Archives of real estate blog entries for March 26, 2008 (Page 3)

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What the heck is Twitter????? - 02:04 PM
 
Twitter is a micro-blogging platform that limits posts to 140 characters, but allows for replies and direct messages. Each post is an answer to the question "What are you doing?"
I don't know about you, but reading that definition leaves me asking, "So what?" It sounds almost like the stupidest idea ever. But actually using it, diving into it, working with it makes you realize that no explanation could really describe what it's like to use Twitter. Doesn't even come close! Just like blogging, once you participate, you get bitten by the bug!
In an article in FAST COMPANY, Robert Scoble says "Twitter … (5 comments)

Honing Your Skills / A Shape Edge - 03:48 PM
I was talking to a very skilled young mortgage man earlier today. Among other things we discussing participation on Active Rain, blogging,commenting, and teaching.
Regarding Active Rain, we were talking about how few members participate, not that either of us have any facts about participation. I explained that it is always a small core group that prominently and actively participate. This core group is common in all large organizations.
Our concerns then turned to how to encourage participation on our personal blogs. We discussed how, many years ago, one of the best learning experiences I ever had was not taking a class … (13 comments)

Assuming an FHA loan - 08:18 AM
I have a question regarding the assumption of an existing FHA loan. I know that FHA loans can be assumed by qualified buyers and the process is streamlined with no new appraisal required.
My question is this ... does the qualified buyer need to be an owner occupant? Any help is greatly appreciated.
… (1 comments)

Easter Bunny visits Country Walk - 09:59 AM
Everybody who live in this area knows that Country Walk is the heart of Powder Springs. We have a great neighborhood with fantastic amenities. Residents in Country Walk are also aware that my wife and I have taken over the duties of the social committee.
We feel that an active socail life is the most valuable amenity a neighborhood can offer. Our social gatherings are what make Country Walk so much more than just a neighborhood with a pool, tennis, and our own convenience store.
One of the big events of the year is our annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year we even … (0 comments)

Country Walk Spring Yard Sale - 10:49 AM
Its that time again ... Spring Yard Sale at Country Walk Subdivision. The Country Walk social committe is proud to announce that his year we have at least 38 households participating!
 See the Yard Sale Map    See the partial list of items for sale
We also have at leat 15 residents donating "leftover" items to the American Kidney Fund. The Kidney Fund will be picking up late Satuday afternoon.
Next week is Powder Springs "Reside With Pride" week.  The sanitation department will pick up just about anything on our regular Wednesday pick up day. So if you have stuff that doesn't sell (and its … (2 comments)

Should Improvements to Your Home Wait Until it's Time to Sell? - 12:19 AM
Many homeowners wait until they are ready to put their home on the market before painting, planting flowers, and making other improvements to their homes. After completing these improvements, they may be so delighted with the results that they wish they had done the work on their home sooner in order to enjoy the changes.Whether you have recently purchased a home or have been settled in your home for several years, you should consider evaluating the condition of your house as if you planned to sell it soon. Maximize your home's "curb appeal" now, so that you will reap the benefits … (12 comments)

When Buying a Home, Know What Costs are involved in Upgrading. - 12:49 AM
Most buyers want a home that is in tip-top condition and ready for them to occupy, but many homes sell for bargain prices because they need work. Buyers love "fixer-uppers" for the obvious reasons: the affordable price and the satisfaction of remodeling the house to accommodate your tastes and needs. Whether you are buying the property for yourself or as an investment, choose a house that is in a good location and structurally sound. It should be priced enough below market value (usually 25%) to allow plenty of room for a profitable re-sale after the work is completed.It is important to … (6 comments)

Are You Really Saving Money Doing it Yourself ? - 04:53 PM
The virtue of self-reliance is as American as baseball and apple pie--except if you are trying to sell your own home. Here such a "virtue" can cost you time, effort, and possibly money.Because the overwhelming majority of homes that sell are listed with a real estate agent, you will be going against significant odds if you decide to sell your own home. The experience of a real estate professional may get you a better price and help you to avoid all the "little" things that can go wrong in a real estate transaction.The desire to "save" the commission on a property … (10 comments)

I need a Real Estate Resume (who wants an Update??) - 03:30 PM
Ok, this LOA stuff just freaks me out! :) I just got an email from someone in Tennessee who is looking to sell their property here in town. 
They are interviewing several different realtors, and have requested a "resume to see what sets you apart from your competitors."  Well, I've only been doing this for 2 years, and I'll confess that it's all been part-time (I know - boo hiss), but with complete and total intention of doing this full time ASAP (which is the main reason I'm in this Reality Show).
I haven't listed very many properties (I can count … (41 comments)

ARE YOU VIOLATING THE REALTOR® CODE OF ETHICS WHEN YOU LIST A SHORT SALE? A RANT. - 02:58 AM
                                   * * * *   WARNING!  HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK  * * * *
DID I GET YOUR ATTENTION?  GOOD!  THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS!
WARNING?  TAKING SHORT SALE LISTINGS WITHOUT SHORT SALE KNOWLEDGE IS SHORT SELLING THE CONSUMER!   As the real estate market continues to adjust, there are many home owners who are in need of real estate brokerage services of agents who are competent through training or experience in Short Sales.  However, day after day, agents with no short sale knowledge or or experience are taking listings, entering them in the MLS without the competency to manage the short sale … (145 comments)

MARYLAND and VIRGINIA HOMES, SPRING CLEAN-UP and MAINTENANCE GUIDE FOR HOME OWNERS. - 06:00 PM
The Importance of Home Maintenance, Issue # 2, On Site Sewage Systems. 
Areas in MD and Northern VA with large areas with septic systems.  Generally, septic drain fields require about 1/4 acre of land.  In addition to that, the septic tank and drain field will have to be a minimum distance from the house, usually about 50 feet.   If there is a well, it will also have to be a minimum distance from the septic system.  So, for home buyers seeking lots on which to build homes, unless the lot is within the city or town public sewer system, the lot … (6 comments)

Playing the Housing Slump - 10:34 AM
Financial lore says you should buy when there's blood in the street — which suggests real estate is a bargain, because there's blood all over the neighborhood right now. 
Time to invest?  Now could spell opportunity for this year's buyers.  But what if you already own a home — and have no desire to become a landlord?  Here are three ways to play today's battered housing market.
Trading up.
If you're wanting a larger home or a house in a better neighborhood, this could be your chance to trade up and save big. 
To be sure, when you go to … (1 comments)

Interest Rate Cut: Bad for the Economy? - 10:39 AM
The Fed just "keeps on cutting".  The most recent three-quarters of a point cut was welcomed (for a day anyway) on Wall-Street, but is the cure (the Fed is looking for) worse than the disease? 
We personally believe these continued interest rates cuts are going to be bad for us all long term.  We'd love to hear what you think.
Crude oil prices rose sharply.  So did gold prices.  Interest rates rose for the 10-year treasury note, a key benchmark for home mortgages. 
Those divergent market reactions underscored the tough task that confronts the Federal Reserve. The Fed has slashed interest … (2 comments)

mortgage creative writing challenge: The Mortgage Market and Pop Culture - 04:01 PM
     How do we explain the mortgage business to our clients?  What can we do to make the terms, processes, programs and personalities involved with our industry easier to understand? I believe the best way is to relate them to pop culture and celebrity. America has a love affair with pop culture. We are enthralled by any bit of celebrity gossip and delight in making heroes out of fictional characters. If we can find a way to relate our celebrity fascination with the mortgage and housing industry, true enlightenment is bound to occur.
     This relation to celebrity isn't just for our clients. We can use it … (19 comments)

Walnut Creek CA Real Estate – Homes for Sale Walnut Creek – Walnut Heights Snapshot March 26 2008* - 04:18 PM
The Walnut Heights Market Snapshot for March 26 2008 reveals three home sales so far this year (2008). The median home price in Walnut Heights was $1,088,000 for the quarter.
Home sales activity is up in Walnut Heights! There are currently 3 single family detached homes in Walnut Heights pending sale. Median listing price of these three homes is $1,595,000.
On Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 there were 12 detached single family homes for sale in Walnut Heights in Walnut Creek CA. Available homes range from an "opportunity" home on a .40 acre lot best suited to updating and remodeling priced at $749,900 to a … (1 comments)

Dublin CA Real Estate – Homes for Sale in Dublin CA – Dublin Ranch Snapshot March 26 2008* - 11:59 PM
The Dublin Ranch Market Snapshot for March 26 2008 reveals 18 home sales so far this year (2008); 7 condos, 8 single family homes, 3 town houses. The blended median home price in Dublin Ranch for sold homes year to date is $547,000. The median home price in Dublin Ranch is $902,500 for single family homes. The median home price in Dublin Ranch is $430,000 for condos. The median home price in Dublin Ranch is $439,000 for town houses.
Home sales activity is up in Dublin Ranch! There are currently 20 homes in Dublin Ranch pending sale.
There are currently 7 detached … (2 comments)

Convenience stores and mini-marts for sale in Redding California... - 12:10 PM
We have all used them at one time or another in our lives. We pull in and get a tank of gas and sometimes a drink or something to eat or snack on. Convenience stores have been around for awhile now and for some they are their ticket to making a good living.Most convenience stores are located in busy area's of the city and sometimes on high traffic corners and streets.
We currently have listed 4 convenience stores in our office with more coming. Are you looking for a mini-mart/convenience store in the Redding California area? From $725,000-$1,990,000 with some good numbers? … (0 comments)

Shasta County Foreclosures for sale and Preforeclosures.... - 02:37 PM
The Foreclosures continue to climb here in Shasta County.Today there are over 560 Pre-Foreclosures and Foreclosures taking place. Do you know how to purchase one of these properties? Do you know the in's and the out's of purchase a distressed property or a bank repo? Let me help you today.
The first step in any successful venture is to educate yourself.
Contact me today to learn more about foreclosures and pre-foreclosures.
 
Rick Goates
Keller Williams Realty
ECO Broker
530-248-5627 
… (0 comments)

Questioning the Do Not Call List - 10:46 AM
I'm looking for feedback on this topic.  It is well known that you are not to call a phone number that comes back listed on the do not call list.  The question I have is can you call a do not call number and simply ask them a series of questions that will give you an idea if they are looking to get their home back on the market if they are expired or looking to list with an agent if they are FSBO?  You are simply conducting a survey and are not directly soliciting for their business. Maybe they take … (6 comments)

New and Noteable MLBroadcast Episodes - 10:35 PM
Want to know what a 1100 SF Condo Goes for in a Luxury Hi Rise in Hong Kong? 8.7 million Hong Kong Dollars (around $1,118,000 US) One of our newest clients gives new meaning to our tag line, Global Exposure. Local Results.
Christopher Baker of Orlando, FL and Rosemarie Torti of The Woodlands Texas both posted really great community tours today that do a fantastic job of showcasing their unique knowledge of their respective local markets. Using web video and video podcast syndication tools are a great way to demonstrate to their prospective clients web marketing skills that go beyond MLS and … (1 comments)

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