Archives of real estate blog entries for October 27, 2007

Featured blog posts


This Is Why I Love Active Rain! - 05:08 PM
This past month has been an emotional roller coaster for a lot of folks that work here in the Rain.
The support that has come to them from their fellow bloggers has been simply wonderful!
It makes me so proud to be part of this community.
 
Sarah Cooper took it upon herself to turn us pink and give us a pink ribbon to wear for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All we had to do was ask her.
 
Sarah began this mission after Linda Davis wrote Passionately Pink for the Cure
A bunch of people posted about Breast Cancer Awareness events in their area, what … (81 comments)

10.25.2007 Our Most Momentous Day! - 05:09 PM
Everyone:
I have been remiss in posting as I have been concentrating all of my time on Bruce and our family. As many of you  know he enter the hospital on Sept 5th. We had every hope and expectation of a successful surgery to remove the cancer and be restored to health within a two week recovery time in hospital plus a brief rest at home, return to work, able to eat and speak normally...essentially to regain his life full throttle. Nothing else was on our radar. We were both shocked by healing challenges and another very long surgery which resulted being in ICU … (77 comments)

*Why I love the Real Estate Industry....My Profession* - 04:59 PM
Mike Mueller wrote his post What do you Love about your job? and challenged us to write about what we love about our profession. We in the Real Estate Industry love challenges and our industry has challenges galore! And it sure feels good when I take that challenge and turn it into a prize winning ending.
I worked for a Family Law Attorney for many years. Divorces, Child Custody, Temporary Restraining Orders, Adoptions, and personal problems. I worked for a program for many more years teaching classes, writing grants, admin and you name it ...I did it. And...more problems to get sucked … (108 comments)

The Cost = 2 Cents, The Lesson….Priceless - 09:59 PM
Sometimes life has a funny way of turning you into something that you never thought that you would be...your parents!  How many times did your parents tell you something for your own good?  Did you listen to what they had to say, or did you roll your eyes and moan?  In retrospect, and as a parent, it's clear that while my parents weren't always right, they did have knowledge that could have helped me if I had chosen to listen to it.  As a parent, you inevitably end up saying a lot of the same things that your parents said to … (127 comments)

The Mortgage Muse is Named A. P. Retoro - 05:09 PM
I have been in this hospital for over a month and have at least another 2 weeks after my 3rd operation tomorrow morning.  While here they give me some go go juice and some thing to make you sleep so what follows may or may not be true but I swear it sure seems true to me.
In the deep dark of the morning I awoke to find this beautiful woman in a lacy red gown standing at the foot of my bed. She looked at me and said....................................
I am the Muse of Mortgages and for you to be successful you must … (110 comments)

Getting Repeat Business, What works? What Doesn't Work? - 09:50 PM
I was reading an article today from earleir this month, Keep Clients Coming Back: How to Get Repeat Business. Many of you may have read this as it was from Realtor Magazine.
The premise of the article was that we need to be doing more things to get repeat business. In other words, just helping them through the transaction and giving them great customer service throughout the entire thing may not be enough.
The article suggested that we do things such as:
1. Writing them a "thank you" note
2. Giving a closing gift
3. Following up with them after the transaction
4. Sending cards
5. … (101 comments)


Blog posts


Credit Problems - Round 3 - 12:06 AM
I've written several times in the past on this blog about current events in the credit markets that have a huge impact on the overall economy but in particular the mortgage industry.  I thought I'd give another update...
Back in February we saw Round 1 of the credit problems brought to the surface, mainly in the sub-prime lending space and got referred to as the "sub-prime crisis" by much of the media.  These credit problems marked by several large sub-prime lenders going bankrupt, most notably New Century.
Starting in April things seemed to quiet down for a while, the credit markets recovered but … (8 comments)

100,000 Points...Whoop De Do...Activerainer's Here's A Mystery Just For You! - 08:04 AM
Now if I timed this right, today is a very special day!  I graduate!  That's right I'm a big girl now with 100,000 points.  That makes me move to the Silver Star Hall of Fame. 
For 16 months I have been committed to blogging. 100,000 points to me a real accomplishment but the biggest accomplishment has been the commitment.  
WOW, 16 months and so many changes.  16 months, I stuck with it!  16 months and some very special moments. Moments that have really changed my life.
Recently I have asked 3 people from the rain some information about themselves...Now I … (91 comments)

6 Reasons I should use a Realtor to represent me as a buyer! - 08:22 PM
 
                     BUYER BEWARE!!!  Do NOT try to purchase a home without your own representation!   
All of my fellow Realtors are either cheering...or throwing darts at their screens right now.  This article is not for my fellow Realtors, though, this article is for YOU, the buyer.  I am going to list six very important reasons why you should go into ANY real estate transaction with a Realtor representing just YOU, not you and the seller. 
Here is the scenario:  you and your SO have gone on a Sunday drive, saw an open house sign and decided to stop in to see what the home was like.  (after all, there may be home-baked cookies … (7 comments)

Then again, what do I know? - 10:26 AM
Ernie Cabrera posed the question "What do you do?" in his blog. The question involved someone calling you on one of your listings and asking to see it. Ernie tossed in the caveat that the person calling was represented by an agent. Would you go out an show them your listing?
There were not many responses, but most of them agreed that you should show the house, even if the buyer is represented by another agent. I think I mentioned that it would be like holding a private open house and honoring the relationship the folks had with their agent.
The Ernie threw … (27 comments)

Which Potential president will make the most money for you? - 07:01 PM
OK - it's gun to your head time. If this is popular, perhaps I will do it once a week and we can see how our own internal little poll compares with what is going on across the country.
So here it is - I have a gun to your head and you have to answer. If the election were today, who would you vote for to be our next president.
First of all courtesy of The Washington Post, here is a very brief rundown.
Republican Candidates
Rudy GiulianiCurrent Job/Position: Lawyer Hometown: New York, N.Y. Status: Statement of Candidacy 2/5/07 Mike Huckabee Current Job/Position: … (251 comments)

Amazing piece of Bay Hill Real Estate - 07:36 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
What an incredible opportunity this is. Both the two homes next door sold for $2m Plus - and this is slightly bigger than both of them for less than HALF THE PRICE!
So why I hear you ask, is this so cheap? The answer is simple, because although this is truly in "move in" condition with new carpets and fresh paint everywhere, it is house that needs upgrading in terms of a new kitchen, perhaps a bathroom or two and maybe even the creation of a master bedroom down stairs.
Estimates I have seen place this re-furb in the $150k to $200k range … (4 comments)

Winter heating bills should drive people to Florida - 11:05 PM
Do you live in Boston? Perhaps Buffalo, NY? How about Minneapolis or Washington DC? Perhaps even Philadelphia?
Why do I name these five cities? Because they have the distinct honor of being the five most expensive places in the country to heat a home during the winter.
Now obviously here in Florida we see a lot of out of State tags when the winter starts to arrive, but I never really contemplated the financial trade off it is possible to make between heating your home (not to mention shovelling 6 feet of Global Warming) and actually being in the Sunshine State for the … (0 comments)

What is going on?? - 11:18 PM
We all know about how famous Florida has become over the assorted chaotic voting problems. if I ever hear about another Hanging Chad....grrrrrr.
Well anyway, Florida seems intent on renewing it's membership of the "laughing stock of the nation" club with the potential for not one, but TWO conflicting amendments on the January 29 ballot for Property tax reform
You see the original proposal was so complicated that a judge threw it off the ballot and sent the legislature into a spin. The Senate appealed the Circuit Court Judge's decision to Florida's Supreme Court and we still don't have that decision.
In the … (3 comments)

This week's Home Team Radio Show - 11:26 PM

An exciting show awaits on this Sunday when Simon Conway once again takes to the airwaves as he hosts The Home Team Radio Show on 540 wfla in central Florida and available on line across the country at http://www.540wfla.com/ The Home Team airs at Noon Eastern every Sunday.
This week we will be discussing the Property Tax crisis facing the State and trying to give you our take on who will blink first in this game of Legislative Chicken being played out between Florida's House and Senate.
In addition to that, we will be breaking a very important tax story which I think … (0 comments)

Fort Myers Beach " OPEN HOUSE", Sunday Oct 28, 2007 - 09:06 PM
Fort Myers Beach " OPEN HOUSE " , Sunday 10/28
Fort Myers Beach, Florida , 33931  " OPEN HOUSE " Sunday 9:30 AM
Gorgeous 3/2 direct Gulf front home. Totally decorator furnished home.  I will be hosting this Sunday morning starting at 9:30 until noon.  If you have been looking for a move-in ready beach front this is it.   If you are on Fort Myers Beach Sunday morning stop in and and say " HI".  This beautiful home is a real charmer with light.bright beachy colors and decorator upgrades. Furnished and ready for you to move in !  Offered at $1,795,000 .   Call me direct … (0 comments)

Palm Beach County Luxury Sales - 02:43 PM
Most of the people that I run around with know that I spend a fair amount of time analyzing the Palm Beach County Real Estate Market.  I was suprised with the results from a question one of my colleagues ask. In the area from just north of Stuart Florida to just south of Coral Springs Florida there have been 368 properties sold that had a list price of $2,000,000 or more since the first of the year.  This number is down from 807 sales during the 2006 calendar year.
Buy City here are the top selling communities:
Stuart Florida (Martin County)
19 - Sailfish … (0 comments)

Jupiters Golf Course Communities - 07:44 PM
Everyone thinks of Palm Beach Gardens when they think of golf course communities in the area and there are some great Palm Beach Gardens Golf Course Communities including Mirasol, BallenIsles, Frenchmans Creek, Frenchmans Reserve and Old Palm just to name a few.
What most people don't know is how many awesome communities we have in Jupiter. Perhaps it is because Jupiter is so well known for its waterfront and oceanfront communities!  Anyway, feel free to click on any of the following links to see the current golf course homes in the following communities;
Admirals Cove HomesAbacoa Golf Course Homes at the Island at … (0 comments)

We Fix Pix - 06:36 AM
There are a number of people that specialize is searching out "bad MLS photos".
http://www.orlandorealestatephotography.com/bad_mls/bad_mls.html
http://www.reagentinct.com/category/bad-mls-photo-of-the-day/
http://activerain.com/blogsview/217901/BAD-PHOTO-Sinking
And I know there are many, many more examples out there.
Some of the photos are bad simply because no one asked the resident to remove his or her clutter-stuff before the photos were shot.  Some are bad because they were taken from a particularly bad perspective:  I.E., Nothing in the shot except one blank wall.  Some are technically bad:  Out-of-focus, underexposed, or over-exposed. 
Some are bad, but fixable.
And that's my proposal for all you Photoshop Gurus out there.  Find some bad but … (27 comments)

Halloween in Austin - 04:56 PM
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a good idea to keep track of some of the fun and creepy events coming up in Austin, Texas. The good news is that most of them are inexpensive and fun for the whole family.
The Bats
The bats are a popular Austin attraction from May until October every year, but Halloween is obviously the most appropriate time to go check them out. The underside of the Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin is home to North America’s largest urban bat colony, with these creatures of the night numbering close to 1.5 … (1 comments)

Strategic Forum - 09:58 AM
I am on my way to Las Vegas tomorrow for the By Referral Only Strategic Forum. I can't wait. It will be my first time in Las Vegas and my first Strategic Forum. By Referral Only has been a very important part of my business and has added so many new programs in the past year, I would advise anyone to give it a try. It is so much better to learn to ask for referrals from our clients and friends and family. We just need to ask!
I'll give you an update when I get back.
Debra 
 
… (3 comments)

Lock it up and throw away the keys - 07:59 AM
So you just closed on your new home and the seller handed you your new house keys at the closing table.
What is the first thing you should do with them?
Throw them all into the nearest trash can!
You should then call a reputable locksmith and have all the exterior doors re-keyed; here's why.
When your house was on the market for sale you have no idea who and how many people had access to your new home and the keys; Realtors, workers, maids, and a long list of others.
Additionally it's a common practice for homeowner to give a spare key to … (11 comments)

New Jersey DCA Releases Fire Suppression Regulations - 10:07 AM
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has proposed numerous amendments to the State Fire Prevention Code. One of the amendments to N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.17 requires existing highrise buildings of Group B (business or office) and Group R-2 (residential) to be equipped with an approved automatic fire suppression system installed in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code. The proposed rule allows four years for highrise building owners to comply.
The comment period on the proposed rule has been extended from November 16, 2007 to December 17, 2007. For more information, view the rule proposal in its entirety. Source: NJAROnline DFS Resources:DCA … (0 comments)

Home for Sale in Desirable Mount Laurel Township, NJ - 09:53 PM
This spacious town home is a well-maintained 4 BR, 2.5 BA end-unit backs up to woods. This is the largest unit in the neighborhood.  It has many updates, such as Anderson windows and sliders.It features a full, finished basement with family room, 4th BR (or office) and walk-out to patio.  It also has an upper deck accessible from the full kitchen and dining area.  Property is convenient to major transportation routes, shopping and excellent schools.  Complete appliance package included, so it's ready for you to move in and enjoy.  This is a great opportunity to obtain a full-size home you can move … (0 comments)

Lakefront Home For Sale In Medford Lakes, NJ - 10:21 PM
Beautiful Lakefront home in desirable Medford Lakes.  3 BR, 2 BA with master bedroom on first floor.Newly renovated, while retaining the original log cabin look and charm that includes a magnificent lodge room with stone fireplace, balcony and large porch overlooking the lake.  With the upgraded kitchen and bathrooms and full appliance package, it's ready for you to move in and enjoy this great community!Property is convenient to major transportation routes, shopping and excellent schools.  Complete appliance package included, so it's ready for you to move in and enjoy.  This is a great opportunity to obtain a great full-size home in wonderful neighborhood! For more information about … (0 comments)

Breaktime: Literature Online -- Read, Discover and Enjoy! - 10:30 PM
The freedom to easily access and read online great works of literature is one of may great benefits provided by the Internet that we do not take enough advantage.  But it's never to late to begin.  Below are some resources links to get you started.  Enjoy!4Literature - 4Literature has more than 2,000 books, stories, poems, plays, and religious and historical documents. eServer Books Collection - This is a collection of book-length monographs available online from the EServer. These written works are published free of charge and are available to everyone. The collection is divided into three major groups: fiction, nonfiction and … (0 comments)

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