Archives of real estate blog entries for February 24, 2007 (Page 9)

Blog posts


I do not List homes I sell them! - 09:05 PM
Lately, I have not taken many listing due to the fact that I price the home to sell. I am not in to listing homes just to say I have 20 listing in my inventory and to fill the MLS with another home that will expire or be for sale for 360 days or more. my buyer pipeline is growing each day and I am happy to move the inventory that is price correctly. I recently received a phone call from a agent in Texas that referred me to a seller, after I contacted that seller and view the home which was very … (2 comments)

A few more from the Funny papers.....3 good cartoons - 09:52 AM
Here are three funny cartoons. Two from our favorite Realtor "Lois" of "Hi and Lois". The borrowing gas money is the classic that I'm sure we all have done at one time or another,especially when we were new into this CRAZY business.  ENJOY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Of course this continues to perpetuate the total misunderstanding the public has of how we get paid. This cartoon is dated,but has Lois making  $15,000 on selling a $250,000 home. No matter what year ,or commission spilt, or system, there is no way Lois is making $15,000 !! They of course have her making     6%   of the total  sales … (2 comments)

McMansion...McMansion...Why I HATE that "Word?" - 11:23 AM
  Who invented this stupid word? It definitely wasn't a Realtor, not someone of my  chosen profession ? Does it not denigrate the new homes going up in our community and others ? Or is it a negative comment on what I do for a living, or where I live ? What does it REALLY mean, or stand for ? Or does it stand for anything ?
   I remember very clearly where I heard it for the very first time about 2 years ago. I didn't like it then  either. I was watching my older  son Tom pitch in a high school baseball game. Of course … (3 comments)

Home Inspections - Making or Breaking the Sale - 04:53 PM
I recently had a bad experience from a Buyers Home Inspection. This was an 80 year old home with expectations from both parties of certain issues. Nothing we felt we could not negotiate on.
However, after reading the Inspection Report, you would have thought it was a new home built by an inferior contracting company using 3rd. world country products to build it. WOW, did he rip it apart!
I would like to know your experiences. Also, what are YOUR expectations of a Home Inspection either a Listing Agent or Buyers Agent. How do you advise?
Thank you for your interst. LENN, … (2 comments)

Advising Buyers About School Districts - 12:29 PM
Real estate licensees are often asked by prospective home buyers which school their children would attend if they purchased a specific home.
Some school districts in New Jersey may have a "virtual redistricting" or overflow policy which may affect which school a child attends. This means although the home is located in the zone for a particular school children enrolling in a class that has reached its size limit will be sent to another school.
It is therefore recommended that real estate licensees who know a school district has adopted this policy advise prospective buyers about the policy and that the … (0 comments)

You Should Not Be Home during a showing - 02:11 PM
Homebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit, and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your home. Visit the local coffee house, yogurt shop, or take the kids to the local park. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out of the way area of the house and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.
… (0 comments)

Lighting, Fragrances, Pet Control - 02:12 PM
  Lighting
When you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights - even during the day. At night, a lit house gives a "homey" impression when viewed from the street. During the daytime, turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and it brightens up any dim areas. Your house looks more homey and cheerful with the lights on.
Fragrances
Do not use scented sprays to prepare for visitors. It is too obvious and many people find the smells of those sprays offensive, not to mention that some may be allergic. If you … (0 comments)

Keeping the House Tidy and Neat - 02:13 PM
Not everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when selling a home it is recommended that you develop the habit. Pick up papers, do not leave empty glasses in the family room, keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed. Try your best to have it look like a model home - a home with furniture but nobody really lives there.
… (0 comments)

Light at the end of the tunnel - 12:24 PM
Recently I posted about our (my wife and I) recent lay off from Weger Mortgage. Keep in mind my wife is 6mos. pregnant and we both lost our insurance! WE have since been blessed with an outstanding opportunity. I am now employeed with Paramount Residential Mortgage as a Sales Manager and Loan Officer. My wife and I both have insurance (provided by PRMG). I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel! My wife and I thank everyone for all their support and words of encouragment.
-Ryan Morrow
Here is a picture of our first baby! Madison Belle Morrow … (3 comments)

No Papers? No Problem! - 12:48 PM
Does your client want to buy a home but does not have a Social Security card, No credit score, Stated Income?
There are now loan programs for them. Here are some highlights on the program.
30yr. Fixed Rate Mortgage 550 FICO+ or NO FICO (alt credit will be used)95% LTV Stated Income with a 601+ FICO Purchase or Rate and Term Refi.Borrower does not need to be legal US citizen!Let me know your thoughts on this. Here in CA. we often see a great deal of Straw buyer attempts, I am wondering if this is the banks answer to these problems. Will American Citizens Pay … (1 comments)

recommended schools - NJAR - New Jersey News - 07:58 AM
Desiree www.TriCountyHomes4Sale.com
… (2 comments)

Keeping your Credit Score above Average/High - Free reports - 01:53 PM
Credit  when applying for a mortgage are an absolutely key to your financial ability to purchase a home.   The higher the your credit rating the more flexible lenders can be when obtaining financing.  A+ Credit = Options!!!!!
There are several steps you can take to keep that         at its best rating so you'll be prepared when purchasing your new home.
7 Habit of People with Great Credit Scores is a quick resourse to use when looking into what you can do
to boost or maintain a high credit rating.
There are 3 primary credit reporting companys and there are several place to obtain a free credit report.
When … (0 comments)

Today I Think I'll be a Dentist! - 08:34 PM
Today I took time from my family to meet a potential buyer. He (Mr. Buyer) has been watching the market in this particular area for the last 6 months.
The listing agent for the property who also works for my broker, Hometown GMAC in Pleasanton is unavailable due to family circumstances. I agreed to care for her listings while she's attending to her personal matters. As a result, I am the contact person for her listing for the time being.
The potential "buyers" had already been through the home earlier this morning (the seller let them in).  When I arrived at 2:00 and greeted … (1 comments)

Through Rain and Sleet and Snow and Ice!! - 11:18 PM
Well, it's now just past 11pm and it's been freezing rain most of the day, most of the day. Around 8pm it started to snow, and it's not suposed to stop until late tomorrow night. Ahhh. Another terrible day for showing. But, through rain and sleet and snow and ice, I deliver. My church, along with alot of churches in central Iowa, have already cancelled services for tomorrow. Here's what the radar looks like.
As you can see, my entire state is engulfed in it. Should be interesting to see how many show up for the open house. In a 24 hour … (0 comments)

5709 NW 93rd, Johnston, IA Open House - 11:30 PM
In case anyone's interested...here's some info about the house I'm showing tommorrow.
Better than new 3 bedroom 4 split level with over 1510 Sq Ft of living! All new hardwood floors in formal living room, kitchen, dining and entry's, great kitchen with adjoining dining area, family room with fireplace, 2.5 baths, extra large master bedroom with walk-in closet and master bath plus bonus room in lower level. Freshly painted interior, 2nd water meter and more! Great yard and all landscaped! Special Financing Incentives available. Move-in condition.
Great Home! Give me a call if you have any questions.
Adam Forney, Realtor
515. 865.6000 Adam@YourDesMoines.com  www.YourDesMoines.com
… (0 comments)

Buy it now, or wait? - 11:55 AM
 
 With most markets going in a down shift is it really fair to say " It is always a great time to buy" I know it depends on the person you are helping.....however, that person may regret meeting you because you did not tell them to wait a little longer and save more on their monthly payment because they could have got it cheaper.
I Do not know if the sale is worth it because it could ruin the chance for some referrals down the road.
What are your thoughts?  
… (0 comments)

elitehomedecor.com - 09:53 PM
Hi Cheryl,
Would love to hear any tips or tricks you may have.  I plan on making some changes in the next month or so. 
Thanks for anything you might have to add or if anyone else has any comments. 
My site has been up and running since January and I am not sure how all he tags and what not work.  It seems if I type in ajax home staging it doesn rank very high in google.  I wonder if I am missing some tags to make this work better. 
Thanks and let me know 
Elite Home Decor
~Kimberly~
… (6 comments)

Here's a Title Search Story to End All! - 07:55 PM
 
This was emailed to me and I do not know who the author is.
This could happen Only in Louisiana - you have to love this lawyer
Everyone who has ever bought a house will enjoy this. 
  A New Orleans lawyer sought an FHA loan for a client who lost his house in Hurricane Katrina and wanted to rebuild. He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove satisfactory title to the parcel of property being offered as collateral.
The title to the property dated back to 1803, which took the Lawyer three months to track down. After sending the … (1 comments)

Foole me once - Fool me twice.....The BS detector~~~ - 08:33 AM
This blog is intended to find answers to an unsolved art........  please chime in with comments and suggestions......
Have you ever made a hiring decision which had something in your gut telling you this is the one? I was never told in school that being a manager was part businessman, part manager, part psychologist and part parent. Turns out all these traits are needed in the hiring process, not to mention the managing arena. They have devised numerous multiple choice tests that claim to analyze an individual and cut down on a lot of the guesswork. You can judge how an applicant … (3 comments)

Don't just be a real estate sales agent, be a PROFESSIONAL! - 09:04 PM
How can this one little document change your business for the better? Find out in 30 seconds.
By Michelle Shelton
Buyer Broker Agreement?  What's that? Most agents don't ask their potential buyers to sign anything.  It is too...well...you know...uncomfortable. Hmmmmmmm.
A professional is viewed as a professional for a reason. They value their own time and energy as well as their clients. Of all the paperwork required, I often wonder why the Buyer Broker Agreement isn't required.
Personally, I take anywhere from 40 to 50 phone calls per day from my listing signs.  Most of these individuals do not have an agent or … (0 comments)

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