Archives of real estate blog entries for October 20, 2006

Featured blog posts


The Bloggers Bible - 08:13 PM
The following information is just too rich to keep to myself. I also think that writing helps the mind digest ideas, or something like that. Anyway, Blog Guru Vincent Maher, a journalism lecturer at Rhodes University, has created a list of eleven guidelines that successful bloggers should follow.
As a former journalist, I found Vincent Maher’s commentary on journalism vis-à-vis blogging to be a real mind grabber. He compares the two writing vehicles and concludes that “the blogger is more like a community manager, than a writer in the greater scheme of things.” I immediately thought of Active Rain’s Maureen Corps, Kristal … (43 comments)

When a house becomes a prison! - 06:50 PM
Today was one of those days that reminds me of why I do what I do. I am in Real Estate to help people. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can’t, but I can never stop trying. This is a true real life example of some of the problems our elderly have in this country. The names have been changed to protect my Sellers. So I’ll just call them, The Lovelys. Why? Because they are. They are lovely folks who will be turning 80 in January.
The Lovelys sold their house in NY and moved to Florida about 12 years ago. From … (49 comments)

Rankings Up, Traffic Down? Search Users are Getting Smarter - 09:57 AM
A real estate agent recently mentioned to me that even though he's still in the top of Google for common terms about his local real estate market, his traffic is down significantly. What would explain this? How could this be possible? All indications are that his market (a southwest US city) is growing rapidly and the number of new residents moving there is climbing faster than other cities.
One of the explanations that I’ve come to understand about search dynamics is that the general population of search engine users has changed significantly over the last 8 years – essentially consumers are now better conditioned and … (28 comments)

New Generation of Realtors Part 9:Buyer`s Agent sits on her arse! - 05:54 AM
We`re involved in an offer in which the buyers agent is related to the buyer.Since the beginning of the month, we`ve gone back and forth on this offer. The original closing date was scheduled for Nov. 7th,2006.After finalizing the "Offer", the Sellers and I re-write the offer, and fax the papers to the buyer`s agent who is brand spanking new! She doesn`t understand that her job is to get her nephew to initial and sign the papers so that the contract is executed. I called her several times during the day, and emailed her late last night!I finally got a call … (47 comments)

Why Realtors go out on their own.... - 04:59 AM
I have been in the real estate industry for 20 years. Like most, I have had some stellar years and, a few that I knew I could have done a lot better. For the first 12 years, I was part of four different large and well-established real estate companies in the Northern VA area. Since I generated a fair amount of business, the commission splits offered was generally competitive and acceptable. Since 2000, a number of new companies have come on line and done very well by offering higher splits or 100% after a monthly fee, no marketing compensation, some administrative … (41 comments)

The ONLINE Pre-Approval Nightmere - 09:53 AM
We have all seen the buyer or had a customer call and say they were pre-approved online! And all the bad thoughts start to run through your head because we all know the nightmere's that come with most online pre-approvals. These are a bunch of phones salemen who will give just about anyone a pre-approval becuase they play the odds, they get 50 calls this week and pre-approve all 50 and if they get 5 deals as a real deal and are able to close those 5 then great for them and their commission! For the other 45 deals who they … (19 comments)

What to expect from your website and how to measure success - 09:38 AM
Your website is an online storefront that needs traffic to drive leads and sales. Websites are marketing tools, just about every source on the World Wide Web agrees that the purpose of a website is to generate business through getting more “eyeballs” to see your product.    The web is the least expensive marketing channel available to real estate agents.  If your realty site isn’t searchable by Google, Yahoo!, MSN… or driving quality traffic and leads, you’re site isn’t working as a marketing or lead generation tool for you.  Fact is, you can’t build a personal relationship on the web with … (39 comments)

Joseph G. Ferrara and Rudolph D. Bachraty III, The Founders of Sellsius° - 08:58 AM

I had the pleasure of  "interviewing" the gentlemen and founders of SellsiusRealEstate.    There are alot of blogs that I read daily but there is one that continiously steps outside of the box.  They are responsible for the Top Ten Female Bloggers (which by the way was an honor), the 101 Blogging Challenge and inventing the word "UnZillowable".  I suspect that there will be more to come because they have alot of imagination between the two of them. 
So... without further ado.. (Drum roll please...)
Joseph G. Ferrara and Rudolph D. Bachraty III, The Founders of Sellsius°
1.)  You both have done … (13 comments)

RISK REDUCTION - 07:46 AM
A blog by Scott Daniels about a buyer's agent who refuses to get signatures from her buyer clients made me think of the many times our agents have been put in the same position. How far do you go to get the deal done??  In days past when everyone worked for the seller, it was easy and didn't really matter that much.  Of course, the growth of consumer actions, statutory protections for home buyers and buyer's agency is, I believe a direct result of some of the actions of agents and sellers with unrepresented home buyers.  Caveat emptor went way too … (6 comments)

Am I a salesman? - 11:03 PM
I have never liked high pressure salesman. They turn me off. I will go out of my way to not use them. I think car salesmen,  insurance salesmen, and mortgage salesmen are the worst. I make sure that as a real estate agent I do not pressure my clients. I want to work with my cliens - not pressure them.
I have a background of service to others. As a policeman and then an emergency 911 operator I was always helping others. My work as a teacher was just as rewarding - when my students became excited about learning something new I knew I … (15 comments)

"Is this unethical or misleading?" - 06:33 PM
I am one of thos kind of reators who does what their clients ask. Afterall, I work for them. My purpose is to represent their best interests.
So my Buyer's gave me a price range. They also wanted to look at waterfront properties. Their price range AND waterfront properties. This is where I put on my Big Bird suit and start singing, "One of these things is not like the others, One of these things just doesn't belong".... Their stated price range won't buy waterfront in our area. Well, maybe if they bought a smurf pool.
The guys a CFO. And he's got … (48 comments)

Print vs Online Marketing budgets - 11:54 AM
Until recently Print was the way to advertise homes, it was the only option. Then came along the internet, a fad that would die as many said. Well the fad has not died and at that it is the #1 place a buyer starts their home search.
CAR came out with some interesting stats from their member survey. Keep in mind that CA agents are likely more technology advanced on average than agents in your area so this might be slightly skewed.
Highlights of C.A.R.’s “2006 Use of Technology Survey” include:
40 percent of REALTORS®’ business was generated from the Internet in 2006, compared … (52 comments)


Blog posts


0nline Public Property Records Being Removed - 07:19 PM
News item: Effective October 9, 2006, King County (Washington) will remove all Deed of Trust Documents from the County Recorder’s Web site.
Possible identity theft is the main reason stated by the county. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 5,810 victims of identity theft were reported in Washington in 2005. The property deeds often include Social Security numbers, maiden names and other private data.
Here is the King County website page from which I excerpted portions (in quotes) of the linked word documents for the benefit of real estate professionals and consumers.
Impact on Title Companies and other Commercial Users
“…removing … (4 comments)

Dallas Area Foreclosures Reach Highs of the 1980s - 10:14 AM
This is scary.  I was only in elementary school in the 80's, so I don't remember what real estate was like, but I can imagine it was pretty bad since I've heard many times about the interest rates of the 80s being upwards in the high teens.  We moved to Texas in 1984, and when I sold that house about 5 years ago, I noticed my parents had assumed the loan in order to buy the house.  I guess assumptions were the main way to keep your rates low, though I can't believe they paid what they paid back then just … (4 comments)

Print vs Online Marketing budgets - 11:54 AM
Until recently Print was the way to advertise homes, it was the only option. Then came along the internet, a fad that would die as many said. Well the fad has not died and at that it is the #1 place a buyer starts their home search.
CAR came out with some interesting stats from their member survey. Keep in mind that CA agents are likely more technology advanced on average than agents in your area so this might be slightly skewed.
Highlights of C.A.R.’s “2006 Use of Technology Survey” include:
40 percent of REALTORS®’ business was generated from the Internet in 2006, compared … (52 comments)

Signage - 02:21 PM
Jacqui has been debating about investing in a custom signs for her listings. When she first joined Prudential they really pushed her to buy custom signs with her name, picture, etc on them. The generic Prudential signs have a rider holder on them, so you can hang whatever message you want from the bottom. I think one of the reasons that they wanted her to buy signs is the huge amount of turnover. Every real estate company goes through new agents like clockwork. I've talked to agents that have worked at almost every real estate company in town at one point … (2 comments)

Elections - 02:48 PM
Is it me, or does more strange stuff happen during an election year? I'm sure by now everyone is aware of the Foley scandal.  I think some heads should roll for allowing it to continue for so long when so many people knew about it. As voters we need to send a loud message that that is unacceptable. Nevada isn't immune to scandals though.  This year our County Recorder was arrested for selling information to home buying companies. She would tell them when properties were going into foreclosure, so they could swoop in and buy them up before any other company was even … (2 comments)

Halloween Hangman - 12:12 PM
This is off-topic, irrelevant, nonsense.  And it's a hoot!  Turn on your computer speakers, turn off your cell phone.   Click here to play … (4 comments)

Marco Island Beaches - 07:57 PM
Marco Island is not just know for it's spectacular sunsets.  There is a lot to do and enjoy on the beach, especially with a lovely breeze coming off the Gulf of Mexico, the sun out with few clouds to rain on the parade of activity up and down the beach.  All these photos were taken today October 20, 2006. There are children busily building sand castles in the sand, people are either sitting reading a good book, walking the beach for exercise, or searching for that perfect sea shell and an occasional fisherman looking to catch dinner for the evening. 
     … (3 comments)

Market Update - October 2006 - 08:50 PM
This is an update for three separate South End Condos, here on Marco Island as they all have had no real activity change since the last Market Update.
Camelot has two active listings with an average list price of $829,500 and average of 104 days on the market  Camelot is a boating community and you can read more about this community in previous BLOGS on CamelotMarguerita Club has four active listings with an average list price of $584,600 and 205 days on the market.  Like Camelot, Marguerita is a boating condo with low densityMutiny of Marco has four active listings with an average … (0 comments)

Chicken Coop $1,299,000 - Comes with Free Waterfront Home - 09:35 PM
Today I went on tour with our Board we call it Pitch Plus.  It was a small group today only 19 of us, but we all had an education and in the process we all had a great time together.  Today I pitched my Berkshire Lakes Property and we toured one of our office listings in South Seas Tower 4.  I was able to discuss with a showing agent one of my listings that he showed yesterday and help an agent with information regarding a property he was going to put an offer on in our office.  The information he needed … (4 comments)

"This Used To Be A Nice Place To Live" - Moving to the Country - 11:53 AM
Have you ever noticed how often people move away from one place, to another place entirely different from the place they moved from, and then proceed to try to make the new place over into an exact replica of the place they moved from? I'm not talking about relocations for jobs, where a choice of place to move to or from might not be possible. But, say, the classic example of this, which is people who move to "get away from the city" and move to the country, where they then proceed to complain about the fact that there are animals … (2 comments)

Creative pricing - 07:53 PM
 Today I read an article about a trend in the industry.
It stated that there has been a lot of creative financing going on since the market downturn.  This financing, when entered in the MLS system does not give an accurate picture of what the home actually sold for.      For instance, say you sell a home for $150,000. and the buyer wants to borrow $160,000. The paperwork is then changed to reflect the $160,000. price and then entered into MLS as having sold for $160,000.
I have noticed this a lot myself, when listing prices are less than sold prices. It has … (11 comments)

Dear God - 02:09 PM
 
Ok I know it is not Sunday and this is a bit like a sermon, but did anyone else get this e-mail today?  There were some I didn't remember on the list and I was surprised to see how many.  Only yesterday here in the Orlando area at University High School a student was stabbed to death in a fight.  Our schools are a big part of our communities and the real estate around them is directly affected by the quality and goings on there.  Schools to provide safety will have to become more like prisons almost.  It is so sad.
Not … (7 comments)

Blogging Technique - 02:15 PM

Today on a conference call I picked up a great idea about blogging.  If you go to the overture keyword search site and check out the top ten most popular phrases for your State, then drill down to the city for the top ten and finally the neighborhood for the top ten use these phrases in your blog and see what happens.  Simple and there are other uses for this too but just a good idea to keep you out there in the maze.
… (8 comments)

Where are you hiding on my computer? - 02:33 PM
 
Got a great tip from Hans Oscarsson yesterday about the stuff installed on your computers and what software versions you are running.  Here is the link to the free app that will give you a profile of installed software and hardware, including where it is residing on your computer. It is a wonderful little application!
Happy Computing! and Thanks Hans.
… (1 comments)

When a house becomes a prison! - 06:50 PM
Today was one of those days that reminds me of why I do what I do. I am in Real Estate to help people. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can’t, but I can never stop trying. This is a true real life example of some of the problems our elderly have in this country. The names have been changed to protect my Sellers. So I’ll just call them, The Lovelys. Why? Because they are. They are lovely folks who will be turning 80 in January.
The Lovelys sold their house in NY and moved to Florida about 12 years ago. From … (49 comments)

Do you take and take or take and give? - 12:00 AM
Do you always take or do you give too?  Remember, its good karma, practice good business and you will be a better real estate professional for it.
During tonight's grand opening party in our Norwalk, Connecticut office I met a new hire, a new loan officer from Bronx, New York.  I spoke to him briefly and I noticed he could probably use a good guy like me helping him out one day when he needs it.  I gave him my business card and I told him that he can call me with any Countrywide questions that he faces.
About an hour … (6 comments)

REALTOR® vs. Agent - What You Don't Know - 11:27 AM
I was showing properties to an investor the other day. It's interesting the response, or lack thereof, I tried to get from listing agents trying to get information we need to put together an offer.
We visited a condo conversion site - no agent on site there. I called the listing agents, both of them. Never got a call back. My client had questions regarding number of units available, number of rentals, etc. The usual stuff someone requires when getting ready to prepare an offer.
I took him to another complex. Called the listing agent regarding the number of units vs. the percentage of … (1 comments)

Leader or Follower - Thought of the Week - 03:38 PM
Which one are you?
I just attended a Leadership Workshop for the Board of Realtos presented by Jim Manke, CAE. Jim was a dynamic presenter and I'd like to share some of his thoughts on leadership with you.
~~~Leading is Not Managing
~~~Leaders have Clear Vision
~~~Leaders have Courage
~~~Leaders are Consistant
~~~Leaders Dream Big
~~~Leaders are Made
~~~Leaders Can Laugh
Can you apply these traits to your every day business? Do you run your business as a business? Are you professional in your actions?
If your answer is yes, congratulations. You are outstanding in your field. Do you have a mission statement for your business? If not create one, … (0 comments)

Looking for Wifi - 05:44 PM
Wifi is not such a big deal anymore.  Whole communities sometimes are wired, offering the service free to who ever wants to use it.  Logging on is usually as simple as turning on your computer.
However not everyone knows what wifi is. 
If you want to have some fun, next time you go into a place that proudly displays the "Free Wifi" sign, just ask for a cup of coffee and some free wifi (pronounce it wiffy).  Be sure to keep an earnest look on your face, no smiling either.
Let me know how it goes...
 
...
… (15 comments)

Towns that change their names. - 10:39 PM
Recently I learned of a town near my childhood home that changed it's name.  I found it curious that an established town with a longtime name would find it necessary to resort to such a drastic measure.  Wondering how often that occurs, I did some Google research. 
Over the course of history many established towns and cities have survived name changes.  Changes occur for a variety of reasons, political, embarrassing (or politically incorrect), to streamline a clumsy moniker, create a separate identity or to follow the popular trend. Embarrassing names like Beaver, Gay and White Settlement are all examples of towns that found new names.  Then there … (9 comments)

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