Archives of real estate blog entries for September 27, 2007

Featured blog posts


Real Estate and Technology - 08:30 AM
I’ll admit it. I am a computer geek. From my days as a graphic designer, I always had to have the latest and greatest, the fastest and the slickest machine. And yes, I am a Mac lover. As designers, we all used Macs. I cannot switch over to the Dark Side and use a PC. I do when I have to, kicking and screaming all the way, but now that I am not doing much design anymore, I am definitely in the minority.
I attended a couple of great classes over the last few days. They were taught by the same … (42 comments)

Words I wish I wrote. - 08:28 AM

Words I Wish I Wrote: A Collection of Writing That Inspired My Ideas by Robert Fulghum
This post is inspired by the above mentioned book.
How many times have you been lucky enough to read something that was the embodiment of what you were feeling in that moment? Something that seemed to speak to your very soul.
I believe we find the things, people, stories, experiences that we need at the exact moment in time that we need them. What we take away from those experiences and how we react to them can define and shape our future. As I … (16 comments)

Do you have Boundaries?? Tell the truth.... - 03:36 PM
 
I feel a need to draw a line in the sand but I am not sure how.....
Do you have boundaries?   
I just returned from an intensive 2 day seminar in  Las Vegas.  This was a Re/Max Team Summit with Brian Buffini.   I would have to say I am on brain overload from the seminar but in a good way.  
First I wanted to mention I had the pleasure of having dinner with my O.C.D. friend Ms. Renee Burrows.   It was a pleasure to meet you Renee and have a chance to chat about the business and other "things" 
Let … (112 comments)

Heartbreak In The Produce Section... When A Client Doesn't Want To Bother You, And Buys Through Another Agent... - 05:51 PM
Recently, I bumped into a past client of mine at the grocery store.  I helped Jeanne buy her first condo about 3 years ago.  Since she was single, grew up here in Ventura, and loved dogs like me, we just hit it off right away.  I'd been keeping in touch with her via email and my newletter since her purchase, and I had very fond memories from when I found her that adorable little place. 
As we stood there in the produce section, chatting about the latest happenings in our lives, Jeanne excitedly burst in that she had just bought a … (44 comments)

Our Commitment to ActiveRain Members - 06:34 PM
Back in April we drafted a blog post titled, "ActiveRain’s Weltanschauung".  The philosophies in this "living" document are things that ActiveRain members can count on.  We took the creation of this document very seriously.  It was created to act somewhat like a bill of rights, for our members. 
As long as the ActiveRain community is alive and vibrant these philosophies will be honored.  That is not something that we are willing to compromise on. Our members are the core of our existence, the guiding light by which our decisions are made. We deeply respect that relationship.
Please read through the Weltanschauung again, … (44 comments)

Regarding Today's Inman News Article - 04:08 PM
Members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Community,
Recently Inman News reported on a lawsuit brought by ActiveRain against Move, Inc. Of course reports of this nature raise a lot of questions, and it has always been a part of our culture to openly discuss things with our community. We would like to be able to discuss these issues more with you. However, since this is a matter of pending litigation, our counsel advises us not to comment.
Should you be interested in the positions of ActiveRain and Move, Inc. in this lawsuit, attached are ActiveRain's Complaint and Move, Inc.'s Answer filed with the … (138 comments)

What's in YOUR CMA? Mandatory Guidelines for Creating a CMA ... - 03:21 PM
It is what we do. We create CMA's for people all the time. CMA stands for a Current Market Analysis or Competitive Market Analysis. This is where we do research to determine what our OPINION of value is for a specific property. This answers the question: What will my home sell for?
Most of the time, we, as Realtors® create these CMA's for folks that are considering using us to sell their home. It is an integral part of what we do.
However, most Realtors® are not appraisers, so a CMA is merely an opinion. Granted, it is a very educated opinion, … (21 comments)

Photos? Do They Give You the Whole Picture? - 08:21 AM
Have you ever looked at listings and the photos and thought, "Wow!  This home looks perfect for one of my buyers!  It has 4 acres so that they can put a couple of horses on it and it has privacy."  The buyer agrees and you set up an appointment to go see it.  When you and your buyer go out to see it, both of you end up being disappointed.  This has happened to me on several occasions.   
Why are you disappointed?  As you approach the home, you start to see the real picture.  A dirt road with lots of pot holes … (54 comments)

Is Driving While Using a Cell Phone as Dangerous as Driving Drunk? Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters” Answers the Question - 11:53 PM
In a recent episode, Mythbusters undertook the task of testing the validity of the belief that using a cell phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk.
I greatly enjoy watching Mythbusters. For those of you who don't know, Discovery Channel's "Mythbusters" is a seriously scientific show devoted to proving or disproving the validity of a variety of commonly held beliefs. The twist is in the outrageous manner in which the hosts conduct their experimentation. Usually there is an element of danger, and frequently explosives are involved. Mythbusters always provides a lot of laughs. It is Mr. Science meets Jackass.
As always, … (32 comments)

When Bad Actors Repent - 04:16 AM
Yahoo! featured an ABC News video with a taped confession of conspiracy to defraud lending institutions yesterday.  I queried why the confessor wasn't negotiating a plea bargain with the Virginia State's Attorney General rather than receiving accolades for confessing his criminal behavior.  Now, some have questioned why I'm being so hard on this young man.  In retrospect, he may have been used by his old company.  ABC News certainly twisted his taped confession to suggest that his former company's criminal enterprise was a standard for the industry.  So, Mr. Della Santos, I'll give you a pass.  You're being used again, this … (26 comments)

The Art of the Comment. - 03:33 AM
I have seen an awful lot of posts about the art of blogging. We discuss it frequently here on AR. The post should be fresh, informative, interactive, humorous and so much more. I love reading the posts that come out daily. Through reading the posts, I have learned so much about the Real Estate industry that I would have taken years to learn in my daily Realtor life. I think the thing I love to see more than anything else is a well written, constructive comment. I believe that the comments add to the post and make it more valuable than it is … (67 comments)

How To Avoid Going To The Google Sandbox for Keyword Stuffing - 06:20 AM
 
 
KEYWORD STUFFING? Go Directly to Jail
  Google Jail that is...
 
Do you know the difference between writing keyword rich text and what the search engines perceive to be keyword stuffing or keyword density? 
    According to Wikipedia: Keyword stuffing is considered to be an unethical search engine optimization (SEO) technique. Keyword stuffing occurs when a web page is loaded with keywords in the meta tags or in content. 
    Including your main keywords in your title, text and tags is acceptable and advised. One 3 word keyword rich phrase for about every 50 words of text is … (81 comments)

The Frog In A Milk Pail: Tough Times Never Last, Will You? - 06:26 AM
… (61 comments)

Behind The Blog! What's Under YOUR Blogger Station Hood? - 08:29 AM

Gear heads move over....its time for Bloggers to share what's under their blogging hood.  We've shared our Memes (some more than once), heck many of us have shared our inner most thoughts, our rants and our raves, our business secrets, opinions, ideas, tips, widgets and more.
But I really want to see what's behind the Blog.  Let us see your set up.  What's behind your Blog?  No fair cleaning up your desk or cubby or lap.  Give it to us just like it is.  Grab that digital camera of yours and just snap it raw and uncensored.  Let us see where and how you … (33 comments)

Full Moon Rising . . . . - 11:52 PM
I've learned a lot of cool things from the good folks in the Active Rain community. From Teresa Boardman, I learned to keep my camera always at my side (or at least use my treo if the Canon Powershot is nowhere to be seen). The other evening, I took some pics of the moon as it slinked into the horizon. And of course, I posted about it on my Live in Los Gatos blog. The moon wasn't quite full that night.But it is now - or was last night. I think, actually, it's sort of a "full moon week". Someone wake me when … (16 comments)


Blog posts


Our Commitment to ActiveRain Members - 06:34 PM
Back in April we drafted a blog post titled, "ActiveRain’s Weltanschauung".  The philosophies in this "living" document are things that ActiveRain members can count on.  We took the creation of this document very seriously.  It was created to act somewhat like a bill of rights, for our members. 
As long as the ActiveRain community is alive and vibrant these philosophies will be honored.  That is not something that we are willing to compromise on. Our members are the core of our existence, the guiding light by which our decisions are made. We deeply respect that relationship.
Please read through the Weltanschauung again, … (44 comments)

Warning...Even DBPR Prefers Online Communications! Your License Renewal! - 07:08 PM
Today I was on the telephone with the legal hot-line,  Asking a question I never thought I would have to ask. 
I really didn't have anywhere else to turn and I feel fortunate to be a member of the Florida Association of Realtors. 
The legal hot-line has always been helpful but today they saved the day!
 
One of our broker associates and I were talking.
He informed me that because he mailed his renewal along with his money and CE hours.
The State of Florida has up to 30 days to process his renewal after they received it. 
He mailed it out … (8 comments)

Seattle Has Gone to the Goats - 03:08 PM

In case you didn't catch it, the Seattle City Council has passed a law on Monday that classifies minigoats as small animals rather than farm animals, and the new licensing requirement treats them like dogs, cats, exotic animals and potbellied pigs. 
The Seattle Times had an article; Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 entitled "One giant step for goatkind": Seattle gives them pet status.  Also known as pygmy or dwarf goats, the animals weigh between 50 and 100 pounds and grow to about 2 feet tall. Owners keep them as pets and sources of milk.
The article goes on to say how a … (0 comments)

Maybe You Might Like to Try Rowing! - 11:54 PM
 
 
One of my clients relocated here from Arizona.  Last year he started taking up rowing.  Every time I see him he says he "likes it better and better."   He mentioned that since the days are getting shorter, and his classes are after work, he will have to get used to rowing in the dark again.  He takes his rowing classes on Lake Union through Lake Union Crew.  I Googled "Seattle Rowing Classes" and was amazed at how many options there were.  My client/friend said he would now "love to try kayaking."   (Kayaking would not be for me!)
Many years ago, … (2 comments)

Regarding Today's Inman News Article - 04:08 PM
Members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Community,
Recently Inman News reported on a lawsuit brought by ActiveRain against Move, Inc. Of course reports of this nature raise a lot of questions, and it has always been a part of our culture to openly discuss things with our community. We would like to be able to discuss these issues more with you. However, since this is a matter of pending litigation, our counsel advises us not to comment.
Should you be interested in the positions of ActiveRain and Move, Inc. in this lawsuit, attached are ActiveRain's Complaint and Move, Inc.'s Answer filed with the … (138 comments)

Niching Boosts Business in Tough Real Estate Markets - 05:41 PM
I have several clients who are niching their businesses HARD. I've been preaching "niche, niche, niche!" for years, but there's nothing like a tough market to make that niching come to the surface. For those of you who are still looking for a niche in your own market, I want to share some ideas from my current clients...
Super Senior Services
Diana Beam of SmoothMovesForSeniors.com specializes in helping senior citizens and their children with "RightSizing®” their lives. Her reach goes well beyond the real estate portion of her full line of senior services. This long-time Indiana Realtor has joined her real estate savvy … (4 comments)

FHA Katrina Loan Expiration Date - 09:03 AM
I represent a seller on a property that went under contract on August 24.  We were supposed to close last Friday.  The buyers' agent asked us for an extention through today, Sepember 27 because she was told by the lender that they were a little behind.
My sellers are out of state, so in order to fund on time, docs need to be available at least a day ahead of time so they can be emailed out, the sellers get to a notary, and then FedEx'd back for a next day delivery to have originals for funding. 
As the week went on … (3 comments)

Senator Haridopolos to appear on my radio show - 02:46 PM
Senator Mike Haridopolos - Chair of the Florida Senate Tax and Finance Committee and someone at the very heart of the Property Tax debate in Florida, will be a guest on my radio show - The Home Team - this coming Sunday at Noon.
The Senator is actually a returning guest even though we gave him a hard time last time he was on - a credit to him. 
The whole property tax issue is now in question in Florida after a Leon County Circuit Court Judge threw the amendment off the ballot in January because it was so confusing.
Senator Haridopolos is … (4 comments)

New Homes vs. Resale -- 10 Secrets Every New Home Buyer Should Know - 12:19 AM
Although most homes for sale are resales, one out of four homebuyers purchases a new home. Which is better: existing or new?
The right answer, of course, is up to you. Both resales and new homes offer advantages. Existing homes are less expensive on average, and are generally closer to, and enjoy the warmth and surroundings of, established neighborhoods. New homes, on the other hand, offer innovative use of space, modern energy efficiency, and choices of options and upgrades. What's more, everything is new - even the neighbors. 
Visit my website to get our FREE Special Report  "10 Secrets Every New Home … (0 comments)

Active Rain vs. Move - 02:28 PM
I'm a nosey busybody.  But everyone already knew that.   I came across this on Inman's blog
"ActiveRain, an online real estate blogging community and social network with about 47,000 members, has filed a lawsuit against property-search giant Move Inc. that seeks millions in damages and alleges that Move broke the law when it backed out of an acquisition plan and launched its own blogging platform."
So far, I haven't come across any other information, and of course, I'm curious.  I'd like to know more.  Any one else know more than the Inman post?
… (27 comments)

31 Colonial Village, Somersworth, NH - 11:31 AM
If you are looking for your first home, or your considering downsizing, this low maintenance, single-wide, mobile home in Somersworth, NH could be just the place for you.  Built in 1999, this almost new Skyline mobile home has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.  Cathedral ceilings can be found throughout the home giving it an open, airy feel.  The open concept kitchen, dining, living area is also great for entertaining.
For those hot summer nights, this home has central air conditioning plus a covered 16 X 10 deck.  The washing machine, dryer and portable dishwasher will be included in the sale of this home along with the … (6 comments)

Looking for a new CRM - 05:49 PM
OK, my custom application just isn't cutting it anymore and I am looking at changing contact management systems.  What one do you use and why?  I had Top Producer but just don't want the monthly billing and I don't like the idea of my database being out there in cyberspace so it is out.  Any tips you can provide would be appreciated. … (0 comments)

The CyberStars Were Shining in Virginia - 09:21 AM
When does it take almost 3 hours to drive 69 miles? When you are trying to get through Washington, DC rush hour traffic, of course. That was the way my day started last Wednesday as I headed from Baltimore to suburban Virginia for the CyberStars® Virginia Regional Summit. No pressure, of course, that I was crawling along and guaranteed to be late for the 9:00 a.m. start. Since I had agreed to do a short presentation on advertising, I was just hoping I wouldn't be late for that, too!
Thank goodness, Lee did the driving. At least I was able to … (15 comments)

My market sucks!!! Part 2. - 04:00 PM
 
Hi folks. OK, I'm going to make this one short and sweet. As most of you know, my market in Poinciana Fl is brutal right now. Only 1.7% of the available inventory is selling every month. Can it get any worse than that? Maybe.
Anyway, I've been a listing Broker for 13 years and rarely if ever take a listing that doesn't end up selling. It just doesn't happen. I'm an expert on pricing and also at keeping Sellers focused on what we need to do to get their property sold.
I've also been through difficult markets before. When I first started selling … (41 comments)

Project Blogger Followup... "The Rest of the Story" - 11:16 PM
Those of you who followed Project Blogger knew that one of my frustrations was that during the contest, I was writing my little heart out but Google couldn't find me. There was almost an allergic reaction between Google and Real Town, the platform where I've been writing my Live In Los Gatos blog.Well, I have good news to report. Fran (Frances Flynn Thorsen, the managing editor of Real Town and my mentor during the contest) kept telling me that changes were coming. She had hoped that they would come DURING the contest, but alas, they did not. And that was a … (6 comments)

Full Moon Rising . . . . - 11:52 PM
I've learned a lot of cool things from the good folks in the Active Rain community. From Teresa Boardman, I learned to keep my camera always at my side (or at least use my treo if the Canon Powershot is nowhere to be seen). The other evening, I took some pics of the moon as it slinked into the horizon. And of course, I posted about it on my Live in Los Gatos blog. The moon wasn't quite full that night.But it is now - or was last night. I think, actually, it's sort of a "full moon week". Someone wake me when … (16 comments)

In the Evolving Role of the Real Estate Professional in the Internet Age, LESS IS MORE - 05:47 AM
Last week, in "Broker proposes new real estate marketing platform: Universal MLS", Inman News Writer Glenn Roberts discussed a "Universal MLS" that is the brainchild of Colorado real estate broker Creed Smith, a specialist in bank-owned foreclosure properties. A real estate broker since 1987 who has a master's degree in marketing, Smith said his vision for a new breed of MLS is based on his belief that real estate agents and brokers will inevitably play a lesser role in real estate transactions as Web-based services become increasingly popular with consumers.
Smith is quoted as saying "I'm absolutely sure that the way we … (2 comments)

552 Baldwin Heights Circle, Howard, Ohio 43028 (Rented) - 05:13 PM
… (9 comments)

Apple Valley Lake View Home at 788 Valleywood Heights Drive - 07:28 PM
… (6 comments)

871 Country Club Drive, Howard, Ohio 43028 (SOLD) - 08:53 PM
… (5 comments)

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