Archives of real estate blog entries for December 17, 2007

Featured blog posts


Home Businesses - A Growing Trend We Should Watch? - 11:01 AM
As real estate agents, a lot of us are familiar with working out of our home offices, so in that way, this is something with which we're familiar.  However, it appears that this may be a growing trend in other fields, and something we might want to keep an eye on in terms of how we look at homes for our clients. 
There's an interesting article on CNN today on "the world of hidden tech" and its impact on our society and our lives. (More in depth information can be found at CNN's special report on working at home.) With more … (22 comments)

Nothing Good in Life is Easy - Especially in the Real Estate Business - 11:18 AM
For those of us who are die-hard real estate professionals and decided to stick it out after the fall, we know we made the right choice. Now I cannot speak for all areas in this great nation of ours, but I can speak for the Palm Springs area, where we have been feeling a slight up-tick in sales and activity. Now, I certainly realize that our markets are an anomaly amongst California real estate, but I also know that our area is generally first to recover in such a market challenge.
For some the challenge was too hard and they could not … (30 comments)

Is ActiveRain Your Significant Other? - 11:19 AM
As I sit across the room from my husband, bonding with my computer keyboard for yet another blog post, my husband seems satisfied to enjoy my company while he reads the paper.  Every now and then, he'll read a little blurb to me (Redskins won last night) and I try hard not to show annoyance that he's interrupting my ActiveRain concentration.  Part of me feels a little guilty, though.
Who is my significant other, anyway?  My husband or ActiveRain?!?!  
Since this is the season for sitting down to write a business plan and make New Year's resolutions, we might want to do a … (93 comments)

The Internet Takes Distance Away: A Strange Way to Write a Book Review - 12:05 PM
The online world is a whole different place.  There is no sense of distance.  Friends in New England, Florida or California might as well be as close as my neighbors.  We get to talk, laugh and learn from each other in places that didn’t even exist a few years ago.
We’re creating whole new worlds and I for one am enjoying the heck out of it. 
And still, there are new surprises all the time.
I joined MySpace a few months back.  Took me forever to do it because I just didn’t see the point.  Now that I’m back … (50 comments)

You have to have the right tools in order to practice Real Estate. - 12:21 PM
Many Realtors don`t understand having a license to practice Real Estate is a privilege.
There are certain tools which are required in order to perform your job.
As a Realtor you need to join your local Board in order to gain access to the MLS.
Without the MLS it`s almost next to impossible to practice Real Estate. Ask any Realtor where they would be without the MLS and i`m positive majority would tell you they wouldn`t be able to assist their clients!
I received a call yesterday from a Realtor who clearly has no access to the MLS. They were looking at Yahoo for homes to show their client.
You`re wasting … (77 comments)

Mortgage PRO Week in Review -- 12/10/07 through 12/16/07 - 03:13 PM
I was honored when Jeff Belonger asked me to write this review. This is the first time I've written the Week in Review and I spent most all of last week thinking about what I would use as the theme. I also have seen so many different excellent mortgage posts from so many different and excellent loan officers. Hey guys, we have some great talent here!
So what makes a great loan officer, great? Is it product knowledge? How about salesmanship? Negotiating abilities? Communications skills? Financial know how? Legal and contractual IQ?
You know the answer - it's a combination … (37 comments)

Eminent Doman at the Local Level - Two Blocks Away! - 04:12 PM
Happy Monday Afternoon, everyone!
Just north of our Team's Keller Williams office, at the corner of Lincoln, Western, and Lawrence Avenues in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood of Chicago, there is a cluster of very old commercial buildings, one dating back to the late 1800's.  Several are in disrepair, but several thriving businesses exist there, including a soccer supply store, and an older Walgreen's Store.
Earlier this year, the City of Chicago began to take action to acquire these properties, through Eminent Domain, with the idea that a private developer would build higher-end commercial and residential properties in character with this bustling neighborhood.  This new … (13 comments)

Moving With Children During The School Year - 11:02 AM
In a perfect world, everyone with a child in school, that is looking to change school districts, would close on their new home between the months of June and August.  This would ensure that the disruption that moving causes is kept to a minimum, at least for the children.  However, as we all know, the world is not a perfect place, and people with children in school do move into new school districts all year long.  While most parents feel that they are hurting their kids in some way by doing this, the truth of the matter is that kids are … (44 comments)

Blogging...An Icebreaker??? - 11:35 AM
I've been thinking about how blogging has helped me...after over 170 posts and many many hours spent with my Active Rain friends!
First of all, before anyone can recommend someone they have found on or through the internet, they have to establish some sort of trust mechanism...after all, it's easy for someone with an internet presence to portray or project virtually any image they desire. Who really knows whether the profile picture is really the person they're supposed to be. Or how can one be sure that their business ethics are what their profile claims?
I'm not sure I can answer … (48 comments)

Mentoring Vs Seminars...No Contest! - 11:49 AM
 
I quit going to the seminars a few years back because it was such an obvious pitch for instant profits for the salesman...There are many learning types, and most do not respond well to learning by reading a book. The amount of variables we face everyday cannot be found in a book I would even want to read. If I could carry it!! 
But I have been going to some seminars lately, and have signed up for many of the free introductory pitches. They offer no specifics, just glimpses of the easy parts to whet your desires. There must be a seminar … (30 comments)

Canal front home owners in Michigan may face new challenges. - 12:32 PM
Imagine owning a canal front home and suddenly being denied the right to dock your boat or navigate the waters.Do you think it couldn't happen?   Think again. I just finished reading an article in the Detroit News that touched on a subject that I fear we are going to be seeing much more of in Michigan.Canal front home owners on Benjamin street in St. Clair Shores and St. Clair Shores officials are battling with the states Department of Environmental Quality about the agencies proposed plan to classify the canal as wetlands. Briefly, water levels in the state of Michigan have dropped … (50 comments)


Blog posts


I've Been Meme'd...Midori...Midori....Midori...It's All About Meme... - 02:30 PM
I was tagged by Marc Grossman....so here it goes.... I am going to share some real human facts about me.
1. In high school I had to take math for 4 years.  That's right...I stunk at math.  I had 1 teacher for two years..
I hate to admit it I gave it everything I got and earned 2 credits in 4 years...the funny part...When I got into real estate...
The teacher who I had for 2 years in math...hired me to sell his condo and assist in helping him purchase a home. 
I wonder did he think I improved in my math skills over time … (24 comments)

"That House in Milford CT" Holiday Decorations - 07:12 PM
 
"That House in Milford CT"
Kudos to the Donnells of 75 Meadows End Road in Milford, CT giving credence to the name "a small city with a big heart!"  For the past six years years the Donnells have been decorating their home and are now up to 30,000 lights!  This year the couple has created a website ThathouseInMilford where you can find before and after photos of the house and helpful links to help you create your own holiday decorations and a blog site the "Daily Blabber".
This year the Donnells  "in an effort to help those less fortunate" have … (0 comments)

New Haven CT Market Report - 07:45 PM

 
 
All New Haven CTSingle Family Home Listings:
Listings (12/17/2007):  225 Under Contract (12/9/2007:  40 Sold in November:  13  

 
All New Haven CT, Condo Listings:
Listings (12/9/2007):  159 Under Contract (12/9/2007:  18 Sold November:  14 ____
As of December 2007- New Haven Single Family HomeCurrent Active Listings: 220Number of Sold last 12 Months: 271 (22.6 Sold Per Month)Number Sold Last 6 Months:  124 (20.7 Sold Per Month)Number Sold Last 3 Months:  25 (8.3 Sold Per Month)CURRENT # OF MONTHS INVENTORY:  26.4

… (3 comments)

Excitedly Waiting My Favorite Christmas Present--Update - 01:11 PM
 
Well, here are pictures of my new little darling.  His big brother is no too thrilled and started to cry when his mother was going to nurse him.  So dad jumped in and they all started reading a book so that mom could take care of Collin's needs.  
My son-in-law called me early this morning to tell me that my daughter has gone into labor.  She was supposed to have the baby on Thursday (via c-section).   So I am hear babysiting the big brother (he will be two in February).  I got a call a while ago saying that she would be having … (9 comments)

Panama City Real Estate - Wishes you a Happy Holiday - 04:35 PM
Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays to all.May the coming year bring each of you health, happiness and prosperity.
I'd like to thank my many visitors, friends and family for a wonderful, prosperous year. Together, we will make 2008 as wonderful a year as 2007.
And remember: Panama City - When You're here... You're Home!
Jennifer Mackay
Keller Williams Success Realty
2110 W. 23rd Street, Suite A
Panama City, Fl 32405
Direct: (850) 774-6582
Office: (850) 392-1700
… (3 comments)

Pecans in the country... - 05:20 PM
I don't remember where I heard this funny story, but I thought I'd share it with everyone. 
Pecans in the Cemetery
On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.
"One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me, "said one boy.
Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence.
Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought … (2 comments)

Great Vacaville Condo...Great Price! - 04:14 PM
Best Condo- Best Price!!!Location: Vacaville, CAHow about coming home to a quiet upper-unit 2 bedroom condominium with an open floor plan, granite kitchen and bathroom countertops, large dining room, and TWO balconies? With almost 1000sf this condo is priced BELOW market and is ready to move in to NOW! Amenities include a beautiful community pool, tennis court, community room with gym equipment, and a playground for the kiddies! Close to shopping and schools, this cutie will make a wonderful home or investment property!InformationContact InformationPatty Hopkins707-685-5478PattySold@yahoo.comContact Reply FormForward to a FriendView Other FlyersPricingAsking Price: $225,000Flexibility: NegotiableAdditional Pricing Information: Short sale- all terms, … (0 comments)

Bargain Beauty in Fairfield! - 04:20 PM
GREAT HOUSE! BELOW MARKET PRICING!Location: Fairfield, CAThis is a fantastic home at a fantastic price! Possible short sale means our loss is YOUR GAIN! This home is in move-in condition! Within the last 4 years the owners have invested in NEW carpet, NEW tile, NEW kitchen cabinets, NEW countertops, NEW appliances, NEW paint, and so MUCH MORE! Add to that 3 roomy bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, open floor plan, a HUGE great room with a wood burning fireplace, and NO REAR NEIGHBORS! Large fenced yard can accomodate a large patio or pool? Call now for more information on how to … (0 comments)

“Home Economics”: Vampire Energy Costing Consumers $3 Billion A Year - 01:04 PM
Good Magazine has a great graphic depicting the economic implications of leaving appliances plugged in for an entire year. We all know that a minuscule amount of energy is being consumed just by leaving a device plugged in - but, an average consumer with a reasonable electronics collection will waste around $300 leaving all those gadgets plugged in year round. Thats 2,500 kilowatt hours completely wasted!
Those of you with a plasma TVs, take note...
  … (0 comments)

Distinctive Dwellings: Barrels of Fun - 01:56 PM
Actually, Jennifer Chait of OffBeatHomes points us to barrels of houses. They are fun though.
The pickle barrel house - think they ever got the smell out?
The beautiful whiskey barrel house - recycled living in Findhorn Foundation Community.
The worst use of an old barrel ever.
Next the most amazing barrel home of all on the most gorgeous land ever.
Seclusion and beauty in the Mansfield Redwood Preserve barrel house.
This home is actually part of an 80 acre plot for sale near Pacific Valley, Big Sur. Complete with four homes, a redwood canyon, waterfalls, and views beyond what you can imagine; this my … (1 comments)

Quick Virtual Assistant Cost Analysis - 08:05 AM
Let's say you needed someone to post to your blog and maintain your website leads.  For example you have approximately 36 leads per month that come in through your various websites and you have 2 blogs that need 3 posts per week. It takes a virtual assistant about 20 minutes for 1 blog post. 2 blogs x 3 posts per week = 6 posts per week 6 posts per week x 20 minutes per post = 120 minutes (2 hours per week) 2 hours per week x 4 weeks = 8 hours per month 36 leads per month / 4 weeks … (6 comments)

How much is that bathroom in the corner? - 01:47 PM
 
Just how much does that additional bathroom cost? I was checking all the units for sale in Frederick on East All Saints Street. The price for units that have two bathrooms is certainly note worthy. It ranges from $4,900 to $328,750 more than the only two bedroom, one bath unit. All of the units have two bedrooms. The square footage varies............but, the difference on paper is one bathroom.
Maybe, just maybe, it isn't the bathroom. It could be that the extra bathroom is equipped with ......
Golden toilet paper
  
Of course, If you are looking for a two bedroom condo, right smack in … (10 comments)

Condo in Merced Ca - 12:37 PM
… (0 comments)

Naples Market Update - November 07 - 10:07 AM
Naples Real Estate Market Update November Analysis:
Using a year over year analysis for November '07 -
Single family homes in Naples
* Single family homes listed were 832, 53 less homes than last November.
* Closed sales in November '07 was 118 homes with a median price of $405000. Compared to a year earlier, 34 less homes closed and the median price was down $30000.
* Pending sales are 178 homes, only 6 less than one year ago.
* Months of inventory to be sold is up slightly to 34 months from 31 months as of the end of … (2 comments)

Bonita Springs Real Estate Market Update - November 07 - 03:12 PM
November 2007 Market Update (year over year analysis) for Bonita Springs:Single family homes:* New resale listings in November 2007 were 199 homes versus 173 in 2006, or an increase of 26.* Closed sales in November were 16 homes with a median price of $572,987 versus 17 homes with a median price of $455,000 in 2006.* Pending sales were 45 in 2007 compared to 47 in 2006.* Months of homes available for sale is 32 months. Up from 29 months as of September 30, 2007.Commentary:- The increase in the number of new listings in November 2007 was surprising as some real estate … (0 comments)

Talkin' smack in the press - 08:53 PM
There was an interesting article in our local newspaper, the Las Vegas Review Journal. At first glance, it seemed like a typical notice----another project cancellation, this time, it was Spa Lofts. What made it unusual were the quotes from another developer in town. I put up a post up about the cancellation and included his remarks. In fairness, the developer's project is selling but you think he went a little too far?  All's fair in love and business?-Charles
… (2 comments)

Some big banks are doing away with appraisals......HUH?!? - 07:59 AM
I was reading the paper online this morning, like I do everyday and came across an article where the writer spoke to an appraiser and was asking questions about what they do.  One of the questions caught my eye right away....
Q: You mentioned that some big banks are doing away with appraisals. How do you think the role of appraisers will evolve in coming years?A: A direct federally regulated lender has a lot of leeway if a loan is under $250,000. The bank can decide not to get an appraisal if it wants. A couple of years ago one of the largest … (21 comments)

D'Vine Wine is Divine! - 09:57 AM
Last week my sales manager, one of the other agents, and I decided we needed a girls' night out (or at least a girls' evening out).  A new place had opened up in Georgetown, Texas, just off the Square, and we thought we'd give them a try. D'Vine Wine is more than a wine store.  It's the only winery in Williamson County (as I understand it, in order to call yourself a winery, the wine has to be made on the premises).  They offer tastings, they sell only their own wine, they even offer facilities for you to make your own … (7 comments)

Home Businesses - A Growing Trend We Should Watch? - 11:01 AM
As real estate agents, a lot of us are familiar with working out of our home offices, so in that way, this is something with which we're familiar.  However, it appears that this may be a growing trend in other fields, and something we might want to keep an eye on in terms of how we look at homes for our clients. 
There's an interesting article on CNN today on "the world of hidden tech" and its impact on our society and our lives. (More in depth information can be found at CNN's special report on working at home.) With more … (22 comments)

FIRST NIGHT 2008 : SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR NEW YEARS - 04:02 PM
Looking for something fun in Austin to do this New Year’s? Tired of late night drunken parties? Perhaps looking something a bit more kid and family friendly? Why not check out First Night Austin?
Every December 31st the streets of downtown Austin Texas are transformed into a free performance and visual arts bizarre. The best part is that it is all free. The tradition of bringing in the New Year with a city wide celebration of the arts began in Boston in 1976. Since then, the idea has spread like wildfire to over 120 cities and communities throughout the United … (2 comments)

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