Archives of real estate blog entries for December 19, 2006

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CPR needed on a dying deal!! - 05:42 PM
Help! Call 911! Well, one of my closings for this week is dying a slow death. I just hate it when that happens. We were supposed to close last Friday, then extended until today, only to find out Wells Fargo has denied the loan due to the Buyer's debt ratio being to high by 1%. Only 1%! Seemingly, there is some additional income, from a part time job, that was disqualified, due to not being seasoned (less than 12 months). How can something so small kill a deal?
Anyway, the Loan Officer called me today, to give me this news, and to … (109 comments)

60 Minutes Interviewing Redfin - 11:21 PM
Informed sources tell us that CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes is turning its mic and cameras to real estate--and that online real estate service dispenser Redfin will be one of the interviewees--as will Windermere Real Estate. Both companies operate in the Northwestern part of the country, but with very different business models. 
Redfin is an online start-up operating in Seattle and San Francisco (according to their website), while full service Windermere holds market share in Seattle and has been expanding aggressively into California, Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona., Montana and otherwestern states. The comparison should be interesting.
Apparently the story is still under development and inquiring … (23 comments)

Drive by BPOs ~ to do or not to do? - 09:31 AM
For well over 10 years I have been involved with several banks or asset managers doing drive by BPO's . For those of you who are not aware of what a "drive by BPO" is..it's when you drive by a property to determine;
it's still standing it's occupied or vacant what it's value is based on the neighborhood if it needs repairs Can actual values be determined from just viewing the outside? That question is loaded. In doing my valuations I tended to be on the conservative side. I generally assumed the property was NOT in good condition, unless the landscaping … (38 comments)

Managing Emotions of Real Estate Transactions (Part 2) - 03:50 PM
A few weeks ago, I posted a blog which garnered several dozen comments about the importance of keeping our own emotions in check, so that we can be objective when assisting our clients, and always making sure we keep their interests ahead of ours. I felt compelled to share another account of how this manifests itself in my daily business.
Last night, I was presenting an offer in person as I have done a few times lately (see earlier blog) at the seller's request. I represent the buyers. We were $30,000 under the asking price, and given the comps and our changed … (17 comments)

Hey! We Must Have Had the Same Builder! - 09:25 AM
I was at a holiday event last night for our neighborhood that borders on the golfcourse of La Costa Spa and Resort here in Carlsbad, CA. The abutters area all being given additional land from the resort snce it is open space and not worht anything to the owners of La Costa. The lot line adjustment process has been going on for several years and La Costa has made many efforts to befriend everyone as they work toward finaliing thes adjustments. Several parties a year are part of that process.
Anyhow, I was sitting at a table with one neighbor who is … (7 comments)

Thank You Active Rain! - 09:46 AM

Carolyn and I just got a listing as a direct result of a consumer finding us here! 
This goes back a few weeks, the day that I changed offices to be exact.  I received a call from a consumer that found me on Active Rain after she was looking for someone to list her home she had built in Fiddler's Creek.  After signing the contract she never heard from the agent again.   She only heard from the developer.  We are not talking about an agent that doesn't do a lot of business either or one that has left the business.
Since Carolyn … (43 comments)

How Many Sellers are 'Sold' on the concept of Staging? - 02:12 PM
I think that most of my peers would agree that it has been a 'hard sell' trying to get sellers to 'buy into' the concept of Home Staging/Property Styling/Real Estate Staging.  Here on Long Island, as well as in the Metropolitan Area of NY and NJ, there is resistance. 
At first I thought that Home Staging itself was an unknown entity and therefore the general population did not understand what it was all about.  That theory pretty much flew out the window this past weekend when, while parked in front of my daughter's Manhattan apartment complex, I heard passersby commenting on my … (31 comments)


Blog posts


The Claridge, Indialantic Florida - 10:11 AM
PARADISE has an address. Be one of only eight fortunate families to call these luxury units their home. From the moment you exit the elevator into your semi-private lobby you will begin to enjoy the fine appointments of these units. Upon entering the unit you will experience the panoramic views of the ocean from the oceanfront living room area. Also awaiting you will be stunning sunrise and shuttle launches from the expansive wrap around balcony. Memories of special occasions and gatherings will  be made from the large dining area with its ocean views. The kitchen is a gourmets delight with maple … (0 comments)

Meme Virus - 11:44 AM
I've been tagged by Roberta Murphy and Matt Heaton to participate in the 5-things-about-me meme virus.
Since this is a real estate site, I guess I'll start with that...  I bought my first house a couple months before I turned 21, I was lucky to have a couple good jobs right out of high school.  8 years later, I still live there.I've worked for a bunch of failed internet start-up companies.  I'm used to sporadic pay checks and evil investors.  The good news is that the last two places I've worked for are still around, so I think ActiveRain will be here … (5 comments)

Do You know the Buyer's you are marketing? - 03:00 PM
 
Interesting characteristics of buyers, who are they?   For starters according to the National Association of Realtors the typical homebuyer is 41 years of age.  1st time homebuyers median age is 32 and for repeat buyers age 47.  30% of all homebuyers are between 25 and age 34.   First time homebuyers account for 36% percent of the homes purchased.  1 in 5 homes sold were new construction.   The reason 74% of homebuyers bought homes were simply for "homeownership."  
  
This information is extremely important for your marketing purposes.  If you are going to target market here are a few thoughts to keep in … (2 comments)

MeMe Also - 01:24 PM
 
WHAT?" you say? Go to this post:http://activerain.com/blogsview/27305/The-First-ActiveRain-Meme
I guess it is my turn because Melissa Kruse picked my name.  I have enjoyed reading the posts that other people have put in about themselves, (always want to know what makes people tick).
The five things you probably do not know about me:
My late husband (Rich) and I got into raising birds.  It started with a pair of Zebra finches that he bought me for a birthday present.  A customer at the pet store told us about a canary and finch club that she thought we should go to because we could purchase birds … (1 comments)

MeMe Also Part Two from Leslie Bloss - 04:20 PM
 
The 2nd thing you don't know about me is that after the finches were going to town (breeding wise) we decided to try some parrots. We had a pair of Scarlet Macaws and many Senegals, Meyer's,  and all kinds of Love Birds.  You can see these parrots at the Lexicon of Parrots.
One of my favorites was the Solomon Island Eclectus and we had several pair.  We bought a few from individuals that had them as pets.  I kept a male (Rico) as our own pet and he would go everywhere with me and could talk quite well.   Unfortunately, I had him … (0 comments)

Reminder: Seattle area ActiveRain get together tonight - 01:29 PM
Just a quick reminder to ActiveRain members in the Seattle/Eastside Washington area, Toby Barnett organized a ActiveRain get together tonight in Kirkland.  So far it's a pretty small crew, but anybody is welcome to stop in and join in the fun.
When: Tuesday, Dec 19th - 6:00 pm
Where: Wild Rover in downtown Kirkland
See also: Kirkland ActiveRain Update - With list of attendees
-Matt Heaton
… (7 comments)

How to interview and choose a REALTOR to list your New Hampshire house - 09:34 PM
How to choose the best real estate agent to sell your New Hampshire home. Interviewing a listing agent (seller's agent) over the Internet offers several advantages for you as a seller. You can do a little pre-qualifying before you meet the agent in person and you can see how your agent will use the Internet to communicate with you and to market your home. With more buyers turning to the Internet to view homes, shop for loans, and learn about the home buying process, the agent whom you choose to market your home can't afford not to be in command of … (3 comments)

Preparing for your listing appointment with a New Hampshire REALTOR - 09:43 PM
To make your listing appointment as productive as possible, you'll need to prepare some information, including: Your reasons for selling Your approximate closing and moving dates Where are you relocating? Your hoped for selling price The amount of equity in your home; your most-recent mortgage loan statement The features that make your home competitive in the current market The features you particularly like about your home Your utility bills for the past year Your property tax payments (or condo fees) for the past year Lists of personal property that will convey or not convey with the house when you sell it … (1 comments)

How Many REALTORS® Have a Clue? - 09:13 AM
I have taught a SEO class in my office twice.  In the first class there was almost nobody in the room who had a clue about what I would be teaching.  In the second class everyone know and everyone learned tons and they were thrilled to have received the information.  I don't know the actual percentages, but my guess is that 98% of REALTORS® have never heard of SEO.  Of those that have, my guess is that most either don't have the interest, don't have the time or don't have the ability.  That leaves those of us who have a clue … (15 comments)

Translucent or Flexible Concrete Anyone? - 02:40 PM
I stumbled across a material a couple of years ago that I still haven't seen used in the States.  Called LitraCon, it is concrete that can transmit light.  Thousands of glass fibers run in a matrix parallel to each other within the concrete blocks.  This allows light to pass through the concrete and the light retains its color.  See images HERE.  I don't know what the cost is, but I could see this stuff replace glass block and also to use as art.  Applications even include concrete flooring with different light effects coming from below.
On to the flexible concrete...  Scientists at … (4 comments)

You've Got to be Kidding Me!? - 10:01 PM
I love the real estate business!  In fact, one of the most gratifying aspects of this business are the people I meet within the industry (i.e. clients, other agents, etc). I guess I must be a people person and look forward to the challenges of learning about people and why they do what they do (or don't do) and say what they say (or don't say).
The business of real estate is largely a people business and having good relationships and communicating effectively with my fellow agents is very important to me (and should be to my customers as well).  The other … (7 comments)

Tuesday Happenings In Naples - 08:20 AM
Today is Tuesday, so I am posting those activities which occur on Tuesday's on a recurring basis.
MAKE AND TAKE CRAFT PROGRAM - (the first Tuesday of each month) lasts day and is for preschool age children at the East Naples Branch Library.  Call 239-775-5592 for more information.
FREE GUIDED NATURE WALK - takes place at Clam Pass County Park on Seagate Drive.  No reservations necessary.  Starts at 8:30AM.  Sponsored by The Conservancy of SW Florida.  Call 239-262-0304 for more information.
TOPS FL#204 - Starts at 9AM at the Glen Eagle Old Pro Shop located off of Davis Blvd.
TODDLER STORY TIME - 9:30 - 9:50AM … (2 comments)

More Meme - 06:52 AM
OK, OK, I'll give up 4 more things.  For anyone just joining in, here's what's going on:  Back on Saturday the 16th, I decided to meme myself.  So I wrote a post on my "outside blog", but I only gave away ONE secret, not five.  Hey, I thought it was a pretty good secret, and could d*mn well do the job of five. 
But to be fair to the folks who tagged me, after I already tagged myself, here goes:
Number 1.  My original meme:  Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, I fancied myself a singer/songwriter.  When I came across … (8 comments)

Conversation Starter - 08:10 AM
OK -- I'm "channeling" this now.....  It's a frosty Minnesota morning ... the gang of regulars is seated around the table with steaming coffee mugs .... so what do duffers and duffettes choose for spirited conversation? Methinks .... Politics!!   Dare we go there?  Can we kick around political ideas without ending up in a food (coffee) fight?
How's this for starters .... the presidential field for 2008 could sure be interesting ... and I do hope the most colorful possible candidates stay in the race ...
A while back someone posted a link to a jibjab cartoon featuring Hilary Clinton singing "I can't … (1 comments)

Holiday Greeting - 09:27 AM
Digging around Greg Swann's collection of essays and opinions at http://www.presenceofmind.net/ , I found this little Holiday story, and I laughed out loud:  http://presenceofmind.net/GSW/Greetings.html … (1 comments)

Photoshop CS3 - 07:55 PM
Photoshop CS3 Beta Released!  Here's Scott Kelby's review.  If you're a Photoshop junkie, do consider membership in the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.  Their magazine, Photoshop User, is worth the price of membership.... … (5 comments)

Thank You Active Rain! - 09:46 AM

Carolyn and I just got a listing as a direct result of a consumer finding us here! 
This goes back a few weeks, the day that I changed offices to be exact.  I received a call from a consumer that found me on Active Rain after she was looking for someone to list her home she had built in Fiddler's Creek.  After signing the contract she never heard from the agent again.   She only heard from the developer.  We are not talking about an agent that doesn't do a lot of business either or one that has left the business.
Since Carolyn … (43 comments)

Putting Things In Perspective - 07:13 PM
Sometimes we need to put things in perspective.  We start taking things a little bit too seriously, thinking our own problems are the biggest, most important thing in the world.  It's not good for us, and at those times, it's nice to have some sort of reminder of our place in the overall scheme of things. 
There's lots of ways to do that.  One of them that I find particularly delightful and awe-inspiring is a website that my daughter turned me on to, is the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) website, which has a different photo of the heavens each day.  … (3 comments)

Save the Trees! - 07:57 PM
 
 Georgetown, Texas, has been taking some action to help keep the inevitable growth at our doorstep  from destroying the very ambiance that draws people to move here in the first place. 
Latest in this effort tree protection rules, intended to apply to "heritage trees" of a 26-inch or greater diameter of species including American elm, bald cypress, cedar elm, chinquapin oak, live oak, Monterey oak, pecan, post oak, shumard oak, Southern magnolia, Texas ash and walnut, passed its first reading December 12 and will have its final reading on January 9.  Pruning or cutting these trees without a permit could result in … (4 comments)

CPR needed on a dying deal!! - 05:42 PM
Help! Call 911! Well, one of my closings for this week is dying a slow death. I just hate it when that happens. We were supposed to close last Friday, then extended until today, only to find out Wells Fargo has denied the loan due to the Buyer's debt ratio being to high by 1%. Only 1%! Seemingly, there is some additional income, from a part time job, that was disqualified, due to not being seasoned (less than 12 months). How can something so small kill a deal?
Anyway, the Loan Officer called me today, to give me this news, and to … (109 comments)

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