Archives of real estate blog entries for October 7, 2008

Featured blog posts


Are You Unethical? - 07:17 PM
Is This Market Making You Unethical?  
With so much turmoil going on in our markets, I guess it's not surprising to see people become unethical. They call it survival....
Everywhere you turn you hear the word "economy". People are actually paying attention to how much money they spend, but we're still far, far away from financial literacy and understanding our economy (just the thought puts many people to sleep). I guess XBOX 360 is more fun than understanding the FED, or the relationship between crude oil and sugar production in Brazil. Who cares, right? (it doesn't affect you..... or so you think)
… (55 comments)

Do you think real estate agents statistics should be public? - 05:25 PM
It's a common situation I'm sure many agents have come across.  You are talking with a seller or buyer who you want as a client.  The client mentions that he/she is also interviewing several other agents and gives you their names.
Since I want to know my competition, I look them up on the MLS.  What I find is that the majority of listings this agent has taken on never sold.  Many of them were canceled and others simply expired.  The ones that did sell spent a very long time on the market. I know it takes a while to sell a … (58 comments)

Monetizing your market means meet and greet, not sit and wait. - 10:30 PM
Opportunity is waiting for the real estate industry.  Professionals are seizing the opportunity to use social networking and blogging to bring prospects into their nest.  How about the opportunities that exist on the street?  There are homeowners, renters, and home buyers that need help, but they may not come knocking on your door or swarming in droves. 
You can make a healthy living in any economy. Monetizing your market means meet and greet, not sit and wait.
 
The first opportunity that I see was delivered by way of local newspaper to my doorstep. 
I opened up my local newspaper and … (57 comments)

Scottsdale, Arizona Newspaper Says "Uncle." - 04:04 PM
It's shakeup time for one major Valley newspaper.  The East Valley Tribune is blaming the current economic downturn and stagnant Real Estate market for a recent decline in readership.  According to an article on azcentral.com, the Trib is cutting 142 positions and pulling out of Scottsdale and Tempe in January.  The paper will also scale back to a four day delivery schedule.
By and large, slumping advertising revenues are being blamed for the woes of several local publications.  As the market has softened with properties becoming increasingly difficult to sell, Real Estate agents and brokerages have largely spurned such traditional forms … (57 comments)

How Many Borrowers Will Choose Bank of America's Rescue Plan Over a Short Sale Attempt? - 10:33 PM

Thanks to California Attorney General Jerry Brown, an agreement has been reached with Countrywide's parent Bank of America to rescue an estimated 125,000 Californians from foreclosure. The terms are narrow, targeting owner occupants who took out from Countrywide Option ARM or subprime mortgages from 2004 through 2007, with a few provisions tossed in to assist homeowners with prime and Alt-A loans.
Starting December 1, apart from freezing foreclosures, Bank of America has agreed to waive prepayment penalties and late fees, plus offer to some ARM holders interest rates as low a 3.5% on a new refinance at 95% of loan-to-value, … (65 comments)

STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING - YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE RAINMAKER - 04:36 PM
RAINMAKERS have generally been described as "THE PEOPLE WHO BRING IN THE BUSINESS."  As a real estate agent, and the owner of your own business, YOU are the "Rainmaker."  That being said, if you're not making rain and growing your business, what are you doing?
THE GREATEST EQUALIZER AMONG US IS TIME, WE ALL HAVE THE SAME AMOUNT EACH DAY:  24 hours, no more, no less. How are you, the Rainmaker for your business, spending your time?
THE INTERNET CAN BE THE GREATEST SOURCE OF BUSINESS FOR YOU, THE RAINMAKER:  Your website is out there working 24/7 on your behalf, or … (39 comments)

THANK GOODNESS FOR THIS CRISIS! - 10:02 AM
You think I am kidding...I am not.  I am not a worrier.  Some people view it as naitivity or ignorance.  It isn't. It's faith that all is as it should be and there is a plan. 
I have always found that after a difficult period, things come out better than they were. We will be better, stronger and more independent than we were before this crisis.  We aren't going to die.  We are all having to pull back a little (or a lot).  We have to adjust.
Just think...maybe we are going to have to cook a few more meals at … (46 comments)

It's to DIE For! - 10:00 AM
Wow! A great price in an area that's in a 'slightly declining market' and this property IS to die for! It's beautiful and just what my client wanted! Beautiful home in this "slightly decling market neighborhood". So I sit and wonder what some people are thinking when some odd things come out of their mouths.
You gotta wonder what you're getting into when the seller's agent says:
"Well, I don't know if the seller is going to accept a VA loan". Huh? (I already checked the tax records and it says the seller bought with a VA loan) Within a couple hours I … (75 comments)

Great Staging Helped My Clients Fall In Love With The Perfect House! - 09:59 AM
Saturday, I showed a fabulous house with a slight funk factor that wouldn't be that hard to deal with.  But the good thing was, it didn't look funky.
Sure, the kitchen was dated, and the bath on the third floor belongs in a museum.  But the location was perfect for my buyers, and the house had the space, character and charm they were looking for.  Especially the space.
Joe Himali, the broker of Best Address here in DC, made my job easier.  He counseled his sellers to whip the place into total move in condition.  The funk factor was mostly in … (29 comments)

Proud and Scared at the same time. - 10:20 AM

I normally post about things that are happening in my real estate realm, but this post will be just a little different.
My step-son has been upstate New York located at Fort Drum with the Army.  Last year with him being 20 years old and knowing more than everyone else in the family- we thought this would be good for him.  Give him a little structure and teach him to be a better adult.
He just arrived home the other morning.  He will be home for a couple of weeks at which point he will fly back to New York … (55 comments)

B of A $8.8 BILLION SETTLEMENT May Prevent Thousands of Foreclosures in IL, Other States! - 10:39 PM
It appears as if a good part of the old Countrywide Home Loans mess, acquired by the venerable Bank of America when they purchased the sub-prime loan giant earlier this year, may be headed to a somewhat happy ending.
During the "Old Days" for Countrywide, here in Chicago and across Illinois, the popular lender was one of the most active companies offering low-down payment, low-initial-interest-rate home loans to thousands of home borrowers.  Many have since gone into default, paying very few, or, in some cases, no payments on their new mortgage loan.
Under a court settlement announced today, affected borrowers in … (30 comments)

"She Hit Him With a Stick!": Making Your Own Judgment About the Neighborhood - 10:27 AM
As a busy real estate professional and long-time Northern Virginia resident, I've been in and out of houses and neighborhoods throughout the region.  There are many communities where I'd feel safe carrying wads of cash and walking around in my pajamas on the street at 2 a.m.  However there are others neighborhoods where I wouldn't want to be caught without a bullet-proof vest, mace and a taser in broad daylight for fear that the 32 cents in my pocket and the clothes off my back would be stolen.  Okay, that might be a tad bit of exaggeration -- in my opinion, … (62 comments)

What Makes You Different As An Agent? - 10:07 AM
This question was posed to me earlier today as part of a month long challenge we;ve got going on in our office.  Surely, we;ve all been asked this question before, even if t=not in those exact words.  Every potential client must wonder "with all the different agents available, what's the difference?".  It's a otugh question to answer as the tendencies are to either be modest or to beat my chest, neither of which will serve me very well.
After some serious contemplation, I came up with the following.  I'd like to hear what some of you think "makes YOU different".
 I'm … (77 comments)

11 Google Alerts Because Of One Post- Reblogging Baby! - 10:04 AM
Everyday it seems there are new terms and new tools in Web 2.0.  To me I find reblogging simply smashing. 
See if you really understand the concept you might think so too.  Recently I posted about Cancer Awareness month and requested it be reblogged.  I was thinking about the old stand by...you know the email that goes around the world.  Jokes, Pictures, subscriptions and Newsletters..
If you take a look at the post it has been reblogged 8 times..I've seen it on 3 blogs from outside the rain..an incredible message spread throughout the world
My subscribers read it..and so did theirs..there … (58 comments)

"Taking Advantage of a Good Thing" - AR Community Guidelines Re-Visited - 08:54 AM

This post is the last in a series of 15 articles I started back in January designed to provide a better understanding of the ActiveRain Community Guidelines. With so many new real estate professionals joining our numbers, it's a good idea to review these guidelines regularly, and to ensure that there is a firm grasp on what the expectations are for members who participate in this valuable community.
Please know that your participation on ActiveRain isn't about a list of 'Do's and Don'ts.' So much of what is offered here is meant to empower you, and enable you to enjoy … (83 comments)

Dr. Leo Marvin's 10 Baby Steps to Better SEO - 10:17 AM
If you've read any of my previous AR or Dakno Marketing blog post, you know I'm a bit of a movie buff. Yes, I'm prone to using one of my favorite lines from a movie from time to time. One of my personal favorite movies is the Bill Murray classic "What About Bob?". Also starring in the comedy is another outstanding actor Richard Dreyfuss. Playing the part of a slightly quirky, egotistical psychiatrist, Dr. Leo Marvin, Dreyfuss has written a book about taking "Baby Steps to better mental health. Take heart, this post includes no recommendations for Dr. Marvin's "Death Therapy". … (65 comments)

Generating Font Colors Using HTML Code - 10:08 PM
Generating Font Colors Using HTML Code
The following is a way to add creativity and COLOR to your posts. This post is to help you to add font color to your blogs using the WYSIWYG and HTML sections. I received an email today my my friend Kat Delong asking how I add color, and I wanted to share it with you too!! Kat helped me with another issue last weekend!!
The following is how to add color!!! 1. Start our by clicking on the New Blog Entry.

2. Wherever you write your original post is fine. Either copy and paste … (121 comments)

Dear Diary, My Time IN & OUT of The RAIN - 10:10 AM
Dear Diary: My Time In & Out of The RAIN! Dear Diary:  My TIME In & Out of The RAIN
 
Recently, things have really been busy, what with the Wachovia ups and downs (and back ups again!)  and clients deciding that they’d best go ahead and get their home listed before the market slows for the holidays (yeah, right!).  As a result my ‘blogging’ time has been slowed a bit—considerably slowed as a matter of fact!
(Click on links to read a few of my favorite blogger's posts...and one of my own that's near and dear to my heart!)
There … (44 comments)


Blog posts


Paulson's Plan - 12:37 PM
Here's an interesting bailout story for those that are interested. Follow the link. 'Paulson's new 'Global Banking Corp.' Federal ethics laws let him sell $484 million in Goldman stock tax-free when he left. Net worth, about $700 million...
First Goldman pays Paulson megabucks, then "lends" him to Bush, a virtual Trojan Horse. Now Paulson's preparing the way for his grand march back into private life by throwing billions of taxpayer dollars to his old buddies. So Goldman gets billions, and taxpayers get a pile of illiquid junk. Scam? Yes, and a classic case of moral hazard: Freed of risky liabilities, Wall … (1 comments)

11 Google Alerts Because Of One Post- Reblogging Baby! - 10:04 AM
Everyday it seems there are new terms and new tools in Web 2.0.  To me I find reblogging simply smashing. 
See if you really understand the concept you might think so too.  Recently I posted about Cancer Awareness month and requested it be reblogged.  I was thinking about the old stand by...you know the email that goes around the world.  Jokes, Pictures, subscriptions and Newsletters..
If you take a look at the post it has been reblogged 8 times..I've seen it on 3 blogs from outside the rain..an incredible message spread throughout the world
My subscribers read it..and so did theirs..there … (58 comments)

1st Annual Rubber Duck Race-Jackie Robinson Stadium-Daytona Beach, Florida - 09:06 PM
So I thought I had heard of everything until today, the listing machine cornered me and told about his latest fund raiser.  Hospice of Volusia/Flagler's 1st Annual Rubber Duck Race..and guess what?  I adopted a lucky duck..for $5.00 you can adopt your own rubber duck.  No not for your tub...but for the rubber ducky race!  
Race To Win A Prize! Help make a difference in a child's life! Event Schedule Sunday October 26, 2008 At the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, Daytona Beach, Florida.  East Orange Avenue and Beach Street on the Halifax River. 11:00 am-4 pm-Music, entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting … (3 comments)

ST AGNES HOLIDAY FAIR IN MILFORD CONNECTICUT 11/15/08 - 06:16 PM
 
St Agnes Holiday Fair  Nov 15th 9:00AM - 3:00PM
St Agnes Parish Hall
400 Merwin Ave  Milford, CT 06460
To register please call Register with Carol Close  - 934-4436 or   Eda Moroney - 878-9050
 Tables $15 each
(Tables are available in the Hall Setup time is 8:00AM)
 Hot and Cold refreshments are available for a small fee.
 
--------This document can be found here - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgkwbn87_258fz8wkkds
… (0 comments)

Nashua, NH -- Do You Know Where Apples Come From? Visit Sullivan Farm - 09:36 AM
    DO YOU know where apples come from?                                              YOU are invited to attend Sullivan Farm's FIRST AppleFest ... be a part of Nashua's history!
Sullivan Farm is the only operating apple orchard located in Nashua.  At Sullivan Farm, you can pick your own apples/pumpkins and buy fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. 
This fall, Sullivan Farm is hosting an AppleFest to kick off the fundraising season for the Salvation Army of Nashua's  annual Holiday Kettle Campaign and Christmas Toy Shop.
 
When:        Sunday October 12th Time:         10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Where:       Sullivan Farm, 70 Coburne Rd., Nashua  603-595-4560 Cost:          Free - All proceeds to benefit Nashua … (18 comments)

It's raining Friends on Active Rain - Catch the Friendship Ball - 02:28 PM
 
 
    FRIENDSHIP IS PRICELESS
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."
Walter Winchell
 
     Valerie OlsterHoudt started the Friendship Ball.....and the object is to tag two people and send them this FRIENDSHIP BALL.  Once they get the ball then they can copy and paste it in their message to someone else. Once you receive this FRIENDSHIP BALL, you have to write something about the people you tag. See below. Do you think we can get all 100K members?  Let's see where it goes next!
I was tagged by my dear friend … (22 comments)

76 Linda Isle - Newport Beach CA - $4,995,000 - 12:17 AM
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)

Dick Morris - the truth about Obama and Ayres! - 09:04 AM
The Obama campaign is trying to run away from bill Ayres as fast as possible, but with new documents just released, that seems like a mission with only one possible conclusion - failure!
Dick Morris - a Clinton adviser amongst other things, discusses the potential fall out. It's a seven minute video, but it's worth the watch.

Since my original posting, I went to CNN and found this from Anderson Cooper. Those who don't trust Dick Morris surely will not even begin to say the same things about Anderson?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Copyright © 2008 By Simon L Conway All Rights … (26 comments)

Rezko ready to spill his guts? - 01:24 PM
It has been rumored for some time that Barack Obama's long-time friend and business associate, convicted fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko, is trying to deal for a lower sentence by spilling his guts on the mess that has always been Chicago politics. And now the prosecution has filed a motion to "delay indefinitely" the sentencing of Rezko - sending their strongest hint yet that he is ready to spill his political secrets.
The filing asks for a postponement while prosecutors and defense attorneys "engage in discussions that could affect their sentencing postures."
Speculation has been circulating for weeks that Rezko has been … (9 comments)

The new national anthem - in the land of Obama! - 02:30 PM
Have you ever wondered what our country would be like if the unthinkable did happen and Obama was elected President? I know I'm not alone in both thinking and worrying about this.
Meanwhile, Glenn Beck has been thinking about it too - and has produced a great video! Now whether you are pro Obama or pro McCain, I think you will find this funny (if you are honest with yourself!)
And so without any further delay, here is what the new national anthem may look and sound like in the not too distant future. Let's hope not!

… (14 comments)

Sterile presidential debate with no knock out blows - 10:09 PM
It probably favors Obama, but tonight's debate was so sterile that I don't know how they had the nerve to refer to it as a town hall meeting.
I was at a town hall meeting a week ago. That one was about a traffic signal. It would have effected three sub divisions that had a total of 525 homes. Some 150 people showed up and there was more passion in that one hour than I saw here tonight.
If Tom picked the questions then it is time for him to retire. I simply do not believe those were the best questions available. … (26 comments)

We are so lucky to be involved in Rancho Palos Verdes Real Estate - 04:20 PM
Anyone who may have been driving down Hawthorne Blvd this morning facing Catalina island was in for a treat. The ocean was like a mirror reflecting all the majesty of the whole island. It was a postcard scene. It was just another special day in Rancho Palos Verdes.
The market continues to hold up better here than most other area's of the state. At the current time there are 139 single family residences for sale in the city from $578,000 (short sale) to $6,900,000. There are currently 36 homes in escrow and the average time on the market is still around 95 … (0 comments)

Downing Creek Neighborhood - Durham, NC - 10:23 AM
 

Downing Creek is located ten minutes to Chapel Hill, and fifteen minutes to Duke and RTP.  The HOA dues cover a pool and clubhouse.  The neighborhood is conveniently located off Hwy 54.  This neighborhood has a Chapel Hill address but is located in Durham County.  The community has beautiful homes on lots with mature trees and landscaping.
  Schools:
E - Creekwood
M - Githens
H - Jordan
Click here to search homes available in Downing Creek in Durham, NC and surrounding areas.
To view homes currently available in the Downing Creek neighborhood, click here.
… (0 comments)

Eagles Point Neighborhood - Durham, NC - 10:31 AM
 

Eagles Point is located in southwest Durham with great access to area restaurants, shopping, The Streets of Southpoint Mall, I-40 and Research Triangle Park.  It is also a 15 minute drive to Duke University and Chapel Hill. The neighborhood was built in the late '90's to 2000.  Schools:  E - Parkwood  M -  Githens     H - Jordan
To search for homes available in the Eagles Point Neighborhood - Durham, NC or surrounding areas, click here.
To view homes currently available in the Eagle's Point neighborhood, click here.
… (0 comments)

Fairfield Neighborhood - Durham, NC - 10:38 AM
 

The Fairfield neighborhood offers you the best of all worlds; a community atmosphere with wooded lots, traffic circles and cul-de-sac streets, yet minutes from the major centers of business, shopping and universities.  There are a variety of home styles to choose from and some beautiful features and finishes from one of the area's premier homebuilders, Pinnacle Custom Homes.  There is a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts and playground that is covered by the HOA dues. New construction homes are still available.  Schools:    E - Creekside   M - Lowes Grove   H - Jordan
Click here to search for homes available in the … (0 comments)

Falconbridge Neighborhood - Durham, NC - 10:47 AM
 

Falconbridge is located five minutes to Chapel Hill and fifteen to twenty minutes to Durham and RTP. The community is just off Hwy 54 East and has a Chapel Hill address but is located in Durham County.  Areas of this neighborhood feature towhomes as well.  Schools:   E - Creekside   M - Githens   H - Jordan
Click here to search for homes available in Falconbridge or surrounding areas.
To view homes currently available in the Falconbridge neighborhood, click here.
… (0 comments)

Garrett Farms Neighborhood - Durham, NC - 10:53 AM
 

Garrett Farms is centrally located between Chapel Hill and Durham.  This neighborhood has nice flat lots and a pool and clubhouse covered by HOA dues.  The lots feature mature trees and landscaping.

Schools:
E - Forest View
M - Githens
H - Jordan
To search for homes that are available in the Garrett Farms Neighborhood in Durham or surrounding areas, click here.
To view homes currently available in the Garrett Farms neighborhood, click here.
… (0 comments)

Hope Creek Neighborhood - Durham, NC - 11:06 AM
 

Hope Creek is located 10 minutes to Duke University and 10-15 minutes to Chapel Hill.  These are custom homes built by Green Country Builders and Cynmar Designs.  The community is located just off Pickett Road next to the Trinity School (private).  The location of this neighborhood makes it ideal for commuters to either Duke, UNC or Research Triangle Park    Schools:   E - Forest View   M - Githens         H - Jordan
Click here to search for available homes in the Hope Creek neighborhood or surrounding areas.
To view homes currently available in the Hope Creek neighborhood, click here.
… (0 comments)

Hope Valley Neighborhood - Durham, NC - 12:21 PM
 

Hope Valley was Durham's first full-fledged country club suburb, developed around an 18-hole golf course in the late 1920's.  The homes of Hope Valley are an eclectic mix of revival styles popular in the 1920's and 1930's, including Tudor, English Cottage, Colonial, Norman Provincial, and Spanish.  New Hope Valley has homes built since the late 1980s and are more transitional in style. Schools:  E - Hope Valley            M - Githens  H - Jordan
Click here to search for homes in the Hope Valley neighborhood - Durham, NC or surrounding areas.
To view homes currently available in the Hope Valley … (0 comments)

Hope Valley Farms Neighborhood - Durham, NC - 12:26 PM
 

Hope Valley Farms is located in Southwest Durham and  offers convenient access to Duke, UNC, Chapel Hill, RTP, and area shopping including the new Streets at Southpoint mall.  Three distinctive neighborhoods offer homes ranging from the $190's to the $300's, as well as town home communities from the $140's.  Hope Valley Farms boasts several outdoor recreational facilities such as a playground, walking paths, lighted clay tennis courts, and a competition-sized pool, as well as a clubhouse offering classes and other activities.  Membership in the club is not covered by the HOA dues and a separate membership is required.

… (0 comments)

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