Archives of real estate blog entries for August 8, 2008

Featured blog posts


Are you Looking for an Audience or Do you Just Blog for Points? - 06:24 PM

 
I want all of you to do an exercise prior to answering the question:  Do you Blog for Points or are you looking for an Audience? 
Everyone go to your blog read the first 5 posts.  Now go to a blog you have subscribed to and read the first 5 posts.  If you like the subscribed blog better than you are blogging for points. 
We all have a lot to say, and we certainly say it, but instead of posting a few thoughts here and there why not try, and organize your thoughts, and spend some time on your … (58 comments)

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL HOME AND MY WIFE AND I LOVE IT, BUT WE'RE GOING TO LOSE IT! RED FLAGS ALL OVER! WHAT SHOULD THIS CONSUMER DO?? - 06:13 PM
                                           * * * *  HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK * * * *
"I'D LIKE TO LIST MY HOME FOR SHORT SALE", he said.
The caller was inquiring about a Short Sale on his house in Alexandria VA.  I looked it up in the tax record and saw a photo of a beautiful single family home, brick exterior, 2 car garage.  He and his wife purchased it in January 2007 as the first owners.  The home was sold as a resale although it was at that time about 3 years old.  The house is in a 45-60 year old … (52 comments)

Please, I am not husband hunting. - 06:21 PM
People never stop to amaze me. Or should I say their ego?
Anyway. I do not do this all the time, but sometimes when I have enough energy left at the end of the day and I go out for drinks with my girlfriends, I leave my name tag on, or I even put it on.
Why? Because I am a Realtor and it is a big part of my job to let everybody know I AM A REALTOR. A name tag to me is basic marketing, and most of the time it works, nobody wears a name tag at night, … (42 comments)

I Have A Confession To Make - 11:17 AM
I have a serious confession to make. It's 4:30am Friday morning and I'm still up. I'm still not tired though I have been up for almost 22 hours. I'm wide awake and probably won't sleep until the baby gets up at 6:30am. The husband is also fast asleep. The house is quiet. The room is dark. I'm all by myself and I'm in heaven!
Okay, I must admit I'm having an affair with "you - Active Rain" and it's been pretty serious. I just fall into temptation again and again whenever I think of "you". I know I should stop this … (96 comments)

"You've Just Sponsored a Community! - Now What?" - 11:16 AM
Okay, so if you're like many of your fellow ActiveRain members, you've recently been caught up in the Localism Land Rush, and have successfully acquired sponsorship of one or more communities within your market area.
After all the celebrative fireworks and fanfare, perhaps you're left scratching your head and asking yourself, ....Now what?
As a licensed real estate professional here on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State, I was fortunate enough to have secured the town of Silverdale WA, an unincorporated community situated along the shores of Dyes Inlet, home to the Kitsap Mall and nearby Bangor Submarine Base.
… (98 comments)

A green walk down memory land in Corrales! (LOCALISM FEATURED) - 03:54 AM
… (22 comments)

Reality Bites! - 03:07 PM
Yesterday, I drove to one of my REO listings for its weekly check up. The neighborhood isn't a great one, it's filled with vacant homes, uncut lawns, and scattered personal property from recent evictions. It's easy to see that this neighborhood is another victim of the avalanche of short sales, foreclosures, and bankruptcy sales in Montgomery County, but honestly, I wasn't thinking about any of that as I went to inspect a broken gate behind my listing. This mundane afternoon errand soon turned into a reality check that I didn't even realize I needed when I met a nine year old … (41 comments)

Localism My communities and Google knows. - 11:13 AM
I am the proud Mayor of 19 communities in my area. I was a nervous wreck waiting for the land rush. Adrendlin was rushing hands sweating.
I know you "think" I'm kidding but I'm NOT.
I wasn't greedy, in fact I called an agent in my area and asked her if she was going to buy Dexter. If not I was going to buy it too. But, she did so I chose not to buy it since I was able to log on first.
Anyway, here's the scoop:
 
After you buy them you will have a list of all the … (70 comments)

What is next on the tech horizon? - 06:19 PM
What is next on the tech horizon?
I am sitting here in absolute amazement at how the real estate profession has changed over the last 10 years.  When I sit back and think about it in 1998 when I came into the business the only piece of tech equipment that an agent needed was a pager.  Then shortly after that one of those fancy gizmos called a cell phone.  So, here are agents walking around carrying a cell phone and a pager.  Didn't the cell phone have voicemail capability, I think so.  This is where the fun part for me was, … (56 comments)

Book'em Dano - 11:23 AM


Once again the list is out and the culprits are lined up! Here are the fines imposed against our brethren for last month by the NWMLS. The names of the agents and brokerages have been excluded, to protect the guilty (and myself).
Rule Violated:NWMLS Rule 17 - Solicitation of another Member's Listing
Summary of Complaint: Agent called the seller of a listed property the day after the property was listed and questioned why the seller chose the listing company. The agent followed up with a note thanking the seller for speaking with him.
Penalty: $500. Agent required to take … (23 comments)

I'll never blog.... - 06:15 PM


 I'll never blog! Who wants to be a slave to a computer?  I heard those words today and was like say what? I heard someone else comment that maybe they'd consider looking into it in their spare time?  Huh?  Spare time? Blogging to me is not something I do in my spare time or write off as unproductive.  It has become a  part of my daily business practice.  Like anything you make time for what you feel is important and productive and I have made business contacts because of my blog - it's as simple as that. 
Thank you Active Rain for expanding my horizons … (35 comments)

What in the _ ell is going on???? Have we all gone insane? Blood tests to determine the buyer is alive and who they say they are???? - 03:37 AM
Yesterday was a good day - I was taking the afternoon off for a company golf tournament.  Beautiful weather, I'm vibrant and healthy, and I get to meet a lot of new people.  Perfect for an extrovert!
About 5 minutes before heading out the door I get a call from an underwriter...
Would you consider switching this purchase loan to a 30 year fixed from a 7/1 Interest Only Arm?   No, this is what my client wants and the rates have gotten worse so we would be looking at a minimum of .5-.75% higher interest rate.
Well, we know you have … (45 comments)


Blog posts


Localism talked about in geek's blog: Anarchogeek - 03:52 PM
Being mentioned in business publications and blogs is always nice, but nothing equals the sheer joy of having a developer/geek, who's in the know, write about your company in his blog.  Developer/geeks have an uncanny ability to measure the pulse of the up and coming, and I've found that if you can please this sub-sect it's usually a very good indication you are on the right track.  So it is with great excitement that I bring to you Localism's first hard core, non real estate industry related, geek blog write up.  I highly recommend clicking through and reading the complete article.
… (23 comments)

Book'em Dano - 11:23 AM


Once again the list is out and the culprits are lined up! Here are the fines imposed against our brethren for last month by the NWMLS. The names of the agents and brokerages have been excluded, to protect the guilty (and myself).
Rule Violated:NWMLS Rule 17 - Solicitation of another Member's Listing
Summary of Complaint: Agent called the seller of a listed property the day after the property was listed and questioned why the seller chose the listing company. The agent followed up with a note thanking the seller for speaking with him.
Penalty: $500. Agent required to take … (23 comments)

Prospecting-Just Like A Beat-Blog-E-Mail and Call! - 10:39 PM
Your blogs give you many benefits with SEO, a familiar name/face and an on line presence. Did you know you really can build relationships via your blogs? 
Quality content, consistent and interesting will get you return readers, fans and some blasts from the pasts..once you start building relationships you got yourself a strong sphere of influence.   But how do you get your sphere to take you serious?  Here are a few of the observations I made.
Prospecting for My Bail!
It started with a blog post-with the post came a few comments lots and lots of views, posted it on … (8 comments)

What Has Alyssa Been Up To? - 02:40 PM
I realized I haven't really posted about Alyssa in a few weeks, so I put together some scrapblogs to tell the story of what she's been doing.
Here is Memorial Weekend as we're enjoying the beautiful waters of my mom's community pool.  She loves that "Steiner Ball" except her tooth poked a hole in it last week, so anyone in Austin, wanna send me a new one? 

She very much enjoyed her watermelon, though not so much anymore. She has decided she doesn't care for her sunglasses.

More watermelon and more Steiner Ball before she chewed through it.

… (13 comments)

Are We Moving to Austin?? UnBelievable Update - 03:09 PM
I'm not even going to beat around the bush with this one, as the usual me would tease you a little bit before giving an answer.  The short answer is, YES, we are moving to Austin.  We put a contract on a new home this past Sunday, and the builder approved it on Monday.
We decided on Falconhead West.  We will be on the North side of the community with views of, whatever it is that's out there, and backing to a bunch of trees.  Personally, I'm not a "view" type of person, so I have no idea what it is … (27 comments)

Can Numerology Prevent a Buyer from Buying? - 08:24 PM
Today is a very special day.  It is the day of August 8, 2008.  It is narrowed down to 08/08/08.  8 is known to be a very lucky number.  It just so happens that it is not a coincidence that the Olympics are starting today in Beijing as this is a very strong Chinese belief.
This got me to thinking about numbers and their meaning.  I pay attention to numbers to an extent, but I don't have all the numbers memorized.
For example, my current home address is 3013.  Oh no, it ends in the unlucky 13, what am I to … (24 comments)

The media just can't help themselves - 01:36 PM
By now I'm sure you have all heard that a man has been arrested in connection with a death threat against Barack Obama. I'm not sure how serious the actual threat was, but I think the authorities have acted correctly. What he did was at least as serious as making a "joke" about a bomb on a plane while checking in for a flight.
Also - although I shoudn't have to - I also want to make it clear that while I disagree with just about every word that comes out of Mr Obama's mouth, we live in the greatest country … (15 comments)

Email Flyers from Home Inspectors - 09:43 AM
So I open my email box this morning to find a few hundred more emails to sift through and decide which are worth reading, only to find another email from a local Home Inspection Company, of which I decide might be worth reading.  I like learning new things.  So I open it, eager to learn a few trade secrets and what's the bi monthly newspaper about?
How to breathe from your stomach and eating a colorful salad to stay healthy!
OMG!!!  WHAT does this have to do with Home Inspections?  Unsubscribe from this one.  Get a clue people!   I hope you … (2 comments)

Fort Myers Beach 3/2 Gulf front gem. Just bring your flip flops ! - 02:34 PM
This was the fan favorite on the annual " Parade  of Homes " !
Owner will include one of the hot " SMART " cars with the purchase of this home !
 Wouldn't this put a smile on her face !
Gorgeous 3/2 direct Gulf front home. Totally decorator furnished home.  I will be hosting this  listing on Saturday starting at  9:30 AM .  If you have been looking for a move-in ready beach front this is it.   If you are on Fort Myers Beach  stop in and and say " HI".  This beautiful home is a real charmer with light. bright beachy colors and decorator upgrades. Furnished … (0 comments)

I17 Construction - Weekend Closings Will Impact Subdivisions in North Valley - 11:09 AM
Over the weekend, August 8 - 10, 2008, Loop 101 will be closed Westbound at I17.   This closure will impact many northern communities such Stetson Valley, Stetson Hills, Sonoran Foothills, Tramonto, Fireside and Anthem.
Similar projects will continue through 2009, at that time we expect to see improved roads, interchanges, and exits which will enhance transportation to and from these same communities. 
Below are a list of current projects underway (Provided from ADOT)
Interstate 17 from Pinnacle Peak to Happy Valley roads Sunday, Aug. 10 - Tuesday, Aug.12 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. I-17 will be restricted to one lane northbound … (2 comments)

Tale of a local real estate auction - 06:23 PM
92 Sunset Amherst NY Sold in Auction for $79,000

Sold in Auction for $79,000
Yesterday in the crowded living room of 92 Sunset in Amherst NY there was an auction of this Amherst home and all of it's contents.   It was not a bank sale, it was to settle the estate of the previous owner who built the house in 1978.  Everything in the home was original, so some updating will need to happen for the new buyers.  
The details of the sale are the home is purchased "as-is", closing in 30 days, there is no concessions and if you have the … (2 comments)

Accelerated Marketing - aka Auction - Your Seller Needs Options! - 08:42 AM
 
In today's market, a professional real estate agent owes it to the seller to consider and present all options for selling a property, especially when it has been on the market for a while. Accelerated Marketing can be one of those options.
There's a popular perception that "Auction" = "Distressed Property." That's a holdover from the Depression and the downturn of the 1980's, but no more true today than the idea that direct mail is the only way to advertise.
In reality, "Auction" can mean "Non-contingent,  NO closing costs, NO commissions, NO inspections!" Doesn't that sound better to the seller?
 Bidders … (8 comments)

Bank of America Short Sale Approval in TWO Weeks? Its not what you think . . . - 11:39 AM
I was surprised, out of the blue, to get a short sale "approval" letter for a property who's package only got into processing with them 2 weeks ago.
This is a second loan on this property.  A little over 300k is owed on it.
I was surprised that the letter said:
"Bank of America agrees to accept $320,000 in certified funds as settlement in full of this loan. Upon the bank's receipt of the payment of $320,000 the bank will release the the lien on the above property."
Yes, don't be blinded by the approval part of this letter, take note … (15 comments)

Thank you, Google! - 12:26 PM
A month or two ago, I "googled" a phrase where I hope one or more of my posts would be found. Some of my target areas are "Los Gatos real estate", "Silicon Valley real estate", "Almaden Valley real estate" and so on. To my horror, when I did one of these searches, I found that a post of mine was showing up on someone else's blog - and under that blog was on page 1 of Google for blog results. Worse, I clicked on the link and found a full ten posts of mine, in their entirety, there. Yes, sure, the … (3 comments)

Pond Inspiration and Back to School - 09:51 AM
"Hello everyone.  I was inspired by the recent pond tour and I hired my wonderfully talented fireman-turned-landscaper Damien Pritts, owner of Steimz Landscaping (719-240-0900), to build a pond for me.  I am absolutely THRILLED with the result (see picture), but I don't know what to do next.  My husband wants to put koi in the pond and I want plants.  If you have advice for us on how to make this happen, shoot me an e-mail.
It's hard to believe that summer is almost over, with school starting next week.  Remember to DRIVE SAFELY through school zones and when children are … (0 comments)

Fountain City, Knoxville’s “Norman Rockwell” neighborhood - 05:09 PM
One of my favorite parts of North Knoxville is the charming little community of Fountain City.
From Fountain City Lake (which the locals all call “the Duck Pond”) to Litton’s Restaurant; Fountain City has a style and charm all it’s own.
Bordered to the north by Black Oak Ridge and south by Interstate 640, it’s sort of an area where time has definitely slowed down relative to the rest of Knoxville and not in a backwards way.
Boasting lots of longtime, multi generational residents, Fountain Citians always seem to have a friendly hello and a smile for both old timers and newcomers … (0 comments)

Spotlight On Senna Hills: A Neighborhood Of Luxury - 04:17 AM
Only 20 minutes to downtown Austin, Senna Hills is conveniently located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Bee Cave Road offers access to Capital of Texas Hwy (Loop 360), a scenic loop through northwest and southwest Austin. Ten minutes away is Austin's largest and most upscale shopping mall, Barton Creek Square Mall. Less than five minutes away are the Shops at the Galleria, which are currently under construction, and coming soon, the Hill Country Galleria Mall.  
This elegant and beautifully appointed neighborhood boasts an exceptional living environment with wonderful facilities for enjoyment by all age groups. Amenities include community … (0 comments)

WOW ! A Waukesha Like New Family Home with a HUGE Backyard ! - 07:00 AM
 
 
                                  2320 Brookstone Lane ... A Sparkling Family Home in Brookstone
                                                      Willows Sub-Division
Our sellers tell us that their children had their own park in the backyard of this "like new" home...all new laminant flooring and carpet throughout the house...the whole interior has been freshly painted....the landcaping has been lovingly maintained and the backyard has a gym set and plenty of room for children and pets to play. The first floor family room with gas fireplace has patio  doors that open on to the deck...and overlook the huge backyard and pine tree "fence.
       
    The formal … (3 comments)

Virginia Beach Real Estate Market Trends June 2008 Sales Statistics - 08:40 AM
Virginia Beach June 2008 Sales Statistics
Residential sales in Virginia Beach dropped by 23 percent in June compared to June 2007, causing the average market time to increase 18 percent, from 55 days to 65 days. The median sales price decreased 7 percent, while the average sale price decreased 7 percent to $318,784.
What do these statistics mean for Virginia Beach real estate?
It remains an excellent market for first time home buyers to get their feet wet. Market times have increased and prices have decreased, making sellers more negotiable. Search for all Virginia Beach real estate listings or get the current … (0 comments)

Real Estate Virtual Assistant: 10 Steps To Successful & Profitable Websites - 08:46 AM
10 website "must-haves" needed to ensure success a successful and profitable website.
With 78% of home buyers starting their home search on the Internet, real estate professionals have embraced websites and an Internet presence in a big way. Let's face it, you need to be where the consumers are and that means the Internet.
But how many of the hundreds of thousands of real estate websites actually bring in business and generate income. I don't have statistics, but my gut, along with discussions with agents I come into contact with as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant, tells me not many.
Rismedia.com … (4 comments)

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