Cheryl Spangler

Cheryl Spangler sits down with the author of “Secrets of Top Selling Agents: The Keys to Real Estate Success Revealed,” Joe Sesso.

Cheryl Spangler sits down with the author of “Secrets of Top Selling Agents: The Keys to Real Estate Success Revealed,” Joe Sesso.

How many Starbucks coffees would it take to pay for a down payment on a new home? Let’s use Alexandria, Virginia, as our example. According to Starbucks pricing, a Grande Starbucks Cappuccino costs $3.65. The Metropolitan Regional Information System (MRIS) and current market stats list the average sold price in Alexandria in June at $612,327; so 20 percent of the average home sold in Alexandria would be $122,465. So it would take you not purchasing 33,552 Grande Starbucks Cappuccino’s to put a d…

The 2017 real estate market is a great opportunity to get back into real estate if you have been out for some time, taking a career break. Whether you have been working another career, building another business, stepping back to assess where you are going or thought real estate was too hard and gave up, this is the year to get back in. Consider it a chance to create a solid business plan that will net you more money than you ever made before and be the best real estate agent this market has ever…

The Clara Barton is one of the few modern high-rise towers in Penn Quarter, with floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of natural light. There are 255 one, two and three-bedroom condos at Clara Barton, including two penthouses. Located at 616 E. St. NW, Washington D.C., properties at the Clara Barton are priced between $320,000 to $850,000. Association fees range from $400 to $800 per month and do not include parking. The Gallery District Location is everything to those that live here, as the Gall…

Welcome to "Letters from," my new column that examines the intimate thoughts of members of the real estate industry. We will explore why they got into the business, what they wish they would have known when they started, their challenges, who their mentors are and why -- and, lastly, the knowledge they can pass on from their former mistakes.

Welcome to "Letters from," my new column that examines the intimate thoughts of members of the real estate industry. We will explore why they got into the business, what they wish they would have known when they started, their challenges, who their mentors are and why -- and, lastly, the knowledge they can pass on from their former mistakes.

Takeaways: The most skillful agent will never narrow negotiations down to one issue. Prior to negotiating you should establish criteria by asking enough questions to find out the primary objectives and goals of the buyer and seller. Learn four negotiation tactics and the seller remedies for each. If buyers and sellers are wondering why they need a real estate agent, it is for their negotiation skills, so let’s show them what we have instead of being fearful the deal will fall through and buckl…