Archives of real estate blog entries for November 21, 2008

Featured blog posts


Life Interrupted - Update - 11:02 AM
Because so many of you are praying, I wanted to give you all an update on what we have found out about John, the man who ran into my husband, RenRed, Saturday morning.  You can read the original post to get the whole story.
RenRed is doing amazingly well.  I would have had him stay home from work a few more days, but you know how some men are....  The doctor told him to use his leg, so he went to work Tuesday morning.  Physically, he's getting better every day.  He's still very tender emotionally, and still upset with the system that … (34 comments)

Building Social Media Acceptance - 11:30 PM
Have you ever tried to explain blogging or social networking to a coworker and been given the blank stare, or even worse the arrogant smirk? Do you fell lonely and frustrated because you're the only one in your office who is passionate about online technology and others just don't seem to get it?
In "How To Champion Social Media At Work" Jason Falls lays out a six point plan to show your tech-averse friends how social media can provide some great benefits. From using RSS feeds to keep tabs on the competition to collaborating with Google Docs and videoconferencing with ooVoo, there's bound to … (29 comments)

National Association of Realtors has Compiled Some Videos and They Want YOURS! - 12:55 PM
You can browse through what has already been posted by other real estate professionals to get ideas and inspiration for your video submissions at their website:  National Association of Realtors Videos
REALTOR® TV is vying to be a premier source for inspirational, informational and educational real estate video on the Web. They are looking for input and want us, National Association of REALTOR® members to submit our very own videos.  There are guidelines – no listings are accepted!    File formats that can be uploaded include and suggested length should not exceed 7 minutes:
.3GP .AVI .DV h.264 .MPEG2 .MPEG4 Quicktime … (8 comments)

I'm a re-run on HGTV - My First Place - 12:56 PM
It's official.  I have become a re-run on HGTV. 2 years ago we started filming a show called My First Place.  It's a show about First Time Home Buyers and the drama that can go along with it.  The show filmed me and my business partner Tracy Haskins with a couple that was buying their first home.  Filming took more than 40 long hours condensed into a show that is just 22 minutes without commercials. What you don't see is that we were filming at midnight on a couple of occasions to try to coordinate with everyone's schedules.  The camera also doesn't … (39 comments)

Another Memorable "Family Reading Night" - 03:01 PM
Last night was "Family Reading Night" here in Illinois.  A time when children are encouraged to gather with family members and share a favorite story.  Everyone gets a chance to read their story aloud and it's a great way to teach kids the joy of reading (and being read to).
"Family Reading Night" in our house has always been a joyous occasion.  We gather around a warm fire, and take turns reading to our loved ones.  Now granted, my 3 year old son can't read yet, but he pretends and we listen intently to his imagination run wild with the pictures … (22 comments)

As a man thinks in his heart- so is he... - 03:13 PM
I heard a story yesterday that broke my heart and I wanted to send out a word of encouragement to others that may be going through similar situations. 
A builder in a south metro Atlanta county tried to commit suicide recently due to his despondency over his current financial situation.  He had been a builder his whole life and had lost everything- his business, his home and obviously- his hope. Now, I know nothing else about his situation, but being a realtor whose focus is in new construction, I know that there are many builders, realtors, loan officers and folks in the … (82 comments)

Would someone explain the virtue of a "Member's Only" post? - 03:06 PM
? Still being sort of new here I have a lot of questions. Here's one I've been wrestling with for a while.
It may be a silly question, but why do a post that is "Member's Only?" Case In Point I was invited to participate in a "MeMe" (ActiveRain for something about me) this week, which I enjoyed doing. Here's My MeMe! I decided to just 'blog it out there' for God and everybody to see.
A MeMe seems to be an automatic classification to "Members Only" for the overwhelming majority of 'Rainers.' But why? Wouldn't that be a fantastic way … (66 comments)

Real estate professionals could teach the Big 3 Execs a thing or two - 11:04 AM
Disclaimer:  I was born in Michigan, raised in Michigan, and have each of my relatives for generations either directly employed or supplier employed by the auto industry, with the exception of one family member.  I am biased.  I am praying the auto industry that created the middle class in America survives and provides employment for generations of Americans to come. Disclaimer over.  I am still shaking my head at the mistakes that the Big 3 executives made this week during their trip to Capital Hill to ask for help from the US Government and taxpayers. Watching all of this unfold has … (49 comments)

2008 Springfield Board of Realtors Affiliate of the Year - 11:05 AM
I thought a long time (for me anyway) about whether to write this blog or not. I didn't want to come across as if I were tooting my own horn just to hear it toot. I changed my mind about that when I was talking with a Realtor® that I really trust on the Springfield Board of Realtors® and she convinced me that it was the right thing to do, so here it is. On Tuesday, the Springfield Board of Realtors® (SBOR) announced their 2008 Affiliate of the Year and it was me. To say that I was surprised was an … (37 comments)

"A good home must be made, not bought." - 10:59 AM
That was said by Joyce Maynard, and it is so very true, what I do is help people find the right 4 walls where they feel they can build their home, I help people find the right place to make their home, but at the end of the day you have to have some place to make your home.
There's a reason that Real Estate boomed for so long, and it wasn't just greed and dishonesty that drove the market, although cable news would have you believe that is what happened, it was because money was made available, some money was … (25 comments)

It’s report card time – what grade would your clients give you? - 11:03 AM

If you were to get a report card from your most recent clients - what grade would they give you?
We all know from personal experience when looking for referrals for services we need, that we trust and value someone's endorsement- whether it be for a doctor, a mechanic and yes, even a Realtor® and any real estate professional.  We often hope that our clients and sphere of influence will recommend us to their friends and family.  But, are you simply relying on hope?
 
How do you find out what your clients thought of your services? 
Do you approach them … (39 comments)

Not-Your-Typical Business Plan - Follow This for Success in 2009! - 03:02 PM
Quote:  "Here's my business plan.....I return phone calls promptly, am honest and work full time.....that puts me in the top 5% of all Real Estate Agents". The most important characteristic of a good business plan is one that you can work with. "He who controls the listings, controls the market" - so, let's start with listings! At all times have 7 - 10 listings to market (they don't necessarily have to be your listings).  If you have a good, affordable product, the buyers will come.Then, create a marketing plan for those listings. Submit to Craigslist every 3 days Create a flyer … (75 comments)

Twitter Gone Wild! I was on R.A.I.N. Radio with Brad Andersohn TODAY!! (It was SERIOUSLY GROOVY!) - 10:51 AM
If you missed the R.A.I.N. Radio broadcast this afternoon…you JUST GOTTA go check it out RIGHT NOW.
 
After listening to Brad’s show with Lenn Harley last week, I reserved a front row seat for this one. I was NOT disappointed!
 
In fact, I even had the opportunity to participate a little bit.
(Thanks, Brad, Paul, Kim, Jeremy...and ALL the CHATBOX GROUPIES!)
 
 
CURIOUS…HUH? 
 
Well…I ain’t gonna give ya'll no milk unless you buy the cow…so get yer pretty lil' self on over to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rainradio/2008/11/20/Twitter-Gone-Wild
 
After you listen to the show…come find me on … (33 comments)


Blog posts


Activerain-The Time Machine-June 13, 2006! - 07:42 PM

142 Profiles? Do you want to know who the top 25 featured agents were back then? How about Top Agents in Florida? My how the network has grown and changed!  More than I could have ever imagined and to think back then groups were BETA! :)
Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me!  All calls and inquiries are confidential.  CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 3 office locations to better serve the … (21 comments)

My new Adventure Participating in Market Leader (formerly House Values) - 06:03 PM

This week I joined the Market Leader Test program.  It is designed to get leads for real estate agents and to help buyers view and find properties they are interested in and then connect with an agent if they are so inclined.  It is a very powerful system and I am quite excited to be in the program.
The on-line training lasted an hour and I feel I can be effective right away.   After the training was over I went to my profile page on the website they created for me and made a few corrections.  I also added my email address and … (2 comments)

Tag You're IT - twice -- EZ Bookworm MEME-AUTHOR COMMENTS ON AR - 05:54 PM

 UPDATE:   LOOK WHO IS READING POSTS ON ACTIVE RAIN!   NOAH ST. JOHN -- THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK THAT I QUOTED FROM IN THIS MEME JUST LEFT A COMMENT!
NOAH ST JOHN HAS KNOWN THE SECRET TO SUCCESS WAY BEFORE ANYONE ELSE!
 WHO WOULD THINK THIS EZ BOOKWORM MEME WOULD LEAD TO COMMENTS FROM CELEBRITIES LIKE NOAH ST. JOHN...
 THANKS FOR VISITING ACTIVE RAIN NOAH 
EZ BOOK MEME
I have been tagged twice
The first time by Joan Mirantz 
 
The second time by janeAnn  aka  Green-o-Lina
 
   So now I better play or my friends in the Rain will … (33 comments)

422-424 San Pascual Avenue, Highland Park - 05:47 PM
… (1 comments)

Get Your FREE Dr. Pepper Before it's Too Late! - 01:23 PM
Dr. Pepper company is giving out FREE Dr. Pepper!!  Can you believe it?!  Now, many of you across the country are asking yourself, "What's Dr. Pepper?" since it is not a national brand.  But in Texas, Dr. Pepper is huge!  Cross the border, and you'll be lucky to be able to find it in most places.
Dr. Pepper was created in Waco, TX in case any history buffs wanted to know that.
Anyway, Dr. Pepper made a bet earlier this year that if Guns 'N Roses released their much talked about album, Chinese Democacy, before the end of 2008, that they would … (26 comments)

Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé - 06:06 AM
Beaujolais Nouveau is a very mild, light-bodied wine made from Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc grape, better known simply as Gamay.   By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau cannot be released before midnight on the third Thursday in November.

So it follows, that the third Thursday of November has grown into a day of celebration:  The first uncorking of the first wine of the season.
Local French restaurant Cafe Beaujolais in Eagle Rock hosts an annual Beaujolais Noveau celebration that has become a tradition for many residents.

 

More on Beaujolais Day:
Here and Here
 And MORE, with pics by … (6 comments)

From the Ministry of Trivial Information, It's MeMe Time - Again - 10:16 AM
 
The meme bug is sweeping the real estate blogging world again, and this time I really cheated!  Here's a re-post of my meme from earlier this fall.  Mr. Clint Miller recently tagged me to reveal potentially embarrassing facts about yours truly.  So, in the spirit of spreading the word about Ann Arbor area homes, wine and real estate in general, here are a few things about the author you likely didn't know already:
 
I am a former political hack.  There, I admitted it, it's out there and there's nothing I can do to take it back!  I was one of … (1 comments)

Outer Banks Short Sale In Corolla - 08:41 AM
I just listed one of those "great deals" that buyers are looking for on the Outer Banks in Corolla. This house is a short sale and is selling below current tax value and $100,000 less than it's orginal purchase price in 2004. To get more information go to Corolla Short Sale . You can check out all the Outer Banks listings, get a list of foreclosures and short sales on my website www.HometownOBX.com
… (0 comments)

Mortgage Rates News This Week - 01:26 AM
The financial markets hit some choppy waters this week. With successive drops of 427 and 445 points the Dow ended down substantially for the week.
For some positive news this marks the third week in a row where mortgage rates went down. The wild swings we saw earlier in mortgage rates have for the time being ended. The last 3 weeks saw less movement in all four of the major mortgage products.
30 Year mortgage rates are down to 6.04 dropping from 6.14 last week. All the other main mortgage products saw drops as well. Compared to the 30 … (2 comments)

Tips for Staging Your Home For Sale - 01:32 AM
The For Sale sign is in the front yard. The house is clean and the lawn is mowed. Everything seems ready for prospective buyers to walk in and fall in love with your home. An offer for your asking price is imminent. That is the way it is supposed to work, but many sellers will attest to the fact that it's not always that easy. In this current market it is important to "stage" your home, showing it in the best way possible.
The local real estate market fortunately has not been impacted by the current economic downturn to the … (2 comments)

How to Live on a Limited Income - 01:35 AM
As the cost of living rises each year and the economy seems to be heading south, there are more and more people and families who have very little money. It seems that families who seemed to be making ends meet are now living from paycheck to paycheck.
The first thing you should do is plan a budget. Get a ledger, or notebook; anything you can write on. List each bill you have and what the amount due is and when it is due. This way you are able to see what has to be paid first and what can be … (2 comments)

Hill Country Holiday Wine Trail: Celebrating the Holidays, Texas Style - 01:43 AM
The holiday season is a wonderful time in central Texas, as leaves turn and the burning heat of summer gives way to cool, brisk mornings and cold, sunny afternoons. Cold weather clothing replaces shorts and flip flops and fire places come to life for a few special months it's a beautiful time to be in Texas.
One of the annual highlights of this special season is the widely popular Hill Country Holiday Wine Trail for three weekends in December, leading up to Christmas, no less than two dozen of the Texas Hill Country's top wineries open their doors to 400 … (0 comments)

A Blessing Extends for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Borrowers - 07:40 AM
 
It's Certainly About Time!
Finally, someone has realized that our homeowners need help. For months we've witnessed huge bailouts for corporations in effort to boost the American economy. However, at the same time, millions (and note I said millions) of homeowners have lost their homes. Some even took the necessary steps and contacted their lenders in attempts to try to establish a work-out plan and get them back on track with their mortgage payments only to be turned away and/or discouraged. Who will help bailout our homeowners?
This is a questions I often ponder as I witness firsthand the surge … (0 comments)

New North Carolina Law Eases Foreclosure Timeline - 02:04 PM
In August 2008, the Governor and Legislature of North Carolina signed as law a new bill dealing with the growing number of foreclosures. House Bill 2623 establishes the North Carolina Foreclosure Prevention Project, which requires lenders to give both homeowners and the state's commissioner of banks at least 45 days notice before a foreclosure action is filed. During that time, the banking commissioner's office will work with the homeowner and lender to establish an acceptable interest rate that the borrower can afford and the bank can accept. The law also gives the bank commissioner authority to extend any foreclosure filing notice … (1 comments)

Lofts in Denver, Colorado - 12:45 PM

Via Amanda Hendershot, Exit Realty DTC:
Downtown has so much to offer! With the completion of our Trex project and light rail systems is making the city an even better place to live.  Everything is becoming more convenient. Real Estate trends are turning more and more into "lightrail living" communities, as new construction springs up along the I-25 corridor. With a website tool you can judge the characteristics of your prospective homes with a walkability score.

www.walkscore.com Is a site that rates the convienience of an address, to stores and business in a radius surrounding it.  For those concerned with fuel … (0 comments)

5131 Zion Court Castle Rock, Colorado 80109 - Briscoe Ranch - 12:50 PM
… (0 comments)

The Friendship Ball - Here's to GOOD Friends!! - 08:20 PM
The Friendship Ball - who doesn't love to know they have friends all over the place?? 
Being part of AR and other online networks and communities really does give you extended family when you embrace social networking.  Some people you meet online and just fall in love with them, and you can't wait to meet them.  And that's just what it's like when you get the chance to meet some of the people you grow close to online.  And those bonds just grow stronger after you meet!
I was passed this very special "Friendship Ball" by someone I had been so … (16 comments)

How To Choose An Okemo Mountain Realtor - 04:47 PM
How To Choose An Okemo Mountain Realtor
 
 
Your Okemo Mountain home is most likely the largest investment you have and choosing a Realtor to assist you with the sale is a major decision. Below are questions to ask when choosing an Okemo Mountain Realtor: 
Make sure you choose aa Okemo Mountain REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.
1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other professions - is mostly learned on the job.
2. What designations do … (1 comments)

Has The San Diego Condo Market Turned the Corner? – Developers Raising Prices! - 11:40 PM
Yes, you read the headlines correctly; some developers are actually raising the prices on the purchase price of their brand new condos in downtown San Diego . If you have been reading any of the main stream press lately you know sales volume is way up from last year. Downtown sales volume is up roughly double from last year. Prices in general have been coming down since last year, but there are highly desirable locations within downtown where demand is outpacing supply. How can developers be raising prices in this market. Easy, some developers are selling their units faster than they … (0 comments)

Poem: I'm Your REALTOR - 11:19 AM
"I am Your REALTOR" by Bridget Fredericks
 
I am your REALTOR.
I list your property when you want to sell.
I put a sign in your yard.
I put it in MLS.
I market the hell out of your real estate.
But I do so much more, because I am your REALTOR.
 
I find you a home when you want to buy.
I help you negotiate your contract.
I help you deal with the lender.
I help you with your inspections.
And when all that fails, I put out the fires, because I am your REALTOR.
 
I am … (1 comments)

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