Archives of real estate blog entries for November 28, 2008

Featured blog posts


Real Estate Agent Turned 'Change Agent' - 10:15 AM
That's right, I'm changing my professional I.D. I'm not just a real estate agent anymore. I am a Change Agent now. I'm going to personally help our president-elect effect change for our nation by helping troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure.  
You see, my love of houses is not the only thing that drew me to this profession. I got into real estate when I saw the 'bust' coming, because I knew there would be a lot of people needing a very specific kind of help. I set out from the beginning to learn how to give that help.
To that end I've become a Certified … (26 comments)

Back To Basics.......WHAT??!!! - 11:19 AM
http://carolmoson.wordpress.com/2008/11/28/its-back-to-basics-what/
OK - agents OFTEN ask me ....."What am I not doing?" or "What do I need to be doing?" but they don't want the real answer.  With so many lead generating sites and others taking advantage of the desperate agent looking for an easy way, it is hard for some (especially newer) agents to embrace the concept of "the basics".
Question:  Have you ever just sent so many text messages to  someone that you just want to hear their voice and when you call and they answer there is an immediate connection? 
Whether you are and avid blogger, Youtuber,  posting animal, streaming … (61 comments)

Oh, Be Careful Little Tongue What You Say! - 11:05 AM
When our children were little, the words, "Oh be careful little tongue what you say..." were a part of a children's song we taught them.  We'd sing the song over and over and talk about being careful what you say about others.
The words came to mind this morning when I jumped on my computer and saw the story about Lori and Sarah Drew.  You may remember them as the mother and daughter team who drove a 13 year old girl to commit suicide in her bedroom after sending her a message through MySpace that said the world would be a … (43 comments)

Conquering Clutter!!!!!...why we don't - 11:00 AM
We are all guilty of it at one time or another. Clutter.  We don't see it building until it's ready to overtake us...devour us.  But we just can't get rid of it. Here's why.

Top 5 reasons we don't clean up our act:
Because you heard somewhere that a messy workspace is a sign of genius and you know others have heard this as well Because a neat and organized space just screams of "anal retentive" Because even though it looks like a mess, you know where everything is Because you can't spend the time to clean it up if it's just … (85 comments)

Blog writing is for everyone... - 09:57 AM
People ask me all the time how I come up with so many topics to write about in my blogs.   It's easy..  There's always so much to say.
The more active life you lead....the more things you're involved with, the more you have to write about and seek opinions from others.
A lot of folks are nervous about writing blogs.  Many aren't sure they'll gain acceptance.....others just can't think of anything to write about...still others gain more enjoyment just reading and replying to blogs.    Your comments are as valid as anyone's.
A blog can be on any topic.   It doesn't have … (36 comments)

SEO Software FREE - SEO analysis of your webpages & More! - 11:09 AM
Hi & Happy Thanksgiving!
Not too long ago we witnessed the launch of the new, F-R-E-E Traffic Travis 3.0, to amazing success.
Thousands of people have seized the opportunity and downloaded this outstanding tool, and they're already using it to gain an edge over their competition in the search engines.
If you haven't downloaded it already, then you should be aware that your competition probably has.
Ask yourself -- Do you really want to be giving them a head start using this? Or are you wanting to be ahead of the game yourself?
Here are just some of the tools … (63 comments)

Let December Be Known as Loan Modification Month - 03:36 AM
The hottest buzz word in the industry right now is not short sales nor foreclosures. It's all about loan modifications. Lots of unscrupulous businesses are springing up that offer consumers help with their loan modifications, and they are charging home owners $3,000 and more to do what home owners can do for themselves.
To find your lender's loan modification requirements, click on the photo and you will find my article on About.com, which details major mortgage lender guidelines for loan modifications.
Nobody wants to admit it, but the lenders are making loan modifications seem confusing and difficult. Perhaps it's an effort … (41 comments)

I'm Shopping at Sears for Christmas, and here is why! - 11:01 AM
I don’t usually shop at Sears, I admit it. (Although I did walk through the other day and found a really cute, hot, lime green peacoat by Lands End.) But, I am going to shop there this Christmas season. Why? As a mother of two sons in the Navy, I read and loved Sears support of our military.
Not only do they support our sons and daughters in Active Duty but also those who are in the Reserves. Please take the time to read everything they do for those serving in the military. I had no idea, but they have been … (76 comments)


Blog posts


Some Real Estate Agents End Their 2008 Business..Today..Are You One of Them? - 10:26 AM
I have many conversations with REALTORS every single day..as a matter of fact..I tend to speak to more agents nationwide in a day...than those in my own office.  Strange right?  No not really.
A funny thing happens in Daytona Beach and I know it happens nationwide..where some agents end their 2008 business today...because of the words that I dread..."it's the holidays!" 
Really...in my mind..the holidays..last..1 day for each holiday!  Now I could care less what others do...but when they cry to me they have nothing going on.. We evaluate...I wonder why.... until we start talking.......and its pretty easy to figure out......when they are … (29 comments)

Place Widgets Carefully-Thanks Brad Andersohn-It's Already Paying Off! - 10:22 PM
My mission is to grow my sphere of influence...to improve SEO...and provide quality content and rather than mass produce....I've been supplementing with reading... slowly I am catching up on some reading...reading sources that are easy to understand...reading sources that have been available to me for a very long time...
Right Here on The Rain! Wednesday I was on the phone with Brad Andersohn in the quest to get my globe up and running :)  It is..I'm happy to report it is now an approved widget!  As he was viewing my sidebar..he asked if he could give me a suggestion..he told me … (11 comments)

Why BPO photo's and Thanksgiving don't mix!! - 02:23 PM
So Wednesday eve I had gotten a request for a BPO. It was due Friday morning. I figured I would do all the comparable and data entry Wednesday and on my way to eat turkey with my family I would swing by and take the photos. No big deal I thought so.....as I was imputing the info I noticed that one of my comps didn't have a photo. It was very close and very comparable to I figured no big deal I will just take the photo of the comp as well.
My boys are very familiar with taking BPO photos … (9 comments)

How to get ready to move in Buffalo NY! - 11:28 PM
Moving can be an overwhelming experience.
Here is a tip that you might find make getting into your new Buffalo area home a little easier. Make an Open First Box and have such items to make your first day in your Buffalo home easier. Better yet, have these items at the house days before you move if possible! Here is a list of items we feel you might need that first day in your Buffalo home:
Bath Items
# Roll of Toilet Paper for each bathroom
# Antibacterial liquid soap for each bathroom and kitchen
# Shampoo
# A set of … (4 comments)

When Things Get To Be Too Stressful, Watch a Puppy! - 10:35 AM
Yesterday, my husband, who often despairs at the amount of time I spend online (I'm working, Honey!), got even. He came in from his own computer and told me I really needed to go read a New York Times article. So I did. And followed the link. And now I'm hooked. The good news is, it's amazing how watching these famous Shiba Inu puppies going around their day can sooth stress. I highly recommend it. So, without further ado, watch the puppies! (Turn your sound on.) Free Webcam Chat at Ustream … (6 comments)

The Marketing of Barack - 09:44 PM
First and foremost, this post is not about politics, and certainly not about the President-Elect’s political point of view, his policies, or the policies of the Democratic Party. The election is over, the results are in, and we shall all sally forth to face whatever will be the daily events that are destined to become part of our collective national history. There are, however, lessons to be learned from Mr. Obama’s campaign that may be instructive to Realtors®, or to any individual or company that would like to realize success from their marketing efforts.
Let us start with the name. Barack … (2 comments)

Carol Stream Market Activity - October, 2008 - 08:00 PM
Single Family Homes                                    Townhomes, Duplexes, Condos, etc.145 Listings                                                  159 Listings29 Listed 2/1 - 2/29/08                                 43 Listed 2/1 - 2/29/0812 Went "Under Contract"                              15 Went "Under Contract"Avg. Market Time = 154 Days                         Average Market Time = 149 Days11 Closed Sales 2/1 - 2/29              … (0 comments)

Consumer Beverage...For Everything You Want to Celebrate ! - 10:27 AM
       IF you are looking for that rare wine.....a different after dinner drink...OR maybe a non-alcoholic mixer or a beer flavor no one ever heard of....there is just one place to go....

                                                                          CONSUMER BEVERAGE
                                       HALES CORNERS PLAZA                            5313 South 108th Street
                                                                                       Hales Corners, WI
                                                                                          414-425-1550
     If you are shopping for someone who enjoys a glass of wine...or would like to sample the newest variety..OR you don't know a Chardonnay from a Pinot,....you have come to the right place...for both variety and advice.  They not only have whatever you wish....they KNOW what they have...how fruity, how dry....compared … (3 comments)

2009 International Year of Natural Fiber - 02:47 PM
So what does the International Year of Natural Fibers have to do with real estate? Well, on one level, not much and on another, quite a lot.
As we become more and more aware of the materials used in our built environment, we know that more natural, less processed materials tend to be healthier for both us and the earth. While we do not give much thought to it sometimes, there are a lot of textiles in most homes. Some is obvious such as draperies, bedding and towels. I am a big fan of recycled carpet (who every thought we could … (3 comments)

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Lake Nona Market Report for 11.28.2008 - 12:53 PM
 
 
 
 
View Larger Map 
 
 
Hello there!
Here is the Central Florida real estate Lake Nona Market Report for the day after Thanksgiving 2008!
There are 44 homes for sale in the Lake Nona area, DOWN over 50% from my last report! The high asking price is $7,695,000 ~~ basically the same price as my last report. This estate is FANTASTIC!! It features over 11,000 square feet of living space to start! The low asking price in Lake Nona is $174,990 and the owner/builder will contribute $$$ to the closing costs for these fine townhomes..... REMEMBER, The … (3 comments)

Black Friday is for Shopping - 05:28 PM
If the day after Thanksgiving is for shopping, what I want to know is:
1) Did you buy a house or condo today?
2) Did you help someone else buy a house or condo today?
3) Did you represent a seller who had a buyer for their house today?
We have to remind people that Shopping is a good thing to do, especially for properties. Let's help everyone do their part to help the economy by helping they to buy a home.
… (6 comments)

BayWalk announced Foreclosure - 05:44 PM
Baywalk Shopping Plaza opened as a great success in downtown St Petersburg, with an assortment of shops and restaurants, as well as a multi-screen movie theater.
Recently one of the partners bought out the other partners and planned to put lots of money into renovations.
Point 1: the new owner was hit by a common theme - banks pulling back on commitments for expansions and development (as well as pulling back on lines of credit).
Point 2: Foreclosure doesn't mean Closing. Nor does a Bankruptcy Filing mean Closing. Often it's an opportunity for restructuring debts, labor contracts, and other obligations.
Ann … (10 comments)

Walmart employee trampled to death in Long Island - 09:41 AM
I posted the below blog just a few minutes ago, however, I just heard on the news a Walmart 34 year old employee was trampled to death!  My God, what is wrong with people!!  Does anyone remember the True meaning of Christmas?  Makes me sick just to think about it! 
Do you believe those people out shopping at 4am!  I was just watching the news in my warm sweats in my warm home, and you see hundreds of folks lined up in the freezing cold to buy something that they MUST have!  They also pointed out that alot of stores only … (7 comments)

How to Handle an Evil Step Mother - 10:25 AM
I really thought this was a good post and so appropriate this time of year.
Via Kelly Willey, SRES <><:
How to overcome Evil in Your Life…..
 
Make no mistake, evil does exist!
 
 
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your fellow believers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
    10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after … (0 comments)

Custom Craftsmanship home with 2 master suites at Smith Mountain Lake Virgina - 03:23 PM
This beautiful craftmanship home boasts lake @ wooded views on quiet culdesac. Deeded boat slip in com. marina, gourmet kitchen, huge Master suite with walk out to wrap around porch, lake view & sitting area, stone hearth fp, cath. ceilings, split Br, premium anderson casement win, monarch rail, leaded glass entry, prarie shaker des, too many upgrades,workshop with elec..
Martha Stuart would be jealous of this gourmet kitchen.  Entertain your guests in this beautiful bright living area with a custom built fireplace as your centerpiece.  Your guests may never leave after staying in the second master suite in the huge bright … (2 comments)

1.29 Acre lot with Deeded Boat slip on quiet Culdesac with views of Smith Mountain Lake - 03:28 PM
Bring your boat, your builder of your dream home and get ready to live at one of Smith Mountain Lakes most welcoming subdivisions.  Only 30 minutes to Roanoke or 10 minutes to Westlake.  Walnut Run Subdivsion is truly one of the most welcoming communities and there are constant activities and groups for the active lake life you desire.
Contact Edna Ledoux Jamieson, Realtor/ABR
Lakeshore Rentals & Sales, Inc.
www.smithmtnalkeproperties.com
edna@smithmtnlakeproperties.com
phone 540-520-0168

… (2 comments)

Understanding SEO in Real Estate & Title Insurance - 11:49 AM
S.E.O. Search Engine Optimization is much much much more complicated than I ever thought despite being somewhat computer literate and on top of all included in social and business networking online.
As a Title Insurance company, I do not really market to the end consumer instead marketing business to business to Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals. I know that a Realtor or a Mortgage Loan Officer are not spending their time looking online for a good Title Insurance company but the more you are out there popping up on random related searches and sites, the better off you are!
Know your … (2 comments)

Michigan Masterminds Share Success Stories - 11:56 AM
http://www.michigiganrealtormasterminds.collectivex.com
A great place for local Michigan Realtors to share and swap success stories and show off your great listings matching buyers with sellers (your listings)
If you are a Michigan Realtor - Join us today @ http://www.michigiganrealtormasterminds.collectivex.com Thanks, Keith Stonehouse VP, Franklin Title Agency
http://www.franklintitleagency.com
… (0 comments)

You have the Right to Choose Your Own Title Company! - 12:07 PM
Selling your Home or Refinancing your Mortgage? You have the right to choose your own title company! If you are (as your should be) working with a Realtor and or Mortgage Professional - Tell them you want to choose your own title company and also look over their suggested title company. Compare notes between the companies with things like cost (closing costs and extras included ie. wiring fees, recording fees, courier fees, and there might be more and more and more) Make sure to ask questions on what all the fees are for.
Make sure you are educated in the process … (4 comments)

Granny Panty Free Friday 11-28 - 07:53 PM
Wow! After two Thanksgiving dinners over this last week...I am sure I am not the only one out there feeling like I need Granny Panties!  I am not even going to weigh next week. I don't want to know how much I gained this week! I just know what I feel like I gained... Ugh!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.  Now we can get all geared up for the Christmas Holidays approaching fast.
We traveled all day, so no shopping for me today. But always love our Panty Free Friday get togethers!
 
… (74 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2008-11-28

 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