Archives of real estate blog entries for January 1, 2007

Featured blog posts


Consumer's Insights on our car ego - 08:58 PM
I took a recent poll about this topic since I really didnt know what consumers/ clients think vs. I know how us real estate people think about our vehicles as a result of my previous blog - You are Not What You Drive.Note: The comments below were UNALTERED. The result(s): They cared about the cleanliness, well-maintained, no cigarette smell, no heavy scent, could comfortable sits them.One even said "skeptical of a realtor who picked me up in a Navigator/Mercedes" [I didnt quote this]Another comment: " I don't remember thinking "Wow, what a nice car!" nor "What a POS- maybe we should … (57 comments)

Heroes, Mentors, Role Models, etc. - 04:45 PM
Earlier today, Ardell DellaLoggia encouraged "Active Rain" readers to share examples of their role models in her article, "The Russian Tea Room-NYC.  I responded positively to the idea, but admittedly needed a little time to draft a proper tribute.  I was fortunate to have exposure to a number of exemplary figures while I was learning the title business many years ago. 
I believe that the credibility of the every industry has been crafted through the motives and actions of human giants.  These dedicated professionals were, and are, directly responsible for the creation of lofty benchmarks for behavioral and ethical standards.  The heroes … (29 comments)

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO.....................Consumer beware!!!! - 04:32 PM
While reading through this month's Florida REALTOR magazine, I noticed quite a few ads for 100% commission split offices. We've all seen them. They go something like this:
NO office feesNO franchise feesNO transaction feesNo waiting on commission checksNO quotas to meetNO sales meetings to attendNO "junk charges" of any kind***Only $395 per closing!***Now, the one thing that stands out to me, in these ads, is the fact that they don't say "experience required" or "only full time professional Realtors need apply" or how about this one "not for the faint of heart". I'm sure they don't mention these things because experience … (72 comments)

The Word That Sales People Should Love To Hear……….NO!!! - 01:29 PM
If you are reading this Post you are probably thinking why would any sales person want to hear the word “NO”?  The word that sales people want to hear is YES!!!  That is the bottom line in any sales transaction, because without a YES there is no transaction.  So why should salespeople want to hear the word NO?  Well please humor me for a few minutes, and consider the following.
The answer to why sales people should love to, or at least want to hear the word NO is very simple if you just stop and think about it.  Anyone who … (79 comments)

Is this your free act and deed - 12:17 PM
These words are usually spoken by the closing Attorney or Title company at all New Hampshire closings. I usually have to hold my breath when this is asked at all my closings because these are some of the most important words spoken at the end of the closing and you just never know what might be said by either party. In my first or second year in Real Estate I had a listing that went pending within thirty days. The buyers offered a lower price and they had told me they would go higher. As a seller's agent I relayed that … (36 comments)

How to create referrals when you have none - 11:31 AM
Hi all, I went to a seminar in 2006 besides them wanting 5K to be your personal coach they had this great idea.
They stated that statistically most people like giving referrals out. By this they meant that if they know of someone it is more likely when asked about a good mechanic, plumber, painter etc. they will bust a gut when it comes up in a conversation to recommend them. With this in mind they also stated that unless you know someone personally you must earn the right to give them information. So there solution is quite simple. Create a list, … (35 comments)

SEO For Your ActiveRain Blog - 09:18 AM
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Search Engine Awareness
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)is the subject of many a question and many a blog entry on ActiveRain. Let's face it though, most of us are here to use the ActiveRain platform as an easy solution for gaining some always-needed marketing exposure in our own towns. Here are some easy techniques anyone can use to get the most from your ActiveRain blog without having to understand how all the SEO stuff works.
A Very Short Intro:The best description of good SEO that I have heard to date is "We are obsessive observers". Good SEO practioners are constantly … (59 comments)

Help Stop Your Posts from Being Hijacked - 03:15 PM
If you do a lot of Internet search, you've come across a site or two that do nothing but aggregate links as a means of generating money from Google & Yahoo click ads. Recently I am noticing that some of the posts from our site - The Harper Team - are being hijacked by these low-lifes.
I want to help make people aware of this and offer a means to help combat this scourge. 
Here is the post from our site -
San Ramon - Dublin - Pleasanton CA Real Estate News - Dec 30
And here are two examples of it being … (47 comments)

Memorable Posts of 2006: Carnival of ActiveRain (Go VOTE!) - 08:37 AM
OK, folks, a few thoughts before we get started with the real fun.  When I had this idea, I was hoping we would come up with the memorable posts of 2006.  For each of us, that will be something different.  By memorable, I did not necessarily mean best or most popular or anything like that.  I meant posts that touched you or impacted this community in a meaningful way.  Maybe that distinction is difficult.  And maybe I did not articulate it clearly in my original post.  But I do think that we came up with a fantastic selection of memorable posts, … (57 comments)

Office Competition - Motivational and Effective - 10:01 PM
Read an article written by Randy L. Prothero  about helping new realtors. It reminded me of my first years as a realtor. I started in a small office with several top producers. Having no knowledge of how to list or sell real estate, I started watching the other agents, listening to how they handled details, doing their open houses, and basically eaves dropping on them. My office wasn't big on training - they just threw us to the wolves and hoped we would come back with a listing or sale. As a highly competitive person, ending up last was not on my "most … (22 comments)

Business Card Mileage - 07:22 AM
As I embark upon a new year and prepare to implement the 2007 business plan I am reminded of the opportunities created with the simplest and most inexpensive tool available to just about any business person. I am also reminded of a Realtor convention at which the idea of using magnetic business cards was played down and frowned upon as cheesy at best.
I had just started out in the business of real estate sales and little money to finance my endeavor. However, I had 1000 business cards and I had recently purchased magnetic backs for the business cards. I decided to … (11 comments)

2007 ACTIVE RAIN PREDICTIONS from Carnac from Connecticut - 07:33 PM
Carnac from Connecticut Predicts: 
1.  Jimmy Carter steals some of Lenn Harley's  maps. Unlike Dennis Ross who hasn't gotten around to filing a complaint, Lenn sues the peanuts off of him.   Lenn retires from Active Rain as a millionaire.
2.  Marc Blasi  and Jason Price leave Active Rain to pursue success on the PGA tour. Unsuccessful, they instead try their humor at the Comedy Club where they find fame and fortune.  
3.  Angus Woodbury explains to a client, "buy from me or get out of my car."  The client never saw the truck that hit him.  Fortunately, Angus had the newest wide angle camcorder with a dual lens and was … (182 comments)


Blog posts


A Few Real Estate Predictions for 2007 - 06:48 AM
2007 is a great year to sell your home. You will notice the market changing during 2nd quarter of 2007Virtual Tours/Video Tours will increase in popularity...Sellers get your home ready to be shown.Buyers are looking for homes tha are priced right. If your home is priced too  high...you'll miss out on an opportunity to get yours sold. Home Staging services use by a seller will present the home and get the home sold faster. Buyers want upscale features...the basics are not enough any more.Buyers want to work with an agent who knows the marketSellers want to work with an agent with … (4 comments)

BE THERE FOR YOUR CLIENT - 01:26 PM
 
I received a call yesterday from a woman that wanted information on a listing for a condo (not mine).  She relocated here from San Francisco seven months ago and she needs to be moved by March.  I asked her if she has been working with another agent and she said no, she just realized that she needs to be moved by March and that it is coming fast.  She told me she has a letter from her bank qualifying her for more than she wants to spend.
I looked up the listing for her and called the listing agent to … (0 comments)

Outlook for 2007: Markets and the Economy - 02:20 PM

If you have read my posts for any length of time, you know that I am interested in the economy and the stock market.  I follow different "money shows" on television and radio, and check the different business sections available on the internet.  
Yahoo Finance is one I check daily and enjoyed the article Outlook for 2007: Markets and the Economy by Jeremy J. Siegel Ph.D.
Some of Dr Siegel's thoughts:
Markets here and overseas are still reasonably valued and corporate earnings should continue to move upward. Hence I believe 2007 will be another good year for stocks, although returns will not be … (0 comments)

Maricopa County Update and 2007 Outlook - 07:43 PM
This holiday season is indeed a buyer's market in real estate here in Maricopa county.  Since late 2005 resale home prices in the valley have reflected the sellers interest in obtaining the appreciation their neighbors enjoyed in the heated 2005 market.  There continues to be a wonderful selection of homes currently available for home buyers in the valley.  We are observing sellers willing to reduce the price of their listings by up to 10% making homes more affordable.
Add to that the latest news on home mortgage rates from Bankrate.com:  Fixed mortgage rates are sharply lower than five months ago, when rates … (0 comments)

AWESOME LITCHFIELD PARK FAMILY HOME - 08:09 PM

AWESOME FAMILY HOME CORNER LOT THAT SHOWS LIKE A MODEL. MR. CLEAN LIVES HERE. OPEN SPACE W/ 10' CEILINGS, CEILING FANS, DECORATOR PAINT, 19" STONE TILE. BEDROOMS & GREAT ROOM HAVE HIGH END CARPETING.GOURMET KITCHEN UPGRADES INCL. 42" CHERRY CABINETRY W/ISLAND, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS W/ BULLNOSE EDGE & BLACK UPGRADED APPLIANCES. MASTER BR. SUITE W/ RETREAT. MIRRORED CLOSET DOORS, DUAL SINKS & MED CABS IN BATH, FRENCH DOORS. #3 GARAGE W/ CEILING FAN & EPOXY FLOOR COULD BE FAMILY RM/DEN. LOW MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING FRONT & BACK W/ PATIO SLABS & SO MUCH MORE. PLUS LITCHFIELD PARK SCHOOLS CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
(0 comments)

HEMET MARKET REPORT: Expireds, Solds and the Asking Price - 03:59 AM
HEMET MARKET REPORT:  Expireds, Solds and the Asking Priceby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
Well, I have been looking at the numbers for the past couple of years, trying to make heads and tails out of them.  Now please don't get me wrong, I am NOT a statistician any where close.  I am just a Realtor who is trying real hard to get control of my market and understand all of the nuances.
As I learn, I write and share.  Hopefully, I am sharing with my clients and future clients and not educating my competition.  This is hours and hours of work that can … (1 comments)

PRICE YOUR HOME TO SELL Part 5 of 5 - 01:19 PM
PRICE YOUR HOME TO SELL Part 5 of 5BY JOHN OCCHI, HEMET REALTOR®Originally posted to this BLOG
This is the final installment of a 5 part article, educating the consumer on the process of how homes should be priced to sell, in an market.  Looking back at the First Part, we stimulated the thought process by asking some hard questions - helping determine your own level of motivation. Then in the Second Part we examined the roll a REALTOR® plays in the process and why it is so important for you to choose one you can work with - one who will … (2 comments)

How to Get What You Deserve... - 01:54 PM
How to Get What You Deserve... by Getting
Top Dollar of Your House in any Market!by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR  
This is another one of the FREE reports that I provide to my clients.  Often, this will be included in my pre-listing package, before I ever meet a potential client.   
*****************************************************
Often times a seller wants to squeeze every dollar that their home is worth, and that's a good thing as long as they don't want to go into the realm of make-believe values.  This ability to reap the additional hidden profits are yours...if you make the right improvements.
The difference between homes are usually measured … (0 comments)

Figures Don't Lie...Liars Figure - 09:07 PM
Figures Don't Lie...Liars Figureby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
I have been working with the information that I have downloaded from the Hemet MLS, sponsored by the Hemet-San Jacinto Board of Realtors.  The data has represented all of the residential properties listed and sold in each of the 3 Hemet zip codes - 92453, 92544 & 92545.
The first few articles I wrote seemed to be a little off to me, so I have tweaked the data so that the numbers were more realistic to my thinking.  Some of what I was looking at just was not making sense to me.
So, I spent some … (0 comments)

Consumer confidence...Go News or ... - 09:32 PM
Consumer confidence...Good News or ...by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
The Conference Board, a private research group, announced that consumer confidence for the month of December has taken an unexpected rise, due in part to an improved job market and continued optimism about the countries economy.
The revised numbers for November, 2006 settled in at 105.3 and then rose in December to 109.  This is in contrast to what economists had expected - a decline to about 101.9 from the previously reported November figure of 102.9.
Of course "The Conference Board" doesn't want us to draw any conclusions from either the adjusted November or December … (1 comments)

1095 El Camino Drive - Costa Mesa CA - $879,000 - 06:21 AM
Home | Site MapFor more information, photographs and other available properties, go to :Orange County coastal real estate in Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach & Newport Coast
(0 comments)

16 Santa Rida - Irvine CA - $1,178,000 - 06:26 AM
Home | Site MapFor more information, photographs and other available properties, go to :Orange County coastal real estate in Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach & Newport Coast
(0 comments)

Today, On My Butt Shall I Sit! - 01:18 PM
Today is one of my favorite days of the year. Being from Orange County, California I could care less about the Rose Parade. New Year's Day is about football baby!  I remember the days when all the major bowl games were played on this day (i.e. Rose, Fiesta, Sugar, etc).  Today, I could care less about any other game but the Rose Bowl.  My USC Trojans lost just about everybody from last years team and yet they had a shot to "go" again. I'm not bitter. Wait until next year and be damned you Bruins.
Their is no substitute for today.  Football, … (7 comments)

Happy New Year!!! - 12:10 AM
Happy New Year Active Rain!!!  May 2007 prove to be productive, enriching, and happy for all of us.  May we all continue to improve ourselves through this forum and other ways in not only our business, but our personal lives. 
May all of you have a wonderful 2007.  Blog quite a bit and continue to increase your points in all ways and increase your profile. 
(7 comments)

2007 Plans for Charities - 12:46 AM
There are over 12000 people registered on the ActiveRain Network currently.  What a difference we could all make if we donated 100 hours of time over the next year to our favorite charity!!!  1,200,000 hours of service from a highly talented and skilled group.  Think about including a charity in your plan for 2007.  Please pledge to give at least 100 hours of your time over the next year.  That's not even two hours a week.
You can make a difference!!!  Whether you volunteer in your childs school to help failing readers, or help a housebound elderly person with their meals, or volunteer … (2 comments)

2007 Plans for Charities - 12:46 AM
There are over 12000 people registered on the ActiveRain Network currently.  What a difference we could all make if we donated 100 hours of time over the next year to our favorite charity!!!  1,200,000 hours of service from a highly talented and skilled group.  Think about including a charity in your plan for 2007.  Please pledge to give at least 100 hours of your time over the next year.  That's not even two hours a week.
You can make a difference!!!  Whether you volunteer in your childs school to help failing readers, or help a housebound elderly person with their meals, or volunteer … (0 comments)

Tired of Not Having a Life - 11:29 AM
I've had a rash of people between Christmas and today that have wanted to look at homes.  Not one of them, however, is in a position to buy a home currently.  They are all looking for this summer.  Obviously the homes available now aren't going to be the same one's that are available during the summer, but they want to get an glimpse of the market.  Not a bad idea, by any means...They are off work, and have extra time.  They get to spend their time with their loved ones and look at houses, what could be bad??? 
My husband and kids have been … (3 comments)

Hiring an Assistant - 08:37 PM
I'm definately getting to the point where my part time assistant isn't enough.  I'm not at all sure that I want to hire a full time assistant yet, though.  I'm at that scary part where the extra help would be great, but I hate to commit to the funds and the temperment of someone else.
Anyone out there that has taken this step in the past that I could get tips and advice from?  I close about 50 transactions a year, but remember this is Texas, so I'm by no means rich!  For the past two years running my gross has been … (6 comments)

Jefferson City Missouri Real Estate - 04:28 PM
                                                      Jefferson City Missouri Market update.
Just thought I would update you on the local market. If you have any questions or would like more information on the Jefferson City Market please let me know.
Single Family Homes for the Month of December 06
1. Active listings...703
2. Sold listings...49
3. Average days on market...78
4. Average sales price...$134,116
Daniel Lowery, Certified Negotiation Specialist (CNS)REALTOR® Broker/Sales Coldwell Banker Gordon Co. Realtors Direct: (573) 291-1819 Office: (573) 761-3312Email: daniel@daniellowery.comWebsite: www.daniellowery.comWhen Service Matters Call Dan!
Visit my website http://www.daniellowery.com for FREE information.
(0 comments)

201 Belair Drive, Jefferson City - 07:56 PM
Property Details: A great starter home in the Belair School District. The finished room downstairs could be turned into an office with access to the back yard. For a private tour of this wonderful home call Daniel.
Single Family Home Beds: 3 Baths: 1.5 Sq. Ft.: 1082 Price: $90,000.00
To view this home and others visit my website http://www.daniellowery.com
Daniel Lowery, Certified Negotiation Specialist (CNS)REALTOR® Broker/Sales Coldwell Banker Gordon Co. Realtors Direct: (573) 291-1819 Office: (573) 761-3312Email: daniel@daniellowery.comWebsite: www.daniellowery.comWhen Service Matters Call Dan!
(1 comments)

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