Archives of real estate blog entries for February 25, 2007

Featured blog posts


Can't talk now. GOOGLE me!! - 03:18 PM
Ok, just a little "quickie" today. One of the advantages to participating in ActiveRain is the excellent web exposure that it gives us. Since joining AR, back in June, my web presence has sky rocketed off the charts. That's a very good thing. The consumer has been finding me on GOOGLE searches and I have been fortunate to get quite a bit of business from the Internet since becoming a member of ActiveRain.
I've had my website www.poincianaproperties.com for many years but never really put forth much of an effort into generating web leads. I have a lot of business anyway so … (56 comments)

Shout it! "I LOVE MY JOB!" - 11:44 PM
So it's Sunday night and I just got back from my Ice Hockey game (I don't feel so great after a game like I used to, ouch!) and the one thing that I'm sitting here thinking is "Man I love my job!"
I've got a pretty fun week coming up with some good meetings starting in the morning tomorrow and last one being a lunch meeting on Friday with a handful in between.
I had made a career change to the mortgage business about a year ago.  Prior to that, I had a pretty successful run in the Swiss wristwatch industry which is … (18 comments)

I Didn't get the Listing Today - 09:33 PM
Well I didn't get it. Am I bummed - yeah a bit, but not too much.
My attitude is NOT that I lost the listing...I never had it to lose. But I didn't get it.
I was one of 3 agents who met with the sellers (FSBOs BTW) the other day to talk about my marketing and how I could help them. I have been sending them information once a week or so for months...so I was thrilled that they responded and asked me to come meet with them.
The meeting was short - they made it clear upfront that I, like the other 2, … (35 comments)

Networking-Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude! - 09:15 PM
 
What is Networking? Networking is relationship building for profit.
Why do we network? We network so eventually someone we know or someone that knows someone we know will do business with us.
Why do people do business with us. Is it because we are the only person or company offering the product or service they want or need? Probably not. Is it because we have the cheapest or best product or service in the marketplace? Sometimes, but rarely. The biggest reason people do business with us or refer business to us is because they like us! Why do they like us? Generally … (18 comments)

If I blogged and no one commented, would it still be blogging? - 06:36 PM
I'm serious!  Kind of like...if a tree falls in a forest....blah blah blah
I've read a few blogs this week about commenting on blogs.  I think everyone enjoys having their blogs visited and commented on but does it have to be the be all and end all?  I'm pretty new in Active Rain and have enjoyed splashing around.  But once the novelty wore off and I realized I want to do this as a regular part of my marketing I started seeing things differently.
Please don't misunderstand me.  I think it's polite to try and add a valuable comment if I … (53 comments)

How many of you ........?????? - 03:55 PM
Have been caught without your hours????.........Let the education begin here.
Tips for staying on top of required education hours:        
                                         
Plan for at least 2 hours per month. Doesn't sound like a lot and it isn't. It's 2 hours out of roughly 160+ hours that full time realtors put in. You will appreciate that you planned for this when everyone else is stuck online trying to get their hours done.       
Sign up for your MLS education club In my area, the education club cost is $25.00 for the whole year. I was able to see David Knox last year and his presentation alone was worth much more. … (14 comments)

"Hey, Baby. What's Your Sign?" Part 2 of a Series - 01:46 PM
As we discussed in the first article of this series, knowing your DISC behavioral sign and that of your clients will help you provide better communication with them throughout your relationship.  In the first article we discussed the (D)ominant behavioral sign, the strengths and weaknesses associated with it, and the preferred communication style of that sign.  Today we will move on to the (I)nfluential sign. 
I could talk all day about the (I)* sign, first because it is my primary sign, and second because that is one of the traits of an (I).  We like to socialize.  (I)'s are like D's in that … (15 comments)

Understanding the Realtor® Code of Ethics: Article 13 - Realtors® Are NOT Attorneys - 12:49 PM
Welcome to the smallest post I will ever write about the Realtor® Code of Ethics. It may be small, but it also is one of the most important articles of the whole code.
Realtors® are NOT attorneys.
Article 13:REALTORS® shall not engage in activities that constitute the unauthorized practice of law and shall recommend that legal counsel be obtained when the interest of any party to the transaction requires it.
This Article protects the public AND the Realtor® from adverse legal repercussions. Realtors® have NO BUSINESS practicing law. None. Realtors® are all versed in contract law, but are not licensed to practice … (31 comments)

The Absolute Necessity of Failure: - 12:23 PM

If you are anything like me you've had the...um...you know, occasional mishap.
OK, wait...I need to be a little more forthright.
I've goofed up, made mistakes; I've been late, I've been too early, overslept, said the wrong thing, used the wrong name, dressed inappropriately, misunderstood the context. My Professional Photographer equipment has failed, I've deleted key files, failed to understand objectives, turned in work late, failed to take the picture I wanted. etc. etc etc.
The list goes on!
Let me tell you how it feels when I make a mistake. It hurts! I want to crawl back into bed with a … (14 comments)

Bad Location, Bad Location, Bad Location - 08:16 AM
Everyone has heard the old saying that real estate is all about three things, location, location, and location. The better the location the more desirable the property hence the higher the price. This trend started with the cave men and will continue on forever.
During the boom of the early 2000's people became so caught up in the rush to buy they forgot about location. Properties in bad locations were demanding and getting the same prices as those properties in the best locations. Buyers and their agents didn't slow down to think about the future and the possibility that they might … (16 comments)

Ever Wish There Were More Than One Of YOU? - 08:00 AM
There are 299,968,595 people in the United States of America. If everyone in the U.S. lined up single file, the line would stretch around the Earth almost 7 times. That's a lot of people.
The U.S. Census Bureau statistics tell us that there are at least 88,799 different last names and 5,163 different first names in common use in the United States. Some names are more common than others.
There are 49,535 people named John Smith in the United States.  There are 1,048 people named James Bond, 113 people named Harry Potter , 503 people named George Bush, and 2 people named Britney Spears (don't … (37 comments)

Dirty Homes Do You Tell the Seller? - 07:07 AM
Have you ever been on a listing appointment where the home was so dusty and dirty that your eyes watered, your throat got real raspy, you start sneezing, and you just couldn't stop? They seller asks you if you are coming down with a cold, and you answer "No," but cannot stop sneezing?  You sneeze, aand sneeze again! Your contacts want to jump out of your head because the home is just so filthy, and dusty!  Perhaps it isn't the worse you've seen in a while! There are other homes that we've seen that when you walk across the floor...your feet stick to the floor … (104 comments)

Reality Check - truth hurts - 04:41 AM
What happens when a good friend wants to sell their home but you know they will lose money if they sell now?  Just last week we were invited to do a listing presentation by friends and neighbors.  As soon as we pulled their tax information we knew they would loose money with this transaction.
We hoped there was a discrepancy in the tax roll with regards to the size of the house, we hoped they had not put a lot of money into it, we hoped we had made a mistake and could give them the information they wanted to hear. 
Although … (24 comments)

Part V - What You Get For The Money - AR style - $500,000 - 11:30 AM
The past 4 days have shown us what $100,000, $200,000, $300,000, and $400,000 will buy in Edmond, Oklahoma. For day 5, we have a glamorous, almost new home in Oak Tree Park.
Here's what you get in Edmond, OK for around $500,000:


This 4 bed, 3.5 bath brick home was built in 2005. It has 2 living & 2 dining rooms in 4232 square feet MOL. It also has a 3-car attached garage, heavy composition shingle roof, zoned gas heat and zoned electric cooling. The description on the OKC MLS reads as follows:
Stunning home!The highest quality construction! Juprana Gaivoto 2'granite/Kitchen … (15 comments)

One hour of education from an expert...PRICELESS - 11:32 AM
Today, I had the honor of welcoming David Montelongo of Monelongo House Buyers and the hit reality television program "Flip this House" as a guest on our radio broadcast the Real Estate Today Show (http://www.realestatetodayshow.com/). I admit that I am a fan of real estate reality television and I think the programs on both A&E and TLC serve to show what is possible as well as the potential pit falls when flipping real estate. I think that the Montelongo's represent what is possible in a very entertaining way; they have a wonderful family story. Needless to say, David's appearance on our program was greatly … (7 comments)

OK - Let's Go Over PLAGIARISM One More Time....... - 02:39 PM
 Blatently copying other people's work has always bothered me, to say the least.  But lately things are really starting to get crazy here.
 Several great articles have been writen about this problem on ActiveRain recently:
The Curse of Plagiarism and the Lack of Originality by Ryan Hukill andPlagiarism Brings Out the WITCH in Me by Kristal KraftPlagiarism by Don Fabrizio-Garcia However, even with all of these suggestions and good advice, people continue to copy other peoples' work.
 I'm sure it will never completely end, but the cases I've seen and flagged in the last day or so have been so blatent it's almost comical.
 If the legal ramifications of … (75 comments)

Blogging Lessons from American Idol. - 02:26 PM
I just finished watching the New Season opening for American Idol with my kids.  (We taped it)  Minniapolis was the setting for future idol hopefuls to preen their skills before the judges.  As a converted Idol fan, courtesy of my teenagers, we were all in stitches with some of the contestants desperate antics and obvious delusion about their skill set and blatant lack of talent.
A comment that was reiterated frequently  by the judges was, "you don't sound like yourself" .  There were also an amazing number of hopeful contestants in Minneapolis who seemed to loose their voices; one going so far as to … (18 comments)

Above and Beyond - where to stop - 06:06 PM
We recently sold a listing of ours and had to do certain things that go beyond the duties of a real estate agent.  It's what Rick and I are about, we go beyond our duties, do it to help our real estate customers, do it gladly and with no regrets.
Scenario - one of the contract conditions by the buyer was that everything be removed from the garage, including an old refrigerator.  The sellers had already moved out of town, agreed to clear the garage the weekend before the closing and the garage would be ready by the walk-through date.  The closing … (64 comments)

Writing Great SEO Content - 02:29 PM
Introduction to Writing Good Content 
You will convert leads better and draw more search engine traffic if your content is good. Check out this excerpt from a recent article I read in a weekly newsletter I subscribe to:
"There's an "old" saying in the SEO industry that "content is king." This is not necessarily true. In my experience, good content is king. Study after study has shown that when people use search engines, they are primarily seeking one thing: information. They are not seeking to be impressed by fancy flash sites. They are not looking for a virtual piece of art. A search … (18 comments)

Rise Above It... - 02:24 PM
Anyone looking around here lately can't help but notice a proliferation of the nasties going on.  For some reason this past week the aggravation level has gone from a little snow ball rolling down the hill into a huge avalanche. It's impeding our vision and suffocating our social network.
Why are we here?
I can only speak for my self, my objective is two fold;
Network the network to learn, make friends and get to know worthy real estate brokers in other parts of the country Promote the interesting and finer points of my area (Denver Real Estate and Relocation ) to the consumer.  How am I accomplishing my goals?  … (42 comments)

The Amazing Race - ActiveRain edition - 04:21 PM
One of my favorite reality shows is The Amazing Race (Sunday nights on CBS). Maybe it's an indication of just how far ActiveRain has made its way into my subconscious, but today I started thinking 'if there was an Amazing Race for ActiveRain, who would win?' So let's explore this topic a little bit. The potential teams are intriguing:
First we have the obvious husband and wife couples (going east to west):
Jay and Monika - pre-race training sessions with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady may give them a strategic edge.Rick and Ines - we know they can handle the Miami heat, but … (39 comments)

Localism.com and the New "Techno Age of Real Estate" - 08:13 AM
 
Many times you wonder how the competition decides to market and sell a home. Like many here we go through tremendous lengths marketing ourselves. There`s no denying that.  
We post information on Active Rain and many advertise their listings on http://www.localism.com/. I predict one day that http://www.localism.com/ will oneday overtake  http://www.activerain.com/ when it comes to content and marketing an area that you concentrate in. The growth potential is huge!    
I realized since it`s inception, this type of "Marketing Tool" was perfect for someone like myself! 
Many of the top bloggers who post on Active Rain realize that as well.  
I`m fascinated with http://www.localism.com/ and what it offers. … (15 comments)

Does the bundling of services in the Real Estate industry really serve the customer's best interests? - 05:46 AM
In this era of consolidation in the Real Estate Industry, there is an alarming trend that seems to be billed as being better for the consumer.  That is the proliferation of "One Stop Shopping", or the bundling of several services under one roof or organization.  In Southern New Jersey, where I do business, this practice has gone from nearly unheard of 5 years ago to approximately half of the market today. 
Essentially, a real estate company forms an affiliation with or develops a wholly owned title company and possibly a lender as well. The premise is that if the parent company … (16 comments)

The Big Camera That Can't! Please Help! - 08:07 AM
Hi,
2 years ago I went out and purchased a Canon Rebel EOS Digital camera. http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=9430
I am a fanatic about taking good quality photos and needed a good camera that would take great photos and last me for years.  I had read some good reviews about the Canon Rebel and wanted the best camera for my investment so I went out and bought it complete with 18-55 zoom lens and  Speedlight 420ex external flash.
My exterior photos are great (no complaints) and my interior photos are good except when there are low light situations.  If a room is just a little on the dark … (40 comments)

Active Rain - "Ask And Ye Shall Receive" - 11:01 AM
Allen Hainge of CyberStars sent me an email about 3 weeks ago where he recommended checking out Active Rain.  I have always respected the suggestions Allen Hainge makes so I decided to check it out.
Little did I know the day I decided to join Active Rain how it would change my life!  I have implemented so many ideas and so many systems and have met so many awesome human beings it my short 2 weeks of membership than most Realtors experience in an entire career.
My highlights so far include:
I was able to help a Realtor from Louisiana Amber Riviere and spoke to her … (26 comments)

Help, My AR is on FIRE - the psychological stages of AR - 08:57 PM
Here it is, the steps many of us face on AR.  Don't be afraid. Don't resist. Let the force flow through you. I wish you well.           
Also for a similar read by someone..
1. exploring -what is this about. who are all these people. what is all this stuff?
2. 1 toe in the water-i'll leave a comment here. oohh!! someone answered it. this is cool!
3. wide-eyed-there are so many blogs to read. look at all these posts. i want to comment more.
4. jumping in -what can i write about? here is a thought. here is my 1st post. … (33 comments)

Cutting Our Losses When We Lose Clients - 04:52 PM
My heart broke when I read Desiree Daniels' post today about losing a past client that was supposed to be "in the bag" to another. 
The cold hearted fact is that it happens and it will happen again, no matter how we combat the issue.
My response to her was that every Tom Dick & Harry is sitting around the corner to WOW! your clients and sometimes will do anything to get the business.
It has happened to me and I know it will happen again.  It really has nothing to do with "us".  It is mainly because they got steered another way!
I have … (29 comments)

Newbie Update February and March 2007 - 01:47 PM
Hello Newbies to Active Rain. This is an update to the group. 
This group is still for Newbies to Active Rain. If you are a newbie to Real Estate, join the Real Estate Rookie Group.
Bianca  Cholewczynski did a great job with her Welcome Wagon Blog.  Now if someone will please tell me how to keep it "featured" in the newbie group, I would be very thankful.
I sent out an email to remind everyone to keep on topic here so we don't discourage the new people when they join.
This whole group has many posts regarding what to do and not to do … (11 comments)

Learning About Blogging as an e-Lead Machine - 10:22 PM
Hi Everyone,
I'm new to Active Rain at this point, but don't count me out, I'm a fast learner!  My interest lies in figuring out how to use blogging and other Internet technology to e-farm and create an e-lead machine.  I have a Blogging Systems community platform www.blackrockonline.org that has brought me over 1,000 unique visitors in the first month of operation.  I use the blog to encourage readers to sign onto my permission-based e-mail system and thus create a "virtuous cycle" of driving traffic back to my blog via e-mail updates.  I also use snail mail to market my blog and drop … (28 comments)

Original Content - "Using Your Own Voice in the Rain" - 06:08 PM
With nearly 18,000 members, and growing daily, the ActiveRain Network has quickly become one of the most effective and dynamic on-line sources for valuable real estate related information.
However, in order to ensure its continued success, each of us vested members needs to strive to generate articles that reflect the very best of who we are, and all that we have to offer, both to our fellow professional colleagues, as well as to the consumers who access our blogs. Every time we post a blog, it bears a direct reflection on us personally, how we conduct our businesses, how we perceive consumers, and the underlying ethics we embrace.
SEO gurus … (37 comments)

New home sales commissions - 06:23 PM
OK, I will be the one to ask. 
I know some of you out there have represented buyer's with their purchases of new homes.  I have done it a few times now and find it to be different each time except for one critical thing that sticks in me like a big thorn.
That one critical thing is that the commission due to the buyer's side is based on the BASE sales price of the home.   I am currently representing a buyer for a home and after providing substantial advice on upgrades and the value of a completed basement totalling well over 30K, … (32 comments)

Blogging is a form of advertising... - 08:07 AM
Like it or not, your posts are a form of advertising.   I am not passing judgement and I am not directing this to any one person.  Sit down for a moment and think about it.  What each of us puts up here reflects on the writer.  I want you to be successful. 
Why is it that I can see posts that are just thrown up in an effort to just do it?   Is it because they felt they have to do it because this is the latest and greatest way to market oneself?   And a lot of it shows that way.  … (44 comments)

"You make me want to be a better agent." - 08:59 PM
In the 1997 movie, "As Good as It Gets," Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholoson) tells Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt), "You make me want to be a better man." 
What a delightful compliment to receive!  Unfortunately, Melvin then proceeded to blabber with his big mouth, lost ground, and ended up farther behind than before he offered his bon mots...
We see lots of steam spouting on AR about the faults of many other agents.  Randy Prothero posted in, "Please, Anyone But That Agent!" about working with really ugly people and feeling panicky just thinking about working with them again.  I sincerely commiserated, and went about my business.
Then I … (20 comments)

I'm Not Sharing....Nanny, nanny, poo, poo - 10:58 AM
 
There is a debate going on involving commission sharing in investment scenarios.
Here's the question: Should an investor/buyer with a real estate license be treated the same way as the agent representing a buyer?
On the one hand, a buyer is a buyer and the fee is going to be split either way.
On the other, the listing agent is basically paying the buyer some of their fee + the agnet/buyer may not be "bidding" on an equal level with other prospective purchasers.
Should the buyer/agent participate in the commission?  Assume the seller doesn't care, ok.
What sayeth the Rain?
… (16 comments)

Weekly Member Spotlight - 12:43 PM

Several members have wanted to take part in Active Rain, but they don't want to take on the Week in Review which can be overwhelming.  Here is an opportunity that since we have grown to such a huge number of people that we all might be able to get to know each other better.
My way cool idea is this--a Weekly Member Spotlight.  I need some assistance.  Guess what - that means you could write a featured post. 
Every Thursday (since the week in Review comes out on Monday, most readers might be ready for another weekly event), I would like to … (32 comments)


Blog posts


FREE 411 - 01:51 PM
We don't like burning our money so even saving a little, helps.
See what http://www.snopes.com/ has to say about it http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/nothing/free411.asp
800 -    -         
You get to hear some advertising first but then it goes to the info and I didn't have a problem.
Dyslexics beware!
Make sure you do NOT dial!!!!!  800-411-FREE or you will get some SEX HOT line.
 
… (3 comments)

Why would a Lender Consider a "Short Sale"? - 01:23 PM
Why would a Lender Consider a "Short Sale"?   by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR   Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate, Hemet CA First, lets define what a "Short Sale" is.
I suppose the definition may vary from lender to lender as well as from region of the country to region.  I'm going to share what I know to be the way it is for real estate in Hemet CA.  It boils down to the point that a lender does not want to take a property back, that is in default but would rather sell it for less than what is owed on it
In order for … (19 comments)

Great Example on How to Use Localism - 09:29 PM
This might seem a bit strange coming from me, but to know me is to expect the strange.
Yes, I have harped on more than one occasion about what is appropriate to post to this group.  Had I ignored all of the local posts that had been added, I am sure we would be one of the strongest groups by now.  However, I have worked diligently to keep this group, Localism beta' focused on how to best use Localism and how we can learn from one another.
Well, this morning, I read a post by Ryan Hukill that was just genius, in my book  … (3 comments)

Student loans - 10:07 PM
According to Sallie Mae, which owns or manages student loans for more than 7 million borrowers, the new repayment rate for student Stafford loans will be set on July 1 at 4.06 percent. That's nearly two percentage points less than it has been for the past year.
The new rate for PLUS loans, which are given to parents, will be 4.86 percent, down from 6.79 percent in the past year. The rates were determined by Tuesday's Treasury bill auction. (The Department of Education is expected to report the official rates by the end of the week.)
As a result, if you … (1 comments)

Agent to Attend ABR class in Flagstaff - 02:46 PM
February 26, 2007, Darryl L. King, Avondale AZ, will attend the ABR core course classes this coming week in Flagstaff, Arizona.
  Only REALTORS who have met all above requirements and have been awarded the ABR Designation are permitted to call themselves an ABR designee and use the ABR logo.
"I love to help people attain their real estate dream of home ownership. Attaining the ABR will help me to serve my clientele better."
 Contact Darryl at
http://www.dkingrealty.com/ 623-293-2864
… (0 comments)

President Logan?? - 12:32 PM
Could you believe that??  Mr. President "Idiot" Logan is back... I'm speechless!!
Did anyone see that one coming?
I'm editing this post because it's under 50 words and apparantly the system doesn't like that very much.  How many words am I at now??  Oh well, I sure do hope I have time to watch last night's 24 tonight, but it doesn't look like it.  I'm very excited to know how things turned out!!
… (7 comments)

123 Main Street - 10:06 PM
I found this website today 123mainstreet.com. I was wondering if anyone has used this service. If so did you like it? Is it worth the money? Thank you for your feedback.
Daniel Lowery, Certified Negotiation Specialist (CNS)REALTOR® Broker/Sales Coldwell Banker Gordon Co. Realtors Direct: (573) 291-1819 Office: (573) 761-3312Email: daniel@daniellowery.comWebsite: www.daniellowery.comWhen Service Matters Call Dan!
… (1 comments)

Making an Earnest Money Deposit - 12:05 PM
By Mike  Pannell   Fort Worth Real Estate
Nu Home Source Realty   Buyer Specilists
When an offer is made on a house, it usually accompanied with a check.  This check is what is known as an earnest money deposit, made to let the seller know that the buyer is earnest in his or her attempt to purchase the home.  An earnest money deposit distinguishes serious buyers from those who aren’t so sure about the purchase.
The deposit amount is different from one purchase to the next.  Many factors can sway the amount of the deposit.  In seller’s markets, earnest money deposits are … (0 comments)

Blogging is a form of advertising... - 08:07 AM
Like it or not, your posts are a form of advertising.   I am not passing judgement and I am not directing this to any one person.  Sit down for a moment and think about it.  What each of us puts up here reflects on the writer.  I want you to be successful. 
Why is it that I can see posts that are just thrown up in an effort to just do it?   Is it because they felt they have to do it because this is the latest and greatest way to market oneself?   And a lot of it shows that way.  … (44 comments)

Weekly Member Spotlight - 12:43 PM

Several members have wanted to take part in Active Rain, but they don't want to take on the Week in Review which can be overwhelming.  Here is an opportunity that since we have grown to such a huge number of people that we all might be able to get to know each other better.
My way cool idea is this--a Weekly Member Spotlight.  I need some assistance.  Guess what - that means you could write a featured post. 
Every Thursday (since the week in Review comes out on Monday, most readers might be ready for another weekly event), I would like to … (32 comments)

Baked Salmon With Creamy Onion Sauce - 04:15 PM
This is a quick and elegant dish when you come home from a hard day listing houses and realize (or learn!) that you have dinner guests coming.  Served with a fresh salad and a lightly steamed and seasoned vegetable of your choice, a loaf of crusty bread, and some white wine, a sorbet out of the freezer for dessert, and you're good to go!
4 salmon fillets
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon capers
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 400.
Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil.
Arrange fillets, skin sides down, … (6 comments)

Newbie Update February and March 2007 - 01:47 PM
Hello Newbies to Active Rain. This is an update to the group. 
This group is still for Newbies to Active Rain. If you are a newbie to Real Estate, join the Real Estate Rookie Group.
Bianca  Cholewczynski did a great job with her Welcome Wagon Blog.  Now if someone will please tell me how to keep it "featured" in the newbie group, I would be very thankful.
I sent out an email to remind everyone to keep on topic here so we don't discourage the new people when they join.
This whole group has many posts regarding what to do and not to do … (11 comments)

Are you using Snapshot? - 11:49 AM
Wondering how many of AR users are subscribing to Top Producer's Snapshot offering? 
We just signed up and here is an example of what they produce.

We are going to use this for sellers as an update market report as it is very specific.  My only negative is that it is zip code not subdivision enabled which makes sorting a bit more difficult for particular areas.  As for sellers it can be very specific as to how many bedrooms, baths etc to compare to and really make them aware of what the competition and pricing is around them.
Really like the charts and functionality find … (2 comments)

Rates in Review - 11:52 AM
… (0 comments)

Market trends this week that will effect real estate - 11:58 AM
Weaker than expected economic data and tame inflation readings last week moved rate cut expectations up and increased the odds somewhat. Currently fed funds futures traders are pricing in a 50-50 chance of a rate cut at the September meeting and have fully priced in at least one rate cut by the end of the year … (1 comments)

House Blessings - 12:17 PM
 
So here is another way you can send a follow up card after a closing, add it to a plaque for the home or inscribe it on a gift basket.  Whatever you give I thought a couple of these may come in handy.
May the strength of the walls make you safe, keeping peace within and trouble without, but through its open windows and doors let nature come.  All who live and visit here shall be friends.  Kindliness and harmony shall be the watchwords.
One for the chef
Let the mealtimes be far more than the fulfillment of a necessity.  In this home food shall be … (2 comments)

Selling Condos? Questions you should know - 12:35 PM
Here are nine questions to ask the condo board.
When you buy a condo, you join an association of owners that determines everything from whether to plant perennials in the courtyard to how to finance a major amenity or roof project.  Before yo ubuy, contact the condo board with the following questions.  In the process, you'll learn how responsive and well organized its members are.
1.  What percentage of units are owner occupied? 
Generally the higher owner occupied percentage the more marketable the units will be at resale (unless you are in a resort community this will vary).2.  What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern … (2 comments)

Can't talk now. GOOGLE me!! - 03:18 PM
Ok, just a little "quickie" today. One of the advantages to participating in ActiveRain is the excellent web exposure that it gives us. Since joining AR, back in June, my web presence has sky rocketed off the charts. That's a very good thing. The consumer has been finding me on GOOGLE searches and I have been fortunate to get quite a bit of business from the Internet since becoming a member of ActiveRain.
I've had my website www.poincianaproperties.com for many years but never really put forth much of an effort into generating web leads. I have a lot of business anyway so … (56 comments)

Rise Above It... - 02:24 PM
Anyone looking around here lately can't help but notice a proliferation of the nasties going on.  For some reason this past week the aggravation level has gone from a little snow ball rolling down the hill into a huge avalanche. It's impeding our vision and suffocating our social network.
Why are we here?
I can only speak for my self, my objective is two fold;
Network the network to learn, make friends and get to know worthy real estate brokers in other parts of the country Promote the interesting and finer points of my area (Denver Real Estate and Relocation ) to the consumer.  How am I accomplishing my goals?  … (42 comments)

Not Your Father's Corporate Housing - 12:04 AM
 There seems to be an increase in Employer Assisted Housing Programs around the country. To me, this is a good thing. the new version of corporatehousing is much more of a win/win situation for both employer and employee and we, as REALTORS become the facilitators to make it happen.
These new programs are based on the idea that people who live near their work are more likely to be able to get there, even if they have car trouble. They are more likely to stay at a job which is close to home, has assisted then to purchase their home and saves … (0 comments)

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