Archives of real estate blog entries for November 15, 2008

Featured blog posts


Why choose a digital SLR over a point and shoot camera? - 11:19 PM
Digital SLR (Single lens reflex) cameras are not the most compact cameras on the market, nor are they the easiest to use. And although they can be feature rich, they may have a high learning curve for the casual user.
Many point and shoot cameras offer extremely high resolution, and automatically set focus and exposure. They often have spectacular results, and can fit in your pocket.
So why would anyone choose a more expensive camera body that may be harder to use? The answer is the broad spectrum of lenses that are available for the SLR. "The glass," as it's called … (68 comments)

Real Estate, Life & Kittens... - 11:13 PM
A new member of the Manson Lucchese Gotti Sardi family came aboard yesterday morning at 7:30 AM.  He's a kitten that I won't name just yet because he doesn't want Google to 'pick him up'.  He prefers the underground thing.  Actually, that's my request and not his.  Yet, he is so very friendly and seems to want to write his own little post because he was all over the keyboard the minute I sat down.  Plus, he's a purring madman.  I'll keep him underground for now, though I don't think that will last too long.
This little guy reminded me of a … (81 comments)

Real Estate Urgency... How to sell homes in a slow market? - 11:16 PM
No one is in a hurry in today's real estate market...Actually, everyone is procrastinating... Let me explain the real estate strategy of creating a sense of urgency that I have just utilized to help me sell a home in today's slow market. 
Creating Urgency!  Strategy 6 in selling a home for the highest price in the shortest amount of time..
One of my sellers recently had their beautiful home on the market.   The sellers were the original owners and had immaculately maintained this home.  The home received many showings and everyone who saw it gave positive feedback.  All the prospective buyers were procrastinating.
After  3 … (63 comments)

What’s Good For General Motors - 11:08 PM
Another bail out?  For General Motors this time?OK.  I’m not an economist.  I’m not an expert on the auto industry.  I’m a simple real estate broker who knows a lot about real estate, flute playing and the aviation industry (past life stuff, you know).  But this new bail out stuff just doesn’t make sense to me.  I can’t get my arms around it.
GM is a mess.  If my real estate practice was this big a mess, I’d try to find a way to make a living with my flute, maybe playing background music at wedding receptions and Republican dinner parties. 
… (59 comments)

Are You Honest With New Real Estate Recruits? - 01:20 PM
We don't seem to recruit as many agents as we like..as a matter of fact..when I sit with them I tell them the good..the bad and ugly of real estate.  Many times I am not the first person they have talked to..in most instances..they have no idea of the expense or the time required needed to be a true professional!
It Needs To Be A Great Fit All The Way Around! For the Agent..For the Broker..For Their Peers! When I listen to these recruits without any experience and the only knowledge they have is the real estate class and exam..and … (52 comments)

A Tribute to a Friend and Hero... Life is too Short - 01:16 PM
Passing of a Friend - A Tribute to a Hero

A special man I came to know passed this week.  He was an inspiration to me... a role-model and a mentor.
I got to know Zeev through a business relationship but there was so much I did not know about him.  What I did know is that he was genuine - he was real.  He had a zest for life, always a sparkle in his eye.
His intensity was fierce, his knowledge and wisdom was sharp.  His business know-how was beyond extensive.  His attitude and his perspective on life was beautiful.  His … (45 comments)

TOP DOWN ISN'T WORKING. WHEN WILL THE GOVERNMENT THINK OF TRYING A BOTTOM UP FIX? - 01:12 PM
* * * * WARNING!  HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK * * * *
Do "WE NEED MORE BAILOUTS?"  Jim Crawford asks that question in a thoughtful post this a.m.
Jim touches on the absurdity of rewarding inefficiencies by bailing out GM and other auto manufacturers. 
The question in my mind is. "WHEN WILL THE PUBLIC CATCH ON?"
WAIT!  I just figured it out.  They, the public, will all scream in unison, "Hey, you said my taxes were not going up!"
SERVICE FEES:  JUST ANOTHER WORD FOR TAXES.  Thanks Richard Iarossi. 
Until it, the dramatic loss of buying power, hits the majority of … (74 comments)

In Search Of The Tearless Onion...Real Estate Unraveled...!!! - 01:24 PM
In a recent post, Gary Woltal, my good friend from Texas, poses the question, Thinning of the Herd Good For Real Estate?  
This stirring post of Gary's was the kernel that sparked this post!  
Instead of 'herd'...I would prefer, for purposes of this post, to take a more 'lean' and vegetarian approach to that question...and so...  
ENTER THE ONION...the REAL incredible edible...ONION...  
Inside of the Real Estate onion is a buyer and seller...one has something to sell, while another has something he wishes to purchase...the chicken and the egg sharing comfortably a cozy corner of the hen house...!!!  
Now, the nature … (37 comments)

24 Hours Before Closing: The House Went Up in Flames - 01:27 PM

Everything was in place. We were soooo close...
The house had been on the market for only two weeks. It was in disrepair and a wonderful investment opportunity for my buyer clients.  The home was moments away from foreclosure in a transitioning neighborhood with growth potential.
The buyers were able to pay cash for the property. No need to worry about current mortgage concerns.
The offer was accepted.
And then it hit the fan...or so I thought.
There were two sets of owners. Each with their own lawyer. A judge had to get involved to resolve their individual rights. Needless to say … (94 comments)

Blogging on Activerain, It's a BIG Pain in the...Arm! - 11:24 PM
There's just no good way to do this... blogging. 
The problem has been with me for over a year now. The pain started a year ago this past June. That's about how long I have been a member of Activerain.
At first I thought I had injured my right arm pulling weeds in the garden. A sharp pain on the top of my arm near the elbow. Tendinitis, I thought. I bought an arm band to put some pressure on it. It still hurt. I stopped painting, sweeping, digging in the garden, etc. to give it time to heal.
I had … (59 comments)

Can I Write-Off A Traffic Ticket As A Business Expense? - 11:26 PM
I had a lot on my mind as a I drove away from my listing appointment last Sunday night, when suddenly I saw the flashing red lights approaching from behind. I veered over towards the side of the road hoping he was in hot pursuit of somebody other than a Realtor who was on official business. But, I wasn't so lucky. As I pulled all the way over and came to a complete stop I was blinded by the bright spot light shining into my car.
I had somewhat of an idea of my "crime", and there was no denying I was guilty as (soon to be) charged. But, I decided … (63 comments)

IF I ONLY Knew Then What I Know Now…Three ActiveRain ‘TRICKS’ to Make YOUR Blog Rock! - 11:06 PM
Way back in September 2007, when I was just a cute, little ActiveRain newborn…I started blogging without a clue as to how to actually do it. Writing comes naturally to me, so I was confident that I could find something interesting to ‘talk’ or blog about without much difficulty. However…and I KNOW this will come as a great shock to most of you…I’m not a very technically gifted person. What I mean to say is that...I'm technically challenged. Don’t get me wrong…I’m creative!
 
The problem was that I had no idea how to use the many available technical tools … (118 comments)

This is really what happens to you when you work and play hard in ActiveRain! - 11:28 PM
UPDATE~ Sorry! This home was taken off the market! 

Thanks to ActiveRain, these sellers were "sold on me "
long before I ever walked through their front door!
This is what happens to you when you work and play hard in ActiveRain.....
Doors begin opening up for YOU! 
These sellers were sold on me before I ever walked in their front door!
They came to know "me" from the Internet and my blogs.....
And then this is what I  was rewarded with.......

A $800,000 Listing (well $795,000 to be exact...) and all on my terms! 
If you would like you … (97 comments)

Have Your Open Houses Lost Their Mojo? Part II - 11:11 PM
Well, it has taken quite a bit longer than I anticipated to get Part II out but bronchitis and pneumonia had me in bed for quite a few days! (Actually, over A WEEK!) Whew - do not wish that on ANYONE!
Still not feeling the best but on with the series!!!
In Have Your Open Houses Lost Their Mojo? Part I I shared some advertising ideas that should help to spark some great interest for your Open Houses!  Now, it's almost time for the Open House - what can you do to inject a little more life into it and get even more contacts?
… (47 comments)

Top 107 things to do on Active Rain - 11:35 PM
Justin Williams who wrote about the 10 new things one can do on Activerain Today. Without further ado. Here's our top 50, 100 107 list. Thanks Justin for this great idea. You are a genius!


Listen to Rain Radio Check out the top subscribers on Active Rain Read Lenn's Epiphany posts Subscribe to the group: "Jason Crouch" in blog titles Head over to the Consumer's regional channel Write a post commemorating your dad Pick and join one of our Top 650 recommended groups  See how you compare to the top real estate agents on AR Read the most recent blog posts of … (77 comments)

EXPOSE YOURSELF! - 11:15 PM
My "big-boss" broker  has asked me to make two presentations to my fellow associates about Blogging and the Internet.  Because of everything that I have learned on Active Rain, I have become my office's "Online Guru Geek".  So for that last couple of days, I have been working on my presentations.
For me it started in June 2006 and a new member of Active Rain, thanks to Jack Patton.  I was a slow learner and didn't start posting until June 2007. But from that dayforward....... I started learning about Active Rain, Internet Marketing, Blogging, SEO, Widgets, Videos, Flips, Headers, Sidebars, Backlinks, and … (28 comments)

ActiveRain ~ Some People GET IT and Some People JUST DON'T GET IT ~ I GIVE UP! - 01:19 PM
Sometimes I just think God protects us from ourselves. I am a very generous and collaborative person. I share all my technology skills and knowledge with anyone who wants to know. I have always felt that the improvement process for me as an individual is raised when information is shared and collaboration occurs. With this exchange comes new opportunity for me and for the other person or group.
My company has embarked on developing a blog website and embraced the blogosphere. I was so excited about it and gladly helped in getting it off the ground. We have far to go, … (94 comments)

10 New Things To Do On Activerain Today - 01:13 PM

 
10 new things to do on the rain
Lets face the facts sometimes we get so entranced in our daily habitual habits that we sometimes stick to the status quo and never venture too far off the path.
How about stepping outside your comfort zone and do something a little out of the ordinary. Not only will this spice up your blogging lifestyle but also help contribute to our awesome Activerain Community.
Welcome New Members Today - Did you know on the front page there is a link for new members that just joined?  Its right here http://activerain.com/action/agents/new_users … (106 comments)


Blog posts


Are You Honest With New Real Estate Recruits? - 01:20 PM
We don't seem to recruit as many agents as we like..as a matter of fact..when I sit with them I tell them the good..the bad and ugly of real estate.  Many times I am not the first person they have talked to..in most instances..they have no idea of the expense or the time required needed to be a true professional!
It Needs To Be A Great Fit All The Way Around! For the Agent..For the Broker..For Their Peers! When I listen to these recruits without any experience and the only knowledge they have is the real estate class and exam..and … (52 comments)

Results In On Experimental Landing Page - 08:08 PM
On October 23rd, just about three weeks ago, I did an Active Rain post that some here might remember: Creating a Landing Page - Your Feedback is Appreciated!
My goal was simple: I wanted to get to page 1 of Google (preferably the top of page 1) for the concept of buying a home in Los Gatos (I have a number of sites and blogs, but I wanted my main site and Los Gatos blog to shine with this one). So I made a page in my main website, PopeHandy.com, with Los Gatos homebuyers in mind. It's not a pretty page and … (8 comments)

The Real Estate Market - 08:15 PM
We stopped taking the newspaper a few months ago. What I miss most about the daily rag is the comics, which I guess goes to show you just how valuable the daily was in my life. Oddly enough, about the same time, I stopped watching the 10 o'clock news, which is now the "all the time" news, so I am no longer in touch with the talking heads of broadcast media. So, it was a bit unusual that as I was waiting for my plane home after an out of town conference a few days ago, I was idly watching a … (1 comments)

Apple Valley Lake Home (SOLD December 2009) - 03:09 PM
You can walk to the lake and to the beach within 2 minutes from this ultra affordable home.
 
For more details and to view this home online CLICK HERE.
Contact Sam Miller of RE/MAX Stars Realty at 1-800-282-9096 or visit www.SamMiller.com
… (1 comments)

Did You Know.... - 08:45 AM

Did You Know...
                                                                                                                                                
It never fails...as soon as I meet people "from away", one of the first things they ask me about are Maine Lobsters!  It seems like the word "lobster" is synonymous with the Maine Coast!  So for those of you interested, here are a few lobster facts:
 1. It takes 5 to 7 years for a lobster to grow to legal size in the ocean! There is a special tool used to measure the carapace (back) of the shell.  If it's not at least 3 1/4 inches long...throw it back!  Lobsters get up to 45 pounds and (it is believed) that … (0 comments)

5 Reasons To Buy Okemo Mountain Vacation Home - 04:32 AM
5 Reasons To Buy Okemo Mountain Vacation Home
With the stock market in turmoil, many people are looking for alternative investments. Most of us are scared to death of jumping into the market right now and wondering what to do with their nest egg...other than sticking it under the mattress.
Christine Karpinski, director of Owner Community for HomeAway.com (an online vacation home rental marketplace) and author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment, says buying a vacation home is an excellent home is … (2 comments)

Pensacola Rental - One Month Free - No Deposit - 1600 E TEXAR DR PENSACOLA FL 32503- charles stallions - 06:22 PM
What a wonderful place..... to call home. Luxury home on Bayou Texar, boat dock, open to the gulf. Many updates have been added to this home.

… (2 comments)

Pensacola Rental - One Month Free - No Deposit - 14520 #1A PERDIDO KEY DR PERDIDO KEY FL 32507 - charles stallions - 06:28 PM
What a wonderful place..... to call home located across from Perdido Pass. Water view, located near great restaurants and shops.

… (1 comments)

Pensacola Rental - One Month Free - No Deposit - 302 PORT ROYAL WAY PENSACOLA FL 32501 - charles stallions - 06:35 PM
What a wonderful place..... to call home. Downtown water community near Pensacola Bay bridge. Close to Mari time Park that is being built on the downtown waterfront. Shops, restaurants, shows and wonderful living is within reach. Come join us.

… (2 comments)

Pensacola Rental - One Month Free - No Deposit - 302 PORT ROYAL WAY PENSACOLA FL 32501 - charles stallions - 06:44 PM
What a wonderful place..... to call home. Retire in luxury, beautiful downtown unit near country club, NAS navy base. Door man 24 hours a day. Safe secure retirement or just plain good living with swimming pool, desinated parking and for the price of the average home. Owner would rather have someone living in the unit rather that it be vacant for vacations.

… (2 comments)

Pensacola Rental - One Month Free - No Deposit - 285 KATIE ST MILTON FL 32583- charles stallions - 06:53 PM
What a wonderful place..... to call home. Escambia Bay Community. Fish the ocean from your very own home. Bonus room could be a third bedroom if needed. Located between Milton and Gulf Breeze 10 minutes either way plus 15 minutes from Pensacola. Talk about best of all worlds, this is it.

… (2 comments)

Open House Saturday November 24th from 1 to 4 PM Hosted by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - 07:01 PM
Play guess the price game and win $1000. That's right the one lucky person that comes closest to guessing what this home will sell for will win $1000. See details inside. All buyers in the month of November receive a cash rebate of up to $5000. at closing.

… (2 comments)

Open House Saturday November 24th from 1 to 4 PM Hosted by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - 07:06 PM
Play guess the price game and win $1000. That's right the one lucky person that comes closest to guessing what this home will sell for will win $1000. See details inside. All buyers in the month of October receive a cash rebate of up to $5000. at closing.

… (2 comments)

CHARLES STALLIONS AUCTION -SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 1 TO 5 PM. November 24th and 25th - 07:12 PM
Home will be open to the public at this time. Open style bidding will begin immediately. How To bid: There will be bid sheets located in the kitchen of the home. Please follow the instructions on the forms- Name - Phone Number - Bid. You will see the highest bid at all times (no undisclosed bids or sealed bids will be accepted). At 5 PM on Sunday the five (5) highest bidders will be called and given one chance to up their bid. Then the final bid will be accepted subject to bank approval.

… (2 comments)

Who's got your back? - 07:32 PM
When you go on vacation or take a few days off, who take care of your business when you do? While reading and excellent article on the subject Kris Wales titled Do you have a designated agent to take over for you in an emergency? I just got to thinking of who would be in charge of my business.      
       So I decided to let my assistant run the day to day operations with my top agent being the go to guy if one of those so called emergencies came up. Me being the control freak that I am I decided … (13 comments)

Four Ideas to start a team or new office on a budget Part 1 - 08:36 PM
Thinking of going Solo or building a team...Here are my top four things to have in place. You don't have to spend all you earn to make it. You can spend as much as you want or as little. I started with two agents and a desire to make it.  
Data Base, Make sure you have a good one, When you decide to sell or retire you  will want to sell you data as your book of business. There are several out there and it will be your life blood so make sure you back it up everyday. I chose agent … (13 comments)

Pinellas County Florida Market Update for October 2008 - 05:12 PM
The Pinellas County Florida market update for October 2008 has been posted. Here are some highlights:
number of single family home sales up 8% from a year ago; 17 month supply of single family homes in Pinellas County; average and median prices still declining, though slower; 33% more single family homes went to contract in October 2008 than in October 2007 10% less condos sold than a year ago 28 month supply of condos in Pinellas County Florida Number of sales, median price and average price still declining New condos selling - some at full list price, other developments selling at … (0 comments)

Pinellas County Florida Luxury Real Estate Market Update for October 2008 - 06:04 PM
The latest market update for luxury real estate in Pinellas County Florida has been posted.
Only 3 homes over $1 Million sold in October, but 8 homes went under contract. Based on the latter, there's a 66 month supply. Less than half as many homes went to contract as in October 2007.
7 luxury condos over $1 Million sold in October in Pinellas County, most of which were new. The new condos sold at anywhere from 82% of list to 100% of list. Yes, there's a difference in condos! The 100% sale was at Sandpearl Residences on Clearwater beach, built by … (0 comments)

Like Barbeque Ribs? Come to St Petersburg's RibFest - 06:12 PM
This weekend is Rib Fest at Vinoy Park in downtown St Petersburg. This year is the event's 20th anniversary of the Northeast Exchange Club's Ribfest, which contributes to a number of youth-oriented causes, "one rib at a time". They've raised over $2.6 million dollars.
Enjoy ribs (just try to decide whose is the best), music, and tomorrow there's even a car show and a motorcycle show.
This afternoon I was in downtown St Petersburg and people were coming from blocks away to enjoy the food, music and fun. There's fun for the kids, too.
… (2 comments)

Just tell me the time, not how to build a clock! - 06:46 PM
Some people are naturally inclined to give you an answer that goes on and on, just as others are inclined to give a simple Yes or No, or - in some parts of the country, an  Unnnh!
We all should have learned about the DISC personalities, and how to respond to them. If I'm a D (and I am), just give me the bottom line and save the novel.
One of our team members likes to expound and explain - I got the response actually from her, in one of her explanations:  after a while, I'll just hold up my hand … (15 comments)

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