filters One way to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is to use good filters. Maintaining the air in your home is crucial to energy efficiency and comfort, so you should always have good filters on hand. If you notice your filters are getting worn down or they aren't working as well as they should be, it's time to replace them with new ones.

Sooty Odor Even if your system is functioning properly, you want to look at all of your HVAC system components closely. A big, sooty smell is one of the most obvious signs that something isn't working correctly. If you notice this type of odor coming from your vents or outdoor units, it might be time to replace them with new ones. This will help you maintain the efficiency and comfort of your HVAC system.

High Energy Bills If your bills are out of control, it's time to troubleshoot the issue. To ensure your home stays cool, it is important to have enough insulation in all rooms, especially the attic. If you can't afford your heating and cooling bills, something may be wrong and should be fixed as soon as possible.

If you've noticed any of these signs, it might be time to upgrade your HVAC system. Remember to look at your systems closely, maintain them regularly and keep a good energy efficiency ratio by using the best possible filters.

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Massachusetts. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2

By Lizzie Weakley

When you are taking a shower, the last thing you want to notice is water that is ponding up around

By Lizzie Weakley

When you are taking a shower, the last thing you want to notice is water that is ponding up around your feet. Unfortunately, this means you have a clogged shower drain. Though this is a problem that always seems to occur at the most inopportune time, the good news is that you have multiple solutions to getting the water flowing freely again. The next time you find your shower drain clogged, here are four methods you can use to bust up that stubborn clog.

Remove It by Hand If you are lucky, you will be able to remove the clog by hand. Should you notice hair or other objects easily visible and near the top of the drain, you can probably don a pair of rubber gloves and remove the debris within a few minutes. In some cases, you may be able to use a wire coat hanger to make sure you get everything causing the clog. However, if you feel something that is putting up quite a fight when you pull, beware that continuing to use the coat hanger could damage your drain.

The Drain Snake If you ask the pros like those at Express Plumbing & Septic about the best way to unclog a shower drain, they will most likely suggest the drain snake. This is a retractable, coil-like tool you can purchase at any home improvement store. Fitted with a hand crank, you insert the metal wire slowly down your shower drain, where it will either break up the clog or pull out whatever was clogging the drain. If you don’t trust yourself with this tool, or just don’t want to purchase one, consider calling up your local plumber for assistance. 

Natural Drain Cleaner If you want to pour something down your drain in hopes of getting rid of the clog, many suggest you not use drain cleaners found in stores, since they often don't work very well and contain dangerous chemicals that can do more harm than good to your shower drain. Instead, opt for a homemade natural drain cleaner that consists of one cup of distilled vinegar and one cup of baking soda. Mix this together, pour it down your drain, and let it stay there for 15 minutes. By doing so and then pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, your problem should be solved.

Call a Plumber Finally, if your best efforts don't work on your shower drain, call in a plumber to fix the problem. If you don't, you may damage your drain or push the clog further and further down, making things much worse.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll soon have a shower drain where the water is once again running freely.

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball. Looking to work with a brokerage in Michigan? Weakley recommends contacting The Stockton Team.

By Meghan Belnap 

Renovating is a time when the

By Meghan Belnap 

Renovating is a time when the excitement of having a new kitchen space becomes heavy with choices and long-term decisions. With so many options to choose from, the process can feel like more of a burden than a joy. But it doesn't have to be that way. By keeping up with the latest kitchen design trends, you can make sure your renovation is both stylish and practical. Here are some of the top kitchen design trends to consider for your next project.

Two-Tone Cabinetry One of the hottest trends in kitchen design regardless of the overall design theme is two-tone cabinetry. This trend allows you to mix and match different colors and finishes to create a unique look for your kitchen. For example, you could pair white upper cabinets with dark lower cabinets or vice versa. Or, you could opt for a more dramatic look by pairing a bright color with a neutral shade.

Modern Looks It's been years since modern kitchen design made a fiery comeback, and it's still going strong. Often marked by minimalism and a bit of an industrial edge, this style is perfect for those who want a clean and sleek space. This type of kitchen will typically feature very basic cabinetry, often replacing upper cabinets for custom shelving. Simple, easy-to-clean backsplash tiles and stone countertops give the space a no-fuss feel. These kitchens work best for those who don't need a lot of extra storage space and do relatively simple cooking.

Farmhouse Style This kitchen design is perfect for those who love the rustic look. Often featuring shaker-style cabinetry and plenty of wood, farmhouse kitchens are warm and inviting. They exude a well-used vibe that gently conveys that we're all family here, and we're not going to sweat that you dropped that egg on the floor. If you're not fortunate enough to have an old beautiful farmhouse, don't fret, you can still get the look with custom cabinets made by craftsmen who know exactly how to get new cabinets to look like old cabinets.

Appliance Garage  This is a great way to keep your small appliances hidden when they're not in use, but still easily accessible. It's perfect for those who like the aesthetic of purely decorative counter space, but still want the convenience of pulling out the toaster, coffee maker, or pressure cooker without digging for it.

Drawer Microwave  This is a space-saving dream come true. The drawer microwave frees up counter space and can be placed at various heights, making it easier to use for everyone in the family.

Cabinet Pull-Outs  Gone are the days when odd, narrow spaces were simply capped off with wood trim. Cabinet makers have invented ways of using every morsel of space in a kitchen by creating decorative pullout cabinets that craftily store bakeware, tall and narrow pantry items, and spices.

Under-Cabinet Lighting  This is a must-have for any kitchen, as it not only looks great, but it's also functional. Under-cabinet lighting makes it easy to see what you're working on, no matter the time of day.

The above are just some trendy kitchen ideas that you can incorporate into your home renovation. While this list is just the beginning, it can help jumpstart your creative thinking and give your renovation team a base to build from.

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons.

By Brentnie Daggett, Rentec Direct

Summer is in full swing, and here in my home state of Oregon we’ve already experienced our first heat wave of 2022. Our homes have long been designed to protect us from the cold and the elements, but what about high temperatures? Many homeowners may not realize that extreme heat can affect their homes in a number of ways. 

Potential Damage From High Temperatures Although tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters typically cause drastic property damage, excessive temperatures can also contribute to another catastrophic event: wildfire. Here in the West, we’ve lost millions of acres of land to wildfire and thousands of structures and homes, just in the past couple of years. There are several best practices, such as creating defensible space around your home to mitigate this risk. However, there are many less extreme, but also worrisome, potential impacts on homes from heat waves. Here are a few of them:  

Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Heat Wave Pay attention to temperature and humidity levels in your area and keep tabs on any elevated heat index advisories, warnings or watches. 

Heat waves are becoming more common and lasting longer across the country, and are something to keep in mind when considering a new or future home purchase. Extreme heat can lead to internal and external home damage, but you can help protect yourself and your home from potential damage with some research and a few preparation steps.

Brentnie Daggett is a writer and infographic master for the rental and property management industry. She loves to share tips and tricks to assist landlords and renters alike. To learn more about Daggett, and to discover more great tips for renters, visit www.rentecdirect.com.