Archives of real estate blog entries for October 15, 2006

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Preparing the Prelisting Packet - Part 1 - 05:45 PM
How much time do you dedicate to preparing your pre-listing package? Do you wait until the day before or are you so eager for the listing that you don’t take the time to prepare an accurate CMA by scheduling the presentation the same day? Allow at least 3 – 4 days to refresh your knowledge of the area and prepare the presentation. Allow time for editing, photos and calculations. (This will vary by market and is up to the agent) Just don't do a rush job on the presentation. If canned works for you then use it. If you have different … (23 comments)

Teenagers and empty houses... - 11:57 PM
A few months ago I sold a home, sight unseen to California buyers.  They had visited the Denver metro area, and fell in love with a certain neighborhood.  At first it looked like we were going to purchase an existing new home, but the on site broker made it too hard to do business with her, so we killed the contract.
The buyers knew they loved the neighborhood, so that was half of the decision.  They noticed a resale home for sale and asked me to go photograph it.  I did. 
From the photos they decided to buy it, sight  unseen.  All went well, … (32 comments)

Ouch! The Media Bite..I want to read,"Okay, Everyone It's Okay to Buy Again" - 01:24 PM
So, here we are... real estate professionals, buyers and sellers and all the people maybe thinking about becoming a potential realtor, buyer or seller, and some of us, at least in my region, are sitting on our hands waiting for something to "happen" in the real estate market. 
Now, I know most people are not ready or don't want to sell, buy and move. I am one of them now. But you just know there are people out there that are just waiting for "something" to happen... but what are people waiting for? Well, current sellers are waiting for someone to buy … (24 comments)

Builders ethics in a down market for new construction - 12:44 AM
Builders Ethics in a down market for new construction
By: Michael Thompson
SWFLREIA.com & New Century FL Realty
As an active investor I have had numerous people tell me horror stories about how they were "duped" by a builder and/or developer.  As a realtor, I take pride on not being "duped" because when I am so called "duped", then so is my client, or are they?
 I took a client to various builders in Cape Coral, FL.  As it was a busy market, a lot of builders flocked to this area to capitalize on the boom.  This brings the quality of builders reputation down, as more builders … (13 comments)

Humanizing a blog: how blogging is like bodybuilding - 02:32 PM
The art of humanizing and connecting with a reader through a blog OK, guys and dolls, let’s get into the meat of how to connect on a personal and human level with your audience in each post.  Blogging is a very personal media channel.  People want to learn more about you, your expertise and your life.  The rub is, they don’t want you to just come out and tell them about yourself.  You need to create a soap opera in your blog posts where you disclose personal things about yourself in small doses.  That way it makes people feel as though … (31 comments)

Re-Shaping Your Game..Technology & the 3 "L's" - 12:29 PM
 I'm getting ready to head into a slower time for my business, so I'm taking more time to look at my marketing plan, think about my future goals for next year etc. It's a good time to reflect, and re-touch on some basics, that we can all share, as business owners, and think about how to achieve those goals for next year~ There are 3 "L's" that I keep in mind:
Leads, Listings and Leverage
LEADS..REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE: Even as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant I use the Keller Williams 33 Touch (that John Novak blogged about) system of keeping in touch, and … (29 comments)

To The Crazy Ones! - 12:28 PM
I’m sitting in my office this morning… and yes it is Sunday. I have not worked a Sunday in many moons, but I was out all week with a family emergency and needed to get caught up.  I was feeling a little frustrated by all the changes and negativity in the real estate market and frankly a little sorry for myself.
Sometimes things change so dramatically that you just want to get off the merry go round.  Sometimes changes are so big that you think that can’t possibly be real!  It will never work!  Ideas are thrown out as unreasonable, unrealistic, … (26 comments)


Blog posts


DOGS IN THE OFFICE - 11:58 AM
 
 
If you have been reading my blogs or noticing my logo, you probably have guessed I am very fond of dogs.  Occasionally agents will bring their dog to work.  Lately, you will see an eight week old Chiuaua puppy running (maybe more like galloping) up and down the halls and into the offices.  She is so happy to see everyone and obviously knows she is too cute to ignore.  People cannot resist picking her up which delights her.  One other agent has the same kind of dog that she would bring in and he was equally entertaining.
You probably … (7 comments)

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TOMORROW? - 01:25 PM

Well, first there is let the dogs out, make the coffee, pour the juice and get the pills out  Then, there is go upstairs, to the office, and charge up "the key."
Get into the showerSay affirmationsTake Velvet to the vet to get spayed (10 min. away)Check the emailsSend out listingsCall my daughter and check on my grandson (since he recently got out of the hospital)Check blogs (20 min. max--SET TIMER Go back downstairs and find some breakfastPractice my scriptsGo back upstairs and call 25 prospects, past clients and sphere of influenceOrder the new marketing items I have been putting offFind that … (2 comments)

Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Strikes Hawaii--NEWS ALERT - 01:36 PM
I get new alerts that come to my email.  This just was sent to me from the KIROTV Newsroom:  POSTED: 11:06 am PDT October 15, 2006UPDATED: 11:19 am PDT October 15, 2006<!--startindex-->HONOLULU -- An earthquake measuring 6.3 shook the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday morning, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.It happened at 7:07 a.m. off the Waikoloa coast on the Big Island, according to scientists at the PTWC.Kona appears to have taken the brunt of the quake. Kona Community Hospital reported structural damage and multiple landslides were reported on the Hamakua Highway, officials said.The quake knocked out power to all of … (1 comments)

Rain In Central Texas - 01:09 PM
So it is raining today.  What's the big deal?  Much of Texas has been in its worst drought in 50 years.  We had rain in the Austin area about a week ago.  Parts of the area saw up to 3 or more inches.  It was the kind of all day event that has rain actually soaking into the ground rather than running off into rivers and lakes.  I hope the storm of today and tomorrow give us widespread, heavy rain.  The lakes really need it.  Lake Travis, west of Austin, is about 36 feet low right now. 
… (2 comments)

Buyers prepare to purchase in today market - 11:23 AM
 
In a Seller Market, a buyer has to have every document ready, prepare beyond other buyers bid, and hope that alone will be enough to get an offer accepted.  For example, last year (2004-2005) multiple-offers is common.  In order for buyer to purchase a home he or she has to have pre-approved letter, write a personal letter to the seller explaining why you want the seller property, and often time no contingency on the offer.  Not to add, you over bid the asking price, and does this sound familiar.
In today market, inventory is plenty, and homes are on the … (0 comments)

Your Blog Is Bait - 02:29 PM
Blogging regularly?
Got good readership?
Staying on topic?
All the elements of a success seem to be in place, why am I still not generating any leads?
Your blog is the bait,  not the service.  Click the link to learn how you can convert solid traffic into a regular lead generator over at the Tomato.   
… (3 comments)

Las Vegas Renaissance Fair - 01:50 PM
This weekend is the annual Las Vegas Renaissance fair at Sunset Park. The Age of Chivalry fair started this Friday and ends Sunday. Tickets are $10 per day for adults and $5 for seniors and children. If you have never been to one, they are a lot of fun. Its probably your only chance to see real craftsmen at work. Quite a few different vendors often make their wares during the festival, so you can see how its done. Every year here in Las Vegas they have different live performers as well of celtic music.  There are tons of things for … (0 comments)

Another member contest - 03:08 PM
Membership on Active Rain has now exceeded 7,200 people at the time of this writing. Congrats!  I know we've had a contest to guess the number of new members before (September), but how about if we have another one?  There were quite a few entries, although some members did try to enter after the contest was closed to new entries. This time instead of guessing the number of members before the end of the month or next month, how about guessing when the network will hit 10,000 members? I think its a good number because its kind of a milestone.
So … (3 comments)

Urban Village - 04:15 PM
This mixed use project was originally announced in early 2005 during a high point in the Las Vegas market. At that time, even the name urban village was a buzz word for a trendy place to live. In 2006, the project was considering closing down due to rising costs and other economic factors. The project received new life when Centex stepped in and bought it.
Urban Village is now being developed by Centex Destination Properties, the second home and resort community development arm of Texas based home builder Centex.  The residential portion of Urban Village, called the Brownstones, will offer condos … (1 comments)

Oops, did I p*$$ it away? - 11:15 AM
Anyone remember that old real estate cartoon?  The agent in the carton is praying "Dear God, please send one more real estate boom, and I promise not to p*ss it away this time."
I wondering, when the market turns up again, where will our industry be?  Will we all be doing flat fee deals, and buyer rebates?   Following Redfin's example?  Mesmerized by Bloodhound's Swann Song?
If so, I probably should have made some better investment decisions with the checks from the last boom.  'Cause everyone might be bringing much sharper pencils to the next one.
… (0 comments)

Realtor.com former CEO headed to jail - 07:52 AM
I was reading my real estate news this morning to learn that the former CEO of Move.com (a/k/a Realtor.com) is going to jail for 15 years. The charges were much the same as the Arthur Anderson Accounting firm and Enron.  Cooking the books. Below is the article.
Ex-Homestore CEO gets 15-year sentenceLOS ANGELES -- Oct. 13, 2006 -- The founder and former chief executive of online real estate listings company Homestore Inc. was sentenced Thursday to a 15-year prison term and ordered to pay a $5 million fine for his part in a scheme to defraud investors.
Stuart Wolff, 43, was convicted in … (1 comments)

Conspiracy? new FREC advertising policy - 08:47 AM
Earlier this year the FREC (Florida Real Estate Commission) amended the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) to require that all advertising (including business cards & yard signs) contain the name and phone contact of the broker. The rule went into effect in August 2006.  However, its’ enforcement has been delayed until later this month after FREC conducts and educational workshop. 
On the FAR website planetrealtor.com there have been a few associates crying broker conspiracy theories. Below is the thread up to date which includes my eventual reply. Other comments from this forum are invited to join in. 
… (5 comments)

Real Estate Buying and Selling, Is it Seasonal? - 11:21 PM
I've heard once or twice from my manager as well as my broker that we are probably going to see one more big "push" or increase of business before the end of the year both on the buy and sell side. This being due largely in part to clients having an eagerness to 'wrap things up' before the Holidays.
Does this sound true to you fellow AR members?
Is there, like in other business cases (dining establishments) a seasonality to our business?
I'm looking forward to this because with this "push" coming, it will also be the end of my first year as a licensed … (1 comments)

Favorite four-letter "F" word - 08:09 PM
You remember what I just said about luck?  Well Friday the 13th was another lucky day – and I got to spend time with a good friend.  The dynamo from Arizona, Joeann Fossland, was in Baltimore for a school reunion.  When I found out she was coming to town, I said "You have to come speak at my Coldwell Banker office!" 
Now Joeann could talk about dozens of topics, but this time it was the NAR's online e-PRO certification program aimed at helping Realtors raise their level of technology understanding and use. I took the program and got the e-PRO designation … (5 comments)

Sunday stories - 07:59 AM
Just recieved another wonderful Dr. Gross story and wanted to share it with you all.  Touching as usual but it reminds us that we need to remember our friendly competition.  Dr. Fred as he is known to many is a terrific personal coach and you can see all the wonderful things he offers at his website.  http://www.drfredgrosse.com/boutique/index.html  His spirit is contagious and he is always a delight to listen to so don't miss the opportunity if you ever get the chance.  Now here is the story I promised called The Two Tenors, compliments of Dr. Fred.
  
THE TRUE STORY OF  TWO TENORS
THIS … (1 comments)

Fall Foliage - 08:09 AM

I wrote a blog about the fall foliage and was so delighted with the response that my husband and I decided to fly up to Ct. and take a look.  So today we started our journey and thanks to another AR blogger Linda Davis for the great tip she sent to us about day drives at  great ideas and we are looking forward to a picture like those that many of you sent to us!  Crisp fall day, sunshine and beautiful scenery.  You all were right there are some breathtaking views.
… (5 comments)

Sunday in Ct - 08:14 AM
Not much time today to spend on AR as our journey continues and it is a bit awkward using the tablet in the car.  Now that is dedication.  Krystal is in Albq. at the balloon festival and we are on the other side of the country enjoying all the red, yellows and orange colors of fall.  Of course we didn't get started until after the wonderful brunch at the Marriott...if I had to blog on the service it would get great remarks and as Sharon Simms said Marriott is watching for the comments posted.  Thanks to my other business the travel … (10 comments)

Happy Birthday to me! - 09:19 AM
Dear Active Rain Members/Friends,
October 15, 2006:
Today is my Birthday.  I received a Happy Birthday wish from a few of you on Myspace, thanks so much.  I also received a few happy birthday emails from you as well, thank you.
Getting older and older while the market and the weather keep getting colder and colder.
Your Birthday Man,
Nima
http://www.MyNima.com
CT Mortgage Man, Connecticut's top ranked loan officer on Active Rain!
… (6 comments)

UConn beats Army - 09:33 AM
Dear A/R Friends,
It is 10:27am, October 15, 2006, and I am finally home from an excellent day of tailgating in East Hartford, Connecticut and Danbury, CT.
The day started out with tailgating at 8:00am for the UConn Football game.  The game was at 12 and it was a very enjoyable game as the Huskies beat the Black Knights 21-7.  Winning is everything and a win over Army was definitely a treat.  After the game we tailgated for about another 2 hours.
During the whole entire day I handed out about 7 business cards.  Had some great conversations about real estate … (3 comments)

No Open House Hopping for me today! - 09:38 AM
Dear Active Rain Members,
I usually like to not bar hop but open house hop on Sundays here in Fairfield, Connecticut and sometimes the surrounding towns to just visit an open house and meet the realtor(s) that are there.  This is the only time I enjoy meeting new realtors as I refuse to visit random real estate offices because that is not my style.
Today is my Birthday and I will be taking a break from open house hopping!
Time to spend some time with the family today and watch some great American football.
My favorite game today is New York … (4 comments)

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