Archives of real estate blog entries for December 27, 2008 (Page 7)

Blog posts


How you are keeping your home from selling in a recession - 08:30 PM
So you have spent the money and updated your home.  The floors that were once builder grade carpet and basic 12x12 ceramic tile are now hardwood floors and custom tile, travertine and frieze carpet.  Your once dull formica counters are now glorious granite and you have removed the tired wallpaper and skip-troweled and painted your walls with today's colors. 
So why is your home still sitting on the market? 
1.  Price
In this market it is imperative that your home be priced correctly.  Although you know what you spent on those wonderful updates, your Buyer-in-waiting does not know, nor do they … (0 comments)

BUY BANK OWNED PROPERTY TODAY Northshore of Boston - 06:50 PM
Here is the chance most buyers on the fence don't seem to realize. The banks and lenders are closing out their books for 2008 and are making projections for 2009. The high volume of foreclosed properties sitting on the market is just the tip of the iceberg as the number of "short sales" will turn into foreclosures.
The time to negotiate with the banks is right now. Many of the assett managers I have talked to are looking to see offers and move inventories. I am seeing foreclosed properties sell 10 - 20% below asking price on already reduced properties. Many … (2 comments)

Where is the Bailout for Real Estate Agents? - 10:09 PM
Have you ever watched "D. L. Hughley Breaks the News" on CNN?  He posed a great question about the auto bailout.  "What is the point of bailing out the "Big 3" if Americans are not buying cars?  I thought that was a great questions because, government is bailing out the banks and banks are not lending money.  This brings me to my most vital concern.  Where is the bail out for real estate agents who made their  living by selling homes, which no one is buying because the system has now went from no regulation to over-regulation.  
 
I differ with … (0 comments)

Soft Pillow People Assure A Great New Year For You - 04:34 PM
In visiting many good family members and friends over the holiday season I saw what can only be described as "soft pillow" people. Whether met in person, phone call, or messages of support from email or cards I know who they are. Do you know who your soft pillow people are?
Soft Pillow People Assure A Great New Year For You.
Soft pillow people are the ones you can count on. Sure they are not perfect but neither are you. They roll their eyes at your dumb jokes, silly antics, your missteps, but they are there supporting you 100% of the … (28 comments)

Do You Have Room For Pie? - 07:44 PM
One thing I have noted in holiday gatherings whether at restaurants or within our home celebrations is the attitude of giving.
   Do You Have Room For Pie?
Watch the generosity in others. Money is no object. It is the experience. Do not be frugal in giving AND receiving the blessings of others. It is funny when you ask often stuffed with food people if they want pie? Your blessings are OVERFLOWING from them. Take this generosity into your level of customer service and human touching in the new year.
Then, Blow them away and ask,
"A scoop of ice cream too?!!"  : … (30 comments)

HOPE Program Hopes to Help Homeowners that are behind on Mortgages - 01:32 PM
There is literally HOPE for homeowners worried about defaulting on their mortgages.  HOPE is a program created by Congress that lowers monthly payments by refinancing mortgages and extending the mortgage out to 30 and 40 years.  The mortgages would be at fixed-rates and the program is aimed at keeping homeowners in their homes.  The program started on October 1, 2008 and will continue until September 30, 2011. 
Information is available through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).  Also, homeowners can obtain eligibility requirements by contacting their existing lender or a new lender.  All mortgages must have existed before January 1, 2008 and … (0 comments)

Pinehurst NC Day Trips - Just An Hour From Home - 09:31 PM
If you are considering buying a Pinehurst NC Home or if you already live in the Pinehurst Southern Pines area, there's plenty to do right here in Moore County.  But, Pinehurst is only about an hour from the "Research Triangle" and Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.  So, if you decide to branch out at little, there are some wonderful day trips you can take if you have half a day to spare.  Here's a list of our favorites:  Pinehurst NC Day Trips
For more information about Pinehurst Real estate or homes for sale in the Pinehurst MLS, which includes Southern Pines … (0 comments)

Five Points for BUYERS looking at a SHORT SALE Purchase - 09:47 AM
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN PURCHASING A HOME THAT IS A SHORT SALEMr. Seller goes to his mortgage company(s) and says, "I want to sell, but I don't have any equity and the house is worth less than the amount I owe you. I need to sell anyway because based on my current circumstances, continuing to keep the home is a serious hardship and I can't hold on, so what do I need to do to get out?"What the Seller has just done is to ask his Mortgage Holders/lienholders to take a loss when his property is sold, this is called … (0 comments)

Washington County, Oregon home sales week in review by neighborhood (12/26/2008) - 12:47 AM
Today is Friday, December 26, 2008 and it is time for another breakdown of homes sales in the Washington County, Oregon market. This week the stats came out for September 2008 versus September 2007 and the numbers are pretty amazing. With the average drop in home pending sales in Washington County since this time last years is 30.95% and now we are starting to feel the pinch of short sales and foreclosures hitting the market. It has caused the average home sold price to drop 4.05% since in the last month. This is an interesting situation, because for the first time … (1 comments)

Well how cool is that – One of my posts was quoted in the Santa Cruz Sentinel - 04:57 PM
I wake up in the morning, check my mail and what do I see? "Another Google Alert for "Todd Clark - Realtor" in my inbox. I click on the link and I see that the Santa Cruz Sentinel quoted a post that I did awhile back on how to sell an investment property with a renter and what options you may have if the renter may slow the sale.
Here is a link to my post and also a link to the article by the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Selling a residential home with a uncooperative tenant - An easy solution  - … (7 comments)

I don't feel like typing Saturdays! - 08:51 PM
Making the easy choice isn't always the best choice
Todd Clark - brokerKastings & AssociatesPhone: (503)524-9494Fax: (503)622-8739
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.comwww.IFoundYourNewHome.com




"Making the easy choice isn't always the best choice" Image is property of Todd Clark and is not to be used for any use without permission from Todd Clark or Samantha who is feeling sue happy right now - 2008
… (12 comments)

You’ve Had A White Christmas, Now Experience Winter In North Carolina - 01:59 PM

We've seen the news and weather for those of you living in the North. Two big snow storms in the last week with blizzards, high winds, and lots of snow.

 
As a former New Yorker I loved the snow too--- at first! But once Christmas was over, I couldn't wait for spring.  Driving in the blowing snow, shoveling the driveway, and running the furnace constantly wears a little thin after a while!
 Here in the Wake county, Raleigh area of North Carolina we enjoy a very moderate climate. Some years we may have one snow storm, but it … (1 comments)

Price It Correctly and It Will Sell? - 03:22 PM
While looking at the latest market reports and real estate statistics recently, the one phrase that kept jumping out was that houses priced correctly will sell.   Well, that seems like a no brainer.
The issue is what is the correct price?
 As realtors, we are all taught how to price a home. Use the comparable homes in the area that are sold, compare those houses with what is currently  on the market, what homes have expired or been withdrawn, and what homes are under contract. Then compare the condition of those homes with the condition of the home that is under … (10 comments)

Do Some Listing Agents Not Get It? - 09:36 PM
I notice there are still so many agents pricing homes as if this was the real estate market 2 years ago.  What are they thinking?  How do they explain to their sellers why no one is coming to look at their home?  Do they even have an accountability from their peers or on a broker review of listed homes in inventory? 
Since I give out quite a few leads to very experienced agents it is interesting to listen to the comments when contracts are written on homes in today's market.  Many of my friends are experiencing posturing from the listing agent.  … (121 comments)

Let It Snow. You Are In Maine Remember? - 10:56 AM
Maine snowsledding recreation is right in your backyard!
Excitement around the home as kids dig out downhill skills, ask if the snowsleds are registered and tuned for trail riding, talk about pond hockey and ice fishing. Maine has 13,000 trails...enough to explore, see wildlife and breath taking scenery..going where you can not get by car. Hop on a Maine snowsled. Ice fishing, cross country skiing, building snow forts, snowball fights, sliding....its winter and we don't spend it parked on a couch with one hand raised operating a clicker surfing what's on the tube.  No way...not when there is snow outside..lots … (0 comments)

Lifestyle...Thinking You Were Put Here To Be A Somebody..To Get Attention. - 12:05 PM
Getting noticed...do you dream of large homes with maids, staff and a garage full of cars designed to impress others? Think you are special, put on earth to be awed, sought after for advice and your presence?  Have an attitude and need attention? Are you a gold digger? Do you want to live in a gated wealthy snobby community and is your life about money..only money? Think you were always destined for greatness? You don't strive to keep up with the Jones...that you are the Jones.  Translation...You are NOT built for living in a Maine rural community. Impressing others and having the … (12 comments)

Tax Advantages for Home Ownership - 12:33 PM
      I trust that you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Unfortunately, Uncle Sam doesn't let us enjoy our celebration too long before reminding us that tax time is just around the corner.  Anyway, life goes on, But for the home owner, life can be sweeter as you cash in on some of the following tax benefits:
1.   Loan origination fee -- these are deductions for the buyer (but not the seller) even if paid by the seller!.
2.   Loan discount points (if any) - again, these are deductions for the buyer (but not the seller) even if paid by the seller.
3.   Pre-paid interest (purchase) … (0 comments)

FSBO Tips: What Makes a Contract Legal? Part 1 - 04:58 PM
      I remember when I began my real estate career how little confidence I had in my own ability to write a good sales contract.  I'm still amazed at how many "seasoned" agents demonstrate so much carelessness in what is such a basic and crucial task.  If that's the state of affairs within an industry that uses sales contracts on a regular basis, is it little wonder that the general public doesn't fully understand them?  That's precisely the danger for FSBOs.  If they are going to sell their house themselves, it's absolutely essential they know how to write them.  
       A … (0 comments)

FSBO Tips: What Makes a Good Contract? Part 2 - 05:29 PM
        This is the second of two articles on what it takes to write a good real estate contract.  Here, I want to help FSBOs understand the twelve most basic elements of a legal and enforceable contract.  They are:
1.       Principle Parties: The persons entering into the agreement must be clearly written in the contract.  If more than one person's name is one the deed, then those names must also appear on the contract to sell. 
2.       Property Description:  A full legal description of the property may not be necessary but the address (including City, State, County and Zip) and tax map number … (0 comments)

The Seven Biggest FSBO Mistakes - 07:54 PM
       In another article I made the statement that most people who go FSBO become frustrated [and eventually list with an agent] because they aren't prepared for the challenges and hard work that's involved (Five Steps to FSBO Success).  That frustration is feed and intensified by many of the most common FSBO mistakes listed below, most of which are the result of that lack of preparation and hard work. 
1.       Over pricing.  You have to know the fair market value of your home, and that's rarely what you think it's worth!  Remember this rule: your home is only worth what a willing … (0 comments)

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