Archives of real estate blog entries for November 24, 2008

Featured blog posts


Life in the Managua Dump - 01:48 AM
As some of you now know, my husband and I do a far amount of traveling for missions work, mostly for medical missions.  My husband is an Internal Medicine doctor and in Nicaragua (and sometimes Mexico) I play pharmacist.  These photos are from a couple of different trips to the Managua, Nicaragua Dump (La Chureca).  Although La Chureca is not our primary reason for out trips to Nicaragua we feel compelled to visit the people there to keep us grounded in how truly blessed we really are.

The dump, as you would expect, consists of heaping piles of steaming and … (89 comments)

Get the Hubbard out of the Cupboard - buying and selling in a "Buyer's Market" - 01:32 AM
Simultaneously, buying and selling a home can be a tricky proposition, especially in the current "Buyer's Market."  Kinda like "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?"   Do you find the home you want to buy and then put your home up for sale or do you put your home on the market before you start looking?
Let's assume you don't have to move,  You just want a bigger, smaller, more expensive, less expensive home, or a different location.  First you want to make sure that the home you desire is out there.  So, you decide to start with a home search.  Amazing  - there it … (70 comments)

Splashing in the Rain! - 01:52 AM
How many Agents or companies out there- do you think know, that the way they represent themselves, and what they share about other companies reflects on all of us. Just like splashing in a puddle the water- it will hit any one near.
The reason I mention this is that in the current market (as competitive as it is) we all still need to speak well of each other, because it reflects on our industry as a whole.
I was told by one of my listed clients today that when they stopped by a nearby real estate office, that the agent they spoke with had … (51 comments)

Integrity Without Compromise - 01:49 AM
Integrity Without Compromise In·teg·ri·ty
What does integrity mean to you?  What does it mean for you in your business?  Moreover, what does your integrity mean to your clients?  

The definition of integrity is really quite simple--firm adherence to a code of especially moral values. Integrity is synonymous with words such as incorruptibility, soundness, completeness, and honesty.  As real estate professionals, our 'value' is only as good as our integrity.  

Commitment to integrity is something that is predominantly 'ingrained' in us as children; however, as adults, we must establish a commitment to this practice both in life and in our business, … (68 comments)

An Active Rain Blog is a "Real" Blog! - 09:26 PM

I've had many conversations with bloggers about Active Rain blogs vs. "real" blogs; i.e. a blog hosted by Wordpress or Livejournal.
As a contestant in the Virginia Real Estate Blog Brawl 2, I was even beginning to feel "amateur-ish" with my Active Rain blog as my entry.
After trading a few emails with Bob Stewart today, I must say that I feel better than ever about my Active Rain blog.
Did you know.......
Active Rain gets over 2 million unique visitors a month and over 8 million page views a month.  Of those 2 million unique visitors, just over 85% … (50 comments)

How to Get Your Listings Featured on iTunes - 05:20 PM
Getting videos of your listings featured on iTunes isn't black magic.  Once you've achieved this, you'll realize it wasn't very daunting at all.
Imagine how excited your sellers will be when you can tell them that their home will be listed on iTunes for millions of users to download and view!  That will put you a step ahead of other agents in your area.
Now I won't tell you this is FREE since some things in this tutorial did cost money.  BUT - There is a chance you already have the necessary software, or can find a free workaround.
Here is … (25 comments)

Helpful Green Websites - 01:17 AM
There are many well-done websites out there that can provide real estate professionals with the knowledge and awareness of green building principles. 
 
 
 We need to be able to list and market green residences, green commercial properties and green developments, as well as guide our buyers in purchasing these properties.

Here are a few to get you started:
http://www.thedailygreen.com
http://www.conservationfund.org
http://www.eco-chick.com
http://www.eartheasy.com
http://www.greenoptions.com
 
 And you might want to check out your family's carbon footprint.  A carbon footprint is a measurement of your environmental impact on our planet.  It's a real eye-opener!
http://www.earthlab.com http://www.carbonfootprint.com http://www.conservation.org http://www.carbonfund.org
 
 
Peggy … (48 comments)

10 Things I Learned About Selling Real Estate from Buying a Car Today - 09:29 PM
I walked in a buyers' shoes this weekend, and came home with some lessons learned as well as a new car from Adams Jeep of Maryland.
A personal referral is the best possible introduction. If a buyer walks through the door, he/she probably wants to buy - not just try. Listen to the buyer's wants and needs. Know your inventory well, so you can promptly present buyers with something that matches their wants and needs. Know the financing options well, so you can quickly calculate the required cash up front and monthly payment. Buyers want EASY, so don't drown them in details unless they … (80 comments)

Hurry before it’s gone! (LOCALISM FEATURED) - 01:53 AM
Several excellent cider mills operate within the county of Washtenaw in Michigan, which itself is renowned for its many cider mills.  One of them was named as one of the top ten cider mills in the country by Fine Living Magazine.
 This mill, the centerpiece of Alber's Orchards and Cider Mill, was established by John Alber in 1890 and owned by the Alber family until Mike and Therese Bossary (from Ann Arbor) purchased the orchards and mill.
 The Bossarys upgraded the operation to meet modern sanitary requirements, but the original mill still does the work of pressing apples.  Saturdays and Sundays, … (27 comments)

It Was Almost Like Voting Twice! - 01:57 AM
A few minutes ago, I got home, wet and bedraggled.  And feeling really good.
For the past few presidential elections, I've voted early and volunteered to work for my candidate in a nearby state.  In 2004, I found myself driving little old ladies to the polls in Bucks County, Pennsylvania - thanks to the navigation system in my fancy real estate car!  This year, it was in a much closer battleground state, doing whatever was needed at Barrett Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia.  I volunteered with an old friend and former neighbor, Maureen Wilmot, who was here on business from her … (57 comments)

Stratham Fair, NH Seacoast Tradition - Illustrated with Vintage Family Photos (LOCALISM FEATURED) - 01:42 AM

 
When it comes to agricultural fairs, the community of Stratham, New Hampshire, takes theirs very seriously. 
 
This year July 24 - 27 at Stratham Hill Park the 41st annual Stratham Fair will be held and attendance is expected to be over 25,000 people.
 
 
 
The fair started out as a small lobster bake to thank the volunteer fire department and has become a huge charity event that benefits many local organizations. 
 
Entertainment, in addition to the usual games and rides of the midway, include performances on two stages, baking competition, pie eating contest, Miss Stratham … (40 comments)

It's Free, It's Fun, It's Your Credit Report? - 01:59 AM
To say your credit history & score is HUGE these days may be a borderline understatement!  For purposes of my experience, I'll concentrate on how credit relates to getting a mortgage to buy a home or trying to refinance the one you currently own.
Talking about credit is about as much fun as chewing broken glass while watching Yanni's latest video on VH1, at least to most.  Even for the most severe masochists or staunchest Yanni advocators, it's probably not a subject full of brim excitement.
So, I'll try to make this concise and simple.  Educating yourself and working with professionals who … (100 comments)

How to Take Advantage of Struggling Real Estate Agents, as a Home Seller - 01:42 AM
Would you like to know how to take advantage of struggling real estate agents? As a home Seller, it is much easier than you may think.
Let's take a look at my local real estate market to get a good idea of what I am talking about...
In March of 2008, there were only 195 sales in the Colorado Springs real estate market. This means that less than 390 real estate agents in Colorado Springs got a paycheck in March of 2008. (I say ‘less than' because some real estate transactions only have one real estate agent involved. For example: The Wagner … (148 comments)

Active Rain Channels - Why do we make them so confusing??? - An Explanation - 11:25 PM
 

 
Some of you still might be scratching your head and asking, Active Rain is on my television now? No silly, but the AR Channels are on the front of the AR home page. To your left is what you would see when you the front page. This feature is located on the upper right side of the AR Home Page.
Now, what are the Active Rain Channels? Brad Andersohn wrote an excellent post explaining the concept and how it works. Not only did he include some excellent graphs to show you how to use this, but that he … (69 comments)

Should Your Company Censor Your Facebook Account - 05:50 PM
 My wife is in new home sales here in Columbia, SC. During a recent sales meeting, it was "suggested" by her company that the sales staff participate on Facebook. I have no doubt that this is a good idea, as most of the sales members are already there, including my wife. I was also suggested that they participate in any of the other forms of social networking. (Myspace,Twitter,Linkedin,Ect)
 With the wave of social networks popping up out there, it's no doubt that popularity is growing in leaps and bounds.Here on AR alone there are more than 120,000 members and our population … (75 comments)

Battling skepticism & Fear - Take a Deep Breath and PUSH THAT BUTTON ... - 05:23 PM
Last week I decided to try and focus on learning "Facebook" and seeing what it was all about. I am somewhat computer savvy and try to keep myself up to date, but I have been avoiding these latest and greatest sites as much as possible.
Facebook had eluded me for a long time. My kids are on it - and that made me wonder whether or not it would work for me. Especially when my youngest daughter exclaimed "MOM-are you SERIOUS?" Her words and our discussion that followed really made me question whether or not I wanted to be there.
Now … (47 comments)

Have you contacted your past clients and customers in the last three months? - 01:38 AM
Remember the old chant: Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other gold? Of course you do. Our Real Estate Marketing is the very same. Let's just replace the word "friends" with the word, "clients or customers" and voila...you have your new marketing plan.
Maybe we should call it your "vintage" marketing plan. Have you contacted your past clients and customers in the last three months? Past meaning anything OLDER than three months old? One year, two years, five?
What's the point of that you ask?
For the very same reason you blog on a regular basis. … (131 comments)


Blog posts


Tacoma Homes on North Union - 01:20 PM
North Tacoma has some of the most beautiful tree lined streets in our region.  Shot these pics of North Union very quickly while setting out my open house signs a while back.  Was holding an open on 21st and Union and enjoyed the scenery and my visitors very much.
People actually walk around their neighborhoods in the North End of Tacoma, something of a rarity in other parts of the region.  No need to drive somewhere to walk if you live North of 6Th Ave, just stroll out your door and enjoy the beauty that is all around you. 
Wish I had taken more time … (5 comments)

The View outside my Home Office - 01:41 PM
I seem to be spending more time working from my home office and less time at our Keller Williams Puyallup office lately.  Like many tech savvy Realtors, my true office is carried in a laptop case.  With the help of a small printer and an air card, I'm pretty self sufficient and mobile.
With the advances in technology today, I have very little use for a typical brick and mortar type of office.  But there are times when you just need to lock yourself in the office and work uninterrupted on a project.  This morning is one of those occasions and … (3 comments)

24 Redemption- Between 3-5pm - 09:26 PM
This was a 2 hour teaser as the actual season does not start until January 11 with another 2 hour show.
Was anyone else confused?  Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Obviously, Jack is on the good guys side.  But, why are the others being funded by the United States, and why is the secret service already involved in bad stuff when it's a brand new administration?
24 is showing the first female President, Alison Taylor.  The son has a cutie for a girlfriend, and of course she had to wear a bright red jacket in … (10 comments)

Alyssa's 1 Year Pictures- Cutest Dimples - 09:41 PM
Last week, Alyssa got her 1 year pictures.  I know I posted her Birthday pictures, but so many were asking me about her "official" pictures, and they were just emailed to me this evening.
She did really well in the dress. I think she really loved the dress.  Then, I changed her outfit, silly me, and she decided to get upset.  It was very hard getting her to smile after that, but we got a great one with her screaming.
 
 
 
I really liked the purple feathers, and I wish she would have cooperated, but we … (17 comments)

The first recorded failure of Socialism - The Original Thanksgiving! - 08:41 AM
By now my regular readers will be aware that I'm a new citizen of the United States (I promise I won't say that after January 1!) and as such I like to investigate the real history of our nation.
So we all know the traditional story of the original Thanksgiving, but it was a bit too perfect for me to accept on face value.
And so I decided to dig a little. And if you are going to really dig into that time, then you have to read the written account by William Bradford - the first Governor of the colony.
… (23 comments)

Testing Video Embed - 06:51 AM
Yes, this is from my TV screen.
 
 
 
Disclaimer:  This was recorded for personal, non-commercial use, testing purposes only,  It is not intended a violation of any copyright, in any way, shape or form.
 
… (0 comments)

Equestrian Land Conservation Resource Survey - 12:06 PM
The following was brought to my attention, and it is something that all horsemen and women, wherever we might be, need to be aware of.  Especially as real estate agents specializing in horse properties and farm and ranch, this is an issue that needs to be at the forefront of our thinking, and if we're ecologically minded, even moreso.  This is the first that I've heard from Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, and I'm going to be exploring their website and related links today, and will participate in the survey.  I encourage those of you, consumer or agent, to whom this is … (3 comments)

Book Meme - 10:34 AM
I have two posts to write because my good friends nabbedtagged me in the past few days. Guess they thought it was time for me to do some blogging for a change:)
The first meme is fairly easy and I was tagged by Instigator my good friend Judi Morgan of San Antonio Texas. A place I will probably never get to see, so I will have to depend on her visiting little Rhody, When I complained about this (book meme) she said "JUST DO IT"!!!!!  Okay Mom:)


Actually I would have picked a completely different book depending on the room I was … (11 comments)

Friendship Ball: passing it on to good friends at Thanksgiving - 12:10 PM
 From Ms. Monika McGuilicuddy, I was honored to receive the coveted Friendship Ball. When I say "honored", I am serious!! Even though you may "feel" friendly or "think" you have a connection with someone, it's always nice to know it's mutual! So thankyou Monika for making my day. But having to do this now, not so much:(  Can I pass it back to you?
While its nice to receive, it also puts you in a position of having to pass it on soon. (We can't hold on to it forever:) I am going to repeat what Inez says about these, since … (11 comments)

Need Short Sale Information? - These Articles Probably Answer Your Question - 04:08 PM
 
Great short sale information from Richard Zaretsky, Attorney at Law in Florida.
 
Via Richard Zaretsky, Florida Real Estate Attorney (Richard P. Zaretsky P.A. ):
A Monthly Updated Listing of Articles by Richard P. Zaretsky, Esq  --  Richard Zaretsky's Short Sale Blog Articles
----------------------------------------------
Be sure to contact your own attorney for your state laws, and always consult your own attorney on any legal decision you need to make.  This article is for information purposes and is not specific advice to any one reader.
Richard Zaretsky, Esq., RICHARD P. ZARETSKY P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW, 1655 PALM BEACH LAKES BLVD, SUITE … (16 comments)

Remembering Others This Holiday Season - 10:02 AM
This year when sending out your Christmas/Holiday cards please send one to this address:
A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, D. C. 20307-5001
If we pass this along, think of how many cards these special people that have done so much for this country would get.
Send an email to your clients, post it on your blogs, tell everyone. This is what the holiday season is about, giving thanks, remembering and honoring all.
I recently lost my 23 year old nephew to a horrific accident two weeks ago which took me to … (3 comments)

Waiting at the Check Stand - 08:51 PM
I suspect I share a certain pet peeve with most folks. You find yourself in need of a “thing”, and you pop on by your local retailer for the “thing”. You navigate through the self-help system, perhaps even receiving assistance from a smiling clerk wearing the appropriate retailer vest. You find the “thing”, and probably a few “things” you weren’t looking for, and make your way to the Disney influenced Check Stand. There you find many other people, with their “things” in hand, waiting in line for the lone, not smiling, checkout person; wearing the appropriate vest of course; overwhelmed by … (2 comments)

More cowbell for your email baby! - 08:49 AM
"I got a fever..............and the only prescription is more cowbell" is a now famous line from a Saturday Night Live skit featuring Christopher Walken and Blue Oyster Cult recording "Don't Fear The Reaper".
One of the band members is playing the cowbell to the annoyance of the other guys, but............well, you need to see it for yourself and for a good laugh.
I believe the hilarious point Walken was making, albeit to the dismay of the rest of the band, was that the cowbell added that mythical 'something' to the song giving it a unique sound.
Here's a way I just … (7 comments)

New Team Jodi Web Site Focused on Chapel Hill and Durham Real Estate - 06:44 PM
I am pleased to announce the launch of my new and improved website, TeamJodi.com.  Not only has the look changed significantly, but the functionality and features are much improved.  Many aspects of the new site are far superior to the old site.  A few examples of these new features are:
The ability to view all homes currently on the market for sale in a particular neighborhood by just one click of the mouse; The ability to search for homes using a map to show where available homes in a designated area are located; An entire section on how to avoid foreclosure … (1 comments)

S4645891 1352 OAKCREST CT, DAVENPORT FL 33837 - 11:48 AM
 
 MLS# S4645891            1352 OAKCREST CT, DAVENPORT FL 33837   $$$ 509,999 $$$

Your dream home is waiting for you. MODEL HOME with custom upgrades and designer decor throughout. Mirrored workout room with projection and screen. Themed designed rooms. Every upgrade imaginable.  Must see it to believe it. Upgraded fixtures and lighting. Flat Panel TV's already installed. Custom window treatments. This home has never been lived in,just used as a model for builder, built for show and boy does it stand out, no other home in Providence like this one.  Come home to your dream and live in style.
For more … (0 comments)

True or False? There is Mortgage Money Available! - 07:12 PM
As a successful agent of 14 years and typically working with the upper clientelle, I have shifted my business to where the business is and that is typically in the low end with first time home buyers, investors and those few taking advantage of the move up opportunities they have. Challenging yes but what I am finding more challenging is dealing with the publics perceptions.
Here's a typical conversation. " Hey Joe, so nice to meet you" (small talk) then he says "ohhh, you are in real estate, that can't be good right now". I say "Joe that depends on your … (0 comments)

Helen Ga Real Estate "Buy before 2009" - 09:21 AM
Thinking about buying real estate in Helen Ga, or nearby?  You may want to purchase a home before 2009.  Why?  FHA rates are going up in January 2009 and limits are going down!  So it may cost you more if you wait.  Check with me and I will put you in touch with a lender in our area who will be able to guide you to making the best decision.  You will want to look at the available properties, so visit www.FlynnTaylor.com for updated listings in the Helen, Sautee, Cleveland, Clarkesville, Cornelia, Batesville, areas of northeast Georgia.  You will love living … (0 comments)

Christianity and Real Estate --- What is Gods purpose for us as Real Estate professionals? - 11:10 AM
 
I have listened over the years to MANY sermons:
God wants us to PROSPER (be financially and materially abundant) God wants us to have a comfortable life (security in our finances, etc.) God wants us to have a pleasurable circle of friends (people that are like us and have the same lifestyle, etc.) God is NOT the author of calamity in our lives (He does NOT give us the "whammy") Plus other such principles I have had Ministers try to convince me of. Every time I start to hear a sermon like one of those above or a message in … (14 comments)

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO HOME OWNERSHIP! - 05:18 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There has been a lot of interesting political discussion on AR in recent weeks and I've noticed many comments by reader's suggesting that certain things are "Rights" that all of us are entitled too as American Citizens.  So if healthcare is a right bestowed to all of us by the United States Constitution what about:
•·        The right to a living wage (I get to decide how much you make)
•·        The right to a "good" car ( I determine the definition of good)
•·        The right to 3 meals a day … (3 comments)

A Trio of Micros for Powerful Social Networking - 08:04 PM
Really the formula is quite simple: meet more people, be nice to more people, know more people. Between all of my social networks I can directly touch (through friends, connections, followers, etc) roughly 11,500 people within a matter of about 1/2 hour. Add to that the number of people who have signed up to receive occasional email updates from me and it nearly triples. I can tell you not only from majoring in marketing but from spending a few bucks on it to be able to touch that many people that quickly for such a low immediate cost is simply amazing! … (12 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2008-11-24

 Archives:

30 Nov
29 Nov
28 Nov
27 Nov
26 Nov
25 Nov
24 Nov
23 Nov
22 Nov
21 Nov
20 Nov
19 Nov
18 Nov
17 Nov
16 Nov
15 Nov
14 Nov
13 Nov
12 Nov
11 Nov
10 Nov
9 Nov
8 Nov
7 Nov
6 Nov
5 Nov
4 Nov
3 Nov
2 Nov
1 Nov
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006