Archives of real estate blog entries for March 27, 2007

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Internet Radio Call-in Show with Active Rain Community Scheduled for Next Week - 05:36 PM
We got feedback from several of you regarding dates and times for the live internet broadcast Richard and I want to do with Active Rainers. We've decided on Thursday, April 5th, at 12:00 noon eastern. (That's 11 central, 10 mountain, and 9 pacific! :->)
Here's the number to call-in to be on the show: (646) 915-9883
To listen via the Internet, go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/realtyblogging
You can go there now and submit your email address to have a reminder sent you closer to the show air-date. 
One thing...Richard and I have never done this before, so we're sort of doing a dress rehearsal. Nonetheless, I am … (10 comments)

Project Blogger...I'm a Coach! - 04:00 PM
Several weeks ago Jonathan Washburn had asked me to serve as a judge in the upcoming Project Blogger contest. Of course, I said I'd be more than happy to. Well, frankly, I let the whole thing slip my mind until I was reviewing some emails yesterday in a vain attempt to clear out my inbox. (Oh, how I could use a virtual assistant!) 
When I re-read Jonathan's post about the contest, I have to admit being envious of the 10 or so coaches on the list. See, back in the day I used to be known as "The Blog Coach." One … (12 comments)

The 1st Quarter is Almost Gone! Are you on track? - 02:18 PM
End Of The First Quarter And where are you???? It is hard to believe that this year is 25% over, isn't it? Well, that makes it a good time to do a reality check with your business plan and see if you have started the year on target. So, you did do a business plan for this year, right? Even if it is just a number in your head for the year, you've got a frame of reference. Now, how are you doing?  Are you on target? Are you ahead? Are you behind? The press is giving such mixed reviews to … (11 comments)

Blog Dashboard - default settings changed - 12:47 PM
In an effort to increase the breadth of posts that are read by our members we've made a slight change to the Blog Dashboard today. Going forward the default setting will be set to show "All" posts instead of "Featured" posts. "Featured Posts" will continue to show on the index page, "ActiveRain.com", or can be accessed by clicking on "Featured" just under the "Blog Posts" Header on the blog dashbaord. … (40 comments)

When Your Client Cries, Find the Knight - 07:31 AM
I have to write about this because it's almost unbelievable.  First time home buyer clients decided on a spec home built by Fulton Homes.  You and I both know what it's like to work with tract home builders and their sales agents.  However, this sales agent, Debi Winsberg was actually helpful, nice, and knowledgeable.  We got a great price, thanks to her gumption and my clients were very happy with their first home buying experience. 
Then....(sinister music begins) two weeks ago, three weeks prior to COE, we get a Sunday phone call from Debi.  Apparently the day before some kid posted … (30 comments)

"The World Series of Lending Poker" Starring: Freddie, Fannie and Wall Street - 07:38 AM
Welcome to the World Series of Lending Poker.  Tonight, we have some of our favorite contenders at the table.  Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are with us once again as well as the rookie, Wall Street. 
Federally-backed Freddie and Fannie have had a pretty predictable run here since they often work a more conservative game.  They have lasted this long since they "know how to hold them and know when to fold them" as Kenny Rogers has crooned.
Privately-backed Wall Street, on the other hand, has had a run of good luck, and is currently the chip leader.  His strategy is a little … (20 comments)

Would you Allow Your Real Estate Agent to Do this to Your Head? - 08:40 PM
 
Several months ago, I conducted an unusual real estate agent interview.  The request for the meeting to explore the possibility of working with my company had come in over the weekend.  The prospective agent had been in the mortgage business and wanted to diversify and enhance his portfolio by becoming a Realtor. 
After we settled down in the conference room, I asked him to fill in some of the details of his resume which he had forwarded via e-mail earlier.  He had an impressive curriculum vitae which included work with governmental agencies, serving as a city manager & his current job as a mortgage … (65 comments)

POWER of the RAIN... AR's Group Feature GIVES VOICE to Our Industry - 06:43 AM
 I know there are MANY milestones that are now taking place, almost daily, here on Active Rain. So with so many wonderful stories of success being shared, the power of just what this site is capable of has definitely been proven. AND, considering Active Rain is REALLY only just in its infancy, it is mind boggling to think what is possible in the future. I can personally attest to just what impact Active Rain can do to legitimize and move forward an entire industry.  You see, the very day Active Rain added the "Group" functionality... the Stage It Forward group was born. This past Saturday, that small group hit its own milestone...  the 300th … (42 comments)

Leigh Brown, consider yourself off the Jeff Belonger Hot Seat....... An Interview!! - 03:14 PM
If anyone has ever watched ESPN, they have a show called the "Budweiser Hot Seat".  Individuals that are interviewed from ESPN's analysts looking for answers to questions unanswered from the past. Those that have not measured up to the fans expectations at times. My interviews won't be so much to those that have not answered questions in the past or measured up, but those that we see around Active Rain, that have a voice. Who share their thoughts and or opinions, write good blogs, but at times, controversial blogs. Those not afraid to speak their mind at times, but more so, … (28 comments)

Thoughts and questions on Browsers; We are about to have a problem - 09:21 PM
Today I downloaded Firefox just to try it out.  The first page I went to of course was my homepage; did I get a shock.  I had read of display differences amoung the various browsers, but did not expect to see such a significant problem.  My website is provided by a nationally recognized Real Estate website provider, and I assumed that they would have addressed display problems when designing templates.  Either they did not, or they did the best they could; either way, it is an issue that is going to effect all of us.
Currently, Internet Explorer is the browser of … (31 comments)

Implied Respresentation? Don't Get Stung! - 08:44 PM
Today I was looking over the Q&A section of ActiveRain I noticed something interesting and sometimes disturbing.  Although we all are professionals, some of the answers being provided are downright incorrect and from states other than where the question pertains to.
Some professionals are answering with statements that are confusing because a matter is handled differently in one state than another.  It seems to me, and maybe I am just sensitive to the information we provide, unless the question has a blanket answer you should be licensed to provide the information in the state you are responding to.  In most cases that … (39 comments)

GOOD-BAD-UGLY---WHAT'S MY CLIENT THINKING??? - 07:20 AM
I wonder sometime..what could possibly be going thru my clients head??  With not even $100.00 to thier name and a bankruptcy less than six months ago.  Current lates on thier auto payment and lates on most of the  other debts they have.
 Or how about that client that calls  and you take a really complete loan application and then you ask the majic questions:  Who do you pay monthly?? and the answer is No one.  Then you ask the BIG question Do you have any credit problems...and the not so majic reply is "I DON'T KNOW!!
What about the client that forgets about the credit … (16 comments)

Bizarre Rogue Agents - How do you handle them? - 01:22 AM

I am fortunate that most of the agents that I have worked with over the years have been very fine agents who extend professionalism and courtesy as naturally as they breathe.  I say most because there have been a few occasions where I found myself exhibiting the deer-in-the-headlights look over some bizarrely inappropriate behavior. One such incident happened to me when I was a newly licensed agent.
I received a highly charged and emotional call from a seller on one of my first listings.  She had come home from work to discover a bill from an electrician on her kitchen counter. The bill … (26 comments)

Be Careful with those Localism Comments! - 07:23 AM
I know a few folks have tried to educate us on how inappropriate it can be for us to comment on the Localism posts.  Laurie Manny comes to mind immediately, although right now I can't find her post regarding this.  I'm sure there have been others.  I have often agreed and am getting up on the soapbox myself.
Folks, be careful how you comment on other's Localism posts!  I don't think the careless comments are being left on purpose.  They're the product of not thinking things through.  I feel we have connected with folks on here and we sometimes visit a … (77 comments)

Stop for a Moment and Think! - 01:12 AM

Now that I have your attention let's talk about your posts and how to post here at Active Rain and Localism.  As a moderator here at Active Rain I review lots of posts and it seems that members may be a little confused about a few things.  Actually I think it is a lot more than a little confused otherwise we wouldn't be seeing so much of this... 
The first is Groups, more specifically For Real Estate Professionals and For Consumers.  
What belongs and doesn't belong in the PROFESSIONAL category.  If you select the following items For Consumers --- DON'T select … (42 comments)


Blog posts


Zen and the art of blogging - 07:24 PM
While the title might be better than the article... for all you "Zen and the art Motorcycle maintenance" fans ... Zen and the Art of Remarkable Blogging. … (5 comments)

Blog Dashboard - default settings changed - 12:47 PM
In an effort to increase the breadth of posts that are read by our members we've made a slight change to the Blog Dashboard today. Going forward the default setting will be set to show "All" posts instead of "Featured" posts. "Featured Posts" will continue to show on the index page, "ActiveRain.com", or can be accessed by clicking on "Featured" just under the "Blog Posts" Header on the blog dashbaord. … (40 comments)

Predatory Flippers - 03:26 PM
Honest real estate investors are a very diverse group. Some like to manage property, some see it as an opportunity to further diversify their portfolios, some invest in real estate for specific tax benefits, some treat it as a hedge against inflation, and others see it as a safe long-term investment.
One thing that these honest investors typically have in common is that they are willing to pay a fair price for a piece of property. These investors achieve returns through a combination of value appreciation, property improvements, and inflation. Scouting for "steals" is not their style. Their time is too valuable … (2 comments)

Expected price???? people wake up!! - 04:19 PM
Expectations also come into play. "What sellers are most complaining about is expected price," said chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association, Doug Duncan.
People, he explains, hear that a neighbor's home sold for $500,000. They think that their house is better so it's worth more. They price it at $550,000.
But the house's objective value is really only $500,000. Since the seller has priced it too high, it sits for months. In today's market, the house may not sell, even after a price reduction to $500,000, partially because the house is now slightly stigmatized because it has sat on the market … (2 comments)

A (Chicken) Bone To Pick With Lenders - 03:23 PM
OK, not all lenders, but the ones who got themselves and many buyers into hot water.  Aggressive subprime lending has caused an implosion in the subprime market.  Many people who were in the middle of getting financing may be out of luck as some of these lenders go under.  I had Steve Bray write an article for my website about this.  Steve is with Texas Lone Star Lending, which is based in Austin.  Read the article, which is titled Chicken Little Meets the Mortgage Industry. … (1 comments)

Moe Paknia - My HUD Foreclosure Specialist - 03:30 PM
I office with an agent named Moe Paknia.  Moe is really good woth HUD properties and investment properties in general.
Moe also has a great sense of humor.  One night at dinner with 22 others I played a little prank on Moe.  One of the agents had a specially prepared tie in her purse for me.  After ordering, I left the table to put the tie in.
   Look carefully at what is being pointed at - if you're not too young, you will see Larry, Moe and Curly!
… (1 comments)

WHY YOU SHOULD PRICE YOUR HOME REALISTICALLY - 11:08 PM
TIME - - Chances are that your home will sell at its fair market value. Pricing it realistically at the outset simply increases the likelihood for a timely sale with less inconveniences and greater monetary return.
COMPETITION - - Buyers educate themselves by viewing many homes. They know what is a fair price. If your home is not competitive in value with those they have seen, it will not sell. Buyers typically look at homes within a $10,000 price range. If your home is not priced within the correct range, it likely will not be exposed to its potential or targeted buyers.
REPUTATION … (0 comments)

Tips For Preparing Your Home For Sale - 11:50 PM
Tips For Preparing Your Home For Sale
Tidy up the grounds, porches and garage. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged. Make sure that your yard is clean. First impressions count!Your front door adds to that first impression - be sure it is scrubbed or repainted if necessary.Wash windows and clean/dust window coverings.If any decorating or painting is needed (especially in the kitchen), do it now!  Twenty dollars worth of paint will make a much larger difference in the sales price.Bathrooms help sell homes. Make this room sparkle.Illumination is like a welcome sign. Replace bulbs and turn on the lights.Wash dishes, make beds, … (1 comments)

100th post on Active Rain - 11:59 PM
Who would have thought that blogging could be both fun and addicting. I am glad I found my way to active rain. I enjoy reading the blogs on here and commenting when I can. I thought I would share my 100th post with you. Happy Blogging.
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!
… (10 comments)

Mobile Home for Sale in Adult Community in Rio Grand, NJ - 10:06 AM
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WATER FRONT PROPERTY - 06:19 PM
… (0 comments)

Stop for a Moment and Think! - 01:12 AM

Now that I have your attention let's talk about your posts and how to post here at Active Rain and Localism.  As a moderator here at Active Rain I review lots of posts and it seems that members may be a little confused about a few things.  Actually I think it is a lot more than a little confused otherwise we wouldn't be seeing so much of this... 
The first is Groups, more specifically For Real Estate Professionals and For Consumers.  
What belongs and doesn't belong in the PROFESSIONAL category.  If you select the following items For Consumers --- DON'T select … (42 comments)

R.I.P. Skidboot - 08:08 AM
I first saw Skidboot on Texas Country Reporter.  Having had a heeler before (Jake, Best Dog Ever), and hoping to have one again (which we now do - J.D., Just Dog, trying hard to follow in Jake's footsteps in his own unique fashion), I was fascinated, of course. 
Over the years I followed Skidboot - he was an amazing dog, true to his breed. 
On March 25, 2007, at 14 years of age, Skidboot was laid to rest.  He'll be missed. 
 
… (6 comments)

On Tour at Top Rock Ct. in Fishers, Indiana - 07:21 PM

Some of the outstanding amenities of this home are its nice sized backyard, spacious and open floor plan, main floor office, large master retreat with sunken whirlpool bath tub and the screened porch for the warm weather.  Another wonderful feature is the full basement available to finish to your needs.    A one year HOME WARRANTY is included. 
 
 
 
 
If you are in the market for a new home and would like to learn more about the Indianapolis Area Real Estate Market, please contact me at (317) 362-2799.   
… (2 comments)

Active Rain Member Prediction Contest - 10:42 PM
Kelli Fronabarger did a post the other day and started a group for us all to guess how many Active Rainers there will be as of midnite, July 1st, 2007.
Here is her original post
Here is the group. You need to join the group then do a quick post with your predictions for the amount.
So far, there are no prizes, just an announcement that you won. Maybe someone will come up with a prize or two.
Anyway, its only a quick post and for all you people out there not posting at all, this is a way to practice.
Join the group.
Post to the … (7 comments)

Are You SURE That Title is Clear? - 06:51 PM
Everyone who has ever bought a house will enjoy this that came to me in an email recently. Whether it's absolutely true or not, we can all relate to the unique challenges that bureaucracies present us with.
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 … (9 comments)

The Freefall continues in the sub-prime market - 08:36 PM
I wrote a few days ago about the sub-prime mortgage industry implosion.  The free fall continues.  More loans are falling apart, guidelines are changing on the lenders faster than they can blink, and fewer people can afford homes.  Someone said to me 'well that doesn't affect me, I don't deal with sub-prime borrowers." Wake up people, who is a sub-prime buyer? Did you know that at this point, a borrower with a FICO under 700 going stated income may be considered sub-prime? Did you know that a W-2 wage earner going stated income may now be sub-prime? How about the cultural phenomena in some areas where … (3 comments)

What's a PUD? - 06:37 AM
As the years go by, we are seeing more and more planned unit developments in our beautiful and historic area of Fredericksburg Virginia.
Let me digress for a moment.  In 1989, the year the real estate industry welcomed me into it, there were no more than three or four of them in our area.  Breezewood subdivision was one that opened a few years before.  Breezewood was one of the nicest communities is Spotsylvania.  Some of the older homes were rather unique but the newer ones were really nice.  Selling a home there reaped a nice commission.  As a planned unit developement (PUD), … (8 comments)

Bedroom Community - 04:37 PM
Now that's a term if ever there was one.
First time I ever heard it was when we moved (in 19710) into a community just outside the "beltway" of Washington, DC named Lake Braddock.  It was the first exposure we had to the area and after overcoming "sticker shock" we settled in.
Folks, bedroom communities exist fifty miles south of Washington, DC now.  Some as far south as 65 miles!  We are not going to venture that far yet as we explore some of the communities in the vicinity of Fredericksburg Virginia.  This one is in Stafford County Virginia and it is called Leeland Station.  … (0 comments)

Referring out family & friends.... - 12:53 PM
Sometime's it is just not a fit - for whatever reason, it's better if we don't work with a relative or friend, even if they live very close by. Usually that's not the case, in my experience, but sometimes it is. But whatever the case, whenever it happens, I'd like to help connect that person to the "right" agent.  Often I can match their personality or selling style (some folks need a very calm agent who will take a lot of time and be patient - others need a very aggressive one who will be brief, for example), their special needs (help … (3 comments)

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