Archives of real estate blog entries for January 22, 2008

Featured blog posts


The Math of Marketing Harmony - 09:30 PM
There are big brands like Disney, Coke, Wal-Mart. Then there are small brands which is the same category you as individual real estate agents fall in.
Large or small, everyone is after the same thing. It’s called marketing harmony. It is the pinnacle that a company reaches when everything just seems to work and work well. Professional athletes call it ‘being in a zone.’ Some companies experience this stage for years, others for a very short time and the reason is simple. At one time or another, the company loses one of the vital elements to the equation of marketing … (20 comments)

The Power of Choice - 04:57 PM
One of the most important aspects of our culture is the power of choice.  We can choose any religion, express our own thoughts, choose from a multitude of occupations, and essentially how we want to live our lives.
There have always been and will always be discussions about ethics.  Not just in real estate but in any occupation.  Ethics for me boils down to just one thing:  choice.  Did I do something as a professional that took the power of choice away from my client?  If my answer is yes, then I acted unethically. 
The following scenarios showcase what I mean.
Scenario 1:  … (19 comments)

NY Times Story - "Feeling Misled on Home Price, Buyers Sue Agent" - 01:29 PM
As you know, my husband John and I practice real estate in Southern California, and we had distributed a flyer with recent sales activity in an Aviara, Carlsbad neighborhood.  I ended up getting subpoenaed for a trial relating to a sale in that neighborhood.  A NY Times writer contacted us and spoke with John and me about different aspects to the story, and the link to the story, whose title accurately describes the issue, is below. John, an attorney, has told me not to discuss the matter since I am a witness.
NY Times: Feeling Misled on Home Price, Buyers Sue Agent
It's a very interesting story, and … (78 comments)

The Gift of a Blog - 10:02 AM
Today I step gingerly back into the gentle, or not so gentle, tides of real estate blogging. Over the last months, most of my energy has been used to care for my terminally ill father who passed away last week. Dmitry and I have kept up with our existing clients, referred out some new clients and done what we could to stay on top of just about everything except for our own home (though it is a mile away from my parents’ home, I have not seen it since December 5th) and my dear little blog.
In the course of our … (39 comments)

I'll Bring The Duct Tape & Shovel - 10:04 AM
 
 
Yep, basic information.  Just last week I had an internet inquiry asking me to meet at a vacant home.  The genteman liked the home - especially the vacant lot behind it.  I thought to myself, shall I bring the shovel and the duct tape for him?  I emailed him and said, "No offense, but I don't know you from a sign post stuck in the ground, here's my office address where we'll be meeting".  Turns out he's a really nice guy and he just didn't realize he was scaring the crap out of me.
… (99 comments)

Sound Familiar? or not? - 12:40 AM
A few days ago I wrote on post on the Pre-Listing Questionnaire, I send out BEFORE I meet with clients, to determine their motivation for selling, their financial situation or their ability to sell. I mentioned how this helps me be prepared before I show up for the listing appointment. The other items I  include in the email is my Marketing Plan. I ask them in advance to please check out all the web sites I am sending them so they will get a clear idea of where all their home will be marketed on the Internet. Most sellers don't have … (103 comments)

"Testimonials in the Rain" - What's YOUR Story? - 10:23 AM
Many of us have a story of how our involvement here on ActiveRain has positively impacted and changed our lives - both professionally and personally.
Are you passionate about ActiveRain? Has it influenced your life and business for the better?
Well then, here is the chance to raise up your voice, and to let others know how much you enjoy the Rain!
"For me, ActiveRain has literally revolutionized the way I approach business. It has effectively encouraged, equipped, and propelled me into the wave of conversational blogging and helped me gain a better understanding of the impact Web 2.0 on our industry. It has served to foster some deep and meaningful relationships to … (110 comments)

What Do We Owe Our Clients? - 07:37 PM
What Do We Owe Our Clients? by Bill Roberts
Do we owe them anything, or are they lucky that we deign to serve them at all?
I hear a lot about fiduciary duty but I really wonder if any of us grasp just what this entails. Is it OK to do the best we can even if we imperil our client's money and future?  Is knowledge and skill level somehow wrapped up in fiduciary duty?  If you're not competent can you be a fiduciary? I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but I am trying to make a point.
What is the … (70 comments)

I'm Just Going to Take a Seat: Don't Get Psyched by Active Rain Technology! - 05:03 PM
You will find the Active Rain and blogging moral to my story at the end. It's there. I promise.
* * * * * * * * 
It was high time that Detective Norman Schlemper retire. He had been on the force for forty years. His promotion to Detective was largely viewed as decorative -- as a tribute to his long standing, honorable career.
When Norman joined the younger detectives he felt out of place. Norman was comfortable walking a beat and talking to the neighbors. He didn't know how to talk to a computer or decipher DNA matches. He would roll the … (73 comments)


Blog posts


Sometimes it's better to be second or third or even fourth? - 02:35 PM
I recently picked up 2 clients, my first client contacted me about seeing a home.  I did my duty and asked her if she was working with an agent and had she signed an agreement, Yes, she was working with someone but no she didn't sign anything.  She said every house they went to see the agent said this is great you should buy this one,  My client said she did not like that and never called her back.  Upon getting to know her further a good friend of hers is a real estate agent every time they planned on looking … (0 comments)

Giving back to your clients and the community - 09:02 PM
I just responded to a blog and I thought I would share my response with you.  http://activerain.com/blogsview/348906/Does-anyone-do-some
Kyle was wondering if anyone did anything for their clients.  I told him I do a Christmas Party.  I hold it the same time every year 2nd Saturday in Dec.  I have learned that is a good time to do it.  If you do it later people have family and business parties to go too the turn out is not so good.  My clients and acquaintances have come to expect it.  I do have a little twist.  People always feel obligated to bring a bottle of wine … (3 comments)

Florida Real Estate Commission Recently Approved....Verify Escrow Deposits! - 03:50 PM
Recently the Florida Real Estate Commission amended the rule 61J2.14.008 in regards to escrow deposits that apply to sales contracts.  More paperwork...more confirmation!  It was re evaluated January 16th.
 The Rule Reads.....
"Within three business days after initial and subsequent deposits are due under the contract, the licensee's broker must make written request to the escrow agent for written verification that the deposit has been made. Within ten business days after making the request for written verification from the escrow agent that the deposit has been made, the licensee's broker must provide the seller's broker, or the seller directly if the seller has no … (20 comments)

To Buy Or Not To Buy, That is The Question... - 05:22 PM
The Federal Reserve took an unprecedented step in cutting short-term interest rates.  This dramatic move will bring immediate relief to borrowers with adjustable interest rate loans (facing a reset) and home-equity borrowers (you know who you are those people trying to find a way to send Junior to college or brighten up your kitchen). 
Now while this is bringing a collective sigh of relief for this group --- this move could trigger long term rates - (which are currently experiencing rates at a 2 year low before today's 75 basis point reduction n the discount rate) to move upward if the … (6 comments)

Rooter's Barbeque and Deli, Black Diamond, WA - 12:37 AM
 
I was out in Kent, Black Diamond and Covington this afternoon, handing out calendars to friends, former neighbors and clients and it was too late to drive back into Seattle without hitting rush hour traffic.  So I pulled over into Rooter's Barbeque and Deli, 29030  216th Ave. SE, Black Diamond, WA  98010.  I hadn't been into the restaurant since they had remodeled after a very large fire they had had.
I was very impressed with what they have done with the place.   It has a very warm, cosy and a bit rustic decor.   (If you don't like stuffed animal heads on the wall--it … (6 comments)

Heading Out Hassle Free: 5 Tips for a Smooth Move - 11:49 AM
After your clients find their dream home, it's easy to assume that they'll be eager to box up their belongings and settle into their new abode as soon as they can get a moving truck. Here are some tips from RISMedia that you can share to make their moving experience hassle free:
1. Make sure that your moving quote is based upon a visual survey.One of the biggest mistakes that people make when booking a move is assuming that a phone quote is guaranteed. The only way to obtain a binding quote is to have your household goods visually surveyed by a … (4 comments)

Green Giving: Even More Eco-Starter Kits - 12:02 PM
 
In December and earlier this month we wrote about four US companies selling what we called eco-starter kits. Like gift baskets filled with cheese and fruit, the kits contain an assortment of items, all with a ‘green' twist: reusable water bottles and grocery bags, energy-saving light bulbs and eco-friendly cleaning products. All of the kits carry an implied message, namely that a few changes in our individual buying habits can make a significant difference in our impact on the earth. Ideally, the kits' users will continue to buy the eco-friendly products they contain, nicely multiplying the planet-saving impact.
Now, the folks at Springwise … (1 comments)

Rate Cuts - 08:39 PM
Today in a response to the looming recession the Fed cut rates by ¾%.  This is a very steep cut and more are expected.  The usual suspects declared this would have no impact on the mortgage market, but today the mortgage interest rates went down ¼%.  I suspect more will be coming
The combination of low prices and lower interest rates could make 2008 a banner year for first time home buyers and investors.  I believe the market will bottom out this year because of these factors.  Lenders and the government are already taking action to head of the foreclosure crises and … (0 comments)

Alyssa Turned 2 Months Old - 06:59 PM
I can't believe time is flying!  Alyssa turned 2 months old last week, and we went to JCPenney to get some professional pictures taken.  She didn't really care for the day, but things turned out well. 
I wanted her to look like a snow bunny in her (faux) fur coat and preppy in her argyle sweater, but she preferred her diaper in my arms...


She's my little kosher ham! … (15 comments)

Childhood baseball memories - 12:40 PM
My earliest baseball memories are of playing little league baseball here in Turlock Ca.   I played just about every position at one time or another but my favorite and the one I played the most was catcher. (Probably because I was usually the biggest kid on the team)  I was pretty good as a catcher but was a terrible hitter.  I hit one home run my entire little league and senior little league career, and that was pure luck.  I did have lots of fun playing though and still have several friends from those days.
My next baseball memories are of … (4 comments)

I am about to be a citizen of the United States - 09:09 PM
Well it's been seven years in the making (yes I know I just should have sneaked across the border and done a job that Americans won't do), but I received a letter from INS today which is calling me for my interview and exam to be accepted as a Citizen of the United States of America.
I cannot begin to tell you how proud I will be when I finally take the oath.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My interview will be on March 13th and according to my lawyer, my swearing in can be as fast as 24 hours or as long as 14 days. Either way … (52 comments)

Three Letters I Don't Think About When Writing A Post For My Real Estate Blog - 08:20 PM
Our favorite “Tell-it-like-it-is” correspondent from the real estate blogosphere, Teresa Boardman, is back with her first Tomato contribution of 2008. Recently there has been some discussion as to what approach we should take when it comes to considering the search engines with a real estate blog article writing style.
Teresa, a proven success with her straight forward approach, serves up a spoonful of perspective, keeping us all in check:
The Three Letters I Don’t Think About When Writing a Post For My Real Estate BlogBy Teresa Boardman There are three letters that I don’t think about when I write a blog … (16 comments)

Metreon lofts in Las Vegas - 08:39 PM
The success of the District in Green Valley has not gone unnoticed by other developers. In the wake of the mortgage crisis, commercial real estate seems to be largely unaffected. So its no surprise that developers are building more mixed use projects.
Metreon Lofts is the latest entry in the mixed use market. The community is being developed by Kennedy Commercial and will be located just six miles from the Las Vegas strip on West Flamingo. Metreon will have two distinct five story residential buildings offering live/work, terraced lofts and fabulous penthouse units. Commercial tenants include Sammy's Wood Fired Pizza, Fedex Kinko's … (2 comments)

...............POP TART Realtor - 08:19 PM
Have you ever heard the term "Pop tart Realtor"?
I think I first heard the term in 1997 from another agent in the office & it changed my thinking about the profession.  The term relates to the fact that we, as agents, are at the mercy of the general public & THEIR schedule...not so much ours.
I know there are doctors on call as well as plumbers and other "professionals", and maybe in this market, buying a home could be construed as "an emergency", but my thought was that as professionals, we should be able to run our own schedules and not necessarily … (30 comments)

Congress Park Homes, Denver CO - 10:45 AM
Congress Park is a charming urban neighborhood full of Craftsman style homes and Denver Squares. Close to downtown Denver and Cherry Creek, it is one of central Denver's most desirable neighborhoods. Tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, parks and the Denver Botanic Gardens all offer an ambience of welcoming urban presence. Restaurants, coffee shops, quaint retail stores and new brick urban-feel condos add to the mix.
*Congress Park Real Estate Prices for December 2007
41 detached single family homes were sold with a median list price of $398,500. On average homes took 61 days to sell and sold for a median price of $395,000. Median … (0 comments)

"Can't We Just Try it at This Price for a While?" ...mmmm, No. - 05:04 PM
If I had a nickel for every time I have been asked this question by a client whose home I was about to market...Well, let's just say I'd have a lot of nickels.
I cannot stress enough the importance of pricing a home correctly (and aggressively) from the moment it hits the market.  This is especially true in a market as challenging and diverse as the one we are currently experiencing.  I am speaking in particular of the subarban metro-Detroit area of Michigan.  And although real estate is indeed local, the situation doesn't differ much across the entire United States.  I will elaborate further on why this … (7 comments)

Mesa, Arizona 55 Plus, Retirement, Active Adult and Second Homes - 10:24 PM
In Mesa, Arizona, especially East Mesa as well as Apache Junction and Gold Canyon there are a plethora of retirement communities. Many of our winter visitors come here for a visit and then end up purchasing their winter home returning year after year to enjoy our wonderful Arizona weather.
In this article, I should like to introduce you to the retirement community of Sunland Springs Village. Located on the far eastern edge of Mesa, just south of Baseline and east of Signal Butte, lies a wonderful Active Adult community with a club house, swimming pool, tennis courts and three beautiful golf courses. My favorite golf … (4 comments)

Interest rates drop - 09:58 PM
Surprise move by the Fed today with interest rate reduction.  The largest in 24 years.
Washington Post comments below. 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/22/AR2008012200518.html
 
… (4 comments)

One Way To Deal With Your Rotten Neighbors - 11:10 AM
I was totally shocked when I saw this on msnbc.com and they give you the option of embedding it in your blog or website, so I'm sharing it with you!
There was this guy and he and his wife moved into a new place and they had a smelly neighbor.  I guess they tried several different ways to remedy the situation.  When nothing worked he made a website called www.rottenneighbor.com. 
I've tried to get on the website to check it out, but it must be receiving so much traffic that you can't access it.
Evidently the idea has really taken off!  Watch this … (15 comments)

Cincinnati Real Estate Market Report 24 hour update 01/21/2008 - 05:01 AM
Here is a daily update of Cincinnati real estate activity.
In the Cincinnati area currently your home must be in top condition and priced correctly to sell. If you have any questions about Cincinnati real estate or need a Cincinnati realtor please feel free to contact me.
http://www.find1home.com/
… (0 comments)

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