Archives of real estate blog entries for May 25, 2007

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What do you do when a Realtor/Licensee Uses Anonymity to Break Rules? - 04:14 PM
BLOGGING BRINGS NEW CHALLENGES, AND POSSIBLY SOME "NEW RULES" TO BE MADE. 
I am faced with a situation where a Realtor Member and Real Estate Licensee is performing Acts of Misconduct as an "anonymous" commenter around the internet.
He admits he is a licensee, but doesn't give his real name or a link to his identity, though we can tell by his IP address which company he works with, so we know he is both a licensee and a Realtor Member.  He may in fact be a she, since the name is fictitious.
Yesterday this person went to a competing website and posed as … (112 comments)

They just don't get it! - 07:12 AM
A few weeks ago another Realtor in the Birmingham MI real estate market referred to me derogatorily as a “blogger”, somehow implying that blogging is not something that a real estate agent does to sell homes. Oh, how wrong he is. And I am OK that he does not know better. Another victim of “Old School” thinking that traps many agents into using ineffective marketing tools. Great for me. 
Yes, I write about real estate on miOaklandCounty.com and on ActiveRain. Is that a bad thing? I write about the local market, a bit about our business practices, and I closely track … (66 comments)

Jerk management - 02:40 AM
There's a great post by Cory Doctorov (of BoingBoing fame) on "How To Keep Hostile Jerks From Taking Over Your Online Community". Thankfully we've been really lucky at the lack of "Jerks"... but it's still a good read if anyone's interested.
He covers these solutions:
Smaller groups: Restrict the conversation Delays: Slow down the discussion Moderations: Allow people to moderate others Observe the Troll Whisperer: Gifted moderators are few and far between... observe, learn and automate when possible... but it's pretty much a hiring problem … (7 comments)

Do Not Read This Blog Entry - 01:16 AM
I often wonder about the power of psychology when it comes to making a sale.
Much like children - You tell people not to do something - and inadvertently, or curiously, or defiantly they do it anyways. I saw an ad the other day in a real estate publication that caught my eye. It Read:
YOU DONT WANT TO LIVE HERE - Unless you enjoy magnificent sunset views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You will especially hate it if you can't stand walking on the beach every evening after dinner.... Ridiculously overpriced at $965,000 - Don't call for details at xxx-xxx-xxxx
I thought it was … (38 comments)

Top Reason Why I am Addicted to Active Rain - 04:50 PM
I am a very fortunate person.  First off I live in the Golf Capital of the World (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) and I specialize in Jumbo Home Loans and Super Jumbo Home Loans. 
                                                      
The following is my top reason why I find myself addicted to Acitve Rain:
The Majority of the people who use Active Rain treat their jobs like a Career not a pit stopReading Blogs from not only Professional Realtors but Mortgage Brokers (like myself) and seeing another point of viewWhich leads to this step, yelling at the computer screen after reading some of the blogs. (nothing like getting your blood pressure … (58 comments)

Just Too In Love With Blogs - 04:13 PM
I'm having a problem.
Lately, I've realized that I'm not happy with my website.  It's a decent enough website for the price I pay (free) and I've done what I can with it.  Eh.
But I don't give it any attention.  It's my red-headed step child.
I love my blog.  My blog is fun.  My blog is fluid, changing from day to day or even several times a day.  (I work at my own pace, which ranges from obsessive and frantic to " it'll still be there tomorrow.")  My blog lets me say anything in the world I want, and it doesn't have to follow … (58 comments)

Representing Family Members in Real Estate Transactions - 07:24 AM
How do you feel about representing family members in real estate transactions?
I have talked with agents who say it’s no problem and they have done it many times.  On the other hand, others say they have done it and it was a disaster and caused big problems in the family. 
Why?
Was it because of poor communication?  Did the Agent not communicate clearly and truthfully what he/she planned to do to help the family buy or sell a property?  Or was it because the family expected to receive special treatment-- whatever that might mean? I believe that you can and should … (40 comments)

The Art of Listening-are you an Artist? - 02:09 AM

If we could master the Art of Listening the World at least our own, would be totally transformed.  Clients would get what they want it, divorces would almost be eliminated, relationships would prosper, there is no end in site to the number of benefits.
Are You up to the Challenge? 
There are three levels of listening:
Level 1 Listening: you are physically present to the conversation, however in your own mind you are preoccupied with yourself; about things you need to do, what you want to say next, how you want to control and dominate the conversation, judging the person you are listening to...etc, the … (17 comments)

AN OPEN LETTER TO TODAY'S SELLER: JUST DOING THE 'OBVIOUS' WILL NOT SELL YOUR HOME! - 01:09 AM
 THIS IS AN OPEN LETTER TO EVERY SELLER OUT THERE WHO THINKS THAT THEIR HOME WILL SELL IN 'SPITE OF ITSELF'!
Dear 2007 Home Seller:
Times have changed in the Housing Market.  There are more 'unsold' houses on the market than in years past.  This, therefore, equates to a "Buyer's Market" which means that you are going to have to work twice as hard to sell your home.
There are a plethora of newly-built houses out there with granite countertops, central air, central vacuuming, jacuzzi bathtubs, gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, 3-car garages, etc. that you are going to have to compete … (41 comments)

When is Duplicate Content Okay? - 01:29 AM
Duplicate Content, is it okay?
I recently read an article from Ross Dunn, StepForth Search Engine Placement Inc., Victoria, BCMay 24, 2007, about Duplicate Content and the ramifications of it.  Ross talks about what is duplicate data, how the search engines (seo) have changed there reasoning behind it and what you can do to avoid duplicate content.  A reference link to his article is include here. 
I know there has been a lot of confusion in Active Rain around this topic, so thought I would provide this reference for your review.  I won't give you all the details, but here are some highlights of his article.  Please go … (38 comments)

Do you Test Your Tech? - 05:54 PM
 
In light of the outage for users of a very popular web site this week, I thought it would be timely to share that if you aren't testing your technology on an on-going basis, you should be.  And I mean all of it. 
 
I have long had "tech testing"on my calendar as a routine part of business.  What does this mean?  For different things that I use, I test them regularly.  Some more than others, depending on the amount of use they get, how reliable the service has been, etc.  There are some I check weekly, others every other day.
… (35 comments)


Blog posts


Jerk management - 02:40 AM
There's a great post by Cory Doctorov (of BoingBoing fame) on "How To Keep Hostile Jerks From Taking Over Your Online Community". Thankfully we've been really lucky at the lack of "Jerks"... but it's still a good read if anyone's interested.
He covers these solutions:
Smaller groups: Restrict the conversation Delays: Slow down the discussion Moderations: Allow people to moderate others Observe the Troll Whisperer: Gifted moderators are few and far between... observe, learn and automate when possible... but it's pretty much a hiring problem … (7 comments)

Approaching Sales - 11:26 AM
I recently saw a post by William J. Archambault, Jr on being a salesperson that got me thinking.  Then what sent me over the edge to actually write this post was a sales pitch I received this morning via email.
William's post addresses some important misconceptions.  For the purpose of this post, I am taking from William's post the idea that some some people seem to have that it's bad to be a Sales Person.  When in fact if you are one, you should be proud.  I think in a big way sales is what makes this world work.  Zig Ziglar has … (6 comments)

Creel Listing - 01:09 PM
MukilteoLocation: Goat TrailStunning home, soaring ceilings and spacious design concludes this 4 bed, 2.5 bat home. You can't miss the craftsman millwork and detailing, maple cabinets, granite slabs counters, 5 piece master bath, bonus room and den. This home is big and gorgeous with a huge backyard! Credit on good full price offer only.Photo GalleryInformationContact InformationMichael Creel206-218-8358mcreel@briorealty.comPricingAsking Price: $599,000Property Location1054 Terrace PlMukilteo, WA 98275FeaturesBedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 2.5Parking: 3Year Built: 2004Lot Size: 7841School District: MukilteoSquare Footage: 3,015Agent Name: Michael CreelBroker: Brio RealtyMLS #: 27071830AttributesAppliancesRange/OvenFull RefrigeratorWasher/DryerDishwasherMicrowaveTrash CompactorInterior AmenitiesFireplaceHardwood FloorsVaulted CeilingsExterior AmenitiesPatioPowered by vFlyer.comEqual Housing OpportunityVFLYER ID: 1076202 … (0 comments)

Midori...Midori...Midori... - 12:21 AM

 
When I was a little girl I hated my name! It was unique and hard to pronounce. I knew if someone wrote Midori on the bathroom wall at school that they were talking about me. 
People would ask me what kind of name is that? I have heard of that before?  What does that mean? 
AAAAAhhh, here we go again, I would have to explain it means green in Japanese.  It was a Japanese name for a girl. OK, we have Midori Liquor ,  The ice skater, Midori and Midori the violinist!  OK you get it lots and lots of Midori's.
It's … (28 comments)

Pay Tribute to Our Soldiers....Right Here! - 03:31 PM
Send this eCard !Shauna Fleming, founder of A Million Thanks is working in partnership with Buick, Pontiac and GMC divisions of General Motors to collect thank you letters from the public for the troops. People can drop off their letters in Shauna’s red, white and blue boxes at GM car dealers across the nation.
For more information go to www.amillionthanks.org.
… (9 comments)

Urgent Upgrade - 12:01 PM
To some users ActiveRain has become unresponsive and has been generating "500 errors" this morning. As a result we need to take the site down for approximately 2-5 minutes between 10am and 10:30am to upload a few optimizations. 
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. We should be back in good running order by 10:30.
~jon 
… (18 comments)

Nashua, New Hampshire (NH) "Glen Abbey" Condo for sale $259,900 - 08:36 AM
#3 Heathcliffe Way | Nashua, New Hampshire Condominium for SaleNashua New Hampshire condominium for sale This striking, highly sought after Glen Abbey Townhouse condominium is located in Nashua, NH, just minutes from Rt. 3 at exit 7, 45 minutes to downtown Boston, and 15 minutes to Manchester NH. Whether it's a quiet walk through Glen Abbey's 52 wooded acres, an afternoon match on the private tennis courts, or a dip in the pool, it's all yours at Glen Abbey.

This top notch end unit, on a quiet cul-de-sac features over 1800 square feet of living space, neutral colors, three extra … (0 comments)

HOME SALES DROP TO LOWEST IN 4 YEARS!!!!!! - 11:11 AM
U.S. Existing Home Sales Drop to Lowest in Four Years This was in bloomberg this morning, The writer Shobhana Chandra hits allot of key points!!
By Shobhana Chandra
May 25 (Bloomberg) -- Sales of previously owned homes in the U.S. unexpectedly fell in April to the lowest level in almost four years, dimming prospects for a quick recovery in housing.
Purchases fell 2.6 percent to an annual rate of 5.99 million last month from 6.15 million in March, the National Association of Realtors said today in Washington. A measure of the supply of homes for sale rose to the highest since August 1992. … (0 comments)

Buyers & Sellers Using the Internet - 11:02 AM
In the latest Austin Board of REALTORS® publication there was a blurb about buyers and sellers using the internet.  We all know that this has been happening, but have you seen recent numbers?  "In Austin, buyers and sellers favored the Internet:  69% of buyers searched for homes online, and 85% of sellers used the Internet to market their homes."  I find the 85% interesting as it sounds low to me.
In addition, the piece stated that nationally and locally, 36% of buyers found the home they ended up buying through real estate agents.  It went on to say that 27% of local … (1 comments)

New Listing in High Plains Village at Centerra - 10:28 PM
Mountain & Boyd Lake Views! High Plains Village at CenterraLocation: High Plains VilageWant to have it all? MTN & Boyd Lake Views! Upgrades throughout including granite countertops, wood floors (incl. stairs), marble accents, gas cooktop, view windows, light accents, waterfall in backyard & colorful landscp. From the mstr suite you can't beat the views but you'll still be in heaven with the large tub & 2 sided fireplace. The main floor has a formal living area, a cozy fam rm,din rm the kitchen is loaded. Great area for the dog's. One of the best view homes avail in this $ range.Photo … (1 comments)

My Listings in High Plains Village at Centerra - 11:27 PM
High Plains Village at Centerra is a very unique community in Loveland, Colorado. High Plains has a great mix of housing choices including condos, town homes, cottages and larger single family homes. Our community has 2 lakes, a dog park, over 250 acres of open space, almost 8 miles of walking trails, numerous community park (including playgrounds), within walking distance of shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, Loveland Sports Park and Boyd Lake.
 What a great place to live!
… (0 comments)

Extended Summer in North Texas - 02:30 PM
For many years, the start of the school year would creep sooner and sooner into the beginning of August.  When I first moved to Richardson back in 1984, I thought it was weird that school started in August right before Labor Day, but it was ok because we would go to school for a couple of days, because school never started on a Monday or Tuesday, and then we would have a long weekend to adjust to our new teacher and new classmates, and then we would come back in September.
Those days have long past.  As I got into Junior High … (4 comments)

2007 Lake In The Hills Air Expo - 09:51 PM
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Chicagos 50th Annual Venetian Night - 11:05 PM
Chicago's 50th Annual Venetian Night is set for Saturday, July 28, 2007. Over 30 lighted boats participate in the parade, which is followed by a fireworks display that is synchronized to music
Venetian Night
Attracting a crowd of more than half a million people, Chicago's magnificent lakefront is transformed into a nighttime venue of fun. Dozens of boaters show off uniquely decorated boats during a nighttime procession and the night ends with a spectacular fireworks show accompanied by a customized music soundtrack.
Celebrating its 50th year anniversary, Venetian Night is the City's longest running lakefront festival that provides businesses with a unique opportunity to … (0 comments)

Tom's First Escrow - 06:34 AM
A few of you might remember that we added a new agent the first of April   (New Agent Thoughts)  And the conversation morphed into a discussion of "selling" and my well known bias against cold calling or telemarketing of any kind was debated a bit.
Anyway, Tom opened his first escrow this week.  Hooray!  The multiple offer neogtiation got a little tricky there at the end, but we got the escrow opened!
So .... let's see ... that's roughly two months from starting day to first escrow.  Where did the client come from?  Not door knocking, not cold calling, but from what I think … (3 comments)

TypePad: Hands On Hacking #1 - 07:55 PM
TypePad offers several predefined, ready-to-use blog templates.  Many very successful blogs are built with predefined templates.  Brian Brady's excellent blog, America's Most Opinionated Mortgage Broker uses TypePad's predefined Stevenson template.
OK.  Suppose you also really like the look of the Stevenson theme, but that Georgia font just doesn't do anything for you. I'm going to walk you through changing just one element of the Stevenson theme, using Custom CSS,  so you can see how easy it is to customize predefined templates.
The element we've going to change is the banner font.  Here's how to keep the theme and change just that one element, … (13 comments)

Realtor Safty Thought - 10:56 AM
I want to take a poll and find out how many Realtors® are carrying a Concealed Handgun.  And if you are, do you have a license?  Then I would like to know what type of gun you carry and where and how you carry it.  And what caliber of gun do you carry.  Then let's talk about how often you practice shooting your pistol. 
… (3 comments)

7326 N Railroad Ave, Hitchcock TX - 11:40 AM
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7326 N Railroad Ave, Hitchcock TX 77563 - 11:47 AM
 
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11601 SPILL CREEK DR, Pearland TX 77584 - 02:59 PM
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