Archives of real estate blog entries for April 24, 2007

Featured blog posts


A History & Partial Listing of Contact Management Tools in Real Estate - Part 2 of 3 - 02:20 PM
What else is out there? In the RES (Real Estate Specific) arena, there are 2 programs that are based in FileMaker, which is a highly respected database platform.  Agent Business Builder is one of them, that started in 1995, and has a fairly significant user base as a result. Then there is REST, a relative newcomer with what I think to be some very good potential. Based in Filemaker, these two have some flexibility with respect to report generation, using a readily available group of programmers as a third party to generate them for you. Another interesting thing about them is that they … (11 comments)

What's Stopping Anyone from Becoming a Member Here? - 01:20 PM
I often see members advising others that they should watch what they say on public posts here at Active Rain.  If it's a discussion about some touchy subject about our industry, we should make sure that we make it a Members Only post.  We should try to keep all of our family secrets within the family.  We want the general public to see us in our Sunday's best.  We are all smart, honest, and ethical and know what we are doing.  It would be unethical to allow people to see our industry in a negative light.
I always love to get the inside scoop on what really … (40 comments)

My Reality TV Debut is Suddenly Here! - 03:13 AM
You might recall a blog I posted back in February concerning my venture into the realm of reality television - here is the link: My Reality TV Experience. 
At the time it was expected that the episode we had just finished taping would air in late Spring 2007. Today I received an unexpected phone call from HGTV http://www.hgtv.com/ informing me that they have moved our episode to the season premiere of the hit series "My First Place," which will air this Sunday April 29th at 10:30 PM EST. Please catch it if you can and let me know what you think. I have yet to see the episode, … (78 comments)

What Do Consumers Think? - 06:24 PM
I recently read a blog here on Active Rain and it was a consumer writing about his point of view of Realtors and the process of selling a home. It was very interesting and also nice to know that someone out there recognizes and appreciates the hard work and dedication that we bring to the table during a real estate transaction.
Being a Realtor is unlike a "traditional" job where you put out a definitive work product at the end of every day. Even when you love your job and have a lot of fun doing it, it is still a job, after all.
Having … (27 comments)

Project Blogger Round-Up: Week 2 April 16-22 - 09:12 PM
At the close of week two for Project Blogger we've seen a significant increase in content from our contestants.  If last week was tough to judge then this week is going to be really tough.  I want to thank Cheryl Johnson for making my life a little easier with Project Blogger links. 
Be sure to vote for the previous weeks post's on The Project Blogger Group.  The poll is on the left side of the page. 
Vote for this weeks (week 2) posts here. 
For more on this competition you can see ActiveRain Tags for Project Blogger, or check out the Project Blogger Group.
Thank … (17 comments)

Are consumers finding us and are they reading? - 03:42 AM
I must admit, I haven't blogged as consistently as I should lately. It was easy during February and March when we were getting ice storms every-other week and buyers just weren't getting out to see homes. I wasn't getting the showing calls on my listings and I had all the time in the world to get caught up on the important things like blogging. Now that Spring has kicked into full swing and I have more business than I can handle, I find it not only hard to make the time to blog, but it's become difficult to find the inspiration. I think my mind … (35 comments)

Midori Miller on the Radio......Updated.... - 01:58 PM
 
Once again, one of my wildest dreams came true............ 
 
Friday April 20, 2007 I was interviewed by Kevin Fishback on his radio show, "The Red Pill."  Please feel free to comment, critique or even give a You Go Girl!  Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.  
 My 8 minutes of fame, I took advantage of it! Listen Closely.....
Trevor Kott ~ Born October 14th, 2006 ~ At Rest on April 25th, 2007
Listen to the " The Red Pill" in its entirety, the second segment with Kevin Fishback talking about "Charisma."  Find out if you have all the traits to be charismatic!  Oh there is one thing, I … (26 comments)

Blog Formats - Part II - 09:39 PM
Part I of this series listed the diferent blog formats as identified by Amy Gahran in Paul Chaney's book, Realty Blogging.
As an exercise for Project Blogger, Paul asked me to write a post with each format with the idea that I would feel comfortable with each and identify my weakness (I'm not sure if that was the goal, maybe Paul should answer that).  I will now go into detail about each format and explain the benefits as well as how I feel about each.
LINK-ONLY -  (my examples: Historic Home Niche and Outside Active Rain drops) - the idea with this format is just writing a … (36 comments)

OK, I Admit It - I Need HELP!!! - 07:52 PM
Yep, I do need help .....  not THAT kind of help, but help in trying to figure out how to post far more regularly than I've been doing since joining Active Rain.
I have loads of ideas always floating around in my head, so I don't think it's writer's block.  Or is that actually writer's block and I just don't know it?  I don't think I need prozac, or do I?
I find I'm having trouble thinking about writing posts as actual work.  There, I've said it!  THAT is my problem........  I do realize the benefit of great local content.  I get that … (84 comments)

My Magic Crystal Ball Keeps Me Sane - 08:26 PM

It never fails.  Every client wants to know what the market is going to look like in 6 months.  Honestly, with all of the fluctuations in the market in the last year alone how are you going to answer that question?  I can probably be dead on for 2 or 3 months, but beyond that, who really knows?
 
Client:  So, what is the market going to be like in 6 months?
 
Laurie:  Lets see. (Laurie reaches for an item on her desk)
 
Laurie:  Let's consult my crystal ball.
 
Client:  Surprised look.
 
Laurie:  Ha Ha 
 
… (58 comments)

DIY: How To Make a Cool Border Around Your Active Rain and Localism Blog Posts - 02:24 PM
UPDATE >>>
Active Rain has changed a lot since I wrote this. I do not know if any of this is still useful. It was at one time ... I promise!
So, I learned something really, really cool. If I DON'T share it, I can use it to "set myself apart" from the other bloggers here on Active Rain and Localism.
But I am a firm believer that SHARING is an integral part of being a part of a community - like this one.
Am I wrong? Did I drink too much Keller Williams Kool-Aid to think that a benefit to … (172 comments)

ActiveRain Blogs - WE ALL have a responsibility for what YOU post - 11:15 AM
Yes... I said it
Someone had to... and those who know me realize I don't have the filter that keeps me quiet about what's bothering me in this industry.
I just read a post about Foreclosures being Loan Officers' faults because they put long prepays on short loans.
REALLY?  That's why?  WOW! Enlightening
Did the author realize that now the entire Web loving public can read his misinformation?
I doubt it.
I'm back to my repetition of CONTROL YOUR CONTENT.
Everyone's going to be controversial at some point if you're writing valuable content... but realize what your content can do to you, the industry and the rest of … (58 comments)

I'm The Lucky One and Definately A Ladies Man - 04:54 AM
I have always Considered My Self to be lucky with Women. As lucky as any man can possibly be. All my life I have heard all the Horror stories of my fellow Comrades and their misadventures with women. What are they all doing that is so wrong and why am I the Lucky One?
Well You would be lucky to if you were fortunate enough to call these group of women your friends. Let me introduce to you the Greatest Group of Women :   Teresa was my first contact here in ActiveRain that I reached out to. I remember because as I … (41 comments)

Ramblings of a blonde blogger - 10:55 PM
I'm inspired by Ann Cummings and her post. OK I Admit It - I Need Help this post doesn't have much to do with hers but I'm inspired all the same.
When I am inspired to sit down and write a post I usually think about who might be reading it. I'm pretty sure Kristal Kraft has addressed the subject : who are you writing for? So I try to think out what it is I'm trying to say and to whom I'm trying to say it to. And I really do try to give the reader a lot of content in bite size … (33 comments)

What Is The Meaning of Localism? - 06:19 PM
We have been members of the Active Rain Community since the beginning of November 06'.  We've enjoyed all of the wonderful content, relationships, helpful information and adding value to our communities through "Localism". 
We've read other posts from members who have highlighted issues concerning putting information into areas for which they are not at all "Local".  This actually defeats the entire purpose of the concept of "Localism" and leaves us to wonder if the public are also wondering "What Is The Meaning of Localism".  Is it to advertise everyone's STUFF?  When posting Listings to AR, you can put Tags in to … (32 comments)

Filtering Out Content - The Purpose of Group Postings on Active Rain - 02:36 PM
I think there are two ways "Groups" are being viewed here on Active Rain.
The first is that a group is created to collect posts about a specific topic. So for example if I wanted to share or get ideas about Localism I may join the Localism Brainstorming Group.   The second is that you are a member of a community and want to keep in touch with people in that community. I see groups like Remax Bloggers group as an example of this.But I think some people are confusing these and I think some people are using group postings incorrectly.
I subscribe to several … (39 comments)


Blog posts


Project Blogger Round-Up: Week 2 April 16-22 - 09:12 PM
At the close of week two for Project Blogger we've seen a significant increase in content from our contestants.  If last week was tough to judge then this week is going to be really tough.  I want to thank Cheryl Johnson for making my life a little easier with Project Blogger links. 
Be sure to vote for the previous weeks post's on The Project Blogger Group.  The poll is on the left side of the page. 
Vote for this weeks (week 2) posts here. 
For more on this competition you can see ActiveRain Tags for Project Blogger, or check out the Project Blogger Group.
Thank … (17 comments)

Midori Miller on the Radio......Updated.... - 01:58 PM
 
Once again, one of my wildest dreams came true............ 
 
Friday April 20, 2007 I was interviewed by Kevin Fishback on his radio show, "The Red Pill."  Please feel free to comment, critique or even give a You Go Girl!  Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.  
 My 8 minutes of fame, I took advantage of it! Listen Closely.....
Trevor Kott ~ Born October 14th, 2006 ~ At Rest on April 25th, 2007
Listen to the " The Red Pill" in its entirety, the second segment with Kevin Fishback talking about "Charisma."  Find out if you have all the traits to be charismatic!  Oh there is one thing, I … (26 comments)

24- Between 12 midnight to 1am - 09:20 AM
As before, please join our group and you can stay caught up every week!
This week was definitely better than last week.  Much more action.
Let's start with VP Noah making out with his personal assistant person, I can't think of her name.  I kinda thought there was something going on there, but they never actually did anything until now.  Along those lines, I can't believe VP didn't ask Lennox for the tapes so they can be destroyed.  He only asked for Lennox to promise not to use them against him if they have a disagreement.  Like that promise is going to last … (4 comments)

If You Can't Beat Them...Join Them??? - 08:41 PM
A year ago a property was put up by an outstanding agent here in Bryan/College Station.  Though her marketing was good, it was a student property and rented out to four, less than neatnik, boys.  The tenants had asked for a 24 hour notice after you spoke to them.  I, myself, had tried to call them enough times to almost memorize the number and never had gotten in touch.  Not surprisingly it wasn't shown hardly at all and the property expired.
The property reared it's ugly head again this spring with a few changes.  The owner had gotten her real estate license, … (8 comments)

Sun City Grand - Retirement Living at its Very Best - 02:32 PM
… (0 comments)

Peoria Arizona Real Estate – Cibola Vista – March 2007 - 04:46 PM
As of the end of March 2007 there were 4 homes on the market.    These homes had an average sales price of $564,078.50.     As of March 31, 2007 there were nine homes pending in Cibola Vista.    This means they were under contract, but the contract had not closed escrow.    The average sale price of these homes was $651,978.    
For more information about homes in Peoria Arizona, please contact my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.
… (0 comments)

Phoenix Arizona Real Estate – Desert Ridge – March 2007 - 04:48 PM
As of the end of March 2007 there were 79 homes on the market in Desert Ridge.    These homes had an average list price of $567,303.  There were nine homes sold during the month of March 2007.    These homes had an average list price of $486,955 and average list price of $473,594.       
Desert Ridge also had 13 homes pending as of March 31, 2007.     These homes had an average list price of $508,361.  
For more information about homes in Desert Ridge or the Phoenix Real Estate market, please visit my website at www.donrichhomes.com.  
… (0 comments)

On Tour at Legacy - Fishers, Indiana - 10:42 AM
This week's tour takes us to 8542 Legacy CT  in Fishers, IN  46038.
List Price $129,000
Located in the Heritage Meadows Neighborhood an area built to capture the homey flavor of small-town America.  You'll find cottage style homes and white
 
 
 
pickett fences with side walks throughout the neighborhood.
To the east of this neighborhood are playgrounds and paved bike and people trails.  You'll find beyond that a grassy expanse separating Heritage Meadows from the original residential community off neighboring Lantern Road.   The trail continues beyond community limits to link residents with local businesses.  To the south lies country wilderness. The town bought the woodland and its hidden … (1 comments)

Indianapolis' Herron-Morton Place Historic District - 05:05 PM
Indianapolis is a city with some fascinating historic districts located in the downtown area.  One of these neighborhoods is Herron-Morton Place.  The boundaries of the neighborhood are East 16th Street on the south, East 22nd Street on the north, the alley west of North Pennsylvania on the west, and the alley east of Central Avenue on the east.
Once known as one of Indianapolis' most elegant residential neighborhoods.  Its name coming from the Indiana governor, Oliver Morton.  This was home to many celebrated politicians, physicians, business leaders, and artists. Indiana artists T. C. Steele and William Forsythe founded their famed art school … (9 comments)

My market ain't purdy!! - 01:47 PM
I'm curious, how are things going in your market area? I was doing a little research on my market, Poinciana Fl, this morning and discovered that sales are down 59% from same period last year (Jan 1-Apr 24). Last year, this period, there were 360 closings, this year 137. That's a pretty drastic change. There are also currently 1,734 active listings in my two zip codes. So, if you do the math, there is more than two years worth of inventory in Poinciana! Also, our 2 largest builders, Avatar (the developer) and Maronda Homes have just slashed their prices by approximately … (44 comments)

OK Folks, who's doing all of the blogging work? - 08:53 AM
Here I am sitting in my one person (didn't say man because it may not be politically correct in this venue) office deciding how to amass all of the points I see some of my colleagues showing.  Not that points are that important (just repeating what some have written) in this blogging arena.
Since I am writing this from a small room in downtown Fredericksburg Virginia I will mention the two points leaders in the Old Dominion.  First is Allen Hainge (Real Estate Trainer) and Dave Rosenmarkle (Real Estate Agent).  Both have about 50,000 points and I have a paltry 23,106 as … (9 comments)

Is the Sole Practitioner a Thing of the Past? - 04:06 PM
Early in May there will be a meeting of the CyberProfessionals® in Albuquerque New Mexico.  Part of the meeting consists of roundtable discussions.  I will be moderating a discussion named "Competing as a Single Agent."
A comment on one of my earlier postings here on Active Rain indicated that many of the authors of blog entries are either the managing broker of an office or a team member tasked with generating internet traffic.  The former has time to devote to blogging while the later does it as part of their assigned tasks.
That brings me to this point.  Can a sole practitioner/single agent … (7 comments)

Snohomish County Camano Association Of Realtors Annual Auction - 10:17 AM
The members of the Snohomish County-Camano Association of REALTORS® are committed to giving back to the communities in which they live, raise their families and derive their incomes. We provide community service, both individually and as a group, donating money talent and time to many worthy causes. The philosophy of our Association is that as members of this community, and as real estate professionals we are on the front lines to provide affordable housing. Since there is a lack of affordable housing for those above the poverty level, there certainly is an even greater need for those under the poverty level.
The … (6 comments)

A new 1.5 billion dollar mini Austin - 12:50 PM
So there are plans to create a 1.5 billion dollar mini Austin.  A film studio is looking at buying 683 acres and building a film studio with space for other creative ventures like music and television production.  This will be surrounding by houses where residents will sign off on having their houses filmed in productions. 
A new development in the works for East Austin Real Estate
… (1 comments)

Finding Blog Topics - 09:59 AM
Yesterday I got a very nice email from a fellow Rainer asking me how I come up with so many blog topics.  I sent him a couple of emails on the subject and thought perhaps others would like to know what I do and chime in too.  How do you come up with your topics?  I keep a nice, tiny notebook for ideas for my blog, www.LiveInLosGatos.com. When something amuses me, makes me wonder, or gets me enthusiastic, I jot it down.  I also read up on local news online quite a bit.  I check the events calendar. And I try … (6 comments)

A different kind of Ding... - 11:01 PM
I love construction sites.  It must be in my blood, my Father raised us four kids and put food on the table as a mason contractor.  He built things with concrete and brick.  He built things to last for the ages.  I fondly recall the pride showing in his eyes as he would point out the places he built.  What a feeling it must be to take something from nothing to something.
Builders do it everyday. I bet their kids take pride in them as I do in my Dad's work.  He made me proud my whole life long.
Perhaps that is why … (14 comments)

Denver Home for Sale ~ Sold and Closed - 11:55 PM
Cozy, Comfortable and Affordable, it does exist in Denver, Colorado!
This home was built in 1949 and has some very unique features. The front of the exterior is a log style home, while the rear addition is entirely of brick. The homeowners have taken meticulous care of this home. It has an updated kitchen with new cabinets and appliances (range-oven, dishwasher and refrigerator). The best part is the family room addition with the wood-burning fireplace (a feature you won't find in a new home)!
There are two bedrooms plus a den. The den has the option of being able to convert to a … (11 comments)

Client Databases - 11:52 AM
This past week and a half I have been swamped with other office duties that have kept me away from our website and blogging but the break was great. Right now I am building a company database of all our past clients and orgranizing it into excel. All the items I learned in business school are starting to come full circle and it is fun and challenging to design and implement the strategies that have created great companies.
Yesturday was a quite day in the office, it tends to do that when it is really nice outside, and it gave me so … (6 comments)

Historic Mount Holly, Seat of Burlington County - 10:28 AM
The Township of Mount Holly is the seat* of Burlington County.  It's history goes back to before the American Revolution.  There are buildings still standing from the era.   (Click here for an online walking tour of Mount Holly historical buildings provided by the Mount Holly Collaborative.)  Besides being the center of government for Burlington County, Mount Holly also is home to Virtua Memorial Hospital and medical complex, many professionals, businesses and specialty shops, as well as a branch of Burlington County College which provides development support for individuals and business, including career planning and business startup services.   Mount Holly provides convenient access to major shopping centers and transportation … (0 comments)

Medford NJ: Community Events You Don't Want to Miss - 06:29 PM
Mark your calenders for upcoming annual Medford community events that you and everyone in your family will njoy! * 'Blast from the Past' Classic Car ShowSaturday, May 19th  (Rain Date May 20th)Main Street, 10:00am - 4:00pm click here for past photos of this event! Check out some great cars that have been beautifully restored and maintained.Over 300 antique, classic & muscle cars will line Main & Union Streets, plus food, 50's music. * Memorial Day Parade & CeremonyMonday, May 28thMain Street, 11:00amPay tribute and remember those that gave their lives for us!(Kids, decorate your bicycle and join in the parade.) * Art, Antiques & Music FestivalSunday, June … (0 comments)

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