Archives of real estate blog entries for December 4, 2008

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Could Mortgage Interest Rates Drop to 4.5% with Treasury Intervention? - 08:09 PM
The latest rumor (anonymous comment) coming from our "tight lipped" bureaucrats in Washington is that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is considering a new plan to reduce mortgage rates in another bid to revive the U.S. housing market. The Treasury could, under this new plan, step up purchases of mortgage backed securities (MBS) to drive down interest rates on some loans to 4.5 percent, the official said on condition of anonymity. The possibility that this plan could change is enormous. Mortgage applications surged by a record last week and the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate loan dropped to 5.47 percent, the … (69 comments)

Forgiveness With A Side Of Second Chance! - 06:42 PM
It happened the day before Thanksgiving and both humbled me and thrilled me.
You see, I've been a little "off" for the last few months.  Earlier this year one of my builder's new construction houses went into foreclosure even after my all out effort to get it sold.
We tried everything, they were even ready to take a loss, the bank wouldn't discuss a short sale but we were willing to go the extra mile.  I was ready to sell it with minimal commission and we still could not get an offer.  I felt really sick to my stomach for several months … (26 comments)

Mortgage Rates at 4.5%?!?! - 02:14 PM
As early as next week, we may see 30 year mortgage rates as low as 4.5%! 
As we speak, the U.S. Treasury is evaluating different proposals and ideas to further stimulate the ailing mortgage and housing market.  One key proposal offered up by lobbyists in the financial industry would involve the Treasury buying up mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in an effort to set a target rate of 4.5% by manipulating the supply of mortgage-backed securities.
If this proposal is ultimately carried out by the Treasury, this would amount to an unprecedented action of direct involvement by the U.S. government to … (31 comments)

Why I'm RAISING the price significantly on a house that hasn't sold for 445 days - 12:38 PM
Why a perfectly good house didn't sell, even after 445 days!
And call me CRAZY...I'm RAISING the price!
So did my headline get your attention? Good, it did it's job. And it's true. This week I got a listing that has been on the market for 445 days! Here's a little background, I'll try to keep it short. The sellers had a new home built and figured there would be no problem selling this one when the time came, but they didn't count on the market tanking. Their agent just kept saying "it's the price, we've got to lower it." But … (75 comments)

STUNNING Before & AFTER Pics ~ Huge Profits with Paint!!! - 03:47 PM
Here are some stunning Before & AFter Pictures that prove the power of paint, staging a home and a good decorator! The buyers did an amazing paint update to this home.  They sold it (in 2 days) for a 6 figure profit, after 3 years. Enjoy this amazing home transformation!!! BEFORE: 

 AFTER:

 BEFORE: 

 AFTER:

BEFORE: 

 AFTER:

  BEFORE: 

 AFTER:
 
 BEFORE: 
 
 AFTER:

Here are some more "Before & AFTER" transformations:
House Flip sells in 21 days! ~ Before & AFTER photo's!!!!!!!
Celebrity Home is Painted & Staged for 90k Profit ~ Before & AFTER photo's!
Amazing Home … (43 comments)

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO MOVE? STOP TRYING!! - 06:28 PM
I just read a post by a local Chicago agent Chuck Heaver.  In it, he voiced some of the challenges facing home sellers in todays market.
He finished his post with a question:  "Any thoughts/tips to motivate people to move?"
My answer.  STOP TRYING!
Look, I know many Realtors pride themselves on their sales skills.  But...
Moving is a personal decision.  A big decision.  A decision that should not be taken lightly.
The last thing someone needs is a Realtor trying to "motivate" them.
I just don't think it works.  It meets with resistance.
Be available.  Be helpful.  Be a source of information...
Be the agent a client can trust.
Market … (40 comments)

Listed Last Wednesday - Under Contract Today! Thank You Active Rain! - 08:18 PM
Last Wednesday, I wrote the following post Thank You Active Rain!  My First Listing From Blogging!
This condo had been on the market previously with another agent for 6 months without selling.  When I met with the seller last week we discussed the market in great detail and how important it was for her to position her unit with the best possible price for a quick sale as she is very anxious to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada. 
We put it on the market last Wednesday, had our first and only showing on Sunday, an offer on Tuesday and a … (46 comments)

Do Your Clients Love You Enough to Keep Coming Back? - 12:05 AM
Do Your Clients Love You Enough to Keep Coming Back?
For a brief period I took a break from mortgage lending and became a Regional Corporate Trainer - Customer Support for a nationwide telecom company.  I was recruited into the position by a client of mine.  She called me up one day and offered me the job after we had worked professionally together for almost one year.
It was a GREAT job and I loved it!I loved the excitement of living out a hotel room (this was pre-kids)and eating out at fancy restaurants on the company's dime.
One day I asked my … (52 comments)

I need your help Active Rain : Just one moment of your time - 03:54 PM
I'm going to put myself out there and be pretty vulnerable, but here is goes....
My 12 year old daughter is battling a horrible disease as some of you may all ready know, if you don't, I posted a blog a few months back that you can check out if you want. If not, she has a malignant brain tumor and as her mother, it's a very hard thing to deal with. I can't kiss it and make it better, so I try to do everything that I can to be an advocate for her and many other children that have … (69 comments)

Do Open Houses Really Work? - 08:31 PM

Some agents think that open houses are a complete waste of time and refuse to hold or host them on either their own listings or on another agents listings.  Many of these same agents also still believe in the good ole "floor time" philosophy which involves sitting at a desk and waiting for the phone to ring.  Even if someone calls for information about a listing, this is not putting you in front of them.
Open houses are a great way to PUT YOU OUT IN FRONT OF THE PUBLIC and GET YOU NOTICED as well as the house!  Don't … (52 comments)

Is Your Google Profile Cool Enough For Sledding? - 07:43 AM
Here’s a little somethin’ somethin’ you might not know about Google. 
Did you know you can now pimp your profile?  Yes, you have a Google profile.  I didn’t know I had a Google profile until recently.  I happen to be a raving fan of Chris Brogan and read it on his Ab-Fab blog. www.ChrisBrogan.com
Read also: Get Your Google Profile Tidied Up
At any rate, I’m an avid user of Google for the reader, docs, etc. but had never used or found the profile.  I wonder what its capabilities are, don’t you?  I know I packed my “Where to find me … (84 comments)

Meeting New (To Me) Bloggers - 09:12 PM
With over 120,000 members and the number growing every day, I am constantly discovering "new" bloggers here on Active Rain.
I've been seeing a lot of unfamiliar names among people commenting on my posts.  And as I've been checking out these new, at least to me, bloggers, I'm finding some I'm really enjoying.  Here are some of my recent discoveries:
Carol Clay writes about her favorite town and market area, Brevard, North Carolina.  She started blogging here last June, and caught my attention with a post on cutting down your own Christmas tree and Lessons learned from turkeys about her Thanksgiving … (37 comments)

Five Things California REALTORS Can Do To Sell More Homes in 2009 - 04:11 AM
Close to 78% of the listed homes, in Southern California, fall under the VA loan limit. The 2009 loan limits, for the California counties are well over the original $144,000 of a few years ago.  In fact, the VA loan limit is over $1,000,000 for some San Francisco metro counties and close to $730,000 for Orange and LA counties. You can see all the new VA loan limits, for 2009 here.
Over half the transactions closed in October, 2008 were below $278,000
But the worsening U.S. economy is not dissuading buyers with bargain home prices in their sights, although the latest … (42 comments)

Here's an ActiveRain tip that is essential to know before you begin writing any blog post! - 04:00 PM
I enjoy the blogging, and I spent a lot of my time on ActiveRain every day.  I have read tens of thousands of posts during my daily involvement, and I notice that many writers are making a basic error that could be costing them business:
They fail to identify their readership before they construct the article! What does that mean exactly?  It means that knowing who will be reading your post determines how you commence writing.
For example, I intend for this post to be read mostly by ActiveRain members, and based on the title, by those that are or want … (93 comments)

Countdown to the Holidays-New Listings and Buyers Are All Around - 08:36 PM
Some agents decide that December is the month to sit back and let the New Year roll in.  As much as we would all like to think that the real estate year is over it isn't.  In fact this year, with lower interest rates and lower home prices, buyers and sellers are out in force.This weekend I'm putting the final touches on two new listings and I have three buyers who are actively trying to get a contract written before the end of the year.  Add to this an upcoming settlement and the holiday season is in full swing.Why blog about … (54 comments)

I guess nobody wants this referral - 08:09 PM
                                   
 
I've called 3 members of Active Rain over the last 2 days. One was nice enough to call me back. The other 2 have not returned my emails or phone calls!
I have a 350-400k buyer for Greensboro North Carolina. Excellent Buyer's!
If any of you left me a message with a referral you can be assured that I'd be calling you back within a couple of hours. I love referrals and will jump through hoops to get em.
Now I'll ask again...
Does anyone work the Greensboro North Carolina area? After today I'll just look up an office … (49 comments)

3 Things Every Blog Entry MUST Have to be Effective - 08:08 PM
3 Things Every Blog Entry MUST Have to be Effective:
An answer to their question. (They are WHO you are blogging TO) A reason why they should want or need YOU and your services. A clear, direct call to action (This should attract your target clientele. Don't create a call to action that doesn't attract your target clientele) For the rest of this 4-part Series, follow these links below:
New to Blogging? ActiveRain First Steps 
Think Before You Blog
Where to Get Blogging Material
3 Things Every Blog Entry MUST Have to be Effective (You Are Here)
Benjamin Clark is Broker/Owner of … (47 comments)

Google can be one of your best testimonials !!!! - 08:41 PM
 
 

I am sure many of you know what Google is and how it works. But did you know that it can work also as a good testimonial for you?  Or possibly act as your pamphlet, telling people about yourself?  Gee, an online pamphlet that you can send to your potential clients.
 
 

How many of you have testimonials on your profile?  How many of you hand out brochures about yourself and or your company? Do you know that's it more efficient and quicker to send someone a link to your testimonials?  Or actually just tell them … (39 comments)

Can you hear me now? - 08:49 PM
Can you hear me now ?
I was home all day recuperating from eye surgery. I still had my good eye working but I was restricted to just sitting and waiting (and wondering what tomorrow might bring when the protective patch would be removed).
I decided that I could end my personal moratorium on t.v. and I would allow myself to get lost in the fantasy of fios. I took out some brie to warm and poured myself a chilled coke zero.
It has been awhile. How could one decide what to watch? I must have 900 different channels … (19 comments)

So I got an internet "lead," now what? No really...now what? - 08:17 PM
I recently took the advice of some pretty successful agents and enabled the required log-in feature on my IDX.  Contrary to  my previous beliefs, I've been stunned at the increased number of registered home searchers I am now getting.  I thought logging in would scare them away.  Maybe it has scared some, but nobody ever registered before when they didn't have to, now I'm getting about 5 per week.
But now what? I've got a name and an email (sometimes even a real email!), but what now?  Any good email scripts or plans for engaging the registered user?  How often do … (32 comments)


Blog posts


I need your help Active Rain : Just one moment of your time - 06:30 PM
"The National Cancer Institutes federal budget was $4.6 billion - all the 12 major groups of pediatric cancer combined, received less than 3%."
Doesn't our children deserve more?  What about the future???????  Please sign the petition below and reblog the original post..and do what you can to make the moment count!
 
Via Anita Beach - Real Estate Professional Maple Valley, WA:
I'm going to put myself out there and be pretty venerable, but here is goes....
My 12 year old daughter is battling a horrible disease as some of you may all ready know, if you don't, I posted a blog a … (6 comments)

Google Wiki - Is It Really Helpful? - 10:38 AM
I've read several posts about the new Google Wiki function.  In fact, I was introduced to it from a blog post on REW.  I've read other posts here on AR.
If you haven't heard about it yet, it is simply a way to organize your search engine results by allowing you to move results up or down, delete or add them and even write notes.  In the screenshot below, if you have really good eyes you'll notice there are little icons to the right of each site link, an arrow and an X.  To the right of the green url is … (0 comments)

GONE SHOPPING! WHAT?????? - 12:45 PM
 
 

I know that things have gotten a bit slow in the real estate market, however, I am shocked that when the market gets tough, the agents GO SHOPPING...!
With all of the technology available today, it would seem that agents could service their clients and still shop!
On Monday, I called ABC Realty to request that they send a seller's disclosure and other information on a property my buyer was interested in.  
The property has been on the market for over 100 days! 
I was told by the person "on call" that he didn't think there was any information available and that he was too busy to look … (46 comments)

Can you hear me now? - 08:49 PM
Can you hear me now ?
I was home all day recuperating from eye surgery. I still had my good eye working but I was restricted to just sitting and waiting (and wondering what tomorrow might bring when the protective patch would be removed).
I decided that I could end my personal moratorium on t.v. and I would allow myself to get lost in the fantasy of fios. I took out some brie to warm and poured myself a chilled coke zero.
It has been awhile. How could one decide what to watch? I must have 900 different channels … (19 comments)

Relocating- First Hand Experience Part 8 - 08:48 AM
I was back in Austin for a couple of days this week.  I'm so glad we went because there were SOOO many mistakes at the house.  It's frustrating because it's hard to "babysit" these guys from Dallas.  We have family in the area, but they don't know what things are supposed to look like.
Here are some examples:
 
These windows are supposed to be 24" across.  See, they took out the "normal" window above the cooktop for some stupid reason, and decided to put a ventahood these instead.  I demanded windows in the kitchen so it wouldn't be so … (12 comments)

Changing of the Guard in ActiveRain Rankings - 01:29 PM
As many people know, I'm in the process of moving to the Austin area, Bee Cave to be exact.  Bee Cave is West of Downtown Austin and just South of Lakeway at approximately 620 and 71 in a community called Falconhead West.
What I was thinking about is that my move is not only effecting me, of course, but it's also going to effect several people on ActiveRain.
Think about it.  I'm currently ranked #2 in the state of Texas.  That part won't change.  However, when people go directly to ActiveRain, they always see an Austin agent and a Dallas agent … (33 comments)

Printing Money is always a bad idea - 01:49 PM
Right now we have fallen through the looking glass. The United States Government is promising Trillions of Dollars in bail outs and so-called stimulus packages to avoid something that scares them to death - DEFLATION!  Once upon a time all western governments agreed that the most important thing to a nation's economy was to keep inflation low and under control. And so it is a shock to discover that right now these same nations and their top financial advisers are trying to find ways to create inflation and to avoid something that REALLY scares them - DEFLATION.
Personally I think that … (20 comments)

SILENT TESTIMONIES - CONTEMPORARY EX-VOTOS - 07:54 AM
Opening Reception, Saturday night, December 13, 2008 7 to 10 pm
Curated by Raoul De la Sota
The Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present Silent Testimonies - Contemporary Ex-Votos.  Artists and community members were asked to interpret the uniquely Mexican art form known as ex-votos with contemporary themes. The artists and community members are from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.  Artists Katrina Alexy, Paula Baquiero, Barbara Carrasco, Ana Flores, Frank Gutierrez, Lucy Hagopian, Amy Inouye/Stuart Rapeport, Pola Lopez, Isabel Martinez, CCH Pounder, Joseph Sims, Cindy Suriyani, Eloy Torrez, Richard Valdes, Sergio Vasquez, along with Board Members Vanessa Acosta, Raoul De … (0 comments)

"Gracias a la Vida" - a Dozen L.A. Artists Give Thanks to Life - 08:27 AM
In 1966 the Chilean songwriter Violeta Parra composed perhaps the most enduring and enchanting song of her time - Gracias a la Vida (Thanks be to Life) - wherein she expresses undying gratitude, at an almost mystical level, for all the miniscule beauties and unexpected joys of a fraught and troubled existence. 
In 2008, we confront a failing economy, harrowing world violence, troubled and troublesome relationships; and an endangered, fragile natural world; and still we seek those poignant moments and scenes which enrich and nourish us. This Thanksgiving season, artist-author J Michael Walker - fresh off his exploration of Los Angeles' … (1 comments)

Back in the saddle again! - 11:13 AM
Been having a great time here in Albuquerque, and so much fun that I haven't posted to AR in a long time.  Thanks to my friend Margaret Rome who has put me back on the road again.
Been busy with Albuquerque real estate, even if the market is taking a bit of a nap - but it gives me time to retune and refine my business.  New ideas come easier and I'm able to implement them.  Retooling my websites, putting in new searches, all lots of fun.  I've been out searching for new homes on the market, and getting good ideas … (2 comments)

ASK THE BROKER.....What Is 3rd Party Approval? - 05:17 PM
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION AND RESPONSE
Hi Broker Bryant, 
Thank you for the sample short sale submission letter, I found it to be very helpful. I am currently closing on a short sale and picking up a couple more tomorrow. 
I have a couple of questions .... You stated... "Just remember, you are submitting a fully signed and accepted contract and asking the lender to remove the 3rd party approval. You are not asking them to accept the offer. The lender is not a party to the contract." 
My questions are: 
1. What is the 3rd party approval on a short sale … (14 comments)

How to Prepare a Holiday Feast on a Budget - 05:25 AM
The holidays are a time of togetherness, a time for friends and family to catch up and enjoy each others' company. It's no wonder meals are a central focus of the holiday schedule what better way to get people together than over a delicious meal? But preparing the perfect holiday feast doesn't require a major investment. Careful planning and smart shopping can help you put together a memorable family meal without breaking your holiday budget. Here are a few simple tips to get you started.
1. Simplify
There's no need to go over the top when it comes to planning … (4 comments)

How to Set (and Keep) New Year's Resolutions - 05:29 AM
Every year, people around the world promise themselves, next year will be different. They make commitments to improve their lives, end bad habits, and generally be better people. From losing weight to quitting smoking to spending more time with their families, people resolve to make big changes at the end of each year, but more often than not find themselves slipping back into their old patterns come mid January.
This year, if you have some big changes you'd like to make in your life, get serious about making and keeping your New Year's resolutions. First things first, you have to … (2 comments)

The Community of Buda, Texas - 05:35 AM
Buda is a thriving small community southwest of Austin in the Texas Hill country. Buda was settled in 1881, and originally named Du Pre, but in 1887, the town changed its name when the residents realized there was another Du Pre, Texas. The town was founded on the route of the International-Great Northern Railroad, which traversed a route from Austin to San Antonio in the 1800s, and the town's early residents named the streets either for well known types of trees or local cities, such as San Marcos and Austin.
The population of Buda was reported to be just over … (0 comments)

Qualifying Broker...How much do you get paid???? - 01:16 PM
So we are optimistically planning for the future and looking at adding offices. We will need Qualifying Brokers and we need to know how much to pay them. What do most qualifying brokers get paid? Salary, salary plus commission, commission only???
Your help is appreciated!!!
… (0 comments)

How to hide in plain sight - 04:20 PM
This is different.
Click here to see how you can hide multiple lines of text, passwords, etc. in plain sight.
"Wow, that is pretty cool." you probably say but, why in the world would I want to do something like that?
Here's a reason the creator gives: "A simple scenario: you're the network administrator or run your own company and need to ask some questions on a forum, but on the other hand, you don't want the whole world to know what your problems are. They may sound stupid, they might contain some sensitive information: actually, you just don't want to … (6 comments)

Trulia Pro - 07:52 PM
I am interested to know if any Active Rainers are using Trulia Pro and if you are what you think about it.  Is it worth it?  It seems interesting.  I heard from an appraiser today that Zillow's pricing is close to 96% accurate.  This only means that consumers are going to increasingly use sites like these.  I am interested to see if others think it is worth having enhanced visibility on Trulia.
… (9 comments)

2118 MEADOW VISTA CT, ORLANDO FL 32824 - 09:35 PM
 
 MLS# S4646281        2118 MEADOW VISTA CT, ORLANDO FL 32824    $$$ 230,000 $$$

Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 1/2 Bath home in FIELDSTONE ESTATES AT MEADOW WOODS. This property is a short sale and waiting for an offer to come in. Great location close to shopping and orlando international airport.  
For more information on this home and many more like this in Orlando, please contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com.
… (0 comments)

1987 MARSH HAWK CIR, ORLANDO FL 32837 - 09:41 PM
 
 MLS# S4642053          1987 MARSH HAWK CIR, ORLANDO FL 32837   $$$ 339,900 $$$

'''NOT A SHORT SALE """" RESPONSE TO OFFERS WITHIN 3 BUSINESS DAY..MAKE YOUR OFFERS WONT LAST LONG BEAUTIFUL, AND GOOD LOCATION CLOSE  TO EVERYTHING..YOU NAME IT..formal dinning and living, family room, public records show 5 bedroom but home is 4 bedroom...
For more information on this home and many more like this in Orlando, please contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com.
… (1 comments)

3081 PALERMO ROSE WAY, KISSIMMEE FL 34746 - 10:08 PM
 
 MLS#  S4641256                     3081 PALERMO ROSE WAY, KISSIMMEE FL 34746  $$$ 144,900 $$$

 
As you enter this home you will notice that shows like new.  Clean!!!, enjoy the beautiful front garden and well maintained lawn.  Shows very Well!!!!!!!!!!! Two story great home for your family to enjoy!!  Do not miss this opportunity.   more to come.....
For more information on this home and many more like this in Kissimmee, please contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com.
… (1 comments)

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