Almost all residential property sales require a smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to be installed by the close of escrow.

However, there seems to be some ambiguity where they are supposed to be installed.

Here is where smoke alarms should be installed.

Smoke Alarm Installation Locations

Here is where carbon monoxide detectors should be installed

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Here is where carbon monoxide dectors should be installed.

Real Estate agents spend a lot of time comparing commission models, office amenities, and company policy when they consider joining a brokerage. Equally important is the name of the brokerage. Consumers have access to nearly all the data, so it is incumbent for agents to prove their value. Agents prove their value by building trust and credibility with their prospects. This brings us back to the company name. If you are a well-established agent, and your name is already very recognizable, then the name of your real estate brokerage takes a backseat your name. However, that is very rare, some tiny percentage of agents, much less than 1%. For the rest of us, the question will come up with clients, “what brokerage are you with?” These prospective clients are sniffing around. They want to know about your support system and if they are reputable.

So, you can choose a reputable name, like Keller Williams and be done with this, right? Yes, but you also are factoring in what the brokerage will charge you when you close a transaction. Let’s say you want to save the most commission for yourself, so you look at 100% commission model brokerages. This is a different segment of the brokerage world. Again, you will have to look at a list of companies, what they offer, and, of course, the name.  So, Balboa Real Estate fits the bill as a 100% commission brokerage, and we don’t charge monthly fees. We are partial to our name because rather than something generic, like “First Home Realty,” or something abstract like, “Cyber Broker.” The name Balboa is a California icon. In each county of California it has different geographic landmarks and meaning, it sounds familiar.

Agents often call our office because they heard we offer a 100% commission program and they like our name. That is the conversation starter. Agents join our company because our reputation gives agents the credibility they need to win over clients. Agents stay at Balboa because we offer great support and take care of them.