Archives of real estate blog entries for July 23, 2008

Featured blog posts


The ActiveRain Gang - Follow Us Live @ RE Connect - 01:46 PM

Since I will be joining the others at RE Connect this year, I just realized, I probably won't have much time to Blog and comment while I'm away. Oh No! :-) This will be a very exciting event and I'm certain there will be so many things I'll want to share. How will I keep up with it all? How will I keep you informed of all that's going on around us in the Big City By The Bay? I think I have found a way......
First, there's twitter, which will allow me to create short bursts of mini Blogs. … (67 comments)

RE Bar Camp 2008 - 02:02 PM
REBarCamp 2008  
First question should be "What the heck is a REBarCamp?" 
Did you learn how to build bridges or something? 
From the website: 
"RE Bar Camp is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from attendees. Visit our wiki for more information."
I can say it was a great event and have to thank Andy, Todd, and all the rest that helped make it happen.
Here's just a small sample of some of the many who attended....
 
Online … (23 comments)

Self promotion real estate mailout from 1993. - 01:58 PM

While looking through my old junk, I found this self-promotion advertisement that I mailed out in 1993.  That is the year that I went to work for RE/MAX Advantage.  Well, the truth is my friends found it and showed it me.  They'd saved it because they liked it.
It really is irrelevant that when I began, curly hair styles were "in".  I wore a curly wig until I was sure I liked it and then had the frizzy perm.  I must say it was the easiest hairstyle that I ever had.  Interest rates did shoot up to 18% or above.  … (75 comments)

Get Better Google Rankings -- Avoid Superlatives - 01:45 PM
I know I haven't written about SEO in a while, so I wanted to give this important tip to my readers. Trust me, this works!
If you have ever signed up for pay-per-click ads, like with Yahoo! or Google, you will find that they do not allow superlatives when you describe your site and set up your ad. For those of you that need a refresher, a Superlative \Su`per*la"tive\ is:
1. Lifted up to the highest degree; most eminent; surpassing all other; supreme; as, superlative wisdom or prudence.
2. (Gram.) Expressing the highest or lowest degree of the quality denoted by … (65 comments)

Shh! Don't Frighten It! The Endangered Exclusive Listing - 01:45 PM
There are scores of listings languishing on the market here in the greater Phoenix area.  Thousands upon thousands of them.  Many are overpriced.  Many are in less than ideal condition.  Many more are simply “okay” houses with “okay” prices.  That won’t cut it in today’s hyper competitive environment.  While these home selling sins are somewhat pardonable due to financial constraints, I still run across the occasional animal that should have gone extinct right next to the dodo bird … or 2006, at the latest. 
I’m talking about the “Exclusive Listing.”

In better times for sellers, the exclusive listing is … (70 comments)

Building a Referral-Machine... A Softer Perspective - 01:58 PM
I read and enjoyed Chris Pollinger's last week's featured post on Building a Referral Machine. It was well-written and obviously quite well-received by the AR crowd. However, being the argumentative sort that I am, I'd like to, well, argue!
Actually, I'm not really arguing. Just offering some alternatives. In my years of coaching agents on their own referral-building efforts, I've found that many are uncomfortable with the idea of aggressively pursuing business and referrals from the people they know and the people they meet... so, for you... see how you feel about THESE referral-building philosophies...
Go out in the world with … (49 comments)

Buyer Broker Agreements-Its Not Always About The Deposit! - 02:04 PM
There always seems to be a great debate on buyer broker agreements. Do you provide a buyer's consultation?  If not you should!  Why would you make the assumption that a buyer knows every step of the process.  Even if they say they do...often times they do not!  Funny thing, we never do this to a real estate seller and on many occasions buyers get shortchanged and we wonder why so many dislike real estate agents.

 
Through out the years I have learned many lessons when it comes to buyers and their commitment to buy real estate. 
Don't assume because … (62 comments)

Sharing an office space with a *talkative* agent - 01:43 PM

I spoke with a fellow agent today who complained about that. She had an office space she shared with another agent in her office. They get along well so that is not the issue. The problem is that she cannot get much done when she's in the office. No, she is not hyperactive or anything of that sort that would hinder her ability to work. The problem is her fellow agent that she is sharing the office with. This agent talks too much while she is trying to get some work done and it is a distraction for her.
She … (109 comments)

It's your Blog the mirror of your Personality ?.... - 02:06 PM
I would definitely say yes!
What are Personality Traits? Definition: Traits are a readiness to think or act in a similar fashion in response to a variety of different stimuli or situations.
As an avid reader of most posts here on AR, I started to know people not only from the picture they show but from the material they write... After a while I know their reactions, preferences, sense of humor (or lack of it) ... their personality. I am sure you get that to. 
How well do you know your own personality? Are you shy? Cheerful? Domineering? Have you ever wished to be someone … (102 comments)

Maybe They'll Scratch Your Back if You Scratch Theirs, First? - 02:01 PM

 
Here's something that just came to me, today.  I thought it would be a unique way to stay in contact with the comunity, too. 
I've stayed in touch with an Estero High School coach even since my kids have graduated and gone.  The coach sent me a boosters order form for ad space in the fall program.
I know it's an uphill battle for them to get ads this year because everyone is pinching pennies. I decided to sweeten the "booster ad deal" and provide free ads (posts) on my website to anyone that orders a booster ad.  The … (43 comments)

Near and dear to my heart - referrals - 01:58 PM
This morning I've had the pure pleasure of writing a thank you note to a referring agent in another part of our state, and tucking inside of the envelope a check made out to her company.What brought this post on?  This comment from another real estate agent:"Don't you hate to send off a referral check when you've done all the work?"Cynicism and greediness at its best.   Here's what I gained with this referral:  I met a wonderful young couple and an adorable toddler.  I toured more homes in one area than I had in years.  Together we faced challenges and worked … (44 comments)

Refreshing Relationships in The Rain - 01:46 PM
Many Americans are isolated and do not experience community.  They do not have a healthy supportive network of relationships.  Hence, we are the most addicted nation in the world even though we are the most affluent and prosperous nation in the world.  
The refreshing relationships we have in The Rain are remarkable.  My wife, Irene, and son, Chris, and I are amazed to have rich and rewarding relationships in this awesome creative community.
First of all, we must honor Jonathan Washburn for creating the Active Rain Community.  He is a pioneer and a visionary.  To develop an authentic, creative and interdependent community … (54 comments)


Blog posts


Buyer Broker Agreements-Its Not Always About The Deposit! - 02:04 PM
There always seems to be a great debate on buyer broker agreements. Do you provide a buyer's consultation?  If not you should!  Why would you make the assumption that a buyer knows every step of the process.  Even if they say they do...often times they do not!  Funny thing, we never do this to a real estate seller and on many occasions buyers get shortchanged and we wonder why so many dislike real estate agents.

 
Through out the years I have learned many lessons when it comes to buyers and their commitment to buy real estate. 
Don't assume because … (62 comments)

Protest Rally, Thurs. July 24th -- "Against" Proposed Two-way Mercer Street Transit Plan and "For" Elevated Viaduct - 12:10 PM

There is going to be a protest rally tomorrow from 3-4 p.m. on the Seattle City Hall steps regarding the proposed two-way Mercer Street Transit Plan and to show support for an elevated viaduct.   If either of these subjects interest you, please tell your friends and show up! The City Hall is at 600 4th Avenue.
Most people I have spoken to while campaigning want to keep an elevated viaduct. They feel like it is vitally important to the health of the city. You can read all about the subject on No Big Dig.
 
My campaign website is: www.blossforthe36th.com
… (2 comments)

5840 Benner Street, #106, Highland Park, CA 90042 - 05:10 PM
5840 Benner Street, #106, Highland Park - Offered at: $272,500 Great 1st floor unit with view balcony in the Award Winning Arroyo Seco Village. Sits on a 7+ acre hilltop with gorgeous landscaping in a safe gated community. Updated kitchen and baths, lots of closets and storage, secure parking. Outside common area amenities include: pool, jacuzzi style spa, new BBQ's in BBQ area, sauna, picnic areas, recreation room, extra on-site laundry room, koi pond, fountain, large grassy areas, trees, gated children's play area, sport court, elevators dog run & visitor parking area: all are well maintained for you. … (1 comments)

GUESS WHAT THIS IS? - 02:31 PM
  
 
 
It's a new Prison in the UK!Prison vs WorkJust in case you ever get these two environments mixed up, this should make things a little bit clearer.
OK - very funny! BUT, can you believe these conditions???????
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Copyright © 2008 By Simon L Conway All Rights Reserved.)
Please give me a call if you have questions about the Central Florida real estate market.  You can reach me on 407 876 8200.  Also visit my web site at www.simonconway.net or www.move2orlando.net 
 
… (22 comments)

BEST LAWYER STORY OF THE YEAR, DECADE AND PROBABLY THE CENTURY - 09:34 PM
I have no idea if this is real, but I so want it to be! I have checked snopes and couldn't find it and so I am delighted to put a smile on everyone's faces as I present the best lawyer story I ever read!
Charlotte , North Carolina
A lawyer purchased a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against, among other things, fire.
Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these great cigars and without yet having made even his first premium payment on the policy the lawyer filed a claim against the insurance … (18 comments)

McHenry County Fair BBQ 3rd Annual Cook off with great prizes! - 11:35 PM

Third Annual McHenry County Fair BBQ Cookoff
Prize Purse Exceeds $700
McHenry County - BBQUERS start smokin'! The third annual McHenry County Fair BBQ Cookoff takes place Sunday August 3 at the fairgrounds in Woodstock.  This year the Adult Class will cook Beef, Pork, and Poultry.
Children ages 9-18 cook Hamburger, Chicken Leg, and Sausage. Children younger than 16 need to be supervised by an adult.
Adult class prizes total over $550 in cash and prizes. Junior Class prizes total $150.  To be eligible for Adult Class grand prizes, entrants must compete in all three classes. Deadline is July 31.
Event organizers would like to … (1 comments)

Fort Myers Beach OPEN HOUSE, 2/2 , Reduced $50k - 09:05 PM
July 24,2008   9:30   Reduced $50k
 
If you are looking for a great Fort Myers Beach home for under $400k this is it !   Very charming 2/2 just across the street from the Gulf.  Two under building parking spaces, nice lot with room for a pool, rear deck and nice views.
This association owns a private Gazebo on the Gulf and a small dockage on the bay for the use of owners.  Very nice neighborhood !
Priced at $319k this is one of the best values on the island !  Stop  by and say " HI "
 

For a private … (0 comments)

And What Were They Filming? - 06:10 AM
For anyone who wondered just what was being filmed last week on the corner of Avenue 56 and North Figueroa

It was a new TV series for TNT ....
More here
http://www.turnerinfo.com/newsitem.aspx?P=TNT&CID01=6ae1a382-b047-458b-8f12-8c3278b9e85b
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117980871.html?categoryid=14&cs=1
The Figueroa Street Business District could become a "Living Backlot" ®   Read Robert Mendel's proposal.  Mendel proposes that creating a an organized, film-friendly corridor along North Figueroa would stimulate tourism to the area, create business for the local shop owners, and begin generating funds necessary to restore the building facades along the corridor.
 
 
… (4 comments)

Wisdom from 1889 - 08:55 AM
As I was searching researching the history of my little commmunity of Northeast Los Angeles, I came across this gem in the Southern California Quarterly.

 
It was written in 1889, two years after the Great Southern California Real Estate Boom of 1887. 
Here's the conclusion of the article:
When the boom had become a thing of the past, those who had kept aloof from wild speculation, pursued the even tenor of their ways, building up the real cities and improving the country.  Those who had invested recklessly in paper cities plowed up the sities of prospective palace hotels and … (7 comments)

100k Milestone Achieved - 11:26 AM
Well I am finally there! 100,000 points and climbing.  It has been a long road but I am back blogging again so the points should just keep climbing.  I don't blog for points however when you see that number you just can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.  Next goal, 200k of course!!!
… (10 comments)

Active Rain among top RE blog platforms - Inman News - 01:57 PM
Here's a great read about our community:
Top RE blog platforms revealed - by Inman News
… (5 comments)

First the challenging housing market.....now shrinking Starbucks Coffee Coffers??? No!! Don't take our Starbucks Stores!! - 06:40 AM
With the recent announcement that there were TEN Starbucks locations closing within Metro Atlanta, many coffee lovers are very sad. I am especially sad considering that I go to Starbucks almost on a daily basis for an afternoon jolt of energy after spending all day showing property or working hard on other real estate related projects. Call me a caffeine addict....but you can't close our Starbucks stores!!
Starbucks was the primo in selection of locations for their stores. When a location for a store was selected, it was considered to be in a hotspot or an up-and-coming area.
Well, hopefully we … (0 comments)

Shopping for a Home in Snohomish County - 10:44 AM
If you are thinking of buying a home in Snohomish County Washington, you couldn't have picked a better time.
The Snohomish County Camano Association of Realtors is sponsoring a "County-Wide" Open House weekend, July 26 and 27. Ove 30 brokers will be holding their listings open. We expect over 400 homes to be open for viewing this weekend.
You ask why, the local Realtors want to do something positive for what has been a dismal selling season. Growing inventory is providing a lot of choices. Competition among sellers has created a buyer's market and better home deals.
More loans from the … (0 comments)

Life Appreciation - 10:58 AM
Ok, don't take things for granted, tell your family you love them, take time to "smell the roses", enjoy life. Just a few words of advice, or are they?  Maybe more like a way of living. I'll tell you why:
Last week I was leaving one appointment heading to another when someone ran a "red blinker" and t-boned my car. I saw him coming, tried to swerve to miss, but didn't realize he had already hit me. My car spun and he hit me again, pushed me into a stopped car on my right that "crunched" that side and slid us … (8 comments)

Wise Buyer's Choose To Get A Home Inspection - 06:28 AM
Make the decision early on that, when you find your Alaskan dream home, you will hire the services of a home inspector. Although it is natural for a buyer to want to keep expenses to a minimum, waiving the right to a home inspection is not a wise choice. A home inspector will make a visual inspection of the home, examining structure and home systems to determine if they are sound and working properly. It is best that you are present at the time of the inspection so the inspector may address any questions or particular concerns you may have. Every home has … (0 comments)

INVEST NOW!! Nearly 20 Acres of Prime Building Land! Approved 46 Lots and GREAT LOCATION! - 04:50 PM
f … (2 comments)

Burlington County Farm Fair Now In Progress - 01:38 PM
The annual Burlington County Farm Fair started today (6/23/08) and will continue through until Friday evening.This is a great time out for the family to enjoy rides, food, 4-H judging, arts and crafts; and seeing antique equipment, cows and other farm livestock up close, and watch the pig races!In addition to the pig races, there will be lots of fun contests throughout the day, including children's tractor pull, men's spike driving contest, milking contest and a woman's skillet throw.   Various animal shows will occur for sheep, horses and cows, plus live entertainment by local performers.The fair is held in Lumbertown Township, along Rt. 541,   Farm and … (1 comments)

Antique Waterfront Cape! - 03:37 PM
… (0 comments)

Remodeled Gem in the Heart of Phippsburg! - 03:41 PM
… (0 comments)

3 Bedroom Colonial With Home Warranty and Money Towards Closing Costs! - 03:52 PM
… (0 comments)

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