Archives of real estate blog entries for January 20, 2008

Featured blog posts


What Really Matters......In This Life? - 11:06 AM
We live, we die and it's what we do in between that matters. After watching the previews for the new movie "The Bucket List" and after reading Linda Scanlan's post about it, we made it a point to go see this wonderful movie today. Now, all of you that know me know that I believe that success lies within. No matter what, material possessions and money is NOT the foundation for a happy and successful life for me.
With grace and a zest for living the "rest" of their lives to the fullest, two older men Edward Cole, a hospital corporation head (Jack Nicholson) … (132 comments)

Word of Advice to Real Estate Professionals Who Attend Church - 04:38 PM
Many real estate professionals are church-goers and most often they do not solicit or attempt to hand out business cards at Church, as that would be quite tacky. Most of the members in their congregation are aware that they sell real estate anyway. Its okay to do social networking at church events, such as fundraisers, and it makes sense to volunteer as well.
Of course, it is a no-no to be handing out business cards during church activities, unless someone asks for one and they will. If someone asks for a business card while at Sunday Services, do not give one … (101 comments)

Economic Stimulus: A Lesson From Charles Dickens - 10:46 AM
by Rich Schiffer, Weichert Realtors 
We are all familiar with the Charles Dickens story of Ebenezer Scrooge.  One night he was startled from a dream by the rattling of chains by the Ghost of Jacob Marley, and before morning, he had realized the error of his ways, and sent a young boy off to buy a feast for Bob Cratchet's family.
The Cratchet family was overjoyed, and praised Mr. Scrooge's generosity.  The part of the story that Dickens' publisher seems to have left out is what happened next:  soon enough, Bob was back to work, scrambling to put food on the table, heat their home, and … (31 comments)

Sending newsletters is so expensive – Not if you do it right! - 04:41 PM
Every month I send out a newsletter and I never pay for any of it! How do I do this? Within my newsletter I have a, advertising page that mortgage brokers, title companies, inspectors, carpet cleaners, and even Blockbuster video advertise on.
They usually pay between $25 and $50 per 250 newsletters. I can put up to 16 ads in one newsletter and I promise there will never be more than one advertiser from any one profession. This not only pays for the newsletter, but I give each of these people a 1-800 extension for my ad (except Blockbuster) and when … (49 comments)

Marketing challenges - 02:50 PM
I decided that this year I will stop hiring a photographer to shoot my listings.  I enjoy doing it myself and my clients tell me that they like my photos.  Taking pictures of a homes interior is not the same as taking pictures of historic buildings, architecture, scenery, sunsets, flowers, boats and rivers.  Property photos are much harder to take.  Some homes have poor lighting and some have dark walls, and others are blizzards of whiteness.
I started looking at property photos taken by the pros and by some of my friends on the internet and even joined a group that shares … (44 comments)

I fell off the wagon...ok I admit it! - 11:06 AM
  I fell off the wagon...ok I admit it!
 
 
Well today..... I thought I would write one of those social posts that I promised myself I would write every once and a while just to keep the balance on Activerain that many so desire to have. So if you like reading my blogs then here is your chance to leave me lots of comments.
My wife and daughter are over in New Jersey visiting and I decided to stay home because I was busy with work so it's just me and my old dog Roscoe. So...... I am a bachelor and when I am alone my mind … (100 comments)

How to ensure people will keep your card for at least a year and call you for another next year! - 10:45 AM
I can't take the credit for thinking of this idea completely on my own but I have seen various people sell advertising space on the back of their business cards. I have always negotiated discounts with the local vendors that I network with and my clients know to contact me directly for these but this will be taking savings a step further while promoting my interest in saving my clients money in more than real estate.
Some advertisers ideas are local restaurants, ice cream shope, fast food, service companies, furniture companies, hair salons, car maintenance, grocery store, gas station, etc.
Discounts that work … (44 comments)

Are YOU Marketing Your ActiveRain Blog? - 10:33 AM
I decided I needed to do a better job with marketing my AR blog, since I do quite a bit with my other outside blogs for first time home buyers, relocation and fans of coastal San Diego. Sure, I link between all of them, including to and from my ActiveRain blog, but I haven’t done much marketing of my AR writing specifically.
Everyone has an URL that will direct folks to their blog and they all follow the same format except for the name at the end – mine is http://ActiveRain.com/blogs/jdowler.
Simple enough, and it works fine for hyperlinking, but it’s … (121 comments)


Blog posts


Are listing agents doing justice to bank owned listings? Do the banks know what is going on? - 02:51 PM
What up with the agents listing Bank owned properties?  Do they think since they are  representing the banks that they don't have to do their due diligence and sell the property?  I see so many bank owned listings on the market I am lucky if there is 1 picture.  How about the remarks or the description.  None,  this is what they generally say. contact agent for addendum's, third party approval.  Can you at least give me some info to give my clients.  Do the banks really know how they are being represented?  They are not.  I am not saying all agents do … (1 comments)

8 Random Things About Me...I Have Been Meme'd Outside of Activerain..... - 04:52 AM
Yes another meme...this one is different...remember my first consumer comment...Jane of JerichoMonster well she meme'd me today. So in honor of my friend Jane...here are 8 random things about me....
1. I always wanted to be a movie star...a soap star...that's right...I wanted to be on All My Children...my favorite soap opera....I would love to go toe to toe with Erika Kane!
2. My favorite animals are aye-aye's and tarsiers...gotta love those big eyes and those cute faces. 3. I had never felt genuine fear until 9/11..I had never been so scared as I was that particular day!
4. Right now it is 46 … (27 comments)

Books I am Going to Read on Government - 11:04 PM

I watch several news channels and public television, therefore, get to hear authors talk about their books fairly often.
Yesterday, my new book arrived, A Nation of Sheep, by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano.  I have been hearing about it for a while now so finally ordered it.
This morning, I was watching "Bill Moyers Journal," on PBS and he had on Harvey J. Kaye talking about Thomas Paine.  Kaye is a historian and author of THOMAS PAINE AND THE PROMISE OF AMERICA which discusses the role of whom he calls ‘the greatest radical of a radical age.’  I didn't order this book … (2 comments)

Are Their Advantages to a Particular Closing Date? - 11:16 AM
When representing a buyer and writing an offer, one of the question I like to pose, “When do you want to close escrow?” At least 90% of the time, no one has a clue as to when or why they should consider the options.  First, let me say that as a buyer you do not always have control over when the escrow will close.  There are many factors that can and do contribute to delays that are completely out of the buyer’s control.  At times, escrow will have missed a critical bit of information (Never my escrow; Michelle at Fidelity in … (0 comments)

2007 Real Estate Buyer – Did They Use the Internet? - 12:12 PM
How do I answer that with anything but a big fat DUH? The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently released it’s 2007 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.  The conclusions are not at all surprising.  If anything, what surprises me is how conservative the numbers are that they report. For example, NAR reports that only 84% of all of the home buyers across the entire country used the Internet (100% of my personal deals were influenced one way or another by the Internet <thank you ActiveRain> – even personal referrals and such)– which coincidently is the exact same percentage of home … (3 comments)

What’s the Difference? Fist Time Home Buyer vs. Move-Up Home Buyer - 01:29 PM
In today’s market we have very serious and very motivated buyers.  Motivation is triggered by a number of different scenarios; either way though those who are ready to buy couldn’t find themselves in a better market than exists in Hemet CA today. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently published a study, 2007 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers that did a very in depth analysis of who the buyers and sellers are in this current market.  I recently reported on how many buyers use the Internet and how they use it. In this article I want to look at the … (1 comments)

I’ve Just Been Squeezed…And I Don’t Like It! - 03:12 PM
Selling REO properties in Hemet CA puts me in contact with all sorts – first time home buyers, move-up home buyers and investors. Ideally, I want to do business with investors, as they will typically purchase additional properties during the course of the year, and even more in future years.  Not to mention, they will be selling their properties as well. But I have got to ask myself at what cost will I do business with an Investor?  The successful ones are very savvy, and I have to be on the constant alert for someone trying to get into my pockets. … (11 comments)

The Foreclosure Timeline: California Style - 07:37 PM
California is a non-judicial state when it comes to the different types of foreclosure.  Although in rare circumstances a lender can pursue a judicial foreclosure in California it is very rare As a non-judicial foreclosure state, the lender can foreclose on the property without involving the legal court system.  In California, the foreclosure process starts after the homeowner has defaulted in their loan payments.  Although technically, a foreclosure can start as soon as the first payment is reported delinquent; in reality most lenders wait until the loan ages 90 days delinquent before it begins the actual foreclosure process. The Foreclosure Begins … (8 comments)

Economy Problems...It's easy...Use the Twinkie Defense - 02:12 PM
So you are the leader of the pack in the United States of America. You are told of a problem. What to do? The ecomomy needs a boost. It is sort of like having hundreds upon hundreds of starving children.
What do you do???????
Well, here's an idea that has taken root. Shove $800 bucks in everyone's pocket. That will quiet them down. They will perceive new found wealth. Their confidence will soar !!!!!
Just think how much you could dazzle them if you could deliver the money in an envelope containing 800 $1 dollar bills.
Of course, the end result will be just like … (14 comments)

Why I think it's a great time to buy - 02:24 PM
We as Realtors have been saying it's a great time to buy.  If you read the paper or watch the TV news you may have a hard time believing that.  If you believe the media you would think that every home owner in America is in danger of losing their home, they can't make the payments, and owe lots more than it is worth.
The truth is that the vast majority of homeowners in this country are NOT in foreclosure and are NOT about to lose their home!  Of course this is not newsworthy.  It's the bad news that sells papers.  … (11 comments)

The Before and After - A Real Estate Blog Article Extreme Makeover - 01:14 PM
A year and a half ago I wrote a blog article called the Starbucks Mistake.  The article was based on a Talk that I used to give regularly during the e-marketing seminars which I organized before I got into blogging.
My blogging style, voice, format and content have noticeably developed since The Starbucks Mistake.  I thought it would be fun to make-over the original article to illustrate the changes my blogging has gone through as well as how effective certain formatting techniques can be.
Because of the attention that I am drawing to this ancient article, I can't resist making a … (6 comments)

Fort Myers Beach " OPEN HOUSE " Monday Jan 21, 2008 9 AM Reduced $100k - 08:22 PM
HOUSE "      Monday    Jan 21, 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 Monday 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  Monday  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 additional details on ownership opportunities. Bill … (1 comments)

Austin Real Estate Update for November - 04:42 AM

The Austin real estate stats have been released for November. Although the market is still down from the summer and last year it has shown improvement over the last 3 months. The suburbs are moving slower than central Austin real estate market. And east Austin is moving slower than west Austin. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2008. Part of it will depend on what happens with the national economy.
Ki is a realtor and runs a site about Austin real estate which has information about Austin Condos and Austin Homes. … (0 comments)

The Five Reasons a Home will Sell or NOT Sell..... - 08:27 PM
The 5 reasons a property will sell or NOT sell:
1. Location
Most people like to be situated either in the right school district to meet their needs, close to work, a particular neighborhood or someplace with a view. In most instances, people look for location first.  You know what they say; "Location, Location, Location!"  If your home is in a poor location or has questionable surroundings or neighborhood, any of the remaining four reasons may need extra attention.
2. Price
Especially in our current market, PRICE can be THE most strategic reason a buyer will buy.  As your agent, I will provide you (my seller) … (6 comments)

Client Updates via TEXT Baby! - 09:27 PM
What a wonderful tool! 
I can't believe how convenient texting can be when going through a transaction with savvy clients!  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
My sellers texted me the other day, after a big wind storm & told me the sign was down.  I sent my sign guy right out (also via text) and they were up and running again!
Another client sent me a text asking about the status of their contingent offer. I was able to answer them (during a meeting) and not miss a beat!
Yet others texted me with questions about their tax bill.
After talking with my clients … (14 comments)

The Radius, Luxury & Sophistication - 08:40 PM
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Your State Constitutions - 03:37 PM
I just received a forwarded email that listed the words in the original or current Preambles to all the state constitutions in the United States of America.  I don't know who first sent it.  Maybe you've also seen the email.  I had never seen every state Preamble listed together and found it enlightening.  Our state constitutions are important documents, as they are the basic governing document effecting every citizen of our respective states.  I thought it would be interesting to include the state Preambles here and ask your help to link to the constitution for your state (if links do not already exist) and/or include interesting information/history/pictures related to your state constitution.  (Insert information … (8 comments)

How Coooool is Active Rain...... - 09:55 PM
  While the temperatures in Wisconsin this weekend would really only allow for Active Snow...it was a very wonderful Active Rain weekend for me.
    First on Saturday I had a wonderful talk with Katrina Madewell that turned out to be a blitz course in Google-ology....and we have agreed to touch weekly or as needed to give each other marketing assistance based upon our own varied experiences.
                                                                    
     Saturday, my chigger bitten pal, Vicki Watzalawick came home from her vacation so I welcomed her with a listing referral and she sent one right back at me !
       Tomorrow, Jay lagace, a former Badger stater … (9 comments)

PODCAST: New Years Resolutions 2008 - 02:17 PM
It's a new year and we should all take some time to evaluate where we are and where we want to be. We will talk about a view resolutions that should be on everyones list. While there are plenty of scary indicators out there, with the right mindset and preparation, you can be ready for just about anything.
Listen To Podcast 
… (0 comments)

PODCAST: 2007 Summary Look Back and Forward - 02:20 PM
Well, 2007 is in the can and in this weeks show we take a look back and see what happened. We will compare 2007 to previous years and even try to figure out what the market is going to do in 2008. We will explore the numbers for Santa Clara County and for Morgan Hill.
Listen to Podcast 
… (0 comments)

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