Archives of real estate blog entries for March 15, 2008

Featured blog posts


Should Brokers Enforce a Dress Code For Agents? - 06:45 PM
Many agents that I see out in the real estate arena, are shockingly dressed in such an unprofessional manner. In the corporate world it is a must that you show up in attire that is of a professional nature, recently I was invited to a real estate seminar. and when I observed the individuals coming in I was disappointed in how under dressed most of the agents were. Here is where I find most agents cross the line.
Coming in with clothes that need pressing, or to be dry cleaned.Clothes that do not fit (ladies--please look at yourself in a mirror before … (81 comments)

Real Estate Ownership is NOT for everyone - 06:47 PM
When my husband and I got married almost 19 years ago, my husband surprised me with a tiny 1 bedroom condo in West Hollywood.  As I think back on this now, I was actually pretty upset that he just purchased it without consulting with me.
His reasoning was, we needed a place to live and he didn't want to rent.  We had to start someplace.
A couple of years later, we sold the one bedroom for just enough profit to put a small down payment on a 2 bedroom condo that was just rehabbed in Monterey Hills, close to South Pasadena. 
… (63 comments)

New Feature - the "Help/FAQ" Tab - 12:53 AM
If you haven't already noticed, down at the bottom of your ActiveRain screen is a new feature tab/link entitled "Help/FAQ"
This tab actually directs you into a modified group that will be moderated by some ActiveRain heavy hitters - Brad Andersohn, Jeff Turner, Jason Crouch, Mike Muellar, to name a few.
Here is the purpose/vision for this group:
The purpose of the 'HELP/FAQ' group is to provide our fellow members with helpful advice and answers to commonly asked questions about all things ActiveRain/Localism.You don't have to be a member to access all the valued articles contained here.
A number of veteran ActiveRain Members have been … (65 comments)

Would You Hire "You" to Sell Your House? - 06:37 PM
Today while reading Gary Woltal's post "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall", I remembered a post I had written some time back. So I went back and pulled it up.
After reading it through a couple of times, I thought it was a good post to resurrect for the Bloggers Choice Selection.

Can we step back, remove ourselves from the equation and really take a good, honest, unbiased look at ourselves?
It's not an easy thing to do, many of us are in denial. You know it is very easy to see and say what another agent should or should not do … (63 comments)

It's not what we do that creates value....it's how we do it! - 04:11 PM
Hi folks. This post is an edited version of an article I wrote back in November of 2006. The comment thread on the original post is, in my opinion, one of the best in ActiveRain history. The comment thread involves consumers and members of AR heavily debating "What do you do to justify your high commission?" ActiveRain members were up to the challenge and made me very proud to be a part of this community. It was awesome!!! If you haven't read it before take the time to do so. You'll get to meet the infamous Candybags!!!
Anyway, I feel this article … (67 comments)

Alternative "staging" - but it's kind-of creeping me out... Realtors, have you dealt with this? - 06:38 PM
I was contacted today by a gentleman with an interesting proposition which I do not have experience dealing with.
He stated that he and his wife sold their house, put everything into storage and spent the last 5 years on their sailboat sailing the world.  Their children live locally and they want to get "re-established" into the community before they purchase a home.  He then went on to explain that they have high-end furniture for a 3-4 bedroom home and would require 2 - 2 1/2 baths....  A little stumped at this point, I finally realized what he was asking....
He was … (36 comments)

"What is a Referral?" - Proper Use of the ActiveRain Referral Network - 12:42 AM
Well, it seems as though we've had a 'Failure to Communicate' moment here in the Rain (Gee, fancy that!).
There appears to have been a difference of opinion as to what constitutes a 'referral' in real estate terms.
We've had a significant number of members contact us, voicing their frustration with our 'Referral Exchange' feature. Evidently, people who have been accessing this feature, and responding to their Referral Alerts, discover that the referrals really aren't referrals. Confusing, I know!
For the sake of clarity, to ensure the value/integrity of this feature, and so that everyone using this feature is on the same page, we have recently … (82 comments)

3rd Grader Creates Solution to Tightening Mortgage Market - 06:46 PM
In a recent conversation, I realized why the innocence of children must certainly be the reason the world goes round!  Boy, I love to be in their world! 
THE SETTING
Recently, I took my youngest son to the Daily Grind.  Nathan, my little outdoorsman, is so difficult to round up.  We rarely have one on one time.  On this particular day, I swooped him up at the bus stop and told him we were going for a treat.  The gentleman that he is; he insisted we go to a place where mommy could get coffee.  
Over a huge cinnamon roll, an … (64 comments)


Blog posts


There's a Fly in the House - 04:14 PM
 
If you don't live in the Seattle Area, you may not know that house flies are not usually a problem here.  You can get your trusty fly swatter and get rid of them.  You can eat outside (when it isn't raining) and not be chased away by the little devils trying to eat your food.  Many houses here do not even have window screens.
When I used to visit farm cousins in North Dakota I would see those fly strips hanging from the ceilings trying to keep up with the fly problem.
Also, we don't have a mosquito issue either--unless folks keep … (15 comments)

"What is a Referral?" - Proper Use of the ActiveRain Referral Network - 12:42 AM
Well, it seems as though we've had a 'Failure to Communicate' moment here in the Rain (Gee, fancy that!).
There appears to have been a difference of opinion as to what constitutes a 'referral' in real estate terms.
We've had a significant number of members contact us, voicing their frustration with our 'Referral Exchange' feature. Evidently, people who have been accessing this feature, and responding to their Referral Alerts, discover that the referrals really aren't referrals. Confusing, I know!
For the sake of clarity, to ensure the value/integrity of this feature, and so that everyone using this feature is on the same page, we have recently … (82 comments)

New Feature - the "Help/FAQ" Tab - 12:53 AM
If you haven't already noticed, down at the bottom of your ActiveRain screen is a new feature tab/link entitled "Help/FAQ"
This tab actually directs you into a modified group that will be moderated by some ActiveRain heavy hitters - Brad Andersohn, Jeff Turner, Jason Crouch, Mike Muellar, to name a few.
Here is the purpose/vision for this group:
The purpose of the 'HELP/FAQ' group is to provide our fellow members with helpful advice and answers to commonly asked questions about all things ActiveRain/Localism.You don't have to be a member to access all the valued articles contained here.
A number of veteran ActiveRain Members have been … (65 comments)

We're all Tapped In and Waiting for Spring - 04:55 PM
 

Parker's Maple Barn a renewable, sustainable Green-Get-Away! 
One of my favorite places to visit in New Hampshire is Parker's Maple Barn.  It is a family owned establishment which began in the 1960s with a small Sugar House.  Today, it is a very popular gathering place with a restaurant, operating sugar house, and seasonal traditional POW WOWS. 
The barn was built in 1782 in Milford, New Hampshire and was known as "The Laurels".   In the ‘60s it was dismantled and rebuilt in the quaint town of Mason, New Hampshire. 
The restaurant is always filled with people and you will definitely … (18 comments)

OK, I have an REO Listing…Now What; Or What is an Occupancy Check? - 02:05 AM
OK, I have an REO Listing…Now What; Or What is an Occupancy Check? I can remember the thrill I get every time I receive a text message on my cell phone that I have been assigned a new REO listing.  It really is exciting, and yet unlike any other listing you have ever received in your real estate career, up to this point.
First thing going through your head is what kind of property is it?  I mean is it a 900 square foot senior bungalow built 50 years ago in the center of Hemet or is it one of the … (13 comments)

I Don’t Get It? The Bank Forecloses on Their Home and then Pays Them to Move…or Why Cash For Keys - 01:59 PM
I Don’t Get It?  The Bank Forecloses on Their Home and then Pays Them to Move…or Why Cash For Keys It should be more than obvious, by the time an REO property is assigned to a local Real Estate Agent, that the bank wants’ the property back so they can liquidate the real estate and minimize their losses. Just figure it out…the previous homeowner went at least 3 months without making a mortgage payment prior to the foreclosure process and then another 4 months for the California foreclosure process to weave through the process.  Many times there are even additional months … (12 comments)

BRIO REALTY VIRGINIA - 07:46 AM
Leads are no longer coming in - no communication with west coast Brio parent company for some reason.  Phone calls from Virginia broker and Virginia manager remain unreturned.  Those thinking of using Brio Realty as their brokerage, think twice.  Lots of promises, lack of competent leadership and mangement has caused the entire organization to falter.  After 4 years of working with this brokerage, I am disappointed in the lack of support given the Virginia brokerage after all their promises! … (0 comments)

Well done Al Gore! You're truly brilliant. - 10:17 PM
I have to say that I used to think Al Gore was a robotic moron. How wrong I was. The man is truly a genius.
He has essentially created an entire industry and he seems to know exactly how to cash in on it - and he won't attend any event where he might be questioned on his claims.
Gore defends his extraordinary personal energy usage by telling critics he maintains a "carbon neutral" lifestyle by buying "carbon offsets," but the company that receives his payments turns out to be partly owned and chaired by the former vice president himself.
Gore has described the … (37 comments)

British soldier takes down 150 Taliban single handed - 10:39 PM
So you want to know what a hero is? Our number one ally truly knows how to produce them. I bring you news of a British soldier who almost single-handedly took on 150 Taliban after he and his 50-man convoy were ambushed in Afghanistan. He has been awarded the Military Cross - Britain's third highest military honor.
Fusilier Damien Hields used his grenade machinegun to destroy seven Taliban positions before his ambushers realised he was their main threat. After peppering his vehicle with bullets, they hit the 24-year-old soldier. He had to be dragged off for treatment by his driver after he tried … (34 comments)

How Has Blogging Changed Your Real Estate Career? - Brad Nix and the RETechSouth Event - 07:52 PM
This is the fifth article in a series of interviews that we've held with a handful of our Tomato Blogger Clients.
Our mission throughout these interviews is to learn how the efforts of our blogging clients have made significant, and positive differences in their real estate career.
Today’s interview is with broker, Brad Nix of Maxsell Real Estate.  Maxsell Real Estate “is the only real estate company in Metro Atlanta exclusively servicing the I-575 Real Estate Corridor of Northwest Atlanta.”
Brad joined the Vine in late February of 2007.  He was a great choice for today’s interview because of just how much his business and use of … (6 comments)

Ten Acres of Beautiful Seclusion - REDUCED!! - 12:04 AM
Click to see more pictures of 0 Fern Flat, Aptos View more Aptos Real Estate Listings
… (0 comments)

Spanish Treasure! 3/1 Remodeled Home, Great Neighborhood - 12:06 AM
Click to see more pictures of 621 Oregon, Watsonville View more Watsonville Real Estate Listings
… (0 comments)

NORTH MONTEREY COUNTY GEM! Big House, Big Land, Big Opportunity - 12:07 AM
A whole lot of land and square footage for the money! 2200 square foot home on a usable, sun-drenched acre of land. Plenty of room to spread out and enjoy life. Located in a quiet area down a shared, private driveway. Large covered deck to kick back, relax, and gaze out at your spread and watch the sun set. … (0 comments)

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL!! 3+ Prime Acres, Great House, Large Barn - 12:09 AM
Click to see more pictures of 250 Casserly Road, Watsonville View more Watsonville Real Estate Listings
… (0 comments)

Bonus Commissions are a real Bonus - 09:07 AM
Bonus Commissions are a real Bonus
In today's real estate market many sellers and listing REALTORS® have become very generous in their attempts to bring attention to their properties.  Bonus offers of compensation are a common place practice within our MLS.  Unfortunately, many of these offers contain conditioning such as "if sold by" or "if full price offer".
MLS policy is clear - all offers of cooperating compensation shall be unconditional.  Therefore, any such conditioning could make the listing broker liable to the cooperating broker for any bonus offer regardless of the conditioning. 
One recent listing offered COTB-6% COBA-6% CONR-6% and … (1 comments)

It's not what we do that creates value....it's how we do it! - 04:11 PM
Hi folks. This post is an edited version of an article I wrote back in November of 2006. The comment thread on the original post is, in my opinion, one of the best in ActiveRain history. The comment thread involves consumers and members of AR heavily debating "What do you do to justify your high commission?" ActiveRain members were up to the challenge and made me very proud to be a part of this community. It was awesome!!! If you haven't read it before take the time to do so. You'll get to meet the infamous Candybags!!!
Anyway, I feel this article … (67 comments)

.............Quotes to Ponder................ - 03:41 PM
I love quotes from famous people....when they make sense.  I hope you enjoy these; from your Idaho Realtor:
"In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock."  ~Thomas Jefferson
"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good."  ~Ann Landers
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."  ~Art Linkletter
"Success is just a matter of luck; just ask any failure."  ~Zig Ziglar
"Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men, and men are great only if they are determined … (20 comments)

Famous Quotes....Part II - 03:47 PM
I believe less is often more, so I've split these quotes into two posts.  I don't know about you, but if a post is too long... I tend to not read it..  Hope you enjoy:
"What you see and hear depends a great deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are."  ~C.S. Lewis
"Coming generations will learn equality from poverty, and love from woes."  ~Kahlil Gibran
"Use what talent you possess - the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."  ~Henry van Dyke
"Visualize this thing … (47 comments)

Canonical and 301 Redirects - 10:49 PM
I recently experienced a problem with a web hosting service provider who "upgraded" my service and moved me from a Linux/Apache based system to a Microsoft IIS based system.  There were several reasons explaining why, but the bottom line was that their newer hardware, investments and technical support were IIS oriented and vested.Upon making the switchover, which I was told should result in no changes being required on my part (I had basic HTML static pages), I immediately noticed a performance increase due mainly to hardware improvements.  However, I noticed that when I typed in my domain.com without the "www." prefix, it would not redirect to … (0 comments)

When To Use A Trailing Slash in URLs and Why - 11:00 PM
"You think you use the correct URL for your pages? Are you sure?"Because of an unresolvable issue with a previous web hosting service provider, I had moved one of my web sites to a new service provider.  Since I was staying within a Linux based web hosting environment and my web pages were essentially basic HTML pages, I was able to make the transfer and be up and running within an hour.  It took another 24 or more hours for the new domain location to be replicated and found through the Internet, but everything seemed to work as expected.  However, when typing … (0 comments)

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