Archives of real estate blog entries for October 11, 2007

Featured blog posts


Fabulous panoramic photos? No thanks. - 12:13 AM
Art in Staging.
Back to this magazine shoot last week - Lessons Learned on a Magazine Shoot - the photographer does really wonderful panoramic shots as another revenue stream (and art form, presumably). 
His name is Stuart Tyson and he's a remarkably talented man.
He said a friend of his had borrowed 10 of his photos to decorate his home while on the market, and how much would that cost if a non-friend had rented them.  When I told him, very approximately, he then asked if I were interested in renting them also.
NO.
Heavens, NO.
Oh, goodness, no.
He looked a little unnerved, and offended, too, but startled … (38 comments)

Realtors, Appraisers, Inspectors Beware... The Dangers Of Meth Labs - 09:43 PM
We don't pay as much attention to this kind of stuff as we should. Agents who list foreclosures should really need to educate themselves on this. Check with your local association to see if classed are being offered on this topic.
Would you know how to identify a meth lab in your
neighborhood or listing???
There's an epidemic which represents health, safety and liability risks to Realtors, appraisers and anyone else entering homes contaminated with chemicals used to grow or manufacture illegal drugs.
Anyone unfamiliar with a crystal meth lab could be putting their life at risk if they don't know what they're walking into.
Methamphetamine is … (19 comments)

Real Estate in the 1960's - 09:20 PM
You think the Market is bad now.....you just have no idea how it used to be 
I started selling real estate in 1961.  A lot has changed since then.  My first sale was a beautiful 1200 sqare foot house that sold for 11,000.00.  That is right 11,000.00 that same house today cost 350,000, boy has times changed.  Back in the good ole days loans took up to 6 months to close.  About 90 days to process and get approved and then you just waited around for the bank to have the money to loan the borrower.  You see back then there was … (23 comments)

Joe Blow isn't on TV... But the Big Balloon Company is...How Do You Choose - 04:59 PM
Have you ever driven down Main Street of whatever city you wanted to buy a home in, and noticed all the Real Estate Offices?  If it is a small town, you might have Mom and Pop Browns Realty, and Joe Blow's Realty Plus, a few more with cute catchy names, some with pictures in the windows and some with a lot of neat stuff outside inviting you in.
But how do you know which one to go to, especially if you have 10 choices within a few blocks radius?  Do you go to the one with the Big Balloon because you saw … (83 comments)

Localism - Writing With the Stars! - 11:03 AM
Time for me to get out there and give back to the Rain!  A lot of new members do not know what a Localism post is besides that it is "for the consumer". Localism posts are local information posts about your industry and area of expertise. Knowledge about the market, tips for the consumer, your views on Real Estate Industry related topics, the schools, the parks, the shopping malls, the history, the people and whatever your heart desires to write about to the public. Believe me. There is no other place like Active Rain to get Real Estate Industry knowledge, education and information … (108 comments)

Deciding on a Realtor? Check out their Ride! - 09:42 PM
Since I've been hanging around with a bunch of Realtors I've noticed an interesting corollary with respect to each of my colleague's choice of transportation.  If you're looking for a Realtor, and can't quite decide on whom to use, you might want to check out their ride.  I'll tell you why in just a minute.In La Pine, usually about twice a month we all get together for what we call an "Agent's Tour."  It's an interesting little exercise where we first meet in a central location, (way too early in the morning,) gobble up some coffee and other goodies that one of … (50 comments)

Bloggers: Be Afraid of the Big, Bad Broker (or Bank) - 07:21 PM
The real estate weblogging phenomenon is catching fire like desert timber in the summer.  The Active Rain Real Estate Network, the little engine that could, has grown from less than 5000 members to over 50,000 members in a short period of time.  The attraction?  Talking about the future around the virtual water cooler. 
Long Beach Realtor, Laurie Manny, said, "The beauty of real estate blogging is that it gives agents access, now.  Access to people whom we never would have dreamed of meeting a year ago."  Ms. Manny was talking about the quick but meaningful connections she made through her participation … (79 comments)

Real Estate Blogging - 11:00 AM
I was visiting a broker's open yesterday and when I sat down to eat the food the gracious host had prepared, I was greeted with "Hey Ines, super blogger you!"
I was a bit puzzled because not one person is blogging in my real estate market place. I've invited quite a number of people, but no one sees the benefit. (Personally, I think they are not being smart......and yes it makes me happy, because there's more room for me).
A couple of the other Realtors there told me that they had had an office meeting about blogging and all of a sudden they … (95 comments)

The Market Is Alive & Well, So Don't Die On Me..... - 11:04 AM
There have been several questions posed by former clients, current clients, and perhaps future clients as to what the heck is going on in the Real Estate Industry.  I'll try to outline a few of those right 'freaking' now!  It should be pointed out once again that our beloved Media should be taken with a grain of salt.  I firmly believe they've earned it.  Listening & Reading the Media is like trying to shoot pool with a rope, I'll rant about them another time though.  Here goes some questions that have come my way.....
Is 100% Financing Still Available? - You are … (86 comments)

Guilt in Real Estate - 05:04 PM
I recently had a Realtor say to one of my investors in passing that they should feel guilty about taking advantage of this "buyers market" and the flood of foreclosures.  Now, they didn't say those words exactly but that's kinda what they eluded to.  Are you kidding me?!  (Then they kind of back pedaled and said - "well, I just feel sorry for the people that lost their homes.") 
What good can possibly come from guilt?  You see it every day, parenting by guilt resulting in spoiled and overly manipulative children.  Guilt for this and guilt for that.  We're even told nowadays that … (25 comments)

October 15th - BLOG Action Day - Are you going to be part of it? - 02:47 PM

Next Monday is Blog Action Day. and more than 7,500 bloggers will be writing about the enviroment!   Do you have a plan?  Are you registered to write about the enviroment?  Do you have something put together already?  Well it is not too late!
You can use their video to put on your BLOG:  Watch the Video and they have a Blog Action Day Resources Secton on their BLOG to help you with ideas!
The Final Instructions in the email I got this morning included:
On the day itself don't forget to use the words Blog Action Day somewhere in your post, or if you can tag … (31 comments)

What is the best closing gift? - 12:05 AM
We all have great ideas to share here:
Mine is a bottle of wine with a custom lable of a picture of the new home.
They just love it and they say they are never going to drink it!
Not what I had in mind, but they love it so what can I say.
With label it costs me about $20.00 per bottle. I can have some bottles made up and store them in my basement and then just call ahead for the label. That way I can even cut down on the cost.
So what do you spend and on what?
… (99 comments)

Can LOCALISM Posts Actually HURT You? Today I got my answer..... - 12:19 AM
I have long been wondering if my Localism posts are actually of any benefit.  While I know I am getting clients from Activerain, it was the Quality of my Localism Poststhat had me concerned.  When I began practicing Feng Shui on Long Island and New York City more than a decade ago, there were only two or three other Feng Shui Consultants on Long Island.  One never practiced after she graduated, one did for a short time and moved and there was me.  If I recall correctly, I got about 5 calls that year.
Things have certainly changed.  Not long ago while going onto a … (91 comments)


Blog posts


REALTORS – To be, or not to Be? - 06:37 PM
Many of us are Realtors (including myself) and have been for a long time. I think most of Realtors became so because they were told it was a requirement to work for the Broker they signed with. Many advertise the fact that they're a Realtor as though it's the PHD of realty. On occasion I've even see an agent (usually a young agent) wearing his blue and gold Realtor pin proudly. I've not yet concluded how the public perceives that display of Realtor pride, probably because I haven't cared to ask anyone.
I know there are certainly times when I'm writing … (8 comments)

Nigerian 419 Scammers Have Discovered Active Rain!! - 09:31 PM
Having recently written about the scams being run on Craiglist.com I thought it particularly amusing to receive an email sent via my Active Rain account trying to scam me! I'm sure I'm not the only one of you that got it, but maybe one of the few that is playing along with it. Apparently they are sending me gold, and a lot of it. I'm guessing that when I get the time to sign and send the forms back assuring payment for my order I'll be told where to wire the money. Then I can go pick up by box of … (9 comments)

QuickBooks Isn't so Tough!!! - 06:05 PM

I have been procrastinating in getting my corporate information into the QuickBooks Financial Software.  It was really scaring me because I had not done it.  I didn't want to get going with inputting data only to find out that I did it completely wrong.
Well, I started yesterday morning and worked until 11:00 p.m. and then I got up at 4:30 a.m. this morning to start again.  I did have to call the help line once (in the beginning) yesterday, and then twice today, I called my accountant's office so she could walk is through "how to enter commissions."
After this was all complete, I … (1 comments)

Landlords and Tenants...Beware - 10:34 AM
Just as you might think you need to be careful in purchasing or selling real estate, you need to be careful in renting (tenant) and renting out (landlord).
These days, it's just so easy to get scammed.   There are reports of tenants losing money to a "landlord" who isn't actually the owner of the property.  They somehow have the key to the property, show it, take your deposit, write and sign the lease and then at move in time...bingo!  No landlord, no key, no money.    As a landlord, the proposition is just as precarious.  If you aren't in the position to check … (0 comments)

Questions about Title and Ownership in Palm Coast, Flagler? - 10:38 AM
Questions about Title and Ownership in Palm Coast, Flagler?
LET REALTOR CYD WEEKS ASSIST YOU IN FINDING YOUR NEW HOME, CONDO, LOT OR INVESTMENT HERE IN PALM COAST AND FLAGLER COUNTY!    CALL 386-793-7302 OR VISIT http://www.palmcoasting.com/ TODAY! 
I invited Sue Rogers of First Choice Title Services to give us all a little explanation about ownership here in Florida.  She will be helping to educate us on various subjects that come up when looking at buying or selling and how this effect title.
I contacted Sue to find out about husband/wife relationships and how that effects ownership of the property and here is … (0 comments)

2007 will be the 5th highest year on record for existing-home sales... - 10:34 PM
Conditions in the mortgage market are improving for consumers, which should help to release some pent-up demand in early 2008, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.
Lawrence Yun, NAR senior economist, notes that widening credit availability will help turn around home sales. "Conforming loans are abundantly available at historically favorable mortgage rates. Pricing has steadily improved on jumbo mortgages since the August credit crunch, and FHA loans are replacing subprime mortgages," he said.
Yun said it's important to place the current housing market in perspective, and that 2007 will be the fifth highest year on record for existing-home … (0 comments)

Avoiding Seller's Regret for NOT taking an offer - 06:07 AM
Listing Agents......There are some pre-offer things you can do to prepare the sellers for an offer off of the list price...(and I have to admit, I am a lot of times too busy doing other stuff to do this) But...Put your seller on the drip campaigns for similar properties...When they see the numbers come in on their computer, they are as overwhelmed as most buyers. Also, one other thing I used to do and need to get back doing is to present the offers IN MY OFFICE. I think people feel comfortable in the house and in control of the whole … (9 comments)

15th Annual White Rock Lake Artists Studio Tour- Oct 13-14 - 03:19 PM
The White Rock Lake Artists Studio Tour is this weekend, October 13-14.  From reading the name "White Rock Lake", you would think this tour would be a bunch of booths set up by the different artists around White Rock Lake.
However, this is not the case.  It should be named the White Rock AREA Artists Studio Tour.  This is not an ordinary art festival.  You basically go, in your car, from house to house, rather it's studio to studio.  Sounds like an interesting concept.  I'm probably not going to go because I wouldn't feel comfortable getting in and out of the car … (4 comments)

Rare opportunity on the Butler Chain in South West Orlando - Have Shaq as a neighbor! - 07:24 AM

Yes you can have Shaq as a neighbor if you are lucky enough to buy, one, two or all three of these side by side one acre plus direct lakefront plots on beautiful Lake Sheen!
Watch the sunset every night from your own backyard on this stunning Butler Chain lake.
It is hard enough to find one lot on this chain, but to find three all next to each other is not something I have seen since I have been selling real estate.
This is a genuine rare and Unique opportunity awaits the buyer of this breathtaking lakefront lot. Three side by side lots … (2 comments)

Ave Maria - South Park Officially Opens This Saturday! - 07:37 AM
At Ave Maria, and this Saturday from 1 to 4 pm - it's the opening of the South Park, and everyone is invited!
Pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket or chairs, and spend an afternoon in the newest park in town. Groove to the music of Bob Zottola and the Expandable Jazz Band - watch demonstrations of bocce ball and pickle ball - and enjoy refreshments. The weather forecast is great, so come on out and have some fun!
And don't forget the Fall Festival on Saturday the 20th from 11 to 4. There'll be a pumpkin patch with crafts, prizes and more, an … (2 comments)

Motivational Speaker, Coach, Or A Martini - 01:19 PM
He was mesmerizing. An inspiration, even. Our conference room had turned into an evangelical experience. Fifteen minutes ago he was just a guy waiting in the lobby, but now? A preacher man. And a very good one.
Slowing market? Having a hard time getting motivated? Your systems are shot? Not to worry, the motivational speaker and personal real estate coach is in the house! And for one year, he will be your mentor, or your money back.
By the time he was finished with us some of our top agents, feeling the need, wanting the love, needing the love, signed up. Total take? $40,000 to … (6 comments)

Palm Beach Gardens Golf Course Homes For Sale - 10:41 AM
Palm Beach Gardens as many of you know was formerly the home of the PGA.  It continues to be one of Florida's premier golfing communities.  Some of the most popular golfing communities include;
BallenIsles Golf & Tennis ClubFrenchmans CreekFrenchmans ReserveMirasol Country ClubPGA NationalOld Palm Club
Come and enjoy the simple life in Palm Beach Gardens!!
                                Or
This is what you will be missing when you relocate to FLORIDA!!!  The Sunshine State...
The courses are great and we look forward to helping you find and sell your golf course properties.
David AbernahtyPortfolio PropertiesWest Palm Beach, FloridaPalm Beach Gardens Golf Course Homes For Sale 
… (1 comments)

You do not have to pay for leads - 08:47 PM
Greg Swann obviously read the same Inman News story that I did.  My response was to start compiling a list.  Greg's response is included in a post titled Third-party vendors pick up where the NAR leaves off: Milking the Realtors dry ... which illustrates, I suppose, the difference between a sweet little old lady and a Bloodhound in his prime.
But people, listen:
You do not have to pay for leads.
You do not have to pay to network.
You do not have to pay for a 5 page template web site.
Yeah, I know everybody's gotta eat.  But all things considered, I would prefer that what … (11 comments)

Let's Make a Deal Celebration Florida - 11:44 AM

Celebration Florida Buyers Want a Deal! I hear it daily from Celebration Florida Buyers:  "I want a Real Estate deal!"
Each time I hear it, I immediately think back to the popular TV game show "Let's Make A Deal" There sometimes you left with a flashy sports car, and sometimes you left with his and her bicycles or worse.    Much like the For Sale by Owners, Celebration Buyers that try to go it alone without the assistance of a Realtor have a difficult time.
It isn't just in CelebrationFlorida!  Across the country Realtors are reading it in their emails from buyers, hearing it while we are at Open Houses, … (6 comments)

October 15th - BLOG Action Day - Are you going to be part of it? - 02:47 PM

Next Monday is Blog Action Day. and more than 7,500 bloggers will be writing about the enviroment!   Do you have a plan?  Are you registered to write about the enviroment?  Do you have something put together already?  Well it is not too late!
You can use their video to put on your BLOG:  Watch the Video and they have a Blog Action Day Resources Secton on their BLOG to help you with ideas!
The Final Instructions in the email I got this morning included:
On the day itself don't forget to use the words Blog Action Day somewhere in your post, or if you can tag … (31 comments)

Pinehurst Craft Show, Pinehurst NC real Estate - 07:11 AM
In the Village of Pinehurst on October 20th, you will find one of the best craft shows in the Southeast.  The Holly Arts Festival has top quality artisits and artisans from various states and NC.  Beginning at 9 am, you can eat local Barbecue (cooked on site, smelling heavenly), and various other treats, as you stroll the quaint village area, and meet the crafters. Local animal rights organizations may be there encouraging you to adopt a homeless pet, we have five in the county.
Weavers, painters, potters and more will crowd the streets of Pinehurst. Come and join us for a delightful … (0 comments)

North Carolina Retirement Communities, Pinehurst NC Real Estate, Pinehurst Real Estate - 08:45 AM
If you're retiring and would like to live in a great climate with a friendly people you may want to consider Pinehurst, North Carolina.  More and more people are choosing North Carolina because it offers a great climate, in  Pinehurst the winters are mild enough to play golf 12 month per year, the taxes are realtively low, the property taxes on a $300,000 home are typically less than $2,500/year, the people are very friendly, and the Pinehurst First Health medical hospital offers some of the best doctors in the states.  Medical facilities are important as one approaches the retirement years.   Unlike Florida, The … (0 comments)

Home Improvement for Your Garden, Pinehurst NC Real Estate - 09:27 AM
Do These Things for Your Yard in the Fall:
 Rake those leaves, and Fertilize if you need to.
 Repair and Reseed and water new grass or pray for rain if you are in the drought areas.
 Prune trees and shrubs using a guide that is plant specific.
 Transplant trees and shrubs that have grown too large or need diferent soil and light.
 Clean dead plants and debris out of flower beds, and remulch for the winter.
 Divide and move established plants, such as lariope, that can be used as edgers and ground covers.
 Certain bulbs can be planted in the fall for Spring blooming.  Also such flowers as pansied can be … (0 comments)

Golf Retirement Communities, Pinehurst NC Real Estate - 09:47 AM
If you are a golfer and are looking for a place with great golf courses, a great climate and great year-round weather, you should consider the Pinehurst, North Carolina area.  Pinehurst has some of the best golf course communities in the US and the real estate prices are surprisingly affordable.  Golf front housing starts in the low $200,000's and increases to the $2,000,000+ range.  Most of the golf communities offer membership to at least two golf course and the Pinehurst Country Club offers membersip to 7 championship golf courses, including the Pinehurst #2 US Open course.  In addition to golf communities, the Pinehurst area is loaded with horse related … (0 comments)

Pinehurst Golf Packages, Pinehurst NC Real Estate - 10:06 AM
If you're like most golfers, you're always looking for a golf getaway that offers ply on great golf course at a good price.  The answer is golf in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Golf packages are available at most of the local hotels and Inns.  Some of the golf packages offer lodging at a Pinehurst Condo located on the numerous olf courses.  For convenience you might want to arrange your package through the Residence Inn, 910-693-3400 or the Springhills Suite, 910-695-0234.  Both of these hotels are nicely located and both have nice rooms, great breakfast and both are nicely located near most of the golf communities.      
 
The above … (0 comments)

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