Archives of real estate blog entries for February 1, 2007

Featured blog posts


Home Repairs – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - 06:55 PM

I recently did a search on Active Rain for Home Repairs and Home Inspections issues and was not surprised to find over 60 blogs about this issue. My concern about home inspections and repairs is about the entire process itself. My experience has been that purchase price negotiations are the easy part of the equation. After we have the Offer to Purchase Contract done, the real drama often begins. In North Carolina we use the Residential Property Disclosure Form that sellers fill out indicating any known problems with a structure. A seller can respond in a way that indicates there are problems/no … (26 comments)

ActiveRain - behind the curtain - 09:28 PM
The "Raingods" have been relatively quiet lately so I wanted to give our Rainers a little behind the scenes update regarding what we are working on and thinking about.
Please consider this post as just a little more reliable than gossip.  
Blog Dashboard: This page should change a lot over the next couple months. It is much a work in progress and we really don't like it very much as it is now. We are working to make it more relevant by tying in some type of groups/associates display, and more prominently feature good Localism content.
Top Bloggers: We miss this list as … (65 comments)

Condo Buyers Beware. There Could be a Lurking Assessment - 06:55 PM
I usually don't list or sell many condos and I'm so glad that I don't. I've had a few condo listing experiences that really have made be think hard about ever buying a condo.  Huge special assessments could be lurking in the wings with no readily available way to know about them, at least the way things are currently in Georgia.
We had a listing a few years ago in a condo complex where the HOA was considering making a $15,000 assessement against each owner in order to correct some siding issues.  The units had an average value of around $160,000.  The HOA … (34 comments)

The Parachuting a Knights Tale - 10:26 AM
Once upon a time there was a Realtor who received a call from Mr. and Mrs. Prince Charming.  The Charmings were calling about the Realtors listing and wished to see it.  Being the well prepared agent who was committed and diligent in the work effort our hero/heroin asks the Charmings if they had just begun their process or had they been at it for a while.  The Charmings freely responded that they had just begun to seriously look, had no relationship with any of the rival Realtors or members of others clans.  A survivor of many of the Client/Customer Wars our … (11 comments)

Behaving in the Blogosphere: Review #6 of The Weblog Handbook, by Rebecca Blood - 10:19 AM
"Live never to be ashamed if anything you do or say is published around the world - even if what is published is not true." -Richard Bach
Words of wisdom - printed on the top of chapter 6, of Rebecca Blood's book The Weblog Handbook- Practical Advice on Creating and Maintaining Your Blog. In a world that is expanding at an astronomical rate, there needs to be some basic guidelines that help make the blogging community run more smoothly. Whether the bloggers focus on real estate, roller blades or rhododendrons, there are always little things to keep in mind...
Rebecca Blood … (35 comments)

The Big "Box Stores in an Inner City Neighborhood" Experiment - 03:53 PM
Today on a few acres of a former steel yard near downtown Cleveland, the first store in Steelyard Commons opened up: Home Depot.  Okay, so another Home Depot opened up.  Big deal. 
But if you look at where this Home Depot is located, it is a bigger deal than what you think.
A local real estate developer in 2004 purchased land that was used as part of a former steelmill near downtown Cleveland.  This land has just been sitting there as an eyesore for people from Cleveland's westside driving to downtown.  By the end of the year, a Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy and many … (12 comments)

Americans Just Can't Stop Spending - 12:39 PM
This morning, an inflationary telling report came out called the Core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Index.  This report is one of the large contributors to determing the Fed Funds Rate movement and it came in at 2.2%, just higher that the 2% the Feds like.  Nothing to worry about by itself as it showed more moderation of inflationary pressures.
The problem is another part of the report which measures the spending habits of Americans, called the personal savings rate.  This number came out in the "scary" range at a rate of negative 1.0%.  WHy is that scary?  It is the lowest rate … (27 comments)

Testing for the Yellow Belt - 11:00 AM
Last night my granddaughter was tested for her yellow belt in Karate. Why am I posting about this in AR?
These ceremonies are a celebration of success. No, she is not a black belt yet but she is testing for the yellow belt. My friend and my mother watched on with me as Haley (my granddaughter) was tested and she didn't miss a beat. "I am so nervous for her" said my friend. But Haley was not nervous because she has been learning for one year, in little pieces, all the techniques that flowed seamlessly into a perfect exhibition. Haley was, … (19 comments)

Associates ordering, Localism location search, Blog Comment search - 07:11 AM
There are a few minor changes this morning...
Associates:  I tried to clean up the ordering.  I'm still working on this but this version allows you to drag/drop people in your associates groups up and down to change their order.  I'll be adding something similar to allow you to move people between groups shortly.  Let me know if this isn't working for any of you (best way to do that is through the Contact ActiveRain form).  It's pretty advanced javascript - so there might be some browser problems.
Localism Location Search:  It's a bit rough (in IE you need to hit the … (24 comments)

I "Got Discovered" on AR Part 2-The TV Auditon - 10:58 AM
Monday was my interview/audition that I told y'all about here.
The interview took place at my house.  Prior to the Field Producers arrival my daughter (who was home sick from school) was very anxious for me.  She was surprised that I was so calm.  I assured her it was only on the outside.  The Field Producer, Tom, arrived at 3 and explained the entire interview process.  We began with a mock Home Staging consultation.  A friend came over, Kelly McColgan an agent with Shorewood, and pretended to be the Agent selling the house.  We went through rooms in my house and I … (35 comments)

Are You A Professional Realtor? - 10:00 PM

Have you ever received a call from an irate seller upset over a showing of his property?
The realtor walked through the home, with the home owner present, explaining to the potential buyer the reasons why the home down the street was a much better purchase than the seller's home! Then proceeds to question the seller about their reasons for moving, while using their cell phone to call the office to have them pull the seller's disclosures to see if the home owner had disclosed the garage door opener wasn't working?
What do you say to the home owner?  Sorry, I … (47 comments)


Blog posts


ActiveRain - behind the curtain - 09:28 PM
The "Raingods" have been relatively quiet lately so I wanted to give our Rainers a little behind the scenes update regarding what we are working on and thinking about.
Please consider this post as just a little more reliable than gossip.  
Blog Dashboard: This page should change a lot over the next couple months. It is much a work in progress and we really don't like it very much as it is now. We are working to make it more relevant by tying in some type of groups/associates display, and more prominently feature good Localism content.
Top Bloggers: We miss this list as … (65 comments)

Opportunity Knocks!!! - 10:19 AM
The sad truth is that opportunity doesn't knock twice. You can put things off until tomorrow but tomorrow may never come. Where will you be a few years down the line. Will it be everything you dreamed of. We seal our fate with the choices we take, but don't give a second thought to the chances we take. Gloria Estefan … (4 comments)

Something exciting is happening!!! - 06:03 PM
Well guys it's in the works, Pre-Foreclosure training will be held on February 22, 2007 at the Daytona Area Association of Realtors. The first portion of the training will give you the knowlege to work with these properties whether you are working with the buyer or seller.
The second portion of the training I will be assisted by our very own, Ana.  That's right we will be training some of our associates for this speciality.  Look for the the time in your e-mail.  Hope to see you there. 
… (2 comments)

Associates ordering, Localism location search, Blog Comment search - 07:11 AM
There are a few minor changes this morning...
Associates:  I tried to clean up the ordering.  I'm still working on this but this version allows you to drag/drop people in your associates groups up and down to change their order.  I'll be adding something similar to allow you to move people between groups shortly.  Let me know if this isn't working for any of you (best way to do that is through the Contact ActiveRain form).  It's pretty advanced javascript - so there might be some browser problems.
Localism Location Search:  It's a bit rough (in IE you need to hit the … (24 comments)

My 100th Post - Or What Has Active Rain done For Me Lately? - 07:01 PM
My 100th Post - Or What Has Active Rain done For Me Lately?by John Occhi, Hemet RealtorReal Estate, Hemet CA
I've had writers block the last few days.  I have been approaching my 100th article on ActiveRain and thought it would be a special event - sort of like the thing a TV actor must feel when his 100th episode airs - a feeling of accomplishment. Something that really said, "I am here to stay!". 
I wanted to go through all of the newbie tips and see what new skills I cold pick up- like adding photos to these blogs (why can't we … (9 comments)

Appointment Setting - How do I do Better? - 08:44 PM
Appointment Setting - How do I do Better?by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR®Real Estate, Hemet CA
I recently attended a 3 day seminar that Tom Ferry presented, at the convention center in downtown Riverside.  Where they any other Rain Peopel there?  The name of the seminar was TAG - The Appointment Game!
I knew any "free" seminar is a sales pitch and I suppose this was no different - Tom did a great job with Testimonial selling - highlighting examples of agents in all different stages of their careers and different stages of his coaching program.  I have to admit I was impressed.
I … (0 comments)

Lets ask the Pro’s, here’s the scenario!!!!!!!! - 08:47 PM
You have a client with 90% LTV, Michigan, with a one year in the property. Purchase price was 200,000 and client believes he has 10,000 more equity in the property from the purchase last year based off homes for sale in the area.
Client is drowning is debt and has 38,000 in revolving debt with a 580 mid fico
Question? What would you do? What program, and yes this is a trick question can you find it?? … (2 comments)

Goodyear Home Sales for the week ending 2-1-07 - 05:06 PM
Goodyear Sales for the week prior to February 1, 2007
The previous week saw 25 homes close escrow in Goodyear. Average home sale price was $298,942 while the average asking was $312,6321. Average days on the market were 142 with several homes expiring from the MLS.
The average square footage for all these homes was 2,122. That comes in at just under $141 per square foot. Not bad considering this last year of declines. Of course these figures will vary depending on actual square footage, condition of the home and property and location location location! Call me to find out the value of … (0 comments)

Professional Standards - 05:34 PM
Congratulations to me!!! I have recently achieved the GRI designation from the National Association of Realtors. The designation shows I have taken additional, comprehensive course work and passed exams above and beyond what the average REALTOR has.
The additional education also means that I am eligible to recieve the Master of Real Estate Certification (MRE) from the Arizona Association of REALTORS (AAR). Anncouncements on that soon to come.
The GRI has given me the tools to better service my clientele and protect them throughout the transaction process and protect their interests. I look forward to serving all of my clients  to the best of … (0 comments)

1403 Fincastle Loop, College Station $175,000 - 07:40 PM
Finding a 5 bedroom home with lots of room that's affordable in College Station is just as simple as visiting this beautiful home.  Built in 2004 this home has 2380 square feet and is priced at just $175,000.  Zoned to the new Forestridge Elementary, Cyrpess Grove Intermediate School, and the award winning College Staion Middle School, this home is close to College Station Medical Center and shopping.
The kitchen is large with a good sized pantry.
The open living and dining room is great for entertaining!
The living room features a gas log fireplace, easy to cozy up to in the wintertime, and a … (2 comments)

Your Blog Is An Army - 12:08 PM
Your Blog Is An Army Any blog, not just a real estate blog, has the beautiful distinction that it is comprised of many separate entities represented by each published post.  The blog, when organized properly, is the ultimate content management system and SEO tool all wrapped into one.   It is truly as if each article that is published is a little website of its own, under the umbrella of the main domain.Each published article has: 1. The Permalink: A unique, keyword laden and link popular URL:
The main URL for your site may be http://realestatetomato.typepad.com, but the URL of the … (2 comments)

Pearland police officers learn firsthand the power of Tasers - 07:57 AM
Feb. 1, 2007, 12:24AMPearland police officers learn firsthand the power of Tasers
Pearland Detective Jeff Jernigan, left, shocks officer Joseph Hoffman, center, with a Taser as he is held by officer Adam Carroll, front left, and Pearland EMS supervisor Fred Ortiz during training Wednesday.
James Nielsen: Chronicle
By RICHARD STEWARTCopyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
PEARLAND - When the Taser sent pulses of 50,000 volts of electricity through officer George Dacy's muscles; he went into spasms, lost control, groaned and shouted an obscenity.
The roomful of fellow Pearland policemen erupted in laughter - not at Dacy's two seconds of obvious pain - but because the young … (1 comments)

Stronger self-defense law backed - 07:59 AM
Stronger self-defense law backedBy JOHN MORITZSTAR-TELEGRAM AUSTIN BUREAU
AUSTIN -- A coalition of state lawmakers that cuts across party lines wants to remove any doubt that Texans have the right to respond with force to protect their homes and belongings from unlawful intruders.
To that end, state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, filed legislation Wednesday that would update the so-called Castle Doctrine to make it clear that a property owner had no "duty to retreat" before firing on or otherwise stopping the intrusion or attack. And 27 of his 31 Senate colleagues have signed on as co-sponsors to Senate Bill 378.
"I believe Texans … (2 comments)

Pearland in stadium talks with Dynamo - 08:08 AM
Pearland in stadium talks with Dynamo
Published January 26, 2007
PEARLAND - An area near Highway 288 and Beltway 8 has been discussed as a possible site for a new stadium for the Houston Dynamo.While team and city officials confirmed they have talked, neither would give many details about those discussions."We are just at a real early stage of visiting with the team," said Fred Welch, executive director of the Pearland Economic Development Corp. "These are negotiations that are kept between them and us."Dynamo General Manager Oliver Luck had nothing to say about the possibility of a move to Pearland, said Lester Gretsch, … (0 comments)

Brazoria County Joins Opposition to Blue Ridge Landfill Expansion Plans - 08:55 AM
by FortBendNow Staff, Jan 20, 2007, 10 19 am
The Brazoria County District Attorney's Office has been given authority to to participate in that county's opposition to a proposed expansion of Blue Ridge Landfill in Fort Bend County.
According to The Facts newspaper, Brazoria County Commissioners approved a resolution to that effect on Thursday.
Owned by Allied subsidiary Blue Ridge Landfill TX L.P., the landfill, at 2200 F.M. 521, is about a mile north of Fresno in Fort Bend County, just across 521 from Pearland and Brazoria County.
Allied has obtained a "draft permit" that, if made permanent, would allow the company to expand … (2 comments)

Biodiesel, Biodiesel, Wherefore Art Thou, Biodiesel? - 11:02 AM
Alternative fuels are a hot topic right now.  Well, heck, with first Willie and his BioWillie, and then the President, talking them up, how could they not be? 
One major problem remaining, however, is how to get them distributed in the same widespread fashion as fossil fuels.  An infrastructure is needed in order for alternative fuels to be competitive.  What to do?  What to do?
Well, CleanFUEL USA, Inc., a Georgetown, Texas, company, and ProTec Fuel Management, LLC, in Florida, are joining together to provide a turnkey solution to this problem.
I can't wait until I can fuel up with biodiesel as … (6 comments)

So What's In Your Email Inbox Today? - 07:16 AM
Every morning I pick up my computer and usually start with my Microsoft Outlook to see what email has arrived over night.  Since I became a Realtor and since I started posting my email on various Internet sites I have been bombarded by SPAM of all kinds.  I have a SPAM filter, yet many of these emails still slip through.
So far I've received 3 emails that talk about Pharmaceutical Drugs I can purchase at a lower price.  4 on some sort of stock tip I can use to make millions.  4 that have something to do with real estate.  I can … (9 comments)

How Much Time Are You Spending On Research? - 08:00 AM
Since I came into the business, I have contacted expired listings as part of my prospecting.  As many of you know, there's quite a bit of time spent in research each time you collect the data.
Last week Carpenter Realtors had their annual awards banquet where we honor our top producers and learn about the year's marketing program and changes.  One of our speakers spoke about having systems in place that save us time.
One such system is The Red X  which is designed to work with our MLS for down loading expireds, cross-referencing them for tax information, phone number and the Do Not … (6 comments)

What's In A Name? - 07:02 PM
Many of us have heard of branding and how important it is to our business.  Often times we are encouraged to use our name in some way.  It's also suggested that we have tag lines to help make us more memorable.  I've thought of different things I'd like to use and yet some seem so Cheesy!  Such as:  Cyndi sells Indy     Get the Scoop from Cyndi Sloop  
Now with my last name being Sloop and living near Geist Reservoir I've thought of making a play on words:  Get Set For a Sale (sail) with Sloop    Sloop Sales Indy     With Sloop You're In For A Perfect Sale!     … (5 comments)

Are you being short changed? Not by me! (recycled and edited) - 06:08 PM
I've read quite a few posts, lately, on ActiveRain and other sites, talking about commissions. What's fair? Who pays the commission? Are we worth what we charge? How come I didn't get 50% of the commission? And on and on and on. Anyway, I wrote this post back in July and thought it would be a good time to recycle it. Why not? It's mine and I can do what I want with it. It has been edited slightly (a lot). It doesn't answer all the questions but it does address one of my pet peeves, the ole' 50/50 split "requirement". … (13 comments)

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