Archives of real estate blog entries for November 18, 2006

Featured blog posts


National Predictions for Real Estate Market - 07:46 PM
This week, Leslie Appleton-Young, Vice President and Chief Economist for the California Association of Realtors was to speak at a Sacramento Realtor Association meeting, however she had a family emergency so Robert Kienhenz, PHD and Deputy Chief Economist spoke about the current California Real Estate Market as well as touching on the National Real Estate Market and the 2007 Forecast for Real Estate as indicated by the chart above. Note: It was announced that the wholesale market is the lowest since 1993 and with it going down today we will see the results in 6-18 months.
As we all know there … (12 comments)

Business As Usual -- Or Not? - 09:30 PM
With all the talk about discount brokers and glutted markets, a recent conversation with a seller made me think about it on a much more personal level.  This seller, having worked for several real estate companies over the years decided to use a flat fee broker to put her house on the MLS.  Her reasoning was she knew enough about the business to handle the calls, ads, appointments, and open houses.  All she was missing was the ability to get exposure on multiple listing.
Remember we, like so many other areas of the country, are in a dismal market with many great … (12 comments)

WE NEED TO CHARGE FOR WHAT WE KNOW, NOT WHAT WE DO - 01:01 PM
BACKGROUND Active Rain went down for maintenance while I was checking my blog this morning.  Not a problem.  However, when I am thwarted, I do what any full blooded American woman will do, I SHOP.  A quick trip to the super market would get me back to my home office before the phone started to ring.  Not too many good calls this time of the year, but a good buyer can call any time.  So, I stick around as much as possible.  I have approximately 1,750 hours of work on my "TO DO" list and that includes no house cleaning.                               Most of … (41 comments)

Broker Bryant says, " Are you aware commissions are on a upswing?" - 12:47 PM
While reading through this month's Broker Agent News, I came across this statement, in an article by Carla Cross. "Are you aware commissions are shrinking? A Real Trends' study pointed out that commissions have gone from an average of 6.1% in 1991 t0 5.1% in 2004. That's a 16 percent price cut! Another study showed shrinking commissions was the largest problem perceived by top producers."
By the way, Carla Cross is the president of Carla Cross Seminars, Inc. and Carla Cross Coaching. Anyway I don't know Carla Cross and this post is not about her but just wanted to make sure … (54 comments)

The Last Stand of the 6-Percenters? - 12:41 PM
This was the title of an article in the New York Times a few months ago predicting future trends in Real Estate Commissions.
"The Internet has radically changed the way consumers buy books and airline tickets, trade stock and learn news. But the real estate industry has resisted change - and protected its commission structure - by controlling the information on its Multiple Listing Service database of properties for sale.
Traditional agents still firmly control the M.L.S., which allows all participating brokers to view almost every home for sale in a particular area, even those being offered through competitors' agencies. But the … (22 comments)

The Big Why - 12:35 PM
The Big Why is not necessarily as easy to identify as one would think.  It took me years to realize that my real passion is real estate.  I toyed with the idea when I was 17, and promptly set it aside in favor of post-high school travel and adventure, then full tilt into Corporate America.  My Big Why at the time was to make enough money so that I could do whatever I wanted to, whenever I wanted to, and be in the position to ensure those important to me could be helped by me if need be - of course … (10 comments)

Real Estate, Technology and the Future - 10:20 AM
Everyone's crystal ball is as good as the next persons - none of them perfect.  If they were, we would all be in Las Vegas raking in the cash as we predicted the next number on roulette and the next horse to be first past the post.
Speaking generally, it's no secret that the Real Estate industry has felt the impact of technology.  It's no secret that those who embrace the technology, by and large, have done better than if they had attempted to "avoid it".  And it isn't rocket science to realize with the pace of change in technology - blogs, … (19 comments)

Condo Commandos prevent Sale!Act like Russian KGB! - 07:24 AM
 
                                                                                                                             
 
There`s got to be a watchdog committee somewhere in this country that oversee`s Adult Communities. They seem to break every law in the books, not to mention discrimination laws that were enacted for a reason!    
Our client is from Haiti. She is 56 years old has a very good job and speaks english well. Her dilemma is simple. The Board of Directors in this active adult community refused her without any reason except that she`s Haitian.  
It started two weeks ago, when she went in front of the board for her interview.Immediately the board members frowned upon her and started asking … (37 comments)

Top Trendsetters to watch in your upcoming markets…… Part 2 of 3. Single Women - 08:16 PM
 
If you missed Part 1, please read this to catch up to speed. : Top Trendsetters to watch in your upcoming markets...... Part 1 Baby Boomers & Echo Boomers .

 
Many of us would think that the single women in today's society wouldn't be able to handle this type of transaction....buying their first home or a move-up home. You would be wrong. Single women now represent the fasting growing component of home buyers in the United States. According to the NAR (National Association of Realtors), single women represent 1 out of every 5 homes that are bought in … (42 comments)

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - It's Better On TV!! - 01:49 PM
For anyone who watches the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade each year and wishes that they could go, I want to share a true story with you....
I live on the north shore of Long Island - about an hour's drive or train ride from Manhattan.  We watch the parade every year - it's a tradition in our house.  I actually use the parade to help time my dinner preparations!
Back in the late 80's when my kids were younger, we decided that we wanted to go to the city and watch the parade 'in person'.  First of all, we forgot … (34 comments)

Sherman Anti-Trust Laws ... STOP TALKING NOW ... ? - 11:41 PM
A lot of blogs have been posted recently regarding the possible "downfall" of 6% listings and the competition of discount brokers, like Redfin. Many of the posts and comments have leaned on the side of "healthy competition breeds better agents" - as well as the "pro's and con's of discount listing services" . 
However, the Sherman Anti-Trust Law has been brought up in a few of these posts, so I thought that it needed a blog of it's own. So, here you go Sherman!!
Sherman Anti-Trust Law -
"Every person who shall monopolize, or attempt to monopolize, or combine or conspire with … (35 comments)

Woodyatake? - 12:53 PM
I recently saw a blog, I think here on AR, that advocated® the REALTOR® approaching the lender about a short sale at the time he list the property. I can't imagine where such bad advice comes from. Never ask a lender about a short sale without a written offer in hand.
That's the last paragraph I posted on Brian Brady's blog " A Realtor's Guide to "PMI & Short Sales" http://activerain.com/blogsview/21257/A-Realtor-s-Guide
This is not about "Short Sales" Brian is doing his normal excellent job getting people to think about a subject. This is about the most stupid question in real estate! "Woodyatake?"
Woodyatake, $147,500.00? … (12 comments)


Blog posts


Earning a Buyers Trust - 04:17 PM
With all the attention being paid to how the public percieves agents we need to look at how clients perceive each and every one of us.
When I'm in the role of a Buyers Agent I have several duties:
To build rapport with the client and discover their needs.
Not to show them properties beyond their spending limits.
Know the inventory well enough to assist them with finding the right home.
Point out each and every potential resale problem with homes that we view.
Check all available public records on their chosen home or their final two or three.
Negotiate to get them the best terms and price … (1 comments)

Earning a Sellers Trust - 04:28 PM
There are two sides to the trust coin, and the seller is an extremely important part of that.  To some extent when we earn the listing we have their trust.  It's extremely important not to abuse it in any way, at any time.
My duties to my seller;
To be frank about the condition of their home, and suggest ways that they can maximize the resale of their property.
To suggest a price that is, though not unreasonable, slightly high so that we can test the market.  Counseling them carefully that this is a test run and that a price adjustment may be necessary … (0 comments)

Pay Per Click Marketing - 04:42 PM
I've tried for a few years the Google model of pay per click.  I wasn't getting much response except for people who wanted me to drive out and take pictures of properties that weren't shown on the MLS and then never to hear from them again.
I have been in BuyerLink from Homegain for almost a year now and can contribute a closing or two a month to my exposure on this.  It has been a couple of years since I tried Google and other pay per click models.  Any comments?  What is working?
I'm also on several agent websites and I'm not … (10 comments)

PubCon - 10:05 PM
This past week I've been absent for the most part because of the Las Vegas seo conference.  One of the big things that kept coming up as a reoccurring theme was information accessibility. Making a site accessable by everyone, regardless of browser, os, etc. During one of the sessions, there was a website owner from San Diego that wanted to have the best Chiropratic website on the web.   He told us about how one of his customers found him and gave him the best compliment he ever got. The customer was blind and was able to find his business because the … (4 comments)

Negotiation Etiquette/Common Courtesy - 10:25 PM
There's been some blogs recently about agents providing feedbacks after showings.  I've noticed a few thought patterns about it and yet most people seem to think it's a respectful thing and courtesy to do for the listing agent and their sellers.  Knowing that agents are concerned about that topic, I'm hoping people will consider the negotiation topic.  So what is concidered negotiation etiquette?
With an offer I received on one of my listings today and the length of time given to respond, I wondered what is considered "common" as far as response times?  Is there an unspoken idea of how much time will be … (5 comments)

Broker Bryant says, " Are you aware commissions are on a upswing?" - 12:47 PM
While reading through this month's Broker Agent News, I came across this statement, in an article by Carla Cross. "Are you aware commissions are shrinking? A Real Trends' study pointed out that commissions have gone from an average of 6.1% in 1991 t0 5.1% in 2004. That's a 16 percent price cut! Another study showed shrinking commissions was the largest problem perceived by top producers."
By the way, Carla Cross is the president of Carla Cross Seminars, Inc. and Carla Cross Coaching. Anyway I don't know Carla Cross and this post is not about her but just wanted to make sure … (54 comments)

How many agents does it take...... - 04:59 PM

As sales fall, number of agents increase.
The last 5 years have been an amazing time for real estate agents in Eastern CT.  As prices increased and homes sold quickly,  real estate schools became full of potential agents with visions of easy money and a lot of it.  This is a trend seen throughout the country as the number of real estate agents rose to astounding levels.  Last year, the National Association of Realtors®, grew by 163,117, to 1.2 million members.  And the scary part is that 25% of those members have not had a transaction yet this year. 
Minnesota Realtors® Association Senior Vic President, Christopher Galler … (25 comments)

Relocating to Denver? Ask me about Colorado State Taxes... - 09:13 PM
Prospective transferees come to the Denver metro from all over the world.  I enjoy showing off My City and telling them about the benefits of living in Colorado.
One thing that surprises nearly almost everyone is how cheap our taxes are.  I say almost because the people from New Hampsire and South Dakota pay less in state taxes than Colorado Citizens.
This is an important item that figures into the relocation  mix.  Many times our home prices may be high, but when you incorporate the taxes, we find things either even out or get better.
If you would like to see how your state … (9 comments)

Comparing Blog Platforms - The Most Schizophrenic Blog Post in the History of Mankind - 05:20 PM
A number of folks have recently asked me - what's the difference between Real Estate Blogsites (REB - a hosted solution/product based on the MyST Platform and one that I developed), and Mary and John's RSS Pieces platform, and The Real Estate Tomato's TomatoBlog.
[11.19.06] I tried to get the vendors to provide bullets and content that served as a good start for their market positioning, but I wasn't clear enough in my vision of a simple and concise post that created a framework for deeper discussions. So - my original idea was flawed - the best place to learn the nature of these tools … (47 comments)

Business As Usual -- Or Not? - 09:30 PM
With all the talk about discount brokers and glutted markets, a recent conversation with a seller made me think about it on a much more personal level.  This seller, having worked for several real estate companies over the years decided to use a flat fee broker to put her house on the MLS.  Her reasoning was she knew enough about the business to handle the calls, ads, appointments, and open houses.  All she was missing was the ability to get exposure on multiple listing.
Remember we, like so many other areas of the country, are in a dismal market with many great … (12 comments)

How Do You Spell Success? - 11:01 PM
While the rest of us lament a stalled and stagnant market, Harald Grant, a real estate agent in tony Southampton on Long Island's east end, walked away with the number one position of the top 200 real estate agents nationwide.  With a staggering volume just shy of $245 million, this one time Ford model has certainly taken his place at the head of the pack. 
Catering to the rich and famous in their search for property in the Hamptons, Grant attributes his success to an in depth knowledge of his marketplace.  I suspect equally high on the list is his moneyed clientele, willing … (5 comments)

Calling Miss Manners, Calling Miss Manners, please report for duty. - 12:22 PM
When I was a kid my mother taught me to eat with my mouth closed, say "Please" and "thank you" to people that did something for you, and to use what society considers "good manners" at all times.
In retrospect that was probably one of the best things my mother taught me and it has served me well in adulthood.
However it seems to me of late that politeness, good manners, and just plain ol being nice to other are vanishing virttues and maybe the root cause of some of the current ills plaging society.
There is a great organization called the National … (6 comments)

Investors- or Investing Call me before you buy - 06:04 AM
Are you working with an investor  or are you an investor? Do you contact a property manager first? You should this will keep everyone happy even after the closing. I've been working in property management for elevn years and have many referring realtors to assist them with the investors needs.If you have questions or need my property management services call me I LOVE REFERRALS and would be glad to help or answer questions.
Angela Salemi
Jacksonville, Florida
… (0 comments)

Investors - 06:04 AM
Are you working with an investor  or are you an investor? Do you contact a property manager first? You should this will keep everyone happy even after the closing. I've been working in property management for elevn years and have many referring realtors to assist them with the investors needs.If you have questions or need my property management services call me I LOVE REFERRALS and would be glad to help or answer questions.
Angela Salemi
Jacksonville, Florida
… (2 comments)

Keeping track of your purpose - 05:49 PM
A diary can play many roles. It can be a confidant, a vehicle of self expression, a tool that facilitates clarity of thought, or a repository of dreams. A diary can also be a powerful source of comfort during challenging or traumatic periods. When you record those insights and incidents that clearly demonstrate you are on the right track, you can return to your words days, weeks, or months later and find uniquely soothing reassurance. A diary with a specific purpose can be a good tool for keeping track of experiences before the passage of time can skew your perception of … (1 comments)

Are you a dreamer - 05:50 PM
Moonstones, gems named for their resemblance to the familiar glowing orb in the night sky, offer us more than mere beauty. Their association with moon goddesses throughout the world may explain why moonstones' qualities seem to reach out to assist all those who find themselves under the moon's light, from travelers and those at sea to lovers and dreamers. Throughout the world, moonstones have been imbued with mystical properties that extend the fabled powers of the moon into daylight hours. In India, they are thought to give sweet, beautiful dreams by night but have gained a reputation for enhancing intuitive sensitivity … (1 comments)

Perception - 05:52 PM
There is no secret recipe for happiness and contentment. The individuals who move through life joyously have not necessarily been blessed with lives of abundance, love, success, and prosperity. Such people have, however, been blessed with the ability to take the circumstances they've been handed and make them into something great. Our individual realities are colored by perception-delight and despair come from within rather than without. Situations we regard as fortuitous please us while situations we judge inauspicious cause us no end of grief. Yet if we can look at all we have accomplished without dwelling on our perceived misfortune and … (2 comments)

My experience with my new broadband card - 02:01 PM
This is a toy that all real estate agents need.  I have had 3-4 days now to play with this.  This is a serious time saver..
Some examples from the past 3-4 days:
1)Was waiting on an inspection response on a home for an out of state investor.  I brought my laptop into Wendys, ate a baked potatoe and chili, pulled up my machine, and saw the inspection report came by.  I had a few minutes, so I viewed the PDF, gave my client a call, and faxed via the web an inspection response for him to sign.  
2)I was showing homes to … (1 comments)

coming soon. Blog and website for people moving to Honda and Greensburg - 03:16 PM
Coming in the next few weeks will be a blog and website dedicated to the 2,000+ workers moving to the Greensburg, In area for the new Honda plant opening in the next few years.
Features of this website/blog will be:
housing, both for rent and for saleinformation on Greensburginformation on the progress of the new Honda plantHelp with moving to the Greensburg area from out of stateStay tuned for more information....  … (2 comments)

duplex for sale in Crawfordsville--subject to and take over payments! - 03:47 PM
I got a call from an out of state investor that owns a duplex in Crawfordsville, IN.  He has fallen on some hard times, and would like to get rid of this quickly for what he purchased it for.  
Take over payments with 5k down and the property is yours.   Purchase price would be $135k
This is a very nice duplex, individual just couldn't manage it properly from out of state. 
Here is a few photos:


… (0 comments)

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