Archives of real estate blog entries for April 25, 2008

Featured blog posts


"LinkedIn" - Social Network Review - 05:44 PM
Okay, so one of the questions I'm constantly asked is, "Which Social Networks are the best? Which ones are really worth my time investment, and will benefit my business?"
Well, in my humble opinion, it just depends. Yeah, I know. Sounds like a cop-out, right? But it's true. Just as no two people are alike, no two social networks offer quite the same features/benefits. Each one typically has a primary core focus or strength. Each one seems to specialize in reaching and catering to a particular genre/group.
LinkedIn is one of the more professionally astute network offerings (Think virtual Rolodex). If you're … (93 comments)

THE GOOGLE CLICK "SCAM" IS A REALITY..... - 05:24 PM
 
                                        
Today, while watching a report on CNBC, I heard about the  "click" Controversy surrounding Google and other search engines that sell pay-per click advertising programs........There is no regulation!!! WORD HAS IT THAT THE PERSON RUNNING THESE PROGRAMS JUST SITS  THERE AND CLICKS AWAY TO RUN UP YOUR AD COSTS!!!
REALLY IRONIC since I have just had a very frustrating experience with Google this morning regarding my new "Adwords" account!!
It all began when I kept seeing my competition (in the Staging business) pop up on the first page of a Google search. It happened all the time and so I asked one of the stagers … (55 comments)

Move Your Stubborn Inventory Fast by Tripling Your Listings Exposure - 06:01 PM
There I was, knee deep in the trenches trying to find the right set of marketing tools to kick start my business for the Spring Purchase Season and Boom!  I found it.  I was actually helping a friend research a True Net Branch Mortgage Company and I came across the TBWS Daily.  I started watching these guys in the morning to begin my day since I'm a Loan Officer too and it just unfolded from there.
Active Rain appeared on the TBWS Late Night a few weeks back on April 10th and that's where I saw Brad Andersohn explaining the benefits of being … (40 comments)

Who Ever Said that "SIZE Doesn't Matter?" - 05:22 PM
   I am sure that most people have heard that phrase at on time or another.  Shoot, maybe some of us have even USED that statement at some point during our lives!  Most people probably have all sorts of negative images coming up in their minds when they imagine someone saying those dreaded words.  Most people would probably be mortified at the thought of having to defend themselves with that statement!
   I however, am in a position to tell people that very thing several times per week!  I get a lot of calls from people who want to rent out their … (10 comments)

First Gathering of the AZ Real Estate Blogging Network! Yes, I have photos! - 05:27 PM
Well here it is.  My first official "Post and Toast."
The very first gathering for the "AZ Real Estate Blogging Network," brainchild of Candace Robinson, was a rousing success.
Thanks to Candace and her crack team of sponsors (notably Shelli Bates with LandAmerica Lawyer's Title in Mesa - Thanks, Shelli!), the whole thing went off without a hitch.
There are several posts already floating around to recap the events, so I'll just write a brief summary from my perspective and get to the pictures (which is all anybody is ever interested in anyway).
Our first speaker was ActiveRain's own Teri Ellis.  The Lady in Red projects … (73 comments)

Zillow Mortgage Marketplace, 3 weeks in - 01:44 PM

The Zillow Mortgage Marketplace is now about three weeks old, so I thought I'd give an update.
What is it?
In short, think of Zillow Mortgage Marketplace like a free, anonymous version of Lending Tree. Borrowers submit loan requests but don't share their name, their SS# or their phone #. Lenders then respond to the Loan Requests with their own customized Loan Quotes, for free. Borrowers then choose which lender to reach out to and the borrower contacts the lender. The entire marketplace is transparent, so everyone can see what loan requests have been submitted, and what loan quotes have been returned.
Is it … (28 comments)

Does a logo matter much to a seller? - 05:42 PM
Does a logo on a sign really matter?   If so... how much?  
When you are preparing to sell, how much thought is given to what color the "For Sale" sign is?  OR what company it represents?
When you have found an agent you know you can trust to service your needs ... how much thought do you give to what company this person is affiliated with?  
As a seller, does it really matter to you whether the sign in front of your home is blue or yellow or red? 
These are not rhetorical questions -- I would really like to know!  It's something … (59 comments)

Do you sacrifice service for price ??? - 05:36 PM
Do you go 3 extra miles out of your way to get your gas 5 cents cheaper per gallon? To end up with longer lines or for the gas attendant that takes their time? 
What about the bakery whose ad says birthday cakes for $5.00 done in 3 days. When in reality, they normally are $9.00 and take 7 days. You then go to pick up that $5.00 cake on day 3 and it's not ready. You need it today, but now they promise you tomorrow. 
How many of us sacrifice good service or quality for a cheaper price?  How many … (50 comments)

Arizona's RE Blogging Network Meeting - All of our Active Rain Friends - HUGE SUCCESS! - 10:02 AM
Candace Robinson and friends outdid themselves. I'm sure she will share photos, videos, and a beautifully designed article, but I wanted to share my thoughts:
1.  It was a lot of fun! I got to meet - personally - Candace, Paul, Nick, Mike from Tucson, Shaliesh, Doreen, Callie, and more. There were a ton of people in attendance.
2.  We did have a lot of potential bloggers, and so it was an ongoing Active Rain event. Helping each other to learn.
3.  Jay Thompson was there to share some of his successes, including his recent interview in the Phoenix Magazine. I … (55 comments)

So this is the way ActiveRain Rolls !!! ...A Success Story - 10:05 AM
THANK YOU ACTIVERAIN !......and Janice Sutton in California for this great referral !!!
A couple of weeks ago, Someone in Nevada was looking for a home stager to stage their vacant home in West Palm Beach .  That person contacted Home Stager JANICE SUTTON, owner of 1st Staged http://activerain.com/1ststage in Murrieta,California and asked her if she knew of any stagers in West Palm Beach, without hesitation Janice gave my info to that person in Nevada and she sent me an email with the referral.  I spoke with client and went to see the property for a free of charge Consultation,to view and give them a quote. … (53 comments)

Rude and Uninformed Agent "Educating" a Home Inspector - 05:27 PM
The other day I was at a home inspection and arrived early.  I knocked on the door and asked the seller if I could start early.  He was very nice and said yes.  I always start on the roof, and that day was no different.  It was a concrete tile roof and I have been trained to walk on and inspect tile roofs.
After the roof I began inspecting the exterior.  The seller's agent arrived and began to talk to me as if I was her 10 year old son.  She starts by saying, "My client called me and dais you were … (46 comments)

Just in case you didn't know....Localism still works and I love it! - 05:36 PM
It's true what they say in the blog world...you can actually blog and get paid for it. 
I've been blogging here for almost two years now. As a matter of fact...before Activerain ...I never blogged...let alone knew the definition of the word "blog."  I've met many people....made many friends and have experienced how to blog. Blogging has it's rewards but you have to work at it for a while.
The great thing about it is I can control how I blog and what I blog about. If I want to write to the community I only expect to help or teach those who ask me and if … (57 comments)


Blog posts


Hazy day in Hawaii - 06:11 PM
Hazy day in HawaiiIf you haven't heard, Kilauea volcano on the Big Island is making a show!  On the Kalapana side of the island, lava is flowing down into the ocean.  Up on top, sulfur dioxide is spewing out of a vent at Halema'uma'u Crater.
Sulfur dioxide is not good stuff.  It is poisonous and similar to air pollution generated by man-made activities.  In some areas of the Big Island, people are forced to evacuate their homes when the sulfur dioxide is carried in their direction from the wind (or lack of wind).
My family has a farm up in Volcano, now operated … (0 comments)

What's behind the curtain...Short Sale revealed - 07:39 AM
                                                             
                    
The whirlwind of events over the last few years have created changes in the housing market. Industry insiders, like real estate agents, mortgage brokers, appraisers, etc., use a language to describe what is going on that may appear "user friendly" but in reality confuses the public at large.
In recent group presentations that I have given, it has become apparent that there is an air of mystery regarding the housing market. The media picks up on trends, reports conditions and offers affirmations of their position with short sound bites from hand picked experts. They "educate" the public in thirty second stories. The … (9 comments)

Tennis season ends today! - 12:56 PM
Regular readers of my blog will know that apart from anything else I do, I coach the Dr Phillips High School Ladies Tennis Team.
Very shortly I will be leaving for the Banquet and Awards ceremony and also to say goodbye and good luck to our two retiring seniors who each gave four years service to the team.
Let me start with our season. 11-2 regular season record. 14 points, a trophy and progression to the regional semi-finals at our District Tournament. Two girls in the State Championship who both progressed to the semi-finals - or if you prefer, the final four. The … (13 comments)

Property for sales tax swap on the Florida Ballot! - 10:20 PM
The extremely strange Florida Taxation and Budget Reform commission - which meets once every 20 years - finally agreed to something on the last day of its year long work - to put a proposal to the voters of Florida to swap some property tax for a sales tax. The question will appear on the November ballott and needs 60% to pass.
The measure would cut most property-tax bills by at least 25 percent, revamp the way the state pays for schools and order the Legislature to replace the estimated loss of $9 billion with new, expanded sales taxes or other revenue.The … (9 comments)

Real Estate Sales Trends on Fort Myers Beach, Florida - 07:39 PM
 
This chart shows the actual statistics for home/condo sales on Fort Myers Beach, Florida for the years 1999 thru the first quarter of 2008. All sales figures are taken from the Greater Fort Myers and the Beach Multiple Listing Serivce.  This is the official data collec tion and reporting service for Southwest Florida.
For most readers the critical data are contained in the 2007 & YTD 2008.  Those datasets show the dramatic turnaround  in the local market !   Look at the " Selling Volume of Properties Sold " and " Number of Sales " for the year ended 2007 and compare those numbers … (0 comments)

Just A Crazy Idea - 08:29 PM
A few days ago, Ardell posted a blog about researching a good retirement area: http://activerain.com/blogsview/476659/Should-I-retire-to   Do take a minute to read it.  There are a lot of interesting comments suggesting various areas.....
Anyway, as I stated in a comment, I have a little retirement home in Southern AZ.  It currently has tenants/housesitters.  Lord only knows if I'll ever manage to retire there....
I get mailers from real estate agents in that area pretty frequently.  One I received today told me that the agent was an expert at internet marketing.
I started to toss the letter, but then I got to thinking, … (8 comments)

Tech Roundup: Top 8 Mobile Tools for Real Estate and Business Use - 09:30 AM
I receive questions each week from real estate agents, small business owners and other professionals about mobile marketing tools and where they can find more information.
Mobile software is used on mobile devices such as the iPhone, BlackBerry, PDAs, and/or other cell phones and handheld devices. Some are specifically for real estate while others have more general applications.
This article lists the the top mobile real estate or business tools that stand out in today's marketplace.
Top Mobile Real Estate Tools for Home Buyers
Home buyers typically want to search for listings information from their phone. Besides listing information, some mobile sites and … (0 comments)

Stunning End Unit Townhome Convenient to Duke & UNC-Chapel Hill - 10:28 AM

This stunning end unit townhome is located at 64 Scottish Lane in Durham's MacKenzie Place neighborhood.  The home's interior has been freshly painted in elegant colors.  The home features a new kitchen floor, new carpet in the downstairs master, crown molding as well as chair rail molding & wainscoting.  There are hardwood floors in the main level living areas as well as a striking fireplace in the living room. All of the 4 bedrooms are generous in size and there is a spacious landing area on the second floor that is currently used as an office space.  The large front porch … (0 comments)

Custom Built Adirondack House is a True Storybook Home - 10:32 AM

This custom built Adirondack house is a true storybook home.  This unique home sits on 3.7 acres.  There are hardwood floors throughout the main level including the cook's kitchen.   High ceilings, wide open spaces for entertaining and an elegant floor to ceiling stone fireplace are but a few of the details that make this home stand out.  The kitchen has double Thermador stainless steel ovens, a 6 burner commercial grade stainless steel cooktop, a stainless steel microwave and built in Amana refrigerator.  The tile countertops complete this wonderful space.  There is a first floor office that could be used as a … (0 comments)

Elegant Plantation Style Home in Lake Hogan Farms - 10:35 AM

This Elegant Plantation Style home is a former Parade of Homes entry by Homescape Builders.  The details in this home will astound you.  The two story foyer greets you upon entry.  There is crown molding throughout the first floor and chair rail molding and wainscoting in the formal dining room.  French doors lead into the family room from both the foyer and living room.  Custom built-in bookshelves and cabinets frame the tile surround gas fireplace.  From the family room, the views of the backyard and surrounding area are beautiful.  The family room opens to a true cook's kitchen.  From the solid … (0 comments)

Stunning Home with The Best of Everything! - 10:39 AM

Exquisite executive home in Brackenridge with the best of everything on a gorgeous 3.7 acre lot.  This 4 bedroom, 4+ bath home has over 6,000 sq. ft.  Open the door to taste and elegance throughout.  Be welcomed by a gracious marble foyer leading to Brazilian cherry floors with an ebony inlay in the dining room, living room and great room.  There iss a very generous size dining room with a lovely trey ceiling.  As you enter the great room you see dramatic soaring ceilings, incredible windows and a floor to ceiling limestone fireplace.  There is an elegant two-story curved staircase taking … (0 comments)

Immaculate Townhome Convenient to UNC Chapel Hill - 10:43 AM

This townhouse is located at 68E Cole Place in Chatham County's Cole Place neighborhood.  This home is over 1500 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths. There are hardwoods throughout the first and second floors.  The living and kitchen areas are bright and sunfilled.  The kitchen features new countertops and and expanded island with seating for 4 making it a wonderful eat in space.  The master suite is large and features a walk-in closet and large bath.  There is floored attic space accessible through the pull down stairs.  There is a one car garage and a fenced patio area … (0 comments)

New Construction with the Best of Everything in Chapel Hill - 10:47 AM

Stunning home with the best of everything in Chapel Hill's Cross Creek neighborhood.  Open the door and the American Cherry hardwood floors and the lovely detailing throughout will catch your eye.  The family room has an 11' high coffered beam ceiling and soothing stone fireplace.  The kitchen has the best of everything:  custom cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel Viking appliances including a 6-burner gas cooktop and a 36"built-in refrigerator.  There is a lovely first floor master and 5 additional bedrooms.  There are two bonus rooms on the second and third floors both with custom cherry built-ins designed for at least a … (0 comments)

Best Value in Hope Valley Farms - 10:50 AM

This beautiful home is the best value in Hope Valley Farms.  4604 Dolwick Drive is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1460 square feet.  This home features a 1st floor master suite with 3 spacious secondary bedrooms on the 2nd floor.  The kitchen is large and features a spacious eating area.  The living room has hardwood floors and a lovely gas fireplace that is the focal point of the room.  Upon entry into this home, you instantly have a warm and welcoming feeling.  The exterior space is just as welcoming.  The stone paver walkway along the side of the home … (0 comments)

Majestic Horse Property in Orange County (Chapel Hill, NC) - 10:54 AM

Welcome to Avalon Farm, a majestic 9+ acre horse property.  Walk the property and see lovely views, streams and see and hear the peaceful sites and sounds of fox, owls, deer and many different birds.  Enjoy the large pasture with three board fencing; the four stall barn with feed and tack rooms; the two paddocks and dog run; and the dressage ring.  The barn even has over 700 square feet of unfinished space perfect for an apartment, studio or bonus room.  The house at Avalon Farm is a beautiful custom built, one-level brick home.  This house was tastefully designed to maximize … (2 comments)

Incredible Chic Renovations in Carrboro - 10:56 AM

Incredible chic renovations in this 4 Br home on a .5 acre lot walking distance to downtown Carrboro.  Beautiful bamboo floors in the main living areas & Master BR & HW flrs in 3 other BRs.  Fantastic lighting, decorative archways, smooth ceilings & skylights make the home light & inviting.  All new updated kitchen with SS appliances, new cabinets, countertops, sink and faucet.  Master bedroom suite recent addition with incredible bath with large tile shower and wonderful walk-in closet.  Tasteful landscaping to enjoy the great lot on a wonderful Carrboro street.  All new interior paint, redone, updated electrical system & more. … (0 comments)

North Durham Gem - 11:01 AM

This Lovely spacious home on a Landscaped lot in desirable Greyson's Green is located at 5 Petersburg Place.  This 2 story home has a wonderful sized kitchen which is open to the adjoining family room and breakfast areas.  The home has separate living and dining rooms for a more formal feel.  The large master suite features dual vanities in the bath as well as a large garden tub, separate shower and a walk-in closet.  The 2 secondary bedrooms have a "Jack & Jill" shared full bathroom.  AT just under 1900 square feet, this 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home has all … (0 comments)

The Durham Performing Arts Center will soon be a reality - 11:14 AM

North Carolina will have a new live entertainment theater like no other.  This venue is specifically designed to present the biggest shows on tour.  The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) puts you close to the stage, with no seat further than 135 feet.  The DPAC will feature world-class performers, spacious seating, state-of-the-art sound and lighting and convenient parking.  DPAC allows you to experience live performances in an entirely new way.  The new venue is slated to open in December 2008.  Season Tickets are currently on sale.
After years of discussion and planning, the design phase of the DPAC was completed in February … (0 comments)

5 Signs of Spring....Maine Style... - 07:05 PM
Whether you're moving to Maine or already live in Vacationland, I'm sure you've noticed that spring is here!!!  Just yesterday I overheard a couple who is new to the area discussing the signs of spring that they've noticed lately.  I had to smile as they mentioned the daffodils peeking out of the ground...the birds building their nests...and the fact that the parking lots are 3 times larger now that the mountains of plowed snow have melted. I had to smile because while those are signs of spring, you can see those signs anywhere in the country.  Maine has it's own unique way of … (2 comments)

Gaslamp District Condos - No more supply coming - Area continues to improve! - 01:29 AM
Throughout my eight years of living in the Historic Gaslamp District I have seen many improvements to the area, even today I am seeing another wave of improvements in process. We can all remember the famous Spaghetti Factory, replaced with downtowns best Italian restaurant, Dussini's. The strengthening demographics are causing the low end establishments to be replaced with higher end places drawing tourist and suburbanites wanting to enhance their lifestyle. A couple more examples include: out with the old donut shop and in with frozen yogurt, out with the pawn shop in with clothing shop. O' and I can't resist one … (4 comments)

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