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What is RSS?RSS = Advanced Bookmarking Do you hear the term RSS but don't know exactly what it means or how it works? Here's an easy to understand explanation on how to sign up and why it's becoming so popular.

Once you've picked an RSS reader, you can add feeds to it. A feed is information obtained from a Web site, usually a list of the Web site's content with links, that updates any time the site updates. Most sites with available feeds will have a specific link, or an orange icon like this , or maybe like this , that will let you know a feed is available. When you see that icon, you have the ability to subscribe to that site's feed. Subscribing is like advanced bookmarking, only this is a bookmark that comes to you instead of you going to it. To add a feed, follow the site's link and the instructions your reader provides. Since there are many readers, and each can add feeds its own way, it's best to follow your reader's specific instructions. Once subscribed, you should see a slimmed-down version of the content with your reader. It could be a heading only or a heading with a brief description. Want to read the full article? It should have a link to visit the full version on the site. Why is RSS becoming so popular? Imagine you add 12 feeds to your reader. If you want to check to see what feeds have new content, just open your reader and refresh the feeds. It cycles though and shows which ones have new content since you last visited them. You no longer have to visit every site to see what's new. In just seconds you can see all your feeds and what has new and updated content. This is a major time-saving tool that more people use every day.

RSS means "Really Simple Syndication", which is a way for a Web site to provide updates that you can subscribe to using an RSS reader. There are hundreds of RSS readers out there for Mac and PC. Some are based online, like Bloglines or Google Reader, and others are programs you run from your computer. Some are free and some are not. Below are lists for:

Like it or not (and the NAR doesn't like it one bit) the business of buying and selling a home is changing

Joe Fox said the percentages in Iggy's Facts come straight from the NAR. So if 64% of home buyers find a home without the help of an agent (24% online and the rest driving around neighborhoods or by other means),

BuySide Realty operates on the principle that people who find the home they want to buy should get paid for their effort. So BuySide actually shares with the buyer 75% of the commission

Interview Your Agent HomeGain's anonymous profile service allows you to review sales proposals from local agents without pressure or commitment. In comparing sales proposals, consider several factors, including experience, local knowledge, credentials, brokerage services, cost and marketing plan. After comparing proposals and backgrounds of agents, then schedule an interview with at least three agents. Questions to ask a prospective agent "Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate agent?" Full-time work typically means more attention for you. "How well do you know the area(s) I am interested in?" An agent who specializes in the area in which you are interested is preferable. Definitely interview the agent who has the most for-sale signs in your neighborhood. "How many other sellers or buyers are you representing now?" The busiest agents often are the most efficient."Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to a sales associate or administrative assistant?" A knowledgeable assistant can be invaluable, but make sure that you can connect with your agent when you need to."How much can I expect to pay?" Commissions are negotiable depending on what kind of listing arrangement you have with your agent. "Can you give me a comparative market analysis of recent sales in the area and homes currently on the market?" This should contain listing and sales prices for recently sold homes as well as sales prices and the listing date of homes currently for sale. It also should include detailed property descriptions (such as square footage and numbers of bedrooms and baths)."What does your marketing package contain in addition to a comparative market analysis?" Listing presentations should also include a suggested asking price; information on the local housing market; advertising plans; a discussion of various listing agreements; and an analysis of sale proceeds at various price points and commission levels."Can I list the house with you for 60 to 90 days?" Most consumer experts agree that a three-month listing period, or less, is best. You can always renew the listing agreement at that time. "Is your license in good standing?" You should check an agent's certification yourself with your state's department of real estate. "How many years of education and experience do you have?" Experience and continuing education typically make for better agents. "Are you also a broker and/or a Realtor?" Brokers have more stringent licensing requirements and responsibilities. Realtors are voluntary members of the National Association of Realtors, a trade group.