Archives of real estate blog entries for October 25, 2007

Featured blog posts


It's Clear Who Congress is in Bed With! Mortgage Pros Stand Up and Fight! - 04:36 PM
 This week, Reps. Brad Miller (D-NC), Mel Watt (D-NC), and Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007.  Originator Times says that Mortgage Brokers are likely doomed if this bill passes.  As many of us have expected, Congress is attempting to put the entire weight of the mortgage meltdown on the backs of mortgage professionals, leaving banking institutions out of the equation.
The bill, designed to provide  "comprehensive legislation to combat abuses in the mortgage lending market" will require that non-depository practitioners to post a $100,000 bond in order to practice.  (love that word non-depository, why don't … (61 comments)

Customer Follow Up Program! Is it Really FREE? Have You Signed Up? - 02:08 PM
I first learned about the LOWES REALTOR BENEFITS PROGRAM last year when it first came out and at that time it still had a couple glitches with the program so I had not been back since, UNTIL YESTERDAY!  I went back to LOWESREALTORBENEFITS.COM and discovered tons of NEW and improved resources for ALL agents to use!  For those of you not familiar with the program, LOWE'S offers to send direct mail marketing materials WITH YOUR OWN PICTURE AND CONTACT INFORMATION on cards to your clients!  They have cards that you can:
Send to your recent home buyers who may have just settled … (28 comments)

Dad Gum It....This Isn't the 70's! - 10:39 PM
 
I read a recent post asking about the value of "agent tour days."  The post was thoughtful, and there were a number of comments, most of which mentioned not finding value in agent tours.
I started to just leave a comment, but those of you who know me know that once I get started, a short comment won't do.  :-)
Forgive my abruptness, but I need to make two points here:
Tours are a waste of a good agent's time!Further, several comments mentioned the value of agent tours as a listing tool  Forgive me again, but if an agent needs the promise of a … (58 comments)

CA Fires! - 04:35 PM
Hey all.  First I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the people of S CA.  Having lived in Pacific Beach for a bit, working in LA and enjoying the CA lifestyle I must say that this is an extremely sad situation and completely devastating for homeowners, people and the economy. 
Being 3rd generation FL Native and lifelong resident (other then my short stint in CA) I find it a bit - what's the word I am looking for? - not funny - anyway it seems a bit (insert word) to me that people's main objection to FL is … (30 comments)

What is your Area of Expertise? - 02:38 PM
Yesterday, I had a meeting with an owner of quite a few multi-unit investment properties. In our meeting, he told me how he can't see listing any of his properties with an agent ever again. This was due to a very negative experience he had with one who listed a property, didn't market it until the listing was about to expire, and then when he had a deal, almost caused the deal to fall apart due to the agent's inexperience.
I certainly understand agents wanting to get listings. However, I think that it does a huge disservice to the industry and agents … (33 comments)

What Lens are YOU Looking Through? - 03:35 AM
Each of us looks at things through a different lens...our perspective, our viewpoint. And at times even several different lenses.
Those of us who are parents look at our children's behavior through a different lens than does our child. We might wonder "why did they do that?" Or we make assumptions about their behavior, or ignore it. The child, of course, has a very different view on the situation - they are upset, or scared, or something else.
If you have been employed in the corporate world you have likely had a variety of lenses to look through in different situations...as an employee, … (98 comments)

Community Support......From the community - 04:06 PM
If I was a new member that had just signed up today, I would probably be sitting in front of my computer right now thinking "Ok, what next?" After four hours of clicking around, probing, reading, trying this button or that button, I would probably still be sitting at my computer thinking "Ok, what next?" (only now I would have glassy eyes and a few empty cans of Jolt soda next to me)
So with this in mind, I am going to be spearheading the 'support' area of our site. I say spearheading because you are going to help me. You, as … (57 comments)

Why do Inspectors have to Freak out the Buyers? - 04:34 PM
In the state of Texas, the Home Inspectors must be licensed.  Even though they are licensed, they are still only visual inspectors.  They are to turn things on and off and make sure they run.  They do NOT have an expertise in any type of actual anything, meaning they are not electricians, they are not plumbers, they are not pool experts, etc...
Whenever anything does not run accordingly, they are to put in their report that a professional should be contacted.  This is where too many inspectors just want to cover their arses and tell a buyer to get a professional for … (76 comments)

Did you say YES! - 10:38 PM
I have never been one to wait very long to flip out the contract when someone agrees to list or buy!  I don't do it at the speed of light....it is a noticeable casual move...with intent.
When someone says YES......get the contract out.....don't continue to sell them!  They bought when they said YES!
I am always amazed when agents linger and continue the small talk...trying to cement the sale....they said YES...that is the cement once you have the contract signed.  Until then it is talk!  I should send them shopping with my wife....she says.....I going shopping, and before I can say "Ben Franklin" … (58 comments)

Agent Tour Day... A Dying Practice? - 03:26 AM
Wednesday is Realtor tour day in Wenatchee, WA.      When I first got in the real estate business, many moons ago, we never considered tour to be an option.  It was just what we did EVERY Wednesday to keep up on inventory.   Unless we were hosting our own Open House, we didn't consider skipping it... and we didn't schedule appointments for that time either. 
These days, there is very low agent participation on tour days and today I was asked by the current President of the Association what I thought we could do to improve agent interest on tour day.  I suppose … (65 comments)

Once Upon a Time... - 10:38 PM
 
Yesterday, at the dinner table, my 15 year old asked a question which startled me.  He said "Did you ever own a typewriter?"  My husband and I stared at him and blinked.  We'd never thought that a typewriter would be considered a historical relic. But to a 15 year old who has grown up on a computer, this was sort of like asking about a dinosaur. He was trying to understand what was it like to type on something that did not have a delete key.
It was an interesting evening. We reminisced about those days, when just out of college, we saved up … (92 comments)

A Comment Worth Commenting On - 02:19 PM
Among the comments to my posts this morning was one from Tucson's Mike Jones, and it motivated me to remind everyone to use the link on ActiveRain's homepage to New Members Today. 
... You were the very first person to comment on my very first blog post, all the way back in July of this year.  Posting this comment on your blog will take me over the 40,000 point mark.  You were my first blogging "encourager" and I want to say Thank You.
After reading Colleen Kulikowski's post on June 2, ActiveRain Networking, I began setting aside one day a week for welcoming new members instead of … (49 comments)


Blog posts


The Best Short Sale Training I Ever Took...Thank You Activerainer Wayne Garab! - 11:51 PM
It wasn't too long ago that I received a call from a Short Sale Specialist Wayne Garab of River City Home Solutions. We talked on the phone for a while laughing at some of these short sale trainings that exist.
You have to understand that I have been doing short sales since the 90's. So yes, I do recognize good training and will poke fun. We discussed a few other things and before you know it, I had invited him to Activerain. Well he accepted my invitation and joined October 1st.
I am on the education committee at our Daytona Beach Area … (14 comments)

Okay, It's a Gorgeous Day in Seattle--Take the Kids to the Zoo! - 01:04 PM

Since I grew up in Seattle and lived near the Woodland Park Zoo, our family went there often (probably because then it was free).  Back then, from our house on 3rd NW, we could hear the seals barking.  What--you wanted to see a picture of an animal?  This was actually taken at the zoo.
Did you know that the zoo has an overnight adventure?  It is called "ZSI: Zoo Scene Investigation" and the website says this, "Grab a flock of your favorite ‘detective' friends and join zoo staff to unravel the Mystery of the Missing Penguin. Has he flown the coop? Did someone plan … (1 comments)

Greenlake or Green Lake? - 02:35 PM

If you have lived in Seattle a while, you will realize that people call the biggest lake in Seattle "Greenlake."  If you are looking for it in the Northwest Multiple Listing Service it is listed as Green Lake.
Green Lake Park at 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N, is a fabulous place to go for biking, walking, swimming, bird watching, tennis, basketball, baseball and volleyball (just to name a few activities).  When the sun comes out, the place is buzzing with activity and a wonderful place to go to people watch. 
Please visit my site for information and support.  Seattle, Bellevue, Queen Anne, … (0 comments)

"Significant" Stress Hits Home - 08:04 PM
According to USA Today, a study of stress in the U.S. finds that housing costs worry 51 percent of adults.The survey by Harris Interactive for the American Psychological Association found housing is a "very significant or somewhat significant" source of stress of 61 percent of residents in the West and 55 percent of those in the East, compared with 47 percent in the Midwest and 43 percent in the South.Money and work are two other serious sources of stress with 73 percent of Americans stressed out by concerns over money and 74 percent worrying about work. That's up from 59 percent for … (0 comments)

Minneapolis Tops in Home-Heating Marathon…..(unfortunately!) - 08:17 PM
It's been a long, hot summer, but winter is on its way. It brings with it the promise of ever-higher heating bills.
Forbes took a look at which U.S. cities are the priciest for anyone trying to keep the home fires burning.
To determine this, the magazine examined expected temperature patterns, historical energy demand and projected heating commodity prices (oil, propane, natural gas and electricity). Then it calculated how much an average family of four with a 2,100-square-foot house would spend to heat their home.
Here are the winners - or the losers - in the home-heating marathon.
1. Boston, average heating cost: $1,635.94
2. Buffalo, … (0 comments)

Hold that line..... - 12:23 PM
I suppose this will irritate some agents in this area. The market has slowed to a crawl. We do have more houses, townhomes and condos for sale that at anytime most of us can remember. Prices have to come down.
I know those of you that bought in 2003, 2004 and 2005 faced a rediculous market. Many of you are living in a home that was actually your second, third, fourth or maybe more choice. Homes went on the market and if you  placed an offer, many times it would be one of many offers on that property. You sat nervously by … (6 comments)

The party must be over - the fat man's singing (me meme'd) - 05:25 PM
So Jennifer Allan had nothing better to do a month or so ago and sent me the meme'd email. I had not much of a clue. I have investigated the entire meme phenomenon and have determined that the only thing that has used up more interweb space may be calculations regarding whether or not the world will end on 12/21/2012.
Five things you don't know about me? No offense, but other than the few words I manage to share here, there really isn't a lot that matters......here.
I do play by the rules so I shall put together the first five things that … (7 comments)

BabyHarris Update 10/25/2007 Week 36 - 04:16 PM
Today was my 36 week appointment for BabyHarris (still no name, but we might be getting closer).  We're right around the corner now!!
My blood pressure is still low, at 98/56, even after all the stresses of this past week.  I'm very surprised!
My blood work came back from last week's appt and my white blood cell count is out of range, high, and so is something else.  The nurse said that white blood cells go up when the body is trying to fight off infection.  My doctor is not worried because he said that it's typical for someone at this stage of … (10 comments)

Why do Inspectors have to Freak out the Buyers? - 04:34 PM
In the state of Texas, the Home Inspectors must be licensed.  Even though they are licensed, they are still only visual inspectors.  They are to turn things on and off and make sure they run.  They do NOT have an expertise in any type of actual anything, meaning they are not electricians, they are not plumbers, they are not pool experts, etc...
Whenever anything does not run accordingly, they are to put in their report that a professional should be contacted.  This is where too many inspectors just want to cover their arses and tell a buyer to get a professional for … (76 comments)

Home Inspector Ruins my Sellers' AC Unit - 04:36 PM

Another incident where a Home Inspector freaked people out, but this time it was not only the buyer, but also my sellers!!
I had an inspection on one of my listings a couple of days ago, and the Dallas area is actually seeing "Fall-type weather".  This means, it's in the low 70's by about 3pm, but in the high 50's and 60's throughout most of the day.
Most inspectors will NOT turn on the AC unit at a house unless the temperature is above 65 degrees.  Some say Texas law is 60 degrees so they go by that number.  Either way, it cannot … (11 comments)

Rating of the Blogs is Gone? - 08:01 PM
Did I miss an announcement?  I went to the official AR blog and didn't see it there...  am I the only one that has noticed that you can no longer rate the blogs?
What happened to the rating system and is it going to be replaced by something else?  Does this mean that each blog now aways only has a maximum point count of 200?  Or are there going to be points added based on how many comments are made to the blog?
Does anyone have any information on this change?
… (20 comments)

Entering the Twilight Zone - 09:09 AM
A few days ago I blogged about what I referred to as The magic roundabout which talked about the craziness taking place in Tallahassee regarding changes to Florida's property taxes.
Today was supposed to be the day of the big vote, but it became clear that there was no way that the Senate would approve the House plan and visa versa.
In the meantime, the people of Florida continue to suffer under high property taxes while the politicians continue to play politics.
This is in fact the second time through a Special Session (at a cost to the Florida taxpayer of $40,000 a day) … (1 comments)

New Home Sales UP, UP, UP!! - 10:03 AM
The Commerce Department reported today that sales of new homes rose by 4.8 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 770,000 units.
This came against analysts predictions of a DROP of 2.5% so once again, Housing seems to be in far better condition than the media and others are leading us to believe.
Make sure that you know the TRUTH about what is going on, and please don't be taken in by all the doom and gloom that the media is feeding you.
Is there bad news in the market? Sure there is, but it is nowhere near as bad … (9 comments)

NEW OFFICE COMING SOON! - 02:42 PM
Great News!!!  JCKC Realty is expecting to open it's doors to a brand new office in January 2008!  The office will feature 3700 SQFT of state of the art technology and space for agents and their clients to work in a highly effective and professional atmosphere.  We are going to be hosting a catered event to welcome anyone and everyone to come and check out this new office, bring your friends!  We will keep you posted on the dates as construction comes closer to an end.  The office will be located at 135 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566.  It is a … (0 comments)

Looking for Agents - 02:45 PM
JCKC Realty is now looking to hire real estate professionals whether you are new to the business or a top producer.  We are confident you will like what you get with our new office and our tailored packages.  Everyone will get the most and everyone will be a winner.  We are going to be opening a top of the line office in Sturbridge, MA.  We are confident that we have something for everyone and this is an opportunity too good to miss.  Call or email us today to setup a time to go over our 3 commission packages and what JCKC … (2 comments)

Builder Discounts - What are Home Sellers Doing? - 01:49 PM
Across the country, builders are reducing prices and offering incentives to buyers in order to get rid of their inventory of homes and land.  Builders are accepting losses in order to get rid of the burden of continuing interest and holding costs.  What is the average home seller doing?  It appears that a lot of homeowners are following the same trend.
          In Carlsbad, a major builder just reduced the price on a $1,308,585 home by $50,000 AND is offering $50,000 in incentives. That's an effective discount of 7.64%.   In Chula Vista that same builder is offering a $54,000 price discount and … (1 comments)

Pricing in a Buyers' Market - 02:04 PM
            I'm recently back from being in New York City for meetings, and one of the pleasures of being there is to read the New York Times business section on Sunday, particularly when it's your host who has spent the $4 to buy it from his usual news vendor.
            While I was in NYC, the Times had an article entitled "A Reality Check for Home Sellers."  The thrust of the article was that typical economic theory; "stuff is worth what it's worth" doesn't seem to apply in the housing sector.  A study done of the Boston housing market for the period … (0 comments)

Fort Myers Beach Annual Benefit Auction Saturday - November 3, 2007 - 02:15 PM
 
 Fort Myers Beach Pilot Club Annual Fall Fundraiser
                                                                                 Blue Jeans & BBQ's  
Looking for a terrific night out and a great cause to support ?       Set aside Saturday Nov 3, 2007 from 5:30  until  9 PM.   Held at ST. Raphaels Church on Williams Drive, Fort Myers Beach.
The annual Fall fundraiser for the Fort Myers Beach Pilot Club has selected as a theme for this years event:  Blue Jeans and BBQ's.  Funds raised will help support the Alzheimer Association, Lions' Camp, Ruth Cooper Center, BrainMinders, Alvin Dubin Center, Fort Myers Beach Library, Lee County Coastel Clean-up, Special Olympics and others.  Tickets are … (2 comments)

Bow Wow Halloween Contest - 08:40 PM
This coming Saturday, October 27 is the Lucky Dog Magazine's 2nd Annual Bow Wow Halloween Contest and Parade.  The event will be taking place at beautiful Lake Las Vegas between 11 am and 3 pm and a portion of the proceeds will benefit  Heaven Can Wait Sanctuary. It is a great way to support a great cause as well as having a great and entertaining time.
Its a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon in gorgeous surroundings. The event is free to attend. There is a $10 fee to enter the costume contest or a $35 VIP entry fee, which includes an official Lucky Dog … (2 comments)

Keyword Term Landfill for Ellijay Georgia Real Estate - 08:06 PM
#, A-FG-MN-RS-VW-Z-------October 2007September 2007August 2007July 2007June 2007May 2007April 2007March 2007February 2007January 2007December 2006 … (2 comments)

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