Archives of real estate blog entries for May 12, 2007

Featured blog posts


How to avoid being fined by M.L.S. - 11:57 PM
Great changes from MLS Rules and Regulations have been updated on April 2nd 2007. Incorporate changes from the National Associations of Realtors (NAR).
1)      The listing input and maintenance: The timeframe for inputting and updating listings has been changed to three business days. These includes: Under Contract, Temporarily off Market, Withdrawn or Back to Active and Sold!.2)      Listing Photographs: Advertisements, promotions and personal information (except yard signs) are prohibited on photographs submitted to the MLS. (Oh Great, many agents complaint about that some agents did that, now if someone do that and it is caught, it will be fined).3)        Square Footage … (54 comments)

Portsmouth New Hampshire - "Portsmouth Lights on Friday Nights" - 11:59 PM
                     Do You Love to Shop??          Come to Portsmouth New Hampshire....
 If you've ever been to Portsmouth New Hampshire, you already know that we have one of the most charming downtown areas you could ever want to find.  Loads of awesome shops, beautiful art gallerys of all kinds, wonderful cafes and coffee shops, and a myriad of delicious dining experiences in the huge variety of restaurants.  
Portsmouth NH had been dubbed, "The Restaurant Capital of the Eastern Seaboard", due to the high number of restaurants per capita.
Getting back to the shopping, for all you shoppers - Friday nights in downtown Portsmouth now offers a … (25 comments)

Stated income from a mortgage professional's stand point - COMPLETE - 08:43 PM
In a recent post I looked at some of the common problems and issues that surround stated income loans from a borrower's perspective.  They primarily focused around what can happen when a borrower over states their income and leaves themselves over-extended, house poor and living with too little margin to handle any adversity or changes in their income stream.
In this post I'll look at some of the pitfalls that stated income can bring on a loan consultant.
The major problems I see with loan consultants are with those who use stated income loans recklessly:
For some reason loan officers replace the word "stated" … (40 comments)

What Percent of Asking Price are Sellers Getting For Their Homes? - 08:43 PM
Traditionally, Northeast Ohio was fairly regular, no prunes needed. Agents could quote the fact that historically, Sellers could expect to get within 3% of their Ask Price for their home.  Then we could explain that to get on the higher end of these statistics the home should be in tip top shape, updated and ready to accept their new owners without much fuss.  If your home needs work, then 3% of what you are asking might be what you see. If your home is in need of love, still harboring that green shag or avocado appliance-filled kitchen, it might be that … (46 comments)

Non-member comment notification improvements - 01:18 PM
This morning we put up a couple minor feature enhancements to ActiveRain, which members keep asking for.  Here are two of the main ones.
Comment notification for non-members
We added a new way for non-activerain members to receive email notifications of replies to comments they leave on blogs here at ActiveRain.  This enhancement was mainly made to make it easier for consumers who visit the site to track the conversations they may get involved in through blog comments.  We also eliminated the (up to now) unused email address field for non-member comments, though an email address is required to get notifications.
Added more member … (28 comments)

So, What Picture Should I Use? - 07:19 AM
Boy am I setting myself up on this one!
 I know I'm getting to the age when it may be time to stop using a picture. I've already stopped using them on my business cards. My first one for real estate was in 1991. I liked that one but I can't find it anymore. I know we have met up with agents and done a double-take. Some haven't changed pics in decades. I've had about 5 done over the years and I think I've about had it. Well, maybe I'll do one more. Problem for me is I can't seem to … (99 comments)

Business Advice from Mom - 11:40 AM
In honor of Mother's Day weekend, I'd like to share with you how moms in general, and mine in particular, have trained us to be successful in business. 
"Have you finished your homework?"  Moms know the importance of education, and successful Realtors(R) and other business professionals know that continuing education is key to career growth, whether it is formal classes or reading business books on your own.  My mom put education above everything, so as a kid I knew that in order to play with friends or enjoy activities I had to do this first.  As an adult, it is a habit, and because of … (12 comments)

The MOMMY Test! - 08:42 PM
A mother was out walking with her 4 year old daughter. The daughter picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth.
The mother took the item away from her and asked her not to do that.
"Why" the daughter asked. "Because it's been laying outside, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs", the mother replied.
At this point, the daughter looked at her mother with total admiration and asked, "WOW! How do you know all this stuff?"
The mother had to think quickly...."uh....All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have … (35 comments)

The Truth About Yellow Page Advertising - 08:42 PM
Aloha Fellow Rainers,
As we are building our business, whether you are an Agent, Lender, etc., we always look for the best ways to promote and advertise ourselves.  There are so many forms of media to choose from, you wonder where you can get the best ROI- Return On Investment.
I've been in mortgage for a few years, but prior to that I sold yellow page ads so I would like to share with you the truth behind yellow page advertising from someone who both sold it and advertised in it:
With yellow page advertising, there are 2 types of ads:
1) An "In-Column" ad where … (26 comments)

How Is This Happening In America? - 09:18 PM
As I sit here I am stunned. Earlier I received the following email message. 
I know my previous message got lost but maybe this one won't. We have been trying to help the following situation: 
Lawerence and his wife are elderly, blind and have limited means Together they make $11,000 plus food stampsThey currently live in Government Funded Apartments that are in horrible conditionLease ends June 30th and no leases will be renewedThey have no family and rely on each otherLawerence and his wife are looking to purchase a small home to spend the later years of their life together in safety and peace.  No one person seems to … (48 comments)

Radical Professionalism - 05:21 PM
Professional demeanor is not a matter to be taken lightly.  You, and you alone, determine the scope of your professional relationships.  Your colleagues and clients will respect you only if you dress, speak and behave in ways that demand respect.  Yes, I intentionally used the word demand instead of the word earn.  The two are not one and the same.  Your professional demeanor is essentially a public announcement regarding your capabilities, confidence level, and personal esteem held for your chosen career. You can learn to use your appearance and your behavior to your advantage.
Consider the relationship that you have with … (60 comments)

Are You A Lead Generator? - 01:15 PM
I wrote a post the other day that really hit a nerve with many.  Lead Generation Services? - Save Your Money!  I had well over a 100 responses between agent's comments and my replies.  The overwhelming majority agreed with my position that in general these services are a waste of money and time. 
Of all the Realtors to respond there has been only one so far that had a positive experience to share.  I had the administrators of two web services respond,  the first one blamed the lazy Realtors for their lack of success.  The other asked for a list of … (73 comments)

Being Present - 10:22 PM
On a recent a trip to Arkansas with my buddies and fellow rainers, Lynda Eisenmann, and Gregg & Heidi Franklin, I rediscovered something very important.  In comparing notes on our observations, Lynda and I were impressed by the same thing.  In every photograph, every film clip, every video we watched, President Clinton's eyes were locked on the eyes of the person he was talking with.  It didn't matter if it was a guy in coveralls or a foreign dignitary.  Right there...locked in...engaged.  Wow, that was so powerful. 
While in Arkansas we had the opportunity to meet a few folks who had first-hand … (26 comments)


Blog posts


Powerful ActiveRain SEO - Money Merge Accounts - 01:41 AM
Just a minute ago I was looking through the statistics from ActiveRain's web traffic logs.  In particular I took a look at the main search phrases used when by people that find ActiveRain through search engines.  I hadn't looked at this in a while and something at once popped out at me.
Top search phrases (May)
Top search phrases (April)
Scrolling down the list for each month I saw hundreds more people coming in on similar terms such as "money merge accounts", "money merge account scams".  So I went to Google and typed in a few of these terms.  In all the instances blog posts … (8 comments)

Non-member comment notification improvements - 01:18 PM
This morning we put up a couple minor feature enhancements to ActiveRain, which members keep asking for.  Here are two of the main ones.
Comment notification for non-members
We added a new way for non-activerain members to receive email notifications of replies to comments they leave on blogs here at ActiveRain.  This enhancement was mainly made to make it easier for consumers who visit the site to track the conversations they may get involved in through blog comments.  We also eliminated the (up to now) unused email address field for non-member comments, though an email address is required to get notifications.
Added more member … (28 comments)

Helpful Resources & Tools for Real Estate Virtual Assistants & Real Estate Agents - 04:24 PM
How much time are you spending on research and development? Below are some tried and tested resources that are sure to make your life easier and business run smoother. If you have any recommendations to add to this list please contact us at www.VirtualCAS.com.  We'd love to hear about it!
Generate your own buyers with your listings.  If your listings are not generating at least 5 leads per day each they should be!! 
 
 
… (2 comments)

The Lake Is Up - 01:50 PM
Lake Travis is back to where it needs to be.  After a prolonged drought, the area that drains into Lake Travis has had quite a bit of rain.  A couple of days ago, Lake Travis cracked the 672 feet above sea level height, putting it at about its normal level for this time of year.  Lake Travis hasn't been "normal" since 2005.  Coming into a summer that will bring a high demand for water and evaporation, it sure is nice to have water again.  Just two months ago the lake was around 40 feet below full and about 30 feet below … (0 comments)

Your Client Is Not a Serious buyer/seller When..... - 12:46 AM
Your Client is not a serious buyer/seller when:
They ask or say or proclaim:
 "how much money are you making over this?"
"Are the curtain rods included?"
They need to extend inspection period to throw a video robot down the sewage pipes (true request!)
Backed out of deal over difference of five days for closing date
 "Let's look at houses anyway, my grandmother will put up quick qualifying down payment!"
"Sure that other listing needs paint, carpets, and doesn't have your stainless steel appliances, but can you accept same price?"
"This is a half bath, not quarter bath, dammit"
Have you write an offer of 50k less because it's been … (8 comments)

Another high rise project canceled - 02:39 PM
Despite the predictions of many experts, most of the announced high rise projects have broken ground and are going forward. There have been some casualties of rising construction costs (or that what the developers would have you believe).  The latest cancellation is the W Las Vegas.  The project by Edge Group was announced back in 2005.  It was slated to be located next to the canceled Las Ramblas project in the Harmon corridor. The initial 22 acre parcel was purchased for 108 million dollars from D R Horton.  Later, they purchased the Las Ramblas acreage for another 202 million.
According to the Las Vegas … (2 comments)

Stuart Home For Sale - Springtree Subdivision - 3 bedroom 2 1/2 baths - 09:12 PM
… (0 comments)

Photoshop Learning Curve - 07:17 PM
A few people have asked if there is a difficult "learning curve" for Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.  My answer is, well, no, not if you learn it the way I have ... a little bit here and there over several years.  If I needed to accomplish something, I learned how to do that one thing.  Later on, if I needed to accomplish something else, I learned that thing.  I have probably tapped about 1/2 of 1% of the program's power, but, hey, I can do what I need to do.
With that in mind, I started thinking about Core Photoshop Skills in … (7 comments)

Members 30,003 - 08:56 PM
Whoa!  Wait a minute --- Last time I looked, the membership number was 26 -thousand -something......
And look at this,  as of 5-12-2007, now it's 30,003
Congratulations, Active Rain!
… (8 comments)

Adventures of Flat Laurie... - 09:58 PM

First off when I dreamed up the Flat Stanley Project here at Active Rain I had no idea it would take on such popularity!  So when David A. Podgursky decided to Flatten the Moderators I decided to call Matt Blum to see if he needed help creating my Flat version.  He did, which then I called Renee and asked her if she needed help with Flat Laurie.   At the time thinking we would be the only females, I wanted to control things.  Ok I am a Type E, so I took over!  Then Jeff Dowler added Lydia and Sara into the mix!
Ok, so Flat … (14 comments)

Joey Doesn't Share Food! - 11:02 AM
I guess it's time to introduce you to the latest addition to the family, Joey. 
Joey came to us a few weeks ago as an 8 week old puppy.  (He was born on Valentine's Day.)
Joey's first name, after he'd been with us for about a week, was "Toast".  This because he is (the photo to the right notwithstanding) the color of lightly toasted bread, for the most part, and also because "If you do that one more time, you're toast!"  And, of course, he'd always do it just one more time to see what "you're toast" meant. 
His second name was Luke.  … (8 comments)

Beautiful Murphy, NC Mountain View Property For Sale in Deerwood Mountain Estates - 12:34 AM
  Featured Listing
MLS# R28992
Deerwood Mountain Estates
… (1 comments)

100,000 Points a Chocolate Chip Cookie and... - 11:42 AM
.... a Little Help From My Friends
  
I thought about what I should say for my 100,000-point celebration post. Should I be all humble and grateful? Or jumping up and down giddy? Should it just be another day with Active Rain?
The answer is, as usual, a Type E answer. Keep it simple and get it done! When a Type E needs her car washed, she doesn't mess with hoses and buckets - she sends the car in for service because they always wash it, too. If her checkbook hasn't been balanced in months, she doesn't sit down with a calculator to … (36 comments)

Happy Mother's Day TLW!! - 07:38 PM
Have I ever told you guys how lucky I am? No? OK so here goes. I am sooooooo lucky. "But Broker Bryant you always said you weren't lucky, that your success was earned and that you worked real hard to get where you are and luck had nothing to do with it." OK, OK maybe I wasn't 100% truthful.
I was very, very lucky. I was lucky the day a Mother came into my life 25 years ago. Yep that's right. L...U...C...K...Y!!!! I remember it well. After a very hard night of waiting tables I strolled across the parking lot to the … (48 comments)

The MOMMY Test! - 08:42 PM
A mother was out walking with her 4 year old daughter. The daughter picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth.
The mother took the item away from her and asked her not to do that.
"Why" the daughter asked. "Because it's been laying outside, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs", the mother replied.
At this point, the daughter looked at her mother with total admiration and asked, "WOW! How do you know all this stuff?"
The mother had to think quickly...."uh....All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have … (35 comments)

Oil...in Los Gatos - 10:16 AM
Los Gatos appeals to people for many reasons, and in the 1800s folks began to move in to this corner of now Silicon Valley, plant, build, and develop. Recently I learned that oil had been found in the area too, and that created quite a stir, way back in the time machine.There are still hints of it today.  To learn more and to see photos, please visit "Live in Los Gatos". … (4 comments)

Ride your bike to beautiful Manasota Key, Englewood Florida - 02:04 PM
Beachside Rental home new on the market! Just minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway and Manasota Key.  Ride your bike or walk to the beach.................
This fresh and bright 3BR/2Ba is just a bike ride away from the beautiful barrier island of Manasota Key and it's 7 miles of beaches! You are also close to historic downtown Englewood and a fast commute to I-75. This home has an artful floorplan that is larger than it looks on from the outside. You will enjoy the semi-private backyard along with a Tiki Bar that will stay for the renter's enjoyment. Enjoy spending lots of time … (0 comments)

I'm seeing STARS - 08:54 PM
I've noticed that the GROUPS have some blog entries that have STARS, but they are not FEATURED posts. Would someone kindly tell me what those STARS represent?
Also, I'm not finding much value in the GROUPS.  Seems I get more networking done in the big arena rather than the GROUPS. Was the idea for the GROUPs to allow certain types of information to be found more easily? I'm not the GROUPS police, but alot of information not specific to the GROUPS gets posted in GROUPS. This just muddles the catagories......am I looking at this wrong?
Thanks for your help!
… (6 comments)

How High Will It Go? - 11:56 PM
Colorado Gas Prices are climbing...What do your prices look like?
The price of gas continues to climb. Each time I go to the pump, I try NOT to look. When I get my monthly bill I wonder how young folks and people on fixed incomes are paying for their gas.
Actually I wonder how and why I want to continue paying for my gas! What does the future have in store for us. Are we going to end up driving less, trading our cars in for push bikes?
My business is based on customer service. Like most Realtors I am not on … (34 comments)

Denver, Colorado - An Exciting Place to Live - 10:10 AM
Denver, Colorado, is an exciting place to live. Winter, summer, spring or fall -- there's always something special to do in the Denver area. Cultural amenities include the Denver Center for the Performing Arts which houses the Colorado Ballet, the Denver Symphony, and the Denver Center Theater. Art galleries, the Denver Museum of Science and Nature, over 90 golf courses, sophisticated shopping centers, the Denver Zoo -- the list goes on and on. Denver is a large urban area close at hand to some of the most beautiful country in the U.S. Ski areas are just hours away. Fly fishing, hiking, … (0 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2007-05-12

 Archives:

31 May
30 May
29 May
28 May
27 May
26 May
25 May
24 May
23 May
22 May
21 May
20 May
19 May
18 May
17 May
16 May
15 May
14 May
13 May
12 May
11 May
10 May
9 May
8 May
7 May
6 May
5 May
4 May
3 May
2 May
1 May
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006