Archives of real estate blog entries for January 29, 2008

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Do you mind if I take this call? - 11:21 PM
Today I had a midday cancellation.  Not to worry, it was at my daughter's orthodontist - no revenue lost, huge savings gained.  I quickly came up with an important plan of action to fill this gift of time.  One, go to the bank to straighten out that pesky password problem.  Check.  Stop for some carrot cake and tea.  Check.  Schedule the overdue oil change on my vehicle.  Wow!  My lucky day!  Could I come right in?
As I pulled into the facility and parked my mud-covered SUV  (I live off-road, really), full of signs and riders in the back, good shoes and paperwork in the front, I apologized to … (70 comments)

From Vacant to Va...va...VOOM! - 06:30 PM
I get asked by agents and sellers alike to describe the different levels of staging. And I always say, a picture is worth a thousand words:
Vacant- cold, stark, and uninviting, any flaws would be very apparent.
Lightly Staged- artwork and accessories draw attention to the best features of the home.
Vignettes- small areas staged to accentuate positive features and detract from negative ones.
Fully Staged- allows buyers to view the home at it's greatest potential.
This is a very easy way to explain the cost levels involved in staging too. One of these examples will fit into most budgets.
I'd like to thank my friends Michele … (54 comments)

Real Estate Blogging Bringing in More than you Bargained for? - 02:15 PM
I was amazed to read on Rain City Guide this morning about the Realtor in Florida who is being sued for $25 MILLION dollars based on his blog!  Tim Kane wrote the informative post about whether or not we really have free speech when it comes to blogging.  A developer didn't appreciate the Realtor's blog and is filing suit as a result! 
I read the article in the Miami Herald and also the agent in question's blog posts.  I did find the style harsh in my own opinion, but I can't see how a lawsuit could possibly be founded by the developer.  Of … (77 comments)

2008 First Hawaii ActiveRain Gathering a HUGE Success! - 06:12 PM
 
After Hawaii Randy Prothero gave an introduction post Active Rain Goes Hawaiian to announce the "Surprise Celebrity Guests", they had a visit with Celeste WooHoo Sally Cheeseman and then jumped in Randy's car to head to the Active Rain Gathering (The first in Hawaii) at Gordon Biersche Lanai.
WooHoo Sally's son and daughter went early to help her set up the tables with little place setting gift bags while Randy went to pick up Sharon Simms. In they came and oh, goodness. Warm hugs for one of the people who made WooHoo warm and fuzzy all over from the beginning of her … (96 comments)

Let's Begin - The Hidden Secrets of Active Rain - Exposed! - 10:07 AM
We've all been there... you've been blogging on Active Rain a while and you stumble across a feature you never noticed before. Or you see someone else use something cool in their post that you didn't know was possible. Or you learned about a not so obvious way to earn points. I think we can all think of at least one of these.
Thus, the idea behind the hidden secrets of Active Rain.
Let's expose those secrets.Let's collect them all together in the same spot.Let's make a place where Active Rain Newbies can visit to easily find these secrets.
Here's the plan....
Write a post … (24 comments)

I Am Taking Two Listings Today Because of Active Rain - 06:27 PM
I had a call a few days ago from a consumer who found me on Active Rain.  We talked about their situation and about listing two homes they own in Bradenton - Sarasota, Florida. They found my blog and had "read up on me."
The interesting thing is that I did not even "do" a listing presentation.  They were comfortable with listing with me solely from what they read here in my blog....
So, I am thinking out loud right now... As someone reads my blog what will they learn about me?
They will learn that I am a skilled professional Realtor with over … (76 comments)

Formula One Blogging or Blogging for Success - 11:13 AM
This post was inspired by a conversation I had this week with another Active Rain member about our blogging efforts.  It seems that both of us put a good deal of effort in our blogs, particularly our posts to Localism but feel we are rolling boulders uphill against the bloggers in our areas who are the "formula" bloggers.  It appears that neither the point system in Active Rain or ranking with Google really care about the differences.  Yes, you may be rewarded with more points if you write a post that is noticed by other members but you may also end … (69 comments)

Active Rain: I'm Quitting While I'm Hot...And The Market's Not!!! - 10:16 AM
Active Rain: I'm quitting while I'm hot!!! That's right!
OK...It's January 29, 2008...I have been here at Active Rain about 6 months...I need about 332 points to hit 100,000...one post and 6 comments away...so I should hit that milestone today...but I QUIT!!! That's right I quit AR!
No more blogging, no more posts, no more comments, no more opinions, no more wasted time, no more fooling around with graphics, no more trying to embed You Tube videos, no more trying to come up with inspiring topics, no more trying to educate or advise all you agents and loan officers out there, no more … (150 comments)

"Got Features" Contest Announcement - 04:29 PM
"Got Features" Contest Announcement by Bill Roberts
Front Porch Majority is pleased to announce a contest for everybody that writes good posts that somehow get overlooked for FEATURE status.
We have five spots on the FEATURE DASHBOARD just for you.
The contest rules are very simple:
Pick out a good post that you have done (or a new one)Spruce it up, maybe re-title it.Post it (again) as usual, but include it in Front Porch Majority group"Tag" it GOT FEATURESDeadline is 10PM Pacific Standard Time February 12. 2008Winners will be annouced on February 15, 2008 and will be "featured" immediatelyYou may enter as many times as … (82 comments)


Blog posts


Miami real estate blogger sued for $25 million - 04:05 PM

Real estate bloggers: practice diligence with what you publish on your blog! If you claim something inaccurately and it causes injury to a person, you may be sued for libel.  In response to a claim of libel, blogger Lucas Lechuga was let go by his brokerage and is currently being sued for $25 million (see CBS video).
According to the video, legal experts disagree about whether or not you can be held liable for something you post on your blog.
I believe I met Lucas in New York at Inman Connect a few weeks ago, and remember him to be a nice … (93 comments)

NWMLS 2007 Condo Highlights - 07:32 PM
The NWMLS just released its Brokers Report on 2007 home sales. Here are some highlights pertaining to area condos:
The NWMLS reported $32.3 billion in total home sales in its 19 county territory. Just about one-half of that dollar volume, $16.5 billion, was realized in King County. And, of the $16.5 billion, $13.4 billion were single family homes sales and $3.1 billion were condominiums sales.Condominium prices jumped 10.6 percent from 2006 to 2007. The 19 county area-wide median price rose from $235,000 to $260,000. King County’s condo median price ($285,400) was up 12.35% over the prior year, but the number of … (0 comments)

NWMLS Home Sales Brokers Report 2007 - 07:47 PM
The Northwest MLS (NWMLS) recently published its Brokers Report for home sales in 2007.  The NWMLS serves 19 counties, mostly in western Washington, plus Grant, Kittitas and Okanogan counties.
In 2007, members within the NWMLS territory posted $32.3 billion in sales of single family homes and condominiums with median prices increasing in 18 of 19 counties. Both the number of units sold and total dollar volume decreased from 2006 levels by 14.5% and 8.7%, respectively.
Single family homes accounted for nearly 82% of the number of sales and about 86% of the dollar volume, with condominiums making up the balance.
Highlights for … (1 comments)

Bellevue Golf Course goes Green: Wildlife Sanctuary and Environmental Stewardship - 12:18 AM

 
"Backyard Habitat" comes full circle at Bellevue Golf Course, aka "Bellevue  Muni" among locals, where the course serves both avid golfers and the environment, strengthening the community and preserving the sport. As an avid enthusiast of backyard habitats, news of Bellevue Muni caught my particular attention, especially as my husband and ActiveRain's Jon Washburn, ActiveRain's Bob Stewart, and MTG's Tyson Knavelsrud regularly play there. 
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses is an opt-in program. Receiving certification requires passing stringent tests, and the public course at 5500 140th Avenue NE, managed by Premier Golf Centers, is a stellar … (3 comments)

Give Congress Your Opinions -- Quickly and Easily - 08:48 AM

In my email this morning was the weekly "Update from Congress.org."  I really like receiving this because you can click on one of the issues, read about it and then write a comment that gets sent to your Congressional Representatives.  For instance, today their topics were:
State of The Union Address Monday Night
Obama Gets Big Win in South CarolinaStimulus Package AnnouncedHarry Reid Names Senate PrioritiesI clicked in further and found this issue:
Senate Takes Up Intelligence Bill
With a February 1 expiration date looming over the current law, the Senate is taking up debate on changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The most … (2 comments)

PBS' Think Tank and First Measured Century - 11:53 AM

I was awake very early this morning and turned on PBS (Channel 9).  I watched "Think Tank" a program I had never seen before.  Think Tank with Ben Wattenberg is a half-hour weekly discussion show focusing on deeper trends, conditions, and ideas behind the week's headlines. Each week, host Ben Wattenberg is joined by panelists uniquely qualified to discuss topics such as public policy, politics, arts and entertainment, culture, science and technology, and medicine.
This week, Wattenberg was interviewing James Q. Wilson.  In 1982 Wilson published the influential "broken windows" theory of crime.  If police and the community ignore public disorder (symbolized by … (2 comments)

New Construction -- Billion Dollar Home - 07:36 PM
 
 
A billion dollar skyscraper home (570 feet tall, 27 stories) is getting built for Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man and will be located in Mumbai, India.   In an article written by Karen Russo, reported on ABC.com, the amenities will include, “a swimming pool, multiple "safe" rooms and 600 servants. Along with a health club, the abode will reportedly have a home theater and a helipad, and the tower will include six floors for 168 car parking spaces.”
The home is supposed to be ready for the family to move into next year.   Go to the website and see pictures.   I wonder … (9 comments)

2471 Crestview Drive - Newport Beach CA - $4,995,000 - 10:34 PM
Home | Site MapFor more information, photographs and other available properties, go to :Orange County coastal real estate in Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach & Newport Coast
… (0 comments)

Floridians - DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE TODAY! - 07:37 AM
Today is a huge day in Florida. The eyes of the nation are on us as we have a primary and a property tax amendment (ok - so the rest of the nation doesn't care about our property tax amendment) to vote on.
Many people have died to give you this right to vote. DO NOT LET THEM DOWN!
I am not yet a citizen and so I can't join you, but I can tell you I never missed a vote of any description when I lived in the UK.
And once I become a citizen later this year, I will never miss a … (10 comments)

The Pledge of Allegiance - 06:08 PM
With my impending citizenship approaching I was searching through some things to find out for myself the origins of the pledge. During the course of that search I found this remarkable piece of video.
It is old for sure, but it is a reminder of exactly why it is that we live here; why it is that this is the greatest country in the world; and what exactly it means - something many in Congress have clearly forgotten.
And so take four minutes out of your day and remind yourselves of all these things.
I give you Red Skeltons's Pledge … (25 comments)

Recycle to Get The Most Out of Your Real Estate Blog Articles and Pictures - 04:02 PM
Because of the global exposure Teresa Boardman receives, and the fact that she is a regular contributor here, I am regularly asked how she is able to continually keep up the vigorous posting pace on her real estate blog.
I can’t speak for her, but I can say that the article she just sent over give us some tips on how to get more than one life out of your blog articles and the pictures that you snap for them.
I Already Said ThatBy Teresa Boardman
My blog has a lot of words in it. There are almost 1000 posts. Posts … (2 comments)

SOLD! 254 Wildflower, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073 - 05:36 PM
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Tramonto Homes Sales - December 2007 - 01:29 PM
 
Tramonto sales averaged $326,192 for the month of December 2007.     Five homes sold during this period that ranged in size from 1416 to 3380 square feet. 
If you wish to learn more about homes in this fine community, view my website at Tramonto, or call me at (623) 640-0937.      
… (0 comments)

Trilogy at Vistancia Real Estate - Home Sales December 2007 - 01:34 PM
 
Home sales slowed in December 2007 with only two homes being sold.    These were $264,900 and $699,000 with square footages of 1635 and 2610, respectively.  
For more information about homes in Trilogy of Vistancia or other fine communities, please visit my website, Don Rich Homes or call me at (623) 640-0937. 
… (0 comments)

Sun City Grand - Homes Sold December 2007 - 01:39 PM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In December 2007 there were 28 homes sold.     These averaged in price between $183,000 and $850,000 and square footages between 1138 and 3389.   The average of the 28 homes was $337,346.
If you would like more information about Sun City Grand, please view my website, Don Rich Homes, or don't hesitate to contact me at (623) 640-0937.   For more information, please view my new blog under www.phoenixrealestatecentral.com for the latest for home sale information in the Phoenix real estate market.
 
 
 
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Decision making methods - 09:56 AM
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Palmetto May Be Getting A Farmer's Market - 07:29 AM
Good news for residents in the area since the one that was held in Bradenton on Main Street was closed last year because the local businesses said they didn't have the money to keep it going any longer.
2 local residents, Mitchell Armstrong and Kelvin Lindbloom say they want to try and make a go of Farmers Market in Palmetto along the Manatee River, near the pier at the foot the Green Bridge.
Palmetto leaders are likely to approve plans for the market in early February.The plans were presented this week to city officials. Palmetto Mayor Larry Bustle called the proposal "a good thing for … (1 comments)

12 Niagara County Barns Celebrating County's Bicentennial! - 01:10 PM
Niagara County is celebrating it's 200th Anniversary and there is a whole bunch of celebrating going on throughout Niagara County! 
Driving around the county you will find the logo painted on 12 barns, which is appropriate for Niagara County is predominately a farming community.  Take a day trip and see each of the barns yourself or take a virtual tour by seeing them online.
Visit the barns with the "Larger Than Life" logos!
Sweeney Barn - Maple View Dairy John Sweeney, Jr. - 7365 West Somerset Road, Appleton, NY 140080 Gilbert Barn Allan Gilbert - 3597 Robson Road, Middleport, NY 14105   … (0 comments)

***LOOK!***......AN AMAZING PLACE TO CALL HOME! 1496 S. Millstream Ct. in Nampa! - 03:08 PM
… (3 comments)

HELP ! We Need Your Written Professional Opinions to Save Our Greenspace ! - 10:15 PM
  
 
                                                    
This morning we attended the Public Works Committee meeting for the city of New Berlin, Wisconsin. We testified at the pre-meeting, Privilege of the Floor as to our opposition for a proposed bike/walking path which would cut the back yards of residents in our sub-division ourselves included by 25 feet.  The street behind us has become busier in the 10 years that we have lived there.  We have planted 14 pine trees now towering over the phone lines...many other residents also have spent many thousands of dollars on landscaping with berms, trees, plantings, etc. The "natural pine fences" provide … (3 comments)

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