Archives of real estate blog entries for January 13, 2007 (Page 4)

Blog posts


Reasons Why Homes Don't Sell - 02:49 PM
If you have had your home on the market for several months and haven't seen much activity or any offers, chances are that one or more of the reasons below are to blame.
Your price is too highNo doubt about it, the most common reason for a home not selling is that the asking price has been set too high. The reasons for setting your price too high to begin with are many. Ranging from over enthusiastic listing agents to unrealistic seller expectations. Regardless of the reason though, if you've priced your home too high, you've set yourself up for a number … (1 comments)

Short Sales - 02:55 PM
Homeowners who purchased their residence within the last several years and are now in a position where they need to sell their home for financial reasons, relocation, or any number of other life events may find themselves in a "Short Sale." A "Short Sale" is when the market will not support a price that is equal to or higher than the current owners debt on the property plus any Realtor fees, taxes, and closing costs. In other words, the seller will have to bring money to closing in order to sell the home. Many homeowners who find themselves in this position … (5 comments)

Help-U-Sell Launches In The Neighborhood Magazine Highlighting Client Listings in South Metro Denver - 03:15 PM
January 12, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(For more information contact Sean A. McAleavey at 303/693-4653)
            DENVER - Help-U-Sell, the nation's leading "Set-Fee" real estate services  
company, has launched a new, informative magazine highlighting the firm's listings in  
south metro Denver, including Highlands Ranch, southeast Aurora and areas of  
Centennial.  The monthly publication, titled "In the Neighborhood," will reach over  
40,000 area households, distributed by Direct Mail and as a monthly insert in the  
Highlands Ranch Herald. 
            In the Neighborhood provides valuable insight into the areas serviced by
Help-U-Sell Colorado Homefront offices, and encompasses market statistics such as a complete  
list of recently sold homes in the area with … (0 comments)

V for Villanova...V for Vexatious - 04:08 PM
The definition of vexatious is annoying.
Annoying is a 1-3 Big East record with Curtis Sumpter back
Annoying is five losses (overall) before MLK day.
Annoying is underperformance.
V for Villanova...
V for Vexatious 
I think this is going to be a long season for Wildcat fans.  It's always difficult when you come off of two great years and have to rebuild. 
… (5 comments)

Useful Web Sites - #4 in a Series for the FSBO - 01:07 AM
Here are some web sites that can be of use for the FSBO ... 
Paul CalocaRealtor, EcoBroker
 
… (9 comments)

Environmentally Friendly Staging - 05:37 PM
Did you know that the VOCs in latex paint are one of the top 5 indoor air quality problems?  Did you also know that paint can offgas toxicity into the air for months and even years after the "paint smell" is gone?  Upon learning this, I tried some Benjamin Moore Low VOC paint.  Better, but I learned that many commercial low VOC paints still contain toxic ingredients that are exempt from government regulations.  Now I am specifying non-toxic paints.  I have recently tried Safecoat, and have been happy with the results.  No headaches when painting job is on.  And I sleep better at … (3 comments)

Anticipation... - 09:00 PM
As if we needed something else to distract us, tomorrow night (Sunday January 14) we get the first two hour episode of 24-Season 6!  And oh, the joy, another 2 hours on Monday night...
My honey and I have been waiting for weeks.  I'm pretty sure I've never waited by the fax machine with anything near this much anticipation... I know, it's only a TV show... 
How do they get him off that slow boat to China?  What kind of suicide mission do they have for him this year?  How many times will he "die" this season? 
You know, looking at that photo … (4 comments)

Jenness elected new leader of Women's Realtor Council - 01:23 PM
From staff the Ponte Vedra Recorder - January 12, 2007
http://www.pontevedrarecorder.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=2102&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=&S=1
Ponte Vedra Beach Realtor Barbara Jenness is the new president of the St. Augustine Regional chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors. Jenness, a broker associate with Realty Executives of Ponte Vedra, who also has been a leading advocate for the creation of the Scenic & Historic A1A Coastal Byway, took over the 49-member organization today at its installation luncheon at Serenata Beach Club. She will serve for one a year and succeeds Berta Odom, the Council's 2006 chapter president.Also installed today were the group's other 2007 officers: president-elect Amy Capo of … (2 comments)

What are "Doc" Stamps? - 06:54 AM
The purchase or the sale of real estate in Florida is assessed a "Doc" stamp tax. Remembering that Florida has no income tax, doc stamps are one of the taxes we pay in this state as well as many other states I should mention.
The "stamps" are literally affixed to a deed in a real estate transaction. Both the seller and the buyer pay this tax - but not at the same rate.
Buyers pay $.35/$100 for new money (borrowed money) such as a mortgage. The stamps are not assessed on cash paid from the Buyer. The seller is charged $.70/$100 on … (1 comments)

A Case for Sarasota - 07:15 AM
Sarasota is probably best known for its wonderful climate and glorious beaches.  Both make the city a great place to live, a fact that is not lost on baby boomers making their move to Sarasota homes.  Their attraction to Sarasota real estate is certainly understandable.  Among the reasons: spectacular sunrises and sunsets over pristine beaches, year-round warmth, and abundant sunshine.
 Sunny and MildLife in Sarasota is filled with sun-drenched days.  Mild temperatures are in no short supply either. Even the winter months rarely see lows less than 50 degrees.  And that combination of blue skies and warmth coaxes residents out of their … (0 comments)

MIAMI LISTINGS: El Portal, Miami Shores, Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, Florida - 02:08 PM
312 NE 90 STREET - EL PORTAL, FLORIDA
3 bedroom / 2 bathroom main house with 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom in-law quarters.  Approximately 2,500 square feet on 14,177 sq. ft. lot.
This corner house has incredible charm and is in need of work. It has separate 1bedroom/1 bath in-law quarters and a big lot with plenty of room for pool. Original bathrooms are in great condition, Hardwood floors throughout have been protected with carpeting, great Florida Room with quarry tile floors, original kitchen with lacquered cabinets. Needs new roof as well as new electrical.                                              $514,900        **SOLD**
                      
 70 NE 94 STREET - MIAMI … (8 comments)

Trend in 1031s, Socially Responsible (SRI) Investment and Real Estate Investment Trusts(REITs) - 11:03 AM
Recently Bill Westel commented on my blog on  indicators pointing to Green homes being the standard by 2010  that "if one were smart finding the stocks of companies that build green home products probably would be a good investment!"  
Folks, if you are interested in  trends in the real estate market, Bill's remark will intrigue you as much as it did  me.  Until just this past year, I have not been able readily to identify socially responsible investment (SRI) mutual funds or real estate investment trusts.
I knew that EnergyStar® participation would equate to strong financial performance. And, judging from the increasing interest and demand from my 1031 … (11 comments)

City of Minneapolis and Backflow Preventer Companies are in Cahoots. - 08:42 PM
Selling a home in Minneapolis?  You're required to have a city-approved inspector conduct a Truth in Housing inspection, and they will charge you at least $175 to do it.  They claim it is to "improve the housing stock" in Minneapolis. I say it's a bunch of Hooey. If Minneapolis wanted to improve the housing stock, they would perform actual inspections of homes prior to establishing an "estimated market value" which is how our property taxes are assessed. These inspections would be on a regular basis of each and every home in the city, not just on those that are being put on the market. 
As … (4 comments)

Buying in Minneapolis or St. Paul? Let me tell you a little secret... - 09:16 PM
If you're looking for a home within Minneapolis or St. Paul, let me tell you about a grant program that will pay up to 4% of your closing costs.  It's called the City Living Program.  It's a well kept secret.  Many loan officers don't talk about it because they either don't offer it, or don't know about it.  It's a more difficult loan that requires more paperwork, and loan officers typically get paid less on this loan compared with other loans.  Truth is, with the extra money it increases your buying power, and reduces the amount of money you have to bring … (2 comments)

Common courtesy is not so common............ - 07:02 AM
  I'm going to ask at the beginning for your forgiveness.  You see, I'm just venting here.  What is so difficult about picking up the phone and calling someone if you're going to be late?  or changed your mind and don't really want to see that listing?  You know, the one that you absolutely had to to see today, even though I'm telling you that I have a conflicting appointment and won't be able to show at that time? 
This week I had just that scenario.  I made a few calls and rearranged my schedule so I could accommodate the Buyer's Agent.  She called … (6 comments)

Real Estate Bubble - Where Flat means Down! - 06:00 PM
Some recent article headlines from various sources;
Home Sales to Rise Gradually into 2008A steady improvement in existing-home sales will support price appreciation moving forward, says NAR Chief Economist David Lereah.
Mortgage Applications Climb SharplyRequests for purchase loans were up 16.2 percent and refinancing applications rose 17.3 percent, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data.
JOBS REPORT STRONG; MORTGAGE RATES IDLE
So I read these articles and the posts and all the news media coverage and I have come to a few conclusions. First off, I believe that 2007 will be strong for those who have a niche or a steady market base. For those who … (0 comments)

Deep Thought And Levity For The Weekend. - 08:18 AM
Deep Thoughts For Those Who Take Life Way Too Seriously:
1. Save the whales. Collect the whole set.
2. A day without sunshine is like. Night.
3. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
4. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
5. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
6. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
7. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
8. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
9. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
10. Support … (18 comments)

XXXX Spring Run Blvd., Bonita Springs, Florida 34135 - 06:02 PM
Located in the heart of Bonita Springs, Florida.   Located in Sabal Cove in Spring Run at The Brooks.  Two Bedroom + Den, two bath, w car attached garage attached villa home.  Enjoy sweeping views of the lake and golf course from the oversized screened lanai, breakfast nook, living room and master bedroom.
This listing is no longer offered by Keller Williams Elite Realty.  Should you have interest in Spring Run at The Brooks or attached villa homes that offer bundled golf contact Chris Griffith 239-273-7430 and I will provide you with a current list of available properties.
… (13 comments)

The Cleveland Hub Initiative - 09:59 PM
Will Reviving the Passenger Rail System Be Good for the Economy?
 This idea intrigues me, I admit it. The Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers and ODOT are major players in this initiative, which would bring high speed passenger rail trains to cities within a two to four hour travel time of each other, cities like: Toledo, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Toronto, Chicago, Columbus and Cincinnati. Think about it: airlines are struggling, and even if things get better in that industry,  how many plane transfers does it take when you leave from Cleveland or Omaha or Pittsburgh, to get someplace like Washington D.C., New York … (119 comments)

Move Yo BUTT Outta Da Way! - 10:23 PM
                                                                                                    
Yo BUTT is in da way of yer progress!  Whaaat??? You heard right!  Yo BUTT!!!  Now, ya'll jes 'scuse my vernacular,  while i finish making my point - dig??
You are a Professional, right?  Right!  You enrolled in school, paid tuition, joined an organization, took extra  classes, rubbed shoulders with the right crowd, read all the journals pertaining to your industry, signed up with the local Chamber of Commerce, paid  your association fees, acquired E & O Insurance, took on a website, bought a domain name, designed your business cards,  leased office space, stuck an "open for business" sign on the door, paid the city for a business license,  subscribed to professional magazines, and earned designations recognizable to gain respect of … (22 comments)

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