Archives of real estate blog entries for August 28, 2007 (Page 7)

Blog posts


Edgewood Maryland Market Report - 10:23 AM
The following is the market report for Edgewood Maryland in the last 7 days of activity:
Total Active Properties:  221
Total properties under contract: 41
Total Properties sold in last 30 days:  2
August continues to be slow, which historically; normal for this time of the year. We are hoping that after the holiday, things will be back to a steady pace.
Gary and Mary Nelson, REALTOR
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Direct Line: 410-459-6920  Office: 410-879-8080 ext: 6026
http://www.harfordcountyhomes.net/
… (0 comments)

Create Your Own Treasure Trove for Your Clients - 12:55 PM
Do you find yourself answering the same questions time after time for potential clients, current clients, past clients, and people who contact you?
Save yourself some time by creating your own treasure trove -- a comprehensive source of answers to all the most commonly asked questions. 
How you might ask?  Right here through your blog.
Some of the questions that I commonly get asked (as I am sure you do as well)
How much do homes cost in XYZ neighborhood? How does the homebuying process work? What are the steps for selling a home in this area? Should we price it … (6 comments)

Our Lives as Potential Blogging Material - 01:30 PM
This morning I was reading Northern Virginia magazine, a newer magazine with some great articles about the area.  I came upon an article entitled "Craig's Connections" which discussed a new feature on Craigslist personal ads called Missed Connections where people can post information about someone they may have met but failed to initiate contact or get a phone number.  Back in the day, these potential mates may have gone undiscovered -- but with the internet there may be more of a chance of meeting.
Anyway, there was a quote that really jumped out from the article that is applicable to all of … (22 comments)

Sales in Cameron Station, Alexandria - 03:28 PM

Summer is a lovely time in the Cameron Station community in Alexandria where ice cream socials are held at the main gazebo, children are playing baseball on the fields at Ben Brenman Park, and homeowners are out walking their dogs around the neighborhood.  Add to that the Cameron Station pool, blooming gardens, and a stop for an iced mocha at Cameron Perks coffee shop and it's a recipe for a relaxing summer weekend.
 
 
Update on Available Cameron Station Real Estate 
As of the end of August 2007, there are 40 homes on the market in Cameron Station ranging in price from $305,000 for … (1 comments)

Trust is alive! - 10:45 AM
As I drove through Needles California last week, I stopped to get some Mystic Maze Honey for my honey (it's what Bub likes in his coffee each morning!) At the 89 South Exit off of I-10 just a little ways south is the sign.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. It is a self-serve trailer on the side of the road filled with honey jars of all sizes. There are envelopes and a slot to pay. So, do you get this???
On the side of the road, someone has wonderfully set out their wares, trusting that others will pay and not steal....For some reason, this just … (3 comments)

Video is where it's at! - 06:11 PM
"Eighty-four percent of today's homebuyers say compelling photos and detailed property descriptions are the most important features to have when searching for a home online," says Realtor.com President, Errol Samuelson.
For more on what Realtor.com is offering to feed that hunger:realtytimes.com/rtapages/20070827_realtordotcom.htm
Here are 4 of my favorite video tools that give you a spectrum of choices and options:
Photostory - This is a great F*ree program that takes your still photos and applies effects so it looks like a virtual tour. You can add captions, voiceover and music and the price is right! This gives you the means to have a virtual-like tour on … (3 comments)

Rethinking Win / Win In A Buyers Market - 12:05 AM
We're in the age of "Agency" it's time we remember who we represent! If you're the buyer's agent represent him. I'm the biggest proponent of WIN / Win you'll ever meet, but! But, if I represent the buyer it's WIN / win, my client has to WIN BIG so that the other side can win something.
If the listing agent doesn't like your WIN / win offers, so what. Your offers aren't going to be accepted by many sellers. Fortunately most of your buyers only want one house! Those sellers with a real problem are going to see your offer as … (8 comments)

The FBI Came Knocking! - 12:54 AM
Have you ever answered the door and been told that someone is from the FBI?
It's somewhat of a scary thing! Well, today while doing my paperwork at home, the doorbell rang and the FBI was calling upon me.
First, my heart sank and thoughts were dashing through my head...was someone dead? Did something awful happen? 
After I could finally swallow and actually hear what was being said, it became obvious that I was being asked to be interviewed about a previous client who apparently is applying for a job with the FBI. The interview lasted about a forty-five minutes to an hour and within … (38 comments)

Results of Pelican Bay Special Assessments Meeting - 08:24 PM
The Naples Daily News reported on the results of the Pelican Bay Meeting on special assessments.  While there was no immediate actions taken, the board will be reconsidering the topic in September.
If you haven't seen the purposed annual assessment take a few moments to read it.  There are many items on the budget you may disagree.  I am for the Wi-Fi throughout the community.  I am also for the security cameras. I need more information on the over 2 million they want to spend on work force housing.
 Naples Information
Pelican Bay Homes For Sale
… (0 comments)

Top 5 Questions to Ask of the Person Handling the Financing for Your Transaction - 03:57 PM
 
The loan is a critical part of the transaction, without a doubt.  When you are calling on the lender, mortgage broker or buyer's agent to determine the status of the loan, there are several key questions, that will give you a big picture on the pulse of the loan.  Here are some suggestions:
•1.  Has the appraisal been ordered?  This is a valid question and can often determine if the broker/lender feels they can complete the loan.  If no appraisal has been ordered, it's important to find out why and equally important when it will be completed.   If there is an issue … (2 comments)

Del Mar Labor Day Activities - 06:47 PM
What better venue than Del Mar to spend a sunny Labor Day weekend!
Visitors may wish to enjoy the wide sandy beaches in Del Mar, and take a long stroll through Olde Del Mar's quaint village--and enjoy lunch at one of its many fine restaurants.  For great family fun, though, it will be hard to beat the activities planned at the Del Mar Racetrack.
Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend--along with Labor Day itself are designated as Famiiy Weekends at the Track. There, families can enjoy:
Inflatable games and ridesPony ridesMagic ShowsGame ZoneObstacle CourseFace PaintersGiant Scramble Slide--and more In addition to activities for … (2 comments)

No Butts on San Diego Beaches - 11:54 PM
Near-naked butts are fine, but the smoking kind are now off limits at almost all San Diego beaches. 
The most recent prohibition against smoking on beaches comes from San Diego's northernmost city, Oceanside. Though tickets are not currently being issued there, signs will be going up after Labor Day advising all of the ban on smoking at Oceanside beaches.  This recent legislation came after 9000 residents responded last year to city survey and cam out in support of the smoking ban.
It seems many don't like the idea--or reality--of their local beaches being used as an ashtray.
Oceanside joins the cities of San Diego, … (6 comments)

Finding Foreclosures: A Great Read! - 02:25 PM
For those of you who don't know Bill Nazur, a great person with a diversified lending background.  Our paths crossed during my underwriting days at Washington Mutual.  After reading his and co-author Danielle Babb's book I found it very simple to read and easy to understand.  While I have an extensive lending background myself,  the book flowed with a grace even an uninformed person could comprehend and formulate a foreclosure investing plan. 
Both authors recently made an appearance on the KTLA Morning Show (Channel 5 in the LA area).  Both gave great advice.  I strongly recommend picking up this book, "Finding Foreclosures" if you are a professional … (0 comments)

Visit our new Galveston photo gallery - 11:47 AM
Please visit our new Galveston Photo Gallery.  Featuring Galveston, Texas photos.   We really want to highlight what Galveston has to offer.  We have had some great contributions from a local photographer Debbie Olsen.  She services the island using her photography skills.  She also is available when visitors come to the island.  She would be happy to take a few pictures that will help you remember your next Galveston vacation.  Visit our site to see more great photos.  Looking to book a photographer.  Visit our site to learn more about Debbie's service.  We really want to thank her for contributing to our site.  … (0 comments)

Another great shot of Galveston, Texas - 12:08 PM
Here is another photo of Galveston, Texas.  This photo is of our son enjoying life at the beach.  Please visit our Galveston, Texas photo gallery for more.  Please feel free to send us any Galveston photo submissions. 
… (0 comments)

So...How Many Lives Does A Cat Really Have? ... ROAR! - 02:38 PM
Recently, Blog Boy (Broker Bryant) and I were discussing how many people on Active Rain have mentioned ‘starting over'. While we were talking I said "I have lived more lives in my lifetime than many people will ever live in their lifetime". Blog Boy looked at me and said "That's what cats do." Well, needless to say that exchange inspired this post. What I said to Blog Boy about my lives is so very true. They say that cats actually have nine lives. We all know that's a myth ... But is it really? Let's look at the nature of a … (103 comments)

Mortgage Rates Report- August 28, 2007- Lock All Loans - 02:06 AM
Our Mortgage Rates Report from last week advised clients to float their loans.  We still maintained a lock-in stance for all non-conforming and jumbo loans as that market is changing daily.  Until Wall Street investors set the market for jumbo loans, we maintain that stance.
The advice was fruitful to those that heeded it.  Rates decreased an average of .125% this past week.  Now, we think it's time to reap that reward and lock-in interest rates for all loans at application.  Mortgage bonds are trading near their 200-day moving average which means that the next 2-3 days may show the absolute best … (8 comments)

Ask a Real Estate Professional: "Are We giving 'Expert' advice?" - 02:12 AM
Have you seen those amusing series of Holiday Inn Express commercials on TV? An impostor begins to dispense seemingly 'expert advice' to an unsuspecting, yet trusting individual. When the innocent victim questions the 'Experts' counsel, the impostor simply states, "But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!"
Well, unfortunately, we've got a similar situation occuring rather regularly here in the Rain.
I've recently encountered a number of posts voicing concerns over the ActiveRain "Q&A" feature. This is nothing new. Since the day this feature was launched, we've encountered numerous difficulties and abuses.
Well, not to beat a dead horse yet again, … (50 comments)

Mott the Hoople - 10:01 AM
Did anyone else catch Mott's latest comment/rant?
Is the guy schzio? Bi-polar? Suffering from Agent Orange? 
Dear ActiveRain Real Estate Network:
I must commend you for your great job in putting Active Rain together, it is a fantastic portal. I must say that the "spirited", "vibrant", "diverse", etc. I've posted, blogged and contributed several hundred hours of "quality" work, only to have my Active Rain account deleted, and deleted again. Perhaps it should also be CLEARLY mentioned upon sign-up, that ANY members account can and may be deleted at any time for ANY reason. I have some vague idea why my numerous accounts were repeatedly … (3 comments)

15 Things I DON'T Miss About "The Good Ol' Days" - 11:01 PM

Ahhhh... the good ol' days...   Who doesn't think fondly of them?   Happy memories of growing up, friends, family, and even some "things" - old photographs, that souvenir from the high school prom, or trophies from our glory days.
In real estate, I probably qualify as well as anybody to talk about the good ol' days, starting as a property manager in 1967 and getting licensed in 1973.  But I can assure you that life as a real estate agent is much better today.  
There is one thing I do miss, but I do NOT miss these things even a little bit: 
Weekly MLS books - They've been replaced with up-to-the-minute computerized listings, accessible to the public as well … (37 comments)

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