Archives of real estate blog entries for May 24, 2008

Featured blog posts


Duplicate Content Question In Search Of An Answer - 08:13 AM
Back in the day, a couple years ago, I suppose you coulda called me a "purist".  The thought of duplicate content (or gawd-forbid, messy code) could send me into shock.
But, OK.  Fast forward to mid-2008.  Everyone belongs to several social networks.  It ain't easy to create unique content for each different social network.
What is the current webmaster/SEO expert thinking on publishing the same article on several different social networks?
Let's say you belong to Active Rain, MyAgentBook, Zolve, RealSeekr, Gather, Facebook and MySpace.
Anyone see any issue with posting the same article on each of those social networks?  Maybe on … (33 comments)

Questionable MLS Comments. - 08:21 AM
I is amazing what you read in an MLS entry, and sometimes it is a wonder that anyone would come to see the home.  The listing agent places in items like "EZ-Sale...Easy Terms...Lease Purchase Available...Please Note Commission,  and  last but not least...To show is to sell!"  Too bad the homes have been on the market for almost 2 years!  You wonder if the seller even read the MLS printout.  Many of hte entries are ambiguios at best.  One I read this evening mentions "Pictures do not do the home justice!"  And guess what?  No pictures!  I thought I would post a … (96 comments)

Simply The Best, database...before and after for - 08:14 AM


Team Tex-La
"Sharing State Borders and Knowledge"
Liz Carter-Mentor... from Katy, Texas Joshua Lazaro-Superstar Apprentice...from Metairie, LA












Only 2 1/2 days left...but who's counting! Some teams have already finished the first challenge, and it was not us :). In case you've missed the start, there are 16 teams in the contest, and our first assignment is to come up with the best software program for a database. Describe what you put in a database and how you will use it. So if you don't have one, or … (12 comments)

When Salespeople Sell to Salespeople! ~ The Island of Realtor Moreau - 08:17 AM
 Last night I awoke from a bone-chilling nightmare. My pajamas were soaked with sweat.  My head was pounding. My wife stirred beside me and sensed I was fear-stricken.
"Are you okay? You're absolutely pale. Did you have a bad dream?"
[That's the wonderfully predictable aspect of a civil union - the flair for asking the obvious. Just once when my Missus locks her keys in her car and she calls me for the spare I'd like to upset the Natural Order of the Obvious: "Can we adopt a pet snow monkey?"]
Yes, honey. A bad dream.
"Was I in it?"
Why … (94 comments)

Home Staging in Cincinnati: Staging Consultations work! SOLD in 30 days! You have to see this one! - 08:20 AM
Here at Stage a Star.... we specialize in the Staging Consultation.  As a home seller or Realtor, one of the most cost effective things you can do in preparing your home or listing for the real estate market is investing in a Staging Consultation. 
Our latest success story is a cool little condo with a beautiful view of the lake in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason.   The homeowners were a young couple ready to sell their condo and move up into a larger home.   They were looking to do the majority of the work themselves but needed a "plan of action"  … (53 comments)

Leadership requires decisiveness on gray issues (part 2) - 09:28 PM
Over the past few days I have followed nearly every post and comment that is a part of the discussion around my recent decision to disable an ActiveRain member's account. After reading hundreds of passionate comments, I believe the following three arguments make up the core of the remaining concerns:
1. He should have been warned first.
2. The comment wasn't that bad. Calling a race of people a "lemmings" is not hate speech.
3. ActiveRain has done a poor job at policing hate comments from others and is acting unfairly to certain groups.
My brief answers to these concerns are … (88 comments)

Let's come together as a community and........... - 09:04 PM
Hi folks. OK I've tried to NOT write this post but I just can't fight the urge. As one of the "popular" members on ActiveRain sometimes I just have to jump into the lion's den. I know I shouldn't, BUT I feel obligated to. I know I have a large readership and by writing this, it will get read. Also, I LOVE ActiveRain!!! I have been a member for almost 2 years and have seen this place grow from roughly 600 members, to where it is today, with almost 90,000!!! Incredible. 
This week, has been a rough one for the owners … (99 comments)

Motivation of the Mentors - 08:14 AM

FROM BRIAN BLOCK, APPRENTICE TEAM MANNA
So, why are you doing it?

 
The answer is easy for the apprentices in the Makeover 2 Takeover Contest.  We all want to improve our businesses, build our systems, and learn from some of the best in the industry.
 
Well, mentors, what about you?

 
At the onset of this competition, my darling wife asked me "What's the Motivation for the Mentors?"  She wanted to know what's their incentive from being involved and sharing their knowledge with others.  Each of the mentors certainly has a successful, thriving, and very busy … (10 comments)

N E W S F L A S H . . . ACTIVERAIN IN THE MIDST OF AN IDENTITY CRISIS. - 09:21 PM
                                      WARNING. . .  HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK AHEAD
See what happens when folks stray from "hard core real estate talk"?  All that social networking nonsense will get you in trouble. 
Fact:  Racism is alive and well in real estate practices throughout this country.
Fact:  If not so, there would be no Fair Housing Laws to govern how and what we do in our daily real estate practices.
Fact:  Realtors who identify persons by race in real estate practice violate the COE: 
Standard of Practice 10-1
When involved in the sale or lease of a residence, REALTORS® shall not volunteer information … (86 comments)


Blog posts


Leadership requires decisiveness on gray issues (part 2) - 09:28 PM
Over the past few days I have followed nearly every post and comment that is a part of the discussion around my recent decision to disable an ActiveRain member's account. After reading hundreds of passionate comments, I believe the following three arguments make up the core of the remaining concerns:
1. He should have been warned first.
2. The comment wasn't that bad. Calling a race of people a "lemmings" is not hate speech.
3. ActiveRain has done a poor job at policing hate comments from others and is acting unfairly to certain groups.
My brief answers to these concerns are … (88 comments)

Bob Stewart's First Visit To The World's Most Famous Beach! Activerain Members Come Join Us! - 05:10 PM
Well the technology fair is quickly approaching.  Have you ever felt so well accomplished that you have to pat yourself on the back and even jokingly..do it publicly...I'm doing it!  WOW we have an incredible line up and really we as a committee outdid ourselves...
You see Daytona Beach, Florida is known for....

 
"The World's Most Famous Beach" "Spring Break" "Biketoberfest" "Bike Week" "Nascar" "The Daytona 500"  Events yes... we are a unique event city.
This year is no different,
 
The Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS Proudly Presents 2nd Annual Technology Fair!
Friday, May 30th at 7:30 … (20 comments)

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage & Dash Express! - 08:38 AM

I just read in my morning e-mail that Coldwell Banker has become the first national full-service real estate company to distribute its listings to a GPS device!!  Unfortunatly I do not have one built into my car at this time, I use the mobile one stuck to the windshield, which I don't think I could do without anymore.
All www.coldwellbanker.com listings will be fed to Dash.net. You must have a dash GPS system ($399.00 at Amazon) to add the Coldwell Banker listings button to your Dash Express via the MyDash Web site. Listings will then automatically load onto your Dash Express navigation device.
Dash … (1 comments)

An open house is going to cost HOW much?? - 10:18 AM
The City of Palm Coast, in it's infinate wisdom has come up with a plan.  We have a sign ordinance here that doesn't allow signs advertising various things...unless of course it's politically connected and we're in an election year. 
The Realtors® and homeowners went to the City and pretty much said..."Hey.  Back off.  Times are tough, we need to be able to place signs to direct people to open houses since our streets are winding and difficult.   Hey.  Back off.  We want to be able to place signs for yard sales...times are tough and we want the leeway to direct people … (8 comments)

Let's trade - 06:09 PM
I posted about the asset manager for B of A and I got a ton of emails and comments and I sent everyone who asked the info. Then I started thinking "hmmmmm I bet I can better use this info." Only 1 person out of about 45 traded AM info with me. Everyone else just took the info and thanked me which is all I was looking for but being that I have been signing up with countless REO AM's and BPO Co's I figure let's trade?? I have many many REO co info that I can share so if you … (3 comments)

REO Help in Orange County - 06:23 PM
On all my REO listings I have hired people from referrals from other agents and craigslist to clean out my properties and it was hard to manage home much money I had out and who I needed to pay and it was very time consuming. Each REO listing has gotten easier as I go along until this most recent one. It has been the best so far and I will never go back to doing it the old way.
I was contacted by Megan the owner of Miley Home Improvements LLC. They service almost all of So Cal. I gave them … (7 comments)

Hillsborough County - NH - Memorial Day Events in So. New Hamphire - 09:59 PM

It is Memorial Day Weekend.
I want thank all of those who have scarificed so much to make it possible for us to live in freedom. 
They are truly our heros.  For those who are serving, we pray for you safety and quick return.
 
 
 
    There are many holiday events to pay honor to our  veterans and those who current serve.
     Nashua -- Holman Stadium - parade starts Monday at 9:45 a.m.  There will be a reviewing stand in front of the City Hall.  The parade will end at lake street.
  Brookline - Brookline Memorial Day … (6 comments)

Another Contact Management Company Bites the Dust - 10:46 AM
Last night, I was thoroughly enjoying my longtime favorite basketball team give a whooping to the San Antonia Spurs when my Treo sent me a vibe that I had a new email. The email was not good news. Topaz Software sent me an email stating that they were officially going out of business at the end of June. After years of fiddling, I finally decided on Topaz Software and have grown to love the simplicity of their platform. I have tried Top Producer and Agent Office and found them to be too much work for what I need a contact manager … (14 comments)

High Plains Village at Centerra- Open House Weekend - 10:50 AM
Need something to do this weekend? As weather permits, here is this weekends open house schedule. Come on out and enjoy the weather, see some great home in the built green community of High Plains Village. To get to a specific open house, please click on a link below and look for the see map link.
Saturday, May 24th 2008
1:00PM-3:00PM 4004 Plum Creek DR (click here for a virtual tour)
3:15PM-5:00PM 2105 Buffalo Mountain Place (click here for a virtual tour/video)
Sunday, May 25th 2008
1:00PM-3:00PM 1991 Grays Peak Drive #202 (tour)/ 1963 Grays Peak DR # 204 (tour)
The … (2 comments)

Staging Your Home For Sale - 10:12 PM
Hiring a stager can be a great step to selling your home quickly and for more money. If you choose not to hire someone there are ways to maximize your sale by yourself.  None will be quite as effective as hiring an excellent stager, but will definately help.
Declutter! 1). Get into your closets and pack away anything that you won't be using for the next few months. 2). Take everything possible off your kitchen counters to make the countertop look large. 3). Take magnets and mess off the refrigerator as well. 4). Pack up knick nacks and unnecessary items unless … (2 comments)

Landscaping Your Home For Sale - 10:15 PM
It was love at first sight. The Realtor pulled up in front of a house that was landscaped beautifully, flowers blooming, wood door gleaming and sunlight filtering through leafy trees. As we walked up to the front door the key glided effortlessly in the lock and we stepped into the hallway.
That was my second home. The exterior was far better than the interior, but I wasn't concerned. The minute I saw it I loved it. I still miss that home.
Do you have your home for sale? Then evaluate it from that standpoint. The exterior is a homebuyers first glimpse … (3 comments)

Donkey jailed in Mexico - really!! - 10:25 AM
This has got to be my fave story for quite some time - and it's all true!! The picture is a link to The Guardian newspaper from the UK.
A Mexican donkey has landed itself in jail after being found guilty of assualt.
The animal was locked up in a holding pen normally used for keeping drunks off the streets after it lashed out at the pair at a ranch in Chiapas state.
That is the part I love the best! And I really want to know whether or not it shared a cell with the drunks. And what the drunks … (15 comments)

Today on the radio... - 10:09 PM
I was able to start my radio show today with the words "My fellow Americans" which has been seven years in the making!
I guess it was inevitable that today's monologue was about immigration - the legal kind and the illegal kind. I spoke of my journey to citizenship and I spoke of the economic crisis facing our nation and how illegal immigration, while not the cause, certainly wasn't helping.
My first guest todaywas Jim Hannigan - chair of Florida Demands Representation - or FDR. This is a group who are theoretically bipartisan, but are actually cleary Democrat, who are demanding … (6 comments)

Probably the best condo for sale in the Disney area - 10:32 PM
    
This is the one you've been waiting for!!
Fabulous fully furnished condo right on the conservation.
Upmarket furniture in pristine condition because this unit has been used just by the owner. Manned gated community offering up scale amenities including clubhouse with movie theatre, fitness room large Olympic size outdoor pool, whirlpool and spa, separate toddler pool, video arcade, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, billiard tables, children's play area, picnic and BBQ areas, sundry shop, business facilities, 24 hour gated entrance and a shuttle service to the attractions.
Zoned for Short Term Rental. This condo is on the 1st … (3 comments)

Duplicate Content Question In Search Of An Answer - 08:13 AM
Back in the day, a couple years ago, I suppose you coulda called me a "purist".  The thought of duplicate content (or gawd-forbid, messy code) could send me into shock.
But, OK.  Fast forward to mid-2008.  Everyone belongs to several social networks.  It ain't easy to create unique content for each different social network.
What is the current webmaster/SEO expert thinking on publishing the same article on several different social networks?
Let's say you belong to Active Rain, MyAgentBook, Zolve, RealSeekr, Gather, Facebook and MySpace.
Anyone see any issue with posting the same article on each of those social networks?  Maybe on … (33 comments)

Western New York Real Estate News & Homes for Sale - 10:06 AM


Favorite Buffalo Area Real Estate Articles
Sometimes I write an article about a specific community (Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls, Buffalo or Lewiston for example) but the information is universal to all Buyers, Sellers and Investors of Real Estate. So don't let my titles stop you from reading the information contained in the article. Also note that if you are a For Sale By Owner, many of my Seller articles will be of interest to you, just like some of the Mortgage and Finance articles will be of interest to Buyers, Sellers and Investors.
 
Western New York Market Report 
… (3 comments)

Western New York Sights.... - 09:49 PM
Western New York is a wonderful place to live. There are so many wonderful places to see! Why not come and explore the beauty and wonder of Western New York this summer? If you are interested in more information about owning a home in Western New York, call me! There are so many wonderful things that you will find here in Western New York and enjoy if given the chance to explore it! Call me at (716) 990-7384 today for information regarding living here in Western New York. … (3 comments)

Let's come together as a community and........... - 09:04 PM
Hi folks. OK I've tried to NOT write this post but I just can't fight the urge. As one of the "popular" members on ActiveRain sometimes I just have to jump into the lion's den. I know I shouldn't, BUT I feel obligated to. I know I have a large readership and by writing this, it will get read. Also, I LOVE ActiveRain!!! I have been a member for almost 2 years and have seen this place grow from roughly 600 members, to where it is today, with almost 90,000!!! Incredible. 
This week, has been a rough one for the owners … (99 comments)

Mortgage Interest Rates This Week - 04:24 PM

Mortgages rates fell this week for 30 Year loan (6.01 to 5.98) and 15 year rates (5.6 to 5.55). Rates on 5 and 1 year arms increased (5.57 to 5.61 and 5.18 to 5.24) respectivly. Another interesting point is that 30 Year rates have now fallen for 4 weeks in a row which is an encouraging sign although it would be nice to have seen rates fall a little more.
May 22,2008
30-yr 5.98 15-yr 5.55 5-yr ARM 5.61 1-yr ARM 5.24
May 15, 2008
30-yr 6.01 15-yr 5.60 5-yr ARM 5.57 1-yr ARM 5.18
May 8, 2008
… (1 comments)

Under the Builder's Price! - 08:23 PM
We have a reputable, production builder in our area and he has adjusted prices up and down over the past years to stay with the market.  Buyers were quite upset at him when he had tremendous price increases in 2005...they seemed unjustifiable and "he was taking advantage of people".
Now he is in a different market and sellers are upset because he has dropped prices dramatically to keep inventory selling.  I can't blame him for his adjustments, it's all part of the supply and demand process.
Now, I have a private seller living in one of his homes, just one year … (4 comments)

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