AGBeat Columnist: Jonathan Benya
I'm a Realtor in Southern Maryland. I grew up surrounded by the RE business, spent time as an actor, worked as a theatrical designer and technician, and took the road less traveled before settling down in real estate. I run my own local market website at http://www.somdexpert.com and when I'm not at the office or meeting clients, I can usually be found doing volunteer work, playing with my 3 rescued shelter dogs (Help your local Humane Society!), or in the garage restoring antique cars.
Leveraging the cult of personality in real estate
Off the top of your head, name 5 Realtors in the blogosphere that you consistently read, look up to, or model your own business after. There’s a common thread amongst all of them; an infectious personality. These agents have a natural ability to inspire us, make us laugh, and they have an ingrained sense of sharing. Nothing is off-limits to ...
Let’s build an express lane for handling foreclosures
The average foreclosure takes over 400 days from the first missed payment to the sale at the courthouse steps. The exaggerated process involved in most states is disgusting, and the blame rests on spineless politicians who are more concerned with voter turnout than they are with American economic health. If you’re a distressed homeowner reading this, I feel your pain. ...
Fannie Mae offering military forbearance- will it work?
If you haven’t been reading the most recent real estate news this week then you may not be aware that Fannie Mae has established a new Military Forbearance program for borrowers that are behind on payments, unable/unwilling to refinance, and suffering hardship due to loss or injury in active duty. Is this an excellent idea, or a piece of goodwill ...
Opening the floodgates of Realtor liability
The Hutchinson News in Hutchinson, Kansas, recently posted an article about a couple who bought a home for $300,000 and found themselves with a $900,000 bill (let me just grab my checkbook…) due to a dam on their property that needs major repairs. The buyers thought that repair and maintenance was the responsibility of the government because it’s construction facilitated ...
What matters most about brokerages to you?
Do you remember the day you became an agent? I wish I could, but the day itself was nothing more than a standard step in the path to being independent, helping others pursue their dreams while simultaneously pursuing my own. What I do remember, however, is the path I took in order to determine the brokerage I would hang my ...
Real Estate Kung-Fu: The Legend Continues
This post is in response to Ken Montville’s recent post, “Negotiating the deal- is it really what you think?” Ken hit the nail on the head with this one about negotiating as much (or more) with your own client than you do with the agent on the opposing side. It’s the ability to overcome challenges like this that separate the ...
What’s More Important: Your Tithing or your Mortgage?
If you had to choose between paying your mortgage and tithing to your religious organization, which would you do? I’ve recently had first hand experience with people who are facing this crisis, and the dilemma is a mixture of deeply rooted religious belief, morality, and fiscal responsibility. Tithing Or Mortgage? If you tithe 10% of your income, and your ARM ...
Do your lenders love you? Something you might be overlooking
Every agent in the business today is looking for ways to attract and retain more clientele, right? If you’re not, I’m glad to hear you’re full up on new clients, but for most of us agents, we’re always on the hunt for more business. Almost every agent I know has a “preferred lender”. Sometimes it’s the lender that their company ...


















