Archives of real estate blog entries for October 22, 2007

Featured blog posts


If I Had Just Kept My Big Mouth Shut, I Would Be Writing An Offer Right Now Instead of a Blog Post! - 07:16 PM
There is this couple I’ve been working with.  I’m their second agent, and a dear friend and veteran of many buying and selling transactions as a client referred them.  By the time I met them, they had found a neighborhood they liked in Northern Virginia.  Since I’d not familiar with this subdivision, I took a couple of hours to blitz every house in the neighborhood that was currently listed, and there were two standouts listed well within their comfort zone for price.  We went back together, and they really liked one of them.  Yesterday, we went back for a second time, … (77 comments)

Who Do We Think We Are? - 08:13 PM
When I refer to "We" in the title of this blog, I actually am referring to Realtors® in general.  Who do we think we are?  I was a little disheartened yesterday when I heard what some buyers had to say about an experience they had with another Realtor® over the weekend.  Allow me to elaborate...
I was sitting on phone duty yesterday, and I had some buyers come into the office (obviously a very young couple).  As I spoke with them, we developed immediate rapport...it was like we had been friends for years!  Gotta love when that happens!  They had come to … (54 comments)

Expired listings made easy by Broker Bryant. - 06:54 PM
Online Videos by Veoh.com Hi folks. Today I want to talk a little bit about soliciting expired listings. If you read my blog then you know I LOVE expired and withdrawn listings. They are by far, my number one source of business, even though blogging is slowly catching up.
I have been soliciting expired listings, every day, for 10 years. It's one of the things I never stop doing and it's also something I have to do first thing every day or my whole day is thrown off track. I've made it a habit.
It's my opinion, as a listing Broker, that … (96 comments)

CALIFORNIA FIRES - MEMBERS IN JEOPARDY - 04:55 PM
 
Say a little prayer today for our California Members who are being and are in danger of being evacuated from their homes.
 
Sally Cheeseman just called me and reports that Jeff Turner has already been evacuated, William Johnson is within 1 mile of the fires.
 
I was just on the phone with Brian Brady, they have 2 evacuated families with them in their home, they are between 2 fires and are being overwhelmed by the smoke.  The fires are within 5 miles of their home at the moment.
 
Brian tells me Robert Murphy is within 2 to … (151 comments)

How do you find your internet niche? - 01:32 PM
Most of us at ActiveRain have some sort of website.  In fact, I'd almost guarantee it. 
So I have a few Questions I think you should ask yourself:
1.    What Has my website done to promote my business?
2.    What Niche or need does my website fulfill?
3.    How much Money has my website made me?
The last question should be the most important to any of us.  If our website is not making you any money, or if its newer, even showing any potential to make money, something needs to be done.
Most websites that a Real Estate Agent, Loan Officer, Appraiser, or Home Stager can … (31 comments)

Boomers To Control 91% of America's Wealth. Better Legislate Lenders! - 01:18 PM
In less than a year, I'll turn 60.  September 24, 2008.  Mark it on your calendar so you don't forget to send a card.  I try to keep up with the government.  It's hard, but someone's got to do it. 
If you're a "boomer," and you make your living in the Mortgage industry, strap on your helmet!  Riding the wave of "mortgage fraud" that is all the rage right now, and under the guise of protecting us from financial scams, more than one lawmaker is getting ready to regulate us more thoroughly. 
Here's an example from the website of  Senator Wayne Allard … (21 comments)

Fires In Southern California - Some Photos - 04:55 PM
Unless you've been living in a cave, you probably know we're on fire alert here in Southern California, specifically here in Santa Clarita.
John Evarts was forced to evacuate his home last night. He and his family are staying next door at the home of Martin Rodriguez. We could have a small ActiveRain gathering on our street right now. :) My family is all packed and ready to leave, IF NECESSARY, but we don't feel in danger right now. There is an aggressive air attack happening overhead right now. The fires are about 3/4 to 1 mile away, but the wind is … (162 comments)

San Diego Fires - Oct. 22 to Oct. 26, 2007 - 06:33 PM
UPDATE Wednesday 10/24/ 11:00 AM For more updates on local news, photos and vides (especially for those out of the area where news covereage is not as complete, visit the San Diego NBC site.
There are various updates over the last couple of days in the comments themselves, rather than here in the post itself.
*******************************************
OCTOBER 22:
I have been pondering what to write. It was an easy decision to focus on much more important things, the significant fires burning here in San Diego. All else pales in comparison.
What many have feared for months is occurring - the Santa Ana winds have blown … (194 comments)

Return of the Catered Brokers' Open House? - 02:21 AM
Here in Washington, one barometer of the local real estate market is how far listing agents will go to get their colleagues to preview a listing.
Here's the rationale:
On Tuesday, the sort of official tour day, there might be 150 houses listed on the tour sheet.  And then there are all of the condos.  
So, you're planning to put your gorgeous new listing in Champagne Hills Estates on the tour list, and since it is a mansion with priceless artwork and knick knacks all over the place, you will, of course need to be there during the entire open.  … (32 comments)

"What is Comment Junk Mail?" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips - 02:20 AM
Okay, so I went out to our mailbox the other day...
<----This is what I found....
I tell ya, it gets SO annoying! I mean, seriously, do the postal workers have some kind of sick contest going to see who can stuff the most junk mail into residential mailboxes?
Maybe in addition to the National "DO NOT CALL" registry, we should have a "DO NOT MAIL" registry?                           
This is the real mail I had! --->
 
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Today's Blog Tip for Rain Drips topic is "Comment … (128 comments)

Can Your MLS Listing Get you in Trouble? - 08:17 PM
We all know we need to be careful with any information in our MLS listing which may be a violation of Fair Housing Laws. But did you know that you can also find yourself in hot water if your listing has information which may be in violation of your local county zoning regulations as well?
Are you advertising a detached home in a neighborhood zoned as a single family residence with two kitchens? Are you advertising a home with a basement ideal for a rental unit? Are you advertising unlimited street parking with no restrictions in an area where the county has … (40 comments)

Loan-ly Because of Change? Do What The Top Producers Do - 02:21 AM
Loan originators and real estate agents, with less than five years in the industry, are failing at a much larger rate than their counterparts who have experienced a downturn.  L-Day (August 2, 2007) started this credit crisis, nailing the coffin shut for practitioners who refused to recognize the changing forces.  I'll share some thoughts for folks who want to build a lasting practice.
Recognize that the only certainty in financial services is change.   Howard Brinton, founder of Star Power, told a story about his wife after she discovered she was afflicted with multiple sclerosis.  "Every day is a new normal", she proclaimed.  … (45 comments)

Match Me With My Wheels - October Challenge! Can't Win If You Don't Play - - 02:27 PM
"Can You Match These Active Rain Members with the What They Drive?" ... Match MeWITH MY WHEELS October 2007 "Get to Know Other Active Rain Members"It's time again to Play Match Me With My Wheels! If you missed last month be sure to check out the fun we had in September Match Me With My Wheels! Each month, I will introduce to you Realtors, Lenders, Professionals or other business people to see if you can match these Active Rain members with what they drive? The Broker/Owner from Austin, Texas, HammersTeam from New Jersey, Title/Escrow Guru from California, REALTOR® from Florida , … (72 comments)

A newbie's first 15 days of Blogging... Is it really worth it? - 07:14 PM
First of all what constitutes an AR newbie,,,,  According to the dictionary, Newbie is a slang term for a newcomer to online gaming or an Internet activity.  Since I joined Active Rain, an online group only 15 days ago, I definately consider myself a newbie.    As a newbie, let me describe my blogging adventures over the last 15 days.  On October 3rd I was fortunate  to meet one of the best bloggers,and the featured blogger of Illinois, Craig Schiller at the Coldwell Banker's at Emagine 2007 Expo... an educational event Coldwell Banker held for its agents in Chicago.  At the time I met him I didn't realize  he was an Illinois blogging guru.    He was so patient … (61 comments)

Activerain Week In Review, October 14th to October 21st, 2007 - 02:21 AM
What a week...............
If you aren't a member of the Week In Review Group , I would encourage you to join. So many great posts are memorialized in this group. In reviewing some of the great posts there, I discovered that this wasn't the first time, conflict has occurred in the rain. It is the nature of almost 54,000 bloggers in a community coming together around the written word and the competitive nature of many of us. (Notice I said many, not all)
I started out with a great idea of categorizing all the posts, but life has a way of happening … (106 comments)


Blog posts


Love Those Canucks!!! - 12:51 AM
Since the change in exchange rate our dollar has recently undergone against the Canadian dollar my phone rings off the hook, and I love it. I've honestly spoken to more Canadians in the last few weeks than in all years previous, except of course when I go visit their country. They want Beach Front vacation homes, Farmland, or even a cabin in the woods; and I enjoy finding it for them. They want to do a fast deal, and often in cash.
I think Bellingham is going to see a boom in sales these coming years if the exchange rate stays … (4 comments)

FREE, FREE, FREE!!!! - 08:27 PM
Seems everything's "FREE" these days. Unfortunately, free just doesn't seem to mean free anymore. Each time I turn on my radio I'm inundated with commercials touting free this, and free that; but none of its actually free. I got a call last week saying I had just won a free ink cartridge refill at Walgreens! That was amazing since I've never shopped there. I just said thanks and hung up; never even bothered to get my free ink. That's because nothing is free.
Each day we hear:
Free phone: with a two year contract and activation fee.
Free alarm system, with a two … (6 comments)

Why I have an Interest in Passing DNA Bills - 04:10 PM

In my quest for getting support on the passage of DNA bills, I have been asked "Why do you have an interest in this?"  Okay, it is time for my story.
Let me start back when I was in grade school.  I walked a mile each way to school and several times different men would start circling the block in their cars either trying to get my attention or just staring at me.  It would scare the devil out of me and I would run through neighborhoods to lose them.  When I told my mom about this, she said turn around and write … (7 comments)

Freebie of the Week: FREE BUDGETING - 10:24 PM

Looking for help keeping tabs on your budget? You don't have to shell out for Quicken or Microsoft Money software. Track your spending instead through the free service at Wesabe.com. You enter your accounts to organize your spending into different categories on one convenient site.
Wesabe will also help you pinpoint areas where you could improve, and lets you get feedback from other Wesabe users, all while protecting your passwords, identity and other sensitive information.
For more advice, see kiplinger.com's How to Create a Budget.
… (0 comments)

Buy Up Bargain-Hunters - 10:35 PM
What happened during Friday's stock sell-off? The usual investor jitters were fueled by headlines on the housing slump resulting in crimped earnings reports from some more banks like Wachovia (WB) and housing-related companies such as Caterpillar (CAT).
Don't be spooked by the ghosts of 20 years ago though, BusinessWeek's Gene Marcial writes. Instead, scoop up some good stocks on the cheap. more 
… (0 comments)

High Plains Village Halloween Parade - 09:22 PM
What a beautiful day to be outside! The parade started at Independence Park and continued to Piney River and then on to the High Plains Environmental Center. Along the way, the kids were greeted by several High Plains residents with candy and kind offerings. At HPEC, the kids enjoyed pumpkin painting and a magic show. I still have no idea how my kids pumpkin ended up being one of the winners. Perhaps, I should have abstained from voting. Hey, they asked me to be a judge!
My little beauty was Snow White (foreground). A good time was had by all.........
… (1 comments)

Kudos To McStain Neighborhoods - 09:27 PM
McStain Neighborhoods and I have been talking for a few months now about the remaining lots that they have yet to build on. For the last year and a half, the remaining seven (7) lots in High Plains Village have been marketed primarily as a a package deal to other builders.
As a Realtor and homeowner in High Plains Village at Centerra, I have been particularly concerned about the lack of activity and for that matter, sales in our community. Having a bunch of vacant lots does give us the 'feel' of more open space but also gives the impression that our … (0 comments)

The Castle In Malibu Was In Escrow - 11:18 AM
I just got a call from one of my great friends, an agent in Malibu, California. She is upset.
Many have come to know and love the castle sitting on top of the hill overlooking the pacific ocean. It seems to have been up there for anyone driving up (or down) the Coast Highway, to admire. It has been available for sale, over several years now.
The highly publicized fire in the area so far has taken nine homes, including portions of the castle. In escrow around $18,000,000 (list price). it is something of a tragedy for the sellers. Hopefully the insurance company will be able to get this back on … (1 comments)

It Expired! Quick, Call His Client! - 11:41 AM
Just my opinion, but calling another agent's client within 12 hours of a listing "expiration" is way too soon. If you feel compelled to do so however, I naturally have a few small suggestions!
1. Make absolutely sure that everything said to my client can be repeated, as some people are not just clients,   but years long friendships and business relationships.
2. Please do not say "list now because prices are just going to keep going down next year". Really. I had no idea we had economists and Fed regulators moonlighting as real estate agents in Seattle.
3.  Please refrain from asking "Are you … (7 comments)

Ellijay, GA Annual Apple Festival Sets New Record... - 07:36 PM
...for attendance!
The 36th Annual Georgia Apple Festival will go down in history as being a record setter when it comes to attendance. For the first time in its history, the festival drew over 30,000 visitors on its first weekend, tallying 30,475 paid attendees.
Ellijay, GA is a great town to call home and find your perfect mountain retreat.
Find Ellijay, GA or North Georgia Real Estate Here
… (1 comments)

Plagiarism for Points? A Follow Up - 07:30 AM
Nothing like settling back with a cup of coffee after a productive weekend and... hold it.  I was going to write "post to one of my favorite RE sites."
However, now that I see the statement in black and white, I'm forced to take stock and reconsider the weight of those words.
"Favorite:" 'One that is trusted, indulged, or preferred above all others,' is one definition of the word.  Once that is factored in, I'm forced to hearken back to my post of 9/7/07, think of all the comments and private emails I received, e.g.: "Yes, it's a problem but they eventually get to each … (13 comments)

Sometimes Less is Best..... - 10:48 AM
I wanted to share with you something that I did last week. I created a new website, without any thought of seo. It was a simple straightforward website with a simple repeat of the KEY WORDS of what it was about.
This website has been up a total of 5 days and is already on page three at the top of Google. I did not spend hours submitting it to anywhere. Or blog about it, or anything.
My point is, If we have the correct key words in our website, it will rise to the top all by itself!
I have read numerous pages about … (52 comments)

Expired listings made easy by Broker Bryant. - 06:54 PM
Online Videos by Veoh.com Hi folks. Today I want to talk a little bit about soliciting expired listings. If you read my blog then you know I LOVE expired and withdrawn listings. They are by far, my number one source of business, even though blogging is slowly catching up.
I have been soliciting expired listings, every day, for 10 years. It's one of the things I never stop doing and it's also something I have to do first thing every day or my whole day is thrown off track. I've made it a habit.
It's my opinion, as a listing Broker, that … (96 comments)

Book Reading Southern Pines, Pinehurst real Estate - 04:09 PM
Virginia Boyd's first novel is currently front and center on the "New Author's Table" at the leading booksellers across the country.  One Fell Swoop is a novel in stories, roughly based on her childhood memories of growing up in a small Southern town.
Virginia received her undergraduate degree from Duke University, and received her Masters in Creative Writing from NC State University, while studying with the renowned author, Lee Smith.  She also was an English professor at Saint Mary's and created and taught a special creative writing course for senior citizens at the Duke's Continuing Education Program.
The Country Bookshop on Broad Street … (0 comments)

The Dog, what do you do about the dog!? - 11:11 PM
So I showed one of my listings tonight to a potential home buyer.  He had felt that from the photos he'd seen, that he would love the back yard of this home. Beautiful green grass, mature shade trees, great big deck, a dog run, fruit trees... all the things he wanted.  And he in fact, he did love the yard.  And, as luck would have it, he liked the house too! Great! Right?
Well, not so fast.  The dog in the yard behind would NOT stop barking.  Bark, Bark, Bark! Now, I could give the dog the benefit of the doubt... … (17 comments)

Spacious Tri-Level Home in Nampa! 1020 Winther Ave. - 12:43 PM
… (1 comments)

Fall Has Arrived, Time To Get Back In The Yard - 12:20 PM
Now that we have survived another hot Florida summer, it's time to get back out in the yard and trim those bushes. Here in Central Florida summer seems to last all the way to Thanksgiving. Now is the time that you want to get outside and do some basic yard work to get you landscaping back into shape.
Pruning bushes and applying a slow release fertilizer on your lawn will help your landscape survive the cooler weather and thrive when we go into spring. Remove dead or dying plants and plug barren spots on your lawn. Cooler weather is the best time … (0 comments)

Priced To Sell In Pineridge - 12:28 PM
                                       
                                                            Wonderful Home In Pineridge Priced To Sell
                                         
   
This 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home Was Recently Updated Inside And In Excellent Condition, Wonderful Water View From The Back Yard, Spacious 1/3 Acre Lot Offers Plenty Of Space For The Whole Family,Tile And Berber Carpet  In Great Condition Throughout, New Cabinets In Kitchen And Bathrooms, Low HOA That Offers A Community Pool, Tennis Courts, And Racquetball Facilities,  A 1 Year Home Warranty Through Old Republic, This Home Is The Lowest Price In Pineridge And Ready For Immediate Occupancy. Back On The Market With A Home Inspection And All Repairs … (0 comments)

INVESTORS WHO SEEK QUICK PROFITS - 11:27 AM
 Steer Clear of FHA Financing:Dealing with Investors Who Seek Quick Profits
  
In a recent article, top mortgage originator and national trainer Greg Frost noted that hyper-appreciation of property values in Albuquerque, NM had drawn attention from many out-of-state investors in the last year. The area saw an influx of savvy investors ready to bid on HUD Repos and other affordably priced single-family dwellings.
Frost warned mortgage originators and Realtors® to be wary of investors who try to represent themselves as owner occupants in this type of situation. They may seek to obtain 97% FHA financing, even though their real mission is to … (1 comments)

Looking for Opinions on RealPro's Blog option - 05:32 PM
Dying to know if anyone out there has any opinions on RealPro System's blog offering. It's free with the system. But I have heard that RPS websites aren't coded properly to climb on the search engines. So if this is true, what does this mean to organic ranking for the blog? … (5 comments)

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