Archives of real estate blog entries for June 20, 2008 (Page 4)

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Monterey Hills Real Estate - 11:26 PM
 Everything you ever wanted to know about Monterey Hills California

Monterey Hills is a well hidden secret.  Set right next to Pasadena, and bordered by South Pasadena, Highland Park and El Sereno, most people living in Pasadena know nothing about this area unless theyre fortunate to drive through it by accident or have a friend that lives there.
If you take Pasadena Freeway, 110 and exit Via Marisol, take a right turn, past the stop light, you will head up a rolling hill which will take you through Monterey Hills.  Most complexes are on Via Marisol itself, with some on Via Arbolada … (2 comments)

What to do if someone steals your original content and posts it on Active Rain - 07:32 PM
If someone has stolen your original content and reposted it as their own here on ActiveRain all you need to do is send an email to Active Rain. I previously thought that flagging it as plagarism was the correct thing do but thanks to Rich Jacobson I now know that I should have just them an email.
~ abracadabra - the post was removed ~ Thanks again Rich.
- my original post is below -
So a few days ago I found that another agent here on ActiveRain had stolen by content from one of my websites. I was very irritated … (11 comments)

Love Thy Neighbor? Or Not? - 10:56 AM
We have terrific neighbors. We couldn’t be luckier. They are the kind of neighbors that we can call on, no matter what, if we need help. They watch our house, and feed our cats when we are away, and we socialize regularly. But we also maintain our privacy as do they. They were there when we moved in, and as we know, you can’t choose your neighbors (well, for the most part), and we lucked out. They are away and we are watching their house; I went next door to open their home up for their house cleaner, and that short … (17 comments)

7163 Coral Ridge Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80925 ~ The Glen at Widefield - 06:42 PM
Wonderful Newer 4 Bedroom Home in Widefield 7163 Coral Ridge Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80925 View Map Wonderful 4bed 3bath 3car home in the newer neighborhood of the Glen at Widefield! The main level of this home welcomes you with a formal living room w/vaulted ceilings, coat closet and plant or display ledges. There is a sunny and open kitchen that includes all appliances and an attached dining room that walks out to the rear of the home. The upper level offers a full bathroom with skylight, a convenient linen closet and 2 nice sized secondary bedrooms. The master bedroom has … (3 comments)

Sellers need to respond quickly when they get an offer! - 04:20 PM
In the current market, when a buyer makes an offer on a property, it is in the seller's best interest to respond quickly.  The buyers today are not impulsive, frenzied, or in a panic to "buy now or be priced out forever."  If any urgency is felt by a buyer, it is more likely based on interest rates rising.
The standard contract in California provides an expiration date of 3 days after an offer is signed.  That doesn't mean that the seller should take their sweet time to make a decision.  I have seen buyers go through a careful thought process … (1 comments)

Stereotypes—Is there a way to change them? - 03:54 PM
Originally posted to Our Saint Paul this morning (Friday, 20 Jun 08)
It is yet another fine morning here in Old Saint Paul, Minnesota! My trusty replica “Pruett’s Pig Powders” thermometer claims a morning temperature of +64ºF. Today we are expecting a partly cloudy day with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, and a high temperature between 80º & 82ºF. Summer’s finally here, doncha know!
The only city in Minnesota is Minneapolis, the rest of the state is populated by Lutheran church ladies, bumpkin farmers, and a number of hunter/fishermen thrown into the mix. Oh, and … (6 comments)

Maybe Frank is Another Reason To Blog - 10:12 AM

A business owner that does their job well, fairly and respectably should be celebrated.
Write about it.
I write about local businesses all the time. I sometimes tell the business owner that I have written about them. Sometimes I know them and they expect it.  Sometimes, they don't understand until they find out for themselves in a blog.
Local business owners are raving fans if you let them be.
Frank is one of a few super nice guys at this business.  I enjoy the can-do attitude, answer the phone most of the time day or night attitude and the go … (38 comments)

Buffini vs. By Referral Only vs. Applying what you already know - 08:41 AM
In the book, "Achieving the Balance" - by Leo Weidner & Mark Kastleman - the student who commits to learning the systems advocated may be far ahead of what is offered by the Buffini systems, or the By Referral Only program, if that student is willing to actually follow the system advocated.     
This process, as thoroughly described by Mr. Weidner in his book may be the best program for self-improvement in which I have ever participated.    
Now don't get me wrong -- The Brian Buffini programs are outstanding, as are the By Referral Only systems, particularly for Realtors.  I will continue to gleen information from each for … (0 comments)

The three critical elements of the Weidner "Achieving the Balance" System - 08:50 AM
While I have seen a lot of benefit from the many courses one can take regarding improving our sales performance, yet I often find that within 90 days, I fall back into my old patterns and ruts with only minor benefits accruing because of my investment.
Accept with the "Achieving the Balance" system and the "Dynamics of Personal Leadership" program I took from Success Motivation Institute back in 1978.  These programs are life changing programs, because they get us to break old bad habits and replace them with new good habits. 
The three essential elements of the "Achieving the Balance" system are:
Writing … (3 comments)

On becoming highly "referable" - 09:32 AM
I hear an awful lot of emphasis placed on the value of building a By Referral Only business.  And it is indeed a laudable goal. 
Yet the emphasis is often on developing a system which will cause others to want to refer their friends, relatives and neighbors to you.  In other words, to create a "By Referral Only" business, we're often trying to develop a system that will change someone else's behavior. 
Let me ask you, "How effective have we ever been at actually changing someone else's behavior?".   If you've tried that, as Dr. Phil would say, "How is that working for … (5 comments)

Building, Location, Demographics in RE Investing - 10:02 AM
If there is one thing that we must constantly beat into our brains when making decisions about real estate investments, either for ourselves or our clients, it is this principle.  
It's not only about the numbers, although these do have to be right; it's about building, location and demographics.
What condition is the building in?  This information can easily be obtained by a thorough property inspection.  I cannot emphasis enough how important getting a third party -- someone like my go-to-guy, Jamie Stoulil with National Property Inspections; someone who is independent -- to thoroughly inspect the building and its current condition.
Location is critical.  … (0 comments)

An Open Letter to the consumer : Focus on payment and not rate!!!! - 08:31 AM

 
Dear Mr & Mrs Borrower,
"What kind of payment do you want and or feel comfortable with?" 
This is a question that I always ask right in the beginning. But in many cases, what I get from the consumer when asking this question is, "what is my interest rate". And then I try to go into detail, asking my question over again and another question asking what your goals are in the near future when buying your new home.
There are several reasons why rate should not be an issue. Let me tell you a quick story about … (17 comments)

Suburbs reduced to slums...? - 09:34 AM
I was sent the article from an associate. Although a bit alarmist, perhaps there is some truth to it.:
Is America's suburban dream collapsing into a nightmare? Some excerts that I find interesting: "This change can be witnessed in places like Atlanta, Georgia, Detroit, Michigan, and Dallas, Texas, said Leinberger, where once rundown downtowns are being revitalized by well-educated, young professionals who have no desire to live in a detached single family home typical of a suburbia where life is often centered around long commutes and cars."
Well there is a definite trend to bring people intown. Gas isn't getting any cheaper.
… (4 comments)

Buford Georgia Homes For Sale - 12:32 PM
Are you looking for Homes for sale in Buford, Georgia? View on seegeorgiarealestate.com all recently listed real estate properties throughout the Buford, Georgia and Gwinnett County areas. Dwayne West has hundreds of listings including condos, town homes, foreclosures, new homes. Once you have located a listing you like, simply complete the information request or search for Buford Real Estate Agents to help you find or purchase your new Buford home. Gwinnett County is a great place to live work and play. We can help you find the perfect home in Buford and any part of Gwinett County GA. You can also check out Gwinett … (0 comments)

Governors Preserve Homes For Sale Canton Georgia - 12:35 PM
You will find Homes for sale in Governors Preserve, which is located in Cherokee County off of Highway 20 and close to I-575; you will see detailed photos and information about the distinctive luxury homes listed in this community which is close to the Buffington community and near Union Hill Road. Governors Preserve Subdivision has many  New Home floor plans, new Home listings, new homes for sale, and new luxury homes with basements. Also all of these homes are custom built and are not alike of cookie cutter homes at all. This development is away from all of the traffic, and feels like you are a world away from … (0 comments)

Atlanta Realtor - 12:38 PM
 Experts are now predicting that effects of the drought in Georgia could linger for five years, three years longer than the last severe drought of the 1980s. Besides adhering to the state and locally imposed outdoor watering bans, there are other things you and your family can do to save water while still keeping your yard healthy and beautiful. We've heard about turning off the water while you brush your teeth, doing laundry only with a full load and taking quick showers instead of baths. We should all do what we can to conserve water so that this does not affect … (0 comments)

Top 5 Website Misconceptions - 11:56 AM
Top 5 website misconceptions
1. All websites are created equal.
Which website is best for you, and does it really work?
Here's a simple test: Are you using your website daily to communicate with your contact base?
If your answer is no, your site does not meet your needs - or it's too complicated to use.
Overwhelmingly, agents, buyers and sellers prefer all-in-one websites for everyday use. PropertyMinder AccelerAgent websites capture leads, automate follow-up, and instantly connect agents to buyers. Backed by free customer service, our Internet marketing tools help you work smarter and faster - giving you more time to … (1 comments)

FHA vs. The Flipper - 04:42 PM
Well, we had some good news this week from FHA and HUD concering the relaxed guidelines concerning Flippep properties.  You would have to wait 90 days after you bought the property to let someone with FHA financing to buy your home.  Well, good news, that is gone for at least one year. 
 
Granted, you will still have to prove the worth of your "flipped" home, but if it there it is good to go.  I am not sure how much flipping is still going on.  I know I have read more than a few blogs and posts on forums that … (2 comments)

Traffic on Topsail Island - 08:14 PM
Well the week end is approaching fast!  This typically means traffic onto the Island, that's a Good thing!  Buyers are beginning to look at the great deals offered with several homes less than $500K.  Most homes on Topsail Island have a view of the ocean or the Intracoastal waterway, one is almost as good as the other.  At Topsail Beach you can walk from one side of the island to the other and put your feet in on either side.
This is surely a great place to live, work and play.  I continue to try to upload some photos of the … (2 comments)

New California Cell Phone Laws Go Into Effect July 1, 2008 - 11:48 AM
There are about to be some big changes that will effect nearly every adult citizen in California. And if you measure adult as 18 years or older, this law will have an even more profound effect for anyone under the age of 18.
The new California cell phone law takes effect this July 1, 2008. And it is going to be such a revenue builder here in in California. Passed into law as a consumer protection law, it is have some powerful implications for those under 18 years of age and perhaps cause a real change in the habits for all consumers. 
… (19 comments)

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