This simple and free system can make you more productive and save you as much as 5 weeks in the upcoming year. By controlling the way you interact with incoming messages you can vastly reduce time wasted thus creating gold or other treasured things in your life.

This is a very good 'basics' coverage of what the home inspection process will be like and how you as an agent can get the most out of the situation for your client. It involves a lot of communication, remaining focused on the best interest of the client, and ample time to read discover and request. This episode is good for first time agents, experienced agents who want to go back to the well, and even buyers who can learn a little bit more about the value a strong buyer agent brings to the process of purchasing a home.

There are no show notes for this one. It was a representation of the organic redevelopment of my answer the question why are you in business.

Insider tips for buyers who want to look at homes preceeded by a quick overview of the settlement landscape. 1. Proceed to look at open houses 2. Call the listing agent 3. Proceed unrepresented 4. Work with the agent that you already have a relationship with. This will probably represent the majority of consumers 5. Locate and utilize a showing service. 6. Interview potential buyer's agents and try to select one who best fits with your personality and also displays the ability to deliver good service.

On July 1st new laws took effect in the state of Virginia some of them impacting the world of real estate and the forms that we use. Please enjoy this summary of those changes.

In thIs podcast I dig into the reasons why lis ing agents and sellers offer different cooperative commissions. My advice is that listing agents should stay focused on advising the seller what commission rate or flat fee will get the job done depending on the current market conditions. Listing agents should avoid making decisions and giving advice to sellers based on duties to buyer's agents and reactions of others in the industry. Losing focus of the best interest of the seller by focusing on what others may think could be an example of undisclosed dual agency.

I had the chance to walk through a forest near Luray, VA that had recently been burned in a fire. I was left with so many thoughts of comparison to our industry of real estate which feels as though it's on fire right now. Please listen and share.

Five insider tips to negotiate a commercial lease. Number one understand the needs of the owner. Many times perspective tenants don't understand that the value of the lease directly impacts the value of the building. Number two the length of the lease is critical to the owner, and longer is better. This gives you the ability to negotiate in the earlier phases of the lease which leads to number three annual increases in rent. You can use the lease duration to increase later and take your breaks earlier on. Step 4 build out and repairs are generally not something an owner wants to take on so plan to complete these repairs on your own. Repairs specific to your business would not create a negotiation point however repairs generally improving the property could be another source of negotiating with the property owner. Number five repairs during the lease should be expected to be the responsibility of the tenant especially when they are smaller. Owners would likely be expected to pay large repairs. Make sure this is spelled out in your lease terms. Pay attention to your ability to bring traffic that could positively impact your neighbors. be proactive in offering to cross-promote other businesses. Keep in mind the owner of the building wants everyone to be successful. In a successful climate he can minimize or she can minimize vacancy and maximize the value of the building through higher lease rates.

A shift towards something already in placeCommercial real estate has operated this way for a long time. Commercial listings generally do not offer compensation to cooperating brokers of buyers. It does not mean that buyer representatives are not paid.  It means that buyers must ask the listing broker if there is any cooperative compensation available.   In the event the answer is no, then the agent must consult with the buyer and refer to the exclusive right to represent form. Clear differences exist between commercial and residential.  Immediacy is generally not present in commercial as it is common in residential.  Rapid moving residential markets can be impeaded or slowed by this added layer of discussion (assuming the offer to compensate is withdrawn from the MLS.  Now the process has an extra layer of discussion which could retard the process and flow when time is of the essence.  In addition, residential buyers have financing concerns that play into compensation that are not there in the commercial world.  For instance, buyers with VA loans are not able to make payments to the agent or to a vendor for repair.  That could be very harmful to some of our most important buyers.  It is potentially a dramatic erosion of one of their signature benefits. Often times consumers will call the sign in commercial real estate and proceed with no buyer agent. In some cases they may ask the listing firm for dual representation and other times they may proceed unrepresented.  Residential real estate has methodically and purposefully moved away from this and comfortably gotten to a situation where buyer agency is clear and defined and common, while seller agency remains intact.  Both sides have agency and compensation did not increase.   One really questions the benefits to the residential process that will result from the decoupling of advertising compensation in the MLS.  The theory on the ground is that since compensation is still permitted from the seller to the buyer’s agent that it will still take place largely as normal and hopefully with more transparency than before.  The fear is that our most prized and vulnerable buyers will be sidelined, and may resort to calling the sign, perhaps out of desperation and frustration and perhaps in the hopes of trading representation for perceived savings to make a deal work.  The ramifications of thousands of unrepresented buyers who are financially sensitive could be devastating if they don’t have capacity to negotiate repairs, oversee important disclosures, review documents, navigate extensions, deadlines, review repairs and verify payments to vendors.  It really could be lambs to the slaughter in some cases---sadly out of needless desperation caused by the DOJ.

To be elected, a representative must be at least 25 years old, a United States citizen for at least seven years and an inhabitant of the state he or she represents.The Constitution sets three qualifications for service in the U.S. Senate: age (at least thirty years of age); U.S. citizenship (at least nine years); and residency in the state a senator represents at time of election.Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are considered for reelection every even year. Senators however, serve six-year terms and elections to the Senate are staggered over even years so that only about 1/3 of the Senate is up for reelection during any election.Congressional districts are the 435 areas from which members are elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. There are 100 Senate seats, 2 for each state.The compensation for most Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico is $174,000. These levels have remained unchanged since 2009. Term limits at the federal level are restricted to the executive branch and some agencies. Judicial appointments at the federal level are made for life and are not subject to election or to term limits. The U.S. Congress remains (since the Thornton decision of 1995) without electoral limits.My suggestion for reasonable term limits would be to attract more people to serve, remove incentives for a life in politics, roll implementation in the House to mirror the Senate. This will preserve institutional knowledge which is critical.To attract a higher quantitiy of everyday Americans to do the unthinkablerun for congressleave their familyleave their businessI suggest increasing the pay to something very substantial, such as $$350,000 per year.In addition, there would be heavy incentives and benefits to protect juobs and business during service so the Congressperson could return home to what they left.Senators would be limited to 2 terms and Representatives to 6 terms.

You are an independent contractor if you practice real estate. How much freedom do you have to direct your business the way you want to direct it? Do you have the ability to direct your business the way you know it needs to operate or is it inconsistent with the policies of your brokerage? Have you ever thought of leaving your brokerage but worry about the terms and penalties associated with relocating? I'd appreciate the opportunity to hear about your business and share everything I know about our brokerage with you. To arrange a consultation please email me at [email protected].

Wendy's really made a splash when they announced a new pricing model which was compared to, probably improperly, Uber's surge pricing model. The leaders of Wendy's restaurant have clarified that it's called dynamic pricing and it's not the same as surge pricing. It's a very interesting idea and I wonder if you've thought about it in your real estate business for your commission structure.

 R454B refrigerant has been designated as a replacement for R410A.   This change is coming over the next year for Virginia and you need to be aware of it as you repair and replace your systems.  Be wary of deals, as you may be purchasing good quality equipment that is being phased out. Also be on the look out for May-December split HVAC systems that are being married together.  Those may be problematic for you.

Tinkering with your business is a key component to adjusting to the needs of the marketplace.  If you dial into the needs of the customer you will spot areas your business can adjust to improve the experience and be more productive.  When we think of Chic Fila today, we think of efficient high volume drive through experiences.  Did you know that the drive through was a modification to the business plan that many executives did not agree with?  Credit goes to Uncommon Influence founder Keving Harrison for this message.  You can find more at his website uncommoninfluence.com.

Wood versus Vinyl fencing:  which is cheaper, which is easier to maintain, repair, replace?  I have a few insights that are of value to pass along.  I would like to know your experiences, so please share.

NAR President, resigned and reported to authorities that someone was trying to blackmail her to compromise her position at NAR.  The former president of the National Association of Realtors should be applauded for her courage in standing up to the criminal bad actors.I want to know what they wanted her to do.I want to know who wanted her to do it.I want to know who else was compromised and what directions they carried out to save themselves embarrassment.I want to know what other organizations are compromised.

Cheers! We are turning 26! RE/MAX Capital has grown beyond Williamsburg to include offices in Yorktown and Hayes. Our agent-focused model is the bedrock of our office. We have a positive culture where supportive staff engage with our professional Realtors to foster their business. Bobby Jankovic invites you to share your business goals with him and learn about affiliating with his full service brokerage.

Here are four comparison points to help think of what life may be like as AI unfolds in our lives.a) Youtube to solve a problemb) Google Maps to navigatec) Yellow Pages to find a businessd) Cell Phones for communicationIn the last generation all of these things have changed our lives, largely for the better.  While there are downsides to everything, the changes have increased efficiency, safety, enjoyment, knowledge, and quality of life.  Let's seek, expect, hope, and demand the same from Artificial intelligence as it unfolds into our everyday lives.

As published by the Cardinal news, this opinion piece by Dwayne Yancey discusses the 2023 ODU State of the Commonwealth report.  There are real problems brewing out there.  They are summarized here:  ODU report warns again that Virginia is increasingly split between haves and have-nots  The report also warns that Virginia is losing young adults and continues to lag behind North Carolina in multiple economic metrics. However, Southside and Southwest have seen the state’s highest income growth. https://cardinalnews.org/2023/12/18/odu-report-warns-again-that-virginia-is-increasingly-split-between-haves-and-have-nots/

Could Government changes to banking rules cause borrowers to end up footing the bill for higher costs?  Regulators are worried banks and lending institutions are not resilient enough and want them to hold more capital to weather difficult market conditions.  This could lead to higher costs to sell loans on the secondary market and those costs could be pushed to the consumers.  One prediction is that rates could be pushed higher by thirty percent.

Shouldn't sellers have to refund the proceeds of the victorious lawsuit back to people who bought their houses?  The buyers are owed money.  The sellers are burning the candle at both ends.  They are trying to get a refund on a bill that was paid by the buyer.  The buyers should be able to claim damage equal to the amount awarded back.  

1 you have to learn to manage expectations. 2. you need to really learn what it means to work with somebody intricately whom you do not represent. 3 talk to your broker and make sure your compatible with the allowances and systems that they have. 4 be aware of all current laws. 5 Undergo necessary training. 6 spend time learning the forms what they mean and when you should use them. 7 learn the tools that your office has to leverage your work. 8 consider working with an experienced property manager to learn the ropes. 9 Make sure you fully understand how your new knowledge as a property manager can assist your business by helping your existing residential real estate clients. 10 develop a system for dealing with prospects unavailable rentals and stick to it. Don't vary or make exceptions to your rules. 11. Circling back to the beginning. Make sure you manage those expectations of your owner regarding your adherence to the law. A good for instance on that is animals in the home on the lease.

#1 Not for the faint of heart.  Emotional aspects of the process have to be left aside as often as possible.  Do not accept an applicant for an emotional reason.  #2 Consider buying a property needing work, overlooked, distressed.  You can solve condition problems later.#3 Look for a landlord moving on.  If you can buy a property with a tenant in place, then you are 5 steps ahead of the game.  Be sure to check all documents, procure all escrows, and be sure the management is transferring also.#4 It is better to be empty for a month or two than to take ina risky applicant. #5 It is better to take less rent than the market will allow if you find a solid tenant or want to keep a solid tenant. #6 Property turn is the hardest part on the process.  Have plans in place to do repairs faster.  Having paint codes is a big help.  Cooperative tenants are a big help. #7 Befriend the neighbors and request a call if anything unusual is noted at your property. #8 Hire a property manager who is a member of the NAR.  Unless you are in a very flexible job, already tied to construction, remodeling, or a trade, you are not going to have the ability to solve problems in a timely manner.  Also the laws and proper forms are ever and always changing.  This will cost you, but if you look at the actual long term benefits....less down time, higher rents, fewer non paying tenants, better condition it is really penny-wise and pound foolish to do it alone. #9 Understand the financials.  You have different ways to look at your rental financially.  Look at the rental income, less your expenses.  Hopefully that is a cash-flow positive.  Expenses would be mortgage, HOA, insurance, taxes, management fees, and repairs.   Also look at the appreciation of the home.  It is important to get the property for the right price and not over pay.  That is why getting a diamond in the rough can be a good strategy.   #10 If you have a 10 year timeline, you can project out what your rental asset will be worth give historical appreciation numbers, say 5%.  In addition, your tenant will be help you with the mortgage and paying down your principal balance. #11 Consult a tax professional/CPA regarding the tax implications.  #12  Convert a principal residence into a rental.  This is a common strategy I see with Military service members who may do this out of necessity. 

At least 6 months before you start applying for rentals check on your credit and solve any outstanding collection items if you owe somebody money and they send it to collections you absolutely have to get that solved and paid off. Have several months with no late payments.Make sure you save up several hundred dollars for the application process as you may have to make multiple applications. And this might need to be more if there are two adults applying.Always see the property prior to paying for an applicationAlways have the listing agent verify in writing that it's available before running your applicationAlways be extremely upfront with the person regarding anything in your credit or criminal past. It's very helpful to put this into writing so they know that you're serious. If you approach your issues professionally you will be dealt with on a more professional level.Having a pet can create a lot of headwinds for you when you are looking for a property. Take steps necessary to remove or just know that you're going to need to allow yourself more time and probably more money to get the rental that's right for your family.Consider hiring a tenant's agent. This type of agency is not terribly popular in our area however if you hire the right agent and offer them a suitable fee for service they can probably save you money in application fees and they can probably negotiate better terms than you could on your own, and most importantly it'll lower a lot of the stress that you're bound to incur.  Be sure to document the condition of the property in writing as you move in. It's not a bad idea to take photos as well or video but written evidence is very powerful. Make sure you deliver it to the property manager in a timely manner.I suggest renting professionally managed properties especially when those managers are members of the national association of Realtors.Read your lease carefully before signing. No you're rights. But also know you're obligations also.Don't plan on having your security deposit back the day that you move out as managers have several weeks to return your deposit. The better condition you leave the property in the fewer estimates they need to get.  Paying your utilities as you're moving out and providing proof of those payments will expedite the amount of time it takes to get your security deposit returned

Is it Manipulative to pull a listing from the market and relist it as new?  Some say yes and some say no.  Legal pressures are restricting the practice, even though old listing data is never erased and can be more indicative of the underlying story than is a longer Day on Market figure.  What are your thoughts?

Who pays the brokerage commission on a real estate deal? Is it the buyer or the seller, or both?  Headline news stories about lawsuits are bringing likely change to this question.  But how much change really?  The industry had already prepared for this many years ago.  Nevertheless, the evolution of the process is continuing.  The best thing a buyer can do is be informed.  The best thing a seller can do is be informed.  Besides being informed, the best thing an agent can do is explain and empower consumers.

Small hinges swing big doors. This summarizes my topic on this episode. The results of big goals will not be known for months, sometimes even a year or more. If you're successful and can break down your larger goals into monthly, weekly, and even better, daily tasks then you're going to feel the small rush of success and accomplishment as you achieve those smaller goals that you are sure will lead eventually to the success and accomplishment of the larger goal.

Have you ever heard that you should 'Measure twice and cut once'? Of course, we all have. But what I'd never heard until recently 'If you don't measure you can't measure wrong.' What a concept! The results of not measuring can be quicker and more accurate than those using a tape measure or other measuring tool. The method of scribing can teach us about improving our real estate practices, efficiencies, and overall value proposition.

I am endorsing Ruth Larson for James City County supervisor in the Berkeley district. Ruth is the best person for the job. She didn't ask me to do this endorsement. I felt that I wanted to raise awareness for her campaign. She has the experience and the knowledge to continue to serve the citizens of the Berkeley district with excellence.  Here is her webpage if you want to know more.  https://voteruthlarson.com/

Where are you most productive?  Should you be working from home or from the office?  Are you distracted at home?  Does the office give you the structure needed to stay on task? Or is it vice versa?  What about working in the field, way from home and the office?  Do you have the tools needed to be productive when you are on the road?  And lastly, how much business are you doing while you vacation?  Client needs do not go away when we travel, so this is an important consideration when you take time off from the business of helping others.

Podcast on MLS---Focus on the needs of the client.How do cooperation and compensation help sell? A listing broker offers to compensate a buyer broker who pairs a buyer with the listing.What is syndication?   The broadcasting of listings, similar to songs on radio stationsHow many do you need to subscribe to as an agent? It really depends on several factors, namely the geography you cover.  But also if you are a buyer agent or a listing agents matters.  The key factor should be the impact the subscription has on your clients.To fully market your property as a seller, how many MLS should your listing be in?  The answer is changing day by day.  Some think a single subscription is enough, others insist multiple subscriptions are needed.  What would help your client the most?Should you choose an agent based on how many MLS systems they subscribe to? It would be very wise to have the MLS conversation with both your buyer agent and your listing agent.How much does it cost to subscribe to an MLS? Roughly, $1000 a year per subscription , assuming that you are also buying the MLS key system.What is the value of a listing to an owner? Without a doubt, MLS brings value.  BRIGHT MLS studyHow can buyer agents find my listing if it is not in their MLS?  REALTOR buyer agents have a number of alternate tools, including the ones consumers have.  They may opt to search in RPR which is a value added conglomerate MLS exclusively for Realtors.How are small MLS systems helpful?  Strengths are service, reaching more Realtors who only have one subscription.How are large MLS systems useful?  More scale and power, strong value add ons, that make life simpler.

This amazing story ties the physical and spiritual worlds together.  It involves a sad tale or two with a joyous rescue from an observer who just wanted to help someone feel better.  The ensuing results have helped others and it is not over yet.  I hope you enjoy learning about Matthew's Cross.  There is always something positive to grab on to and amplify.

AI has been with us in many ways for a while.  If you are a google user you have experienced life with AI.  In fact most of the larger companies have tapped AI on some level.  Many using chat bots to field consumer calls.  Those experiences have mixed results, don't they.  I find sometimes they are extremely easy and beneficial, yet other times I just wish I could get that helpful human on the line.  I interview Chat GPT with questions that are simple to complex.  Then I grade each answer.   Depending on how you look at it, Chat earned a C or a B/B-.   I think it is important to learn ways to use this emerging tool in our lives and business, but accept that we must always place our unique skill and value as the primary element of our service platform.What are three things I should consider to live a healthy life? As an AI language model, I can suggest you three things to consider for a healthy life:Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is one of the most important factors in maintaining good health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal health.Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve your mood and overall well-being. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.Good Sleep: Getting adequate sleep is essential for good health. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, decreased immune function, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular sleep routine to help promote better sleep.What do kids like to eat for dinner in the United States? The food preferences of children in the United States can vary widely depending on their family background, cultural traditions, and individual tastes. However, some common dinner options that many children in the US enjoy include:Pizza: Pizza is a popular food among kids in the US, and it's available in many different styles and flavors.Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food is a favorite of many children, with its creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta.Chicken Nuggets: These bite-sized pieces of breaded and fried chicken are a popular choice for kids, often served with a side of fries or vegetables.Tacos: Tacos are another favorite among many kids, with their customizable toppings and fun finger food format.Spaghetti and Meatballs: This classic Italian dish is another popular option, with its flavorful tomato sauce and tender meatballs.It's important to note that while these foods can be part of a healthy and balanced diet when consumed in moderation, it's also important to offer children a variety of foods and encourage them to try new things to develop a well-rounded palate.Which fast food restaurant has the best french fries? As an AI language model, I cannot have personal preferences, but I can provide some insights on which fast-food chains are popular for their french fries in the United States.Different people have different tastes and preferences, so there is no definitive answer to which fast food restaurant has the best french fries. However, some popular fast-food chains known for their fries include:McDonald's: McDonald's is one of the most well-known fast-food chains in the world, and their french fries are a staple menu item. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and many people love their unique flavor.Five Guys: Five Guys is a popular burger chain that's known for its fresh ingredients and customizable menu. Their fries are hand-cut and cooked in peanut oil, giving them a unique taste and texture.In-N-Out Burger: This West Coast burger chain is famous for its "Animal Style" fries, which are topped with cheese, grilled onions, and their signature sauce.Shake Shack: Shake Shack is a burger chain that originated in New York City and has since expanded to ot...

Good to get these kinks ironed out if you have not made a foreclosure offer before or in a decade some things may have changed or need refreshing.Also in a low inventory market you owe it to all of your buyers to know every available listing on the market, such as FSBO, HUD/FHA VAWhile I am not anticipating a serious foreclosure boom, there will always be some and since there have been so few, the only way to go is up.The main reason there will not be a huge foreclosure boom is that there is so much equity in homes, that most can allow a traditional sale.Foreclosures are a solid way to have a predictable outcome for a hearty buyer with a mild appetite for risk.Most have been preinspected and items have been fixed or will be disclosed.Keep in mind most asset managers will usually onely fix a home to the minimal lender requirements.  While a buyer can inspect, the findings will not matter to the seller unless the appraiser calls a specific item into question https://vrmproperties.com/ Do not need to link to your brokerage account.Do need to work with the listing agent.VA foreclosures are in the MLS.VA foreclosures website has coming soon properties, many MLS systems do not.You will make the offer directly on the VRM website. Here are some best practices for you to keep in mind when submitting your offer using our platform :Ensure that you are licensed in the state that you are making an offer for. Offers are only accepted by VRMProperties.com if you are an agent licensed in the state for which the offer is being made.Provide your full Agent and Broker licenses when submitting an offer. If this is missing, this will delay your offer from being properly submitted and your offer will not be reviewed.Provide complete and accurate information such as Full buyer names, e-mails, etc. If any information is missing or partially provided, this will delay the offer process and your offer will not be reviewed. Contact the Listing Agent if you have any offer related questions. They have access to VRM's offer management system and can provide you the current status of your submitted offer.Contact VRMProperties.com at our contact form if you have any technical related questions or issues with your offer or the website.If your offer is accepted, you will find your offer in your Offer Dashboard under the "ACCEPTED" filter and your offer status will be "Under Contract". Once the sale has completed, it will say "SOLD".If the offer is declined, you will find your offer in your Offer Dashboard under the "ARCHIVED" filter. https://www.hudhomestore.gov/Home/Index.aspx FHA foreclosures ru through the HUD homestore. This website is very archaic.  It may be the least user friendly website out there with a consumer interface.  Things to know.You must be registered.Your brokerage must be registered and have a NAID which you need to link to once you have registered.Search bid results is a great functionYou can see if a property has an offer, the net amount to go to HUD, and the broker name representing the buyer.Extended vs. Exclusive.   Owner Occs, non profits, then all bidders (investors)Once your bid is accepted you will need to expedite paper contracts to HUD.  You have roughly 48 hours to get them in overnight mail.  The signatures need to be ink, not digital.You really have to be prepared for this, but your preparation can make you a star with your client.

The following is directly from the Virginia Realtors' Advocacy page and is linked below.  The information about payment due at order was gained from a group conversation with legislators and is not able to be documented at this time.  It is suggested that the ordering and payment be performed directly by the seller.  Agents may wish to start taking a facilitators role in assisting owners to perform this, rather than taking the burden upon themselves to order and pay for the documents.https://virginiarealtors.org/advocacy/legislativeagenda/https://virginiarealtors.org/advocacy/legislativeagenda/Resale Disclosure ActHB 2235 – Delegate Will WamplerSB 1222 – Senator Monty MasonThis bill seeks to create one place within Common Interest Community law to find all information on resale disclosures that are required when a property located within a common interest community is sold. The bill takes current disclosure language out of the POA, Condo, and Cooperative Acts and consolidates it within a new chapter entitled the Resale Disclosure Act. The Act uses one term, “the resale certificate” for the packet of information that are required to go from the Association to a buyer when a property located within a CIC is sold. The Act also sets forth the requirements for contract disclosures, formatting and contents of the resale certificate, applicable fees, termination rights, and liability. The purpose of this change is to consolidate information that was spread over three different chapters in the code and often included different requirements, terms, and definitions. This change also seeks to clarify code language and update obligations to current day. Some substantive changes include the contents and format of the resale certificate, the process of calculating fees, and when the fees are paid.If you have questions or thoughts about the 2023 Virginia REALTORS® agenda or other Government Relations efforts, please contact us at [email protected].

Affordable housing 2/15/23 Major issue with affordability is highly complex.  Not hard to understand really, just has 1000 moving parts.As it has many causes it is likely to have many solutions.Possible approaches to poke the bear of affordable housing shortages are:a)1st is education and understanding the playing field and the breadth of the problem in your area.Lean into your local REALTOR association for data. Associations are replete with resources, knowledge, and experts.  Also they love to help solve problems for the greater good of the community.  NAR is well known to be ready with grants for housing studies which produce extremely valuable information for this and other considerationsb)Local and municipal regulations or incentives to Attract—actively seek cooperation from builders and developers and land owners Incentivize—by adding language to goals and comp plans, local supervisors can begin to discuss offering incentives to developers, remodelers, investors if they agree to other defined terms that are affordable housing friendly. regulate new construction in a way that is affordable housing friendly.  New HOAs could be asked to allow certain percentages of rental units, perhaps higher than originally intendedDefinition—affordable housing friendly could mean a lot of different things ranging from density of lot sizes, connectivity, home size.   Remember that affordability is not just for sale and often affordability of homes can be found or lacking in the rental market.   c)States can also step in and legislate from any number of directions.  California has a state code recently passed that will set a floor on the percentage of rental units.  Some HOAs might not allow rentals or have stipulations that 10% of units are able to be rented.  The CA law increases that to 25% Civil Code Section 4741https://www.condocontrol.com/blog/new-rules-about-rental-restrictions-in-california/ d)There are federal measures that could be taken as well regarding loans in communities which have ‘too many units’ rented as a percentage of all of the units.e)But lastly, if you really want to impact the availability of rentals and create a stabilizing pressure or downward pressure on rents, then you should learn your own association and what it’s stance is on the number of rental units.  You could become involved and suggest the owners have more rights to rent their property as is currently in the regulations and that by giving owners more flexibility, they are helping solve a major crisis of the lack of affordable housing. One steps that Virginia is taking to combat some of the problems associated with fear of rental units, specifically short term rental units, is to propose legislation that units managed by a professional licensed REALTOR be exempt from certain restrictions, which are delineated.  The reasons they are able to relax the rules for the professionally managed units is that they tend to produce fewer problems many associate with absentee landlordism, and also when a problem does arise, the professional REALTOR anager is easier to contact and more available to address the issues.

Here is a guideline summary from the business department of James City County.1. Application for Business, Professional and Occupational License: All businesses must complete and return by mail or in person - no faxed, scanned, or emailed applications accepted. Original ink signature only.2. Fictitious Name (also called Trade Name, Assumed Name, or DBA): If you are doing business under a name other than your full name or the name of the corporation, LLC, PLC, or PLLC, you must register it as a fictitious name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. After registering it there, provide a copy of it to this office with your business license application package. Visit https://scc.virginia.gov/clk/befaq/fict.aspx or call (804) 371-9733 for more information. We cannot register it for you.3. Application for Home Occupation: Every business without a fixed commercial or professional location must complete and return this form with the business license application package. Do not include payment if you are submitting this form.4. SCC Registration: If you are operating a corporation, LLC, or similar entity in Virginia, it must be registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (804-371-9733). Enclose a copy of your SCC registration with your business license application package.5. Prepared Food and Beverage Tax Registration: All restaurants, stores, caterers, mobile food units, and any other vender of prepared food and beverage must complete and return this form with the business license application package.6. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration: All hotels, motels, campgrounds, vacation homes, and any other business providing short-term lodging must complete and return this form with the business license application package.7. Contractors: see “Contractor’s Business License Application Checklist” for guidelines specific to Virginia Class A, B or C contractors.8. Handyman: See “Handyman’s Business License Application Checklist.”9. Estimated Gross Receipts: Provide a reasonable estimate for the current calendar year. If after November 30, provide estimated gross receipts for the next calendar year. Estimate should be as close to actual as possible. Unreasonably low estimates are subject to correction plus 10% penalty.10. Food Trucks and Trailers: See “Business License Application Instructions for Mobile Food Unit Vendors.”11. Sole Proprietors and Partners: Must apply in person and present government-issued identification (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.).12. Partnerships: All members of a partnership must appear in person at 101-B Mounts Bay Rd., and provide proof of identity to apply for a business license. All partnerships must provide a copy of their IRS Federal ID Number (FEIN) registration letter. Members must notify this office immediately of any changes in membership status.13. Payment: You will be billed based on your estimated gross receipts and occupational category; see “Business Taxes and Fees” webpage for details.14. Nonrefundable Minimum Fee: All business license applications are subject to minimum, nonrefundable $30 or $50 fee.

As Reported RIS MEDIA in the January 2023 edition from the NAR Power Broker Roundtable.Moderator Is Kymber Lovett-Menkiti, President ot Keller Williams Capital Properties in Washington DC.After a discussion about the impact of rising interest rates on the housing market. Is it a respite, a worry signal, simply cyclical?  She querried 4 power brokers about how they are supporting their agents in this changing environment.Christian Barnes, President/CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Kansas City--   Shortened, This is not 2008, all real estate is local.  Get past the headlines.  Inventory is tight and still leading to multiple offers.  Things are normalizing a little allowing for some negotiationHoward Hoby Hanna President of HH--There is no gloom and doom in todays market, regardless of Headlines. Inventory is still low and buyer demand is still strong.  Plenty of Business to be had. Control the message, work on the basics, and set serious goals.Nancy Robinson VP of Christies International Real Estate In California--It is a transactional market and agents need to focus on local data. We encourage agents to embrace their social platforms and lean into their sphere.Mike Burns Broker/owner of RE/MAX Professionals in Littleton CO--His market is still very robust. Buyers are looking for value and finding it more.  Seller are becoming more realistic. Overall, average sales price has remained Stable.KLM: My mindset as a leader is framing the message that there are plenty of home sales happening now.  Here is how you get your fair share.MB: Agents are still in shock about the rapid change Education is the key to get past that. How do you price approriately. What are alternatives to typical financing? How can you connect in meaningful ways?NR: Work where you play--engage and connect. Be visable. Back to basics with a spin. Supply agents with current leading economic data and short video resources.CB: This is not a passive market.  Encourage agents to find new ways to stay in touch. Make more phone calls.  Knock on doors and do pop bys or to say hello.  Host a contest you can promote on Social Media. Be a local market expert.HH: we always focus on fundamentals and provide powerful tools to support agents to be the local experts. Rate reduction strategies and other guaruntees are powerful incentives.

Bold Prediction notes brought to us by Atlantic Bay MortgageDr. Yun, Chief Economist from National Association of Realtors.Stats Pending home sales coming down due to higher interest rates.  Often there will be a burst of pent up demand pendings will stabilize.Interest rates connection to the 10-yr. treasury yields.  30 year fixed rate hit a 20 yr. high.  Buyer confidence is there but they cannot afford what they want. Too much money in the system.The two are connected as they move together as the government pays a certThe spread between the two should be 2% but now is much larger, only seen two other times.  It should erase and turn back to normal in the short term.  Rates should drop into the 5% range.Past the 7% peak, Fed activity is already baked in to bond and equity market.Advice for Realtors in 2023 Dr. Yun says housing is cyclical.  Prepare for up and down, set some aside.  Look to stabilize in 2023.Buffini’s take on the dataFewer transactions, not catastrophically fewer.  25% fewer in Canada  (2/3 of millennials will buy a home in the next 2-3 years).  Rents are crushing people and will continue to rise. Since they are rising higher than the price of a house, this will push renters into the buyer marketMore Contract cancellations, 63000 contracts failed in July 2022, August blew up in 64000 august, 60000 in September, 60000 in October.  Many due to the competency of the agents in the transaction.  Practices have gotten sloppy. Skills are rusty.  1 in 5 transactions are blowing up, largely due to sloppy agents.Fewer agents in the business,  turkey can fly in a hurricane, 200,000 will drop out by the end of the year.  Brought to us by Movement MortgageBarry Habib  2023 Market predictionsHousing related to rates, does this mean a housing bubble.  Inflation is the key driver, not fed increases/decreases.Quantitative easing also impacted rates, but that is over.  Once that stopped AND inflation increased rates went up.Inflation outlook.  Too may $ chasing too few good.  90% of extra dollars is on credit, so the fed slow that down with rate hikes.  This slows demand.Savings are increasing, inventories of goods are increasing, at high level than before.  This will mean sales to come.  Too much inventory will help lower inflation.The CPI or consumer price index has two measures, the core rate and the consumer rate.  The core rate is 6% year over year.  Made up of 12 months of readings. The new lower readings replace the older readings from 12 months ago.  The expectation is that the lower readings in the next few months will keep inflation coming down.  39% of the core rate is housing. Shelter is a lagging indicator, but the lower housing figures will play out in the late winter and early spring.Short term and mod term the trend for rates is lower.Importance of the 10 year treasury note.The high spike was a bet on them coming down fast and hard.  The spread increased betting on refis.  Fascinating.Prediction is that around the corner in the 1st half the 10 year treasury will get nearer to 3% and the premium of the spread will vanish and rates will hit 5%.  Then the flood gates will open on the pent up demand.

Take risks more than you think you shouldConfront others less then you think you shouldStand up for your self as in advocateListen to all feedback and consider what others are telling you. positive/negative or otherwiseif/when you listen you will be told and be among the few.my best life has come from my family. Manners are powerful.I don't think there is an exclusivity to a spiritual experience. and that leads me to think that all spiritual experiences are intertwined.After a certain age every man is responsible for his face. Albert Camus   nice balance of personal responsibility and capability

By Aditi Sangal, Adrienne Vogt, Maureen Chowdhury and Elise Hammond, CNNUpdated 10:06 p.m. ET, January 5, 2023 The House has adjourned until noon Friday after Rep. Kevin McCarthy suffered a stinging 11th defeat in the race for House speaker. After three days of voting, this is now the longest speaker contest in 164 years. McCarthy has continued to negotiate with a group of hardline Republicans who've derailed his bid, proposing key concessions in his push to get more votes.About this process: A nominee needs 218 votes, but the number required could change if members withhold their votes. The House can't kick off the new Congress or swear in new members until a speaker is elected.Opposition: Twenty Republican lawmakers, despite continued talks and concessions, have so far declined to support McCarthy. Republicans again nominated Rep. Byron Donalds for four of five of Thursday’s voting rounds. After getting a few votes on the eighth ballot, Rep. Kevin Hern was also officially nominated for the ninth, 10th and 11th rounds of voting. Notably, Rep. Matt Gaetz voted for former President Donald Trump during the seventh and eighth ballots, and he nominated the former president for speaker in the 11th ballot. Trump only received one vote in that round.·  “Motion to vacate”: In a series of new concessions first reported by CNN Wednesday night, McCarthy agreed to propose a rules change that would allow just one member to call for a vote to oust a sitting speaker, sources say. McCarthy had initially proposed a five-member threshold, down from current conference rules that require half of the GOP to call for such a vote. ·  Other concessions: McCarthy also agreed to allow for more members of the Freedom Caucus to serve on the powerful House Rules Committee. While McCarthy’s allies are willing to swallow most of the deals, they are drawing a line in the sand over one issue: committee gavels for the holdouts. Later, in a meeting with moderates, McCarthy downplayed the concessions he’s made so far.A historic floor fight: This is the longest speakership bid in more than 160 years. It took nine ballots for Rep. Frederick Gillett of Massachusetts to be elected speaker in 1923. And in 1849, the House had been in session so long without being able to elect a speaker – 19 days – that members voted to elect their speaker with a plurality rather than a majority. Members ultimately confirmed the plurality election with a majority vote. NYT  Jan. 5, 2023Updated 11:09 p.m. ETKevin McCarthy’s speakership bid failed for an 11th time, after his latest concessions failed to win over enough Republican hard-liners. The chamber has been deadlocked for three days and cannot move on to any other business until a speaker is chosen. Lawmakers will return at noon Friday.11th Speaker Vote Tally » |   | Total | Dem. | Rep. |  |   |   |   |   | Needed to win |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |  Note: To win, a member must receive the majority of votes cast for a person, not counting “present” votes. The Constitution specifies that House members choose the speaker, but the speaker does not have to be a current or even a former representative.After a humiliating three-day stretch of 11 consecutive defeats in an election that is now the most protracted such contest since 1859, Mr. McCarthy dispatched his emissaries to hammer out a deal with the ultraconservative rebels, including agreeing to conditions he had previously refused to countenance in a last-ditch effort to sway a critical mass of defectors.They included allowing a single lawmaker to force a snap vote at any time to oust the speaker, a rule that would effectively codify a standing threat that Mr. McCarthy would be at the mercy of the right wing at all times, and could be removed instantly if he crossed them.As he left the House floor on Thursday night, Mr. McCarthy said that the negotiations had yielded “a little movement” and denied that the concessions he had offered would undermine his speakership.“Has it undercut the power of all the other speakers?” he replied, after a reporter asked whether allowing for a snap vote for his removal would weaken him. “So why would it cut mine? It’d only be a weaker speaker if I was afraid of it.”In fact, the specter of such a vote allowed right-wing lawmakers to push out John A. Boehner, the Ohio Republican, from the speakership in 2015, and the threat hung heavily over his successor, Paul D. Ryan, during his tenure.The Republican leader had also committed to allowing the right-wing faction to pick a third of the party’s members on the powerful Rules Committee, which controls what legislation reaches the floor and in what form, according to a person who has been involved in the talks, who described them on condition of anonymity. Mr. McCarthy also said he would open government spending bills to a freewheeling debate in which any lawmaker could force votes on proposed changes, including those designed to scuttle or sink the measure.The rebels have agitated for that change in an effort to give greater power over the federal purse strings to rank-and-file lawmakers, rather than the senior leaders who normally have carte blanche over such legislation. It could make it all but impossible to pass a spending bill in the House, leading to a government shutdown.by The Hill staff - 01/05/23 8:09 PM ETLawmakers are still in negotiations but are touting progress.The result will bring the House Speakership fight to a 12th ballot, tying it for the fifth-longest in history. The House will reconvene at noon on Friday.Conservative holdouts mum on p...

Learn your optionsReels Instagram and FB, Tiktok, Stories, Youtube Shorts, GOAL-make you relevant and contemporary by using the 'coin of the realm' in a way that is not threatening to your sensibilities. Make a goal   minimum of 1 per month, increase to 1 every week or 10 daysDo not appear or speak in these videos (you can but you do not have to)Learn the platforms and the value of the sound track option, use various templatesFree Audio tracks are very powerfulKeep in mind you are telling a very quick story, think 20-30 seconds 7 content Ideas1-Where I am that is interesting2-What I see that is interesting3-My listing-----4-Fun day/interesting day in real estate5-Pet Antics6-A local business7-A local event8-Tap a trend and ride the wave.  Bonus.

It's been the drum beat for years. Get started on video. It's not too late. If you do not start soon, you will miss the boat. I know this causes anxiety in agents who struggle with not starting video. I talk to them and they beat them selves up for not being involved in video. So I have this click bate podcast title... (I added the ? to be more realistic) Don't use video in your RE. I have to qualify that. The benefits of video are pretty clear: It can separate you from your competition Help your prospects know you before they work with you. Help your prospects make initial decisions about working with you before you have met them. It can help market your property It can be fun and free and far more effective than other expensive marketing. But I know a lot of agents who do not use video or even social. And they do just fine, better than fine. And the reason I say, don't do video is that you only have so much time and energy. If video is not working for you, then you need to put energy into what does work for you. Identify the campaigns you can get behind since they resonate with your prospects. If you can harvest the resonance then you are off to the races. Imagine if you spent time beating the video horse and it lead to no business for you? Meanwhile you had other campaigns which were effective and you were sidetracked trying to get comfortable with your video work. I am going to finish out the way I started but first let me say there are ways to do simple videos that do not need your face and voice to be the center piece. Sometimes I think it boils down agents thinking VIDEO only means them talking about a subject. But video has blown up into a million different options. However, the point is, do not do video if you have other things working or if you can try some other strong marketing ideas. I do not want agents causing unneeded anxiety in their lives over this topic. Just agree that video is not for you and move on and get the job done other ways.

Use of Google calendar:  18 ways to streamline & be much more productive. Work Smarter, not harder. #missionforge1. Calendar can be shared with others via permissions-save time, polite,professional2. Events can be emailed to others to act as invitation or confirmation,polite, professional, eliminates error3. Calendar can be printed or saved to PDF-saves time and effort when documentingfor taxes or other purpose.4. Can be used to document mileage to business events-avoid redundancy, ease ofuse, ease of access5. Using address of the event you can link straight to directions for the trip-safety,convenience, documentation6. Entry of a contact phone number will let you dial straight from calendar-safety,convenience, documentation, ease of access.7. Entry of a contact email will let you compose email straight from calendar- safety,convenience, documentation, ease of access.8. Make notes directly after or during an event for later reference-ultraconvenient and more accurate.  Copy andpaste later.9. Import other calendars to be a part of yours-big time saver for adding otherevents to your calendar..see conflicts right away.10. Sync with desktop/tablet versions for uniformity…super important—a must.11. Reminders and alarms for events or calls/dial backs-critical step for timeblockers and also to keep small and large task on target for delivery.12. Easy to repeat events or reschedule events and appointments-13. Add tasks14. SEARCHABILITY--when did I meet with Joseph? 15. Streamlining-no more appointment cards, bulky calendars, post it notes,paper scraps.16. There is no risk of loss.17. add files to events18. add specific calendars, listing , buyers,prospecting, pop by, sphere, etc.

10 FAST and LOW COST things to do between now and 1/1/23 to start the hear on the right foot~START NOW!$30 Send 20 notecards to 20 past clients (or prospects)—message, it’s been a while, how have you been.  Wishing you the best new year.  No biz card, no mention of RE.$75 5 Pop-bys A level $15 each$25 5 pop-ys B level $5 each$5 5 pop-bys C level $1 each, such as 7-11 gift card or Starbucks Giftcard$12 Take your two favorite vendors for coffee, discuss your mutual goalsFREE Identify 15 RE/MAX referral partners across the country on Social Media and start a campaign.  They should be productive and active on Social Media.$20 Hand out 200 business cards (10 a day) between now and the Kick Of Office meeting.FREE  Wear your nametag EVERYDAY.$10 personalize your license plate to Real Estate.FREE-identify and listen to positive business podcasts.   Suggestions, Brian Buffini, Zero to Diamond, Turn the Dial, Darren Daily, etc.$60 BONUS # 11 subscribe to photofy App or Canva App for great Digitial Content Creation. RE/MAX special.....enter your RE/MAX ($60 annually is increasing to $99 on 1/15/23).  Photofy will allow you to get a solid foothold in Social with excellent tools and fantastic Graphics.  Digital exposure is going to be critical and will give you far more exposure than any print advertising.  Sign up via MaxCenter and you will need your RE/MAX number from your profile.Total  $237 

10 FAST and FREE  things to do between now and 1/1/23 to start the hear on the right foot~START NOW!Review all profiles to ensure they are up to date with current content, best recent picture, most recent bio. Comb CRM for deletions, additions, updates.  Make a point to add more than you think you can.Look at all of your social platforms and make sure they reflect your personal brand image (business pages) and also are current with a recent post.  Make an appointment with your broker to map out your 2023 business plan.Unsubscribe to 20 annoying emails.On paper, list your 3 most important/essential/vital business activities.On paper, list your 3 biggest distractions from those activities.Scan your text messages back as far as they go and look for dropped conversations that can be rekindled, old friends who need to hear from you, past clients or prospects who you need to say HI to.Start gathering closing CDs and HUDs from 2022 to send to clients in January (in advance of tax season)Map your 2023 by adding important dates to your calendar now, ie. Tax deadlines, important meetings (such as RE/MAX Capital office meeting 1/5 at 1030am), training sessions, travel plans, personal events.#11  Bonus.  Decide what you want to achieve in 2023. Break down your needs and build up your income thoughts.  Develop a mantra you can repeat throughout the day.  IT IS UNNACCEPTABLE FOR ME TO CLOSE FEWER THAN ____ TRANSACTIONS.   Or  IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR MY BUSINESS TO EARN LESS THAN $________. 

Ties of this story to Real estate have peaked my interest.  #1 was the notice of bond being tied to his parents home on the Stanford campus#2 was the use of the word commingling of funds, which is also a big no-no word in Real Estate#3 was alleged use of those funds to by real estate in other countries such as the Bahamas. Bankman-Fried [SBF] will be back at the home he grew up in, a house in the middle of Stanford’s campus, according to federal political filings that disclose the address. He will remain under house arrest, but can leave for substance use treatment, exercise and mental health purposes. US District Judge Gabriel Gorenstein signed off on the deal Thursday, allowing the disgraced FTX founder and ex-CEO — who is staring down a slew of charges which carry a sentence of up to 115 years — to leave New York for his home state.In granting him pretrial release, Gorenstein said Bankman-Fried had "achieved sufficient notoriety that it would be impossible" for him to engage in further financial schemes or to hide without being recognized.Nicolas Roos, a prosecutor, told Gorenstein that the bail package would require Bankman-Fried to surrender his passport and remain in home confinement at his parents' home in Palo Alto, California. He would also be required to undergo regular mental health treatment and evaluation.Cohen [SBF Atty] said he agreed with prosecutors' proposed bail conditions. He noted that Bankman-Fried's parents - both Stanford Law School professors - would co-sign the bond and post the equity in their home as assurance for his return to court. Both appeared at the hearing.The record-breaking bond would be partially secured by Bankman-Fried’s parents’ interest in their five-bedroom, three-bathroom home — which Zillow estimates to be worth north of $4 million — and that equity would have to be paid within three weeks, Gorenstein said."My client remained where he was, he made no effort to flee," Cohen [SBF Atty]  said.The bond is meant to ensure that if Bankman-Fried flees, the government could confiscate the family's assets - including their Palo Alto home - up to $250 million. Reuters could not determine the family's total net worth.Bankman-Fried said at a New York Times conference on Nov. 30, following the exchange's collapse, that he had $100,000 in his bank account.Roos [prosecutor] said that evidence at trial would consist of testimony from "multiple cooperating witnesses," [Ellison and Wang] as well as thousands of pages of written communications.Just hours after Bankman-Fried's plane from the Bahamas took off, Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, announced that two of Bankman-Fried's closest associates - former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison and FTX co-founder Gary Wang - had pleaded guilty and were cooperating with prosecutors.The alleged crypto grifter will be able to leave his parents’ house for exercise, mental health and substance abuse treatment. He will also be allowed to shop online, but is banned from making any non-sanctioned payments above $1,000 that aren’t legal fees, prosecutors said.  Assistant US Attorney [the PROSECUTOR!!!] Nick Roos argued in favor of the house arrest, saying the fact that Bankman-Fried “voluntarily consented to extradition” from the Bahamas “should be given weight.”His $250 million bond is 25 times larger than the collateral that officials demanded from disgraced Ponzi scheme financier Bernie Madoff in 2009 [Judge Gabriel Gorenstein same judge giving bail to SBF].Damian Williams [lead prosecutor with Roos], the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the extradition of SAMUEL BANKMAN-FRIED, a/k/a “SBF,” yesterday from the Bahamas.[1] Also unsealed are the guilty pleas of CAROLINE ELLISON, former CEO of Alameda Research, and GARY WANG, co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer of FTX.  ELLISON and WANG pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams on December 19, 2022, to charges arising from their participation in schemes to defraud FTX’s customers and investors, and related crimes, and are cooperating with the Government.Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI and thanked the FBI for its partnership in the extradition of Mr. Bankman-Fried and its investigation of wrongdoing associated with Alameda Research and FTX.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Bahamas’ government as well as the United States Embassy in the Bahamas for their extraordinary efforts in the arrest and return of the defendant to the United States to face these charges.  He also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas Roos and Danielle Sassoon are in charge of the prosecution.  The Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Raymond and Thane Rehn also contributed to the investigation.The allegations in the Indictment against BANKMAN-FRIED are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.The [OLD CASE] prosecutor [Marc Litt] who put Bernie Madoff in federal prison for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of billions of dollars said Friday it’s “highly unusual” for Sam Bankman-Fried to be speaking publicly about the November collapse of his crypto platform FTX amid widespread allegations of fraud.“It’s highly unusual for a subject of a high-profile criminal investigation to be conducting media interviews and public appearances during which he discusses the conduct being investigated,” Marc Litt, who prosecuted Madoff for the Southern District of New York in 2009, told The Hill. “No criminal defense attorney [Cohen in this case] I know would recommend doing that, and no matter how careful Mr. Bankman-Fried thinks he can be, it’s almost inevitable that something he says will come back to haunt him if charges are ever brought,” he said.[from 2008] NEW YORK, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Bail conditions for Bernard Madoff, the financier accused of one of the biggest frauds in Wall Street history, have been modified to include electronic monitoring, according to court documents released on Wednesday.U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Gabriel Gorenstein [same judge giving bail to SBF] said Madoff’s wife Ruth was required to surrender her pas...

Be well if you are grieving. Prayers to you and to the one who went before you. Navigate well.