Archive of today's real estate blog entries

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Ten Common Real Estate Abbreviations Explained - 04:54 AM
Ten Common Real Estate Abbreviations Explained. As a real estate professional I deal with the terminology and language of my business everyday. I work with terms and language that people outside of the industry aren't familiar with. Here are the definitions for ten commonly used real estate abbreviations.
HOA...This stand for home owners association, or common interest community as our Colorado State contracts call it.
MLS...Multiple listing service. This is where your agent will submit your listing so other real estate professionals in the same MLS can see your property pictures and details such as bedroom and bathroom count.
CMA...Comparative market analysis. … (61 comments)

Oh my that photo looks VERY familiar. Intellectual property rights. - 06:54 PM
I was waiting in my real estate office for a client to arrive and so to kill some time I grabbed a magazine that was on the conference tables.
It’s a familiar slick color periodical that features things to do and see in Atlanta. It is designed primarily for people relocating to the area.
As I thumbed through the magazine I was struck by a photo of Starr’s Mill that was very similar to one that I had taken several years ago.
Upon further scrutiny, I realized that it was not just SIMILAR to my photo:
It WAS my photo.
Quickly … (15 comments)

Customers do come back...if you stay top of mind - 04:15 AM
Over the last month or two, I've been blessed with some "blasts from the past"...several customers from 4-5 yrs ago. 
 
The first one I met 5 years ago at a Chamber of Commerce.  She called me about some flooring 4.5 yrs ago, but was't quite ready.  Over the years I ran into her at a couple of chamber events (interestly, neither of us are members any more).  We were also connected on LinkedIn (where I post daily updates).  A few months ago, she emailed me (via LinkedIn) and said, "we are almost ready."  Words I love to hear.  She … (35 comments)

Want to Sell Your Home in the Greater San Antonio TX Area? Have a Heart Help Out a Homeless Listing Agent - 05:59 AM
Want to Sell Your Home in the Greater San Antonio TX Area?  Have a Heart Help Out a Homeless Listing Agent
  I have just put my last Greater San Antonio TX home for sale under contract.  I am now officially a Homeless Listing Agent.  This is not good for the economy at all.  Homes that I have put on the market in the past 120 days are all Sold or currently under contract...   It's terrific news and all that these San Antonio TX Homes for Sale are selling so quickly.  Sellers are happy, and I am happy!  The pricing strategies and expert … (26 comments)

Top Ten Ways to Prepare for Competitive Offers - 05:28 PM
Top Ten Ways to Prepare for Competitive Offers If you're buying a house in today's turbulent market - you'll likely be competing with other buyers for the same narrow inventory of available properties.  If you you want to actually be competitive, here are a few things to prepare for.
10.  Be prepared to act quickly!  Those who are able to act quickly to submit an offer have a substantial advantage.  These buyers have likely already lost out on a couple of other properties because they hadn't been prepared to compete and have used valuable time to learn their lesson.  Do … (11 comments)

I Was Paid for My 1,000,000 Points - 09:17 AM

 
 
This is not my first million.  I've sold millions of dollars worth of real estate.  I earned my first million in real estates commissions years ago, but today marks the first time in my life I've earned 1,000,000 points.  These points cannot be traded for air travel, nor will Macy's or Nordstrom's accept them in trade for a new wardrobe.  So what is their value? 
 
These points helped me develop a strong blogging habit.  From my very first post I totally bought into the "write and reward" system.  There were times when I was discouraged and questioned whether this … (114 comments)

Without Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?? Go Find The Money To Lend. HA! - 05:16 AM
THE SECONDARY MARKET PROVIDED BY FANNIE/FREDDIE. 
Be careful what you ask for!!!
The secondary market provided by Fannie/Freddie have been crutial to the real estate industry and the economy of the United States.
The failures of Fannie/Freddie was not due to a systemic failure of their MISSION, to provide liquidity for mortgage originators. 
This post inspired by Conrad Allen in 58.7 BILLION DOLLAR PROFIT BY FANNIE MAE
THE FAILURES OF FANNIE/FREDDIE (IMO) WAS CAUSED DIRECTLY BY:
POLITICAL CRONYISM (Franklin Raines),
Perfidy of the Wall Street Gangs(Securitization of Mortgage Backed Securities),
Perfidy of the Credit Rating Agencies (Credit … (25 comments)

On The Eighth Day God Made A REALTOR - 11:22 AM
Too often prospects or even real estate clients QUESTION the big bucks (or mediocre bucks) real estate agents make going out on limbs for them all the time and them not seeing what is going on behind the scenes. It can truly be feast or famine, highly rewarding or even a thankless job depending on the day of the week or the time of the day. Paul Harvey, with his famous REST OF THE STORY tone, spins an account how GOD made a REALTOR, and if no one else knows how great they are, GOD DOES....

… (29 comments)

What is a “Value-Added” Service ? - 01:15 PM

The interpretation of everyday words is the simple task of understanding what the words mean. Sometimes when words are collected together the interpretation may not be as easy. 
As an example, if we think of the word “camel”, that’s easy! If we think of the word “leopard”, that’s easy too! But what about if the words are combined…into “cameleopard” – a completely different identity!!! 
Value-added service to clients is not complicated…REALTORS® and professional salespeople of other products always try to set themselves apart from the everyday competition so their name comes to mind as soon as a specific subject comes … (9 comments)

How NOT to sell or influence people - 07:15 AM
 
How NOT to sell or influence people
 
 
I was somewhat amused to hear my assistants account of a sales call she took this afternoon.  A guy was calling   that wanted to connect directly with me, which quite frankly isn't going to happen while I'm busy with clients or in meetings or maybe not at all if they're selling stuff.  She politely asks what the phone call is regarding and asks for a contact number.
 
When she asked the gentleman salesperson what he was calling about he informed her it was about advertising. Well, she said, Anna sets her advertising budget at the end of … (47 comments)

Google and Now Apple Taking a Bite out of a Tasty Sandwich - 05:43 AM
With the current congressional investigation asking Apple about it taxes I thought everyone might like to reread this posting about Google and It’s tax strategies. Apple is doing the same thing which is often called the “Double Irish” and “Dutch Sandwich”
Twenty years ago, “googol” was an obscure math concept - the number one followed by a hundred zeros. Today, Google the company is the world’s leader in online search, “cloud” computing, and advertising.  Google recruits top computer talent to fuel growth. And the brainpower pays off – Google earned $10.8 billion in 2010 alone.  With that sort of income in … (20 comments)

Using Print Marketing - A Plan - 04:33 AM
  Using Print Marketing - A Plan There are a vast number of different types of print marketing available to real estate agents today.  But many of them have become less and less effective, while often the costs associated with them have gone up.  In my area, the thick glossy real estate magazines of 2004 are now down to just 10 to 20 pages and our return on costs is very poor.  I've discontinued advertising in magazines.  
The real estate section of the local newspaper has also shrunk considerably while prices have increased considerably.  I don't pay to directly advertise … (35 comments)

ESCALATION CLAUSES CAN BEAT THE PACK – DON’T RUSH - 05:40 AM
 
HOT MARKET? ESCALATION CLAUSES CAN BEAT THE PACK If you’re moving up to a market where home sellers routinely receive multiple offers, you may want to include an escalation clause in your purchase offer. The clause stipulates that you will top any other buyer’s offer by a specified amount, say $500 or $1,000, up to a set ceiling, such as $20,000 over asking price.
From a negotiation perspective, it may not be prudent to place the escalation clause in the original offer, signaling a willingness to pay more than the stated offer for the property. Instead, you may want to … (23 comments)

We Are Only The Middle Men...and Women - 05:59 AM
Why do some real estate agents feel the need to yell at their follow colleagues when something goes wrong during the transaction?  I can understand their frustration, but what does the yelling accomplish?
We Don't Have Magical Powers I always find it interesting when I'm in the middle of a transaction and I have to deliver news of a delay, be it a title issue or lender issue,  the agent on the receiving end seems to think it's my fault.  As if I somehow have magical control over how fast a file comes out of Underwriting.  As real estate agents we simply … (34 comments)

58.7 BILLION DOLLAR PROFIT BY FANNIE MAE - 03:56 AM
This happened during the first quarter of this year.  Fannie & Freddie borrowed about 187 million tax payer dollars in 2008 to stay in business.  Fannie & Freddie guarantee almost 90% of all new mortgages in this new rising market.  In this booming real estate market they are making money hand over fist. 
The key to profitablilty for Fannie and Freddie is the lack of foreclosures.  If there are no losses to the lenders then there are no losses to Fannie & Freddie.  The lenders are being charged higher premiums for the loan guarantees.  Of course this now translates into higher income.  So with … (36 comments)

ActiveRain Class of Oct 2009 - A Fun Place to Visit - 05:07 AM
 
ActiveRain Class of Oct 2009 - A Fun Place to Visit
 
I made a discovery a couple of weeks back while looking at a post I did Oct, 2011.  I went to the archives on the right, picked out the month,  and scrolled to look at all my posts for that month (I couldn’t remember what title/tags I used). As I reached the bottom, there was a link I had never noticed before: New Members of Oct  2011. Clicking on it took me to a page showing everyone who had signed up then.
 
 So, of course, I had … (51 comments)

Block Showings In Order To Double End? - 09:17 AM

The housing market in the north Dallas is on fire. Homes are selling in hours. Sadly this type of market brings out the worst in some agents.
I had some out of town buyers looking for homes in Allen. A new listing came on the market and we tried to schedule a showing only to find that the listing was not with the showing service (the MLS instructions were to call the service). I called and texted the agent in order to set up a showing--no response. I even called his team leader trying to get some assistance--no return call. … (103 comments)

Say what? - 05:28 AM
I have seen things in my years that have disturbed me, made me wonder, or just plain befuddled me. I am getting to the age where I can start to say I may not have seen everything, but I have seen a bunch. Well, yesterday was a new one for me.
I have been struggling to contact a lender for my buyer for weeks. I don't think a single phone call I have left with this Nationally based lender has ever been returned. On top of this, I believe this lender is either completely inept or has committed a form of … (33 comments)

Referrals Are Like Rabbits - They Multiply - 01:24 AM
Referrals Are Like Rabbits - They Multiply
Generating referrals is an important part of any marketing plan. Finding meaningful ways to stay in contact with clients is a key ingredient to the success of any referral program.
One of the easiest ways to touch base is to create a monthly message. Every month of the year provides an opportunity of one sort or another:  happy holiday of the month; reminder to file for your Homestead Exemption in the State of Texas, list of local holiday activities, neighborhood CMAs for the purpose of protesting property tax values, etc.
My favorite way of staying in touch with clients … (11 comments)

Review Comprehensive Plans Before Your Next Relo Buyer Meeting - 03:01 AM
… (2 comments)


Blog posts


My Call From Moore Oklahoma - 09:37 AM
My Call From Moore Oklahoma
Yesterday I went home for lunch and as I was getting back into my truck to head to work my cell rang. My brother said, “I Just wanted to let you know I am OK.” I had no idea what he was talking about, so he went on to tell me about the Tornado. He heard they were coming and rushed home to Moore to try and find his grand kids, who he knew were getting out of school. He told me he was heading down the 35 and people were pulling over to shelter, but … (4 comments)

Dear Mr. Home Seller. Has your agent actually seen your home? - 01:59 PM
Dear Mr. Home Seller. Has your agent actually seen your home?
Every once in a while I will see a home listed by an out of the area agent. I wonder why people would list their home with someone from out of the area.  I guess maybe the agent is a family member or a friend.  But is that agent really doing the best thing for that home seller? Does he know the neighborhood, or the local market?
One of my buyer clients asked if he could see a listing here in Turlock.  The listing agent is 100 miles away … (3 comments)

Waiting For The Answer. Are They 100 Percent Sure? - 08:46 PM
 
Waiting For The Answer.
Are They 100 Percent Sure? 
 

Waiting For The Answer.
Are They 100 Percent Sure? 
I love to list and I love to list special homes...not just Clone-onials. Today I met a potential seller and am waiting for the answer to this question:
 Are You 100% Sure You Want to List With Me ?
Until I get that positive answer, I decided to share one photograph as a teaser. This home is even done in shades of my favorite color.
 
Waiting For The Answer.
Are They 100 Percent Sure? 
 

 
 
 
 
 
… (1 comments)

26436 Sweetbriar Trail - 03:27 PM
… (0 comments)

Anchorage Festival of Flowers 2013 - 01:18 PM
Spring is in the air.  The birds are chirping and the flowers are blossoming.  It's time for the Anchorage Festival of Flowers 2013!
On Saturday, June 1st, 2013, Town Square Park in Anchorage will be holding its annual Festival of Flowers from 11am to 6pm.  This free community festival turns Anchorage into the "City of Flowers" for at least one day this year.  Master gardeners will be on hand to impart their gardening wisdom to the masses.  Find out how you can create a visual masterpiece with your own home flower garden.  You can purchase buds to bring home and plant … (0 comments)

Is The Buzz Back? - 03:06 PM
 
Is the Buzz Back…   Charlotte is Buzzing about the latest news suggesting the return of the Charlotte Hornets. Rumor has it that Michael Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, will make the major announcement during a press conference scheduled to take place this evening at 6:00pm. Fans across the Carolinas are thrilled with the idea of our beloved Charlotte Hornets’ return. For those of us who remember, everything regarding the Charlotte Hornets is absolutely fabulous. The colors are awesome, the support is huge, and the spirit of the Hornets is still in full effect! Whether or not this dream … (0 comments)

Relaxing Privacy Soothes You Inside And Out - 01:14 PM

… (0 comments)

"We Know it's Not Your First Rodeo...." Commented the Buyer - 04:43 AM
   Sometimes Buyers do choose you as an agent because you are the listing agent.  The "argument" from a listing agent is often that the listing agent is working for the Seller so the Buyer should choose someone else to represent them.
   The reasoning from a consumer may be...that the listing agent knows the house better...though a selling agent can certainly learn through observation and inspection by professionals all that they can about a house.  There are those buyers who believe too that they will undoubtedly (?)get a "better deal" if they deal directly with the listing agent.
    We … (10 comments)

Super Nice Apple Valley Lake Home For Sale at 216 Terrace View North - 05:46 AM
Attractive Apple Valley Lake home that features desirable upgrades and some very nice enhancements, gorgeous custom Amish oak kitchen cabinetry, convenient main level laundry, private master bedroom and master bath, this floor plan has a nice and open design with a great sized living room that adjoining the dining and kitchen area.  This is an impressive home and the price is right at $110,000.  For more listing information and details such as the lot and subdivision location at the Apple Valley Lake be sure to click on this link and visit 216 Terrace View North at the Apple Valley Lake in … (2 comments)

14970 Indian Hills Road - 06:38 AM
14970 Indian Hills Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale
Knox County Ohio homes with acreage and larger lots.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (0 comments)

05.21.13, Charles Stallions Report, 32514, Pensacola Homes For Sale - 05:14 AM
05.21.13, Charles Stallions Report, 32514, Pensacola Homes For Sale
 
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05.21.13, Charles Stallions Report, 32514, Pensacola Homes For Sale


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05.21.13, Charles Stallions Report, 32504, Pensacola Homes For Sale - 05:51 AM
05.21.13, Charles Stallions Report, 32504, Pensacola Homes For Sale
 
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05.21.13, Charles Stallions Report, 32504, Pensacola Homes For Sale
 
 
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05.21.2013, Charles Stallions Report, 32514, Pensacola Homes For Sale - 06:52 AM
05.21.2013, Charles Stallions Report, 32514, Pensacola Homes For Sale
 
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The Ultimate Home Seller's Checklist! - 05:44 PM
As a Broker/ coach I am sharing this checklist by Chrissy Doremus of Chantilly, VA which will work for any office or agent. Take and closer look and let us know what you use and please feel free to share.
Via Chrissy Doremus ~ U.S. Inspect ~ Home Inspections (U.S. Inspect):
There are many resources out there for preparing the home for sale and making open houses as welcoming as possible. There are even popular television shows like, Designed to Sell, which help home sellers learn about staging techniques. But this checklist is a unique guide for home sellers and their agents about ways … (0 comments)

After The Negotiations - Home Seller Checklist - 05:50 PM
As a Broker/ coach here is a Sellers CHecklist from Debe Maxwell  of Charlotte, NC, follow along as she shares with us several great points on the before and after negotiations for the sellers has started. I, emailed this to my agents and an office manager friend of mine. This is great stuff.
Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):
Charlotte Home Seller Checklist In the heat of selling your Charlotte NC home, the tedious task of selecting a new one, and then the excitement following all of the negotiations, here are a … (0 comments)

Avalon N.J. Real Estate Market Sales Update as of May 21, 201 - 08:28 AM
 

Single Family Homes Now For Sale in Avalon N.J. as of  May 21,2013
There are now 134 single family homes for sale in Avalon as of May 21 2013.  
http://capemay.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=376e5b1a-74c8-4c74-ae4b-21fdd3f013d8&Report=Yes
Average list price: $ 2,544,190 Average days on Market: 311
There are now 21 Single Family Avalon Homes Now Under Contract with average list price of  $1,120,422
http://capemay.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=742382a2-a305-4fc3-9aff-595a0ee8f84a&Report=Yes
Average list price: $1,426,090
Average Days On Market=229    
119 single family homes SOLD in Avalon since May 20, 2013
http://capemay.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=3740a22a-fd2a-4e57-afdc-72002aeb866a&Report=Yes
Average List price was $1,694,248 Average SOLD price was $1,546,723 Average days on market =  263 days
Avalon … (0 comments)

CO Home Inspections and Mortgage Underwriting webinar at 9:00 - 05:44 AM
How does this work????  Now the lender sees the home inspection issues.... Like underwriting isn't hard enough already?
Colorado Realtors earn 2 CE Credits by Webinar!  No more ambiguous non-answers or closing delays!  Join us and we will explain exactly how to easily navigate this new home inspection resolution process, so you are fully prepared with solutions for every situation you come across.
The webinar starts at 9:00 this morning!
Register Here:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/189642368
… (1 comments)

By Local Agent-Dighton Real Estate Market Trends for Sellers-Buyers - 04:24 AM
By Local Agent-Dighton Real Estate Market Trends for Sellers-Buyershttp://southeastmahomes.com  call or text Lori Lincoln Team 508-878-0917 (Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Dighton MA)
 

 
 
Currently- as of May 21, there are 46 Single Family homes on the market. In the last 30 days- 6 single family  homes have sold and 13 are currently under contract.  Based on the current number we can determine what type of market we are in. We take the number ofhomes on the market and divide it by 19 is 2.6 months supply of inventory. For May 2013, we are in a … (0 comments)

Buyer-I don't like the Online Pictures Let's Skip that Home - 11:06 AM
Real Estate market through out the country is insane and buyers are bidding up. However working with a tech savvy background has its own down side. I was working with a very young energetic couple. After initial consulation and browsing homes they immediately knew what they were looking for in their new home.
The wife would eliminate any listings that pictures were not pretty. I told on few of them it may be worth it. However she deattached and made an immediate judgement about the home and did not want to see.
After few times I told her I will meet … (0 comments)

What your Homeowner's Insurance Might Not Cover - 05:56 AM
9 Things Your Homeowner’s Insurance Might Not Cover  

 
BrightNest is a free site that provides tools and tips to homeowners to help them save money, get organized and keep their homes in great shape. Sign up for a free BrightNest account today!
With homeowners insurance (or any insurance for that matter), you’re really paying for peace of mind – comfort in knowing that life’s curveballs won’t become insurmountable problems.
However, those curveballs come in many shapes and sizes, and sometime they can exceed the limits of a standard homeowners policy.
Here are nine things that a standard policy may not cover. If … (0 comments)

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