Archives of real estate blog entries for April 6, 2007

Featured blog posts


Jonathan Washburn's big heart - 02:52 PM
Today is Good Friday to those of us that observe it.  I had told my customers that I was taking the day off.  I had no intentions whatsoever to come into the office.  But here I am.  I received a call earlier from one of our lovely Realty World receptionists to tell me that I had gotten a package. I wasn't expecting anything so I asked her to tell me who it was from.  Cafepress?  I never heard of them but it intrigued me enough that I took the short drive to quell my curiosity.
I took the small package to my … (55 comments)

Step out of the Pressure Cooker Whats Your Hobby - 10:36 AM
Real Estate Is a fabulous business but it can also be a Pressure Cooker. Stress, anxiety, tension we have it all. For several years my wife had encouraged me to take on a hobby. I love golf but in her eyes it was a sport and not a hobby. I don't really know what started her thinking about Stained Glass as a hobby. But for some reason she couldn't shake the thought. Every 6 months or so the topic of hobbies would come up and before you know we were talking about Stained Glass.
I had pretty much successfully dodged the subject … (20 comments)

Helping a Senior Move Part II - 10:48 AM
Yesterday I wrote about Helping a Senior Move Part I, this is the second chapter, and I'm sure there will be many more! 
I just received a phone call from my senior client who, two days ago had decided he wanted to move back home.  Over the last couple of days he has had some important discussions with his family and miraculously, went to visit a senior independent living community.  His family expressed their concern about his returning home and living alone.  He decided (in part, I believe to keep the peace) to move to an independent living community.  He called … (9 comments)

The Member Spotlight is Shining Brightly! - 07:02 PM
This week's Member Spotlight is shining brightly on Elena Joy Thurston of Gilbert, Arizona, which is near Phoenix.  You can learn a lot about Elena and the areas that she serves by visiting her website which is full of good information about the area.
Elena has been in the Real Estate industry for just over two years, and her business is really ramping up.  She first heard about ActiveRain from an article in Sellsius, when she was researching blogging-of all things.  J
Elena wants everyone in the ActiveRain community to know that she is here, involved and interested in the community, although her … (5 comments)

Leigh Brown Is Over the Top! Yea Leigh! - 01:09 AM
                                                                
Hey Folks, North Carolina's finest, and Leading Lady "par excellence", Leigh Brown has just surpassed the 100,000 thousand point mark on AR!
Let's all  join in congratulating Leigh, who has been so faithful to consistently deliver interesting blogs and supportive, heartfelt comments. 
Leigh, I want to personally thank you for your steadfast encouragement and sound advice!
 
 
 
Some of my Favorite "LEIGHBLOGS"                                         
 Happiness Money
 Green Ain't Just For Treehuggers
How to Fire Your Agent
Dear Mr/Ms Seller-Why I Avoid Dual Agency (or double dipping)
If You Want to Give Away the Farm That's Your Call!
 
 
My favorite "Members Only" post by Leigh
… (24 comments)

RSS explanation from a non-geek - Project Blogger session 3 - 12:27 PM
Ok guys, some of you may read this and totally crack up and know how clueless I am when it comes to this stuff.  But Paul Chaney, my super Project Blogger coach, was gracious enough to try to explain the concept of RSS to basic principles.   All I want to know is...... Is there an "RSS for idiots" in the bookstores yet? because if there isn't, that may be a good money maker.
I do encourage everyone to jump in and correct me or explain further if you feel the need. Also, keep in mind that this is my interpretation of Paul's lesson, … (65 comments)

Good Bloggers Are Like Good Negotiators - 10:41 AM
I read Herb Cohen's book "Negotiate This! By Caring, But Not T-H-A-T Much" and it hit me how similar successful negotiators are to the bloggers who I admire here at ActiveRain.
Cohen says there are certain style characteristics of successful persuaders, whether they be politicians, managers, salespeople and, I'd like to add to this list, bloggers.
The ability to express ideas in simple terms, framing issues so that choices are clear-cut.An optimism and hopefulness about the future.Coming across as the embodiment of ordinary folk--regular guys or gals.A congenial, humble, and unaffected way.The use of self-deprecating humor to humanize and make fun of themselves.If I … (34 comments)

Checking In. - 07:05 PM
Hello everyone.  I realized today that I hadn't been around in a while so I'm here checking in.  It seems as if I spend all my day with The Network, however it's IN The Network more than it is talking to the entire group.
Much of what I do is day-to-day.  As you can imagine with a team of over 24,000 there are a lot of things that come up.  When not doing those things here's what I've been working on.  Your input and suggestions are appreciated on any of these things.
1. Localism has had some great input and terrific photos.  However … (32 comments)

Different Does Not Mean Bad - 04:22 PM
I bought a book today.  I've been reading for about half an hour and already I have to stop and tell you about it.  Do I get excited or what?
The book is called "The Big Moo" and it's by 33 authors, edited by Seth Godin.  I bought it because across the top it says, "Stop Trying to Be Perfect and Start Being Remarkable."  (Well, honestly I bought it because of that and because it has a cute little cow on the cover, too.)  I've never tried to be perfect.  I thought it might be fun to be remarkable, though.
I got to … (39 comments)

Fish Bowl Photos...who's fault is it? - 02:27 PM
I was just reading another post about the use of multiple photos for listings creating 300% more traffic on mls than listings with only 1 photo. I'm guilty of this. If there are no interior shots, I think dump, so I am not interested. I also, selfishly think, if you want me to buy your house let me see what it looks like before I leave mine...I'm lazy..no, I have 2 small kids. Getting out is not easy or fun. So show me the pictures or I won't be considering your house.
Then I started thinking about something else that bugs me. … (19 comments)

Newbie, Newbie, New...What to do! - 03:25 PM
Hi I am a newbie here and want to share a few things I have learned
There are number buttons at the bottom of each post you read.  Use those buttons to rate the post.  It helps the author of the post gain points.  One for all and all for one...Let's help each other out.The flagat the bottom of the post (next to the numbers) is for you to flag the moderators.  You can do this if you think the post if worthy of being featured or if someone copied someonelse's post as their own (a HUGE NO NO!).Bookmark located also at … (60 comments)

Do Seller's REALLY know how hard we work? - 12:12 AM
 
Met a seller for a listing agreement that has bought and sold throughout her life. I showed her my LIST and breakdown of all sold in her immediate area by sq. ft. interior/land/bdrms/baths etc. and explained that the market did not plummet but it sure took a toll on days (months) on market as well as well as 98 single family homes (just in Mililani) currently active on the market.
When it was time to decide on the list price she kept looking at her "notes" because she had written out everything down (from when she purchased) for what she wanted back.  The down payment, … (59 comments)

Agents Helping Agents...the way it should be - 01:11 AM
Yesterday I had something happen to me that has never happened before. I have been showing property to a client for a couple of weeks.  Yesterday, she had narrowed her search down to three properties, in three very distinct and different neighborhoods.
I pulled comps for all three properties and noticed a huge discrepancy in the sales price for two of the four comps for one of the homes that she is considering.  I couldn't find anything in the MLS to assist me in figuring out the disparity, so I placed calls to the agents on two of the transactions, to see if they could shed some … (26 comments)

Mediocrity - You Don't Have to Stand for It, Agents (Part 3 of 4) - 12:52 AM
Are you one of the unfortunate souls who is embroiled in a transaction with another agent who is mediocre? Or, worse, are YOU the one who is not doing the job you should be.
Let's deal with you first. Be honest, here...a bit of self examination is always a good thing. Are you a mediocre agent? Bet you know if you are or think you are. And trust me, everyone else does too!
Your knowledge - do you really understand the paperwork, the disclosures, the process itself? Are you not doing what you should be because you don't know how (and are … (21 comments)

Good Friday...Is The Day That...Blog Boy Turns...50...ROAR! - 11:41 AM
Yup. Today is the day that my husband, Broker Bryant (aka Blog Boy) reaches that half century mark. The big 50. So, being the loving lovely wife that I am I'm sharing this very special day with all of you. I am doing that in the form of a show that I created for Blog Boy. But before I begin I have to give Blog Boy a few Birthday present "I Wills"...So without further ado...Here they are....
Blog Boy...Now that you are 50...
 
I will not trade you in...For two 25 year olds. I will continue to serve you breakfast in bed...Until you make another crack about … (110 comments)


Blog posts


Checking In. - 07:05 PM
Hello everyone.  I realized today that I hadn't been around in a while so I'm here checking in.  It seems as if I spend all my day with The Network, however it's IN The Network more than it is talking to the entire group.
Much of what I do is day-to-day.  As you can imagine with a team of over 24,000 there are a lot of things that come up.  When not doing those things here's what I've been working on.  Your input and suggestions are appreciated on any of these things.
1. Localism has had some great input and terrific photos.  However … (32 comments)

Belltown Happenings - a new housing barometer - 08:25 PM
There are many indicators to gauge the state of the housing market - new construction, the economy, job growth, appreciation and so forth. Well, add another barometer. Sources indicate two new real estate offices will open in Belltown soon - a 2nd Windermere office and a Re/Max office.  No doubt, the condo boom opportunity is enticing more entrants by Realtors to the urban market.  
John L. Scott Real Estate was founded in downtown Seattle 76 years ago.  Your downtown John L. Scott agents are well-versed with the urban real estate landscape.
Learn more about Seattle's condo and loft properties.
… (0 comments)

Relocating? View Southern New Hampshire Community Videos on an interactive map! - 05:52 PM
Thinking of relocating to Southern New Hampshire?  View Video Tours of major towns and communities on an interactive map.  See where the communities are located in reference to each other, commuting distances, watch videos on each community, then find out more information about each town.

… (2 comments)

24- Audrey probably IS dead - 06:43 PM
So, I h ad predicted that Audrey wasn't really dead because her other show had been canceled, and I thought the next 24 might  be about Jack leaving CTU and heading to China to find her...
Well, I just saw a preview for a new show called Lipstick Jungle and guess who is starring with Brooke Shields... Yep, it's Audrey!!  So, unless they film 24 on her off season from the new Sex and the City (that's how Lipstick Jungle is being described except the new characters are married), then Audrey really is dead, darnit!!
… (9 comments)

Easter in Brazos Valley - 11:04 PM
Get the Easter Eggs out and enjoy springtime in Brazos Valley!  The Annual Easter celebration at The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum was a success this year.  It was held Saturday, March 31st and was underwrittn by our College Station Police Department as well.
26 years of Easter tradition was incorporated with carnival games and activities, face painting and prizes.  A boys and girls bike were given away and fun was had by all. 
Museum admission is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and children 6 and older $2.  TAMU and Blinn student are free.
… (0 comments)

Give Back on Easter - 11:20 PM
Take time to think about all those who do work on Easter as a necessity this year!  I'm taking cookies to the police department and fire stations in town.  I typically also give a special treat to several service providers this time of year.  If you have to have your Starbucks that morning thank them for being there!  It's tough to work the major holidays, your imagination goes toward families together and nirvana as opposed to the reality.
Give back to your community, but don't forget a business card!!!
… (1 comments)

Property Calls for Leasing - 11:26 PM
I've been having a huge problem with tons of calls about properties I've blogged on asking about leasing.  Most of these are student properties, and it's students calling.  If it were a small amount I wouldn't mind, but one day my assistant and I got 11 calls from people wanting to lease.  These mostly come in on my cell phone, since that is the number I advertise most. 
I've even amended my profile to mention that I don't do leasing.  I'm not sure what other steps to take.  I don't want to discourage people from calling, but I'm especially tired of … (4 comments)

Carnival at the Mall this weekend! - 11:32 PM
Post Oak mall will be hosting the carnival this weekend April 6-9, 2007.  Preliminary reports are that it has all the good games and rides and is quite enhanced from last year.  Along with all the games and rides (wristbands can be had for $20 for the evening) roasted corn, cotton candy, carmel apples and funnel cakes are all available.
Fun seems to be widespread, and not limited to a certain age group.  Young adults as well as young children look happy and are enjoying themselves.
Come one, come all to the Post Oak Mall.
… (2 comments)

Represent your Clients the Way You Would Want To Be Represented - 11:40 PM
The golden rule of real estate isn't just fudiciary.  It's treating your client like you would want to be treated at all times.  There's something peaceful about the end of a day when you know that you've covered all bases and done the best that you can for all your clients.  You've gone in there and went to bat for them and really came out the winner, not just in your mind, but theirs. 
Are you representing your clients to the best of your ability?  Every day? 
… (3 comments)

Authenticity Is The New Black - 11:10 AM
Everywhere I look, businesses are beginning to embrace a new strategy for connecting with customers: getting real.  Fed by the blogging explosion, sales and marketing organizations are looking at how to drop their corporate masks of sameness and grow real relationships with people.
This month’s cover article in Wired Magazine is about authenticity, though they sex it up by using the word ‘naked’ instead. Of all people to profile, they chose Glenn Kelman, CEO of.. Redfin Corp.
Love him or (more likely) hate him, it’s a great story and it’s worth putting aside our opinions of his business model for a moment to look … (0 comments)

Local Agent Earns REALTOR e-PRO® Certification - 12:19 AM
Daniel Lowery of Coldwell Banker Gordon Co. REALTORS® has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO® course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.®
The REALTOR e-PRO® certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have … (0 comments)

REALTOR Code of Ethics Reminder - 12:30 AM
Hello I wanted to share with everyone that I took my Code Of Ethics training class today and as always I learn something new. I wanted to encourage everyone to brush up on the Code. If you have not looked at the code in a while now would be a good time to do so. It never hurts to read up on the code, because YOU NEVER KNOW.
Daniel Lowery, Certified Negotiation Specialist (CNS), e-PROREALTOR® Broker/Sales Coldwell Banker Gordon Co. Realtors Direct: (573) 291-1819 Office: (573) 761-3312Email: daniel@daniellowery.comWebsite: www.daniellowery.comWhen Service Matters Call Dan!
… (4 comments)

The Guard said "Welcome to Hell" - 06:10 PM
A short time ago we took our Granddaughter to the emergency room at the Gardens Medical Center.  She was having sharp pains in her abdomen and was very nauseous.  We asked the person at the front desk about how long it might be for her to be seen and were told she did not seem to have any life threatening problem and she would have to wait her turn behind any serious cases. 
I talked to the guard on duty and he said "Welcome to Hell".  We sat and sat and sat and waited and waited and waited and nine hours … (12 comments)

Taking an AR Vacation... - 09:02 AM
If you need me, I will be back on Sunday night....   In the meantime some reading material for you:
General Real Estate Articles by Colleen Kulikowski Florida Residents - Home Owner Web Resources For Sale By Owners - Something to Think About What Makes An Excellent Vacation Rental? Is there really a Crystal Ball in Real Estate? Tip - How to Make Glass Sparkle Lesson in Customer Service -- Visit a few Hardware Stores! Insurance Update Attention Florida Home Purchasers It is that time of the Year... Owners - A Few Words on Showings... So you want to sell your property yourself.... … (7 comments)

810 Benicia Road, Vallejo, CA 94591 - 07:30 PM
 
Search all homes in Northern California at www.RealEstatebyStef.com!
     
Beautifully Upgraded & Remodeled Home!!! Outside has new paint, roof & gutters. Inside has fresh paint, carpet & hardwood floor & doors throughout. Double pained windows in this 2bd/1ba home. Kitchen all remodeled & has new dimming lights. Bedrooms beautifully done with chair rail & closet organizers. Master bath has inset lights & beautiful cabinets. Private backyard with shade cloth patio cover, built in barbeque & benches & no rear neighbors. Offered at $425,000!
… (1 comments)

Los Gatos Real Estate Market Update - 10:42 AM
REInfolink, the local multiple listing service provider for real estate professionals, has provided us stats on March's sales and closing activity. How're things looking?In a nutshell, I'd say Los Gatos is fairly healthy.  Homes that are in the lower to midrange prices and are nicely improved and are selling well.  Overpriced homes that need updating are not moving well at all (but of course that tends to be the case in all markets).  Homes with a good lot that are priced like "land value" are selling well too.  It seems to be all about positioning.  Here are the numbers:For the "monthly … (2 comments)

Welcome Teresa Rommel - 06:51 PM
Barnett Associates Real Estate, LLC would like to welcome Teresa Rommel to our team. Teresa comes to us from a local competitor and has been a licensed agent since 1994 and is highly experience with real estate agency. She is also a resident of Marysville so clients can rest assured that they are getting the best possible person. It is a great honor that Teresa would choose us over another brokerage firm and we look forward to a long lasting relationship. … (4 comments)

Knoxville Tennessee is the Nation's 5th best location for business & careers - 10:47 AM
According to a survey Forbes Magazine conducts annually, Knoxville ranked 5th for the second consecutive year out of 179 major cities surveyed.
The 179 cities were ranked for job and income growth, business and living costs, education of the work force, migration trends and quality of life issues such as crime rates and cultural opportunities.
No surprise there for the local folks; we've known for years that the greater Knoxville area is a great place to live. We have a very business friendly climate, low cost of living, talented work force, access to great research facilities at nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory and … (1 comments)

Past Mac Enthusiast Articles - 09:09 AM
Greetings fellow MacUsers. I know we've all probably posted great Mac articles before we joined the group, so wanted to start a list of some of our favorites from Active Rain or even other blogs.
Here are my articles:
Pod Sets Currency Values in AustraliaApple (and McDonalds) taught me how to succeed in real estate.Apple iPhone simplifies your life.Apple hiring iPhone Division employees in Austin.Macintosh real estate users are people too...I'd love to see what the rest of you have written or other great articles! … (5 comments)

Running Legacy Software in Windows Vista and Windows XP - 09:20 AM
LEGACY SOFTWARE: For those that will be running legacy (designed for pre-Vista Windows) software in Windows Vista, I've generally found that unless the program requires specific hardware for which there are no Vista-compatible drivers, most will run in Vista, but may cause Vista to go into a "Windows Vista Basic" mode. The basic mode shuts off the Aero visual elements of Vista.  Vista will warn you it is doing this, then switch back to your regular Vista display mode (using Aero visual elements) after you exit the program.BTW, for those still running Windows XP, here are a few blog articles for getting the most out of Windows … (2 comments)

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