Archives of real estate blog entries for December 20, 2006

Featured blog posts


Don't steal the show - 10:20 PM
It is so important, as Realtors, to be respectful of other agents at all times.  This past weekend I had a couple of experiences when taking buyers to see different listings and want to point out a couple of scenarios thinking this will help a lot of us.
I will raise some important questions for you to think about:  
-how do you greet other agents when they show your listings?  -Do you direct your attention to their customer directly or do you ask the agent for permission to address them?  -Do you let them walk around the property or do you grab their hand … (54 comments)

Your BLOG is a piece of Meat, USDA prime........ - 04:30 PM
How do you view your blog?
How do Search engines view and look at your blogs? 
New research suggests that internet users are increasingly relying on search to find local service businesses, potentially taking mind-share away from traditional print yellow pages and classified advertising.  What does this have to do with me and my web site? Well, you want them to find you on the internet. In order for this to happen, you need to make sure your sight is well-defined in several areas. Basically making your site sexy to search engines. Part of this was taken from David Wallace. Most of the … (57 comments)

SunBelters...The Time to GLOAT is Now!....UPDATED...Updated again - 02:35 PM
Part of my job as a relocation specialist to the Denver Metro area is to dispel myths.  The biggest myth I deal with is the one that Denver is "hip-deep" in snow all winter long.  Out-of-staters are generally very skeptical of my words when I tell them Denver enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year.  Why that's more than San Diego and Honolulu areas, that are known for the outstanding weather.
My clients either believe me or not.  Once they take the plunge and move here, they are convinced.  I love the telephone calls I get from these skeptics telling … (118 comments)

For Real Estate Agents :: 5 Types of Investors, and What to Do About It - 12:41 PM
This is the third in a four part series for Real Estate Agents on Dealing with Real Estate Investors.  In previous EquityScout posts I investigated what investors are looking for in a real estate agent and why real estate agents should care about investors.  Here's part three:  what kind of investors are out there and how do I deal with them?
Unfortunately, in my book there are six types of investors out there, and I like to work with even "fives" (has a nicer ring to it).  So I'm going to take the first type of investor out of the equation.  This … (14 comments)

Dear Mr. FSBO, is your buyer qualified to buy??? - 06:39 AM
OK, so you bought a $4.95 sign at Wal-Mart, stuck it in the front yard, and right away the nicest young couple stop by and say your house is perfect for them.
"We want to buy it", they say.
"Wow, that was easy", you're no doubt thinking. You get out your Office Depot contract form, you all sign it, and now all you have to do is wait for the check to get here.
A couple of weeks later your 'buyers' strangely become incommunicado after numerous trips to your house to measure for new blinds, show it to friends and relatives, and talking about what they're going … (27 comments)

Real Estate as a Vehicle of Social Change - 01:39 AM
  I have mentioned in previous posts that I was a Social Worker and Counselor for many years before I began my career in real estate. As the new year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the ways in which  my current choice of occupation relates to my past experience. One way in which my marketing will change in 2007 is that I will focus on being me. Marketing is about letting people know who you are. I chose reidential resale because I believe in recycling and because I am all too familiar with the difference that the lack of a home can … (23 comments)

Better Sell NOW!! ... Blockbusting, the Media, the Public, & Us - 10:44 AM
This started as a response to this post, but grew into it's own...
The media attacks on Real Estate is a serious issue.
I think it's fair to say that individually, we all crank about "those darn reporters" and how they are unfairly treating the real estate market, etc.  I joked about it just yesterday.
In Sacramento, the paper and local tv news, together with the national-level media, have been beating the living stew out of the Market for the past 2-and-a-half years. Every week, a new headline in the paper, "Housing Bust Looms," "When the Bubble Bursts," "Housing Bubble Getting Bigger"... The headlines … (37 comments)

Referral Marketing, Or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love Corporate America - 04:27 PM

Hopefully, most of us seasoned mortgage professionals aren't strangers to referral business.  In fact, it is not uncommon to find guys & gals in this biz who started out cold-calling and pounding the pavement at one time, to now have the bulk of their business coming in the door from a robust network of family, friends, fellow bar flys, your local church congregation, and relationships developed from former clients.  But this simple word of mouth, while a dandy addition to your business outsourcing... is just a small piece of a pie that needs to implemented to drive our business.  Have you heard or … (14 comments)


Blog posts


Meme chain Repsonse - 06:15 PM
I am now part of the meme chain that is running around the blogosphere, especially ActiveRain lately.  Have you seen how many posts we've had about this now? Since I see most other's have written about their interpretation of a meme I'm going to add mine.
I first heard about memes some years ago and found the concept absolutely fascinating because essentially right before that moment I was thinking about idea transmission.
I look at memes as DNA. A DNA for consciousness that runs through a social group.  The thought behind this particular exercise is to share a new part of yourself … (6 comments)

STUDENT OF LIFE........ - 12:47 PM
 
Take the attitude of a student. Never be too big to ask questions. Neverknow too much to learn something new. - Og Mandino, 1923-1996, AmericanMotivational Author, Speaker
… (0 comments)

DID SOMEONE SAY TO DELETE OLD BLOGS? - 02:06 PM

I thought I read a post to delete old blogs (I thought it was because so many old blogs were taking up too much room).  So I went ahead and did so and lost quite a few points because of it.  Did I dream this request up? 
Please visit my site for information and support.  Seattle/Wallingford/Bellevue Washington Real Estate Property Listings. 
… (5 comments)

NEW ALERT!!! New Research Linking Obesity to Types of Digestive Bacteria - 02:43 PM

 I was just reading the lunch time news from KIRO TV and came upon an article regarding microbes entitled Fat? Maybe You're Just Big Microbed.   This is important to me because I have been fighting a weight problem for most of my life and it doesn't help when I spend as much time as I do in front of the computer.  I think it is a hazard of real estate that agents end up sitting so much and they should consider making part of their daily routine some form of exercise. 
The article is very interesting and talks about … (1 comments)

Repost -- this post was deleted and I am trying to get my points back - 05:34 PM
I'M A LITTLE DOWN TODAY--BUT IT WON'T LAST LONG!!!
Yesterday was such a good day!!!  I was showing properties that were up to $3+ Mil. and I thought they really liked the last home I showed them--they said they did.  The buyer (a former broker) is in town from Chicago and buying a property for his daughter.  We parted with him saying he would give me a call.  Later in the evening the daughter called and said he wanted some comps.  So I spent a great deal of time looking for comps in the particular area and because it is one … (0 comments)

THE SEATTLE TIMES POSTED CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING WARNINGS ON ITS FRONT PAGE - 06:45 PM

After our recent severe windstorm the Seattle area had thousands of people without power (some still are out) and there have been eight deaths attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning because people did not know to not burn charcoal or use gasoline generators in their houses (including garages).  A big part of the problem is that the information was not getting out to many people that do not speak English (although) an elderly man was found today that had not been foreign born..
 The Seattle Times had on their front page the warning in five different languages hoping to get the word out.   … (0 comments)

No Slump for sales $5M + in Chicago - 01:47 PM
The Chicago ultra luxury market hasn't slowed down one bit.  Chicago has had 47 homes priced at $4M + close in 2006 and nationally sales are up 11% for homes over $5M. 
"People don't purchase a luxury home because they need a roof over their heads," said Paul Boomsma, who heads the Luxury Portfolio program for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a Chicago-based marketing network for brokerages."They're looking for other things--pleasure in a home, which comes in the form of luxury amenities as well as a certain cachet, such as the architecture or location--the penthouse of a building, for … (8 comments)

‘Housed’ in a World of Search, by Anthony Longo - Founder - condoDomain.com - 01:56 PM
In an ever-growing world of "Search" on the Internet, marketing your company, your listings and yourself has never been more important. With more than 77% of all homebuyers searching for housing online, marketing to these individuals has clearly become the focus for most real estate agents. So, where do you start? How do you take the next step in Internet marketing? Below is some advice on how to kick-start your Internet marketing campaigns and pull way ahead for 2007.
The first step to grab some attention on the web is to find your niche, and promote your expertise within that niche real … (11 comments)

i'm blogging video - 02:07 PM
Readers enjoy:)
see the Blog Video on You Tube
… (7 comments)

1,930 condos in Brooklyn from Forest City Enterprises - 07:33 PM
Frank Gehry, a world-famous architect, who also designed - 360 Newbury (which is in my backyard)...is designing a $4 Billion dollar project in Brooklyn, called Atlantic Yards. 
         "The state hopes the project will help revitalize a blighted and under-utilized area, creating thousands of jobs and preserving about eight acres of parks and open space, designed by the Olin Partnership, the renowned landscape architecture firm that took on famous projects such as Bryant and Battery parks in Manhattan and Canary Wharf in London, England.  Atlantic Yards will also feature retail, offices, a hotel, and an 18,000-seat arena."
A New Jersey sports team … (0 comments)

Paradox in Paradise - 11:02 AM
In the Bryan/College Station area we have received quite a bit of attention within the last year as being one of the most "undervalued" markets in the US.  I tend to dispute this sentiment...I actually believe that all of Texas is undervalued and that B/CS is no more, or less, undervalued than most areas.  In fact, with proud papas of A&M students willing to pay more than most of my first time homebuyers can for a home I've seen, in the last three years, an increase in multiple bids on properties, with the final price being right at listing price, or … (0 comments)

Mr. & Mrs. FSBO, Let's Think About Buyers - 01:26 PM
 
 
Traditionally in the past when I've spoken to FSBO's I've directed the conversation more in their interests.  Why it will take longer to sell the house, why your "savings" are illusionary at best, why you might not want to show the house yourself.
I've switched over to talking about the buyer.  Let's think about it logically.  Mr. and Mrs. Buyer are relocating here from Colorado.  They have a three day window to shop for a house.  (over 40% of our buyers currently are relocating, so this is extremely pertinent in our market).  As a Buyers Agent I've already sent them a list … (3 comments)

DR Horton Headed Out of College Station? - 09:33 PM
Early this year DR Horton headed into College Station with a splash.  Signs went up and promotions abounded.  Their first subdivision they built in was called Dove Crossing.  On December 19th KBTX, one of our local TV stations ran a story about DR Horton and how they have attempted, largely unsuccessfully, to compete in the Bryan/College Station market.  Out of the 78 lots they purchased in Dove Crossing, only 35 have been built on, and many of those 35 are still for sale.  Currently they are offering steep cobroker fees and paying closing costs for consumers.
What went wrong?  Randall Pitcock, our … (4 comments)

Wednesdays In Naples - 01:53 PM
Greeting from the Sunshine State!  Today is Wednesday and I just spoke with daughter that lives in Denver - Yes it is a blizzard there.  Estimated snowfall is projected to be 14 to 26 in the Denver Metro area.
But here are the happenings for Wednesday in Naples.
CLOSED GROUP CHILDREN/TEENS - Reservation required.  Please contact the Shelter for Abused Women and Children at 239-775-3862.
8am-5pm  COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE - Center open at 311 9th Street N., Suite 108. 436-5025
9:00am  FREE GUIDED NATURE WALK - Clam Pass County Park. Seagate Drive, parking at the tram lot.  No reservations necessary. Sponsored … (8 comments)

Hi - 06:23 PM
Hi,
I am joining this group because I will be serving on the Legal Resources Committee for the Naples Area Board of Realtors in 2007.
My thinking is that potentially, I can get views, opinions and thoughts from others regarding legal issues and therefore, "give and take" legal issues which are of importance to the REALTOR community.
… (2 comments)

Important Reading for Florida Realtors - 06:34 PM
Florida is a great place to live and personally I feel fortunate to live in such a great area of the country.  A great resource for real estate agents is the University of Florida's real estate program.  They recently published the 4th quarter summary for real estate.  Russ Weyer from Fishkind & Associates pointed me to the report.  I don't know if anyone has posted the reference, so if they have posted please excuse me.
4th Quarter Executive Survey Results
You can also find surveys for specific markets on this page.
… (0 comments)

Southwestern Chicken Corn Chowder - 10:48 PM
With the weather getting colder (finally!), we naturally seek out warming foods.  This soup, delicious, restorative, and VERY quick to make, fits the bill nicely.  It's also a great way to use up leftover turkey or chicken from holiday dinners. 
1/2      teaspoon  olive oil1         cup  chopped onions1         teaspoon  bottled minced garlic1         can  fat-free chicken broth -- (14 1/2 ounce)1         can  cream of chicken soup -- low fat (10 3/4 ounce)1         can  chopped green chiles -- (4 ounce)2         cups  cooked chicken -- or 1 10-ounce can1         can  creamed corn -- (14 1/2 ounce)1         can  corn kernels -- (14 1/2 ounce)1/2      teaspoon  chili … (3 comments)

Rookie Realtor Group - 09:29 PM
 Follow this link to the new Rookie Realtor Group.
This group is just starting up and we are looking for as many new to the business Realtors as we can get. So sign up and start posting.
This will be a place to share problems, ideas, tips and tricks. We will ask questions and draw from the great resource that is Active Rain to answer.
Shari George has already done a great post that you may have seen. We are trying to get her to include it in this group.
If you have any good stories or helpful hints about your first years in the … (7 comments)

Bonus for the fiscal year 2006 - 06:34 AM

Enough talks about others' 2006 bonuses!  How about our fiscal year 2006 bonus: Active Rain!   That's right, Active Rain is our fiscal year 2006 Bonus and I will be sure that you all agree with me.  Lately, every conversation is talking about how great of a holiday bonus season it was with major companies and it is starting to make me a little sick because most of us self-employed real estate professionals usually don't receive holiday bonuses.  Well just a quick reminder that Active Rain is our bonus and it may not be worth a million dollars to you now … (13 comments)

Idlewild in Fredericksburg Virginia - 06:53 AM
A few minutes ago I read a very interesting blog posting by Sharon Simms of St Petersburg Florida.  Sharon had written a very short piece on the Kenwood neighborhood in her hometown.
Sharon is a very clever writer and superior real estate professional.  She is also a caring and sharing lady.
All of those nice words are not meant to offset the feelings she may have with my piggybacking on her innovative idea of describing a community/neighborhood in a blog.
Fredericksburg Virginia is often thought of as a historic city on the east coast (which it is) and not one that has grown immensely … (13 comments)

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