Archives of real estate blog entries for May 2, 2008

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Real Estate website raffle - 05:32 PM
The greatest real estate agent in the world contest is officially over and the winner, Team Eric has donated the prize to the Eco society. They are raffling off the complete REW website with lifetime free hosting and CORE IDX. Tickets are $35 each or you can buy 4 for $100. For more information about the raffle and to buy tickets, visit http://www.ericonsearch.com/real-estate-webmasters-website-raffle-by-team-eric/
All proceeds benefit the Eco Preservation Society.
(11 comments)

As Much As We Try, We Can't Prevent the Unpreventable...A Closing Cancelled At the Last Minute - 10:51 AM
As I prepare a mutual release, I'm deeply saddened by the unfortunate turn of events.  Today, was the day that my buyer was supposed to close on a home only to get news the day before that her job may be in jeopardy.  We were still proceeding as planned but I did put everyone on notice about the upcoming events.
In Life, I guess we have to learn to be Flexible
While REALTORS are used to having things go wrong with a transaction and hold ups with conditions, a loss of job was obviously something that we weren't even considering.  Today about 9:30 … (42 comments)

The Option of Hourly Home Staging Services - 10:54 AM
Part of starting up a home staging business includes determining a pricing standard or guideline for services.  A wise entrepreneur would probably begin the process by researching what his/her 'competitors' are charging for their services.  Do they need to charge the same?  No and I hope that they wouldn't.  But, one does not want to underprice to devalue the service or themselves, nor do they want to overprice to out-price themselves out of their market. 
Healthy competition is good for business.
There are a variety of ways to determine the price of the service.
The size of the home.  Two considerations to determine … (17 comments)

If your technology isn't saving you money, maybe you aren't using it right... - 10:55 AM
I think we are all feeling the need to tighten the purse strings these days.  One of the best ways to do this is to look at all of the websites and services that you may have signed up for during a time when the cash was flowing more freely.  Make sure that you give each one a good hard look, though, before you start discontinuing everything with wild abandon.  Each service had some merit and possibilities or you wouldn't have signed up for it when you did.  Perhaps in the hustle and bustle of your daily business, you have just … (37 comments)

Core Values to Help You Survive this Market - 10:39 AM
This is the voice of experience speaking...    Maybe that's why so many real estate agents ask me about survivng today's market.  Yes, we've had plenty of ups and downs in the real estate market since I started four decades ago.  I survived them all, with varying degrees of success and profitability, and I plan to survive this one, too. 
Real estate today feels a lot like the 1970's market when we had 17-18% interest rates - buyers had a tough time getting loans and, therefore, home owners couldn't sell very easily.  The truth is that the same Core Values apply today that got many of us through that market … (52 comments)

Doctors and Drug Dealers - A Real Estate Parable - 10:38 AM
The Doctor walks in and greets his patient.
Doctor: Hello! How are you today?
Patient: How many pills can you give me?
Doctor (taken aback): Um...pills...well, tell me more about your condition.
Pt: Well, I'm in the market for some pills and I'm just checking out different doctors to see who has the best deal.
Dr: I see...well, what seems to be the problem?
Pt: I'm sick and I need some medicine. Can you give me some free samples?
Dr: Before I do that, let's find out exactly what's bothering you. You say that you're sick...let's take a look at your throat. Say Ahhh....
Pt: Hm. I'm not really … (37 comments)

The Scapegoat of The Mortgage Crisis : The Dastardly Stated Income Loan - 01:15 PM
There have been many scapegoats in history.  
Steve Bartman, the Chicago Cub fan who many believe cost the Cubs a trip to the World Series for the first time in nearly 60 years.
Bill Buckner, who made an error at first base that Red Sox fans believe cost them the 1986 World Series.
According to legend, some ancient cultures would sacrifice criminals in response to natural disasters.
I won't mention the political scapegoats.  For many, even their mention is painful.
Scapegoats have been with us throughout history.   Some people need them to give a face to catastrophes that are beyond rationalization.   
To make the unexplainable easier … (24 comments)

Short Sales - The Cliff Hanger of Real Estate - 01:16 PM
Short Sales are the cliff hanger of real estate. 
Why?  Because you are negotiating with a bank and they don't play by the typical seller's set of rules.  Banks have the agents, buyer and homeowner sign a disclosure stating the bank can back out of the deal at ANYTIME and not be held financially responsible for any damages backing out may cause.
A buyer really has to want a home bad to endure the timeline of a short sale.  The hopeful outcome is that all the nail biting involved in a short sale purchase will net the buyer a nice home at a great price.
I closed … (31 comments)

THIS "DECLINING MARKET" PRETEXT IS JUST SO MUCH BLATHER. - 01:10 PM
                                       * * * *  WARNING, HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK AHEAD * * * *
WE HEAR SO MUCH THESE DAYS ABOUT THE LENDERS MORE STRINGENT QUALIFYING REQUIRMENTS FOR HOMES IN "DECLINING MARKETS".   This post was inspired by Janet Guilbault's post today relating an experience involving a mortgage rejection by an underwriter based on the new insidious "Declining Market Syndrome". 
Janet states, "Fewer people who can get loans = fewer buyers = more unsold houses = declining values."
SOMEHOW, THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED IT'S MISSION FROM APPROVING BORROWERS TO  APPROVING LOCATIONS.   What's next?  Will the financial markets begin to issue FICO scores for neighborhoods?  … (56 comments)

Top Ten Sources for Video Bloggers - 10:35 AM
OnlineVideoServices

So- you've learned how to beautify your site. You've employed Bold and Italics... maybe a little color. You've dressed up your text with a picture or two.

Well... now it's time to get serious.

It's time for the next big thing- Video.

But where do you start? How's this?

In no particular order, here's a round-up of, in my opinion, the top ten video hosting sites: YouTube - These are the famous people- the kings of video content. Who made them king? You did (and millions of others). Post there and you're a part … (49 comments)

FREE ONLINE Business Directory using a simple Blog Site - 02:02 PM
Finding something for FREE always motivates and inspires me! ! ! 
I've been using the BRIAN BUFFINI online Referral Directory but am finding it to be complicated and not really user friendly.  I was reading The Real Estate Tomato, a great site aimed at Real Estate Bloggers the other day and something I read sparked this idea and I tried it out and I like the look MUCH BETTER and it seems more user friendly to me.  
I'd love your comments after you take a look at the directory at http://dennis-directory.blogspot.com/
Everyone knows that networking includes creative methods of: 
Keeping … (33 comments)

ActiveRain at Real Estate Connect 2008 - 05:14 PM
There's a buzz in the Blogosphere about the Inman Real Estate Connect in San Francisco this year. Have you heard? It's Coming pretty quick. Last year, it was a total blast, and this year promises to be even better. It's going to be at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco again, on July 23-25th, 2008.
I just wanted to remind everyone how cool it was last year, and how much bigger and better it will be this year. It's one thing to meet people from all over the Country online, but then meeting them in person is the REAL DEAL! It … (86 comments)

And...Here's An Automatic Referral Courtesy of Your Blog! - 06:01 PM

An interesting notice appeared on my Wordpress blog this afternoon extending an invitation from my blog.  Some of you may know that I have a blog which focuses more intently on happenings in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan called Grand Rapids Real Estate Musings.  While it doesn't get the traffic that my Active Rain blog does yet, it is generating some valuable Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
So, this afternoon after posting, I viewed my site as I always do to make sure the layout out was what I intended and was surprised to note that 2 additional links were added at the bottom of my blog … (65 comments)

Under the Weeping Zillow Tree: Internet Leads Are Never FREE - 10:39 AM
Spencer, here's the thing: That word "free" that you keep using for the Zillow Mortgage Marketplace needs clarification. Especially if you intend to use it as justification for mortgage brokers charging LESS for the service we provide because the leads were "FREE".
These leads are only free if you are using the word to distinguish between leads that we pay for, and leads that we don't. When applying the word to the cost of actually landing a new client, and closing a loan via a Zillow lead, I would speculate the cost is actually HIGHER than other channels of NEW business.
Why is this? Simple. I will credit this … (55 comments)

Three Big Myths About Clients - 10:40 AM
I believe there are three major myths that good and hard working real estate agents continue to believe are true.  These have never been true, although they are still taught by some and believed by many.  In 30 years in the real estate business, I have continued to ask clients how they discovered me and my company.  While my experience is only a microcosm in the real estate industry, and we can't rely on one man's experience to draw ultimate conclusions, I have seen top producers around the country affirm my experience.
Myth #1.  Clients are attracted to you because of … (17 comments)

Active Rain works for me...I don't work for them ! - 10:38 AM
I have read a number of post's lately on what should be written on Active Rain and what shouldn't be written on Active Rain. In many cases I haven't responded or commented. Not because I feel I am better than but because I truly do not have the time to worry about what should or shouldn't be written nor do I have the time to get into a heated discussion on why someone feel's Aunt May's Recipe does not belong here. The fact is as long as we or the person who is writing an article is focusing on what they … (71 comments)


Blog posts


Real Estate website raffle - 05:32 PM
The greatest real estate agent in the world contest is officially over and the winner, Team Eric has donated the prize to the Eco society. They are raffling off the complete REW website with lifetime free hosting and CORE IDX. Tickets are $35 each or you can buy 4 for $100. For more information about the raffle and to buy tickets, visit http://www.ericonsearch.com/real-estate-webmasters-website-raffle-by-team-eric/
All proceeds benefit the Eco Preservation Society.
(11 comments)

Sweet Home La Selva! - 11:32 AM
Click to see more pictures of 121 Lindero, La Selva Beach View more La Selva Beach Real Estate Listings
(0 comments)

Custom Luxury Estate in prestigous RUBY HILL, Pleasanton CA - 08:50 PM
RUBY HILL 2 YEAR OLD CUSTOM ESTATE HOMELocation: Ruby HillExquisite custom built estate home situated on a large 1/2 acre lot and backing to Ruby Hill open space.  Marble flooring (including slab marble stairs), custom molding, custom banister, impressive entry foyer.  This home offers everything a special buyer would want.  Exclusive Ruby Hill address, gated country club living.  Lots and lots of extras i.e. all guest suites have full baths with jetted tubs.  Two loft areas; one set up as a lounge for conversation, and one as a media/computer niche.  There is an exercise room with a full wall of mirrors … (6 comments)

Commodities Stoke Inflation Fears - 04:07 AM
On April 30th, the Federal Reserve announced a cut in their main interest rate by 25 basis points, to 2% from 2.25%. This is the seventh such cut by the US central bank since the beginning of the credit crunch some eight months ago, totaling 3.25% in cuts to the key rate that banks charge each other for overnight loans. These cuts have been made in an attempt to lower mortgage rates to help bolster the real estate market. As the fragile US economy staggers towards recovery, two major agents are working against American consumers: record inflation in food and energy. … (1 comments)

Bungalow House Styles - 04:37 AM
Central Austin is filled with pre-war homes commonly referred to as bungalows, and are sought after by many for their charm, coziness and attention to detail.
The word “bungalow” comes from the Indian word “bangla”, which used to refer to homes built in a Bengal style. “Bangla” were cottages with low roofs and large porches built around them. The British took the idea from the Indians, and began building their summer homes in a similar fashion, and the bungalow, as we know it, was born- all rooms on one floor, built around a central parlor. Once the first American bungalow … (0 comments)

Just gumming the idea of buying a home in Santa Cruz, California or are you ready? - 08:53 AM
Are you gums bad? There are a number of things you can do to improve your health. In a Japanese study of almost a thousand people between the ages of 40 and 79 they found that those who ate fermented milk products such as yogurt and kefir had significantly improved dental health. Small quantities as little as 2 ounces produced an improvement.
As one ages there is often a decrease in the calcium in ones diet, so this is an easy way to improve. Green leafy vegetables are also a good source of calcium as well as milk and ice cream. … (0 comments)

Hmmmm.....What do YOU do after you make a Referral ???.. Just wait for the Check ??? - 11:48 PM
 
        After you have chosen an agent for your buyer or seller referral do you ever check to see if the buyers are happy ?   Have they been given the kind of service you would have...or maybe did give them in the past ???? If your referral was for a listing...do you see the listing on MLS ?  Do you know that the agent has a marketing plan and actually puts it in motion?  Do you offer any part of your fee to assist in marketing ?  There are at least 2 schools of thought on this subject....Let's hear it AR...what … (6 comments)

OPEN HOUSE: 18380 Capistrano Way, Morgan Hill - Sunday May 4th - 1PM - 5PM - 11:10 AM
Come on by and take a look at this lovely 4 bed 3 bath home in Mission Ranch. You will find that the community is conveniently located for easy access to shopping, dining, and commuting.
The home was built in 2001, giving you all the latest appliances, air conditioning and heating - all with the latest efficiency improvements!
Come take a look for yourself and see what this lovely home has to offer!
ASKING: $1,059,000
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MAY 4TH 1PM to 4PM 
 
(0 comments)

Los Gatos - March 2008 - Market Analysis - 11:15 AM
Some interesting numbers for the real estate market in Los Gatos for March 2008. While we are seeing the overall downturn of the county appearing to have more effect, we are also seeing some other indicators. These are subtle changes that often mean that things are about the transition again. Since Los Gatos is one of those communities that tend to react to bad markets last but react to an improving market first, it is worth paying special attention to just what is going on in Los Gatos. Read on for the video presentation.
(1 comments)

Morgan Hill - March 2008 - Market Analysis - 11:18 AM
We continue to see trends that we are very familitar with. Real estate inventories continue to rise. Home sales in Morgan Hill continue to be down. However, we do see some differences. The number of homes being listed in Morgan Hill is down. What is really interesting is the makeup of the homes that did get sold in the month of March 2008 in Morgan Hill.
< … (1 comments)

Tips for Remodeling Your Ludlow VT Vacation Home - 06:25 AM
This article from 2nd Home Journal offers a fantastic list of tips for remodeling your second home. If you already own a Ludlow VT vacation home, you probably already know that remodeling a second home presents unique challenges. Below are the 10 main tips, and the article contains the full details on making your spring remodeling projects a success!- Do your research; prioritize your needs- Hire a competent designer or architect- Define your total project budget- Design for low maintenance and sustainability- Get three bids- Do reference checks- Plan at least a 10 percent contingency fund- Synchronize payments with work completed- … (0 comments)

Webpage Info Accessibility Compliance - 09:07 PM
Recently I received an email from my local MLS organization:
Dear RMLS Participant,
In response to a lawsuit filed against Target Corp. regarding Target.com's accessibility for the seeing impaired, RMLS.com was recently updated to comply with accessibility standards. Attached you will find a technology brief prepared by our developers that describes how we brought RMLS.com into compliance. You and your technology staff may find this helpful if you are interested in bringing your own consumer website into compliance...
Now, I don't pretend to be web-knowledgeable enough to fully understand the issues or changes which may need to be made to … (0 comments)

A little off track?.. how to survive a "down" market - 08:25 PM
Earlier this year, I, like many of you struggled during the 1st quarter. In November, December and January,Iand didn't lead generate nearly as much as I usually do. I took a couple of listings, had a couple of transactions. This year, my husband received his license and he was new in Real Estate, and  we both felt somewhat unsure about our  business ( and our individual identity, lots of insecurity and unsure feelings.)
I wanted to share our personal example of what happened and how we plan on changing the outcome so that you may learn from us, as I learn from all … (5 comments)

Homes Sold in Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Dennis and Upper Townships - 01:41 PM
The following information has been gathered from the Cape May County Board of Realtors MLS.  Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
There were 17 sold homes in Avalon this past month with an average of 335 days on the market.  The average sale price was $1,787,532 with one condo, 12 single family homes and four townhomes.  There are 441 listings on the market and 31 "under contract".
Sea Isle City had 24 homes sold with an average of 182 days on the market.  There were eight condos, one single family and 15 townhomes with a total average price of $740,500.  There are … (0 comments)

Signature Place St Petersburg - Looking Good - 08:05 PM
Signature Place topped off a few weeks ago, but so far none of us have been able to get up in the building to see the views or take photos.
This shot was taken from the Activity Level of Bayfront Tower, a nearby condominium.
Signature Place is a definite architectural signature for St Petersburg, and we're able to see the tower from various vantage points around the city - popping up over buildings or as we look down streets that we cross.
I thought this was an interesting view, though, as the penthouses step back, yet are covered by the structure's roof.
Not only does … (7 comments)

STAFFORD TOWNHOME AT A FABULOUS PRICE - 11:12 AM
(1 comments)

Tips From Your Tampa Real Estate Relocation Experts - 07:13 PM
The Tampa Real Estate Relocation Experts - Are you and your family gearing up for an upcoming relocation to Tampa? If so you are in for an adventure that lasts 365 days a year. In order to make your upcoming move as simple and easy as possible we have included several useful hints for you.Foremost among our tips is the fact that you must first emotionally get your family ready for the relocation experience. Moving from one location to another may be an exciting experience however for small children it can sometimes be devastating. They don’t know what to expect and … (0 comments)

Happy 30th Birthday to SPAM - 07:13 AM

Happy Birthday to you
Happy birthday to you 
Happy Birthday dear SPAAAAAM
Happy Birthday to you!
e-mail SPAM that is. When I saw this via Darren Rowse on Twitter. Happy Birthday to e-mail SPAM I thought of the meat from Hormel first when I saw SPAM was having a birthday but I think the meat is from WWII.
I primarily use three mailboxes / addresses.  The primary address the SPAM filter usually catches anywhere from 300  to 500 emails but this week on Tuesday there were over 1100 SPAM messages caught.  There's two other mail boxes.... one does not get any spam... the other is a nightmare, not as much as … (26 comments)

Cowlitz Couny Real Estate Market Statistics for April 2008 - 01:17 PM
The Cowlitz County real estate market (slowly but firmly) has kept the upward trend, we have seeing higher numbers each and every month since the beginning of the year. There have been more active listings and sold homes each month, the pending and contingent listings at times are lower but for the most part have been higher.
Below are the numbers of Cowlitz County home sales, active, pending and contingent listings, average prices and days on the market.
Active listings 769 with 130 average days on the market and average price of $293,513.
Contingent listings 9 with 106 average days on the market … (0 comments)

When it rains it pours. - 04:27 PM
Confuscious say- "Be careful what you wish for!"
Well, I've been wishing like crazy for the market to pick up. Not that our market in Greenville is bad... it has just been a tad bit slow first quarter. Probably has to do with all the doomsday reports on the news- but that's a whole other subject. So it's been a bit slow- so I've been doing some positive thinking and sending my wishes out to the universe at large for the market to pick up and be super busy again.
And suddenly, voila! Now, it actually is starting to feel like … (10 comments)

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