CAUGHT BY THE COLLAR – NEW REAL ESTATE EBOOK

by AK | Oct 5, 2024 | Atlanta Sports & Entertainment Real Estate

New E-Book

CAUGHT BY THE COLLAR

BY ANGEL KNIGHT

About The E-Book

In “Caught by the Collar” Angel Knight recounts her personal experience as a Principal Broker who uncovered deceptive & fraudulent practices by a former REALTOR®. The book highlights how the removal of commission information from the MLS— an issue central to the current National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement—can create a breeding ground for unethical behavior. The lack of transparency not only harms sellers but also skews the market in favor of cash buyers and large investment firms, leaving traditional homebuyers at a significant disadvantage.

Whether you’re a home seller, buyer, REALTOR®, Agent, or Broker, the issues discussed in this ebook directly impact you. The lack of transparency in real estate transactions not only limits your options but can also cost you significant amounts of money. It’s time to take control of your real estate experience by becoming informed and vigilant.

Imagine discovering that the REALTOR® you trusted to sell your property had secretly charged a 10% commission, all without your knowledge. Worse yet, this deceit was made possible by a lack of transparency in the MLS—an issue exacerbated by the recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement. This is not just a cautionary tale; it’s a real-life account backed by hard evidence, and it’s something every homeowner, buyer, and real estate professional should be aware of.

In Caught by the Collar, I recount how I uncovered this deception and how it reflects broader issues within the industry, including the problematic NAR settlement that makes it easier for unethical practices to go unnoticed. The ebook also highlights how venture capitalists and real estate investors exploit these gaps in transparency, pushing out traditional homebuyers and skewing the market in their favor.

Unveiling Real Estate Deception: How I Exposed a REALTOR’s Shocking 10% Listing Commission on a residential property.

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What’s inside

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10% Commission

Behind closed doors. Commission off the MLS.

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The Betrayal

E-Signing Audit Trails Exposure.

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The Deception

Sshhhh Don’t disclose the discloures.

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Standing on Business

Paper Trails & Pitfalls.

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Mediation

Exposing the Hidden Agenda.

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The Investigation

2 Offers. 3 Listing Agreements. 👀

Ch 1

This is a story about how a Listing Agent misrepresented a seller by charging 10% listing commission without their knowledge & how a Principal Broker stood on business.

Chapters

An Atlanta REALTOR® put her own needs and personal commission in front of the needs of her seller client. The REALTOR, convinced the client to terminate a listing brokerage agreement while in escrow, prior to closing in hopes that she could gain more commission under a different brokerage.

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“I am licensed in multiple states and I’m more skilled than the average REALTOR, Agent, or Broker for that reason. I am trained to see different perspectives & solutions.”

Angel Knight – Broker

About the author.

In 2005, Angel Knight founded Diamond Realty Brokers, a multi-state licensed brokerage based in Atlanta. Angel Knight obtained her Georgia real estate license shortly after graduating Georgia State University and quickly established herself as a leading force in the Atlanta real estate market. With over two decades of experience, she has managed and sold over $1 billion in real estate, with a diverse background that includes mergers & acquisitions from REITs & corporate portfolios.

“I probably wouldn’t have written this ebook had the former REALTOR not accused me of contract breach & played the victim, so I want to thank them for that.”

Angel Knight

Other Digital Products

LifeStyle & Business

Home Selling Guide

Free Download

Home Buying Guide

Free Download

Home Organization

Coming Soon

Order a Physical Copy

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This copy is great for Real Estate Schools, Coaches, Trainers & Associations.

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Choosing a Luxury REALTOR

by AK | Oct 28, 2020 | Atlanta Sports & Entertainment Real Estate

Choosing a Luxury REALTOR for your next home

One of the first things you’ll need to do when you’re considering selling your luxury home, is find an experienced Luxury Real Estate Professional. Whether you’re selling in one of the most proftable markets in the world, or you might need a little extra support to get the price you think your property deserves, a REALTOR® can be the key to your success.

Since moving to a new home can often be a complicated time, it makes sense to put extra effort into finding someone who can show you the ropes. Here are just three steps you’ll need to keep in mind when selecting a REALTOR® for your upcoming home move.

Step 1: Research REALTORS®

Choosing a REALTOR® to help you sell your home for the best possible price can be complex. Some professionals will try to win your custom with an incredibly high property valuation or super low fees, but these things can sometimes be a red flag. Also note, all Real Estate Agents are not REALTORS®. They are both licensed to sell real estate. However, REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) who choose to adopt NAR’s code of ethics as a national standard in their real estate practice. Take the time to carefully research the difference.

After all, you’ll feel better about understanding the difference and it can help you evaluate your real estate professional of choice. Your favorite Boutique Real Estate Agency are licensed REALTORS® & Brokers in multiple states.

Step 2: Choosing the Best Real Estate Professionals

Once you’ve done plenty of homework, you can always shortlist 3 possible real estate professionals, then invite them to provide you with a property valuation. While it’s fair to say that getting the best sales price will often be the item at the top of your list, don’t automatically choose the Agent or REALTOR® that provides the highest valuation, as some people will simply over-value your property to win your business.

Find out which services each Agent offers, for example:

What kind of marketing materials will they prepare for you? (photographs, signage, 3D Tours, online tours, marketing plan, etc)
Will they conduct viewings with buyers on your behalf, or will you have to?
How much experience do they have as a real estate professional?
Does their marketing plan include digital marketing, traditional or both?

Step 3: Pricing to Sell

Part of your real estate professional’s job is to help you get the best price for your home, so that they can market it properly to buyers. If the price provided seems excessive, then it’s important to get a second opinion. Remember, Agents know that one of the main reasons people choose them, is that they are hoping to sell their home for the highest price possible. A true real estate professional will be upfront with you about the value of your home even if it’s not the value you want to hear.

Do some research into how you can add value to your own home. Your real estate professional will generally provide you with plenty of evidence on locally sold prices so that they can support their own valuation. It’s important to understand that appraisers do not always visit the inside of your property to obtain their professional opinion of your property. They often only look at recent nearby comparables that mimick your square footage so don’t spend too much on upgrades & improvements before selling. Consult with your REALTOR first to get the highest & best value from your property.

If you are thinking of selling your home, then talk to your favorite boutique real estate agency to book a listing appointment.

Atlanta Sports & Entertainment Real Estate

by AK | Jan 3, 2019 | Atlanta Sports & Entertainment Real Estate

Listing & selling a metro Atlanta Mansion formerly built for Atlanta Falcons Mike Vick as TMZ reported was not a typical deal. This property was listed in a market with less than a 1% market absorption rate. The absorption rate is the likelihood that a property will sell in a given time period. A good absorption rate in real estate is 10%. Most luxury real estate companies around the world won’t list a property under an 8% market absorption rate or 8% likely to sell rate so listing & selling this property with a less than 1% market penetration rate is pretty iconic.

Luxury Mansion’s in any market are tailored for a specific multi million dollar buyer or specific target audience so luxury home sellers benefit by choosing an experienced luxury real estate brokerage. I’m extremely pleased that our clients & customers allowed us to not only prove to the market how strong of a luxury real estate company we are but to have served them with highest & best in return.

Sisters with Superpowers

by AK | Apr 13, 2018 | Atlanta Sports & Entertainment Real Estate

Special Thanks to Rolling Out Magazine for the feature!

Check out the full Article on RollingOut’s website.

As a Black woman, what do you consider your superpower to be?

As a Black woman, I believe Black women have many superpowers. One of which is being Black. The true awareness of that is one superpower that I sincerely value. However, another superpower is knowing and understanding that any other superpower begins through me. That has helped me become dependent on my own strength, resources in life and business.

What key skills or qualities make you unique as an African American female leader?

Always wanting to see others win and succeed.

What thoughtful or encouraging piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Stand firm on Romans 8:28: because all things including good and bad will ultimately work for your good.

Why is it important for women of color to lead or work in leadership roles and decision-making capacities?

It is important for women of color to lead in leadership and decision making capacities because if we have to see people who look like us succeeding at the highest and best capacity to really believe it’s possible. Before I started my own brokerage, I had the pleasure of working under another brokerage owner who is a woman of color. I’d just left a corporate job at IBM as a large enterprise consultant in the late ’90s. I learned very early from corporate that you have to give to get. I asked the Broker if I could volunteer without pay to serve her team in a capacity they could utilize as a new licensee. She agreed and the rest is history. I knew that establishing my own brokerage was possible.

How do you feel about the hashtag #CollaborationOverCompetition?

I adore that. Women supporting women is not just a trend. It’s a mission among like-minded businesswomen. We have to get over ourselves. What’s for you is for you and that’s it. As long as your adding value, the universe will make room for you.

Visit Rolling Out for more the full Article. I hope this article inspires another woman to keep thriving to be the highest & best version of themselves.

Top 25 Women of Atlanta

by AK | Aug 16, 2017 | Angel Knight, Atlanta Ga Real Estate, Atlanta Sports & Entertainment Real Estate

(Article Brief on RollingOut.com)

What is your role at said organization/company?

I’m Founder of Diamond Realty Brokers, a residential & commercial real estate agency based in Atlanta, Ga & licensed throughout the southeast.

In addition to residential sales, my Firm has consulted & managed over 4100 Real Property Assets totaling nearly $300 Million from Multi Family, Senior Housing, LIHTC Properties, Single Family Corporate Portfolios, REIT’s & Commercial Real Estate.

Educational Background: I studied at Tennessee State University & obtained a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology at Georgia State University.

I also hold multiple real estate brokerage licenses in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina & South Carolina.

What qualifications prepared me for this job?

A combination of qualifications prepared me for this job in addition to obtaining multiple real estate licenses. Before I received my real estate license, I was a Large Enterprise Consultant with IBM Corporation in the late 90’s. The business development & technology skills I gained were very essential to my sustainability in the real estate industry. It prepared me for this digital age. Our team consulted Fortune 500 companies on technology solutions, which at the time was innovative e-commerce technology so I am able to understand the value technology brings to my real estate business. Instead of resisting technological changes, I welcome it. Being found online by millions of people doesn’t happen by chance. It happens by target marketing & not being afraid of technological advances. Those qualifications help my firm to be the #1 searched real estate firm in a number of markets. When real estate meets technology it creates a significant more affordable platform for scalability versus other marketing & advertising platforms.

What are your thoughts on being a powerful woman?

We have philosophical, human & intellectual stake in power. We give birth to power so we may as well own it. Harriet Tubman said she could have freed more slaves if they knew they were slaves. I believe successful women can empower other women if women truly know they are powerful.

What are the three most important factors of being a successful woman?

Having defined principles for your faith, family & finances.

What works for your family dynamics may not work for someone else. You have to find that rhythm that works for you. Move in that direction & stay the course. When the rhythm changes, find the notes that fit that workflow so that your family life will have harmonic balance.

I do believe we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Exercising your faith muscle is key for spiritual & financial growth. Which leads to my third principle. Having defined principles for your finances is an important factor for being a successful woman.

Only you know where you want to be financially. Create a 1,3 & 5 year blue print of what financial success looks like to you not someone else. Articulate that to a financial advisor or your banker & commit to the work that will allow your financial vision to manifest.

6. How can women increase their income?

Invest in yourself & your brand. Develop a blue print for where you want to be & set goals over a timeline so that you can hold yourself accountable. Do your own research & don’t be afraid to ask others that have been where you want to be. Discover how you can monetize what you love to do. Learn how to keep your overhead & risks low so that your return can be maximized. Consider hiring a business consultant that can help you learn how to be a sustainable successful business owner. Women can find out more about how to increase their income on my website at http://angelknightceo.com

Who or what motivates you & why?

My faith motivates me to inspire aspiring female entrepreneurs. The 9 to 5 life does not always align with every family dynamic. Many women & mothers are settling for a life that is less than what they had hoped. Staring my own real estate agency over a decade ago was a result of not wanting to settle even as a single mom. Apart of my life’s mission is to leave a stable financial legacy for not just my son by for his children’s children, that motivates me. The real estate industry was the hardest hit industry during the economic recession & my real estate agency survived when less that 2% of Real Estate Agency’s are minority & women owned according to the National Association of Realtors. Victories don’t happen by accident. I believe victories happen so that you can help someone else become victorious. I basically grew up as a fatherless daughter, yet my childhood mentor was Vernon Winfrey, Oprah Winfrey’s father. I don’t believe that happened by chance but by faith.

What advice do you wish to offer women that are seeking a similar career path?

After obtaining a real estate license, create a business plan for business development, marketing & transaction management. Incorporate real estate technology into simplifying your day to tasks. Time is money so go paperless. You’ll make a return on your time by going paperless with e-signing documents & using secure cloud based systems for internal processes. Utilizing cloud based technology allows you to work from anywhere in the world so your not tied down to an office. This will allow you to build a business around the lifestyle you desire instead of building a life around your business. In other words, my family life is the central hub without that principle, your chakras won’t be balanced & you’ll be constantly trying to balance life, work & play.

Invest a portion of your time in various continuing education courses for real estate to become an expert in your market. Obtaining a real estate license only gives you the right to practice real estate it doesn’t teach you how to develop business, market or even sell real estate. There are enough people with a real estate license but not enough professionals that invest time in becoming an expert. Know that no one is going to build your business but you. Brokers may give you the tools & training resources that you need but you have to use the tools & be coachable to get trained. You have to be self motivated to be self employed no matter what industry. If you treat your profession like a business, you’ll be at the beginning of a sustainable real estate career.

Words of wisdom or favorite quote?

Have enough faith to take your journey to financial freedom even if you have to build your wings on the way down ~ Angel Knight