Archives of real estate blog entries for April 12, 2007

Featured blog posts


Randy’s Top 10 Favorite Blogs of the Week - 06:46 AM

 
This is not a list of the 10 best blogs in Active Rain, only my favorites from among the 150 to 200 I read in the last 7 days. 
Why did I pick 10?  Well if you are pressed for time and need to get you're A/R fix, I will point you to 10 quality posts.
These are not in any particular order:
This post comes from my pick for rookie of the year on Active Rain: Celeste "Sally Cheeseman. She discussed a closing that ran into a snag,  Geez! This was one heck of a week....Another HELP! PLEASE! .  She followed this … (59 comments)

Be Careful When Adding a Listing To Zillow - 03:39 PM
Disclaimer:  I have read through some of the many Zillow posts to make sure I wasn't writing up something too duplicate.  I gave up after reading several and decided to tell my recent experience.
On a forum I'm involved with we were shown how you could put your profile on Zillow.  Several of us went over there and entered our profile to see if the page (with our website links) would get indexed (so far it seems to get indexed quickly).  While I was over there I figured I'd enter a listing for a Palos Heights townhouse I'm working hard trying to promote … (59 comments)

Responding to Emails - Immediately or Daily? - 09:41 AM
Today, I read an interesting post at the National Association of Realtors Technology Blog.  Chris McKeever was pointing how how he loves the opportunities that emails, being accessible from practically anywhere, provide for him in his business.
As a REALTOR, you are in the service industry. If you were your own client, which of the above two would you appreciate more? A single, delayed, response with the information, or two emails, one acknowledging that you got their request and the other returned in a timely manner with the relevant information? I know which I would rather have. I find myself to … (51 comments)

Outside Active Rain drops - 05:30 PM
At any given time, you can log on to Active Rain and find your favorite "rainers" - but if AR went "POOF" like our favorite Codgers' stories, would you know where to go? Would you be able to find your friends? 
Here's what I found.... TLW and Broker Bryant do ramble and can even hear a "BAM" once in a while.  Jeff Turner is usually at work with the latest gadgets here, but can also be found in deep thought; you can also find him scanning his wife Rocky's blog (although a mother he is not), or getting ideas for Rain for Change. 
Kristal's educational posts … (75 comments)

Active Rain Hits 25,000 Members!!! - 11:39 AM
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Web 2.0-Web 3.0 Brilliant Explanation - 05:07 AM

Here is a great Explanation of why web 2.0 Works, and why web 3.0 will change the the rules again.                                                         People always ask what are you talking about with these blogs and how do blogs and this web 2.0 stuff really change anything?  Well, this video (with over 2M views) might be the single best way to show the answer with video. Real estate Blogging will bring about huge changes to the landscape. This is a brilliant piece.  
… (17 comments)

The Wrong Reason Why Blogging Is Right For Me - 03:09 AM
 OR...I BLOG TO SAVE MONEYI'm constantly amazed by the blogs I read here on Active Rain.   The amount of useful knowledge and information Real Estate Professionals pass on is very impressive.  And, in passing on their expertise, they are at the same time marketing themselves.  They are "link"-ing and "SEO"-ing and doing all kinds of things I've yet to fully understand, much less apply to my blogs.
I've only written five blogs so far, this one will make six.  Not that "The Power of Ink" wasn't an informative piece on the value of a thank you note, but I'm not even … (30 comments)

ActiveRain Member Valerie Harvey - Smart, Lively and a Great Rainer - 12:22 AM
What an honor - today I had the opportunity to share nachos with Valerie Harvey. What a great lady and professional. Valerie is in Sunriver completing her GRI - I am very proud of her for continuing her edcuation to better reepresent her clients.
Valerie and I were very excited to have the opportunity to meet and I know I was not disappointed. Valerie is just as quick witted, open and honest in person as she is in her blogs. Valerie stands firm on her ethics, it is more than apparent she takes her responsibility seriously.
I look forward to meeting her … (22 comments)

Creative FHA financing -- No money out of pocket from the buyer!!! -- Part 1 - 07:19 PM
Did someone say no money needed?  Yes, no money from the buyer.
There are several non-profit programs out there that allow for some type of assistance to the buyer. Nehemiah is one of the largest non-profit organizations that allows the seller to give money for the down payment and closing costs.  
This program is approved by FHA which is part of HUD. Nehemiah can basically get a consumer into their dream home with no money out of pocket. FHA states that you must have 3% of your own money into the deal. And FHA typically asks for 2.25% as your … (69 comments)

Fickle Fantasy Forever Forgotten - 05:21 PM
This morning, I woke up about 7am to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and the sizzle of thick slab bacon slowly cooking as TLW prepared me a gourmet breakfast to enjoy as I recline in my Tempurpedic Craftmatic Adjustable Vibrating Bed. As usual I log on to ActiveRain while simultaneously activating my Bluetooth ear appendage and preparing to deal with today's business.
My first call came in at around 8:30, from one of my Sellers, asking me to reduce their listing price as they now felt the need to "give their house away". Obligingly, I agree.
At 9:00, I had a REALTOR® … (73 comments)

1st Ever Blogging Seminar in Grand Rapids, Michigan...A Great Success! - 02:08 AM
Noto's Old World Style Italian Restaurant was the setting for the 1st Ever Blogging Seminar for Real Estate Professionals.  The event, was well attended in-spite of a severe winter storm that surprised everyone in the middle of April! The seminar sparked a lot of interest and discussion about the implications of this revolutionary new technology for marketing and networking.  Most attendees had little or no prior experience with blogging. 
The 2 hour presentation included a wonderful meal served with excellence by the staff of Noto's.  Tony Noto, the owner was personally on hand to ensure that no detail was missed. This beautiful, newly renovated world class facility has … (28 comments)

Getting the Full Active Rain Experience--Meeting a Fellow Active Rainer - 12:21 AM
OK, so you have been lurking or even blogging here at Active Rain a bit.  To get the full benefit of the community here, I suggest that you try a few things.  First subscribe to the blogs that inspire and educate you.  Read blogs that interest you and even some that may not.  You never know what you will learn!  Finally, I highly recommend that you pick up the phone and call or email one of your favorite Active Rain bloggers.  Reach out and network with other Active Rain members.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure to meet Oregon's top Active Rainer, Thesa … (20 comments)

Does the name matter? - 01:31 PM
I have a very blunt question for everyone. My name is hard to pronounce in this country. Does that keep people from calling me if they see my ad or website or business card? Should I have a more "American-friendly" name? I often see people go by easy to pronounce names. I can't seem to bring myself to do such a thing. I love my heritage and my background and my name is a big part of that. So, hope people can appreciate that.
However, business is business.
Would you NOT call someone if you couldn't pronounce their name?
Your feedback would be … (63 comments)

Are you a "Recreational" or "Vocational" Realtor? - 03:39 PM
Most real estate agents are self-employed, independent contractors. I have noticed over the few years I have been in real estate that many, mostly unsuccessful (read as new) agents, fail to attend any office meetings or training. Do successful Realtors regularly attend office meetings or in-house training classes?
I have coined an unofficial term for agents who never attend training, never make a sale, and have problems writing a contract.... Recreational Realtor.  According to Merriam-Webster dictionary recreational relates to something that is a means "of refreshment or diversion, a hobby."   Notice I said never attends, never makes sales and has problems writing … (27 comments)


Blog posts


I'm Working It...ActiveRain Real Estate Vendors....Solicit Me.... - 09:43 PM
 
This is one time I will not mind being solicited! 
 The Daytona Beach Assocation of Realtors will be hosting a Technology Fair for 4 of our Local Boards.  We have booths available and guess what, IT'S FREE!  Not only is it free for Vendors but all of the Realtors in our 4 local Boards.
So here is the catch, its a Technology Fair, we will only need Real Estate Technology Vendors (sorry).  Yes, I know this is short notice but I recently joined the tech committee at our board and just found out today!
The Event is June 1st at the Plaza Resort in … (16 comments)

Performance - 08:20 AM
We (James and Ben) did the first release of some performance enhancements we've been working on this morning.  There's still lots more to do but we think we improved the highest traffic, slowest load time pages on the site.  Here's a before/after of load times in miliseconds for the <a href="http://activerain.com/bloghome">Blogs</a> page as an example.

One other minor change - you can now edit descriptions for photos you uploaded on Localism. 
… (14 comments)

Palos Heights Townhouse for Sale in Westgate Valley - 10:53 AM
This Palos Heights townhouse has been sold - by me!   To see all Palos Heights Townhomes currently for sale click the link.
This is a spacious and stunning "B" Unit - The least expensive "B" Unit Available - 3002 Spyglass Circle - $349,900

You can see the columned private entrance to this beautiful unit located in popular Westgate Valley of Palos Heights.  The 2 car attached garage is heated and has attic space and extra storage space.
As you step through the regal entrance you are greeted by a 2-story, ceramic foyer with two closets (one which has a crawl space) … (4 comments)

Be Careful When Adding a Listing To Zillow - 03:39 PM
Disclaimer:  I have read through some of the many Zillow posts to make sure I wasn't writing up something too duplicate.  I gave up after reading several and decided to tell my recent experience.
On a forum I'm involved with we were shown how you could put your profile on Zillow.  Several of us went over there and entered our profile to see if the page (with our website links) would get indexed (so far it seems to get indexed quickly).  While I was over there I figured I'd enter a listing for a Palos Heights townhouse I'm working hard trying to promote … (59 comments)

Nouvelle at Natick - Natick Mall Condos in Natick, MA - 04:08 PM
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The Lofts @ 36A - 06:39 PM
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Hammondswood at Chestnut Hill - 06:48 PM
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Merrimack, New Hampshire - in the Spring ?? - 10:28 PM
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704 Broadmoor, Bryan House for Sale - 06:20 PM
Don't miss this spectacular home located at 704 Broadmoor!  It is priced to sell at 129,900 and is 2,014 square feet with three bedrooms (one would work well as a mother in law suite!), 2 living areas and a huge dining area as well!  Gleaming wood floors, new fixtures and fresh paint everywhere!  In the popular North Garden Acres area and ready for your family or college students. … (0 comments)

2600 Calico Court, College Station Home for Sale - 06:29 PM
This gorgeous 4 bedroom 2 bath home is just waiting for you!  Located in Raintree subdivision, it is close to parks, walking trails, and shopping.  4 large bedrooms and a totally remodeled kitchen await you.  Corian type countertops, a microwave venthood, and abundant space for garden.  This home is priced to move at $1l39,900.
Visit my website today for more information at http://ChrisTesch.com.

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Microsoft Word Is Like Gum In Your Blog's Hair - 02:44 PM
Formatting issues will persist in your blog if you continue to copy and paste from Microsoft Word.Everyday we come across 'broken blogs'.  The reason the blog 'broke' is always the same: Microsoft Word was used to compose an article and now the formatting is jacked up, and in some cases the formatting throughout the rest of the blogsite is also affected.The most common issues are challenges with font styles, sizes, bolding, italics and underlining.  Other challenges include indenting, bulleting and numbering and total sidebar destruction.Here's why there is a problem:
Microsoft Word is a desktop publishing tool, intended for standard, offline … (13 comments)

Fletcher Heights Real Estate – Peoria Arizona homes – March 2007 - 02:23 PM
In Fletcher Heights there were 11 homes sold during the month of March 2007 as well as 12 homes pending.    The average sale price of the homes were $381,680.70 and average list price of the pending homes was $309,788.
As of March 31, 2007 there were 82 active homes for sale in Fletcher Heights with an average list price of $368,261.   
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Vistancia Real Estate – Peoria Arizona homes – March 2007 - 02:25 PM
In Vistancia - Peoria Arizona, there were 6 homes sold during the month and 8 pending as of March 31.    The average sale price was $431,378 and average list price of the pending homes was $589,650.   
As of March 31, 2007 there were 99 homes actively for sale in Vistancia with an average list price of $494,381.  
For more information about Vistancia or other fine homes in Peoria, please contact me at (623) 640-0937 or visit my website at www.donrichhomes.com.
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Trilogy at Vistancia – Peoria Arizona homes – March 2007 - 02:29 PM
Trilogy at Vistancia, an active adult community in Peoria, had three homes sell during the month and five homes pending under contract.    The average sale price of the homes was $609,261 and average list price of the pending homes was $462,380.     
There were 55 homes actively for sale as of the March 31, 2007.     The average list price of these homes in Trilogy at Vistancia was $413,608.   
For more information about Trilogy at Vistancia or other fine communities in Peoria, please contact me at (623) 640-0937 or view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/Trilogy_at_Vistancia/page_1687507.html.
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Adobe Highlands – Phoenix Arizona homes – March 2007 - 02:31 PM
Adobe Highlands in Phoenix Arizona had four homes sell during the month of March 2007.    The average price of these homes was $399,975.     As of March 31, 2007 there were 9 active listings in MLS with an average list price of $459,222. 
For more information about Adobe Highlands or other fine neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/Adobe_Highlands/page_1687472.html or call me at (623) 640-0937.
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Bell West Ranch – Surprise Arizona homes – March 2007 - 02:33 PM
Bell West Ranch had 33 homes for sale as of the end of March 2007.    These active home in MLS had an average list price of $301,487.    There were 2 homes sold during this period of time and two homes pending under contract.    These homes in Bell West Ranch had an average sale price of $261,500 and an average list price of $216,975. 
For more information about Bell West Ranch or other fine homes in Surprise Arizona, please contact me at (623) 640-0937 or visit my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/Bell_West_Ranch/page_1687480.html.
 
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Desert Ridge – Phoenix Arizona homes – March 2007 - 02:35 PM
Desert Ridge had 79 active listings in MLS as of the end of March 2007.    These listings had an average list price of $567,303.     During the month of March there were nine homes sold and 13 homes pending under contract.    The homes in Desert Ridge that sold during this period of time had an average sale price of $486,956 and the pending homes had an average list price of $508,362.  
For more information about Desert Ridge other fine communities in Phoenix Arizona, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/Desert_Ridge/page_1693895.html or call me at (623) 640-0937. 
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Making A Stand For Typepad - 07:41 AM
The Project Blogger competition got me thinking.  Many of  the coaches are setting their apprentices up with WordPress blogs.  What's up with that?
As a long time (one year - that's a eon in internet time) Typepad user, I thought someone should make a stand for Typepad.
Typepad is easy to set-up - hosting is included, it's highly customizable (at some point I'll even walk everyone through converting to Advanced Templates) - parking a custom domain name is painless.  You don't need SQL or PHP.  Heck, you don't even need FTP.   And it still looks a lot more professional than Blogger.  :-)
To encourage Typepad … (26 comments)

Who Are Those Stars in Outer Space? - 09:40 PM
Techie Supernovae explode in Real Estate Market          
  
That's the title of the article in Real Estate Reality magazine, the one with Allen Hainge happily floating in space, star shine glinting off his helmet. The point is that Allen, along with CyberStars®  Ken DeShaies, Ira Serkes, and Wynne Achatz, are leaders in using the power of Web 2.0 to reach clients and give better service. As Ira says in the article, "Technology lets me do more with less. It saves me time and money." 
What I do best is list and sell houses. Any technology or service that helps save time and … (31 comments)

Fickle Fantasy Forever Forgotten - 05:21 PM
This morning, I woke up about 7am to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and the sizzle of thick slab bacon slowly cooking as TLW prepared me a gourmet breakfast to enjoy as I recline in my Tempurpedic Craftmatic Adjustable Vibrating Bed. As usual I log on to ActiveRain while simultaneously activating my Bluetooth ear appendage and preparing to deal with today's business.
My first call came in at around 8:30, from one of my Sellers, asking me to reduce their listing price as they now felt the need to "give their house away". Obligingly, I agree.
At 9:00, I had a REALTOR® … (73 comments)

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