Archives of real estate blog entries for July 5, 2007

Featured blog posts


This just Made my day!!! .... with that a Smile! - 04:09 PM
When I am having a bad day... I often think  "why do I do what I do"...   Well today is one of those days.  
The weather is lousy   and I gave my entire team off for the holiday (what was I thinking) and I am sitting here pluggin' away, pulling my hair out.    
And minutes ago...... this email arrived and I took a deep breath and smiled
This is why I do what I do.........   I just wanted to share what just put a smile on my face  
Name: Jerry & Tracy Budgespecific: Dez and Al,
                We just wanted to take a moment … (83 comments)

Direction Rather Than Perfection - 02:25 PM
Todd Duncan suggests that we need to be more concerned with our Direction rather than our Perfection.
Here Are Six Questions to see if you are focused on Direction rather than Perfection:
1- Why are you in this business? 
We usually get exactly what we want.  Most of us made a conscious decision to be in our own businesses and then fell into the trap of acting as an employee of one.  If you aren't clear on the "why" of being in business and align your actions with that "why", you'll always be an employee of "one".  Robert Kiyosaki wrote Cash Flow Quadrant … (31 comments)

Would You Show Houses to Someone Under Contract for Another House ? - 05:15 AM
One of my Buyer Agents, has been working with a family for a couple of weeks that is trying to decide if they want to relocate to Ann Arbor, MI. They were referrred to us and we knew up front that they might decide to stay in their current location and Mr. Buyer continue to communte 3 hours each day.
Ann Arbor is an expensive place to live. You get less house for the money than in most area's in Michigan. After 2 weeks of looking at every house that met their criteria, they found a house in the town they live … (72 comments)

Do you have plans for life after Real Estate? Do you have an Exit Strategy? - 11:10 PM
Before kids, and before real estate, I was a teacher. To be precise, I was a religious educator in Catholic high schools. I loved my job - I got to help kids to learn to think, to process important stuff, and hopefully to grow as people. It was fun to have summers off. The only really unpleasant reality was the pay.  And that's what propelled me, eventually, into real estate: the possibility of a far higher income ceiling - if there is one at all.But what's next? The joke goes that old Realtors don't die, they just go listless.How about you?I've been … (47 comments)

The End of the Blogging A-List As We Know It? - 02:38 PM
Blogging has long had its list of celebrities. The tech bloggers have theirs. Marketing/PR bloggers have theirs. Real estate blogging has its own list of blog celebs as well.
UK-based cartoonist/blogger, Hugh MacLeod, yesterday rang the death knell of the A-list as we know it. He indicates that the rise of social networks like Facebook and Twitter (let me add Active Rain to the list) have circumvented the need for A-list bloggers to act as "hubs."
In the past, if you wanted to gain a following for your blog, getting the attention of one of this head of the class bloggers … (40 comments)

Pay it Forword-who have you helped Today? - 09:02 AM
Did you get to where you are today all by yourself? I was sitting here thinking how much I have learned in the past couple years, not only about Real Estate but the technological advances that are so much a part of our lives.  How many posters helped you?
I joined the Peace Corps in early 1997, and came home at the end of 2000 with no idea of what I wanted to do.  The only thing I knew for sure was it had to be a people business, and one where I wasn't stuck in an office from 9-5, but Real … (47 comments)

Article about Title Companies I read at the Title Company... - 05:25 AM
I was at a closing a little early last week and I read an article in Forbes while I was waiting for my clients to arrive and I have just been thinking about it ever since.  The article was about Title companies and how they sell a largely outdated product for an inflated price and consumers are required to use them.  It further went on to say that the largest offender (FA) who's market share is about $8 Billion Yearly gives away an exasperating amount of illegal kickbacks to Lenders and Realtors on a monthly basis.
The average Title policy in America, … (63 comments)

Not Your Average Blog - 05:33 AM
Your blog is YOUR blog OWN it!
This blog is dedicated to all the copycats and wanna bees!
 If you may be guilty or insulted you may want to leave this blog now. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything.
Recently, it seems that there is so much duplicate content floating around here. I spotted it a few times the other day, and then it hit a little closer to home.
I felt like the Active Rain Patrol and just wanted to shout it out every-time I saw something that was not ORIGINAL!
Why would you want to be like someone else? A follower instead … (87 comments)

Why am I a realtor? Do you know why you are? - 03:04 PM
It wasn't long ago I retired (8 years) from owning a multi-million dollar corporation.  I was up early and challenged daily with production issues, budgets, employees, sales goals and new product development and introductions.  So after the first year of retirement I was beside myself.  I didn't know the day, what the stock market was doing...or current events, I was out of touch!
So I met a Realtor at an open house.  I already possessed many of the background qualities I felt necessary to be successful In real estate.  So I asked the broker Realtor some questions.  The he told me the more … (32 comments)


Blog posts


Dallas Luxury Homes - 01:19 PM
Looking at any city there are certain areas where you tend to find larger, more expensive luxury homes. These areas are defined by long shady streets with beautifully manicured lawns, well tended properties and an air of sophistication that is undeniable. Dallas has more than one of these areas each with their own distinctive flavor and ambiance. Highland Park and University Park are home to some of the most beautiful and most impressive homes in the U.S. and also plays host to some of the nation's wealthiest people. Sound nice? You have not seen the homes yet....What can one say about … (0 comments)

Real Estate: Educating Yourself And Your Kids - 01:20 PM
Education is a huge deal in real estate. realtors are consistently educating themselves on the ever changing market and buyers who want to get the best deals possible spend a remarkable amount of time learning about the trends in their areas and how to get the most value from their home or their home purchase. In fact, educating yourself on the processes involved in real estate transactions is a great idea as it will only make the actual purchase or sale that much easier. Knowing what to expect from any given area can go a long way towards making buying or … (0 comments)

1st Ever Blogger's Choice Awards.... - 04:02 PM

I was very excited when Lola Audu contacted me and asked me to be the 1st ever to judge the Blogger's Choice Awards.
To see the FAQ's or become a member of the great group of writers check out the Blogger's Choice Group.
If you are interested in participating:
Join the groupSubmit no more than 2 posts per weekNo Featured posts unless it was posted prior to getting featured (if you read the FAQ'S, no reason to use featured posts)The winners will be announced no later than July 13th, 2007.I will be selecting 10 posts based on what I like, quality content, quality … (21 comments)

< < < ALERT > > > Has Google Gone to Far, this Time? - 01:46 PM
Has Google Gone to Far, this Time?   By John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR   Hemet CA Real Estate  
It has just been brought to my attention that the Google search bar is now a nationwide reverse telephone directory!That's right, go ahead any type in your phone number (555-555-1212) into Google and your name ad address appear with a link to map out your exact location.
I know that Google prides itself in the amount of information they gather and the profiles they build on each of us based on our web use - but come on Google, a little privacy please.
Now, I understand … (16 comments)

Making Sure MLS and Tour Pictures are GREAT! - 02:06 PM
There have been many blogs about pictures of properties in the MLS and I am always on the side where the pictures should be posted immediately with the listing.  If you don't have the pictures taken yet, or the house is not in showing condition yet, do NOT list it in the MLS.
Well, I'm in a pickle right now, and good thing my seller is very understanding and definitely understands why I'm waiting.  It took about a month to get his house in showing condition.  We painted some rooms, we changed out the blinds, we rearranged furniture, we made the pool … (24 comments)

Food For Fodder – 101 Real Estate Blog Topics - 12:40 PM
Teresa Boardman, in response to comments in her most recent article, has whipped up a tasty treat for all real estate bloggers.  Grab a fork, and enjoy.
Food For Fodder – 101 Real Estate Blog TopicsBy Teresa BoardmanIn my last post on the Tomato I wrote about writing being the biggest obstacle for real estate professionals who want to have a blog.  
Some of  our readers commented that figuring out what to write about poses the greatest challenge. 
It is hard for many to come up with topics so I wrote a list of 101 topic ideas for real … (10 comments)

504 Mildred Cary illinois 60013 - 09:28 PM
Attention Boaters! Perfect starter home with great River views and water rights! House is across the street from the river, overlooking the park and river. Kitchen has Oak Cabinets and crown moulding. Walkout Basement is finished and can be used as Family Room or a huge bedroom or divided into smaller Rooms! 2nd Bathroom in lower level. Nice lot! Quiet one street river front neighborhood. $210,000!  Water rights included!
 
Check out more info about Cary.
Village Of Cary Information
Map of Cary Illinois
Posted by Vicki Watzlawick Broker Owner Exit Platinum Realty  www.vickisdreamhomes.com 847-854-3800
 
… (3 comments)

Lessons I've Taken From The Music Industry Part 2 - 04:56 PM
It was an exciting day when I became co-partner at Crazy Pinoy Promotions. The founder of the company decided to throw a celabratory luncheon.  A few good record labels and one or two marketing companies flew into Seattle for it, plus a concert their artists/clients were performing in at an annual event called KUBE 93 Summer Jam, so the timing was good.
The lunch went extremely well. I felt I got along with all the execs and decision makers there. Columbia Record's urban marketing department reps were especially nice to me.  Everyone was assured I was the best choice to take over the company. We kept … (0 comments)

Please vote for Pups on Parole - 09:30 PM
We received an email from our favorite charity, Heaven Can Wait Sanctuary.  The Dog Whisper show is having a poll on which Dog Whisper episode is the best.  Our Pups on Parole is one that was chosen. Please go to the web site and vote for the Pups on Parole episode.  Here is the link:  http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/dog-whisperer-week.html
They also need a few items:
   WISH LIST
We need about 4 to 6 cubicles that are used in offices.
Outside paint
About 16 feet of tempered commercial glass.
A glass commercial door
A enclosed 5 x 10 trailer
The episode is about their program in two of the Women's correctional facilities in … (2 comments)

Fireworks Photography Part 2 - 08:21 PM
As you may know, illegal fireworks are very popular in L.A.  Last year, I made a project of photographing illegal fireworks from an upstairs window. 
Regular readers will know that this year I had planned to set up my tripod outside.  Well, when I stepped out on my back step last night, my neighbor saw me, and started up a neighborly conversation.  I figured, nah, I don't think I'll haul the tripod and monster lens out right now.  Sometimes I like to get in the groove without a lot of conversation, and carrying all that equipment out would have invited more … (12 comments)

Palmetto 4th of July Carnival & Fireworks - 10:50 AM
                             Yesterday, Palmetto celebrated the 4th of July fun style!  I had a lot of fun there.  It was fun to watch the kids play on the rides, listen to the music and sit on the pier watching the sun set as all the boats came into the Marina to watch the fireworks from their boats.  And of course the fireworks topped it all off.  It was an all around fun day!
There was something there for everyone to do.
Live bands playing throughout the dayTons of food, beer & beveragesGifts & craftsSmall car showGames and rides for the kids including a HUGE water-slide, … (4 comments)

Flip This House is looking for more flippers - 12:03 PM
Willa from 813 Casting sent me an email this morning.  It appears they are looking for new people for the upcoming season of the TV show Flip This House.
This is what she had to say:
"I‘m a casting director with 813 Casting and we're currently casting Flip This House on A&E"
"We're looking for teams or companies that buy, renovate and resell residential properties on a medium to large scale basis (no fewer than 10 "flips" per year). If your company fits this description and would be interested in being featured throughout the upcoming season of Flip This House, we'd … (7 comments)

Hope everyone had a safe 4th - 06:21 AM
The parades are over, the fireworks displays were wonderful, the picnics gave us time to spend with our families and now it is the day after.  I can't help but think even today all that our troops are doing to insure we get to continue this tradition in the coming years.  There aren't enough words to express my gratitude to these wonderful people who put their lives on the line everyday they are there for our freedom.  All I can say is each year I get older, I appreciate more and more what these people do for us.  Thank You just … (3 comments)

Hillsborough County Stats for May 2007 - 06:17 PM
As predicted sales are down from this time last year.  We are starting to see a bottoming out of the market and hope that it done dropping lower.  Click Here to view the statistics for Hillsborough County Florida.  It is broken down by type of property, area of properties and price classes. … (0 comments)

Post holiday... post - 11:24 AM
Okay, the fireworks are over, the crowd out on the beach has diminished, and it's that time... time to get back to work.
But... all my buyers are still on vacation, and my listings are on auto-pilot until my sellers are finished with their time off.
Do I go out and drum up new business, or stare down the task I've been avoiding for months: updating my website and it's email address book?
Or, dodge repsonsibility, hop on my bike, and hit the beach bike path for the day... carrying my BlackBerry and a stack of cards, of course...
Decisions...
I hope everyone had a safe … (2 comments)

HouseValues.com - Is it worth it? - 01:18 PM
I have a couple quick questions for all fellow AR agents:  How many of you are, or have been, HouseValues.com agents?  What do/did you think?  How many leads did you convert into listings, and how long did it take?
Originally, I thought it would be much like everything else in our profession: you reap what you sow.  However, their seemingly constant rate increases, changing policies on which leads can be returned and those that can't, I'm really starting to take a step back and re-think this.  I'm considering taking on a partner, so I'm also interested in those of you who chose that approach … (18 comments)

Chatham Arch - An Indianapolis Historic Neighborhood - 11:11 AM
… (6 comments)

The Heart of Indianapolis - Monument Circle - 09:50 PM
This circular plaza is often referred to as the geographic heart of Indianapolis.  It encompasses four city blocks that front the circle, Ohio Street to the North, Pennsylvania Street to the East, Washington Street to the South, and Illinois Street to the West.  There's strict zoning regulations in place as not to build buildings that's height might cast a shadow on the Soldiers & Sailors Monument.
Originally designed to honor the soldiers of Indiana's Civil War Veterans, it now honors the valor of all Indiana Military Men and Women from all wars prior to W. W. I  The Col. Eli Lilly Civil War … (5 comments)

Blogging. Push me...pull me? - 03:09 PM
Howdy fellow Rainers. I read an article in this month's Realtor magazine titled "E-mail or Blog?" written by Jim Kimmons. Jim touched down a little about e-mail being "push" marketing and a Blog being "pull" marketing. I certainly agree with this. It was a good article even though he mentioned the Typepad Blogging platform but neglected to mention ActiveRain. Now, since Jim is a member of ActiveRain, I'll cut him a little slack and assume he just forgot about us. Anyway, his conclusion was...why choose? Use both. Well, to that, I totally agree.
Below is an actual E-mail that I sent out … (49 comments)

Local New Bern News - Market Update - 10:03 AM
This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!HOMES SOLD (Closed), June 1 through June 30.(From NB Board of Realtors MLS System)Under $100K = 15$100K-$159,999 = 60$160K-$199,999 = 35$200K-$239,999 = 39$240K-$299,999 = 25$300K-$399,999 = 10$400K - $499,999 = 8Over $500,000 = 2Total = 194
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD" 
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE"
… (0 comments)

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