Archives of real estate blog entries for December 16, 2006

Featured blog posts


Skip the Strip Part 1: For the Outdoor Enthusiast - 01:58 PM
This is the first of a series of off Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip) activities inspired by Jeff Belonger's Philly Blogs.
Many people don't even realize that beyond the strip lies vast culture, history and beauty in the city and desert that surrounds the Las Vegas Strip (Gambling District).  They never make it beyond the glitzy lights, gaming, restaurants, shopping, nightclubs and shows that are on the strip.
Las Vegas is surrounded by areas that make the perfect home to the outdoor enthusiast.  Love camping, hiking (maps), climbing, rafting, boating, fishing and skiing/snowboarding?  Yes, snow sports too!  Believe it or not they exist within a "stone's … (13 comments)

Manufactured homes, not always affordable living! - 11:34 PM
 I hear it many times. " I think I am just going to buy some land and put a manufactured home on it."
People say it like it is as easy as hauling a shed home from Wal- Mart and putting it in your back yard when it is actually quite the opposite. 
Financing a manufactured home is not as easy as it is for a conventional stick built home.  First, you will be paying more interest since you are financing personal property and that property tends to depreciate unlike stick built homes. The life of a MFH is also shorter.  Many people finance … (35 comments)

Are You The Recognized Expert? - 08:23 PM
"How would your life be different if your customers and prospects saw you as the recognized expert in your field?" That was the question posed to me by a friend of mine back in 1990 when I was six years into my customer service training business. Up until then I had worked my tail off just to earn enough money to keep ahead of the taxman. And even though I loved what I did for a living, it wasn't until I understood the wisdom of that question that my life changed dramatically ... and so will yours.There are two kinds of … (21 comments)

Real Estate Yankee Blog Swap - 12:15 PM
People are just so clever.  When a great idea comes to the surface and implemented it is just bound to grow.  When the growth affects and benefits everyone involved its just frosting on the cake.  I feel very fortunate to be part of something that is of great value.   The value that I find in this is not just the links and SE that will be gained by this swap, but also the notoriety that I participated in something that will become a yearly thing.  The value of the WEB 2.0 is just that, sharing and adding.  Nothing that I put on … (15 comments)

Quality of Pre-License Education- - 12:25 PM
Hello-
 I haven't stirred up the pot in a few days, so let's go.....
 I'd like to get opinions from the Members regarding the education they recieved before getting their Licences - Real Estate Sales, Broker, Mortgage Broker, etc.
 This came up because someone mentioned to me that they thought that the State of Florida was going to require that all LO's get their Mortgage Brokers' licences.  It turns out that is not the case, but it brings up the question: "How good is the education and does a License guarantee a quality professional?".  I'd say POOR and NO.
 In Florida:
You have to be Licensed as … (80 comments)

Phoenix Arizona and the Valley of the Sun -Pt.4 Arts, Museums and Parks - 01:35 PM
This is the fourth installment about Fabulous Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun.  Today we'll discuss some of the incredible cultural attractions throughout the Valley.
We have some internationally-known institutions here. The most famous is probably the Heard Museum.  Its full name is Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art.  The Heard was founded in 1929 by Dwight and Maie Bartlett Heard. The museum specializes in heritage and living cultures and arts of Native peoples, with an emphasis on the peoples of the Southwest.  Its main location is in Central Phoenix and it has opened two satellite locations in North Scottsdale and … (1 comments)

Blogging 101 Pre-School Stupid Question! - 09:18 AM
Blogging 101 Pre-School Stupid Question...I am hoping someone can put me out of my misery!
Last night I wrote a blog about Reasonable Care and when I was done..hours later..(yes Barry, if you're reading this, I edited my voice) anyway when I was finally done I searched for the perfect graphic. 
You all know that perfect graphics are very important!!! I have some pretty cool graphics that I use in some of my power point presentations..So I thought cool...I'd just copy them and insert them into my blog...well an hour later later no success. No matter what I did I could … (39 comments)


Blog posts


Old Eau Gallie Florida Residence - 10:45 AM
Take a deep breath and enjoy picturesque Old Eau Gallie, a small community nestled against the Indian River. Inside this tranquil setting is a beautiful renovated contemporary home enhanced with incomparable quality. This home boasts 4 full bedrooms, 3 full baths, a spacious open loft; huge master suite with beautiful water views, great room with Bose sound Plasma TV, fireplace, and laundry room oversized 2 car garage and more! Bonus luxuries include taking time out to relax on your own semi-pri vate island; you can also park your boat on your launch/dock in a protected harbor. Ballard Park neighborhood has several waterfront … (2 comments)

A Few Things Most People Don't Know About Me - 01:18 PM
I got the idea of listing a few things that most people don't know about me from a post on Mary's Blog today.  One is that in 1976 I was the second seat, third chair in the All New England Band French horn section.  Wan to learn more?  Check out my Meet Sam Chapman page on my website. … (2 comments)

RSS feeds for fresh content your website - 01:58 PM
If you want to add fresh content to your website often, consider using an RSS feed like the one from the Wall Street Journal.  The feed is http://www.realestatejournal.com/newsfeed/rss/rej_frontpage.xml.  I created a sample on my website that is hidden from my regular users just so you can see what itll add if you decide to use it or another.  That page can be seen at http://www.austinrealestateguy.com/Real_Estate_News/page_1227234.html.   
… (3 comments)

Will You Throw in the Horse??? - 08:18 AM
OK, I'll admit, I've used a ton of tactics to make the deal work best for my client, including a horse thrown in to the deal.  (How's that for an ad???  Buy this house and get a free horse...).  I'm beginning to feel like a used furniture salesman at this juncture.  I've got three houses (student properties) currently where we've negotiated the price and now are negotiating the furniture...THREE!!!  I don't have time to do Christmas shopping because I'm too busy taking pictures of furniture and passing bids back and forth... 
What's the craziest thing you've ever had thrown in to a … (10 comments)

Changing Brokerages - 09:56 AM
This past week I made the decision to change Brokerages.  Yesterday, I completed the 2050 form and sent it off to the Florida Real Estate commission to make everything legal, contacted my previous broker and informed him of my decision.
 I left Keller Williams to move back to a small local brokerage firm that I am confident will help me grow my real estate business.  I will miss the large group of great agents that I worked with while I was at Keller Williams and look forward to doing transactions with many of the agents that were there.
 Perhaps the greatest loss for … (8 comments)

Once A Misfit, Always A Misfit - 07:22 AM
I notice no one invited me to play Jim Cronin's little Meme Game.
Each player reveals five things about himself/herself, and tags another.  Well, no one tagged me, but a misfit's life is like that.  And revealing five things is way too much work anyway.  I'll try one.
And I figure if Greg Swann, The Bloodhound, can do it, so can I.  True, I'm not one of the big dogs.  I'm just a pudgy old housecat sitting on the window sill, watching the butterflies.
But if Greg has the chutzpah to link to his Janio at a Point, and his 1997 romance novel, … (7 comments)

Featured Posts - 08:53 AM
It occurs to me that as the "owner" of the Photography Group, I am supposed to occaisionaly select noteworthy posts, and feature them as ... hmmmm.... "Featured Posts".
Ignoring the fact that although I took a good look at the various AR dashboard functions, and have not as yet figured out how to make something a "Featured Post", I really don't have any thoughts on selecting posts for this spot.
Anyone here want to step up to the plate on this?  Suggest a couple likely posts, and then tell me where the function is?  Or am I mistaken, and only the Big Kahuna Rain … (8 comments)

Outdoor Artists Gather on Marco Island - 12:57 PM
The Art League of Marco Island sponsors the Marco Island Outdoor Artists as a free community service.  Paint-outs take place every Wednesday from October-June.  There are no rules, arrive and leave on your schedule unless specified.  The only expectation is the respect of concentration of artists and keeping the location spotless... bring supplies, lunch, drink, sun protection, and your camera. 
Everyone is welcome -- all levels of artists, there is no instructor everyone learns from each other and nature.  For more information please contact Phyllis Pransky at (239) 642-7649.  The locations are as follows for the rest of season:
December 20 - Old … (3 comments)

To Smoke Or Not To Smoke - That Is The Question - 11:40 AM
Georgetown, Texas, has a new smoking ordinance (or, more accurately, no-smoking ordinance) that went into effect on December 13, 2006. 
First, a caveat.  I don't smoke, don't plan to smoke, have no interest in smoking, though I did smoke once, about 35 years or so ago, for a month, when I was in college, it was exam time, and I shared an apartment with 3 other smokers - I figured if there was ever going to be a good time to try it, that was it!  After a month, I couldn't taste anything, I had numerous mouth ulcers, it clearly disagreed with … (9 comments)

ERA Colonial Real Estate Has Holiday Open House - 01:17 PM
After scurrying around like elves, climbing up and down ladders, draping lights, blowing breakers, the agents of ERA Colonial Real Estate's Georgetown, Texas, office have decorated their offices and grounds in breathtaking, eclectic fashion.   
Invitations have been sent.  Ads have been placed.  Announcements have been made.  Goodies are being prepared.  Now, they're ready to party!
On Sunday, December 17, 2006, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Santa Claus and ERA Colonial Real Estate welcome the residents of Williamson County (and especially the children) to an open house at 4909 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas.  Children can give their wish lists to Santa, there will be food, drink … (1 comments)

Welcome to the Team Topics Group! - 03:30 AM
Now that we have seemed to find our voice, I'd like to take the time to welcome everyone to the Team Topics Group on Active Rain.  We've had quite a few posts to our group this week and I hope you'll all stop by and visit and comment.  I'd especially like to welcome Brett Ellis, our newest member.  Brett is a Howard Brinton Star and often is featured on Howard's panels on team topics as well as technology and blogging.  I'm really pleased he joined our group because I know he'll be a wonderful help to all of us!!
This week, Leigh … (3 comments)

Memed I am. I am. - 03:40 PM

Leigh Brown memed me today.  It's all part of the first Active Rain Meme.  I'm supposed to tell you 5 thingies about myself and then meme 3 others.
I've selected Brett Ellis, George Souto and Angus Woodbury as my memers. 
 
1.  I appeared on the Evening News with Dan Rather and was interviewed about a Gypsy Moth invasion in Connecticut.
2.  I love politics!!!  I  am a local elected official and served as campaign chairman to our current mayor. The photo on this blog is my photo taken with Governor John Rowland of CT who is now in prison. Really.  (Ok, I could have used the one with Laura … (31 comments)

Time Magazine Person of the Year - YOU!! - 08:05 PM
Congratulations!  YOU have been named Time Magazine Person of the Year!   Really.
Just think...instead of waking up to the announcement that some politician has won, instead it is YOU.  And as Drudge reports tonight...."YOU were named TIME magazine 'Person of the Year' Saturday for the explosive growth and influence of user-generated Internet content such as 'blogs', video-file sharing site YouTube and social network MySpace... You -- YES, YOU -- beat out candidates including Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, China's President Hu Jintao, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi... YOU, YOU, YOU.... "Congratulations Active Rainers!!!   Let's all take a bow!   We did … (16 comments)

Giving, in a big way! - 11:56 PM
Remembering those that give...  
I've been to New Orleans many times...
This time was different... the city was still reeling from Katrina and fighting to come back... they were glad we (NAR) were there, but it was different than before.
I've had cause to reflect on this as a Naperville custom home builder  has just recently sold the "Katrina" house. Last Year Doug Overstreet, pledged all of the projected profits from this house, and asked his suppliers if they wanted to participate (no pressure). Then he pledged $10,000 from each additional sale that year.
But he didn't wait for the money to come in... he projected … (20 comments)

somethings stirrin...real estate does not sleep - 08:01 PM
It is the time of year most of us try to take some time off, and most everybody does in the non-sales world. Big companies close for weeks and those of us in real estate dodge the county closing times for recordings and title company days off. We reflect on the business we have and how things went when we have time to reflect. Some of us are stirring, trying to find the property that is right for a client- nice Christmas present for all.
As I sit on this overcast/ rainy day look out over the ocean,my thoughts are stirring of what … (0 comments)

It's "Meme" time in Tennessee - 08:08 PM
That's usually the way we start a football game in Tennessee but a little paraphrasing never hurt.
My "Memor" was Leigh Brown.
It's kinda tough to sit down and think of 5 things most people don't know about you that would interest them but I'll give it a try.
1.  I'm a former skydiver; my highest leap was from 16,000 feet over Lake Okeechobee in south Florida.  From 3 miles up you can do about a 75 second freefall; you also have a pretty good view in 360 degrees. All I remember seeing most of the way down was orange & grapefruit … (19 comments)

More Than Half of North American Businesses Ill-prepared to Run Vista. - 03:01 PM
What is the general readiness of North American organizations planning to deploy the new Microsoft Vista operating system? That's the question solution provider Softchoice Inc. set out to answer with a new study of more than 472 organizations recently, and the results indicate that the majority of PCs in use today are not equipped to handle Vista's enhanced requirements. Not only did the "Softchoice Vista Readiness Study," -- out at month's end -- state that roughly half of the businesses surveyed are unable to meet the minimum requirements of Vista, it also reported 94 per cent can not meet the OS's … (1 comments)

Submission Criteria Clarification - 11:36 PM
I'm in the process of tightening up some of the criteria for submissions to the Technology Group to insure that we stay focused as a group.Please make sure that any posts you submit are related directly to or discussing some aspect of technology as stated in the welcome page featured at the top.  If you have submitted prior posts, please review them and remove any that do not match the submission criteria.Thank you for your help and I look forward to your continued contributions.
Please contact me if you have any concerns or suggestions regarding this group.LawrenceYerkes.com
  … (0 comments)

Submission Criteria Clarification - 11:44 PM
I'm in the process of tightening up some of the criteria for submissions to the Delaware Valley Region Group to insure that we stay focused as a group.Please make sure that any posts you submit are related directly to or discussing some aspect of Delaware Valley Region as stated in the Welcome post featured at the top.  If you have submitted prior posts, please review them and remove any that do not match the submission criteria.Thank you for your help and I look forward to your continued contributions.
Please contact me if you have any concerns or suggestions regarding this group.LawrenceYerkes.com
… (0 comments)

Submission Criteria Clarification - 11:47 PM
I'm in the process of tightening up some of the criteria for submissions to the South Jersey Group to insure that we stay focused as a group.Please make sure that any posts you submit are related directly to or discussing some aspect of South Jersey as stated in the Welcome post featured at the top.  If you have submitted prior posts, please review them and remove any that do not match the submission criteria.Thank you for your help and I look forward to your continued contributions.
Please contact me if you have any concerns or suggestions regarding this group.LawrenceYerkes.com
… (0 comments)

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