Archives of real estate blog entries for August 8, 2007

Featured blog posts


The Baby, The Bath Water and The American Dream (A Reality Blog) - 07:23 PM
WARNING: Explicit truth told here. 
Think it's a joke?
Virtually everyone jumped on the backs of the mortgage banking world when the CNN generation started firing fatal shots. You didn't hear the screaming pleas coming from the lending world for people to PAY THEIR MORTGAGE but they were there. No, the people just kept buying Lexus automobiles, Donzi boats, running up tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt. Then not being able to afford the lifestyle THEY created they stopped paying their mortgage payments.
Fortunately my own company issued very few loans that "went bad" less than 1/8 of … (42 comments)

ActiveRain Contest | LM Challenge - 03:34 AM
ActiveRain Contest! The LM Challenge!

Chance to Earn Some Bonus Points!
Open your mind to the possibilities...

Laurie of Long Beach CA is an amazing mentor for many of us at ActiveRain. Recently she sent me on a little reading tour. Over the last few weeks, I have spent less time moderating and more time reading outside of ActiveRain. Those of you that have been given this challenge by this talented Long Beach Realtor and haven't taken her up on it - I hope this inspires you.
What finally inspired me to finally listen to Laurie and go … (73 comments)

Real Estate Photographers - Listen Up! - 06:09 PM

I love photography and I have read everything I can about photography over the years.  I recently purchased the book "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelly on the proper use of Digital SLR cameras and in that book Kelly mentions the name of B&H Photo in New York.  Kelly goes on to say that he has shopped at a lot of photography stores but B&H Photo in New York is the crème de la crème when it comes to photography stores and he said he "Trusts" them which is a biggie for me.
Earlier this year I wrote a blog "The big camera that can't - Please help!"  … (64 comments)

NAR 2007 Technology Survey and Inman's Marketing Report - 03:02 PM
NAR 2007 Survey – Technology Trends:
54% of real estate professionals have spent more than $1000 in 2006 80% of sales agents/associate brokers highly valued the technology supplied by their broker 65% of sales agents/associate brokers wanted more technology from their broker 66% of respondents have their own real estate agent business Web site Top 3 Sources of Leads: Referrals, repeat business and the Internet 79% of respondents are not satisfied with the amount of web leads they got from their sites 69% of respondents who have participated with lead resellers were dissatisfied NAR 2007 Survey – Using Technology in Business:
… (8 comments)

Successful Blogging in the Real Estate Industry - 11:35 PM
So now you are a Blogger on Active Rain!  You create content, you write, you post, you read, you comment, but do you ever wonder...where does my Blogging go from here?  Is this as good as it gets?  Should I have more than one Blog?  My answer to you is yes!  Every single person and panelists that I met in San Francisco at the Real Estate Connect last week, ALL had a Blog or write for a Blog outside of Active Rain.  Don't get me wrong, I think that Blogging in the rain is great, in fact I will always be an Active Rain Alumni, … (82 comments)

Yea! We've had our First AR Flame! - 06:44 AM
What does one do with fire breathing comments?
We got back from a full day in the field this afternoon, and I was in some sort of state of AR withdrawal. We've heard from and been connecting with some really inspiring AR members, and it's a lot of great energy and fun. In the last few days we're heard from Blog Boy, TLW, Rick & Ines, Irina, Mary Pope, Thesa, Randy, Kevin and more. We couldn't wait to get back to one of our machines.
There were four AR comments waiting for us, a few private AR emails, and in the middle … (57 comments)

How Match.com helped fine-tune my blogging skills - 08:55 AM
    I remember when I visited Match.com for the first time.  I didn't jump in with both feet, that's for sure.  My decision not to share my photo somehow made me feel hidden. ( Kind of like an ostrich).  It was a bit scary but I finally decided to go ahead and fill out my bio.  This process first required coming up with an attention getting, clever name and headline.
Next I had to write the most honest but creative description of myself possible.  It had to convey the real me and my personality.  I agonized over EVERY word.  It had to be perfect. 
Then came … (40 comments)

Coloring Your World Green. - 11:31 PM

Green things that grow have always held my attention.  I'm fascinated, though repulsed by green moldy things in the deep recesses of a refrigerator.  And delighted by the first hint of green peeking up through the snowy earth at the first hint of spring.  Green stimulates my imagination and the passions of my soul.
I remember being given my first packet of seed to plant as a little girl.  I stared at the lovely drawing of the plant that was somehow hidden in that little packet.  I couldn't wait to open it; albeit somewhat disappointed to discover some non-descriptive looking kernels inside the … (24 comments)

FEELINGS.....NOTHING MORE THAN FEELINGS - 06:36 AM

 FEELINGS.....NOTHING MORE THAN FEELINGS
Patti @ www.SantaCruzRealEstateHomes.com  
Wait a second. Let me clear my throat. Ready? Feelings...nothing more than feelings...
When I used to started to sing for a living this song was a hit.  Now 30 years later I sing a lit of it to my RE buddies and a few newbies to remind them the major questions and issues that arise for them on a daily basis usually have very little to do with the technical aspects of writing a contract or understanding a 72 hour release clause or how to read a termite report or resolving an easement issue on a … (11 comments)

The Right Thing During A Wrong Time - 06:38 AM
If you have not seen Cramers Tirade check it out here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/. The man puts on a great show, but we need to listen to what he has to say. Get these numbers, Cramer claims that 14 million Americans have taken out mortgages in the past 3 years, and that 7 million are going to lose their homes.
Those numbers scare the heck out of me. Sure there will be Realtors who will make an income from the sale of some of those homes, but what will the impact be on our reputation. Will we become the Grim Reapers of the houseing … (14 comments)

With My Feet In a Creek ... - 08:05 AM
When I think of my childhood, my memories often pull me back to a creek. Those were days when you could let the kids go out to play, not see them again until dinner time and not worry about it. If you couldn’t find me, I was in the creek.
Some of my happiest childhood memories had my feet in a creek. It was quiet, peaceful. I could be alone with whatever deep thoughts I might have had. (Boys, had to be boys.)
There’s still nothing quite as peaceful as a creek.
Yesterday we had a family reunion at … (65 comments)

10 Effective Steps to Blogging For Business $$$ - 04:14 PM
Cyndee's Haydon's 10 Steps for Blogging for Business $$$$
 1) First Research YOUR Market -Find out what the top search words and terms are using Google Suggests
2) Pick the Geography You want to Focus on - Remember it's been said, "the riches in is the niches" - Here's my personal experience...
GEOGRAPHY       EXAMPLE        TIMEFRAME TO BUY Area -              Tampa Bay      = 12-24 months out;City -               Clearwater       = 6-12 months out;Neighborhood - Grovewood       = Now Buyers - under 6 months;Note: Competition for placement on Google is in exact reverse - It's much easier to on Page 1 for a neighborhood and much harder for an Area. Need … (199 comments)

Sellers Need To Be Buyers For A Day! Or Be Left Standing On The Dance Floor! - 04:52 PM
 
  
Sellers are having a hard time understanding current market prices that is for sure! They always want more then what it is worth. It can be hard to accept for the SELLER, but tell them the party is over, the bar closed and the music stopped playing almost two years ago.I would suggest taking your sellers out to see homes that are similar in style and price so they can see for themselves, what their price can buy in your market. Then try applying this simple rule to determine the right price: Ask your sellers, if you were the buyer now, how much … (30 comments)

Just When I Thought I Knew All the Rules........Linking - 08:31 AM
There has got to be light at the end of this tunnel. After reading  Caleb's post today  SEO and blogging, just write.  I think I am MORE confused than ever about "linking" in our posts. Caleb states, "Every once in a while I come a across a post that has an incredibly large number of links in it.  The links are excessive and seem to be a part of some deranged hyper-SEO strategy".
For someone like me who just started out blogging for the first time five months ago I have wanted to learn and of course do everything the right way. Follow rules, … (87 comments)


Blog posts


The truth about links in comments - 01:55 PM
ActiveRain, as well as almost every other blog in the blogosphere, places "No Follow" tags on all comments within our network. That means that Google doesn't "see" the links left in comments.   So the only links getting Google Juice are the links in the blog postings.
We do this to discourage link spamming. 
Just thought I would set the record straight on this. 
… (6 comments)

An MLS rule needs to change - 02:31 PM
I propose that MLS members be allowed to blog about other members listings. I would require that the blogging member put a credit line to the actual listing agent in the post.  At a minimum the credit line should include the listing agents name, phone number, email address, and even a link to the listing's webpage if available.
I know that most MLS's have rules that prohibit members from advertising another members listings. This is good rule.  A foundational level rule, and an MLS could not survive without it.  However blogging about a listing it not the same as advertising a … (25 comments)

One Funky Rut... - 03:46 PM
Routine is not for me at all, maybe that is why I respect our profession so much, FREEDOM... Independence...we do business our way.   Never know what can happen by the end of the day.  
I love being busy!  I don't mean stressed but more along the lines of completing tasks, lots of movement, problem solving and at the end of the day "A job well done!"
Lately I felt that I had a huge boulder on my back, carrying the weight of the world.  
It wasn't a boulder it was my rut.  It can weigh you down and the truth is I just wanted … (48 comments)

Scenes from San Francisco and Beyond - 06:21 PM
The benefit of driving to San Francisco (fortuitous to live so close!) is the liberty of the drive itself. We meandered a bit on the way home to Laguna Beach from Inman's Real Estate Connect, staying through the weekend and managing like all truly "wired" individuals to get some work done on the way. These are some of my memorable pics, with a combination of architecture, real estate, and geography.  
 Picture 1: San Francisco's China Town, with Caleb Mardini of ActiveRain and and Bob Stewart of Brio Realty. What fantastic architecture!
Picture 2: Saint Mary's Square on Nob Hill, San Francisco, is … (9 comments)

Home Sales in Mason County and Western Washington for July 2007 - 03:15 PM
 
Median Home prices in Mason County are up nearly 32% from July 2006 according to the most recent statistics released by the NWMLS. The median price home in Mason County sold for $239,999 in July 2007 compared to $182,310 in July 2006. Home sales are down 26% for the July from the previous year.
The most recent statistics are show below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 6, 2007
FOR INFORMATION.......................................Jack Johnson, NWMLS president & CEO, 425.820-9200
...............................................................................................................................Sources quoted - page 3
For statistical information or assistance with interviews.. Cheri Brennan (Alliance Communications), 425.957-0654
Housing Prices in Western Washington Still Rising
Despite Fewer Sales, Expanding … (0 comments)

Countertops...Refresh or Resurface? - 08:04 PM
Does gazing at your kitchen countertops bring the Brady Bunch theme to mind?  Is avocado green, or Harvest Gold a part of your decorating scheme???  There is help to be had!!!
If you are in a starter home, or a home that is less than $200,000 you might consider resurfacing as an option.  For a kitchen with less than 13 linear feet the cost is a mere $380 and the results are spectacular
this is a before shot of a kitchen where resurfacing was employed.  See how the harvest gold countertops diminish the clean lines of this kitchen.
 
Here's the kitchen after Guaranteed Resurfacing … (12 comments)

Winning the Listing - 10:33 PM

Winning a listing can be difficult for an agent that actually cares about the client.  Too many times a competitor will be happy to lead the client down a primrose path and tell them that their property is worth way more than it actually will sell for.
A few days ago I went for a listing presentation.  After I was done the client stated that I had done a great job but that she was getting one other agent to come and speak with her about the house.
It is a fabulous house that is almost 2100 square feet and located in a … (19 comments)

What Copyblogger Hasn't Told You About Writing Real Estate Blog Headlines - 09:53 PM
Many bloggers are under the false impression that it is what their posts contain that will attract readers.   Although this is true to some degree, it is really the headline that is most effective in the search engines and in the minds of your next visitor.
Bloggers are in the business of headline writing - fail to understand that, and fail to attract the readership your hard work deserves.
Consider the audience you are reaching.
Internet users are scanning large amounts of content, looking for something that either meets their needs, or catches their attention.
Your articles will appear in the … (12 comments)

How many times have you heard... - 03:09 PM
...How do I know if this is the best time to buy ?   In this market our buyers want to buy as close to the bottom as possible.  Consider the mindset of the buyer.  Do you say things like " This has been reduced " or " Our market has gone down " or " The seller is motivated and we can make a low-ball offer " ?  Remember, if the buyer is hesitant to buy it is because he is not sure which direction the market will move next.  Repeating over and over how prices have dropped actually reinforces not making … (2 comments)

More of the best posts never read - 04:44 PM
As promised, I'll be putting up another list of some of the best posts never read. If you have some posts that you put a lot of time and effort into that were just overlooked here on AR, please send me the url of the post. I'll be picking out my favorites and putting them in a post. Hopefully, the post will generate some reads to your individual posts and perhaps be featured to increase traffic.
The deadline for submitting your posts will be this Sunday evening.  Additional requests will be held for the next post of this type.  Thanks. - … (2 comments)

Typepad: TrackBacks - 06:53 AM
It took me the longest time to figure out TrackBacks.   In case you also look a little blank when someone mentions "TrackBacks" ... here is a little illustrated tour.
My two  demonstration blogs, "Cluttered Shelf" and "Frayed Cuffs" will assist.
Suppose "Frayed Cuffs" wrote a great, incredibly brilliant post.
"Cluttered Shelf" reads the brilliant post, and decides she wants to write her own post about it.  So, "Cluttered Shelf" writes her own post, includes a regular link to the brilliant post, and when finished,  before publishing it, she goes back to "Frayed Cuffs" and clicks "TrackBacks".
 Clicking "Trackback" will display the TrackBack URL.
"Cluttered Shelf" selects, and copies this URL  … (9 comments)

Where's Your MySpace Page??? - 06:01 AM
If you haven't set up a page on MySpace then you should.  First of all, it is free so you can't beat that.  Second, it is another place to advertise yourself and place links back to your websites and blog.  You can even feed your blog into your MySpace page.  The linking helps your SEO to help get your page rank up in Google and the other search engines, you just never know where someone will find you while searching for homes.  So get out there, take 10 minutes and set that page up!! … (5 comments)

ActiveRain Contest | LM Challenge - 03:34 AM
ActiveRain Contest! The LM Challenge!

Chance to Earn Some Bonus Points!
Open your mind to the possibilities...

Laurie of Long Beach CA is an amazing mentor for many of us at ActiveRain. Recently she sent me on a little reading tour. Over the last few weeks, I have spent less time moderating and more time reading outside of ActiveRain. Those of you that have been given this challenge by this talented Long Beach Realtor and haven't taken her up on it - I hope this inspires you.
What finally inspired me to finally listen to Laurie and go … (73 comments)

Celebration Florida | Flag Football & Little League Registration Information - 08:41 AM
 
Online Registration is now through Saturday, Aug. 25
Cost:  For ages 5 - 14; $75 per player, $10 discount for each addtl sibling
For more information please visit http://www.celebrationlittleleague.com/
ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE.  CLICK HERE.
Final onsite registration will be Saturday, August 25th from 9am - 12pm outside of the K/8 gymnasium
Check Out the Photo Gallery
 
Call the Orlando Avenue Top Team today for more information!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Teamcolleen@paradisereport.com(407) 288-0017 
… (2 comments)

The Great Indiana State Fair for 2007 - It's Here! - 06:50 PM
It's that time again when the Indiana State Fair returns with its Fairways full of "fair-foods", displays, animals and rides.  Celebrating our 151st Fair it's  here from August 8 - 19, 2007.  You will find there's a little of something for everyone.
Looking for something fun to do with the family?  Head on over to the Riley Fun Park.  Children can experience the Hands on Farm or spend time at The Wonder Trail.
If a concert is more your style, how about Rascal Flatts or Casting Crown?  For more information on Fair Concerts tickets, please visit the link.
Here's a list of some of the upcoming Special Events.:
 
Special Events
Band … (6 comments)

CARNAC ASKS: How Much Would You Pay to Play on Active Rain??? - 03:03 PM
I've seen some weird stuff happening here lately.  There have been way too many nominations for the August "special kind of stupid award".  Unfortunately, I can't link to the posts since most of them have vanished.  But take the now gone El Salsa dude as one example.  He didn't last beyond a few days but as my friend Bob Carney would say...."he's a playa...yo!"  Yesterday a new player arrived on the scene.  I believe he may be the Active Rain's version of a Nigerian Scam. 
Ok, here's my next point.  Honestly, I don't get the Active Rain Referral Exchange idea. I've given out … (32 comments)

Waterfront Sunset Views Served up Every Night at Grande Preserve! Book 2008 Season Now! - 03:20 PM
… (2 comments)

Damn... - 05:05 PM
The more I hang around ActiveRain the more bamboozled I get upon arriving at a blog that has every gadget available and then some. There is MyBlogLog (my favorite), listing rotators, surveys, IMme and stuff that is new to me. I have been a culprit of this myself and still have some items on right side of the blog but for the most part the distraction is tried to be left at a minimum.
On the company blog there are no widgets or cool blinky tools only the information that people want, at least I hope they do. There are a lot of things that can be done to … (9 comments)

PR Update Floating Around - 07:47 PM
Today while working on my Seattle real estate page I noticed a PageRank jumped in two of my most important pages. Recently I just changed over our real estate website to a real estate blogsite and every page's text was re-written for optimization and organization. our URL already was sitting at a PR5 which I got in the last update.
It has been my pas experience that when PR is updated it moves a little bit and increases are incremental over a period of updates. Well upon looking today and to my big surprise the homepage still has a PR5 and the blog … (5 comments)

Buying a Home Should Require a Maturity Test...'Ya Think ? - 06:54 PM
      All those in favor of buyers having to take Maturity Tests Raise their handkerchiefs !  We have a couple...who we now see socially...are invited to family functions, weddings, showers, etc....we sold their home, sold them a lot, sold daughter #3 a house....helped daughter #2 with a referral for realtor out of our market and now daughter #2 who is 26ish and her husband are buying a home here. They have no money down, are not in the best shape in the debt to income department and have ok but far from sparkling credit ratings.  Oh yes....and just started new jobs.  … (7 comments)

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