Archives of real estate blog entries for December 9, 2006

Featured blog posts


Don't take it personally ... It is what it is - 06:38 PM
If your market is anything like ours in Las Vegas (20,000+ available resales, 9-10 month supply, prices flat to slightly declining) you know it can be tough to be a listing agent. Sellers may get frustrated by the lack of activity (especially relative to the boom of 2003-4), and a simple 'market update' call or visit can quickly turn into a firestorm. "Why isn't my home sold? How come you didn't do an open house last weekend? You've never shown my house! All of you agents are the same! I could do better on my own!"
When this happens, understand that 99% of … (26 comments)

Borrow Money Like You Would Buy A Cell Phone - 05:49 PM
How is borrowing money like  buying a cell phone?
 
I'm going to share a funny personal story with you.  I just bought a cell phone the other day. Now,  read on because it has a LOT to do with how to get good mortgage terms.
This was a big thing for me because I bought a real bad-ass cell phone.  It's the LG CU500, the first HSDPA compatible UMTS handset for the US, and probably the first to be offered by Cingular.
Now I have no idea what I just cut and pasted about my cell phone but I know the thing … (26 comments)

REALTOR...It's NOT about you! - 05:47 PM
Throughout history we can trace changes in society, brought on by cause and effects of certain events.  Our country went from agrarian, to industrial to the information age.  Each transformation of society brought with it new practices and ways of living and going about our daily lives.
The progression of real estate practices has been effected by societal and economic changes too.  For those of us that have been in the business for 20 years or more, we have personally witnessed and experienced these industry changes.  Let's explore these changes.
Owner Centric ~ many old timers will recognized this period of … (42 comments)

Honey! Can you bring me my jammies? - 03:48 PM
One of the best decisions I have made in my business was not to work with Buyers. Driving around showing properties all day is not my idea of fun, I just don‘t have the patience for it. How do you do this and still manage to keep your sanity? Do you enjoy it or is it just something you do because that's where your business is? Maybe I'm missing something, but to me it just seems a big waste of time. In fact, I hate it so much, that if I had to do it, I would look for another line … (66 comments)

Circling the Drain - 02:55 PM

The real estate industry has been going through significant changes over the past few years. Doomsday predictions about Realtor demise have been heard from coast to coast, brought on by a variety of Internet based companies who think they have the answer.
This invasion of real estate has not gone unnoticed or undefended.  Agents who for years have been the gate keeper to the MLS fought the battle to keep the keys out of the consumers hands.  That battle was lost and now we know that's OK. We have learned real estate is local and will always be local.
… (41 comments)

The Real Difference Between Buyers and Sellers - 01:48 PM
 
 Buyers and sellers have always been at opposite ends of the table.  When the market is moving upward sellers want multiple offers and push buyers for every extra dollar they can get.  When the market starts trending downward buyers will withhold offers until they feel they can negotiate a price that is at or below market value.  Revenge can be sweet!  However a recent survey may hold some clues about the  difference between those who own a home and potential homeowners.
In a recent  Survery by the Pew Research Center. Homeowners were surveyed about where they believe home values are headed.  Of  those … (18 comments)

How did I lose that client!!!! - 09:25 AM
 
 Every now and then I am sure many of us, even after going the extra mile, just can't seem to capture that one particular client. This goes back to a client of mine that was recommended by a realtor, but at the end, wanted to choose their own mortgage company.
Was my rate higher? Was my service lacking? My follow up not up to par? None of the above. Quite frankly, when they told me that they decided to go with another lender, who was actually a local bank, they said they were impressed with my follow up throughout the process. My … (62 comments)

Reminder: ActiveRain is hosting the Carnival of Real Estate - 07:35 PM
Just a reminder to everybody, ActiveRain will be hosting the carnival of real estate next monday on this blog.  This means that I'll be spending most of my Sunday reading through real estate related blog posts.  So, I'm expecting a lot of good posts from all the "rainers" to give those "outside bloggers" a run for their money :) 
Submissions are due by noon on Sunday...
How to submit to the Carnival of Real EstateUpdate:
For those of you have never heard of the Carnival of Real Estate here is some more information. 
What's a Blog Carnival? What's the Carnival of Real Estate? Complete FAQ … (23 comments)

Ethic's Where Do We Stand - 12:43 AM
In a recent blog I commented about the DOJ lawsuit and where N.A.R. stands. Since becoming a Realtor a little over three years ago an ongoing discussion I have had with other Realtors involves Double Ending A Client. I still remember in my state test it had seemed that we have a fudiciary duty to our clients whether it is a Seller or A Buyer. What intrigues me is the self destruction that is going on amongst ourselves when someone argues that they can affectively represent both the Seller and Buyer in A transaction.
I am sure some one can present ( … (68 comments)

Real estate videos - the 'do it yourself' version - 11:25 PM
For those who have some time on their hands and want to delve into the real estate video world, there's an interesting new site that allows you to upload your footage and then edit it online, add music, transitions, etc., then post it to a blog or to other real estate sites such as YouTube.
You can also upload still photos and 'create' a movie out of that, which can be uploaded to these sites as well. It's kind of slick, although I'm not sure if offers much more than some free software that comes bundled on most new computers these days.
I … (36 comments)

Where did all the REALTORs go ... Vacation? - 10:35 AM
I sure hate to go on a Saturday morning rant, but did real estate professionals take the year off in 2006?  See my outside blog for further thoughts.
Our company has been a consistent adherent to the "pay even when they don't earn it" philosophy for the last 8 years.   And yet, in a market that is now dominated by buyers shopping and wheeling and dealing, real estate professionals seem to have taken a back seat. 
If we list a house, we get a sign and an MLS listing .... no one wants to do an open house ... no one wants … (43 comments)

Your Values Are Your True Brand: Part 1 - 09:26 AM
Yesterday I wrote about the importance of choosing a mentor who shared your core values and several people commented on their ongoing quest to define their own core values. It's an important quest, because our values are our true brand. This is true for companies as well as individuals. My quest took many years and I thought it might be helpful to share the outcome. So, I went into my archives and pulled out the documents that were part of the corporate transformation that resulted from the personal mentoring.
One of the most powerful aspects of the mentoring process for me was … (63 comments)

It's Your Agent's Fault - 12:08 AM
Today as I was was driving home I noticed a new sign up on a home in Beverly Hills that has been on the market for about 6 months or so. The owners had tried to sell by themselves before they listed with an agent, who is, by the way, an outstanding Realtor. Now a third sign is up in the front yard, that of an agent who claims to be the market specialist. A few months ago the sellers had a big garage sale. Then the moving van came and packed up what was left in the house. Like many … (49 comments)


Blog posts


Zillow Experiment: Day 2 - 07:49 AM
Nada.  Same as yesterday minus any noticeable street gawking. … (7 comments)

Another real estate bubble... - 05:39 PM
No, I'm not talking about the housing bubble that's been center page in the media for the past couple years.  I'm talking about the bubble in listing aggregation services that is very quickly inflating to huge proportions.  Everybody and their cousin is working on some scheme to aggregate listings at a national level in order to draw (and monetize) consumer eyeballs. 
Just in the past week Zillow, HouseValues and HomeGain all launched initiatives in this space to go along with Trulia, Oodle, Move, PropSmart, Google Base, Point2, Craigslist, and I'm sure at least a dozen others in the next year.  Combine that with … (8 comments)

Welcome Consumers to ActiveRain! - 09:49 PM
As a consumer am I better of with the Internet? As a consumer of products, I routinely shop online: for books and watches at Amazon.com, for shoes at zappos.com, socks at footsmart.com. Yes, as a consumer of products I am better of. Great selection, the means could not be more convenient, pricing is competitive. How about as a consumer of services? I have my doubts. None of my doctors has email. When I go to specialists, they hand me the same forms to fill out. Any heartburn? Yes, from having to answer the same dozen questions again. The internet did not … (3 comments)

"Naughty and Nice" - 08:48 PM
 Naughty:
This short video comes from the Broward Sheriff's Office and has useful information. I thought it would be a useful reminder of how to keep it safe for the holidays and rest of the year. It is crazy out there with the shopping and everyone seems to be in a hurry. Make sure you protect yourself because there are plenty of criminals out there ready to make a quick buck, I don't want any one on my list to be a victim, Pass it to your friends and give it as the "Gift of Safety Awareness". We don't need something like … (3 comments)

Reminder: ActiveRain is hosting the Carnival of Real Estate - 07:35 PM
Just a reminder to everybody, ActiveRain will be hosting the carnival of real estate next monday on this blog.  This means that I'll be spending most of my Sunday reading through real estate related blog posts.  So, I'm expecting a lot of good posts from all the "rainers" to give those "outside bloggers" a run for their money :) 
Submissions are due by noon on Sunday...
How to submit to the Carnival of Real EstateUpdate:
For those of you have never heard of the Carnival of Real Estate here is some more information. 
What's a Blog Carnival? What's the Carnival of Real Estate? Complete FAQ … (23 comments)

Business is Crazy, What About Yours? - 11:22 AM
I haven't ever experienced this busy a December.  I have four closings and about twelve active buyers and haven't even had time for the normal Christmas parties and rounds.  I typically deliver goodies to my clients this time of year, but that seems out of the question currently as I'm working every day.  Is anyone else experiencing this?  Am I alone out here?  It's a great place to be in, but I would like to shop for my kids some day.  Now, for those of you in different markets our average close is 150K, and this time of year I am … (6 comments)

Memory Training - 11:30 AM
We had a memory trainer come by the office the other day and present a short, but very interesting seminar on memory training.  This gentlemans na,e was Craig Krause and the things that he showed us in an hour were pretty incredible.  He promises with the full length seminar that you will experience a 300% increase in your memory, you will be able to remember a list of 50 items and could walk into a room and meet 20 new people and remember each of their names.  One of our agents already took the seminar and said it was wonderful!
For those … (5 comments)

Honey! Can you bring me my jammies? - 03:48 PM
One of the best decisions I have made in my business was not to work with Buyers. Driving around showing properties all day is not my idea of fun, I just don‘t have the patience for it. How do you do this and still manage to keep your sanity? Do you enjoy it or is it just something you do because that's where your business is? Maybe I'm missing something, but to me it just seems a big waste of time. In fact, I hate it so much, that if I had to do it, I would look for another line … (66 comments)

Circling the Drain - 02:55 PM

The real estate industry has been going through significant changes over the past few years. Doomsday predictions about Realtor demise have been heard from coast to coast, brought on by a variety of Internet based companies who think they have the answer.
This invasion of real estate has not gone unnoticed or undefended.  Agents who for years have been the gate keeper to the MLS fought the battle to keep the keys out of the consumers hands.  That battle was lost and now we know that's OK. We have learned real estate is local and will always be local.
… (41 comments)

The S Files are Closed - 04:29 PM
For many years the X Files was a popular TV show that explored the possibility of beings from space.  Sometimes  it was almost believable, more often than not is was just plain scary.
S Files are not scary, nor are they a TV show but a real live location and a preferred destination of all my homeowners who want to sell.  The S Files are SOLD Files...a very safe and successful place to reside!
How do you get into my S Files? 
That's easy...listen to me.  You are a homeowner who loves your home and granted you know a lot about it.  Now that its time … (3 comments)

REALTOR...It's NOT about you! - 05:47 PM
Throughout history we can trace changes in society, brought on by cause and effects of certain events.  Our country went from agrarian, to industrial to the information age.  Each transformation of society brought with it new practices and ways of living and going about our daily lives.
The progression of real estate practices has been effected by societal and economic changes too.  For those of us that have been in the business for 20 years or more, we have personally witnessed and experienced these industry changes.  Let's explore these changes.
Owner Centric ~ many old timers will recognized this period of … (42 comments)

Are you serving up discontent? - 09:56 PM

Are you serving up discontent?
 As humans we all have a basic need to be wanted and liked.  Sometimes our jobs require us to do things that are contrary to our basic needs. 
It's really tough to have to tell a buyer you can't help them because their expectations are out of line with reality.  Or even though they just got a wonderful raise, they still can't afford a home in their dream neighborhood.
We have to dish it out to sellers too.  Particularly when sellers have the notion that property values always increase in double digits year after year.  Telling them it … (15 comments)

Where's Your Husband? - 10:52 PM
Years ago I moved with my family back to my home State of New Jersey.  At the time as it probably still is, the real estate in New Jersey was very expensive, much more so than it was in Colorado.  My hubby and I leased a winter rental down by the shore, got the kids settled and then set out to find a home.
After much disappointment we decided to purchase a home that was a fixer upper.  Not being in real estate at the time, I made every mistake in the book, from purchasing the home directly from the listing agent … (39 comments)

Windows XP Tweaks and Tips - 02:20 PM
For the more adventurous and brave-at-heart, here is a link to "Tweaks" for customizing, altering and enhancing the look, feel and standard behavior of windows. Use at your own risk! Warning: This should not be attempted unless you understand what is being done, how if effects the system and (MOST IMPORTANTLY) you've backed up your system just prior to making any changes. Tweaks and Tips - Registry Edits (List) for Windows XP (part of "Troubleshooting Windows XP") Tweaks and Tips - Registry Edits (List by Categorry) for Windows XP**** DO NOT Click on any link area in the above listed tweaks … (2 comments)

Stamford/Greenwich CT. Home Sales Statistics - 10:58 AM
The statistics for the November housing market in Stamford and Greenwich are now available.  So far for December, we are seeing a rise in activity.  This may be due to a large segment that is anticipating generous bonuses.  Presented by: Victoria LorussoTo search for available properties by town, map or nieghborhood, go to Http://www.homesoffairfieldcounty.com … (0 comments)

How I saved an Indianapolis client from foreclosure - 07:56 AM
A few months ago I was referred an individual that was wanting to sell her home. At that time, I didn't know she was behind in her payments.  Two months into the listing contract, she told me she was 6 months behind in payments. 
We had to act quick.  Customer was going to be foreclosed on at any moment.  With the thousands of people on my real estate mailing list, I was able to find someone that not only purchased the home from her, but also caught up her six months of late payments. 
This is just another example … (0 comments)

new website for Plainfield, IN - 08:09 AM
Wanted to share a new website I am putting together for Plainfield, IN.  
This will be the one stop resource for home buyers and sellers looking to relocate to Plainfield, buy a home in Plainfield, or Plainfield home selling.
Free Plainfield buyer and seller reports including "10 Questions You Must Ask Before Interviewing Your Agent", FREE CMA's of your home in Plainfield, as well as free Plainfield home listings for for people relocating to Plainfield or just looking to buy another home in Plainfield.
 
 
… (5 comments)

this is way off topic - 08:58 AM
Okay, I thought I have heard everything, or maybe I am in the dark ages...
And this is completely off topic.
My wife just told me something her dad said last night.  He  thinks that tickling a kids feet will make them stutter. No, seriously, he really believes it. So all us parents out there, don't ticket their feet.  I wonder what happens if you tickle their stomach?  or their armpits?  Maybe it makes them leaders or something.
I'm in trouble, I have tickled all three of my kids feet, they are all 4 years and under.  Better not tickle the feet of my … (1 comments)

4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home in park-like setting for sale in Indianapolis. Over 4,200 sq.ft. - 12:58 PM
Gorgeous 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home in a stunning park like setting. Newly installed tile entryway, new paint inside and out, and remarkable hardwood floors compliment this impressive home. Family Room with a grand brick fireplace, wooden beam ceiling, and built-ins open up to a brick patio with private backyard. Living room boasts an amazing bow window that overlooks a professionally landscaped lawn. Don't miss the full basement awaiting your finishing touches.



We work with many Indianapolis relocations looking to move to the Indianapolis area.  For more information, check out the Indianapolis relocation resource at http://MyIndianapolisHome.com
  
… (0 comments)

What's your favorite morning waker upper? - 08:36 AM
I don't know about you, but when I get up in the morning I like a good cup of coffee!!  I thought I would share with you my favorite coffee and it's in Kansas City!  For me it's The Roasterie
It all started in 1978 when the now "head bean baron" was in Costa Rica as a foreign exchange student.. and his love for coffee was born when he picked his first coffee beans in the mountains around the Poás volcano. 
Fifteen years later he founded The Roasterie in the basement of his Brookside home.
I have to say that one thing this … (5 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2006-12-09

 Archives:

31 Dec
30 Dec
29 Dec
28 Dec
27 Dec
26 Dec
25 Dec
24 Dec
23 Dec
22 Dec
21 Dec
20 Dec
19 Dec
18 Dec
17 Dec
16 Dec
15 Dec
14 Dec
13 Dec
12 Dec
11 Dec
10 Dec
9 Dec
8 Dec
7 Dec
6 Dec
5 Dec
4 Dec
3 Dec
2 Dec
1 Dec
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006