Archives of real estate blog entries for June 18, 2007

Featured blog posts


Active Rain Birthday Party Chicago Style!!! - 08:36 AM

                                             HAPPY  1ST  BIRTHDAY  TO  ACTIVE  RAIN !!!
The invitation went out to everyone on Craig Schiller's post: MANGIA! MANGIA! and Celebrate Active Rain in Chicago-land this June 16th.

Craig Schiller made the arrangements at Maggianos Restaurant in Oak Brook, Illinois & Lola Audu was the first to post about it (even though she drove all the way back home that night to Michigan) with Recipie for an Active Rain Celebration...Chicago Land Style!

Lydia Heaton planned all the events across the country and announced them in her post: Happy Birthday ActiveRain Big 5.  She also created a new group called ActiveRain … (69 comments)

Localism Week in Review June 9th - June 16th - 11:41 AM

I thought I spent a lot of time reading posts on ActiveRain, until Neal Bloom asked if I would like the honor of doing the Localism in Review. I jumped at the chance; I have family in town and a couple buyers this week but thought no problem. Wow, we put out a lot of information for Localism. It was difficult to keep up with some of you, but I managed to read a ton.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage some of you to be sure to submit your posts to Localism and not just the Localism group … (64 comments)

Selling a Home ? Then company is coming - Everyday! - 09:33 PM
Imagine a day where company will be showing up on your doorstep  - everyday!
I don't know about you but I wouldn't be too happy in that knowledge if I wasn't aware of my guest's arrival.  If you're like me, when I host my company I want it to be an experience, relaxing, fun, entertaining and most of all, stress free for me (well I try but once they get here I "let it go").  Now, what does this have to do with staging you ask.... Well, I'll be happy to lead you through that door... 
When selling a home buyers are … (42 comments)

So How IS the Market? - 05:20 PM
I get this question all the time, from buyers, from sellers, and from folks I happen to be talking to at social events, in the store, and elsewhere. I actually had two out of area callers inquire this morning.
So how IS the market? I think there are multiple meanings here, and many ways to respond. And without question, this market for many of us is a complex and ever-changing picture which can be tough to describe.
What do people want to know?Why do they want to know?And what do you tell them?First, some just want a general sense from a professional, and … (68 comments)

Look me in the eyes when you talk to me! - 05:16 PM
OK, today I'm going to write a little bit about "Listening presentations". I actually wrote a post about this quite a while ago titled "Make your listing presentation a listening presentation". Friday I had a listing presentation that really brought this concept home for me.
Now folks, I do want to say that all markets are different and all REALTORS® are different, so what works for me, may not work for you and vice versa.
About a year ago I bought a tablet computer. My thoughts were that I could use this in my presentations with a really nice power point show … (100 comments)

Mortgage Week In Review June 9th- 16th - 06:05 PM
Due to unforeseen circumstances I am filling in for the person who's week in review it is.  It  is my pleasure to help out anytime I can.  These are just my opinions and I hope you like these posts as much as I did.  Also, just to let you know these posts are in know particular manner.
                                                     
                                            NOW FOR THE DRUM ROLL PLEASE.............
                                                               
Whats Really Behind Higher Yield Bondsby Leo Namiot:  Great insight on the market
Your arm is Adjusting, your rate is going up, you need to act now by Morgan Brown:  Morgan gives some great advice about what … (29 comments)

Phoenix Active Rain Gathering - June 21st - 01:26 PM
Phoenix Area Gathering June 21, 2007
Phoenix Area Active Rain Gathering & 1st Southwest Real Estate Blogging ConferenceCalling all Phoenix Area Active Rainers and Bloggers!!! Today is your last chance to RSVP - we only have a few more seats available!!!!You are invited to attend the Phoenix Area Active Rain Members gathering. This event is also the First Southwest Real Estate Blogging Conference. We are planning on having two speakers:
Jay Thompson, The Phoenix Real Estate Guy, will discuss Real Estate blogging. His blog is the best Real Estate blog in the Phoenix Valley with strong readership across the United States. … (8 comments)

YOU CANNOT "REPRINT" ON ACTIVE RAIN. IT IS COPYRGHT INFRINGEMENT - 08:38 AM
RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT COPYRIGHT, INFRINGEMENT, ACTIVE RAIN POSTS, ATTRIBUTION, LINKS AND SNIPPETS.   
It appears that a RAINER got a post deleted because 99% of the post was not written by the member. 
This is a gray area to many, but copyright is really simple.  The creator or writer of an article is the ONLY person who has the right to any benefit derived from publication or distribution of an article, movie or book.  Unless you have purchased and paid for the right to publish or distribute content written by someone else, you do not have permission to publish that material as content on your … (118 comments)

Commit to 90 Days....Watch Your Real Estate World Improve! - 05:38 AM
Are you in a rut?  Discouraged?  Maybe you are new and not sure where to start?  One thing you should keep in mind is what you do today will have a direct impact on your business in the next 90 days.  That means if you prospect for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, the fruition of your hard work will pay off in the next 90 days.  Can you stand to make a few more bucks?  Are you up for the challenge?  Make the commitment to do the following 5 things and I bet you will see a dramatic … (83 comments)

HAWAIIAN LEGENDS: Kaena Point, Waimea Valley, and Two Heiau's - 11:20 PM
 www.localism.com featured post
By: Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, HI  96789
There seems to be a story for every piece of land in Hawaii so let's start with Kaena Point (picture left taken from Sharks Cove) on the island of Oahu. Travel to Kaena Point from the North Shore and past Mokuleia; but alas! There is no thorough fare from this point to the other side except for a small pathway which can only be crossed by foot. (Unless you want to take a chance and fall of the cliff -this pathway is the only way around) The other … (40 comments)


Blog posts


Selling your parents home - 11:18 AM
We're going through the process of selling my mom's home and I thought it might be fun to put updates up here as things progress.  We're using Carole Kuenzler - an old friend of my mom's for the sale.  Sorry I didn't use an AR member - it wasn't my call but I've known Carole since childhood and she's a great person - so no worries there.
So far I'm finding out about all the "touch ups" I get to pay for (which I knew were coming) as well as septic inspection ($500).  We're toying around with moving my mom early and … (2 comments)

Commit to 90 Days....Watch Your Real Estate World Improve! - 05:38 AM
Are you in a rut?  Discouraged?  Maybe you are new and not sure where to start?  One thing you should keep in mind is what you do today will have a direct impact on your business in the next 90 days.  That means if you prospect for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, the fruition of your hard work will pay off in the next 90 days.  Can you stand to make a few more bucks?  Are you up for the challenge?  Make the commitment to do the following 5 things and I bet you will see a dramatic … (83 comments)

The Space Shuttle Atlantis......View From Daytona Beach Airport - 04:38 PM

On June 8th the space shuttle Atlantis took off at 7:38 pm.  The space shuttle took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, however we had a clear view from Daytona Beach Airport.  Many employees and passengers came out to view this incredible journey.
                                                                                   
Kennedy Space Center is approximately 74 miles from Daytona Beach, Florida.  Atlantis' solid rocket boosters have separated and fallen away from the orbiter at 7:41 pm.
                 
The Space shuttle will return June 21 at 1:54 pm.  May they land safe and return home to their families.  For additional information please visit the Official NASA website. 
… (10 comments)

ActiveRain in the News - 12:05 AM
ActiveRain in the News is a place to keep track of the exposure ActiveRain is getting in both the real estate and main stream media.  If you know of an article about ActiveRain not listed here, please Contact Support or leave a comment and we will add it to the list.
Businesses turn to Net-working - September 4, 2008
Inman News: It's Raining Outside Blogs - June 30th, 2008
Realtor Magazine: Welcome to Real Estate 2.0 - Mar 1st, 2008
RISMedia: Real Estate Social Networking Really Takes Off - Jan 24th, 2008
SeattlePI: HouseValues invests in real estate community ActiveRain - Jan 21st, … (28 comments)

Fax or in person? - 10:26 AM
Quick survey, do you present an offer in person or by phone and fax?  Almost every book I've read emphasizes the importance of presenting or negotiating in person, but practically I've found that most times agents communicate by phone or fax and then the sellers agent presents to their client in person.
Weigh in guys, phone, fax, or in person?
… (10 comments)

So You Have a Short Sale Lined Up - Now What? Step #1 - 01:06 PM
So You Have a Short Sale Lined Up - Now What?  Step #1by John Occhi, Hemet - San Jacinto Valley REALTORHemet - San Jacinto CA Real Estate
Ok, so you are new to investing in Short Sales.  You have heard the hype for the last 6 months or so and you are ready to get in and get going.  Let's say you have found the perfect investment property in the Hemet - San Jacinto Valley, CA.  You recognize the area as one of the hottest investment opportunities in all of Southern California as the medium price for a single family home is … (0 comments)

HUD & Loss Mitigation: The Carrot and the Stick - 02:11 PM
HUD & Loss Mitigation:  The Carrot and the Stick   by John Occhi, Hemet - San Jacinto Valley REALTOR   Hemet - San Jacinto CA Real Estate  
In April of this year, the United State Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released new guidelines to mortgage banks in an effort to reduce the reduction of FHA loans going bad.  One might consider their approach similar to a carrot and the stick.
The HUD guidelines will be punitive to those mortgage lenders who fail to offer loss mitigation services to distressed homeowners as well as incentives to those mortgage banks who do offer their … (8 comments)

So You Have a Short Sale Lined Up - Who Are You? Step #2 - 09:13 PM
So You Have a Short Sale Lined Up - Who Are You?  Step #2   by John Occhi, Hemet - San Jacinto Valley REALTORHemet - San Jacinto CA Real Estate
As an investor, you have found the perfect short sale property in the Hemet - San Jacinto valley.  You have everything ready to move forward.You are ready to contact the loss mitigation department of the mortgage bank that holds the note that is in the process of foreclosure.  The homeowner is expecting you to stop the foreclosure and prevent the big ugly mark on their credit.
You now know form reading the first article … (3 comments)

White Hat SEO for Real Estate Blogging and the Reciprocal Link - 11:44 AM
Chris Hotz, the director of our education division is back with some insight on a topic that has turning up quite regularly lately: Reciprocal Linking and it’s effect on Search Engine results.
White Hat SEO For Real Estate BloggingBy Chris Hotz
I never played on a baseball team growing up, but I loved when the little league baseball season started.  I loved baseball games because of the easy access to candy. Every year when baseball season arrived I would hop on my bike, ride to the fields for the opening day pitch and dart straight for the club house to use up all my allowance … (6 comments)

Know The Facts: Proprietary Vs Open Source In Real Estate Web Design - 11:58 PM
One of the least understood, yet most important elements when choosing your web design provider is knowing the difference between purchasing a proprietary product and an open source product. 
 Now that the internet is literally driven by open source (Wordpress, Firefox, Joomla, Thunderbird, Linux, Apache, MySQL, phpBB, OpenOffice.org, OSWD, WikiMedia, and more.) consumers have better, more affordable options and more effective tools for their needs. 
Don't find yourself handcuffed to a product or company that has developed a limited and expensive solution for your current needs.  Open source grows with you, and your options for service and development are approaching … (9 comments)

Fall Classes For Men - 03:10 PM
                                          FALL CLASSES FOR MEN        REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY Monday, October 23, 2007             NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVELOF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.                  Classes begin Monday, October 30, 2007                                  Class 1      How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays --- Step by Step, with Slide                               Presentation.   Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.                                  Class 2             The Toilet Paper Roll --- Does It Change Itself?                          Round Table Discussion.                Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.                                  Class 3   Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of … (3 comments)

Yahoo, Squidoo, SU and everything in between! - 04:21 PM
How do I keep track of all these blogs?
I'm invited to ActiveRain from a fellow agent and I post a Blog on feedback lawsuit, that the paper wants to run a article on and also wants me to add it to their blogsite.  I then join Localism, and  now Point2 has a blog called Reliberation, and someone suggests I add a widget for my blogs so I go to Widgetbox.com build my widget and they suggest I can view my lsitings..go to Vflyer.com for my free listing widget.  VFlyer suggests posting to their VFlyer blog  and from there someone tells me … (0 comments)

Algonquin's Founders Days 2007 - 10:32 PM
Welcome to the 47th Annual Algonquin Founders' Days FestivalJuly 26th - 29th, 2007        "Founders' Goes Retro" Starting Times
Designated Driver Program Presented by Provena Saint Joseph MedCare
Hours for the Designated Driver program are the same as the Social Garden. Wristbands available for free pop or waterYOU MUST BE OF DRINKING AGE TO OBTAIN ONE
… (0 comments)

West Dundee Illinois National Night Out - 10:36 PM
National Night Out

On Tuesday, August 7, 2007, from 6pm to 9pm, the West Dundee Police Department will again be participating in the Annual National Night Out. This year's event will take place in the parking lot of Target, 999 W. Main Street (Rt.72), in West Dundee.
National Night Out (NNO) is designed to:Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; andSend a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.Last year's National Night Out (NNO) campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood … (0 comments)

Hemmens Auditorium Events Elgin Illinois - 10:49 PM
… (0 comments)

Crystal Lake Illinois Summer Events - 10:59 PM
Community Special Events     America's Cardboard Cup Regatta    Crystal Lake Community Band & Choir Concert    Crystal Lake Gala Festival    Fireworks     Lakeside Festival      Parade  Area Libraries' Book Sales   Children's Developmental Evaluations   Children's Immunizations Developmental Screenings     Volunteers Needed     Crystal Lake Area Calendar of Events  Crystal Lake Park District Programs & Events Crystal Lake Public Library Programs & Events McHenry County Community Calendar Senior Events Calendar    Thursday, June 21st - Sunday, June 24thLive Music, Food, Carnival, & Beer/Wine/Tropical Drink GardensLakeside Legacy Arts ParkCrystal Lake  For more information, visit the Lakeside Legacy website or call 815.455.8000.       Saturday, June 23rd - … (0 comments)

Was I Wrong? - 10:54 PM
I have a home search site setup where buyers can access my website and search homes in the Jefferson City Missouri area, http://www.jcareahomes.com This weekend I received an email from an out of state buyer and they wanted to know if I had any additional photos of the inside. Since this home was not my listing I told them no I did not have any photos. I received a response to this saying they are sorry to hear that and they where considering a move to the area.
I set an email saying that I could take photos of the homes … (12 comments)

Figuring Out FaceBook - 05:52 AM
Last week I joined Facebook, just like many other AR members.  It wasn't long before my News Feed and Mini-Feed were filled with notices of stuff posted by my friends.  And other than "My Wall" I couldn't see how the heck to post anything.
For example, it seems you can't post and share links without a "Posted Items" module, and your "Posted Items" module does not appear until after you have posted something.
Just in case any others here are as befuddled as I was, here's the deal:
Start by posting a listing, (that's always a good place to start for a real … (19 comments)

Google Rank - 08:30 AM
I've read so much read about SEO and all that jazz.....
I just thought I'd stop and brag for a moment.  If you search Google for "Highland Park California", we are on page one, in the 4th and 5th slots.
How did we get there?
I think the number one answer is time - longevity.  Our original http://www.bob-taylor.com site has been around since 1996.  I haven't really gone out of my way with changing keywords or other optimization techniques.  The other answer might be content.  I did add a lot of informative content back when I first built it; and most of the content … (15 comments)

Parrish Antique Store Closes Due To High Insurance Costs - 07:20 AM
A story in the Herald Tribune this morning is just one of many that I'm sure will be the future for Manatee County if something is not done. 
"Spiraling insurance costs have caused the closure of Rogers & Company, one of Parrish's best-loved antique stores. The store on 121st Avenue East was run by 78-year-old JoAnn Rogers from a barn in her backyard.""Rogers found out in April that her insurance company, which Rogers did not want to name, was not renewing the policy she had on her 58-year-old house and barn. A new company offered to write a new policy, but … (4 comments)

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