Archives of real estate blog entries for April 29, 2007

Featured blog posts


Never have I seen the media control our Real Estate Industry so MUCH! - 06:45 PM
Every time I pick up the newspaper all I hear is how BAD things are in Real Estate. So, I cancelled my newspaper subscription. A year or so ago the HEADLINES read “The Housing Market is Booming” and “Florida most desired place to live” Real Estate Sales were up and many Real Estate Professionals advertised in the newspapers accounting for a large number of their revenues. Don’t get me wrong! I like journalist and newspaper reporters. I was the editor in chief of our school newspaper many years ago and I believe in freedom of speech. At one time in my … (41 comments)

AN UNDIAGNOSED INTROVERT!!!!! - 12:11 AM
Today I happened onto Jennifer Allans' post about Celebrating the Introvert within that was announcing her new group at Active Rain. 
I had seen the title in my meanderings in the past few days here at AR, but it wasn't one I thought would be something I was interested in. It wasn't until I noticed the post as I was going through the Real Estate Rookie Group (as I try to do once a week) and decided to check it out to make sure it was on topic to the group.
The connection I felt was incredible! This was me, finally, a complete description. … (37 comments)

Increasing curb appeal with small landscaping improvements - 08:23 AM
Recently, I've taken a listing on a gorgeous 1.5 Story magnificently-gabled home (you can find it here, as of today) which looks like a Swiss chateau.  It sits high over the street and offers great curb appeal.  The one thing lacking, however, was landscaping.    
Fortunately, I have a very cooperative owner who has primped the inside very nicely.  He's had the HW floors professionally finished, painted all the appropriate surfaces -- he even had the front door hardware bead-blasted so that the brass really shines.  It's looking pretty good, except ... the front lawn and landscaping. 
My Seller started by adding … (15 comments)

Do You Email New Listings To Fellow Realtors? - 06:06 AM
   Fellow Realtors....I need your help.  You see, I am a Principal Broker and Owner of a real estate company in Bend, Oregon.  I am constantly working for my clients to make sure that their listing with me receives the very best EXPOSURE possible.  I use the traditional methods to "get the word out" on every one of my listings....and the one I value the most is the very one who is actually working hard to STOP ME from informing more than 1000 local Realtors directly by email that I have a new listing!
     Let me set this up for you.  … (53 comments)

What's the Best Way to Ask for Referrals? Don't. - 02:55 AM
Whatchu talkin' ‘bout Jennifer? You can't be serious!
Yes, I am.
If you're asking the question "What is the best way to ask for referrals?" that tells me that something about doing it bothers you.
And if it bothers you, don't do it. Your discomfort will be crystal clear to the person you're asking, which is probably worse than not asking at all.
(If you don't mind asking for referrals, it probably comes naturally to you. Keep up the good work and ignore the rest of this blog.)
Do YOU like being asked for referrals? I don't.
When a friend asks … (113 comments)

Marketing on a Budget -- Active Rain can Play a Big Part - 05:44 PM
by Rich Schiffer, Weichert Realtors
I was pleasantly surprised yesterday by an email from a fellow REALTOR and Active Rain member, Nick Vandekar congratulating me on getting a mention in the May issue of REALTOR Magazine.  I remember having been interviewed, but I was not aware of when the piece was going to be produced.  As soon as I safely could, I retrieved my copy from the office delivery bundle.  (I apologize to any of my officemates whose copy may have gotten out of alphabetical order -- in my excitement, I dropped a few while searching for mine.)
I leaped immediately to the table … (96 comments)

I Accepted the Challenge! - 05:09 PM
Many of us read JaneAnne Narrin's post recently proposing THE BEST CHALLENGE I've seen here on AR.  The challenge was quite inspiring to me.  I found it to be a great way to expand my mind and creativity through both the AR and my Local Community.
Starting into my 3rd week here on AR, my eyes have been opened to the endless possibilities in the blogging world.  Until a couple of weeks ago I didn't even know what a BLOG was!  Well, I haven't even touched the surface of all the Resources available here. 
When you read posts, how do you utilize the … (39 comments)

A Reminder to Watch HGTV's "MY FIRST PLACE" Tonight at 10:30 EST - 02:48 PM
Last week I posted a blog concerning my reality TV debut My Reality TV Debut is Suddenly Here! on HGTV's hit series "My First Place" http://www.hgtv.com/. After the post a few Rainers ask me to post a reminder message today, so here it is. The episode will air tonight Sunday April 29th at 10:30 PM EST.
The program follows my clients Raphael and Erika along with their four children on their quest to purchase their first home. As they attempt to qualify for financing and attempt to purchase a home of their own the story unfolds in a wonderful way. I promise you that … (39 comments)

Friday Fun with Sellsius or What Makes A Blogger - 02:44 PM
 
As everyone knows a bunch of us met up on a roof top in Laguna Beach.  We has a few drinks, a lot of laughs and found that we shared some interesting characterisitics..more about that later... But first.. the players:
Joe Ferrara and Rudy Bachraty from Sellsius were the hosts for this fun event.. 
Laurie Manny.. the Queen of Long Beach  who may or may not be related to Brian Brady, America's Most Opinionated Mortgage Broker who was there with his fellow Bloundhound contributor Morgan Brown  Blown Mortgage Blog  along with Mr Blog or as he is now known Mr Move.. Dustin Luther Rain City Guide .  These guys shared stories about blogging with … (44 comments)

The Cost of Not Believing - 01:13 PM
Monika and I have been selling real estate for over 23 years and we pride ourselves at how well we present or CMA's (comparable market analysis). We were contacted by someone back in Sept. of '06 who wanted to sell quickly so they could relocate to Florida and not spend another winter in New Hampshire.
Monika and I did a two step listing presentation. We went and viewed the home and then went back in to present our findings. The house was in ok condition and nothing spectacular. It was dated and needed some minor repairs and a good cleaning. The house … (47 comments)

Making love to the house! - 03:34 AM
Do any of you other bloggers love the reaction you get when a buyer finds the right house?
It is magic to watch...first they stroke the fireplace mantle, then maybe caress the cabinets, let their fingers run over the granite counter tops.  I call this "making love to the house".
 Then...the tape measure comes out, and it's placing the couch and entertainment center.  Then, there's always an objection...this wall is too short for the dresser.  (Deciding a $600,000 purchase over a $400 dresser). 
 Then comes the what if and do you think (What if we close in 45 days) or do you think they'll throw … (30 comments)

A Day of Silence In My Blogosphere..Why It's Important to Me! April 30th, 2007 - 12:02 AM
 
As I travel through the blogosphere I notice as time goes on I share more of myself, things and thoughts that might have been tucked away, things that I never thought I would have to face.  My heart and my mind are so open and like a sponge, I absorb what the writer is feeling.  Of course not on the same level but it is as if they are my extended family, I personally know them,  after-all, I read about them everyday.  Indeed they are my extended family.
 
In my mind the writing is so intense and incredible and … (17 comments)

Some People Take the Cake - An honest to goodness phone call - 03:08 AM
I'm sitting here minding my own business when the phone rings, Sally Shopper is on the other end.  Sally want's to refinance her current 30 year fixed 5% mortgage to take out $100,000 to purchase an investment property.
Sally would like to remain at a 5% fixed rate and not pay any points, and also purchase her investment property with the same 5% fixed rate.  After asking all the obligatory questions, I get around to qouting Sally rates.
Sally:  Ed I know there are 5% 30 year fixed loans available because I have one, are they just all sold out?Me: No, Sally they're … (86 comments)

What's up ActiveRain... - 08:23 PM
Wow, ActiveRain seems to really be taking on a life of its own lately.  Like a vital community, everywhere I look there is huge amounts of activity and member participation. 
There was a time where I read (ok, browsed) through almost every post daily and knew what was happening in every corner of ActiveRain.  This has long since become an impossible task for obvious reasons.  This doesn't mean that I'm any less involved, just more and more I've had to move behind the scenes to keep everything running. 
This unbelievable growth ActiveRain has experienced has also created it's own unique set of challenges: 
We receive nearly 300 support … (70 comments)

Open House: Getting Back In The Trenches - 02:46 PM
I just finished printing off materials for an Open House I am holding today.  It will be my first one of the year.  The first one I've done since last June, in fact.  In all of 2006 I think I did three.  Why don't I do more of them?
For starters, I'm a high D on the DISC profile.  Waiting for someone to walk through a door, who may or may not be seriously looking is a very difficult thing for me.  But when I started my real estate career in 2002 back in Tulsa, open houses were a great way for … (30 comments)

Flag Man Found - 11:38 AM
Friday was a pretty emotional day for me.  The guy with the flag and his wife Pamela,who just happens to be a real estate agent in Massachusetts, came to Hampstead New Hampshire to meet me.  If you haven't read my story about when Hate came to Hampstead please take a few moments and read it so that this will make sense to you.
Our meeting was recorded by the Union Leader Newspaper which is the largest newspaper in NH.  They also interviewed me last week about my original Hate post and I posted about that experience on my blog.
Over this … (36 comments)

Free is the word... Syndicate Your Real Estate Listings... - 03:10 AM
To start off please do me a fav and subscribe to my blog pretty please.  I would add a link, however AR has it coded funny so you've got to do it yourself and click the "Subscribe To Blog" link that is right above your picture as you're viewing this post.
7 Ways to Syndicate Your Real Estate Listing With so many buyers turning to the Internet to shop overland park real estate and of course the rest of the U.S too, getting your listings in front of them couldn't be easier. There are many website solutions to choose from when it comes to … (31 comments)

Flat Matt's Adventures from Florida to New Hampshire! - 04:45 PM
By now, most here on Active Rain know about the Flat Rain Dudes and how they came to be one night during a conversation with Colleen - they came forth into the world one bright sunny day in Celebration Florida, and they each went their separate ways that day. 
Flat Ben romped around with TLW and BB in their lakeside citrus grove home.Flat Caleb had wonderful water adventures with Nick the Appraiser.Flat James cruised around with Neal the Real Deal.Flat Jonathan took off with Sharon Sims.And I had the good fortune to have fun with Flat Matt - don't ya just love … (57 comments)


Blog posts


What's up ActiveRain... - 08:23 PM
Wow, ActiveRain seems to really be taking on a life of its own lately.  Like a vital community, everywhere I look there is huge amounts of activity and member participation. 
There was a time where I read (ok, browsed) through almost every post daily and knew what was happening in every corner of ActiveRain.  This has long since become an impossible task for obvious reasons.  This doesn't mean that I'm any less involved, just more and more I've had to move behind the scenes to keep everything running. 
This unbelievable growth ActiveRain has experienced has also created it's own unique set of challenges: 
We receive nearly 300 support … (70 comments)

A Day of Silence In My Blogosphere..Why It's Important to Me! April 30th, 2007 - 12:02 AM
 
As I travel through the blogosphere I notice as time goes on I share more of myself, things and thoughts that might have been tucked away, things that I never thought I would have to face.  My heart and my mind are so open and like a sponge, I absorb what the writer is feeling.  Of course not on the same level but it is as if they are my extended family, I personally know them,  after-all, I read about them everyday.  Indeed they are my extended family.
 
In my mind the writing is so intense and incredible and … (17 comments)

Yes....My Brother Joined ActiveRain.....Please Welcome Him..... - 03:22 PM
Please help me welcome my brother and Real Estate Investor, Albert Terwilliger to the ActiveRain Family.  He did not waste a minute and has already posted. Please do not comment here but on his 1st post! 
                            
Be careful you will be addicted!  I am........
… (13 comments)

NEW HAMPSHIRE SUMMER GET-A-WAYS - 12 “GREEN” IDEAS - 10:19 PM
 
        Summer is around the corner  -- at last!  The kids will be out of school and looking for things to do.  With gas prices climbing on a daily basis, New Hampshire residents can save money, enjoy the summer activities and learn about conservation without having to leaving the State.  Here are 12 GREEN get-a-ways for children of all ages. 

THE CHILDREN'S METAMORPHOSIS (The MET), DERRY, NH  The Met is an interactive children's museum filled with fun and developmental-oriented activities.  The Met's mission is to establish, provide and maintain a private, non-profit hands-on museum for young children, their families, schools, … (18 comments)

Fall Creek Place A HUD Recognized Homeownership Zone in Indianapolis - 12:19 AM
… (7 comments)

AN UNDIAGNOSED INTROVERT!!!!! - 12:11 AM
Today I happened onto Jennifer Allans' post about Celebrating the Introvert within that was announcing her new group at Active Rain. 
I had seen the title in my meanderings in the past few days here at AR, but it wasn't one I thought would be something I was interested in. It wasn't until I noticed the post as I was going through the Real Estate Rookie Group (as I try to do once a week) and decided to check it out to make sure it was on topic to the group.
The connection I felt was incredible! This was me, finally, a complete description. … (37 comments)

7330-7332 German Hill Road Baltimore, Maryland 21222 - 12:19 AM
 
www.HomeRome.com
Baltimore,Md
… (7 comments)

Why Do You Have Caleb In Your Pants? - 10:03 PM
Why Do You Have Caleb In Your Pants?  
                                                                                      
That was the question Deborah Aiken asked as we entered her Daiken Design booth to view her hand made glass jewelry and accessories.  
                                                                                    It was one of many times that I explained Flat Caleb as a take off on Flat Stanley.
As Colleen told us in her post, Flat Stanley is a popular children's book about the adventures of a boy who is flattened accidentally. A Canadian schTool teacher, Dale Hubert, began the Flat Stanley Project and 1995, and now there are several versions of Stanley around the world, including our own Active Rain … (26 comments)

The reality of reality is horrifying!! - 02:11 PM
Folks, if you are expecting my normal educational or humorous post you may want to skip by this one. It is neither. I'm writing this because I read something yesterday that disturbed me and I have to get it out of my head.
Late yesterday I was perusing the latest Time magazine and there was an article trying to make a connection between Global warming and the conflicts in Africa. According to this writer, the Sahara desert is becoming larger due to global warming and the effects of drought. And because of this it is creating a scarcity of food and … (54 comments)

Winding Down Week 3 with Project Blogger - 01:34 AM
This week I was so busy with my real estate practice here in Silicon Valley that I'm just glad I got in a daily post on my blog, Live in Los Gatos. Most days were long, with multiple appointments.  I had a couple of sales, and it was another week without a full day off.  I tell myself that it's like being a farmer when the crops are good: count your blessings, don't grumble, reap the harvest while you can.But today I only worked a half day and the rest was off. With my free time I went to our local park to see baby Great … (13 comments)

Avoiding Scams and Fraud on the Internet and Elsewhere - 11:20 PM
We all know that the Internet provides a tremendous means for the advertising of our products and services. However, it also has it's risks, when engaging in any transaction involving money, for scams and fraud.There are many steps that everyone can take to minimize those risks.  Several web sites provide practical steps to help you protect yourself against becoming a victim and resources you can access should you encounter a possible scam or fraudulent situation.The following discuss steps you can take to avoid Scams and Fraud, both on and off the Internet:Craigslist: Avoiding Scams and Fraud on the InternetFight Identity Theft - Learn How To Avoid … (0 comments)

Market slowdown hits all levels - 03:22 AM
In my market area, like most, there are areas of higher prices and areas of lower prices.I was analyzing prices and trends this weekend and found that there are a whole lot of very unhappy high-end home owners right now.When it comes to these kinds of problems, it is not something being felt only by those who can afford a $2 million home. For instance, there is a home listed for 2.5 million right now. You might think that is a whole lot of money, but it is not when you realize that 1) There is NO WAY they will get … (2 comments)

Lemonade Stand - 06:44 AM
My boys put out a lemonade stand the other day. It was interesting to watch them do their thing. My twin 6 year old boys were the ones really running the show and they could not have handled things more differently.
One of them, the organizer of the whole thing planned out all the details. He was ready to go and came up with all the ideas. He got the table, chairs, made signs and pestered good old mom and dad until the lemonade was made and ready to go. The other twin twirled and danced - as he is want to … (12 comments)

Flat Matt's Adventures from Florida to New Hampshire! - 04:45 PM
By now, most here on Active Rain know about the Flat Rain Dudes and how they came to be one night during a conversation with Colleen - they came forth into the world one bright sunny day in Celebration Florida, and they each went their separate ways that day. 
Flat Ben romped around with TLW and BB in their lakeside citrus grove home.Flat Caleb had wonderful water adventures with Nick the Appraiser.Flat James cruised around with Neal the Real Deal.Flat Jonathan took off with Sharon Sims.And I had the good fortune to have fun with Flat Matt - don't ya just love … (57 comments)

It MUST be Spring - The Home Shows are Coming to New Hampshire! - 08:35 PM
 
The Home Shows are coming - YAY!!  And that means SPRING has arrived here in New Hampshire!!! 
We are fortunate here where we live in Portsmouth New Hampshire because our location is perfect to get to just about anywhere - Boston, Portland Maine, Manchester, etc.  And that means we can easily get to any of the great Home Shows that take place around New Hampshire and Maine!  Love it!!
We were able to make it to one of the Spring Home Shows this weekend.  This one was in Dover New Hampshire, about 15 minutes north of us, and it was held in … (22 comments)

Top 4 Counter-Intuitive Real Estate Truths - 06:31 PM
I call them “Counter-intuitive” because, when put in similar circumstances, most consumers make the wrong choice.  Common sense almost always leads you in the right direction.  The following are a few examples of when it’s not best to follow your gut: 1) Starting with a lower price just might net you more money.  Most folks want to start at a higher price and lower the asking price when there’s little or no interest.  I can appreciate your strategy.  You want to make as much money as possible, and you think there’s a chance that somebody just might buy your home if … (5 comments)

Stagers: A Little Help Please - 07:18 PM
My wife is a Real Estate Agent with me.  We're a team.  She's already a great decorator, and she's decided that she wants to seek out some education that would help her learn about staging.  She enrolled in the Realtor ASP course, which is the 2 day course from Barb Schwartz.  Since she does intend to offer this service to our clients, we were wondering what other training she should seek out.  Your most excellent professional advice is much appreciated.
Any ideas? 
… (4 comments)

Put me in touch with the listing agent.... - 05:44 PM
Put me in touch with the listing agent....by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler REALTOR®Chandler AZ Real Estate
Here's an interesting scenario.  I get a call asking me about one of my listings.  But - its not my listing!  Its another agent's listing who also works for my firm.  I request the caller send me an email with the MLS# and I'll try to find some information.  So I get the following email...
Please pass along my contactr information to the listing agent on this property.Cell: ***-***-****He or she can ask for either ***** or ****.I won't be working with a buyer's agent, but if you or … (16 comments)

Marketing To Your 'First Class Clients' - 04:04 PM
The cost of a first class postage stamp is due to increase 2 cents on May 14, 2007, increasing from 39 cents to 41 cents. This is the perfect opportunity for you to remind your First Class Clients how important they are to you.
Send your clients a "My 2 Cents" letter letting them know about the rate increase and include a few 2 cent stamps. This rather small investment will bring big returns. You will get brownie points for your creativity,  for your thoughtfulness,  and for saving them time and money. 
Like the idea, but don't have time to implement it. Let a … (7 comments)

Don't Believe Everything The Media Says - 04:05 PM
Real Estate is still a great investment if you know how and when to buy.Because there has been so much bad publicity about the real estate market peeking out I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you.The front page of the Naples Daily news said that we have had a 31% decrease in sales this year but they forget to mention that prices are all at least 30-40% higher than last year. That means that fewer buyers can afford to buy! I heard there was another bad article in USA today too....I wish the reporters and the media would … (0 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2007-04-29

 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