2026 IABS Update

This info is also on Facebook.

Please update your IABS immediately! New forms are in Command. You will need to replace the current link in your Command profile and on all your social media.

Command has the new version. Ensure it has all the blanks completed when you download the PDF. If any are missing, add a space to the back of the email addresses and download again to fix the bug.

If you saved your primary IABS notice to your blog, change the photo and your signatures will automatically update.

Otherwise, Save the PDF and .jpg to your Google Drive and apply it to your KW website as well as your signatures and social media. 

Here’s how to do it in Command:

Command > Profile (top left photo) > Settings > Connect Settings > Marketing Profile > “Go To Marketing Profile” > “Legal Footer / Compliance (left side) > put Google (or other) link into URL of Link 2, which should be titled “Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services” > SAVE (bottom right)

Staging Kit Items

Here are many of the items from my staging kit. The items are intended to give each room a purpose and some interest without taking too much visual space.

You'll see these items in many of my vacant for-sale listings. I paid full price for the towel set and kept it wrapped in the original marketing ribbon. I also purchased new silverware, plates, cloth napkins, and two sets of wooden spoons. Everything else was available at Goodwill.

The entire kit can handle larger houses. It also has a stick horse, a rocket play tent, a silk Ficus tree, and throw pillows for reading benches by windows.

I keep them in three plastic, stackable totes in my garage between listings. Including the totes, the kit costs about $250. It can be written off and used in almost any vacant house. It can also supplement occupied houses.

Meet People & Make Friends

Modern life often requires relocation for jobs, family, health or lifestyles. Wherever you live, friends can help create a comfortable environment. If you’re new to a location or want to expand your social circle, you must interact with people before you can make friends. In short, making friends is a “contact sport.”

Humans are social. People need friends for emotional support, companionship, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. Friends help reduce stress, improve mental health, and provide opportunities for personal growth and happiness. Companionship also fulfills a human need for shared safety and basic survival.

Explore Local Events: Attend community events like festivals, farmers’ markets, and free public gatherings. Local festivals, fairs, or live music events are great places to meet people in a casual, enjoyable atmosphere.

🤝 Join Local Clubs or Groups: Whether it’s a book club, fitness class, business organization, continuing education classes, or hobby workshops, these settings offer natural opportunities to meet people with similar interests.

🤝 Attend Neighborhood Gatherings: Many communities and Home Owner Associations host social events or neighborhood meetups. These can be great opportunities to introduce yourself and connect with neighbors.

🤝 Volunteer: A fantastic way to meet others is by volunteering and giving back to your community.

🤝 Frequent Local Spots: Visit coffee shops, restaurants, parks, or libraries to become familiar with the local folks, which can naturally lead to conversations.

🤝 Use Social Media or Apps: Check out community groups on Facebook, Nextdoor, or Meetup apps where locals post about events or gatherings.

🤝 Be Friendly and Open: The simplest approach can go a long way. Smile, be welcoming, and start small talk with neighbors or people you encounter frequently.

🤝 Attend Religious or Spiritual Gatherings: Many religious institutions offer social events, study groups, and volunteer opportunities. These fellowships can be an excellent way to connect with people.

Texas is the Friendship State
The word "Texas" comes from the Caddo word táy:shaʼ which means "friend." The Spanish pronounced the word as "Tejas." Texas is also called the “Friendship State” because of its famously warm and welcoming culture.

Texans take pride in being friendly and hospitable to newcomers, whether they’re neighbors, visitors, or people just passing through. Here are a few reasons why:
• Southern Hospitality: Texas, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, has a tradition of Southern hospitality, where people go out of their way to help others, offer a smile, and make visitors feel at home.

• Cultural Influence: The state’s blend of cultures, including Native American, Mexican, European, African, Asian, Middle Eastern and South American influences, has created a diverse and open-minded community where people are often eager to connect and make friends.

• Social Traditions: Texans love to gather and celebrate, whether it is at a barbecue, tailgating at a sporting event, or a local festival. These social gatherings encourage interaction and help foster friendships.

• “Howdy” Spirit: The casual and friendly greeting “Howdy” is more than just a word in Texas; it is a reflection of the overall attitude toward others. People often approach one another with a friendly, “let’s talk” attitude.

• Texas Pride: The casual and friendly greeting “Howdy” is more than just a word in Texas; it is a reflection of the overall attitude toward others. It's a shortened form of the inquiry "How do ye?" People often approach one another with a friendly, “let’s talk” attitude.

Whether it is starting a conversation with a stranger or being invited to a local event, people in Texas are known for making new arrivals feel like they belong right away.

When you're surrounded by friendly folks in a welcoming environment, it's always a great day to meet new people and make friends.

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #IOV #InformationOfValue #friends #MeetPeople #MakeFriends #ContactSport #community #people

Is a Property Overpriced?

KW MAPS Coaches Aaron Simons and Emily Baker share how to determine if a property is overpriced using key market metrics:

5% Overpriced: If you’re getting 3 to 5 showings per week with positive feedback but no offers, your property might be 5% overpriced. The market is showing some interest, but not enough to drive serious offers.

10% Overpriced: If there are few or no showings, no feedback, and no talk of offers, it’s a strong indicator that the property is 10% overpriced. In this case, an immediate price adjustment is crucial to attract potential buyers.

Remember, the first 7 to 10 days on the market are critical. This is when your listing will see the most online views and showing activity. After this period, if you’re not seeing the expected metrics, it’s time to reconsider your pricing strategy.