Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a Web site from search engines via search results.

 

With more than 85% of all new visitors to a Web site originating from major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN and others, it is essential that every business implement a search engine marketing campaign that allows their customers to find them. While most Web site owners recognize the importance of a top search engine ranking for their business, very few have the search engine marketing knowledge or time required to ensure their Web site is ranked above their competitors, while still achieving maximum return on investment.   [more...]More

Back-up contracts are a breeze if the agent understands two key concepts: first, the "Amended Effective Date," and second, the extended right to terminate which is granted to the Back-Up Buyer in the "Addendum for Back-Up Contract," TAR 1909.More

While most of us are busy celebrating the close of one year and the beginning of another, we should be thinking about which end-of-the-year real estate moves can make 2006 even better.

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Brokers and salespersons often use unlicensed personnel for assistance in conducting their real estate brokerage activities. Such unlicensed persons, sometimes referred to as administrative assistants, can be of great help to a busy agent. However, care must be taken to ensure that the unlicensed person does not conduct any of the activities for which real estate licensure is required.

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Most of us love dogs very much, but here is a scenario to consider: You are the selling broker. You and your client walk into a beautiful home only to be greeted by the large, ferocious teeth of the homeowner's guard dog. And to make matters worse, the dog takes a bite out of the leg of your client!More

In a 5-4 decision announced on June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in the case of Kelo v. City of New London, that the city's condemnation of several private residences pursuant to a comprehensive economic development plan did not violate the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.More

Texas REALTORS® support a movement in the current special session of the Legislature to protect private property owners in Texas from potential implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision, Kelo v. City of New London, regarding eminent domain for purely economic development purposes.More

Members of the Texas Real Estate Commission voted this week to propose a state rule that would change the way some discount brokers do business in the state.
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Texas real estate brokers should take note of a California class-action lawsuit over transaction fees charged by real estate brokers.  The lawsuit, brought by a group of home buyers against certain California sales agents, challenges the collection of "document compliance" or "transaction coordination fees" charged by the sales agents.

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Be Aware of Mortgage Fraud:
The Texas Association of REALTORS® has received reports that government regulators and the FBI are investigating allegations involving potential mortgage fraud in real estate transactions.

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A column in the February issue erroneously stated that "The average residential homeowner…on the average experiences a yearly increase in property tax of between one and three percent.”More

The following is a quick Q&A session with Ron Walker, TAR Director of Legal Affairs, regarding the Texas Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline:

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• Are You Authorized to Call the Hotline?
• Should You Use the Legal Hotline Manager?
• Does My Question Fall Within the Range of Hotline Information?
• Does the Hotline Operator Know the Best Time and Number to Use to Return my Call?

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Read about additional news affecting REALTORS.More

The HAR Law Library is a new section in the Houston REALTOR® which will feature legal updates in every issue of the magazine.More

A mortgage company that operates a for-sale-by-owner Web site doesn't need a real estate brokerage license, the New Hampshire Bank Department commissioner has ruled.
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