Why Choose CENTURY 21 Judge Fite for your Real Estate Career?

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• State of the art web marketing to get your home maximum visibility
• We are a full-service brokerage, equipped with the tools you need to succeed
• Professionally trained agents and staff
• Reliable and timely support
• Over 70 years experience in real estate
• Part of Century 21® Real Estate, LLC, the most recognized real estate brand in the world
• A dynamic network of over 600 agents and 20 offices throughout Dallas/Fort Worth
• A web network of the most popular websites to get your home seen by millions
• #1 Century 21 company in Texas
• One of the “Best” companies to work for in Texas (Texas Monthly Magazine)
• One of the top 25 real estate companies in the west for new home sales (BuilderNEWS Magazine)
• Family owned and managed for over 70 years
• Company paid enhanced listings on Realtor.com
• In-house Marketing Department
• Non-competing management
• Customized compensation plans
• Global relocation services

Contact us for more information on a real estate career with CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

MAKE THE MOVE TODAY!

If you're looking to be part of a locally-owned real family-oriented team who wants to grow your business, be independent, and have a quality of life that achieves both business and personal success, call us, we've got what it takes to launch your real estate career into a successful future!

I have multiple properties that need to be insured, what's the best type of coverage to get?

Real Estate 411 - Protecting Your Property through Diversity in Insurance Coverage

Protection for your real estate comes in as many packages as your properties. Townhomes, farms and ranches, condos, single residential homes, duplexes - you name it, the diversity of properties in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex and North Texas farms and ranches require diversity in insurance coverage as well!

Diversity is one of the things that make us thrive as a society. However, being a diverse society means that our “needs and wants” also vary greatly from person to person, and this shapes the lifestyles that we pursue. In pursuing these lifestyles, people’s exposure to risk also differs from person to person.

The person who lives downtown in a high-rise condo needs different coverage than a person who lives on a farm. The person who lives next to a golf course needs different coverage than someone who lives on lake-front property. New homes need different coverage than older homes. And when you get in to the world of commercial insurance, exposures get ever more diverse! Think about all of the exposures of a construction company versus the exposures of a hair salon.

Because of all of these differing exposures that the public faces, many insurance companies have decided to specialize in certain niches, and have subsequently designed policies specifically created with a certain group in mind. For instance, some carriers specialize in farm and ranch insurance. Their underwriters know all about insuring livestock, crops, farm equipment, structures on the property, and other exposures that may be specific to a person living or working on a farm. Their policy is specific as to the needs of the insured and provides better coverage than a standard policy.

When selecting coverage for your real property, be very careful about the limits you insure it for. It may appear to make good economic sense, but in reality your purchase price does not reflect the replacement cost for damages or total replacement of your home, business, and/or personal property. Always make sure to have the correct limits in place to cover you in the event of a total loss.

There are two types of insurance agencies in the marketplace today.

Direct writers are agents that work directly for the insurance carrier, and they only quote and issue for that one carrier. Independent agents are those that do not work directly with one particular carrier, but instead choose to represent multiple carriers. This gives them the flexibility to be able to shop the market for the right product that meets a client’s needs. If multiple carriers are a good fit for a certain risk, then the agent can shop for the best priced policy. Also, if one carrier says they do not want a certain risk, independent agents can shop for another carrier. When it comes time for renewal, if the renewal rate increases too much, an independent agent can move the policy to another carrier that may have better rates that year.

Independent agents can offer a wider variety of products and therefore can entertain a wider diversity of clientele than a direct writer. At Judge Fite Insurance Agency, we know that our clientele is a diverse group. We are confident that we have better solutions for you that will meet your needs at the best possible price in the marketplace. Judge Fite Insurance Agency works with over 40 insurance carriers to offer a variety of products to fit everyone’s lifestyle. Now that's diversity in coverage!

To get a quote on your home, auto, or business, or if you would like to have your existing coverage reviewed, please contact Judge Fite Insurance at 214-446-2572 and ask for Linda!

What is Homestead Exemption?

Real Estate 411 - What is "Homestead Exemption"? As you are clearing the clutter and getting your finances and tax information in order. One very important "to do" NOT to forget is the Texas Homestead Exemption. If you have not previously filed your homestead exemption, now is the time! Although you have probably heard the term "homestead exemption" you may be a bit confused about what it is and how to take advantage of it. Here is some information that is sure to help: Important note: Do not confuse the Texas Homestead Law with the Homestead Tax Law. The Homestead Law is created by the Texas Constitution, and no filing is required for it. It cannot be waived by contract or even a change in the state law. Every property owner and leasee has homestead protection (with certain restrictions, of course). For information on the Texas Homestead Law visit www.bit.ly/txhomestead. The Texas Homestead Tax Law - or "homestead exemption", allows a homeowner to apply for homestead tax exemptions on your principal residence. Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, your home is appraised at $100,000, and you qualify for a $15,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts), you will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $85,000. To qualify for the homestead TAX exemption, the homeowner must own and live in the property as a principle residence on January 1st of the tax year. And, the homeowner must submit a homestead exemption application to the appropriate appraisal district between January 1 and April 30. The law now says that if this was overlooked, the homeowner can file in any year of ownership, and the exemption will revert back one year. You may be wondering "do all homes qualify for homestead exemptions?" No, only a homeowner's principal residence qualifies. To qualify, a home must meet the definition of a residence homestead: A separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land. The home's owner must be an individual (for example: not a corporation or other business entity) and use the home as his or her principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. (If you are age 65 or older, the January 1 ownership and residency are not required for the age 65 homestead exemption.) There are several types of exemptions you may receive (for the details be sure to check out the offical site here): * School taxes (this is the "general homestead exemption"): All residence homestead owners may receive a $15,000 homestead exemption from their home's value for school taxes. * County taxes * Age 65 or older and disabled exemptions * Optional percentage exemptions * Optional 65 or older or disabled exemptions Filing your Homestead Exemption You can file an Application for Residential Homestead Exemption with your appraisal district for the $15,000 homestead exemption up to one year after the taxes on the homestead are due. Click here for the form. Once you receive the exemption, you do not need to reapply unless the chief appraiser sends you a new application. Filing Deadline You can file any homestead exemption up to one year after the delinquency date. The delinquency date is normally February 1st. If you are 65 or older or disabled, you qualify for the exemption on the date you become 65 or become disabled. To receive the exemption for that year, 65 or older or disabled homeowners must apply for the exemption no later than one year from the date you qualify or one year after the delinquency date, whichever is later. If you miss the deadline you may apply for the following year. If you need help or clarification on how to file, or if you quailify for a homestead exemption, consult with your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite REALTOR.

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

Reduce the stress - choose a REALTOR!

Real Estate 411 - Reduce the stress, choose a REALTOR! From analyzing all the information to staging your home for sale to negotiating the best terms for your contract, a REALTOR has the training and the expertise to remove the stress from your real estate transaction to make your buying or selling experience a positive one. Why choose a REALTOR? With all the information and connectivity at our fingertips, we are all more inclined to do things for ourselves these days. But think about this: when you have a health need and need an operation, you seek a professional – a doctor. When you have a legal issue, you seek an attorney. When you have a real estate need, the most effective way to handle all the details and bring you to a successful closing is to choose a professional - a REALTOR. Transaction details, negotiations, contract errors, stress and worry, short sales, foreclosure, relocating, market knowledge, staging your home, legal issues, online marketing, networking – these are just a few of the things that a REALTOR will take off your shoulders – but don’t take our word for it, see what our clients say about the REALTORS who recently helped them with their real estate transaction: “I cannot tell you how impressed we were with Becky Hopkins. She was great! We had a very difficult loan process and then a very difficult seller and we both agree that we're not sure this house would have ever closed without all of her hard work, attention to detail and persistence!” A.B. of Dallas, Texas “Our experience with the company and especially our Agent, Serena Mar was wonderful! We couldn't have asked for a better person to navigate us through the sometimes stressful process of selling and buying a house. Serena was so knowledgeable and reassuring every step of the way. She was so delightful as a person, showing good understanding of our needs as well as protecting those needs with true professionalism.” G.C. of Coppell, Texas “We had a situation (Foreclosure) that had to be handled as a SHORT SELL, but our agent Karen Smith always treated us with kindness and respect throughout this difficult time for our family and made the transition smooth, considering the situation. We would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who needs a real estate agent.” G. D. of Duncanville, Texas “David Beer and his assistant, Amber, were amazing! I could always reach someone when I had a question or concern--even on holidays and weekends. This was our first time buying property, and it was really wonderful to work with such an outstanding office.” J.M. of Richardson, Texas “Liz Witte is a kind, caring person who takes her profession as much more than just a job. She went way above and beyond the call of duty many times in the almost six months that it took us to find a house in Denton. That included putting in an offer on three houses and having that offer accepted on two of those houses. I don't see how Liz could have done any better a job for us. I consider her a friend and I miss the daily interactions with her now that we have bought a house.” M.M. of Denton, Texas “Jamie is a one in a million agent. If only all agents were like her. Her passion, knowledge and experience is second to none. On top of that, she is a wonderful, warm, genuine, and caring person who is Weatherford's best promoter and their best asset!” S.C. of Weatherford, Texas “Our agent Victor Malone was super fantastic. He took the time to explain key concepts and market lingo terms that I was unfamiliar with. Victor made purchasing my home effortless and very stress free. His wealth of knowledge about the different types of loans and insurances was extremely helpful and needed.” E.W. of Heartland, Texas “I found Judge Fite Company via the internet and called the general number. By fate, Roger answered the phone. I had a difficult short sale to make. Based on my experience with Real Estate Agents in the past, I asked Roger a few questions and I liked the answers. Hired him on the phone, drove from Austin to Dallas to meet, see house, sign papers... on Father's Day Sunday, 2010! He had 2 contracts in 2-3 weeks. He suffered through the difficult closing while we dealt with the old mortgage company and the new lender... He was great. Highly recommend.” L.C. of Dallas, Texas Let us help you with all the many facets of your next real estate transaction - we want to be your REALTOR for life! 101 Reasons to Choose a REALTOR - read it here. Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite REALTOR today to help you with your next real estate transaction.

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

5 BIG Trends in New Home Building

Technology, the new green initiative, convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency are shaping the new home market.

What’s new in the new home market? Here are 5 Significant Trends:

1. Lighting – Traditional incandescents may be a thing of the past.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 directed the Department of Energy to set performance standards for general-service incandescent light bulbs to perform 25 to 35% more efficiently than current incandescent bulbs by 2012-14. Although the Act does not dictate what technologies can be used to meet its requirements, lighting professionals predict that only halogen, CFL, LEDs or some other new technology will be able to meet the standards.

To ready us for the changes ahead, ENERGY STAR’s Advanced Lighting Package (ALP) requirements encourage the use of the new lighting technologies. In order to sport the ALP designation, 60% of the fixtures used throughout the house and all ceiling fans must be ENERGY Star qualified.

New types of light bulbs are 75% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

2. Life Simplifying Solutions

In this day and age, we crave anything that simplifies our life (provided we can quickly learn how to operate it). Our job is to know that whatever our buyer’s desire to automate or remote control, there is quite likely some technology out there that will allow them to accomplish their goal. Having a reliable and customer-friendly home electronics professional on your team of subcontractors is important in today’s rapidly changing world.

Z-Wave equipped door locks can now be remotely and wirelessly controlled.

3. “Home Synthetic Home”

Manmade products that emulate wood, stone, slate, clay tile, natural stucco and other materials are primarily to thank for making it possible to have a Cape Cod in California, a Tuscan in Texas or a Pueblo in Pennsylvania. During the past decade, “Home Sweet Home” has quickly turned into “Home Synthetic Home”.

DaVinci Roofscapes products are fire-retardant and able to weather tough conditions from all climates throughout the year. They are made of 100% virgin resin and are 100% recyclable.

4. The Modern Movement

One way to gage what’s hot in home design is to look at the products being introduced by the lighting and hardware industries. A few years ago, when rustic designs were all the rage, everything was all about oil-rubbed bronze. Today, sleek, modern, minimalistic designs in chrome finishes complement the move toward contemporary design. Photo courtesy of Lee Lighting.

5. Cutting-edge Energy Efficiency

We’ve come far in recent years when it comes to advancements in energy efficiency, and we’ll go even further in 2010 and beyond. In particular, technology is under development to deliver solar power at prices competitive with coal-fired electricity.

The 2010 New American Home, built in Las Vegas for the International Builder’s Show, features a proprietary gas-powered heating and cooling system with a SEER rating of 18 combined with other energy-efficient features such as low-E windows, advanced insulation, vertical and horizontal solar overhangs and window louvers.

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Agent to help you with your real estate needs.

CENTURY21JudgeFite.com - 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

6 real estate marketing trends that work!

6 Real Estate Marketing Trends that WORK!

In an overly saturated "marketing" business climate, how do you cut through the clutter and get your property in front of the buyer? There are many choices available to market real estate today, so many in fact it can be confusing. We have put together a list of six marketing trends that we have seen be successful in getting more exposure to your property. Although there are tried and true methods that have worked for years, today's marketing climate demands that we stay up with where and how people get their information. The six trends we will look at are: Mobile technology Web marketing Email marketing Social media marketing Flyers in front of house Just listed postcards Number one on our list is MOBILE TECHNOLOGY. Since over 75% of America is receiving information on some type of mobile device, this is our first pick in getting information out to the consumer about your property. For buyer's, it makes it easy to find a home that fits your needs in the location your desire. From Century 21 to Realtor.com to many hundreds of other mobile applications, there are apps tailored to the consumers needs, phone technology, and technology level. A consumer can choose the app that fits their mobile phone brand and technology platform, and that has all the bells and whistles they want to help them in their home search. For example, the Century 21 mobile app for the iPhone is a user friendly and simple application. Just open the app and the GPS will find your location and bring up a list of homes in that area. Or, you can be more specific and choose a city or zip, set your pricing and other criteria, and up pops the properties that fit your search - either in list form or on a map. Other real estate mobile apps to check out are Realtor.com, Trulia.com, and Zillow.com. Many companies are now adding applications that you can use on other Smart Phones other than just the iPhone. Why is mobile technology important and how does it work? Mobile technology simply "feeds" information from the Web to your Smartphone in various programs or applications (apps). For the consumer on the go armed with a smart phone that has a real estate app, it's as easy as pulling up in front of the home you like and with a few clicks on the phone look at photos of the interior and view the price and other important details. If you want to set an appointment to view the home, just click on a button and you can instantly be connected to the agent's phone number, or contact them via email or text. The advantage to the buyer: Immediate access to information The advantage to the seller: Information to the buyer 24/7 Number two on our list is WEB MARKETING. We all know where we go these days for information and help - and looking for a house is no exception. We go online to our favorite websites, or we go to Google or another search engine. Recent estimates say that over 84% of people looking for a home start their search online. So, your property MUST be viewable on the World Wide Web (www) if you want to reach the multitude of homebuyers! Real Estate search engines like Realtor.com and Trulia.com provide INSTANT information to the consumer, helping them make a more informed decision. In today's web marketing you also have what we call "syndication" which means the real estate search engines send out their information to other thrird party websites, increasing exposure and views of the properties. What used to be a simple weekly ad in a newspaper with a limited readership is now a real estate ad that provides information to potential millions of interested viewers 24/7! School, community, and neighborhood specifics - and much more are also included on a listing that is marketed correctly on the Web. Mix that with a REALTOR that understands the market and can act as a guide and a negotiator along the way, and you have a WIN WIN for all parties! The advantage to the buyer: Immediate access to information The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people Number three is EMAIL MARKETING. If you are like 98% of the country, you are using email as a means of communication. Email marketing, just like Web marketing, broadens the potential exposure of your property. A REALTOR with an extensive network of local real estate professionals and sphere of influence (SOI) can reach potentially thousands of interested parties with a simple email "blast" announcing their new listing. It is no secret that email is a preferred method of marketing in today's world. And now with mobile technology bringing our emails to our phones, we can view these anytime, anywhere! The advantage to the buyer: Information delivered from a trusted source even BEFORE it is available anywhere else The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people Number four is SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING. Facebook.com has over 500 millions users and other popular networks like Twitter.com and YouTube.com have hundreds of millions of active participants as well. Through social media, people can "connect" to savvy real estate professionals they trust and like and likewise Realtors can find qualified buyers using their social media networks. The Realtor that employs social media in their real estate marketing can expose your property to potentially thousands of interested prospects. One friend tells another that tells another and before long your property lands in the right buyer's account. It broadens the possiblities, and that's just good marketing! YouTube.com is the #2 search engine in the world next to Google.com. More and more savvy marketers are turning to YouTube to feature videos of properties that give a personal and up-close, realistic view of the house. When the time comes for you to list your home, be sure you ask your Realtor to shoot a video of the home - and if you're game, put on your camera face and join in the fun of making the video. Who knows, your video might go "viral" and get a million views! The advantage to the buyer: An on-demand review of a property from the comfort of their home The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people Going back to tried and true basics, number five is FLYERS IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. As we can see, marketing that works is marketing that gives INFORMATION on demand, when the consumer wants it. Instead of dialing a number, viewing the info on a smartphone, or emailing the agent for information, when driving around looking for homes (which is a favorite past time for many prospective homebuyers), information available at the property is a no-brainer. A box or tube with flyers that give basic facts about the house like price, number of bedrooms, and a photo of the kitchen, simply works. The advantage to the buyer: Instant gratification by providing key facts about the property when they are there looking The advantage to the seller: Providing key facts that qualifiy your property to interested prospects The last real estate marketing trend on our list is another method that has been used for years and is still successful even in this digital age. Number six is JUST LISTED POSTCARDS that announce to your neighborhood or area that your house is for sale. (Statistics show that most people moved only 12 miles away from their previous home.) When a Realtor expands that distribution to their sphere of influence (SOI), the message reaches even more real state professionals and interested parties who might be looking for what your home offers. The advantage to the buyer: They receive information on a home that is available in their selected neighborhood or area The advantage to the seller: Exposing your property to potential buyers in your direct area So that completes our list of SIX REAL ESTATE MARKETING TRENDS that are proven to provide better exposure of your property when the homebuyer wants it. Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor today to find out how they plan to market your property to get the best price in the shortest amount of time! CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.