Archives of real estate blog entries for April 2, 2007

Featured blog posts


Bait & Switch - 11:30 AM
One of my associates is involved in a transaction where the sq. footage was reported (advertised) to be 12% more than it actually is.  The unit being purchased is a cute little one bedroom condo rehab close to downtown Denver. The building has 15 units, 7 are currently sold.
Last week the listing agent sends over a disclosure for the buyer to sign, basically saying the builder is  not responsible for anything. It says the sq. footage stated was merely used for "marketing purposes" and the buyer should measure personally to confirm.
Exculpatory disclosures are frowned upon in Colorado.  Brokers used to use them … (43 comments)

Is the main-stream media creating a self-fulfillling prophecy? I.E. The Housing Bust??? - 10:11 PM
                                                                                                
"Call Paul" @ (563) 508-1649, 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year!!
I, for one, am becoming more and more concerned with the perception among REALTORS, and increasingly, consumers as well, that we (The United States, as a whole) are in the middle of some horrible real estate "Bust", and that we are all headed for a depression the likes of which we haven't seen since Pre-World War II times.
In looking at the nightly news-casts from both the main-stream, old-guard, network media (NBC, CBS, ABC, etc) as well as many of the cable news purveyors (CNBC, MSNBC, and even to some degree, Fox News Channel), … (16 comments)

Colorado real estate stories: I just need a Broomfield real estate agent - 06:18 AM
I just got off the phone with a potential client who knew zilch about how the typical real estate transaction works. All she knew was that she needed a Broomfield real estate agent. Commissions…what are they? Inspection…is that for pricing? Contracts…you mean I have to sign something? It reminded me of my own experience as a first time buyer.
I must have had “sucker” tattooed across my forehead when I contacted my first real estate agent. This guy was a complete nightmare. Once he’d established that I knew nothing of how the typical transaction worked he made sure that I understood … (12 comments)

Is your ego hurting your credit score? Or the other way around? - 10:09 PM
We all have different strengths. Some people are creative geniuses yet housekeeping disasters. Some people paint. Others can do complex mathematical equations in their heads. We all have things we do well. We also have things we don't do well at all.
Many men are taught from childhood that being completley self-sufficient is a sign of manliness. Women seem to ask for help more easily and naturally. It seems they automatically know that ,as individuals, we can't be great at everything and it only makes sense to collaborate. When it comes to building and maintaining really good credit, the "I don't need anyone's … (31 comments)

Will a downturn in housing markets be regional? - 10:06 PM
In just got the following comment on one of my last blog posts on how the subprime meltdown will effect the real estate market...
Hi Matt and everyone:
matt - Your posts always provide good information.  But, after just read about your "housing bubble" post written last July, it got me thinking:
Will the affects of this meltdown also regional, much like the upward / downward trend of the housing market?  For a particular hot market like Bellevue, WA, where you reside, you know that the market has been going strong for the last few years, and probably still has room to go up.  Will a hot … (15 comments)

Realtor.com Launches a Beta Site - 07:02 PM
and we're interested in your feedback! 
Some new features include:  
New AJAX features that let you see how many listings match your criteria in real-time directly from the homepageBetter registration features including the ability to customize your search experience, save searches and listingsNew Virtual Earth Mapping including satellite and birds eye viewsBetter overall presentation and user experience including a wider screen resolution and direct access to the tools and advice you need mostMore robust search tools including the ability to access advanced search features through the nano search widget that sits on top of every search results pagePlease consider giving it … (43 comments)

Bring it on Project Blogger - 08:14 PM
I have to tell you guys that not only Am I honored and flattered and all of those other cool things associated with feeling up on a pedestal but I am also a little shocked!!
I have been chosen to be none other than Paul Chaney's apprentice for Project Blogger.
At first I thought "COOL!!" then I thought "Oh NO...this means work", but then....after I digested the idea I said "BRING IT ON!!"
For those of you that don't know or don't remember, the good ladies of Active Rain lead by non other than TLW - wrote reviews of Realty Blogging, written by Richard … (46 comments)

Agents: Can you 'name' your listings? Your buyers can...and do! - 10:15 PM
Okay, admit it.  You've done it.  Maybe not while you have the house listed, but eventually. We all do.  Sometimes, there is just something that sticks out - some oddity or strange thing that causes a house to be 'named' and sometimes even labeled. 
For example, I recently viewed a house on an agents caraven.  It is really cute with a nice layout and some charming farmhouse details.  It presents well from the outside as it is a neatly landscaped brick ranch, but the minute you walk in the door, you know what to call it. It is the COW HOUSE.  There … (48 comments)

Da Carnival! Da Carnival! - 09:05 AM
Carnival turns 36 and I am hosting the party.  I almost feel like I am about to have hundreds if not thousands enter into my living room, I would ask you all to take off your shoes, but I think that might be a bit rude.  (just don't touch my breakables).
Normally, the parties are held at my house and one of the things that my husband requires me to do is to take a few shots before my guests arrive.  He tells me to do this because I have this "thing" about having to have everything perfect as well as … (14 comments)

And the FOOL in the Rain Award Goes to... - 07:59 AM

Yesterday, April Fool's day, was a special day here in the Rain. It was a day that brought out the "Fool" in many. So if you like to smile, I thought I would pull together one of those of oh-so-famous and much enjoyed REVIEW posts... but, for this review compilation I got it easy, I just had to go through one days worth of material.
Anyway, as they say, here are the nominees for the 2007 A.R.F (Active Rain Fool) Award in no particular order... (YES! This WAS a contest YOU FOOLS!!!... but only in my head)
In order to get to the bottom of this … (61 comments)

Being the Best... Yet Finishing Second - 06:30 AM
Have you ever wondered how you can have have the best products and service yet finish second? (when dealing with prospective clients their is no second place!)
How can it be?...  that your company spends the time and energy to provide the best product or service...then with common sense thinking: you convince yourself that people buy products that are feature-rich, right? 
** UNFORTUNATELY COMMON SENSE MAY BE WRONG**
People don't always buy "better" products.People don't buy rationally.People buy emotionally. Then, they try to rationalize their decision.People buy on emotions, says Harvard Business School Professor Gerald Zaltman .
Building on research of the mind, Professor Zaltman found … (56 comments)

Help Me Understand the Guidelines, Maybe I'm Missing Something. - 04:40 PM
I love ActiveRain and I take the rules very seriously.  I love a good party and if the host has some ground rules, I'm happy to respect them.  If the host says no shoes inside, I take off my shoes.  If the host requests a certain attire to be worn, I comply with the request or I don't join the party.  I don't make light of the rules. I know it will have an effect on the others at the party if they see me breaking the rules.  I want to be a good example for the late arriving guests.
So help me … (50 comments)

MailChimp?? Seems Like a great tool... - 06:28 AM
Has anyone had any experiences with Mail Chimp?  They seem to be a quite affordable option for email and newsletter campaigns.  They allow you to
They are also offering a FREE Trial, so I figure it can't hurt to try it!
Since I am shelling out quite a bit of money as it is on direct marketing I am trying to cut costs anyway I can.  However, I still feel it would be a huge benefit for me to connect with my clients and SOI via email campaigns so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
… (19 comments)

Vanessa Williams SEO Contest Results - 09:30 PM
Okay, last week I thought I would have a little fun and create an "SEO contest" of sorts.  On the day that I announced the contest, Vanessa Williams was the most popular search phrase for that particular day.
So, wanting to test the search engine power of ActiveRain, I thought it would be neat if a couple of AR's tried to get number one in Google for the phrase "Vanessa Williams, Realtor."
There were seven people that announced their intent to compete: 
Ben Kakimoto
Angie Vandenbergh
AJ Martin
Michael Hutchins
Angie Vandenbergh 
maybe Michele Connors,Broker
and me, Karen George.
The contest was basically to see who would … (22 comments)


Blog posts


Will a downturn in housing markets be regional? - 10:06 PM
In just got the following comment on one of my last blog posts on how the subprime meltdown will effect the real estate market...
Hi Matt and everyone:
matt - Your posts always provide good information.  But, after just read about your "housing bubble" post written last July, it got me thinking:
Will the affects of this meltdown also regional, much like the upward / downward trend of the housing market?  For a particular hot market like Bellevue, WA, where you reside, you know that the market has been going strong for the last few years, and probably still has room to go up.  Will a hot … (15 comments)

1817 Swan Dr Dallas TX 75228 - 08:03 PM
 
What a house,WOW! Open Floorplan with several unique features throughout. There are three bedrooms and 2 full baths with two Living areas and two Dining areas.  Many Big Ticket Updates: New Sewer Line, Gas line, AC, Furnace, HWH, Paint, Decor lights, & Fans. Features include Hardwoods, Storm Windows, Tile Counters in Kitchen w Island, Built in Breakfast Table (can be removed), Kitchen & Bath with Italian Tile, many Closets and Shevles. Wood under carpet in the Family Room. Wood Deck, great for entertaining! Attic Fan, Vinyl siding...
Click HERE for the Visual Tour!

Remember, I can show you any listing property in … (2 comments)

Another Staging Success - 08:21 PM
I listed a new listing this afternoon, and it looks like a million dollars, but it's only $133,900!!  When I first walked in, I'm thinking we're going to be lucky to get $125k, but the sellers did everything I asked of them, and it looks great, and I feel very comfortable with the asking price.  It's going to put other houses in the neighborhood to shame.
Here are a couple of my before and after pictures:
   
Changing the rug and reducing the size allowed for the hardwoods to shine.  They're original so they're not in the greatest condition with a huge window … (10 comments)

Unjudged and Unbridled, Project Blogger - Week Two - 12:21 PM
Here we are again, unjudged and unbridled, knowing that we are not officially being judged yet by the audience, nor the judges until April 9th.
Yet, as I explained last week, we feel that it is important to begin documenting Jackie Colson-Miller's progress.  Given that we are literally developing her skills from the ground up, this creates the opportunity for others to see our process and progress.
Below is a breakdown of some of this past week’s efforts in getting Jackie's Real Estate Sizzle prepared during this Pre-Season, as well as some of her second week's stats.Week Two - Training with the … (2 comments)

New Agent Thoughts - 07:22 AM
We have added a new agent, and I am really happy about it!
I am curious, though, about what kind of tips and advice experienced agents would give a newcomer in today's market.  In that curiosity, I posted the question in BloohoundBlog's "Ask the Broker".  Greg tossed it out to his readers here and several people commented.
Quite frankly, I am a little surprised at the number of comments stressing old school prospecting.
Bob and I intend to treat this agent as a team member/apprentice for the first six months or so. And since we are fairly well known and well established in our little … (11 comments)

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock Time is Running Out! - 01:26 PM
If you were here last year on April 14, 2006 you probably remember some hail storms that came through our area.  Many homes around the Greater Indianapolis Area were damaged by this hail.
You maybe one of the unfortunate homeowners who's insurance company came out and told you your home didn't have damage, yet everyone around you had it and their insurance company was taking care of the problem.
Many complaints were filed with the the Department of Insurance and it was found that State Farm Insurance was the company most likely to deny the claim.  You have until April 14, 2007 to … (3 comments)

Falling Into the Foreclosure Abyss - 03:22 PM
Everywhere we look these days we are hearing something about foreclosures in the real estate market.  In this month's REALTOR® Magazine there's an article about foreclosure activity being up from last year.  In February 2007 Neveda, Colorado and Florida reported the highest amount of foreclosures.  (Actual statistics for Indiana were not included.)
I just ran a search in the MLS for the areas I normally list and sell homes (North-east and East Greater Indianapolis) and found 466 homes that are either bank repossessions, HUD owned, VA owned or in pre-foreclosure.  The highest priced listing was $524,000 all the way down to $15,000. 
I have toured … (2 comments)

Is your ego hurting your credit score? Or the other way around? - 10:09 PM
We all have different strengths. Some people are creative geniuses yet housekeeping disasters. Some people paint. Others can do complex mathematical equations in their heads. We all have things we do well. We also have things we don't do well at all.
Many men are taught from childhood that being completley self-sufficient is a sign of manliness. Women seem to ask for help more easily and naturally. It seems they automatically know that ,as individuals, we can't be great at everything and it only makes sense to collaborate. When it comes to building and maintaining really good credit, the "I don't need anyone's … (31 comments)

Why Do We Love Gold Stars? - 04:49 PM
 We were with friends over the weekend while they were babysitting their grandchildren. And like any proud grandparent's house, there were photos and mementos of the little darlings all around. This one caught my eye and immediately made me wonder...is this why we love gold stars?  Or am I just seeing stars everywhere because I'm an ARA (Active Rain Addict)?  
                                         
Then I wondered how they came up with stars in the first place.  Back when Active Rain was a gleam in Caleb's eye, did he know a toddler who was getting stars this way? Or did Matt know about this kind … (15 comments)

Oink, Oink! Welcome to my sty!!! - 06:03 PM
Hello my fellow Rainers. As you may know we have quite a few consumers who visit ActiveRain on a regular basis. Yesterday, I received the following Email from one of our regular visitors.
Hi Broker Bryant, I am getting closer to listing my home for sale. One of the things I do, when I can, is check out local open houses to see what my competition or sold comps will be. I came home so disgusted today I looked on AR to see if this subject was addressed anywhere. I did not find anything and I hope you will be willing to … (72 comments)

My Buckeyes - 09:54 PM
Just am faxing two offers, entering a listing and watching the Championship Basketball game with my Beloved Ohio State Buckeyes playing.  My late husband was a true fan through and through but didn't live to see the football championship game or this one. He passed in November.  However, I think he's looking down from above.
Elaine Reese, are you watching -- well you better tell them to "chop chop" if they are going to win tonite. They are losing  by six points right now. I can't stand the tension! I hope I faxed the right offer to the right agent, and I … (4 comments)

Love Me, Love Me Not! - 10:12 PM
Got a call from a buyer today inquiring about my new listing. She found me on the internet and wanted to see the townhome.  My first question out of my mouth, was, YES, it really was, "Are You Working With Another Realtor". Her reply "oh, no, I just started looking. I haven't even talked to a bank."  I told her I had an offer to present tonite and if she liked the condo she had to be prepared to write the offer. She asked for the offer terms, and I told her all I could disclose was the offer was full … (4 comments)

It's The Little Things That Make Me Happy - 10:30 PM
Well, after 4 years my HP 7310xi officejet all in one decided to go to copy heaven. Right in the middle of faxing three offers, scanning documents for my accountant, printing labels for my mailers,  and printing off flyers.  Do you think I "killed it"? I won't be able to live with myself if I did.
So a trip to Office Depot was in order. I am so happy, I bought an HP Photosmart 6180.  It has the new generation Vivera ink cartridges, (six individual ones) that you replace only when the one runs out.  It's wireless so I can plug it into … (3 comments)

Los Gatos, CA: spotlight on Belwood and Belgatos Park - 11:36 AM

 Los Gatos (Spanish for "The Cats") snuggles into the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, also called "The Coastal Range" since it separates the Santa Clara Valley from the area along the coast. On the other side of "the hill", as locals call it, lies the unconventional city of Santa Cruz (famous for being the first place in the continental US where surfing was introduced and for the odd college mascot of The Banana Slug at UCSC), the beach, and the exquisite Monterey Bay. Inland is Silicon Valley, the high-tech magnet, which is centered around San Jose, the self-appointed Capital of Silicon … (2 comments)

Los Gatos, CA: spotlight on Belwood and Belgatos Park - 11:37 AM

 Los Gatos (Spanish for "The Cats") snuggles into the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, also called "The Coastal Range" since it separates the Santa Clara Valley from the area along the coast. On the other side of "the hill", as locals call it, lies the unconventional city of Santa Cruz (famous for being the first place in the continental US where surfing was introduced and for the odd college mascot of The Banana Slug at UCSC), the beach, and the exquisite Monterey Bay. Inland is Silicon Valley, the high-tech magnet, which is centered around San Jose, the self-appointed Capital of Silicon Valley.Right … (4 comments)

Bait & Switch - 11:30 AM
One of my associates is involved in a transaction where the sq. footage was reported (advertised) to be 12% more than it actually is.  The unit being purchased is a cute little one bedroom condo rehab close to downtown Denver. The building has 15 units, 7 are currently sold.
Last week the listing agent sends over a disclosure for the buyer to sign, basically saying the builder is  not responsible for anything. It says the sq. footage stated was merely used for "marketing purposes" and the buyer should measure personally to confirm.
Exculpatory disclosures are frowned upon in Colorado.  Brokers used to use them … (43 comments)

Where's Dee? Are you still blogging? - 11:32 PM
Hello!
Just a quick update since I've been hearing from many of you on whether I am still blogging. I had a few featured blogs that caught a lot of attention. Here is the latest update.
YES! I'm still blogging! My main blog is the TexasRealtyBlog. I've blogged there every day for over a year. It's doing very well, so we're hiring interns in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston to keep up with the real estate news in those cities. I'm very excited to provide even more news and updates on other cities. I am launching two or three new farming blogs … (3 comments)

Driving Traffic to Your Web Site - 07:19 PM
Glad to see you all here!  When I joined KW 2 years ago I knew little about the web and left it to hiring out.  All that has changed and I've evolved into our MC expert.  Still learning but I try to share as much as I can as I believe many KW agents are not taking advantage of the technology KW has to offer. 
 Jack Miller came up to our region from headquarters about 2 weeks ago and taught the new tech course.  Really recomend it! I was one of the lucky ones who already knew most of it but … (1 comments)

CT Real Estate - 07:41 PM
Anyone needing a CT realtor who serves Fairfield County, just 45 minutes to NYC, call me!  203-324-9600. 
Visit my web site too at www.homesoffairfieldcounty.com
… (0 comments)

The sign says 'We Buy Homes' - be very careful.... - 11:45 PM
The sign says 'We Buy Homes' - be very careful....by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler REALTOR®Chandler AZ Real Estate
We all know about the subprime meltdown.  We know about the increase in forclosures.  As more and more people get into trouble with their homes there will be more and more predators out there looking to take advantage of them.  All consumers should be aware.
So when you see a sign on the street that says 'We Buy Houses' or something akin to this, be very, very leary.  Are all these folks scammers?  No.  But some of them sure are.  Check out this article in today's … (39 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2007-04-02

 Archives:

30 Apr
29 Apr
28 Apr
27 Apr
26 Apr
25 Apr
24 Apr
23 Apr
22 Apr
21 Apr
20 Apr
19 Apr
18 Apr
17 Apr
16 Apr
15 Apr
14 Apr
13 Apr
12 Apr
11 Apr
10 Apr
9 Apr
8 Apr
7 Apr
6 Apr
5 Apr
4 Apr
3 Apr
2 Apr
1 Apr
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006