Archives of real estate blog entries for October 28, 2007

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King For a Day Series – Mortgage Industry - 02:38 PM
If I were king for a day what changes would I make to the mortgage industry to better protect the public?
I have read thousands of news articles, blog posts and sat through many hundreds of hours of training and meetings through our industry.  As a result I have formed some very strong opinions about changes I would love to see in our industry.  I have decided to write a small series of articles that will pick on several parts of the real estate industry.
First I would insert more accountability into the process. 
For a start I would require that each and … (74 comments)

What Happened To Realtor.com's Exposure On AOL Real Estate??? - 04:12 PM
I just searched for Real Estate on AOL, only to find that Realtor.com is no longer powering the section.  I couldn't find any information on what happened to the deal and was wondering if any in the AR community knew?  Did Realtor.com just not renew the partnership?  If so, why not? 
  & 
In November 2005 Realtor.com signed a 2 year deal with AOL to power the Real Estate section of the site.  The deal expired on September 30, 2007 (last month).  I do not know the exact amount Realtor.com paid for this distribution.  I do know in 1998, Realtor.com paid … (40 comments)

What do clients hear in your background? - 02:40 PM
One great thing about being in real estate is the ability to be mobile just about all of the time. Being mobile is good, but I think as realtors we need to be cognizant of the perception that we portray when speaking on the phone with clients.
I find it amusing to hear the background sounds when I call other agents. I'm amazed at how often I will hear things like:
 Babies crying Dogs barking In-store or mall sounds Music (that's too loud) Other non-office sounds Restaurant/Bar sounds Etc, Etc.I called an old friend who works in Florida in real estate recently. It was about 2:30 in the … (56 comments)

Active Rain Blogs - Finding What You Need - The Ultimate Search! - 07:13 PM
Here's a "community tip" you may not be aware of regarding how to "SEARCH" Blogs.  Active Rain is a huge wealth of members, knowledge and resources!  There are so many Blog topics, ideas, instructions, do's and don'ts, opinions and posts of information, it really can be over-whelming.  This post will show you how to maximize the "Search" options that are available to you on Active Rain.
                                   
When you click on the "SEARCH" feature from the menu bar above, you'll have 3 options and choices to search from.  Profiles, Blogs, and Blog Comments.  When you're searching Blogs, it ONLY searches … (186 comments)

Pictures - 02:55 PM

I am not a photographer. I think I can write everything I know on the subject in a few short paragraphs. The pictures I have on my blogs are the most popular feature, or at least what is commented on the most by other bloggers and by people who are looking for information about real estate or about my market area.  My recent 10 part series here on Active Rain generated a lot of questions . . . but not the ones I would have asked. :) 
Camera
I have a couple of them, but the one I use … (66 comments)

Musings and a Challenge on Goals! - 06:49 PM
I think that having goals makes life more fun, because you have the thrill of the chase and the exquisite accomplishment of attainment One of the reasons it is so fun to travel with my husband, Bub, is that he always has some quests to pursue when we are on the road. For our trip to Australia, he wanted a crocodile vest. Our last New Mexico trip was about finding the right silver belt buckle, a new hat, sopapillas and chili rellanos. He found everything he wanted and we had fun doing it.
What is it you want for the rest of this year? For … (12 comments)

Navigating In The RAIN! - 07:13 PM
In a recent post entitled "What Is Your Active Rain Day Like?", a survey was presented with a number of questions to find out how people are managing their time on Active Rain.  While the membership is growing, the number of hours in the day remains the same, so efficiency is essential to maximizing your time in the Rain.  The following is a journey through the day in the life of the average Active Rainer.
Most people log on and either check their subscriber list for new posts or check their own blogs to see what comments came in.  These were by … (96 comments)


Blog posts


Websites for those NOT in the know... Website Design - 08:45 AM
Welcome back friends,
We've covered quite a bit so far and at this point you should have plenty of information to get started.
Let's talk a little about the design of the new website...
Part of the process of selecting a template or custom site, is designing the look and feel of the website.  However, IMO the look and feel of the site will successfully be driven by the type of website you create.
There is no right or wrong type of website.  The decision on the type of website is based on your budget, how much time and effort you choose to devote and … (8 comments)

Interesting items in our MLS - Panama City Florida - 10:30 AM
Just wanted to pose a few questions to other agents about what is posted in your MLS'.
Today alone, I've received 2 calls about a $29,500 condo listing, WATERFRONT ON THE BEACH.  Over the course of several weeks I've received several requests for information regarding this listing.
Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?
Well it is!
It is not a condominium for sale, but a PARKING SPACE! You read that correctly, a parking space for sale under the building.
IMO, this type of listing is misleading and not appropriate for a mls listing.
I would think we as agents paying for the MLS service should … (4 comments)

Got Ghosts? To Disclose or Not To Disclose ~ A Haunting Question - 11:22 AM
 
Riverfront Victorian for Sale
 In 1991, the Stambovskys put in an offer on an old house in the Village of Nyack, New York.  The purchase price was $650,000 and they made a down payment of $32,500.  A couple of months after the contract was signed, Mr. Stambovsky was horrified when he learned that the home he was about to purchase was known in the community to be HAUNTED!
      Apparently, the phantasmal reputation of the house was commonly known in the Village of Nyack. 
The Seller had publicized the ‘hauntings" to Readers Digest and the local media. In 1989, the house was included … (26 comments)

Cape Cod close to town - 09:16 PM
  Looking for a home close to town, you found it! This home has been renovated to include a MBR suite upstairs on separate heat pump(2005).Brick fireplace adds cozy touch to living room & den. Unfinished heated basement is plumbed and ready to be finished. Other features too numerous to mention. This home must be seen to be appreciated! Call today for a personalized tour. Property in excellent condition and offered at $117,500 (REDUCED AGAIN!). Make an appointment today to see this great find!
                For more information on this home follow this link.
… (0 comments)

Virtual Assistant Industry In The News! CNN Video - 01:42 AM
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/business/2007/09/10/gw.home.office.cnn
Sarah Reiter
www.VirtualCAS.com 
… (6 comments)

THE most effective marketing I have - 07:46 AM
As regular followers of my blog will know, I host The Home Team Radio Show every Sunday at Noon Eastern on 540 WFLA in Central Florida.
I cannot begin to tell you the benefits to my business of this consistent exposure to my market. It has made me recognized as an expert in my field and has given me numerous opportunities to grow my business.
Apart from my own show, I am regularly a guest on the main drive time shows on the station when I am introduced as "real estate expert Simon Conway".
This past week, I got to meet another listener. In … (6 comments)

The Art of Easter Egging To Gain Subscribers to Your Real Estate Blog - 05:59 PM
When it comes to readership on your real estate blog, Visitors are not nearly as important as Subscribers.
A subscriber is someone who recognizes the need to be notified as new content published to your real estate blog. 
Traffic to your site that is generated by search engines and inbound links certainly has its value, but a returning visitor that is already convinced that they are impressed with your message, is a relationship.
Getting a visitor to make the decision to subscribe does not always happen in the context of the message of the blog’s articles.  Often, your message is not unique, … (9 comments)

Palmetto Real Estate Terra Ceia Villa Price Reduction - 10:00 AM
Palmetto Real Estate Terra Ceia Villa Price Reduction
 
PRICE REDUCED TO $269,000
BRING US AN OFFER!!! 
Highly desirable 3BR 2BA single stand alone Villa, in  premier gated Terra Ceia Golf & Country Club.  Boardwalk/fishing pier, tennis, clubhouse, community pool, and more! 
Only minutes from Bradenton, Tampa, Sarasota & St. Pete.
Home Warranty being provided.
For more details on the listing and view the virtual tour visit http://www.reynoldsrealty.com/
… (0 comments)

Terra Ceia Golf & Country Club Palmetto, FL Condo Price Reduction - 10:19 AM
Price Reduced to $169,000
Great 2 bed 2 bath condo overlooking the golf course. Central to Bradenton, St Pete and Sarasota.  Perfect for the person who only wants to come down during the winter.
Price was reduced to $169,000 in hopes of a quick sale.
Home Warranty being provided.
Owner moving out of area and needs a sale!
For more information, visit http://www.reynoldsrealty.com/
… (2 comments)

Never Say Never - 04:47 PM
Now here is a team, the Trinity University Tigers, who prove us us that when it comes right down to it, the game isn't over until the game is over.  (Make sure your sound is on.)
Millsap is ahead by 3.  There's 2 seconds left in the game.  Trinity has the ball on the 39 yard line.  It would take a miracle.
Remember, the game includes those last two seconds, and they can be critical.  Whether it's football, real estate, or the rest of your life.
… (3 comments)

The Oaks of Ellijay - 606 The Oaks Drive, 30540 - 07:48 PM
New Listing from Mountain Resort Realty in The Oaks of Ellijay...
… (1 comments)

Land for sale in Ellijay, GA - 1.14 A/C on Mountaintown Creek - 08:04 PM
New listing in The Preserve at Mountaintown Creek...
The Preserve is a private and gated waterfront resort with 158 homesites. The 186 acre resort offers homesites over .75 acres in size, with half of those being on the creeks located on the property. The Preserve offers a rural natural setting only a few miles from Ellijay and sixty miles from Atlanta. The resort is located along the beautiful Mountaintown Creek that connects to Carters Lake. 
… (0 comments)

Land for sale in Ellijay, GA - 1.19 A/C on Mountaintown Creek - 08:09 PM
New listing in The Preserve at Mountaintown Creek...
The Preserve is a private and gated waterfront resort with 158 homesites. The 186 acre resort offers homesites over .75 acres in size, with half of those being on the creeks located on the property. The Preserve offers a rural natural setting only a few miles from Ellijay and sixty miles from Atlanta. The resort is located along the beautiful Mountaintown Creek that connects to Carters Lake.
… (0 comments)

Land for sale in Ellijay, GA - 1.34 A/C on Mountaintown Creek - 08:16 PM
New listing in The Preserve at Mountaintown Creek...
The Preserve is a private and gated waterfront resort with 158 homesites. The 186 acre resort offers homesites over .75 acres in size, with half of those being on the creeks located on the property. The Preserve offers a rural natural setting only a few miles from Ellijay and sixty miles from Atlanta. The resort is located along the beautiful Mountaintown Creek that connects to Carters Lake.
… (1 comments)

When "Thank You" is Not Enough - 11:46 AM
Some people give so much, and when you are on the receiving end of their help, somehow "Thank You" is not big enough. But it's what we have, and so to make it bigger, I want to share with people who appreciate the importance of giving.
Allen Hainge has given me a great deal in my career, starting with his confidence in my ability when he invited me to be a CyberStar™. Back then I was still a novice about technology but he took me into his group of highly tech-savvy professionals. When we get together as a group, as we did … (11 comments)

So...you want professionalism? - 04:53 PM
Hi folks. Let's talk a little bit about professional courtesy. I hear this term quite a bit on AR and in my business. Usually, it goes something like this:
"The listing agent should have told me he had other offers on the property, as a professional courtesy"."Even though my buyer's offer was a low ball the listing broker should have gotten back to me before the offer expired, as a professional courtesy."You get my point. Anyway, let me see if I can shed some light on this professional courtesy "thingie". First, I want to say, that anyone who has ever worked a … (44 comments)

Why buy in the Wichita, KS MSA...... - 04:04 PM
Why buy in the Wichita, KS MSA
Why buy in 2007
Why use RE/MAX and RE/MAX Realty Professionals
  
•·        CNN reported this Summer that Wichita, KS was the eighth most under valued market in the U.S. at 16.3% below national norms.
•·        Forbes reported the Fall of 2007 that Wichita had the 9th best job market in the united states
•·        The National Association of Realtors reported that Wichita ranked #16 of the top 100 U.S. markets in projected increase in property values from April, 2007 to April, 2008.
•·        Wichita is projected to have a 3.1% increase in appreciation of home prices over the next year.  … (2 comments)

Don't "Fall back" yet................. - 10:29 AM
Because Daylight Savings Time doesn't officially start in those states that observe it until NEXT Sunday morning at 2:00 AM.
Those 'helpfull' folks in Congress (the ones with the 11% public approval rating ;-)) enacted an energy bill in 2005 that included extending Daylight Saving Time by about a month.
As of 2007, DST starts the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.
Here's the DST schedule for the next few years in case you want to get a head start:
Understand that the sun, moon, and stars still keep to their regular schedule but timewise, starting next Sunday morning, it … (7 comments)

499 Glenmonte Drive at the Apple Valley Lake Resort (SOLD) - 08:44 AM
Sam Miller RE/MAX Stars Realty 710 South Main Street Mount Vernon, OH 43050 (740) 397-7800 Sam@sammiller.com http://www.applevalleyohio.com … (2 comments)

18661 Pigeon Roost Road, Howard Ohio 43028 (off market) - 09:25 AM
Sam Miller RE/MAX Stars Realty 710 South Main Street Mount Vernon, OH 43050 (740) 397-7800 Sam@sammiller.com http://www.applevalleyohio.com … (4 comments)

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