Archives of real estate blog entries for May 10, 2007

Featured blog posts


Lead Generation Services? - Save Your Money! - 09:35 PM
I got another one of those calls this morning.  I am tired of these folks.  For $300 a month a company I have never heard of will allow me to by a zip code.  Any of you own a zip code?  That sounds like a heck of a deal.  Well not really!
Me: If I buy a zip code for $300 what do I get?  Her: Well you will get all of the leads we generate in that zip code.  You also get a coach and a free professional website.  Me: Is that $300 a year?  Her: No a month Me: Hmmm.....  … (159 comments)

Are you Getting Chicken or Feathers ? ? ? - 08:54 AM
Real estate is often said to be feast or famine. 
Some old timers call it CHICKEN or FEATHERS. Have you ever heard it put that way? 
This means that selling houses is like chasing chickens.   
Say what? 
Some days you are faster than the chicken, and you get to eat Chicken.  Some days you are off your game just a tiny bit - you go through all the same motions, but all you get is a mouthful of feathers... (or almost but not quite)  LOL 
HOWEVER - This week it is STEAK !!!!!! 
I showed something like 20 houses, wrote 4 offers, received 2 on my listings, scheduled another second … (26 comments)

Buyer Humor: Its Time to Negotiabate - 01:21 AM
Do you ever get a little tongue tied when talking with a client? Today, I was walking with a buyer as we viewed a home in sore need of updating and TLC. The home is located in Pass Christian, and is approximately  35 years old.According to neighbors I chatted with, the cul de sac did not flood. The family wants to stay in Pass Christian so they do not have to disrupt the children from school. They also really, really need a 4bedroom, 2 bath, garage, fenced yard.
We are looking considerably below their pre-qualified range as they feel more comfortable with lower … (14 comments)

First Time Home Buyers Want Granite.... - 12:06 PM
  I have found that when I work with First Time Home Buyers they want granite counter-tops, hardwood floors and Tile.  Additionally they want stainless steel appliances....And in many cases all of those features in a home over 2500 square feet....Somewhere along the way they have heard that this is the norm.
What do I consider a First Time Home Buyer?  I would define a First Time Home-buyer to fall within the FHA guidelines and under.  Which would be under $200,000 in Tarrant County.  $200,000 is actually  on the high side for a First Time Home-buyer. 
I have worked with Buyers that … (41 comments)

99% of Homeowners Can Pay Their Mortgage! - 12:09 PM
One of the things that always bugs me about the main stream media is that they often leave out key facts or make statements that often makes things seem worse than they really are.   I think there really needs some perspective on foreclosures and sub-prime mortgage lending.  Now before someone goes all ballistic and on some rampage about predatory lending, evil mortgage brokers, and how it is all George Bush's fault, let me just state for the record that foreclosures are bad.  Foreclosures suck for lenders.  They suck for borrowers.  And they also suck for neighborhoods. Foreclosures are in no ones … (20 comments)

I AM THE SLIMIEST REALTOR - 12:10 PM
 
 
I was recently reading Mariana Wagner's post How To Be A SLIMY Real Estate Agent. If you read it you will see that the video was quite funny. But I would like to expose the fact that I am now called the "slimiest Realtor "in Florida...but in a different way.
Normally when I take a listing I pledge to devote all my time and effort into servicing the client by helping them understand our current market. I will also offer my services in another way. I am pretty handy and that has helped me cultivate even more business by offering a talent that most … (67 comments)

Sucked Into The Spin Cycle - I'd Appreciate Your Help, Please. - 12:51 PM
Do you ever get sick of the rotten stories about the real estate market?  Wonder why they never stop?  Me, too!  Last week I was interviewed for the Naples News - I carefully chose my words, said something positive.
Hey, SW Florida has had an upturn, written about in the Herald Tribune, too.  That story was picked up by the Zousing Zubble Zlog (I used Z's because I refuse to give them any credance) and made so negative, I could barely believe it!  That was just days ago.  
When good interviews go bad.  I got sucked into a spin cycle, thrown on the tracks, set up and … (90 comments)

Fellow Rainers make Inman News - 09:45 AM
Fellow Rainers Don Farizio-Garcia, Kristal Kraft, Leigh Brown, Eileen Landau, and Yours Truly made honorable mention in a recent Inman News release entitled, "Real Estate Agents learn to Google themselves."
The Editor's lead-in note reads as follows:
"With some three-quarters of real estate consumers going online to look for property listings, neighborhood information, home buying and selling advice, and tips on how to choose a Realtor, it's become crucial for real estate businesses to gain a sense of where people are going, what they are looking for, and what kinds of information they are contributing to online forums and review sites. In this … (26 comments)

Carnival of Luxury (and Active Rain) Winners - 08:55 AM
What a pleasure it has been to go through the entries for the first Carnival of Luxury.
It was fun to read entries not only from outstanding Active Rain real estate professionals (including Active Rain's Jeff Dowler, Eric Carlsen, and Jennifer Kirby), but a rant from a therapist, an art review, advice for creating abundant lifestyles, and the story of a Las Vegas legend who went from a $2500 loan to billionaire status.
Perhaps it is the ultra-warm weather we have been experiencing in San Diego-or the fun of judging, but hot seems to be the word du jour. It is also a convenient … (20 comments)

Miami Shores Summer Camps - UPDATED - 09:31 PM
I cannot believe we have less than one month left of school!  Planning for summer camps for the kids can be very stressful because you don't even know where to begin.
Since we do have 3 kids of different ages, we have done lots of research on summer camps in or close to Miami Shores for our own children and wanted to share this information to make it easier for local families to find activities for their kids.  Please keep in mind that we are not sponsoring any of these camps and do advise that you do your own additional research. If you … (27 comments)

The Real Payoff for Working with Seniors - 08:11 PM
I often get "looks" from my real estate agent colleagues when I tell them of my adventures working with seniors. They wonder why I do what I do. Yesterday was a typical day of my work with my senior clients I thought I'd take a minute to share before I go off and do it again today.
Claire is a new client who was referred to me by a past senior client.
I met with Claire at her financial planners office at 8:30 am (Yes, some of us are working before 9:00 am!). Eight days earlier Claire had signed a purchase agreement … (23 comments)

The Art of Database Management- Part III - 06:49 AM
The second part of Bill Gates' famous quote from Business at the Speed of Thought deals with the subject of reporting and managing the information you've gathered. The unfortunate reality is that many people have databases full of useful information, but they simply don't use the information effectively. Many people think of a database as an electronic Rolodex®, when it is really so much more than that. A database is a living, breathing, proactive platform that can generate predictable results and keep bringing in new business for you.
The only way to turn your data into useful information is through reporting. The … (1 comments)

After I SOLD Her Home at Foreclosure Auction.....She Thanked Me! - 01:22 AM
May 9th......the sale was to start promptly at 11:15 A.M. - I zoomed into the town of Rockville, Maryland - Montgomery County to conduct my only scheduled Foreclosure Auction that day. I didn't realize it then but this one would be a little different.......
As I walked around the corner to the front of the Courthouse, I noticed a crowd of around 30 people. WOW, For the past couple of months almost NO one has showed to any of the sales. The first thing I did was look down at the advertisement (the contract) to see the date of the Deed of … (24 comments)

ActiveRain Gathering LA: Time To RSVP - 07:33 AM

It's Settled. An Adult (figuratively speaking) Evening Event It is.The vote was small, but definitive. 19 for evening adult. 8 for afternoon family. Now onto the important stuff. Following the lead of TLW for the Orlando event, it's time to get a head count so we can plan this thing properly. We're going to find a coastal location somewhere between Huntington Beach and Santa Monica. I Wish I could be more specific at this point, but I can't. No LA location is going to please everyone. This place is just too vast. So...
June 9th, 2007. Evening Event. Somewhere between Santa Monica … (57 comments)

Give Them Something - 06:27 AM
OK well don't hand out cash but...The ActiveRain Real Estate Network is a place to share your knowledge and experiences.  Members will find they benefit most from being a participating contributor.
There is a great article here on BusinessWeek.com by Kerry Miller.  Kerry writes "the most successful businesses are ones that know how to give."  For this network "giving" is sharing and generally contributing.  Kerry's tips really help explain the concept of giving.  But she also goes into more depth on creating your on-line presence. I encourage many of you to check it out, especially if you're looking to improve the quality … (36 comments)

Cold Hard Reality: Dying Dreams and Limited Opportunities - 09:30 PM
With each passing week I receive emails with questions from stagers asking me how to approach and solve a myriad of issues and challenges facing them and in their staging business. Some of these are issues QUITE complex and take MORE than just a quick email response. Unfortunately as I work on growing my own business I do not have the time to reply. I would love to help, but I literally could have a career JUST answering the questions and solving the problems that new stagers are asking. But the realty of what has been going on got me to thinking... and … (66 comments)

"Signature Lines and Dates" Do you put the REAL ACTUAL DATE on the line? - 07:32 PM
Ok, I'm dealing with something and it's time to kick it out there and see what comes back.  I have always been taught to date something when you actually sign it.  If you put in a different date, it does not show the chain of time that you are trying to establish and IT'S A LIE.   Dates are to establish a time line, otherwise why put them on anything if you can just write in any date that you want to, why date it at all??
This became very important recently.  I did an offer for a couple who were bidding on … (9 comments)

Project Blogger - An insider's perspective - 08:40 PM
I have to admit that when I read Jim Cronin's post Blogger Idol, Where's Simon Cowell When You Need Him? I got a little bent out of shape and here's why: since beginning the contest I have done nothing but practice real estate (my day job!) and research and post for Project Blogger.  I am not an egomaniac by any stretch of the imagination, but I am proud of what I have accomplished so far in the past 4 1/2 weeks and it stung to hear Project Blogger referred to as: 
"It's a free t-shirt away from being a one mile … (20 comments)

Is ActiveRain real life? - 08:58 AM
Do your friends, family or co-workers wonder why you are so fascinated with this new website called ActiveRain? Have you gone off the deep end? Have you missed a meal, or some sleep just to be on the network? ActiveRain is not real life!! Or is it?
If you search through the archives you will find lots of posts about the "ActiveRain Addiction". Many of us have fallen under the spell of the computer on our desk with the familiar, lowercase logo in the top left corner. We spend hours we should be using for other tasks. We count points that have … (135 comments)

My Active Rain Anniversary - 21,895,545 seconds - 08:07 PM
I am just so excited to tell you all that I have had a blog on Active Rain now for:
253 days, 10 hours, 5 minutes and 45 seconds Or 8 months, 10 days, 10 hours, 5 minutes, 45 seconds.    * 21,895,545 seconds    * 364,925 minutes (rounded down)    * 6082 hours (rounded down)    * 36 weeks (rounded down)
This is my 195th post!  I can't beleive I have made it this far.  I missed an opportiunity at my 100th post, my two month anniversary, and my six month anniversary to share my joy.  I probably won't have time for a special 200th post, … (48 comments)

Real Estate gets its 60 minutes of fame... On Mothers Day... - 01:34 PM
Mother's Day will be a lot more fun than usual this year. Flowers, cards, a restaurant diner perhaps - followed by a nice slice of 60 Minutes before bed time. Don't think you'll be calling all your friends and family about this one...  HEY Look MAA MY INDUSTRYS ON TV... (Gulp, Gulp...)
If you're a real estate agent, this should probably be followed by a handful of Tylenol and a couple of Lunesta, because the famous TV show will be airing the results of a nine-month investigation into the real estate industry this Sunday, May 13.
According to Inman News, the television network has been on the snoop, interviewing brokers, agents, … (22 comments)

Passing The Test- Seeds And Shameless Self Promotion - 09:34 PM
I was talking with Margaret Rome a little while ago, and we were discussing how Active Rain helps us in our listing presentations. With the addition of groups, and Features, and our blogs we have at our disposal a very effective and powerful sales tool. I have been showing off my Home Page on which my customers see that I am ranked #1 in St. Cloud and #2 in Osceola County in Florida.  I am very proud of this page. I keep it with my handwritten letters from happy customers which every client sees. Yes,  5 out of 6 of my … (58 comments)

A Home Run! - Team Realtor/Stager - 09:02 AM
As all Stagers know, the winning TEAM approach of working with a Realtor is what we aim for.  Yet it is still a hit or miss prospect for many of us.  Realtors KNOW about Staging, maybe even know a Stager but yet  many STILL WON'T INVITE US TO PLAY ON THEIR TEAM.  Why? I can relate this to a childhood experience involving a home grown game of rag tag baseball.
This is something that probably many of us encountered growing up on school yard playgrounds and in your neighborhood playing in the street. It happened in my playground, maybe in yours, even … (25 comments)


Blog posts


Give Them Something - 06:27 AM
OK well don't hand out cash but...The ActiveRain Real Estate Network is a place to share your knowledge and experiences.  Members will find they benefit most from being a participating contributor.
There is a great article here on BusinessWeek.com by Kerry Miller.  Kerry writes "the most successful businesses are ones that know how to give."  For this network "giving" is sharing and generally contributing.  Kerry's tips really help explain the concept of giving.  But she also goes into more depth on creating your on-line presence. I encourage many of you to check it out, especially if you're looking to improve the quality … (36 comments)

Alta Laguna Park: Miles of miles of trails - 05:11 PM
Today I decided to head out to one of my usual haunts and capture it on film. Alta Laguna Park is located at the north-western end of Alta Laguna Boulevard. From the park you can hike/run/mountain bike 35 miles of trails, officially located in "Aliso and Wood Canyons", which separate Laguna Beach from the cities of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel.

The view from the trails is phenomenal. On one side you have ocean, on the other deep valleys. The trails are trying, to say the least. Starting at an approximate elevation of 800 feet, the trails drop to somewhere around … (5 comments)

Algonquin Illinois Map - 12:38 AM
Algonquin Boundry map click here
Illinois Real Estate offers our local town of Algonquin, known as the "Gem of the Fox River Valley," has 37,000 plus residents, and is a rapidly, expanding community in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago. This 130 year old village on the banks of the Fox River is home to many lovely and quaint antique shops, restaurants and also new malls that have just opened.  Approximately 40 miles north of Chicago, Algonquin is a safe, family-oriented community with a wide variety of educational and recreational opportunities. The town maintains jogging and biking paths and a municipal pool site that offers swimming lessons. Its numerous parks … (0 comments)

Lake In The Hills Illinois Map - 12:54 AM
Lake In The Hills Illinois map click here!
Lake In The Hills Information
Looking for llinoisReal Estate  or Illlinois homes for sale...consider Healthy Living...Lake In The Hills:  As the name implies, Lake in the Hills has four lakes.  WoodsCreek Lake is the largest with two swimming areas - Indian Trail Beach and Butch Haggle Beach, GooseLake, Willow Lake and Lake Scott are all shallow lakes. Goose Lake is utilized mainly for fishing while Willow Lake and Lake Scott are wildlife ponds. Lake In the Hills is home to a small airport as well as many small businesses.  Population is just over 30,000.
Chicago … (0 comments)

Do Contests for your agents work? - 12:52 PM

Has anyone experimented with contests within the office? 
I was thinking about paying for an agent to go to convention this year if he/she has the most closed transactions for a period of months.  Or perhaps even have a mini telethon one evening in the office and giving away a digital camera or some other Real Estate tool.  Do these work?  Please share your ideas and success stories!
… (8 comments)

11236 Fleetwood, Huntley illinois - 01:20 PM
11236 Fleetwood, Huntley Illinois in the heritage subdivision  $259,900 gets you the keys to this beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home that is only 4 years old!  42" Oak cabinets, Built in entertainment center and fireplace in Family Room.  All white and bright and ready for your decorating ideas!  Yard has brick paver patio and the driveway can hold 6 cars!

For more pictures visit www.vickisdreamhomes.com
Posted by Vicki Watzlawick, Broker Owner, Exit Platinum Realty, 847-854-3800
… (1 comments)

Lake In The Hills Illinois Splish Splash Dash - 02:12 PM
              Lake In The Hills   Splish, Splash and 5K Dash
NEW DATE - SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2007
Hey kids, let's get involved and have some fun! 
Sprint races start at 7:00am and 1 & 2 Mile Runs start at 7:30am.  For more information see below to register 

 Posted by Vick Watzalwick, Broker Owner, Exit Platinum Realty, www.Vickisdreamhomes.com  847-854-3800
… (0 comments)

Lake In The Hills Press Releases - 02:20 PM
Lake in the Hills Press Releases New,  news as of May, 2007.
Stoneybrook Park Playground Replacement  (Get your bid applications for Playground replacement here)
Woodscreek Water Quality Retrofit Project  (Woodscreek Water Updated report)
Welcome New Businesses!   (Lake In The Hills is growing, please take a peek at the new businesses)
Upcoming Parks & Recreation Activities   (local activities)
Achievement Award - Nominate a business  (come on don't be shy..vote for someone)
2006 Water Quality Report  (Whats in your water?)
 Check in here periodically for more Press releases!
 Posted by Vicki Watzlawick, Broker Owner, Exit Platinum Realty, 847-854-3800 www.vickisdreamhomes.com
… (0 comments)

Summer Sunset Idol contest Lake In The Hills - 10:43 PM
Summer Sunset Idol  contest, Lake In The Hills
This year the Preliminary Round is being held at the Lake In The Hills Air Show You will receive 2 free passes to the Air Show for you and a companion, and be shuttled from the Air Show parking lot at Crystal Lake South High School (CLSHS) to the airport.  (There is no parking at the airport directly.)  Auditions start at 11:30am, but you will need to check in at CLSHS parking lot by 10:45am.  You will receive more information after signing up. 
Preliminary RoundLake In The Hills Air Show - LITH AirportSaturday, June 23, … (2 comments)

Peoria Arizona Real Estate - Cibola Vista - 4/30/2007 - 08:50 AM
Cibola Vista is a newer community in northern Peoria Arizona.   It is located off the Lake Pleasant Road in an area booming with growth.    As of April 30, there were 9 homes under contract in Cibola Vista.     The average list price of these pending homes was $651,978.56.   
As of the end of the month, there were 2 active listings in Cibola Vista.    The average list price of these homes was $536,985.00.
For more information about Cibola Vista or other fine communities in Peoria, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate - Winfield - 4/30/2007 - 08:52 AM
There were 3 homes sold in Winfield for the month of April 2007.  The average list price of these homes was $941,666.67 and average sale price was $899,166.67.    As of April 30, there were 4 homes under contract.     The average list price of these pending homes was $934,749.75.   
As of the end of the month, there were 14 active listings in Winfield.    The average list price of these homes was $1,057,385.71.
For more information about Winfield or other fine communities in Scottsdale, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate - Bellasera - 4/30/2007 - 08:53 AM
Bellasera is a beautiful community in a picturesque location in northern Scottsdale.    As of April 30, there were 5 homes under contract in Bellasera.     The average list price of these pending homes was $785,660.00.   
As of the end of the month, there were 17 active listings in Bellasera.    The average list price of these homes was $748,923.53.
For more information about Bellasera or other fine communities in Scottsdale, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Carefree Arizona Real Estate - The Boulders - 4/30/2007 - 08:56 AM
There were 3 homes sold in The Boulders for the month of April 2007.  The average list price of these homes was $781,000.00 and average sale price was $773,333.33.    As of April 30, there were 3 homes under contract.     The average list price of these pending homes was $1,019,333.33.   
As of the end of the month, there were 27 active listings in The Boulders.    The average list price of these homes was $1,571,000.00.
For more information about The Boulders or other fine communities in Carefree, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate - Estancia - 4/30/2007 - 08:57 AM
There were 2 homes sold in Estancia for the month of April 2007.  The average list price of these homes was $2,687,500.00 and average sale price was $2,610,000.00.    As of April 30, there were 2 homes under contract.     The average list price of these pending homes was $3,545,000.00.   
As of the end of the month, there were 29 active listings in Estancia.    The average list price of these homes was $3,546,341.38.
For more information about Estancia or other fine communities in Scottsdale, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate - Desert Highlands - 4/30/2007 - 08:58 AM
There was 1 home sold in Desert Highlands for the month of April 2007.  The average list price of these homes was $1,200,000.00 and average sale price was $1,100,000.00.    As of April 30, there were 6 homes under contract.     The average list price of these pending homes was $2,115,833.33.   
As of the end of the month, there were 32 active listings in Desert Highlands.    The average list price of these homes was $2,588,495.31.
For more information about Desert Highlands or other fine communities in Scottsdale, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Peoria Arizona Real Estate - Ventana Lakes - 4/30/2007 - 08:59 AM
There were 3 homes sold in Ventana Lakes for the month of April 2007.  The average list price of these homes was $316,583.33 and average sale price was $309,233.33.    As of April 30, there were 6 homes under contract.     The average list price of these pending homes was $242,216.67.   
As of the end of the month, there were 33 active listings in Ventana Lakes.    The average list price of these homes was $279,939.39.
For more information about Ventana Lakes or other fine communities in Peoria, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Surprise Arizona Real Estate - Bell West Ranch - 4/30/2007 - 09:00 AM
There were 6 homes sold in Bell West Ranch for the month of April 2007.  The average list price of these homes was $228,131.67 and average sale price was $223,998.33.    As of April 30, there were 2 homes under contract.     The average list price of these pending homes was $297,500.00.   
As of the end of the month, there were 36 active listings in Bell West Ranch.    The average list price of these homes was $297,264.47.
For more information about Bell West Ranch or other fine communities in Surprise, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (1 comments)

Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate - Mirabel - 4/30/2007 - 09:11 AM
There was 1 home sold in Mirabel for the month of April 2007.  The list price of this home was $4,295,000.00 and sale price was $4,050,000.00.    As of April 30, there were 2 homes under contract.     The average list price of these pending homes was $1,577,500.00.   
As of the end of the month, there were 37 active listings in Mirabel.    The average list price of these homes was $2,205,272.30.
For more information about Mirabel or other fine communities in Scottsdale, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Glendale Arizona Real Estate - Hillcrest - 4/30/2007 - 09:18 AM
There were 2 homes sold in Hillcrest for the month of April 2007.  The average list price of these homes was $259,500.00 and average sale price was $252,500.00.    As of April 30, there were 3 homes under contract.     The average list price of these pending homes was $333,300.00.   
As of the end of the month, there were 41 active listings in Hillcrest.    The average list price of these homes was $378,014.59.
For more information about Hillcrest or other fine communities in Glendale, please view my website at http://www.donrichhomes.com/.   
… (0 comments)

Stephanie Village is now more pet friendlier - 08:26 PM
Stephanie Village, formerly known as 17th and Vine, has always been a pet friendly condo community in Henderson. However, since the name change, the resident pet policy has been made even better. There are no breed restrictions for residents the weight limit has been increased to a total weight of 150 pounds!  This makes Stephanie Village the most pet friendly condo community in Southern Nevada!
Construction has commenced and there are still great floor plans available. For floor plans and Stephanie Village informatin, visit my Henderson real estate website. Or contact me direclty at 702-493-8033 and by email at info@lvrealty.net -cr
Related posts:
The Pet Friendly … (0 comments)

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