Archives of real estate blog entries for January 19, 2008

Featured blog posts


How To Get Thousands Of Views And Generate Leads Using Your Own Real Estate Video - 10:25 PM
Ever spent the time to upload a video to a video site and end up with only a few dozen views in the first months?
http://vidlisting.com/ within the past few days surpassed one million real estate videos viewed (over 80% of those views were property videos). Until today, all of the content was filmed exclusively by Vidlisting.
As Chicken Little says, "today is a new day". Vidlisting has just opened the same very effective video distribution system to agents, builders, and professional videographers that film their real estate video content (property videos, podcasts, and interviews). 
It is hard to generate leads without prospective buyers watching your … (47 comments)

About Foreclosures and Sainthood - 10:25 PM
I am not a foreclosure expert but having listed a number of foreclosures over the years, I know a few things about them. Some of the things I know, I learned the hard way.  Anticipating a flood of CT foreclosures on the market in 2008, I thought I'd share a few tips for agents and buyers to make dealing with the bank foreclosure process a little easier.  And while it might sound like I'm being a wise ass, I'm really trying to help you get a good deal. (See #3) 1.  Complete all the bank requirements before submitting an offer. If the bank requires you to … (55 comments)

Active Rain Contact Us - 01:11 PM
 
Have you ever used the  Contact Active Rain button? I did-.They are committed to answering questions and addressing comments in a timely fashion.
Feedback or sugestions? Yes, get additional 100 points.
Technical concerns, problems, suggestions and questions are properly handled and answered by Nicole.
Hey guys... you work faster than the AMEX c/card folks... I am still waiting for a credit to my account... Thanks!!
… (27 comments)

Como Zillow pero en Español? no puede ser.... - 01:36 PM
Desde hace 2 años, nuestra compañia viene adelantando un programa de implementación de un Portal de bienes raíces que sirva para todas aquellas personas de origen Hispano que quieran educarse acerca del proceso inmobiliario e hipotecario de los Estados Unidos. Hasta hace muy poco era frecuente no encontrár información en Español acerca de los aspectos que deben tener en cuanta una persona cuando está comprando una casa, tomando un prestamo, o peor aún, el item de moda, refinanciando su casa.
En gran medida, la crisis inmobiliaria en los Estados Unidos, surguió debido a que en su momento era muy fácil adquirir una … (8 comments)

Is it Possible the Tax Relief Plan Can Help The Real Estate Market? - 01:38 PM
President Bush is getting ready to offer a tax relief program that at its core is designed to give about $1600 to married couples. The question we are posing is "Can the tax relief help real estate?" We need to think about the real estate market in sections. I do not think this can help the market much in the upper ends...it might free up money to do needed repairs to a home, or pay for some new carpet in the master bedroom that could make the home more marketable...but this leads to one home selling while leaving another on the … (30 comments)

Dealing with Difficult People - 01:41 PM

Is it just me?  Am I the only one who gets to deal with difficult people?  And, by difficult, I don't mean indecisive or wishy-washy.  I mean, people/clients who yell at you.  People/clients who treat you like the hired hand, but with less respect.  People/clients who feel you are at their beck and call.  People/clients who ask you to do something one way and then, when you do it, they say that's not what they said.  Difficult people.
I'm a pretty pleasant person, if I may say so myself.  I try to get along with people, deal with their idiosyncrasies, deal with … (69 comments)

Twitter - When did you join? - 01:14 PM
… (48 comments)

Working with Buyers a Success Strategy - 01:39 PM
After Months and Months of showings I just can't seem to get my Buyer to buy anything! I show them the perfect house and they gush all over it. But when it comes down to writing an offer, it all seems to fall apart. What Can I DO? Sound Familliar? Then read on.
I used to train agents. New agents tend to develop very poor habits right out the gate. Successful agents are the way they are because of their mind set. The following is part of that mind set.
Step 1 : Decide how many transactions per year you want to … (60 comments)

The call you HATE to get from a past client. - 09:54 AM
It happened.  The call - well it was an email actually.  A buyer client of mine - needs to sell.  Not just needs to sell - the email said; "we have to sell soon - can you meet us this weekend?"
Well we have an appointment set-up and I am quite confident that they will list with me.  This issue is this:  They only bought 18 months ago!  But it gets worse: They are in an area that has had quite a bit of slow-down and has LOTS on the market.
When they bought; they had a 5-7 year plan to stay in … (47 comments)

I'm usually pretty laid back, but I have had it! - 09:54 AM
 I have been in real estate of almost 5 years and I know sales don't happen over night. Most of my clients I have to nurture until they are ready. Which I don't mind but I have finally had it!
 I have been working with my buyers for 3 years. They are great people. They don't have to sell their home or get a mortgage for the new home.  They took some time off for health reasons and then decided to start looking again. I met them in February 2005 by a referral from my best friend's mom. In 2006 we … (63 comments)


Blog posts


New Haven CT Market Report - 05:30 PM


 
Current Active Listings : 201
Number of Sold last 12 months: 286 (23.8 sold per month)
Number Sold Last 6 Months: 139 (23.2 Sold Per Month)
Number Sold Last 3 Months: 52 (17.3 Sold Per Month)
Current # of Months Inventory: 11.6
As of 1/08
… (0 comments)

Bethany CT Market Report - 05:45 PM
Fo
Current Active listings: 35
Number Sold last 12 MonthsL 54 (4.5 Sold Per Month)
Number Sold Last 6 Months 27 (4.5 Sold Per Month)
Number Sold Last 3 Months: 9 (3.0 Sold Per Month)
Current # of Months Inventory: 11.7 
For the full report of Bethany Connecticut Real Estate Market Report for December 2007 visit CTHomeTeam.com
… (0 comments)

So Much Furniture We Couldn't See the House! - 05:55 PM
Having been in the biz for 24 years I've seen it all.  Well, almost everything.  Some agents have seen naked homeowners and thank goodness I haven't had that opportunity.But a disturbing trend I've seen more than in the past are many homes stuffed with furniture that a buyer simply can't see the actual rooms.  A couple of weeks ago I was showing homes in Orland Park.  We entered a nice brick split level home that was very large.  However, when we stepped into the long living room, there were large French Provincial sofas and love seats (white with the white/gold wood) … (5 comments)

Questions Regarding “Rent to Own” - 09:25 AM
Right out the gate I will say that I have zero experience in the rent to own market and do not have any first hand experience to draw from, for this article.  However, I have recently been asked several times about a “rent to own” situation, which has required me to put on my thinking cap and playing a little ‘devils advocate’, while researching the topic. Common Knowledge
I’ll start with what I believe to be the ‘basic’ way that a ‘rent to own’, or ‘lease to own’ program works.  For this purpose, I’ll work with a set of assumptions throughout … (12 comments)

A Must For Sellers - 06:20 PM
 
With our recent snow storms, it is easy to separate your home from the competition. How? Make your home accessible by removing the snow leading up to your property, include at least one floor mat and perhaps the little light blue booty socks upon entry.  I can't tell you how many times I have showed property during the winter months with snow (in some cases several inches or more) leading up to the entry of the property. Unless the property is vacant, this should not happen. To a certain degree, it already eliminates the house from the buyers perspective.
The floormat … (1 comments)

Equity Redemption Bonds…..an outside the box country saver ? - 02:53 PM
I am a Realtor. I am very good at offering disclaimers. This post has a big disclaimer. I am not an economist, mathematician, or governmental advisor. Please read the following with the understanding that I have jumped out of the box, taken a look at what is happening and the solutions being offered and decided there might be another direction.

 
For those of you that have spent the last several months in a cave, let me set the stage for you. There is a crisis in the financial community. The crisis is in large part the result of rather … (5 comments)

Four year high... for mortgages? - 12:08 AM
Yes it is hard to believe but demand for mortgages surged this week, reaching a four year high as interest rates continued to fall dramatically.
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that application volume reached 906.4, an increase of 28.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, up from 706 one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the index increased 64.8 percent compared with the previous week, which was shortened by the New Year holiday and was up 39 percent compared with the same week a year ago.And if all that isn't enough for you, how about refinancing? The share of the overall figures … (9 comments)

Easy win for Romney again - 04:33 PM
Nevada is almost over and an easy win for Mitt Romney with the unlikely Ron Paul in second place has certainly now made Mitt the Republican front runner.
Meanwhile Hillary Clinton eased past Barack Obama despite nasty legal challenges over who could vote where and when. John Edwards scored low while coming in thrid.
It will be very interesting to see how much momentum Romney carries into South Carolina. SNow, rain and weather watches are having an effect on turnout there today.
Nevada Results

Delegates at Stake: 25
88% Reporting
CLINTON: 51%
OBAMA: 45%
EDWARDS: 4%

Delegates at Stake: 31
78% Reporting
ROMNEY: 52%
PAUL: 13%
MCCAIN: 13%
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Copyright … (28 comments)

One of the best homes for sale in Altamonte Springs - 08:02 PM
FANTASTIC VALUEfor this 3 bedroom 3 bathroom home in a highly desirable part of Altamonte Springs. This is Altamonte real estate at its very best.
GREAT LOCATION!!! This home is seconds from everything including shops, restaurants, major highways, transportation and more. You have to Check out the Virtual Tour
This spacious home features beautiful granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile, a fireplace in the family room.
This is a 'MUST SEE' home. Call and make an appointment TODAY or you will miss out on one of the genuine bargains out there!
Great yards front and rear on this quiet cul-de-sac just add to the … (0 comments)

Mount Dora mansion! A truly magnificent home for sale. - 08:19 PM

This is a one of a kind southern colonial mansion that sits right on Lake Yale. Truly one of the best pieces of real estate in the Mount Dora, Eustis and Grand Island areas.
TWIN EAGLES top seven ft white columns at the top of the 900 ft drive that leads to this unique Southern Colonial Mansion.
Standing on a huge lot with frontage to Lake Yale. Both 1st and 2nd floor Florida Rooms provide magnificent views of this water.
I don't have enough space to tell you everything about this home so please call if you want more. You can always reach Simon Conway … (2 comments)

Multiple guests on this week's radio show - 09:55 PM
We have a very busy and exciting radio show for you tomorrow including two guests! The first is attorney Lawrence Hodz who will shed light on Adverse Possession and how it works in Florida. This follows revelations on The Home Team Radio Show about some strange goings on in Colorado!
Next up we have a real hero to the people of Florida - State Insurance Regulator, Kevin McCarty - the man who banned Allstate from selling anything within Florida's borders until the company decides it would comply with the law. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to have Kevin on … (5 comments)

Fort Myers Beach " OPEN HOUSE" Sunday Jan 20, 2008 9 AM Reduced $100k - 02:44 PM
Fort Myers Beach " OPEN HOUSE "      Suinday    Jan 20, 2008     9 AM    Reduced $100k
 Wouldn't this put a smile on her face !
Gorgeous 3/2 direct Gulf front home. Totally decorator furnished home.  I will be hosting this Sunday starting at 9 AM .  If you have been looking for a move-in ready beach front this is it.   If you are on Fort Myers Beach  Sunday  morning stop in and and say " HI".  This beautiful home is a real charmer with light. bright beachy colors and decorator upgrades. Furnished and ready for you to move in !  Just reduced $100k to $1,695,000 .   Call me direct for … (0 comments)

Shrimp Dinner on Fort Myers Beach Saturday Jan 19, 2008 - 03:10 PM
St. Raphael's Episcopal Church, located on 5601 Williams Dr on Fort Myers Beach is having their delicious Shrimp Boil Saturday Jan 19, 2008 from 5-7 PM.  The dinners feature wild caught Gulf shrimp. cole slaw, corn bread, baked beans, coffee, beer, wine and ice cream for desert.  If you like shrimp, the real kind direct from the Gulf of Mexico, you owe it to yourself, family and friends to try this eating experience.  Cost is $15.00 and payable at the door.  Dress is casual.  Just bring your appetite and a smile ! … (0 comments)

WordPress Notes: Hacking Themes #1 - 05:47 AM
There is a whole world full of WordPress Themes.   Googling the words WordPress Themes returns 13,400,000 results.
So, how is it that there are over 13 million themes in the world and not one single one looks exactly the way you want your blog to look?  :-)
The answer (for me at any rate) starts with learning how to customize existing themes.  Keep in mind that all WordPress themes are NOT created equally.  They are created by anybody and everybody, and most are well coded.  But be aware that a poorly coded theme will not stand up to a lot hacking.  That said, here … (0 comments)

Awesome WordPress Plugin: Theme Test Drive - 09:08 AM
Do you ever feel like trying out a new WordPress Theme or hacking your present theme ... but you don't want to make your blog inaccessible - or worse yet, scrambled - while you are in the process of testing new themes.
This plugin is the answer to your prayers:  Theme Test Drive by Vladimir Prelovac
Here's how to install and use it.
Download the plugin.
 Unzip/extract using your favorite UNZIP utility.  My current favorite is CAMUnzip
 Upload the plugin folder to your /wp-content/plugins/ folder.   I'm using WS_FTP.
In the WordPress dashboard, click the Plugins tab, find Theme Test Drive in the list of plugins, and click … (19 comments)

Some Florida Banks Now Have A Dress Code - 08:28 AM
"The Florida Bankers Association rolled out the "No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses" program this week, noting that bank robberies in Florida soared 36 percent last year."
"Signs will ask customers entering bank lobbies to remove those items before doing their business."
The article states that not all banks will participate in this program, and customers won't be turned away if they refuse, they will be redirected to a more experienced teller or an area with higher security.
Some banks that won't be adopting the policy recognize the religious traditions that some of their customers have and worry it will be offensive to them.
The article also … (14 comments)

Now is a great time to buy Real Estate! Or is it? - 02:45 PM
Hi folks. Yesterday I received an email from my local REALTOR® Association (OSCAR). In it was a plea request, from our new Association President, asking all REALTORS® to place a one liner in all our ads stating "Now is a great time to buy real estate!" Our Association has also started an ad campaign with this same theme. Here is a sample ad.
I guess the reasoning behind this is that if we all aggressively market "Now is a great time to buy real estate!" we can overcome the negative media and change the real estate market in Osceola County. According … (70 comments)

About Foreclosures and Sainthood - 10:25 PM
I am not a foreclosure expert but having listed a number of foreclosures over the years, I know a few things about them. Some of the things I know, I learned the hard way.  Anticipating a flood of CT foreclosures on the market in 2008, I thought I'd share a few tips for agents and buyers to make dealing with the bank foreclosure process a little easier.  And while it might sound like I'm being a wise ass, I'm really trying to help you get a good deal. (See #3) 1.  Complete all the bank requirements before submitting an offer. If the bank requires you to … (55 comments)

Snow Day - 02:08 PM
It is incredibly beautiful outside with the snow coming down. What a change for us in Georgia. It is a nice change but we have the problem of our power going out if there is too much accumulation of ice on the lines. Hopefully, that won't hapeen this time.
This is a great time to read more of the blogs on Active Rain and see what other agents are doing. This is such a sharing group. Thanks everyone.
Debra 
… (1 comments)

Snow Day - 02:37 PM
I am enjoying it. it is pretty and I made my first video with my new Flip camera. It turned out nicely. Now, if I can learn how to put it on Youtube.
Debra
… (2 comments)

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