Archives of real estate blog entries for March 14, 2008

Featured blog posts


500 Posts and Kicking it to Another Gear - 02:11 AM
I looked up to the meter at the top of my Active Rain page and realized I am hitting the half century mark.  500 blog posts!  For those who have been following my posts the answer to the big question is:  Yes I am still a two finger typist.
Back in November 2006 when I joined Active Rain, I had never even visited a blog before.  I barely knew what a blog was.  At that time I never imagined that I would be writing about my 500th blog post.
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Along the road, there were several milestones on the way to 500 blog posts.  … (101 comments)

Hyperlinks: How to add them and why - 03:04 PM
Today, I thought that I would put together a tutorial for all to use on hyperlinks and I am going to throw in how to add pictures and also discuss how to hyperlink them also. For those that know how to do this, thanks for checking in. ActiveRain has a lot of function and a lot of newbies, so I am hoping that this will help at least one person. It took me almost a month to figure it out and that was with the help of a great friend, Susie Roscoe.
So, first, if there is anyone out there that … (97 comments)

Should Activerain hire a field trainer? - 11:46 AM
Yesterday, I wrote a post about a special training class I am planning to have in a couple of weeks. After a few comments received, it dawned on me, "Why not get someone like Brad Andersohn in to teach the class"?  I was really only dreaming because if you follow what's going on here on Activerain, Brad is one of the best!
Brad responded to my blog post and said that he just might can make it happen! I e-mailed Bob Stewart with Activerain about a trainer being available and he told me they have been talking about this very thing and wondered if … (57 comments)

Everything I Need to Know I Learned From Working Hard! - 09:58 AM
     I admit, I'm not a big fan of the cold weather (why I ever lived further north is beyond me!).  I like summer, I like warm sunny weather, and I'm ready to enjoy said climate again.  I realized this morning that we are already in the middle of March!  Now, you would think this would be obvious, but not to me.  The days all run together when you don't take time off, and I've been neglecting to give myself any personal time.
      With as many hours as I work each day, it's made me think about WHY … (34 comments)

Update that Pre-Approval Letter! - 02:14 AM

If you are a buyer and have had a pre-approval letter in your file saying "this approval is good for six months", don't rely on that statement.
Many loan programs and criteria are changing daily.  Often the person who issued that letter simply can no longer place the loan, and that can be totally beyond their control.
If you were looking for a house a few months ago or more, and recently just got back into looking again, don't wait until you find the house of your dreams.  Loan pre-approvals are taking much longer, and most need to be fully … (48 comments)

HomeGoods recognizes the Home Staging Industry on their Openhouse Blog Featuring Kate Hart of Select Home Stagers - 02:10 AM
It with great honor that I announce that I have been asked to be a featured writer for HomeGoods' online blog Openhouse this month.
I am excited about the opportunity to share my home staging and design advice with home sellers and consumers.  I am also honored to represent our industry in general and that HomeGoods recognizes that home staging professionals use their products to help home sellers market and showcase their homes.
I invite you to visit my guest blog and comment on my posts- I hope that your feedback will show HomeGoods that home staging professionals are excited about … (44 comments)

The Intrigue of Financing: Announcing the First Ever *Mortgage Creative Writing Challenge* - 05:45 PM
EDITED! 
I admit it: I'm a staunch reader of all things mortgage, though I have never been especially 'intrigued' by the presentation. Until I met Jason Sardi... who presents this rather dry topic in ways no sane person ever would. But he managed to catch my attention and keep it!  The savvy salesperson understands that selling a vision is the cornerstone to engaging clients and making the sale (or getting the girl). If you can't captivate them, how will you succeed in gaining their business?
It's time to break the mold on mortgage posts and show us what you've really got! Throw … (59 comments)

My Glass is Half Full... The Power of Positive. - 02:08 AM
What will be your destiny?  Will you survive in a market that's crumbling at your feet?  I am destined, designed, and built for success and so are you.  The market isn't crumbling around my feet, yours isn't either.  Interest rates are still great.  Buyers have a great selection of homes.  Seller's are becoming more competitive with their pricing of properties.  Is your glass Half Full or Half Empty?
YOU MAKE YOUR OWN REALITY!  THERE IS NO OTHER RULE...
What a profound statement.  Quickly, our perception can become our reality.  Clients perceived a horrible market by the negative reports from the media.  Agents begin talking about … (50 comments)


Blog posts


Well, I Have Learned My Lesson! - 12:43 PM

I had a talk with ARDELL this morning about my posts.  I value her opinion and knew she could help.  I wanted advice about how to keep some of my posts from going in the wrong direction.  The first thing she said was “do not write about politics (unless it is local and has some impact on real estate) or religion on Active Rain--it is a real estate network."
The way she put it made it very clear to me.  She said that I am a “guest at someone else’s party and it would be like handing out business cards while … (8 comments)

Foreclosure, Bankruptcy and The Homestead Exemption - 02:41 PM
 
I was watching Connie Thompson on ABC News today.  She was talking about how filing bankruptcy may help troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure using the “homestead exemption.” 
The homestead exemption was created to protect families from losing their homes in hard times. It makes bankruptcy a safety net that could keep the roof over your head even if you're facing foreclosure. The new law aids homeowners who file for bankruptcy by protecting $125,000 of their home equity from creditors. That equity is not protected from your mortgage creditors but depending on your circumstances, filing bankruptcy may enable you to restructure your mortgage … (0 comments)

When Kids Pick Out Their Own Toys - 07:11 PM
 
This is when a grandchild decides what is the most fun thing to play with.  Haiden has broken up a bunch of styrofoam that came in a box of shelving that needs to be assembled.  The static electricity is what made it so much fun.  His mother had to get out the vacuum cleaner to take care of the mess afterwards.
 
Seattle, Bellevue, Queen Anne, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont and Redmond, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address … (7 comments)

And with this post my friends Dan Smith is in my dust! LOL - 12:52 AM
My it's been quite some time since I've visited my own blog, shame on me!  Blogging is more a discipline than anything else.  It's a commitment I haven't kept up to date, there's only so much time in the day.
While I hear daily from the local news media that the real estate market is tough, crashing, slow...You pick the adjective...I'm as busy as I've ever been. 
I'll try to post more frequently here as I do believe it has merit both for consumers and agents, but clients come first.  Blogging is sadly something that is easily avoided when you are busy.
 Oh … (0 comments)

Busier than a One Armed Man in a Wall Paper Hanging Contest - 12:07 AM
Busier than a One Armed Man in a Wall Paper Hanging Contest I seem to once again slip from my blogging routine.  Gosh, I know how important a good blog strategy it to any business in this day and age.  I feel like I have taken a step backwards in time, by ignoring my trusted and faithful blog….
So let me just catch up by sharing that life continues to march forward on so many different levels.  I don’t want to consume this with negative news, but I would like to share, because I am often asked about my wife, Sherri.  … (12 comments)

How I Got To List REO's...or No, Not Another Free BPO! - 09:38 AM
My business today is focused on the REO market and working directly with banks and Asset Managers – taking the REO listings and selling them in our area.  What I would like to do here is answer the question of what does it take to break into this business, as I am asked constantly by agents, not only here in Hemet, CA…but Southern California and across the country as well. 
First, I should point out that to be a successful REO Listing agent, do not expect this to be a slam dunk walk-in-the-park listing arrangement.  It is very expensive and very … (59 comments)

REO - Start With a Simple BPO and the Basic Tools of the Trade - 10:13 PM
REO - Start With a Simple BPO and the Basic Tools of the Trade
This series of articles is based on my personal experience as a Hemet REALTOR® who now specializes in listing and selling REO property for banks and Asset Managers throughout South West Riverside County and The Pass Area of The Inland Empire area in Southern California. I know there are numerous paths to REO success – as in anything in life.  Perhaps my path was the hard way, I don’t know, but it worked for me. What I am talking about today is performing BPO’s for various lenders … (15 comments)

Excuse me NAR...that is a cart you put in front of the horse.... - 12:20 AM
 
I have once again had the opportunity to peruse the latest initiative from the NAR. It is a program dreamed up in a think tank far removed from reality and conceived by a group of people totally out of touch with the world around them. By the way, we pay for this sort of nonsense.
"Home Values" demonstrates the long-term value of housing as an investment, and encourages buyers who are on the fence about making a home purchase to contact a REALTOR® who can help them make a smart investment in their future." from the NAR website.
Memo to anybody at the … (10 comments)

Ladies...this will help explain...maybe you can share with your guy - 07:43 AM
                                                        You remember those nights. Out with your girlfriends. Maybe you had a favorite spot or maybe you went clubbing from one to another. It was fun meeting friends and making new friends.  Do you also remember the gauntlet? 
                                                                            
Do you remember trying to move from one area of the bar to the other? Remember the accidental brushes you felt? Those bull shit "excuse me's" that followed the cheap pass-by feels? Those guys were sleaze balls, right? Remember them?
          Of course, you are very clear on the perils of the subway ride. Those guys (the sleaze balls) ride the … (7 comments)

4500 Mariner Dr. Frisco TX 75034 - 11:35 AM

What a great house in a great community of the Lakes on Legacy.  4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, Study, 4 living areas that include a Media and GameRoom, 2 dining areas, and 3 car garage. All this for ONLY $395,000.
The GameRoom has built-ins & Media Room has built-ins, wetbar, & a full size fridge. The Kitchen is open to the Family Room with an island, many cabinets & abundance of counter space with built-in desk. Master is down and has a sitting area. The master bath is huge including an oversized shower & tub. 3' Plantation shutters, Study, Combo Formals, 8' fence w steel posts, Playset stays... much … (4 comments)

This week's Home Team Radio Show - and our new home! - 08:43 PM
The Home Team Radio Show is proud to announce that starting tomorrow (Saturday March 15), we will begin broadcasting on our new home - 660 WORL in Orlando - and syndicated to 1520WHIM at 3pm Eastern
Everything our listeners have come to expect from The Home Team will be there and we can still be reached worldwide at http://www.worl660.com/ or at http://www.1520whim.com/
This week we will be taking a look at a Florida Legislative Committee which meets once every 20 years. They have important work to do and not much time to do it, so why are the members of this committee finding … (10 comments)

The Simon Conway Radio Experience - 10:03 PM
It's been two years in the making, but finally someone trusts me enough to give me a shot at my own two hour general topic Talk Show.
Debuing tomorrow (Saturday March 15, 2008) on am 1520 WHIM, The Simon Conway Radio Experience aims to bring you all my take on the issues of the day - national, international and when relevant, local too!
The show airs between 4pm and 6pm Eastern.
Brought to you by the law offices of Maney & Gordon and by PJM Inc., The Simon Conway Radio Experience will provide Insight with a smile as perhaps I try and find the … (14 comments)

Annual Fort Myers Beach St. Patty's Day Parade - 10:12 PM
Saturday March 15, 2008 is the date for the Annual St. Patty's Day Parade on Fort Myers Beach.  The parade will take place on Estero Blvd between Santini Plaza and the Ascension Church.  Times for the annual event are starting from 9:45 am until 11:00 am.  During that time Estero Blvd will be closed to through traffic.  The parade captures the spirit of St Patty's Day and the laid back attitude of Fort Myers Beach.  A good time will be had by all ! … (0 comments)

Fort Myers Beach " OPEN HOUSE " Saturday March 15, 2008 9 AM Reduced $100k - 10:16 PM
Fort Myers Beach " OPEN HOUSE"   Direct Gulf front   Saturday 9 AM, MARCH 15, 2008     Reduced $100k
Just finished on the annual " Parade  of Homes " !
 Wouldn't this put a smile on her face !
Gorgeous 3/2 direct Gulf front home. Totally decorator furnished home.  I will be hosting this Saturday starting at  9 AM .  If you have been looking for a move-in ready beach front this is it.   If you are on Fort Myers Beach  Saturday  stop in and and say " HI".  This beautiful home is a real charmer with light. bright beachy colors and decorator upgrades. Furnished and ready for you to move in … (0 comments)

Carefree Highway Closings - March 2008 - 01:44 PM
The following information is thanks to AZ511.gov.     This impacts subdivisions such as Tramonto, Anthem, Sonoran Foothills, Dynamite Mountain Ranch and Tatum Ranch.  
Weekend Freeway Closures and Restrictions in Phoenix Area; I-17 Closed in Both Directions at Carefree Highway
Several improvement projects will require freeway closures or lane restrictions in the Phoenix area this weekend (March 14-17).  The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers use alternate routes or give themselves extra travel time while the following restrictions are in place:
Interstate 17 closed in both directions at the Carefree Highway ( State Route 74) from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March … (0 comments)

The Mothership has landed - 09:31 PM
I'm always on the look out for unusual homes. This "spaceship" house just went up for auction. You can watch the local news video about the house. The home is located in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. I found a few more spaceship homes around the country as well, including a few Futuro homes designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. Looks like the architect for the Tennessee house took some design ideas from him. -Charles
… (5 comments)

Pearland TX - 4109 Mustang Road, Pearland TX 77584 - Open House - 11:38 AM
Park Village Estates, Pearland TX  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 4109 Mustang Road, Pearland TX 77584 on March 16 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come and see one of Pearland's best buys in real estate.  This house is move in ready.  This house has many upgrades and new carpet and fresh paint.  Come and see this house and let's make a deal. 
Property information
… (0 comments)

Pearland TX - 4109 Mustang Road, Pearland TX 77584 - Open House - 11:40 AM
Park Village Estates, Pearland TX  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 4109 Mustang Road, Pearland TX 77584 on March 16 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come and see one of Pearland's best buys in real estate.  This house is move in ready.  This house has many upgrades and new carpet and fresh paint.  Come and see this house and let's make a deal. 
Property information
… (0 comments)

Pearland TX - 4109 Mustang Road, Pearland TX 77584 - Open House - 11:52 AM
Park Village Estates, Pearland TX  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 4109 Mustang Road, Pearland TX 77584 on March 16 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come and see one of Pearland's best buys in real estate.  This house is move in ready.  This house has many upgrades and new carpet and fresh paint.  Come and see this house and let's make a deal. 
Property information
… (0 comments)

Atlanta Metro weeks interest rates - 09:12 PM
… (0 comments)

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