Archives of real estate blog entries for July 6, 2008

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Sellers: Please LEAVE So That I Can Sell Your House! - 01:34 PM

Despite the fact that most sellers have undoubtedly been counseled by their Realtors to leave during showings, a large number of sellers choose to remain.
After a recent, painful, house-viewing excursion with some home buyers, I feel the need to approach the situation head-on. You seem, Mr. and Mrs. Home Seller, to not comprehend how detrimental your very presence is to the sale of your property. If you fully understood the repercussions, I am certain that you would work with the Realtors, not against them.
For most home buyers, your being in the house makes for an uncomfortable showing. … (88 comments)

Outside Blog graphics, Rainer wallpapers, marketing week in review... - 01:45 AM
 
 
 
 
 
 
Active Rain header graphics for Outside Blogs
 

 
 Now that some of the dust has settled from the introduction of Active Rain's new outside blogs, in the next few days I'll be posting the first in a series of graphic images I'm designing for the AR outside blog headers.
 The images will be free to use on your AR outside blog and since the images are mine, you won't have to be concerned about copyright issues. I'm giving them to the AR commuinty. No fine print.
 
 

 
 While I'm putting … (80 comments)

How to Create Raving Fans Even When the Home Does Not Sell - 01:34 PM
Today was a bittersweet day.
A terrific listing I had, and a beautiful home, came to an end. I knew this day was a possibility, since the sellers were very upfront from the beginning. They are relocating and the agreement was to try and sell the house (their preference) but after a certain period of time they would need to make the decision to rent. The contract ended at midnight last night and this morning we wrapped up.
We had a good number of showings and an offer that almost was completed. Just couldn’t get over the final hump. It may … (74 comments)

Don't Forget Who Butters Your Bread - 08:54 PM
 
 
Being Right or Selling Real Estate
 
A buyer I represented closed on a home not too long ago.  It wasn’t the first stab at purchasing this buyer made.  The first home the buyer wanted was grossly overpriced so at a point in the negotiation I simply told the buyer:
 
Me: You can’t go any higher.  
 
Buyer:  But we *love* this house!
 
Me: It won’t appraise and it will be a bad investment to buy at this price.  Trust me.  We can find you a home that is a better value and that will appraise.
… (53 comments)

Activerain Week in Review 6/29/08- 7/6/08 - 01:22 PM
Activerain Week in Review 6/29/08- 7/6/08
For those of you who might not know this....the Activerain Week in Review has been posted every week for over a year now. Every week you get a chance to read blog articles that might have been missed as they run quickly through the blog dashboard. Most of the time you only get to see featured posts or a post put up by one of the more recognized members.
Sometimes you'll also find these posts later on as they are put into groups that fit the category. Chances are if you don't subscribe to their posts ...you … (43 comments)

Putting Active Rain to work for you ! Part 1 - 01:35 PM
I am approaching my One Year Anniversary on Active Rain. Since that time I have made great friendships, I have learned new "tricks of the trade" and have taken part in a community that truly feels like " home" . Throughout my almost 1 year on Active Rain the valuable lessons I have learned have taught me more than any Text Book, any School could have ever offered.
Over the past couple of months I have had the honor to compete in the Makeover2takeover with some truly inspirational People/Professionals. Understand, before the Makeover2takeover ever even started I had no contact with my now Mentor, … (52 comments)

Pretty Persuasion! - 01:33 PM
What are words worth?  Not much, if we are not persuasive!
In our business we have to be persuasive.  Persuasion is power ... the power to convince, to influence, to sway, to enlighten ... the power to win! 
We appeal to people both emotionally and intellectually.
We begin by trying to elicit an emotional response ... reflexive by nature ... that is hard to avoid. 
We target our market with a promise of the ultimate result of a real estate transaction ... buyers for their home, the best price the market will bear, and the broadest exposure possible for their home!
For buyers, … (58 comments)


Blog posts


What's New With the Aurora Bridge? - 03:23 PM

Some of you may have not kept up-to-date on what is being planned for the Aurora Bridge. WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) is planning a fence to line the Aurora Bridge. “The Washington State Legislature approved design funding for the Aurora Bridge fence project in the 2008 legislative session. Design work is under way on the fence, with construction starting in spring 2010.”
You may be wondering “why?” Since its construction, in 1931, the Aurora Bridge has been used by approximately 250 people to attempt suicide. Unfortunately, few of them realize Aurora is over nearly as much ground as … (4 comments)

Market Value is Not a One Size Fits All - 07:42 PM
You've seen the web sites.  Find your market value from here!  Know what your home is worth today!  If only it were that easy!  Relying on these mechanisms can make you give up huge amounts of equity or have you market your home for too much money which results in longer market time and typically a lower price.
Market value depends on many parts to an equation.  Square footage, finish out, location, existing roadways, floorplan of your home and the effective age of the property all figure into the analysis.  Even appraisals can be off, so anyone promising you a "instant … (2 comments)

Buying property in Mexico FAQ - 09:32 PM
May an American buy property in Mexico?Yes, an American may buy property in Mexico; however, there are certain constraints. Under Mexican Law there exists a restricted zone which reaches inward from the borders (100 km) and the coastline (50 km).If so, How?In regard to owning property in the restricted area Mexican Law allows the foreigner two options:
Through a Trust Agreement ("fideicomiso") or Through the incorporation of a Mexican company (for non-residential purposes) A trust agreement is made among the Seller/Trustor who places the property in a trust, a Mexican Bank (the trustee) who must request a permit from the Ministry … (6 comments)

Loggerhead Sea Turtles on Fort Myers Beach - 01:25 PM
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Monitoring and protection Program, now in its 26th year, wants all residents and visitors to help during the nesting season by turning off or shielding lights which can be seen from the beach.  Young hatchlings naturally crawl toward the light and thereby not make it to the waters of the Gulf.  Experts estimate that only 1 hatchling out of 1,000  ( some say as high as 10,000 ) reach adulthood.  This species are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act which makes it a crime to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings or … (2 comments)

Peace in the NorthEast: Stop the Violence. - 07:11 AM
The Churches of NorthEast LA presents Peace in the NorthEast Community March
On August 16, 2008 at 10am, lead by the Churches of NorthEast LA, the NorthEast LA community will be meeting at the Highland Park Adult Senior Citizen Center, 6152 N Figueroa St,  to march down York Blvd to Eagle Rock Blvd and down Eagle Rock Blvd to a Resource Fair. Snacks will be served at both the staging area and the Resource Fair. Bottled water will also be available for marchers.
The Resource Fair will end at 5:00pm. Along with the Resource Fair there will be music and a … (1 comments)

Choices too much for today's Buffalo home buyers? - 03:23 PM
By Colleen Kulikowski
I have written about Analysis Paralysis in the past. With so many choices in Real Estate it can create a paralysis for buyers. You have to wonder if they are not experiencing choice overload in this Real Estate market. In the confusion many times they hope that by waiting just a little longer that the perfect home will come along.
By the time they are ready to act, the home that they really wanted is sold and they are disappointed.

 




 
Read the rest of the story:  Choices too much for today's … (5 comments)

The Best Luxury Home Community in Los Angeles - The Oaks of Calabasas - 10:11 AM
The Oaks at Calabasas - New Luxury Homes - Guard Gated Community - Estates - CALABASAS, CA- Located approx. 
25 miles N. of Downtown L.A.,
20 miles N of Hollywood or Beverly Hills,
20 Miles NW of Santa Monica
30 Miles NW of LAX
30 miles W of Pasadena,
60 miles E of Santa Barbara
15 N. of Malibu
Calabasas, CA, a beautiful community located west of the San Fernando Valley thats located in Los Angeles County bordering Ventura County.  Beautiful Hills filled with Luxury homes throughout and accross the freeway from notable Hidden Hills. Easy on/off access to the 101 Freeway.  … (2 comments)

Deep and Thorough Indexing is Critical As Second-Tier Search Becomes Important - 12:43 PM
Recently, a client with an integrated Google CSE contacted me and said - "Hey, my search engine is busted; it won't bring up a post that's in one of my blogs!".
This client is using MyST Blogsite as well a few other blogging platforms and he also uses our newsest product MyST/VS, integrated custom search solution powered by Google. It turns out his custom search engine is fine; but what *isn't* fine is the content he was searching for is not in the Google index.
Many people believe that the simple exercise of creating a custom search engine (CSE) for a … (0 comments)

Good news from Knoxville, Tennessee - 11:47 AM
Here's some good news about Knoxville, Tennessee to think about next time you pick up a newspaper or turn on your television and hear the "doom & gloom" about the so called national real estate market:
2008 - Knoxville ranked 4th on the "Best Cities for Relocating Families" list for Mid-Size Markets. Source: Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation May 2008 2008 - Metropolitan Knoxville named No. 10 on the list of Forbes Magazine "Best Places for Business and Careers." Source: Forbes Magazine March 2008 2007 - Expansion Management magazine named the Knoxville Metropolitan area 3rd among all mid-sized cities in the … (2 comments)

Have Fun Improving Your Health and Fitness in Beautiful Knox County Ohio - 10:16 PM
Knox County Ohio residents are so fortunate to have the Kokosing Gap Trail Bike and Walking Path to use for their personal fitness.  The solid surface asphalt trail is perfect for walking, roller blading and bike riding and the scenery is simply out of this world. 

The trail is built over many water ways, creeks and the Kokosing River.  The bridges are truly amazing and the views are even more spectacular. 

The Kokosing Gap Trail begins in Mount Vernon and passes through historical Gambier and Kenyon College, then through Howard Ohio and onto Danville Ohio.  I highly recommend taking … (6 comments)

Arizona Law Will Require Loan Officers to be Licensed - In 2010 - 11:21 AM
 
Finally, loan officers will also be required to be licensed in the State of Arizona! That has been a long time coming with many failures. I'm wondering if being licensed would have been a deterrent to the recent mortgage fraud or just a way to make sure the l/o's are educated. I've known of individuals deciding to be a loan officer and just signing up - without any type of education or knowledge. Check out the article in this morning's paper!!!
I know that licensing won't probably ensure a good loan officer anymore than it does for a Realtor, but … (24 comments)

21815 Arbor Lane, Novi MI 48375 - 10:43 PM
 
Mint Condition!
Whispering Meadows  -  ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! Home Offers A Large Pie Shape Lot With Privacy For Your 19' X 9' Sunroom. Corian Counters In Kitchen With Ceramic Flooring, Spacious Family Room With A Computer Alcove For Privacy, Partially Finished Basement & Tons Of Storage. The Best Lot Deep Into The Sub And The Most Amazing Curb Appeal And Interior As Well. Electric Fence For Fido Plus A Covered Porch Too!
Property information ~ 1,970 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 2 bath 2 story Colonial ~ $262,000
… (1 comments)

Stone Harbor and Avalon Real Estate Sales Activity in The Month of June 2008 - 01:32 PM
 
Stone Harbor and Avalon Real Estate Snapshot of Real Estate Sales Activity in The Month of June 2008
There are now 100 single family homes on the sale market in Stone Harbor ranging in price from $495,000 up to a whopping $6,500,000. Average time on the market is 250 days.
 
There were four single family homes which Sold and settled in June with prices ranging from $847,000 to $1,830,000. Average time on the market =263 days
 3 single family homes in Stone Harbor went Under Contract in June with price ranging from $849,000 to $1,999,000
 There are now 72 … (0 comments)

Christianity and Real Estate...... what do you do when you....... - 08:10 AM
 
This is a very hard post for me to write............
As of the last several days...almost a week in fact ~~~
I have been thinking of stepping down from actively participating in "Christianity and Real Estate" and I was thinking of finding an administrator to run it from now on.
I no longer felt the camaraderie, affection and unity I felt before.......
 
This all started way back several months ago, but the intensity of the feeling was increasing and would not go away.
 
I tried several ways to get to the bottom of why I was feeling this … (12 comments)

What happens when a Realtor has a baby? - 12:14 PM
This does...

Ellie Hope Fuller
Born 7/1/2008
6lbs, 9oz
19.25"
I just wanted to share with the Active Rain Community my great news!
Thanks everyone!
… (17 comments)

Do you know Vlad Z? ... Vlad Zablotskyy - 05:28 AM
Do you know Vlad Z?
Do you know Vlad Z from his other blogs...
Do you know Vlad Z from BloodHound Blog?
Do you know Vlad Z from Broker Science? 
Do you know Vlad Z from Sellsius Real Estate Blog?
Do you know him (I'm sick of saying ....) from ActiveRain?
You don't even have to leave ActiveRain to get the story AcitveRain has 92,934 members, Vlad Z is one of them.  Vlad's not an active ActiveRain member but Vlad is an ActiveRain member....  I don't really know Vlad Z.  I blogged about Vlad once but was careful not to mention … (9 comments)

Central Ohio the BEST Schools - 10:51 AM
This is part of the buyer checklist from Real Living.  The part that has to do with schools
 
 
The BEST buyer I ever had turned into a real estate agent.
Central Ohio Public Schools
Central Ohio Private Schools
 
Compa
… (0 comments)

"Give me Liberty or give me GAS" - 11:08 PM

"GIVE ME LIBERTY or GIVE ME GAS"  was  the theme of one of the entries in this years Doo Dah Parade in Columbus's Short North. A lot of the Doo Dah Parade this year was about gas prices... not all of the parade was gas prices... but a lot of it was gas prices.
The Doo Dah Parade is not your ordinary 4th of July parade. The Doo Dah Parade is parody... the Doo Dah is living editorial cartoons.
Today's Columbus Dispatch editorial cartoon is about gas prices.... and about the state of the news.   Jeff Stahler, Editorial cartoonist for … (4 comments)

WAD - Westerville to Arena District Bikeway - 11:41 PM
"WAD" is meeting tonight, July 7, 2008 at the Columbus Library - Linden Branch...
The WAD blog  says:
"The Westerville to Arena District (WAD) Bikeway is an initiative to build a commuter bikeway on an abandoned rail grade running through northeast Columbus. The rail grade in question is commonly referred to as the old Mt Vernon Right-of-Way (ROW). It begins at Cooper Park on the southern edge of Westerville and continues south to 17th Ave in Columbus. From there the trail will continue along rail lines and end below the Convention Center in downtown Columbus."
The WAD website shows a map … (2 comments)

New Orleans Enjoys its daily showers, so do my plants. its a hobby of mine - 12:50 PM
      The weather in South Louisiana is great for growing things.  Plants, insects and fish are all included.  However I fool with the plant part.  Most of the time you never have to water here with 60 plus inches of rain per year.  You rarely have to worry about freezing during the day.  Snow comes every 20 years or so, the most was in 1964 so its been a while. 
     This blog has little to do with New Orleans Condos but you can grow some great plants in your condo with a little care, light and light food.  These are … (6 comments)

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