Monthly Archives: January 2011

Hal Von Nessen Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Housing Industry

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Founder and President of RESH Marketing, Hal Von Nessen, recently received the William “Bill” Molster award from the National Sales and Marketing Council (NSMC) at the 2011 International Builder’s Show in Orlando, Fla.

The annual award is given to individuals who make significant contributions to both the NSMC and the housing industry. It is named after Bill Molster, founder of the NSMC for the National Association of Home Builders.

Von Nessen’s name should sound familiar to anyone in the South Carolina real estate industry, as he was inducted into the South Carolina Housing Hall of Fame in 2010. Since 1995, the Hall of Fame has honored those who have had a major impact on the housing industry through work in building, development or other related areas.

In addition to Hall of Fame honors ,Von Nessen has been recognized by the Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM), receiving the Trina Ripley Award for excellence in education. He is also a member of such prestigious organizations as the NAHB Society of Honored Associates; the Faculties of the IRM; the University of Housing; and the Home Builders Institute.

Von Nessen’s contributions to the South Carolina housing industry, and the real estate market in general, cannot be overstated. Since founding RESH Marketing in 1979, he has assisted in marketing over 15,000 new homes across the nation. Von Nessen has also assisted numerous Home Builders Associations throughout the United States, continuously strengthening the industry. As a result of his hard work and dedication, he was the first person from South Carolina ever elected to serve as president of the NAHB Institute of Residential Marketing.

For more information about Hal Von Nessen and RESH Marketing, contact Theresa Taylor at theresa@resh.com.

Learn How to Organize Success at 2011 Closets & Home Organization Expo

If you work in the home organization industry, you know the value of getting the most out of every available space. You’ve shown clients how to organize and take advantage of simple concepts, so why not do the same for yourself? Use the idea of getting the most out of what’s available and attend the 7th annual Closets & Home Organization Conference & Expo in Charlotte, N.C. on February 23 through 25 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

This unique conference, sponsored by CLOSETS magazine and the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals, offers over two dozen profit-driven, educational sessions for home organization professionals including:

The Art of Pricing Profitably
How to Become a Million Dollar Salesperson
Showrooms & Sales Management
Business Dashboard and Metrics Management
Working with Designers & Architects

There will also be several other events during the conference.

Wood & Wood Products Magazine is hosting an educational Wood Tech Summit where attendees can see presentations and demonstrations of integrated wood manufacturing concepts and advanced technologies.

Custom Woodworking Business and Cabinet Makers Assn. are hosting the 2nd annual Custom Cabinet Conference for cabinet shop executives that will include an expanded curriculum of business, marketing and technology topics. There will also be educational seminars and workshops provided by the CMA Speaker’s Bureau.

If you’re in the home organization industry, do not miss this event. You can learn about the latest products and trends while networking with other industry professionals. Not only did 89 percent of the 2010 show attendees have a role in the purchase of the exhibited products and services , but 69 percent also found new companies to do business with at the expo.

For more information, visit http://www.closets-expo.com.

Why Mortgage Credit Insurance Isn’t the Best for Your Carolina Real Estate

With continuing news of the foreclosure crisis in the U.S., many (city) homeowners are looking for ways to protect their homes and families if they should lose their jobs, become disabled or pass away. Mortgage credit insurance ads are tempting – the product promises to take care of your mortgage in the case of family crisis. But the Equifax Personal Finance Blog offers a warning in the recent article, “

Avoid the Scam of Mortgage Credit Insurance.”

Insurance expert Linda Rey, author of the article, gives two primary reasons mortgage credit insurance is not a preferred option for most homebuyers. First, it’s very expensive. Other insurance options exist that can help with your mortgage and other expenses if needed.

Second, mortgage credit insurance covers a declining liability. As you pay down your mortgage, your policy covers less and less. But your insurer will continue charging you the same high rate.

What other types of insurance does Rey recommend? Disability and term life insurance. She says they help in several different situations and can cover expenses ranging from housing, to medical to other debt obligations.

Rey warns against using a mortgage lender who tells you that mortgage credit insurance is a requirement for your mortgage. Shop around for a lender who doesn’t use practices such as this, which Rey considers “predatory.” The legitimate insurance you may be required to buy is Private Mortgage Insurance. PMI is required on most mortgage loans that are for more than 80 percent of the home’s value. It is a protection for the lender, not the borrower.

You’ll find more information on different types of insurance at the

Equifax Personal Finance Blog, a favorite source for credit, tax, insurance, retirement and real estate information.