Archives of real estate blog entries for April 28, 2007

Featured blog posts


Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars - 07:22 AM


 
Oh no, not another gold star. Please, no more gold stars!
You know the story of Bre'r Rabbit don't you? If not go read it, I will wait for you.
 
In Active Rain, if you are NOT lucky, your post winds up featured.
 You get lots of comments, but then you have to take the time to answer each one. 

 
 
I suppose I could answer them all like a true Type E and say to everyone, "Thanks for the comment." But I don't think people will like that; this is not how to make friends on … (174 comments)

STARlight #8 ~ You're "IT", KRISTAL KRAFT! - 11:52 PM
This is the 8th in a series on STARlight People and Performances at Active Rain. You can catch those you may have missed by checking the list at the end of this article...but stay with me now, because I have a great  story to reveal today! Today, we're shining the light on KRSITAL KRAFT.Here's your chance to get to know her and to look into articles that offer practical remedies from which we all can benefit.  This feature shines the light on useful value-added factors real estate professionals can add to their toolbox when involved in their multi-faceted transactions.
STARQuotes: " I love construction sites.  It … (27 comments)

No Success!!! - 07:26 PM

No success!!!  As many of you know the ActiveRain community has an active interest in the Kodak v705 camera and I have been trying to get Kodak to recognize this community of over 27,000 members and possibily give us some incentives.  Many members have bought this fine camera that is great with its wide angled lens for real estate photography and reasonably priced to fit most budgets.
I only had one response with a simple one line thank you for your support.  I contacted 3 other Kodak corporate representatives and the local Orange County, California sales representative.  None of them even had the courtesy to respond … (24 comments)

Sellsius Blogger Meet-Up in Laguna Beach - 05:40 PM
Last night I had the privilege of meeting up with several top bloggers from around the nation at the K'ya Rooftop Bar, in beautiful Laguna Beach.  The boys from Sellsius, Joe Ferrara and Rudy Bachraty, hosted this lovely get together to celebrate the advent of Spring and the opening of their new Enhanced Real Estate Classifieds site, which is awesome.  The site is destined to be a major success, providing yet another powerful resource to get Long Beach Ca Real Estate listings out in front of the consumer in a big way.  
 
READ ALL THE DETAILS AND VIEW THE PHOTOS … (28 comments)

Bloggin At The Beach - The Full Post - 06:13 PM
Hi All,
Wow!  That was a blast!  Kelly Kilpatrick was kind enough to let me know about the meet up that was slated for last evening (April 27) in Laguna Beach, given by Sellsisus.  I wasn't sure if I would be able to attend, but at close to the last minute, the stars aligned and I was so there.  I brought everything I would need for a fun evening, my husband Mel, my laptop and my camera. 
That's me with Loren and Laurie. Oh, and that beautiful blog site on my laptop is my very own Route66Living.com!
The event was held at a … (22 comments)

I SPENT THE NIGHT WITH A BUYER!! - 06:20 PM
The upscale townhouse community, Fox Ridge, was scheduled to open in a few months. It was a very popular spot-off I-84 and close to the train for the NYC commuter. It was getting a lot of positive buzz on the streets.
There were to be several phases. Each phase had a limited choice of design.
My customer knew exactly which one he wanted. If he missed it, the wait for phase two could be months away.He was pre-qualified, no contingencies(the perfect buyer). The only problem was that the builder would not accept early reservation. We had to wait for the official announced day to … (70 comments)

This is just wrong! - 08:24 AM
I received a phone call this week from a older gentleman here in South Florida.  This gentleman was referral to me from another broker, who could not help him and was hoping that maybe I could.   He is a senior citizen on a fixed income and really needs some help. Just to let you know the scenario, the client was 30 days past due on his current mortgage.  The type of property was a mobile home and he did not own the land that it sits on.  In addition,  the Loan-To-Value of his home was 95%..(not good).  He did have numerous mortgage … (51 comments)

Listing Presentation, Shmisting Presentation...who needs it? - 05:54 AM
I missed a call on my desk phone while speaking to a REALTOR on my cell.  I called the front office and inquired as to who was looking for me.  "Oh, it was a man who said he wants you to list his house.  He said he'll call your cell," came the nonchalant reply. 
I was anything but nonchalant in my reaction.
"Nice!  You didn't get his name and number?  Oh, I'll wait for his call then."  I wondered whether it would materialize.
Not 2 minutes later my cell phone did ring and it was indeed the same man, calling me to list his … (54 comments)

MY 100th POST! - 12:38 AM
I am reposting one of my first posts and hoping it actually gets answered this time - LOL (TLW - That was for you) Since this post originally came out my comments have went way down and my calls have gone up. I started changing how I wrote blogs and what I was trying to do.

How many people feel like this when they either writing or reading a blog on the web? I would love to hear your comments and ideas on how as Realtors we can improve this image. I've been writing a blog for more than a … (15 comments)

Pop the Cork for Sellsius! - 12:41 AM
Sellsius Real Estate (at 8:35 pm PST) is currently lounging around in Laguna Beach, CA sipping margaritas and Coronas with SoCal Rainers-and left me here in San Diego to break the news. (Can't blame them-I was in a class strugging to convert from PC-mentality to MAC). ((Ouch!!))
All drama aside, Rudy and Joe have unveiled a new site that  so caters to the real estate agent and the buyers who wants more precision in their property search results. BMW and Mercedes engineers couldn't have done a better job.
Want a niche search for that ski cabin in the mountains, or that duplex by the sea? Buyers will have to look no further-especially … (13 comments)

Speachless in St. Paul - 08:44 AM
I wish there was a dear Abby for blog writers.  If there were I would send her a letter and ask for some advice.  I see a lot of advice here on the Rain but it just doesn't address my question. I have written before.  Abby never answers but some times my friends on Active Rain give me some good advice.  Even the crazy people here who play with guns have some wisdom to share. 
Dear Abby,
I have this little blog it is mostly about St. Paul and about real estate.  I write on it every day, some times more than … (44 comments)

Some Things Just Don’t Add UP!!!! - 11:16 PM
I got a phone call today from a Realtor that I work with, asking me to Pre-Qualify one of her Buyers.  This Buyer was working with a Lender that this Realtor had not heard of before, and she did not trust what he was telling her Buyer.  Supposedly this Loan Officer had Pre-Approved this Buyer for a No Money Down Loan up to $160,000 with a 6.50% interest rate.  Based on what the Realtor new about this Buyer, this “just did not add up”.
Let me start by giving the Buyers financial position: She is a single person. She makes $12.00 … (76 comments)

What is this Seller thinking!? - 02:40 PM
 
I have not posted anything on AR for awhile because I have been focusing on Localism but I had an experience last week that through me for a loop.  I have been working with a buyer from California that has been asking me for weeks now to give her more information on properties she finds on my website. 
Recently my buyer emailed me and asked me to send her more information on a home that was new on the market in our area.  When I looked up this property I was surprised to say the least when I read in the comments … (97 comments)

Is google green? - 12:31 AM
Though I've never called it a green company, it certainly has some of the characteristics - trying to make life better for its employees - encouraging a healthy lifestyle, providing healthy food. It's even cutting down on the number of cars on the highways and corresponding energy waster. Google provides busses for about 1,200 employees, and furthermore - the busses not only have leather seats and wireless Internet access, they run on biodiesel. 
Sharon Simms, Real Estate Agent selling homes in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Gulf Beaches and the Tampa Bay area.
… (17 comments)

Talking Commissions=Serious Consequences - 05:49 AM
I am reposting this because some of the posts I saw this week, and some of of the comments that followed.
As a real estate professional you are held to a high standard.  You must be aware of these regulations.  It is your responsibility.
I AM NOT A LAWYER and I am not qualified to dispense legal advice.  Please consult a lawyer and your broker for clarification on these issues.
Both local and national regulations exist to provide a mechanism for governments to discourage and prosecute anti-competitive trade practices.  In the US the essential statute covering competitive trade practices is The Sherman Antitrust Act passed by congress … (83 comments)

HOW Many Gold Stars Did YOU Get on the BIG BOARD This Month? + a Challenge - 12:15 PM
 
 
SO! I have been wondering what is the special "juice" that keeps the Active Rain Community  growing at a steady pace. Here's a clue... we write quality articles that readers find interesting.
For example, a relatively small group at Active Rain, the ECO-All-Stars...collected a number of Gold Stars just this month on the "Big Board"...Care to GUESS how many???
5?
10?                          
15?
Not to be big-headed...we know that the thing is, getting Featured is only part of the deal...participation in the community (AKA comments) COUNTS!! 
Look at the comment count on Featured Articles, and you will see what I mean....Those comments are the other part of the "juice" on … (46 comments)

Do You Think in "Blog"? - 02:40 PM
Yesterday as I was driving I found myself mentally writing a blog about something I'd been thinking about. It was then that I realized how truly addicting AR and blogging are! Not only do I think in "blog", I am looking at my community through new eyes. I find myself driving around with a camera seeing pictures that would contribute to Localism. Each new thing I learn is something to be shared with my peers. Each new experience I can't wait share. And each time I log on here I find myself looking for the latest installments in my favorite blogs … (21 comments)

Those things that make you go uhm, uhm ... uhm! - 08:01 PM
Yesterday, I wrote about cold beer, a half frozen burrito, Detroit's airport, and blog titles.  Today, I've decided to do something taboo in polite blogging circles.  Something unspeakable.  Something simply scandalous.   Can you recall Jeff Turners extended expose about Sex and Real Estate  or Maureen McCabe's shocker Active Rain is better than sex ...?   That's right, this post breaks all the rules.
I've decided to blog about someone else's blog.  I know that it's been done before, but I'm told by those who know proper blog etiquette that it's just not right.  Teresa Boardman once referred to it as the dark … (43 comments)

AM I BEING OVERLY CAUTIOUS?????? - 07:05 AM
Maybe I am being overly cautious, but we all know how unsafe the internet can be.  I have noticed that many people put photo's of their children and grandchildren in Active Rain.  Anyone has access to AR and we all have in our profiles where we are located.  From what I understand it's not hard for some people to get everything they need to know from that little information.   I know we all love our children or grandchildren but I would never post their photo's on the internet for just anyone to see.   We as Realtor's know the many safety precautions … (53 comments)

Localism...it works! - 04:01 AM
I just wanted to give a big "THANK YOU" to AR for creating Localism.  When it first started I didn't have a clue what it was about or how it could help me.  I'm slow sometimes but it sunk in.  For the past three-months or so I've been posting primarily to Localism and it's starting to pay off.
Some of the posts are duplicates on my other blogs so in the back of my mind I was thinking that posting to Localism was, in effective, competing against myself (my other blogs).   And, yes, in Google searches the Localism posts show up … (36 comments)

Spammin' in the Rain - 07:09 AM
My brother-in-law loves Spam.  Particularly fried, with eggs, for breakfast.  He claims that one never has to worry about Mad Cow Disease when eating Spam.
My sister-in-law counters with: "I'd rather have mad cow!"
Well, I am not as adamant about Spam as my sister-in-law (whose name, incidentally, is Pam...).  In fact, I had some for breakfast while we were camping.  It was pretty good.
The key factor is, I knew what it was when I opened the can, and I ate it willingly.
Online Spam is usually that way too - I can tell when an email I get is … (47 comments)

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A DISHONEST CLIENT? NOT LOYAL? DECEITFUL? - 02:41 PM
I know we all have had (to some extent) a dishonest or disloyal client along our "travels and transactions". 
Give me a story that describes your worst client nightmare! Here's mine. 
I was talking to a friend from my office and she and I seem to get the bulk of the "whacked" out ones. We are not overly "sensitive" women who run around thinking everything is a crisis.  If we have a seller that needs help with cleaning, painting etc. we are there!  If we have a buyer who was stretched so thin after paying closing costs (not hard to do here) we … (46 comments)


Blog posts


Talking Commissions=Serious Consequences - 05:49 AM
I am reposting this because some of the posts I saw this week, and some of of the comments that followed.
As a real estate professional you are held to a high standard.  You must be aware of these regulations.  It is your responsibility.
I AM NOT A LAWYER and I am not qualified to dispense legal advice.  Please consult a lawyer and your broker for clarification on these issues.
Both local and national regulations exist to provide a mechanism for governments to discourage and prosecute anti-competitive trade practices.  In the US the essential statute covering competitive trade practices is The Sherman Antitrust Act passed by congress … (83 comments)

Localism...it works! - 04:01 AM
I just wanted to give a big "THANK YOU" to AR for creating Localism.  When it first started I didn't have a clue what it was about or how it could help me.  I'm slow sometimes but it sunk in.  For the past three-months or so I've been posting primarily to Localism and it's starting to pay off.
Some of the posts are duplicates on my other blogs so in the back of my mind I was thinking that posting to Localism was, in effective, competing against myself (my other blogs).   And, yes, in Google searches the Localism posts show up … (36 comments)

Seattle Condo Expo 2007 - 11:40 PM
The Seattle Condo Expo and Realtor Symposium is set for May 19th & 20th at the Westin Hotel. Tickets will go on sale on May 1st and those interested in attending can register on their website. Kiro Radio has several short podcasts of interviews with several leading individuals in the Seattle condo craze including the developers of AVA & 1 Hotel, Blaine Weber of Weber + Thompson, Dean Jones of Realogics and economist Matthew Gardner of Gardner-Johnson…to name a few.
The event has blossomed into a two-day expo with a consumer focus. Last year, it was a single evening event aimed … (2 comments)

A Personal Prayer Request-Updated-May 14th - 05:39 PM
Alex-Thank you for the invite.  It seems that wonderful things happen just when you personally need it! 
I have recently joined the group and I can see how powerful it is!  Today I need a little extra strength and am requesting some special prayers. I received a phone call this morning that my dad was admitted to the hospital for a blood clot in his leg.  All is well, as they have started treatment and feel it should be dissolved in 3 to 5 days.  I ask that you pray for him but especially for my mother who cares for him as … (13 comments)

Arlington Virginia & Washington DC Real Estate Prices Stabilize.... - 07:38 PM
It's common knowledge that the market shifted in the last 18 months.  But it's only now that the statistics are verifying some of the price corrections....Many of us on the front lines knew prices in reality were different a long time ago, however this was not being illustrated by the monthly stats as far as the price variable was concerned.   Why not?  Well the stats on price only reflect sold homes.  Thus all the homes that did not sell, rented expired or were withdrawn due to not being able to get a price the owner wanted did not get factored into … (0 comments)

Washington DC Real Estate Prices Stabilize.... - 08:04 PM
It's common knowledge that the market shifted in the last 18 months.  But it's only now that the statistics are verifying some of the price corrections....Many of us on the front lines knew prices in reality were different a long time ago, however this was not being illustrated by the monthly stats as far as the price variable was concerned.   Why not?  Well the stats on price only reflect sold homes.  Thus all the homes that did not sell, rented expired or were withdrawn due to not being able to get a price the owner wanted did not get factored into … (0 comments)

German Speaker - Ft Lewis, Olympia; McChord AFB Washington - 10:01 PM
HI
Yes I would love to give referrals to German Speaking f folks.  It would be nice to hear from more folks out there speaking German.   I also would love to receive referrals from German speaking folks.   
I am a Real Estate Consultant working in Thurston and Pierce County, Washington State.  This covers Olympia, Ft. Lewis, McChord AFB, Lacey and many other towns.  I love to deal with the military and international clients.
I am German born.  We came to the United States when I was 9 years old.  I thought I had forgotten German.  But after graduation I went back to Germany to learn … (8 comments)

German Speaking Real Estate Consultant- Ft Lewis, McChord, Olympia WA - 10:35 PM
I would like to invite all German speaking Folks looking to buy or sell real estate in Thurston, Pierce or Mason Country to give me a call.  I am German born and raised in the US.  I spend about 11 years in Germany after high School getting to know Germany again.  I lived in Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Goeppingen and Bremerhaven area.  I have learned a lot of information to help my clients save money and time when they buy or sell a home.  I wish I would have know some of these things when I bought my first home.  I got into … (1 comments)

THURSTON COUNTY WA MARKET - 11:57 PM
The market for residential Real Estate in the Thurston County WA is slowing.  Current active residential listings in Thurston County is approximately 1671 compared to 1047 last year.  The number of Solds for Residential Real Estate are down about 12% from last year but prices are still up about 4%. The average price home is at about $283,109.We have approximately a 20% increase in number of listings for new construction and an increase of sales for new construction about 17%. The average days on the market for solds went up from 56 days to 87 days.
Karin Zeigler RE/MAX Four Seasons, 360-870-6249 … (0 comments)

You Did What? - 10:10 PM
I ran into a friend today that I haven't seen in about three months.  The last time I saw her I was showing her homes.  She dropped off into no where land, and I tried calling, no response.  I dropped her a note, no response. 
Today I ran into Home Depot and there she was buying a garage door opener and a hot water dispenser....  I said hi and looked into her cart and asked her if she was moving.
Yep,  She bought a house.  A builder home and was able to talk them down on price I presume instead of having … (15 comments)

George Bush Museum Undergoing Renovations - 10:24 PM
April 24th the Main Gallery of the George H.W. Bush Museum was closed for renovation.  The project won't be completed until November 9th, 2007.  Though many new and exciting exhibits will be available, some of our favorite will be gone. 
One of my favorites, the Air Force One mockup will be gone, and replaced by a replica of the White House situation room.  The Oval Office exhibit remains, but will now allow visitors to sit behind the desk and get their picture taken.  There will be handheld udio guides, interactive touch screens and displays added as well.
The White House in Miniature … (0 comments)

Graduation Time At Texas A&M - 10:35 PM
May the 12th at 9 a.m. is Graduation!  A wonderful time for kids who have worked extremely hard to get their diploma.  Congratulations to all who have achieved it!
It isn't a wonderful time for finding a hotel room or driving however.  Watch the roads everyone, expect delays and especially avoid the areas right around campus.  If you are in need of a hotel room during this time remember that the Convention and Visitors Bureau keeps track of hotel vacancies during heavy seasonal bookings and can usually tell you where the few vacancies in town are.  1-800-777-8292.
… (1 comments)

Marthas Bloomers - 10:52 PM
Marthas Bloomers is a great place in Navasota (just about 10 miles south of College Station) that absolutely rocks!  Started about five years ago this place has really "bloomed"!  With every kind of plant imaginable, trees, shrubs, pottery, antiques, and oddities that your soul can imagine, this place is addictive.
Free seminars on Saturdays are extremely popular with some of the upcoming seminars being Basil Gardening, Snakes and Attracting and Identifying Birds.
While you are there don't forget to stop by Cafe M Bloomers tea room, this fancy and fun place is open Tues through Saturday and closed on Mondays.
One of the biggest … (0 comments)

Fiddler on the Roof, last call!!! - 11:09 PM
The last performance of Fiddler on the Roof is taking place March 29th at 2 pm.  This long standing favorite is being played by everyones favorite, The Theatre Company.  The theatre is located at the newly remodeled Tejas Center off Villa Maria.
The Theatre Company is always a hit around here!  Past favorites of mine have been Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie Get Your Gun, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Aida.  Tickets are $7.50 and should be bought in advance as this is an extremely popular attraction.  Sweet Charity is the next production starting June 1st.
… (0 comments)

Jokes... - 11:17 PM
A man walks into a brothel and slaps down $1000 on the counter.  He calls out loudly " Get me the ugliest womand in here and some french fries".  The Madam looks at him and says "but Sir, for $1000 you can get the most beautiful girl we have here and a seven course meal".  He looks at her and says "but Darlin' I ain't horney, I'm homesick"...... … (3 comments)

Taking on the Senior Market - 11:26 PM
How many people out there encounter a heavier concentration of Senior buyers?  Anyone have any advice dealing with them?
Here in the Brazos Valley we are increasingly seeing the effects of seniors being drawn to areas with low populations and a college.  These seniors can be fun to work with, but seem to expect a totally different experience than most of your relocation buyers.  With Relos it's enough to give them the tour of the town and show them where the schools are, then take them to the neighborhoods.  Seniors seem to want a variety of information, not normally in my arsenol.  … (7 comments)

Pop The Champange! - 01:09 PM
Pop the Champagne - or maybe in my case, that should be pull the tab on the beer can --  Anyway, I finally got http://www.myphotogroup.com  to work the way I wanted it. 
It's a non-blog blog that functions as a mirror/archive site for Photography Group.  And the only reason I did it in TypePad instead of just a regular web page, is so I could use TypeLists to maintain the lists of links.  Here in Photography Group, new tutorials get added so frequently, I needed a really quick way to keep adding to the archive list. 
Typelists were a perfect answer, but I wanted … (1 comments)

Texas A&M official discusses real estate at luncheon - 10:32 AM
By KYLE PEVETOThe Daily Sentinel
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Eventually, East Texas will probably begin to look like the Hill Country - rooftops stretching to the horizon in former rural areas, according to Gary Maler, the director of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
Maler spoke Friday at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon to about 50 members of the chamber.
Over their lunches of breaded chicken at the The Fredonia, Maler said the real estate woes that have hit the rest of the U.S. are not affecting Texas much. But news reports of the woes are affecting buyers, he … (1 comments)

Newbie Update May 2007 - 10:44 AM
 Good morning all. Today we are welcoming Angie Vandenbergh as a Moderator for the Newbie Group. Angie has professed an indication of Filtering out the posts on all our groups, but has decided to help out here on the Newbie group.
I for one am breathing a sigh of relief!! So please join me in welcoming Angie as a Moderator!
I would like to remind everyone again that this group is for Questions, ideas and general knowledge about Active Rain. There are numerous posts already in this group that have gotten lost because of so many non-topic posts.
When you choose where to put your … (3 comments)

Immigration Sweeps Target Santa Clarita Area - 10:11 AM
Federal immigration sweeps started in the Santa Clarita area this week and are expected to continue through the weekend. These sweeps are part of the Federal Homeland Security Act to increase border enforcement activities.
While these sweeps are targeted towards finding known fugitives who have ignored previous deportation orders, there will likely be others picked up in these sweeps who are in the United States illegally as well. According to the Daily News, it's not known whether the known fugitives were wanted for crimes other than for ignoring deportation orders.
The "Operation Return to Sender" program was started in May 2006 and has … (1 comments)

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