Archives of real estate blog entries for June 4, 2008

Featured blog posts


3 homes, 3 offers, 1 happy Client! - 12:02 PM
Friday was one of those days that make selling Charlottesville Real Estate a joy!
I am working with a delightful local couple who are currently renting in our area. After deciding on the perfect area/neighborhood my clients reviewed all the homes online.
Then it started.... They called me and wanted to see only 2 homes. Well, I looked at the homes and they were excellent choices but there was a 3rd home that they needed to see too.
The homework was complete so we made a plan and went to see all 3 homes on Friday morning. After seeing all 3 … (43 comments)

Would You Like Everyone To See What You Order Online?? - 12:46 AM
Today, I was checking around on some of the social websites where I have a profile to update them.
I popped into Facebook and to my amazement I saw that they had what I had ordered from Overstock right there on my profile for all to see!  
Now why in the world would I automatically want to share with perfect strangers and Internet friends my private purchase?
How did this become public without Overstock telling me as I placed my order that it might be given to another website to display as information about me? Are they selling our order information?
I … (64 comments)

One Year...and Counting - 06:15 PM
Believe it or not, I have been working for ActiveRain for about a year now. Today is the day I joined ActiveRain, on June 8th was my first official day...or was it the 6th?...I don't remember.
Doesn't it feel like it's been much longer then just a year? I mean it only seems like yesterday I was harassing all of you about your Localism photos. Hahaha, those were the days, *wipes away tear*. A lot has happened in a full year. Last year I was right out of college, and had no experience in the "Real World". ActiveRain was my very … (38 comments)

Would You Sell A House to A Kid in Flip Flops and Jeans? - 06:59 PM
When daughter and her betrothed could not ignore my nagging any longer, these 23 year olds (freshly graduated from UC Berkeley) set out to buy a house. Back then, the market was on fire here in California. 
The kids looked, well, like kids. Blond and skinny, jeans and flip flops. I knew they had landed lucrative jobs with their architecture degrees, won design awards, and were brilliant (okay, I am the mom, I am allowed to add that last one).
But no one else did, and guess what? They could not get a real estate agent to give them the time of … (168 comments)

An Agent's Unreasonable Demand - And What I Learned From It - 08:12 PM
It has been quite some time since I have been able to write a blog about my adventures in staging.  Not because I have not had anything to write about, but because I have not had time to write at all.  But summer is here, school is out and I finally have a day off, so I wanted to share this story with all of you because I learned so many valuable lessons from the situation.
A few months ago I was summoned to an investment property by a real estate agent whom I had never worked with before.  She had … (56 comments)

Social Networking - Twitter - 10:40 AM
Using Twitter to build better connections.

 
Back in March I wrote What is Twitter, and what a great way to build local bridges for yourself.  Well that sounds great, but how does one really accomplish this?  
How do you use Web 2.0 to further your business goals?   And better yet a Social Network?   Since a week is like a month in this web 2.0 world, I thought I would revisit this whole topic.  I was introduced to Twitter and I strongly resisted it.   Brian Brady encouraged me to take a second look, and I am very glad that he did.
… (23 comments)

Having Issues with Mortgage Fraud Article - 10:39 AM
This is an excellent article from USA Today on one aspect of mortgage fraud and how it is committed.  The article explains how a team of "professionals" can use a "straw buyer" (think of the story of the three pigs) to steal tens of thousands of dollars from a bank and homeowners.  One team can do this many, many times and walk away with hundreds of thousands of dollars.
See the entire article here:  http://money.aol.com/news/articles/real-estate/_a/mortgage-fraud-cases-up-by-two-thirds/20080603123509990001
According to the article, two people are under investigation by the FBI involved in the house in Las Vegas on Gold Mine Drive and Rolling Hills.  … (17 comments)

COPYRIGHT WARNING: DON'T LET A $1,000 DAMAGE DEMAND TURN INTO A $15,000 SETTLEMENT! - 12:00 PM
GUIDE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND BROKERS WITH WEB SITES.
RULE #1.  Don't use Lenn's maps on your web page.
RULE #2.  When you are contacted by the map owner, don't ignore them.
RULE #3.  When you are noticed of a settlement offer of $1,000, take it.
RULE #4.  When you receive mail from Lenn's attorney at your broker's office, don't ignore it.
RULE #5.  When you try to avoid service of process, you will not succeed.
RULE #6.  When you have an attorney make an offer, make it attractive, not just Lenn's legal fees.
RULE #7.  When served with a COMPLAINT FOR … (106 comments)

Three Mistakes Newbies to ActiveRain should avoid. - 08:12 PM
Are you new?  Ask yourself the following question...............why the he!! am I here? If you are here to post listings  or if you suffer from bad picture on my business card-idus and want to continue that obnoxious behavior here; then let me help you stop before you hurt yourself.
Blogging and Social networking is not for everyone. It takes commitment, but it also really takes a person who has passion for what they are doing (notice I didn't say selling) and a person who wants to give back without any expectation to receive in retrun. Online lead generation is probably the … (98 comments)

The Right Attitude is a MUST in Networking - 12:03 PM
The Right Attitude is a MUST in Networking In our business, attitude is everything! Today, reading our local news (why, oh why, do I?) a quote from one our prominent businessmen eluded to the fact that Ken Thompson lost his top-dog position with Wachovia as a result of the economy; 'someone had to take the fall!' The fall for the distress of all banks across America? The fall for the economy? Or, possibly the fall for some bad decisions that cost him his job? However well-liked the guy is, the general concensus is that it is the latter.
When times … (61 comments)

Collisions and the "Not So Rosy Side" of Listing Syndication: Trulia - 01:31 AM
My Broker supplies our listings feed to Trulia.  Here is my listing on Trulia.  Notice anything?

My Web address is not condo.com.  Condo.com is another brokerage in the Miami area that is supplying select listings (usually the lowest priced listing in any condo building, from what I can see) directly to Trulia from their MLS feed.
There is my pretty face (only because I went to Trulia and "claimed the listing").  My broker notified Trulia (over three months ago) of this and:
Have not rectified the situation Have no policy for "collisions" This is the fly in the ointment for listing syndication.  … (90 comments)

Affordable Housing Shortfall Looms Large and The Answer Is....... - 01:27 AM
As REALTORS and members of organized real estate we understand and agree as part of our REALTOR pledge to protect individual property rights. We have for the most part always opposed Inclusionary Zoning, that forces affordable housing in builder subdivisions. The operative word being, forced.
The dilemma of affordable housing is greatly exacerbated by all the displacement caused by the slue of the recent foreclosures and the short sale market. Homeowners that were part of the sub-prime market, are now finding themselves totally outside the market. Adding these numbers to the other already existing shortage of affordable housing should be a part of any longer … (20 comments)

Ask A Real Estate Professional - Who Will Answer? - 11:02 AM
Here's an area of ActiveRain I haven't written about. Can you imagine that? lol~  I have been watching the Q&A board on the Network for the past few days now.  I know for a fact that many or most members aren't using this much, or may not even know it's there.

The Q&A link is for consumers to ask questions from "US" (the community), about areas of the Country and other specific interests.  Have you seen some of these questions?  Are you checking if any of them are from your area?  It only takes a minute to do.  I see … (122 comments)

In the middle of the night... - 12:52 AM
I'm not sure how to feel about this. It happened in the middle of the night and I didn't even know it. What's up with that? I'm sitting here minding my own business... well, actually I'm plotting to hijack Broker Amanda Hall's stapler and go on a random stapling spree, but I digress. The point is I'm behaving (yea, right) and BOOM it happens, out of the blue. The worst part is it came and went and I didn't even get dinner or a watered down drink first. Ya know, I've heard jokes made about guys in this situation although it … (72 comments)

Active Rain Success: Where do your AR leads come from? - 08:17 PM
Yesterday, I met a new client for the first time. She found me on Active Rain. Now, it never occurred to me to ask her what blog caught her eye. I was thinking it was a blog about pet-friendly condos and almost took that fact for granted. Fortunately, she mentioned to me that she was looking for a place to take her daughter's dog for a nice walk and ran into my blog on the Kensico Dam which had NOTHING to do directly with real estate. In another case, I got an email from someone asking me where he could find … (87 comments)

How to handle buyer who wants to make extremely lowball offers - 12:08 PM
I am interested to hear if other agents have dealt with this and what your response was. I have a set of buyers, husband and wife. The wife actually used to be a Realtor in another state. They've been looking at homes in the $400K-$500K range and said they are paying cash. Okay great. We find a home they love and they decide to make an offer. Terrific! The only problem? They want to offer $250K cash on a $499K home. It's been on the market just over a year but I nearly choke when I hear what they plan to … (84 comments)


Blog posts


My Daily Good Deed - 02:01 PM
I did my good deed for the day, how about you?  I dropped my car off to get my state inspection today, and since it was across the street from the daycare, I walked Alyssa over there.  On the way back, a lady was pulling into the parking lot of a restaurant next door, but didn't actually pull in.  She just stopped in the actual driveway, and got out. 
She asked if I knew where the nearest gas station was.  I told her three options, depending on which direction she wanted to walk.  I told her my car was at the … (4 comments)

Personalize Plates Getting you in Trouble? - 03:13 PM
I have personalized plates on my 4Runner.  They are the Texas Association of Realtors plates, and they're also customized as BUYIN.  If I wasn't a Realtor, I probably wouldn't recognize the plates as the writing is fairly small and hard to read as you're driving around and keeping a great enough distance between cars.
I was driving a couple of days ago along 75 Central Expressway going north, and in the right lane because I was heading to the East Bound exit for the George Bush Turnpike... and right before the exit, who pulls in front of me?  Yes, it was a … (13 comments)

Turlock homes are selling !!! - 05:19 PM
Yes homes in Turlock are selling.  Homes all over the area are selling, not just in Turlock.  More and more first time buyers are stepping up and buying. 
 
This home pictured here I listed on  Friday June 1, 2008.  After being on the MLs for a total of 3 hours I had my first offer.  By Monday morning I had 3 very good offers.  We are now in escrow and the buyers are thrilled.
 
 
 
The statistics from Metrolist MLS prove that homes in Turlock are selling.   In May of 06 48 homes sold and in May … (6 comments)

Zillow - more automated nonsense or bad ethics? - 02:04 PM
You see the problem with automated services like Zillow is just that - they are automated!! For years now those of us involved in the real estate and finance industries have been aware of just how inaccurate Zillow estimates and mortgage quotes can be. And so I guess it should be no surprise that our old friends Zillow have another big snafu. 
Check out this email I got from them today.  It starts out by claiming that the NEW jumbo loan limits in Volusia County now make it easier to get a loan.  Then they hype their own mortgage quote system.  … (9 comments)

Social Networking - Twitter - 10:40 AM
Using Twitter to build better connections.

 
Back in March I wrote What is Twitter, and what a great way to build local bridges for yourself.  Well that sounds great, but how does one really accomplish this?  
How do you use Web 2.0 to further your business goals?   And better yet a Social Network?   Since a week is like a month in this web 2.0 world, I thought I would revisit this whole topic.  I was introduced to Twitter and I strongly resisted it.   Brian Brady encouraged me to take a second look, and I am very glad that he did.
… (23 comments)

8409 Pope Valley NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122 - 08:03 PM
8409 Pope Valley NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

MLS#622861    Offered at $385,000
4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 3 Car Attached Garage and 2459 sq. ft. Living Area
Gorgeous Bright Mediterranean Home You Simply Must See with Spacious Interior!
This lovely home offers beauty inside and out. The gorgeous inviting entry welcomes you with tall accent columns flanked by a mass of windows. Once in the home the open floor plan with delight you with an abundance of natural sunlight that engulfs each room making it cheerful and bright.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A large great room is just perfect … (2 comments)

4543 Arrowhead NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 - 08:59 PM
4543 Arrowhead NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114


MLS#623096 is being offered at $329,900
3 bedroom, 3 bath, two story home with 2,200 sq. ft. living area is a stunning beauty in The Knolls!
Amazing describes this special, contemporary gem in the custom home area of The Knolls outfitted with a very private enclosed courtyard of Adobe wall frame and custom metal gate.





 This home showcases William Sonoma and Pottery Barn accents throughout with Restoration Hardware that adds unmistakable dazzling beauty.
 


 
 
  Gleaming wood floors, amazing fixtures and finishes are the perfect … (2 comments)

Changing The Look Of A Fireplace - 02:01 AM
A fireplace is meant to be the centerpiece of your living space, the heart of your home. Sometimes, however, this focal point is less than impressive and more than lacking in the drama factor. If your fireplace is bland, plain or simply unattractive, a quick color change can do wonders. The secret is using multiple coats to build up depth and create a faux finish, rather than just painting on one flat color.
You will need three complimentary colors for this project in progressively darker shades. Natural stone and earthy colors, such as grays and browns, are ideal. A quart … (4 comments)

The Hidden/Green City - 04:08 AM
Canopy. That’s a great word and a comforting thought when shade is what you need on a hot day. When it’s canopy provided by trees, the word and the comfort loom refreshingly larger in the mind of any summer sun-smitten shade seeker. No man made shade offers quite the appeal of the dark and dappled shade of a live oak tree on a sun-baked lawn.
Austin has a rich urban canopy and, although trees can cause problems with utility lines above ground and roots that break sewer and water lines below, their benefit to the community is undisputable. There are … (1 comments)

Are You Ready for Home Ownership? - 05:04 PM
 
… (0 comments)

Come Learn From the Masters...Mark Your Calendar - 05:24 PM

 
 
 
 

Common sense tells us when it’s time to learn , our time is best spent learning from those who are adapt at doing what we want to learn.
Next week, June 10, 2008 the Denver Board of Realtors is sponsoring an Intro to Blogging seminar, presented by one of The Masters of Blogging, Todd Carpenter.
Todd Carpenter is an author, teacher, speaker, blogger and a great all-round guy. He has built a nationally known brand via blogging. He’s published on Inman, Lenderama, Rembex, Blog Fiesta, REBArCamp, Brainous, DenMod, Bizomi Consulting and Denver REal Estate Wire.
… (17 comments)

Getting Back to the Basics When the Basics have Changed - 07:07 AM
If you are out in the market trying to make a living in real estate, I don't need to tell you that our industry continues to go through tremendous changes that are challenging our most basic of real estate practices and assumptions:
Revolutionary growth in technology which continues to transform our industry. A huge consumer backlash that, contrary to conventional wisdom, is not just challenging our commissions but challenging our very value as professionals. A growing bewilderment by both the consumer and ourselves over what exactly our role as real estate professionals today is supposed to be. Yet, in the midst … (2 comments)

Home Sold in Carnation Washington - 12:36 PM
4931 327 Ave NE Carnation, WA 98014
Status: Sold
Price: $319,950
MLS #: 28091197
Listing Agent: Susan L. Jess
Call: (425) 244-4031 - Map it
A buyer's paradise for a great price. This Carnation rambler has vaulted ceilings in the family complete with ceiling fan and free standing stove, double paned vinyl windows (blinds stay), updated bathroom with radiant electric floor heat (Thermostat) and granite tile countertop, skylight, tile shower and floor. The front bedroom has vaulted ceiling, master bedroom has a private doorway which leads to the fully landscaped backyard retreat (bench and bridge stay). The garage has … (0 comments)

Maple Place Rambler - Canceled - 12:39 PM
8420 46th Dr NE Marysville, WA 98270
Status: Canceled
Price: $310,000
MLS #: 28090641
Listing Agent: Niles Kinman
Call: (425) 346-0211 - Map it
In the heart of Downtown Marysville, you'll find this immaculate and cozy rambler. Great access to I-5, shopping, schools and all amenities. 1,400 sq/ft of spacious living areas including: kitchen with bar, master bedroom has a walk-in closet and full bath, utility room is equipped with wash sink and their is even a possible office area between dinging and living room. You will appreciate the new laminate flooring, updated lighting, energy efficient gas-forced air heat … (0 comments)

It's Raining Referrals....Come on In the Business is Fine ! - 07:45 AM
                                            
                                                                          
    Last week it was our very great pleasure to finally meet Vicki Watzwalick...our long time referral source, e-mailer and voice on the phone. Vicki, a/k/a/ the Queen of Short Sales.. She graciously shared her knowledge of Short Sales complete with handouts, e-mail forms and lists....and oh yes...PIZZA ! We brought the dessert, table decorations (very important) and magic pencil favors. Vicki's office is just across the Wisconsin/Illinois border....a short hour and a half ride from our house.  In addition to all the wonderful sharing of her knowledge we also found several agents in need of a Wisconsin … (3 comments)

I Just Got A Call from a Social Worker...What would YOU DO....? - 03:45 PM

 
                                                                                        
  I just got a call from a social worker. We closed on a home of an elderly former neighbor last week...the social worker has been an "interfering factor" during the whole transaction...she wanted keys to the house...not.  Now she claims that the seller is upset that she can't find the receipt from the proceeds and the closing papers (she witnessed the pre-signing.) The seller has occasional short term memory issues..I gave her papers and I know that a niece came and invested the money...I am not comfortable giving the social worker anything or access to anything...she was … (8 comments)

There is a Special Place in H -E Double Toothpicks for Children.... - 08:05 PM
 
 
   We recently sold an elderly woman's home. She is 95 and after a stroke her doctor felt assisted living would be a safer place for her than living at home alone. Agreed.....She had one daughter who had been estranged from her mother and lived in another state.  When she was told about the stroke, she resurfaced and decided to join the family. He mother got settled in her new apartment that the daughter decorated like a shrine to herself. The house sold before the sign was in the ground because we shopped it to rehab buyers who were … (3 comments)

420 South Edgewood Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio (off market) - 04:30 PM
Spacious Split Level Home and Located within 2 Minutes of the Kokosing Gap Trail and Bike Path

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You will enjoy lots of living space with a 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths Covered front porch plus a nice rear covered patio … (1 comments)

Membership Statistics on ActiveRain - 11:37 PM
Has anyone else noticed that the membership statistics for ActiveRain members has been sitting at 89,376 for some reason.  I have been watching this number for roughly a week and the number hasn't moved.  Is there something wrong with the current member statistics?  I am wondering if during the server upgrade something got shut off.  If anyone knows the answer I would be interested in hearing what has changed with the member stats.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
… (24 comments)

Foreclosure anyone???? - 09:14 PM
Okay, It really can happen to anyone. I know I did a post aboout this before but somehow we never think it can happen to the rich and famous--OK, Neverland doesn't count....ANYTHING can happen if you are talking about Michael Jackson.
This is really kind of sad but brings home the point. I know it is a matter of scale and those of us who work with a lot of first time home buyers and working class families can sometimes be less than sympathetic when it is a multi million dollar mansion that is going into foreclosure--but ED MCMAHON???? All those … (0 comments)

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