Dana (Lerner) Sparks's (coachinggoddess) Blog

On the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) F255 "Instructions to Closing Attorney," why is there a Signature Line for both Brokers & Seller but NOT the Buyer? Watch the video to find out! NOTE: This information is accurate from July 2024 - December 2024. The GAR Forms MAY CHANGE in 2025. Thank ...

Why do I see $10 in a real estate contract? Does the Buyer actually pay the Seller $10? What is this all about? What is "consideration?" Is Earnest money REQUIRED for a real estate contract in Georgia? Watch the video!Dana Sparks, Broker of Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORSDana@MaximumOneReal...

Is there more than one way to extend a Brokerage Agreement? Can I extend it unilaterally? What happens if I’m under contract but closing is scheduled AFTER the expiration of the Listing Agreement? Watch the video for the answers to all those questions with respect to the Georgia Association of RE...

Watch this video for a SNEAK PEEK into one of the many changes that the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) will make to the 2025 Contract package regarding the Buyer Compensation paragraph in the Buyer Brokerage & Buyer Customer Agreements! Why does NAR require this change?Dana SparksDana@Maxi...

If you are a real estate agent in Georgia & you list a property in the First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) this video explains what you need to know about "VRC" to stay in compliance with FMLS and avoid a fine. Watch the whole video for more info giving examples, showing the FMLS Rule & WHERE t...

Letters & Numbers - which do I use for Exhibits vs. Amendments? If a form has a Label/Title, do I still need to use a Letter? Do I skip a number if the parties don't agree to an Amendment? And what is an Addendum? Watch the video to find out!Dana Sparks, Qualifying Broker, Maximum One Greater Atl...

In an Amendment to Address Concerns, the Buyer included a provision that if Seller fails to make repairs Buyer may terminate or have Seller pay for repairs from proceeds AND include a Survival Clause.... are these contract provisions mutually exclusive? Thank you to Amee Davis, Closing Attorney &...

As a Real Estate Agent in Georgia using the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) contract package, there are so many form regarding Broker Compensation! Which form do I use when!?!?! This video & chart linked below will guide you through these forms for a clear understanding of the appropriate u...

What is the difference between "Commission" & "Compensation?" Why have the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) contracts changed the verbiage? Why do the terms of the Preliminary NAR Settlement make a big deal about it? Watch the video to find out! Stay until the end for a Special Agent Point o...

If you are a real estate agent in Georgia you must understand how the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) records CE credits if you renew early between the time you pay them your Renewal Fee every 4 years and when your license renewal is actually due! Don't let your license lapse accidentally b...