Archives of real estate blog entries for October 3, 2008 (Page 7)

Blog posts


Opinions on the market ( news coverage too ) - 11:21 AM
Is this market crazy or what? I know darn good and well public perception due to some very goofy media coverage is running the market at the moment. I learned that if someone is not activley selling real estate (as I have done for 29 years) what they tell me doesnt really hold much water. some of  news people and number crunchers cause more problems than they solve. So if they are not showing house and listening to buyers and sellers face to face everyday, thier opinons do more harm than good.
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Southport NC - October Kick Off - 12:57 PM

SOUTHPORT - There is so much happening locally and in the area this weekend that I feel the need to hit the high spots for those deciding what they might like to do. The biggest of the events snuck up on me this year. The 30th Annual US Open King Mackerel Tournament got underway in Southport yesterday. With over $100,000 in prize money given to 55 winners, the tournament easily attracts 400 boats every year. I haven't done it in awhile, but it's well worth it to get up before dawn and head down to the the Waterfront and watch … (0 comments)

Ridgewood NJ: Towns That Could Be Hit Hardest by the Financial Crisis - 12:33 PM
Business week had a very interesting article on Towns that could be hit hardest by the financial crisis on Wall Street.
Here is a link to the whole article as well as a link to our very own Ridgewood, NJ. This article is clearly pointing to what we all know. There is a crisis on Wall Street and now on Main Street. We are fortunate to be so close to Manhattan and have such highly rated schools. Ridgewood Schools were ranked #7 of 316 public schools in New Jersey (Number 1 in Bergen County).
 
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Make Sure Your Lender, Agent and You Think The Contract Through - 10:37 PM
More than once in recent weeks I have heard of a disappointed buyer. 
Although our buyers are far and few between there are some great loan programs still available.  One of them is the ODVA loan (Oregon Veterans Loan). 
This program allows for almost 100% financing for the Oregon Veteran - Great News uh? 
Well, maybe... you see these buyers get qualified, they shop, they find the perfect home then the problem arises. 
Although the program allows close to 100% financing it still requires mortgage insurance.  The mortgage insurance companies are not fond insuring the 100% or the pruchase price - and so there goes the almost … (5 comments)

A Little TOO Close to Home.... - 11:51 PM
 So you think you KNOW your town?  How much do you REALLY know?  I live in one of the many, many towns of Long Island in New York called Farmingdale and have written about it often.  I have lived there for 30 years and thought I knew everything about it.
I guess every town has its "dirty little secrets."  However, this isn't LITTLE, it's frightening!  As many of you may be aware my daughter is not only a Feng Shui Consultant and Artist, she is also a Certified Personal Trainer.  She has worked out at our local gym, "Synergy" since she … (33 comments)

Landlords Face Challenges In Marketing Their Rentals - 08:32 PM

The greater Stuart, Florida real estate market has seen a significant increase in homes available for rent.  "For Rent" signs are appearing everywhere from condo communities to upscale neighborhoods where rentals are typically scarce.
This trend is largely driven by the depressed housing market - many sellers looking in vain for buyers have switched to renting in order to facilitate their relocation plans.  Investors, unable to flip their properties, have been seeking to offset their mortgage expense by renting until the market rebounds.
The rental and sales markets tend to move in opposite directions but homes for rent have also been … (0 comments)

West Loch - Real Estate Sales Activity for September 2008 - 12:25 PM
This West Loch sales report covers both Westloch Estates and Westloch Fairway (part of zip code of 96706) in Ewa beach, Hawaii.
West Loch has seen an increase of inventory and some slippage in sales volume and average sales price.  Sellers will find a lot of competition, while buyers will find some really good values in West Loch. 
Currently Active for Sale (10/3/08): 
29 Single Family Homes Currently in Escrow (10/3/08):
  1 Single Family Home *These numbers were taken from the Honolulu Board of Realtors MLS system and are deemed to be accurate, but not guaranteed.
You can find … (0 comments)

Kalihi Real Estate Sales Activity for September 2008 - 01:05 PM
This report covers areas including: Kalihi Area, Kalihi Valley, Kalihi Uka, Kalihi upper, Kalihi Kai, and Kalihi Lower, which is part of Honolulu, Hawaii.  These numbers reflect only the totals and average sale prices.
Single Family homes sales have softened. Average sales price of single family homes has slipped a little year to date.  The big issue is that sales volume has plummeted considerably.  With more than 9 months worth of inventory and low interest rates buyers will find the Kalihi area a good place to negotiable sellers and the home of their dreams.
Condo and townhouse sales are another story.  … (5 comments)

Kaneohe Real Estate Sales Activity for September 2008 - 03:15 PM
The Kaneohe communities (zip code of 96744 and some connecting neighborhoods) have seen changes in the real estate market. 
Single Family homes sales have softened. Average sales prices of single family homes year to date are up slightly.  In the month of September we saw a slight dip that was mostly attributed to an increase in sales volume of lower priced homes.  Sales volume saw a bump in September, but year to date is still down form the 2007 levels.  Inventory levels are high with more than a years worth of inventory.  If current conditions continue buyers will find sellers may … (2 comments)

Some Lenders Need to Buy a Clue - 09:51 PM
I have watched lenders one by one drop like flies over the last few months.  I see commercials telling consumers in trouble to contact their lender, because they want to help them.  I honestly do not believe it.  Have you ever tried to contact a lender for a short sale packet or to discuss not being able to make the payments and the need for some relief?  Fortunately I have not been in that situation, but know several folks who have.  They all have a consistent story.  The lender would not take their call.
I personally have avoided doing short sales … (15 comments)

More on The Residences at Milton Village in Milton's Lower Mills - 12:20 PM
Courtesy of Michael C. Mahoney |Realtor from Milton, Mass The NorthCompass Group | Guiding You Home www.NorthCompass.com
 
You have all been emailing me and asking about The Residences at Milton Village in Milton, Massachusetts. This is the new development which is happening on Adams Street in Milton across for the Milton Hill Spa. Well, the units were finally posted into the MLS system, so I do have some more details on The Residences at Milton Village. There will be 21 units spread amongts 3 buildings.
 
The buildings are named:
The Wood Mill The Brick Ware Mill The Gannett The … (0 comments)

DATE NIGHT.. What to see? - 12:31 PM
Friday night is usually my date night with the most wonderful person in the world, the love of my life! (ME)
On Fridays, I like to just relax.  So I'm trying to figure out what to see. 
I'm leaning towards   .  I haven't seen these 2 together since
Unfaithful.   Eagle Eye seems like it would be too much!  I have already seen Lakeview Terrace.  So, I will be leaving shortly to see Richard Gere and Diane Lane! 
I will have to keep you posted as to wheter this is a 2 thumbs up or NOT!
 
written by Marci Toliver
 
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What you need to know if you are in Fort Myers this Weekend - 10:03 AM
 Lowest Gas Prices
Fort Myers: $3.53  BJ's 9300 Ben C Pratt Six Mile Cypress & Colonial Blvd 
Cape Coral: $3.53  BJ's 1929 NE Pine Island Rd near Pondella Rd 
Naples:  $3.56  Citgo Commerical & US-41 
Florida:  $3.37  BP 451 US-98 Apalachicola
 
Art Walk
Downtown Fort Myers/6 to 10 this evening.  Free of charge.
Fort Myers is celebrating its art explosion in the downtown area with a art walk.  The 11 gallerites have come together to put on this eent.  Art lovers can take free trolleys from place to place or walk.  There will be wine and cheese, of coruse.
Pirate Festival
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Mortgage Market Update 10/03/2008 - 05:06 PM
The Rescue/Bailout Bill is signed by the President today! It has come just in the nick of time and it will serve as a temporary "Band-Aid" to our financial markets. We still have a long road to recovery but this is a step in the right direction. As the news settles in this weekend, we should start to see the fundamentals on the poor economic data that has been released over the last couple of weeks tto rickle into our bond market and improve mortgage rates. For now, I am cautiously floating in hopes rates will improve more over the next … (0 comments)

WHAT IS THE #1 INCENTIVE THAT MOTIVATES CUSTOMERS & EMPLOYEES? - 01:07 AM
VACATIONS!
Yes, Vacations is #1, Not Cash!

Give an employee $500 & ask them in 6 months what they did with it.  They won't remember!  Give them a vacation & they'll have memories for a lifetime!
USA Today, on their recent survey, stated that 93% preferred travel over other incentives.  "This is because vacation travel is something a large % of people could not afford for themselves."
How much business would you do if you looked your prospective client in the eye & said, "IF YOU DO BUSINESS WITH ME, I'LL SEND YOU ON VACATION FOR A WEEK TO … (8 comments)

Westport Ma Real Estate Home Sales report Sept. 2008 - 07:15 AM
Real Estate sales in Westport Mass have improved with 12 homes in Westport selling in Sept. compared to 8 homes in Westport that sold in Aug.
The lowest priced home a foreclosure, sold for $127,000  The highest priced home, A new construction Colonial home sold for $484,000.
For a Free list on houses for sale in Westport Ma including foreclosures & MLS real estate listings visit www.WestportMaHomes.com
Karen Ann Martin Full time real estate agent serving home buyers & sellers in Westport, Fall River, Dartmouth Massachusetts & Tiverton RI Real Estate needs. (508) 636-3310
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Congratulations Graduates of Teen Challenge of Northern Nevada! - 10:44 AM
     I've recognized the many contributions of the boys of Teen Challenge of Northern Nevada in my posts of the past, but last night was so glorious, so God-filled, so blessed, and even had a real estate angle to it! 
     Four of the boys graduated from High School, three graduated from the Teen Challenge Character Building Program, and one was promoted to the 10th grade.  Big deal; this happens all the time.  Not quite: had these boys not had the loving families and friends, churches and prayers, they may never have lived to receive a high school diploma.  Teen Challenge saved … (4 comments)

Stupid Underwriting Tricks - 09:23 AM
Those of us who live and die mortgages on a daily basis often times have to go get a strong drink and just laugh.  One of the favorite topics among loan originators at the water cooler is dumb ass underwriting conditions.  Basically, conditions that need to be satisfied on a loan approval that are so absurd and illogical that all you can do is laugh about them.  Of course, the challenge is trying to explain to clients, Realtors, and others with a straight face as to why you are asking for this stuff...
Because of the market we are in, underwriters … (9 comments)

Mission Viejo Market Update - 04:05 PM
Mission Viejo Real Estate Market Update - by John Alesi, REALTOR®


This is my first attempt at a VLOG - video blog - so, I'd appreciate your comments (be gentle!). I don't think I'm ready for prime time but I hope to get better at this. I used my Flip Ultra video cam, edited with Eyespot.com online editor and posted to YouTube. I tried to use the Eyespot embed code but there was too much extra junk around the screen. Any suggestions on filming, editing and posting would be appreciated.
John Alesi - REALTOR®
CENTURY 21 Superstars
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More help for those facing foreclosure - 01:38 PM
Struggling families facing foreclosure will find one more avenue to take-mortgage assistance through a program called HOPE for Homeowners program, which will refinance mortgages for borrowers who are having difficulty making their payments, but can afford a new loan insured by HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
The HOPE for Homeowners program begins today and ends September 30, 2011. The program is available only to owner occupants and will offer 30-year fixed rate mortgages, so the borrower's last payment will be the same as the first payment. In many cases, to avoid what would be an even costlier foreclosure, banks will have … (0 comments)

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