Archives of real estate blog entries for December 1, 2008

Featured blog posts


Holiday Starlight Parade - Downtown Redmond, Oregon (LOCALISM FEATURED) - 02:23 PM
Thanksgiving has barely passed and we just couldn't wait to usher in the Christmas Season!
What better way than Redmond's annual Holiday Starlight Parade!  The parade, held in Downtown Redmond, Oregon, starts at dusk and is filled with beautifully lit entries of all shapes and sizes.  Even the horses had twinkle lights!  Although I've lived in Redmond for eight years, this is my first Starlight Parade and I must say it couldn't have been a better first.  The weather was unseasonably warm with only a light jacket needed.  And just in case you got a little chilly, many local merchants had … (38 comments)

Angels among us... - 11:08 AM
Early last week a good friend, client and AMAZING photographer, Carol Falcetta, called to ask what my plans were for Saturday. With nothing more planned than playing with grandbabies and putting up Christmas decorations I agreed to undertake my first 'professional' gig as a photographer... and I'm using the term 'pro' very loosely, believe me. Saturday I had the opportunity... no, I had the privilege to take part in, to help record for posterity, the funeral of Battalion Chief Phillip Emerson Rounds funeral and procession. There are indeed angels among us. Chief Rounds devoted his life to his family, his profession, … (52 comments)

Announcing a NEW GROUP for Your AREA EVENTS! - 08:32 PM
Announcing a New Active Rain Group!
Are you looking for a group home for your events?  This group is for you then!  My focus is on local events and the local real estate market and I'm always looking for a great group in which to post my "Fab Five Things to Do" posts.  So, here you can post your calendar of events, your announcements for activities, happenings or events specific to YOUR area!  I write alot of posts--at least one weekly, about regional events and now I have a 'home' for those posts.  Well, now you have one too!
REMINDER:  Don't … (51 comments)

Are You Building an Idiot Proof Real Estate Business & Why It Matters! - 09:59 PM
Well over a decade ago, I read Michael Gerbers' famous book, 'The E-Myth.'  I am the daughter of two entrepreneurs and an entrepreneur myself.  I have lived through the 'technician syndrome' that Gerber described in which vast amounts of energy are siphoned from the entrepreneur who must run their business on a daily basis and subsequently becomes a slave to the work rather than the inspiration driving the company.
So, when the idea of making a business 'Idiot Proof' was introduced during a professional real estate seminar, I was eager to embrace the method.  The process involved systematizing a business by breaking each action/segment … (76 comments)

How much is a tree worth? - 08:03 PM
How much is a tree worth?  I guess the answer is like the answer to: "how much is any property worth?"  It's worth what a willing and able buyer will pay.  I pose this question because of a comment my step-daughter made this week-end.  I was saying how much I love the tree in their back yard.  It is a huge old oak with branches sprawling all over the yard.  My two grandsons have swings and windchimes here and there and the deck is built to avoid any harm to the old tree.  A tree specialist has told them the tree … (27 comments)

"What is the Future of Lead Generation?" Rain Radio interviews Reply.com - 04:01 PM
Tomorrow, Tuesday December 2nd, at 11am, ActiveRain Community Builder, Brad Andersohn, and Yours Truly, will be hosting another episode of Rain Radio when our special guests will be the CEO of Reply.com, Payam Zamani, CMO Brian Bowman, and Tom Young, Manager of Online Marketing.
Most real estate professionals here on ActiveRain have fairly strong opinions about lead generation companies, some who have enjoyed good experiences, as well as those who have had not-so-good experiences.
Now is your opportunity to actively engage in conversation with one of the company's who are aggressively guiding lead generation into the next century!
For further details, … (37 comments)

Another Active Rain Sale Closed! - 08:29 PM
Hello fellow Active Rainers.  I am proud to announce that just before Thanksgiving I closed a transaction on my 3rd Active Rain procured transaction this year!
The power of the rain is truly awesome. I would like to thank all of you for assisting in spending thousands of hours writing an abundance of information for  the community!
If you have not closed a deal from Active Rain yet, then I suggest examining your material. Content is everything. Express yourself in a positive way and potential clients will be impressed!
www.TinaMaraj.com
… (67 comments)

Cyber Monday—The Perfect Day to Shop Online for YOUR Dream Home! - 06:48 PM
Everyone knows that today is the day all computer lines will be buzzing with online shoppers trying to get the best deals on Christmas bargains from online retailers. Websites will be slow as millions surf the web to take advantage of discounted prices. So while millions are overloading shopping sites looking for deals on electronics and holiday gifts, now would be the perfect time to search out a great real estate deal.No I am not kidding. Real estate sites often have tons of widgets, photos and video links that can slow searches. But while others flock to save a few bucks, … (32 comments)

A Title Company is like our children - always questioning authority. - 08:37 PM
No, we're not trying to be the boss of you, but at least 25 percent of our real estate closings involve a question of authority. That is, does each of the parties sitting in my closing room have the authority to complete their part of the transaction?
If a party at a closing is an individual with a valid I.D. and isn't acting crazy, stoned or otherwise impaired, we assume that they can properly complete their end of the transaction. But often, a party to a closing is not an individual. It may be a corporation, a trust, or someone acting … (29 comments)

Monday Morning: 5 things to do when you've lost Hope - 04:52 PM
Monday Morning- Today is the International Day of the Child as well as World Aids Day. It is also a new day, to a new week, to a new month.  Normally I would have written something for either one of these days, but today I want to share my thoughts and hope with other people that might be having a hard time.  It's hard to believe that in 31 days we will start a New Year, but it is Just around the corner, and so many people need Hope that we can overcome the struggles that so many families are experiencing right now.  … (73 comments)

Holiday Home Selling Tips - 08:20 PM
Although there are fewer buyers actively looking for new homes between Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, it's important to remember that the key word here is fewer.  That doesn't mean that no one is looking!  In fact, buyers who are searching for a home during the traditional "slow" time are typically very motivated.  If they are involved in a relocation to the West Bank, you can bet that the holiday season doesn't put their home search on the back burner. 
You have a wonderful opportunity to show your home at its sparkling best when decorated for the season...provided you follow a … (64 comments)

Cheap Tip That Brings Results and Profits Columbo Style. - 11:06 AM
 Since I Sometimes Feel like the Andy Rooney of Real Estate in the sense that if some of the old skool ways work and bring business why are we throwing them out the window. Sure we have many new ways to connect with clients but there are also some old ways that continue to work. Why not combine them and increase your business.
 Did You ever See the Columbo Tv Series where Detective Columbo always got the information he needed to catch the bad guy but obtained the information in a non threatening manner. If you are too young to remember that … (71 comments)

E-Pro is a waste of a designation - 11:28 AM
The E-Pro designation is a complete waste of money. 
Yeah, I just went there. For many agents, the E-Pro designation is an “opportunity” to learn about all of the ‘new’ tools available to agents. And sure it does live up to the promise of a bunch of new tools, but it is a waste of money.
Think about it, you are on ActiveRain networking with some of the top agents in the Country. You can search blogs for many great new tools, and often find these things before anyone ever has a clue about them:
Example: home411.com.  I was one of … (123 comments)

Faster, Safer, Better...ActiveRain is Undergoing a Major Tune-Up So 'Please Excuse The Mess' - 01:28 PM
ActiveRain has been admittedly a little extra 'wonky' lately.  Everyone has probably experienced the 'Proxy' (and a few other) errors, including HTML, widget and other outside application disfunctionalities.
While it may seem like things are breaking down, in reality we're really beefing things up.  The programming architecture that AR primarily runs on recently underwent a pretty substantial upgrade.  In a nutshell, the version upgrade allows our programmers to work, implement and fix features and utilities much faster and easier than before.  It also places an emphasis on simplicity, security and stability, all vital for a bustling community such as AR to … (97 comments)

"I Just Don't Get Twitter" - 11:12 AM
I've got several friends who have tried out Twitter after I bugged them enough, but for the most part, they're still just not getting it.  If you're in that camp, I understand. I didn't "get it" at first either...  However, I'm guessing that's because most of your tweets are announcements about whether or not you chose to super-size your value meal, or what time you woke up this morning.  Furthermore -- you're probably only following a small handful of people who you already know, and they don't yet get it either.  Don't get me wrong -- those kind of tweets are … (98 comments)

How I incorporate my AR Blog to get buyers for SUCCESS !!! - 11:22 PM
I have had incredible success with my Active Rain Blog this past 6 months! I have just closed 2 deals and ready to close my 3rd in 10 days.  I just wanted to share a few points that have worked for me.
Once a client contacts me (blog / website / office call / referral) I send them an email with a few of my blog highlights!
I give them HOUSTON area highlights ... HERE I give them LOCAL area highlights ... HERE I give them SCHOOL highlights ... HERE I don't need to talk about me or sell myself ... just talk … (116 comments)

The Benefits of Being Prepared at an Open House - 11:06 AM
The Benefits of Being Prepared at an Open House
 
I know that many of you like holding open houses, and it is something I like to do as part of my business model. It is still an excellent way of meeting potential clients face to face. I do like holding open houses (even during the week) and if it is slow, then I bring my laptop as I can always find work to do (i.e. catch up on blog posts, reading, commenting, and other social networks).
I have written a post before on How do You Prepare for An Open House, … (83 comments)


Blog posts


Seeking silver bullets . . . - 02:41 PM
Seeking Silver Bullets……………
The changing market has created a different landscape for most agents. It has also impacted brokers. Now, most agents are used to subtle overtures from other brokers. Some brokers scan data for closed sales and new listings. They then either send a card or an email or make a phone call to the agent. It is a smart way to market to those agents that are still active.
When the market was crazy and there was little skill involved in accomplishing a transaction, brokers were busy scheduling new agent training. It must be remembered how brokers make their … (3 comments)

Understanding the Realtor Advantage - 08:54 AM
Many people use the term Realtor to describe someone who is a real estate agent or broker. However, you should know there is a difference between a real estate agent or broker who is a Realtor and one who is not. As a Realtor myself, I believe there are significant advantages for clients who hire a Realtor.
Ethical practices
All real estate agents and brokers must be licensed by the state to assist property owners in buying and selling real estate. Only those who choose to become Realtors, however, commit themselves to a higher standard of professional conduct.
This high standard … (0 comments)

House, condo, duplex? You decide what’s best for you - 08:59 AM
When you think of buying a home of your own, what do you picture? Many people conjure up the image of a detached, single-family house. There's a yard in front and back, perhaps a fence around the property. That may be a great situation for a lot of folks, but there are other options out there - other types of properties you can call your own. Depending on your situation and goals, you may find something other than a single-family house makes the most sense for you.
Condos
You get many of the same benefits from owning a condo as owning … (1 comments)

Has the Florida Association of Realtors(R) lost their frickin' mind? - 05:24 PM
OK, so I found this article on our Florida State Associations (FAR) web site. I don't know who wrote it. It was just too damn good to leave there. You can follow the link if you want to see the source. What blew me away is there is NOT one mention of actually doing our job and getting a Buyer's Broker Agreement signed. Shouldn't we be having these discussions with our buyer PRIOR to them hiring us?
Getting paid a commission
Before you show an MLS listing, make sure you know what the commission will be at closing. If it's not enough, follow these … (34 comments)

Bookworm meme, take 1 - 05:40 PM
OK, here's meme number 1 for Ann Cummings
Instructions:
1. Grab the nearest book. 2. Open the book to page 56. 3. Find the fifth sentence. 4. Post the text of the next two to five sentences. 5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book or the intellectual one. Pick the Closest. 6. Tag five people to do the same  
My nearest book was a school coupon book local schools sell as a fundraiser, on page 56 is:
"$1.00 off Adult Ticket Receive one dollar off one adult ticket to the 2008 Fantasy of Trees to benefit Children's … (0 comments)

Bookworm meme number 2, take 1 - 05:53 PM
"Here is the way it works:
Grab the nearest book. Open the book to page 56. Find the fifth sentence. Post the text of the next two to five sentences. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book or the intellectual one. Pick the Closest. Tag five people to do the same *The one book that this can not be is the Bible" OK, after the school coupon book my next nearest book was a James Patterson novel titled "SAIL" which was very good.
"It's the the best way, I explain. Carrie will scoop the water, nahd a bucket off … (2 comments)

Fresh & Bright, Light Filled End-Unit Townhome in Woodcroft, Durham, NC - 10:19 AM
… (0 comments)

Orange County North Carolina Commissioners Considering Raising Impact Fees on New Homes - 02:02 PM
The Orange County Commissioners are holding a public hearing to consider raising the County's school impact fees.  
When:    Tonight (December 1, 2008), 7:30pm
Where:   Orange County Courthouse, 106 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough  
Impact fees were instituted in Orange County in 1993 and are levied against new homes built in the County.  The fees are based on the school district in which the home is located and are supposed to reflect the cost of adding new students; the last time the County fees were increased was 2001.
For further information about the calculations and rationale for the increase, CLICK HERE … (0 comments)

This Holiday Season - Recapturing the Meaning! - 08:27 AM
Remember the story of the couple who so loved one another that they each gave up their own greatest joy to be able to give the other what they most wanted.  He sold his guitar so he could give her a precious hair clip for her beautiful long hair ... and she cut off her hair and sold it to be able to buy a case for his guitar.  I don't remember the name of the story or book from whence that came, but the message was always quite clear to me.
Over the years I must admit I've become somewhat cynical about … (3 comments)

A Great New Tosa Taste Treat ! - 10:50 PM
 
 
 
   We have recently discovered Innovation a new restaurant in the Business Park...it is in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Milwaukee County Research Park.  Appropriately the address is: 10499 Innovation Drive, Wauwatosa, WI   (414) 259-0793. It's easy to get to from 894- exit on Swan Blvd, west on Watertown Plank Road or just east of highway 100 and Watertown Plank Road. It has been our pleasure to enjoy a business lunch...choose from a delicious variety of soup, salad and sandwich entrees...or treat yourself to a fabulous buffet with salad, a variety of entrees and desserts that changes … (1 comments)

Immaculate Home - One Level Living At Its Best! - 03:54 PM
… (0 comments)

5507 Granada Blvd. - Sun n Lake - Golf Course Living-- SOLD FEBRUARY 2009! - 09:19 AM
… (0 comments)

Queen Creek, Arizona proposed freeway - 09:52 PM
More than 60,000 residents now live in the community of Queen Creek, Arizona in Pinal county. The actual City of Queen Creek is bordered on the west by Power Road and is located in Maricopa County, and the community of Queen Creek, or County area, continues east to Florence - or thereabouts. Several options have been discussed as to where the freeway would be routed. Two out of the three would have gone over existing homes and created complete disharmony among the homeowners. Today's East Valley Tribune posted a detailed article, and I've included the link and a map below.
The … (6 comments)

Why the Internet is a home business dream IF you follow 3 key steps - 11:20 AM
Why the Internet is a home business dream IF you follow 3 key steps by Dr. Jeffrey Lant ----------------------------- To get more articles and talk to our LIVE staff in the member area sign up here: http://www.FastFunProfits.com -----------------------------
The advent and development of the Internet has set millions of people worldwide dreaming -- dreaming that they might be able to stay home and profit and thereby escape many of the drawbacks of today's business rat race. The problem is: these people are generally clueless on what it takes to achieve their objective. Hence this article, straight talk on what it takes … (1 comments)

BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS - 08:23 PM
… (2 comments)

WOW - Take a look at this one!!! - 06:14 PM
 
 
Don’t miss this one owner two story traditional home located in the desirable Duluth school cluster.

Home features three bedrooms, two and a half baths, living room with fireplace, formal dining room, eat in kitchen, main level laundry room, deck, large corner lot, two car garage with opener, full unfinished basement and more!  Walk to Chattahoochee Elementary and Duluth High School.

This one won’t last—call Deb Kirkbride at 770-823-0502 for details.

Century 21 Findley
2862 Buford Hwy.
Duluth, GA  30096
770-476-5238

Deb Kirkbride
770-823-0502

www.debsellsfast.com

deb@debsellsfast.com

… (0 comments)

WHY DOES GOING GREEN MEAN GOING BROKE? - 01:15 PM
I'm feeling the new green movement and would love to add solar electricity to my existing home.  I could then tell both buyers and sellers about the wonderful electricity a self-sufficient Realtor is generating and I could brag about the amount of carbon I'm taking out of the atmosphere but I keep tripping on the way to the ladder to screw the solar panels on to my roof top.
I appear to keep tripping and stumbling on the mountain of "coin" that will be required to buy the system.  I own a modest 4/2  2,300 sq. ft. single family home with an average … (4 comments)

DETROIT'S MALAISE MAY LEAD TO CHAOS IN YOUR TOWN - 02:29 PM

If your garbage isn't picked up next week by the sanitation truck from the city as it has been for as long as you may remember, you may want to point the finger at Detroit.  But do you point the finger at the high flying (literally) auto exec's or is the accusatory finger tweaking the blue collar worker and their union rep for the bloated contract they won from the blue-heeled exec's in the last negotiation?  I suppose it really doesn't matter to you when the garbage piles up. 
Maybe they will cut fire and ambulance services but one thing … (0 comments)

Arlington Heights Real Estate Market Conditions - 01:08 PM
Arlington Heights Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Arlington Heights real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of December 1, 2008.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active
If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Arlington Heights, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&page=search&selected=qck&mode=N&acc=32722&s=active
Dennis Toomey
RE/MAX Territory
… (0 comments)

Bartlett Real Estate Market Conditions - 01:10 PM
Bartlett Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Bartlett real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of December 1, 2008.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active
If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Bartlett, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&page=search&selected=qck&mode=N&acc=32722&s=active
Dennis Toomey
RE/MAX Territory
847-338-0180
http://www.housebyzip.com/
dtoomey@remax.net
… (0 comments)

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