Archives of real estate blog entries for September 7, 2008

Featured blog posts


Objects in rear view mirror may appear closer than they are - 02:52 PM
How does Localism look in your area? Do you ever think what you see could be distorted? You might just be too close?
Too close to be objective
In a comment on Changes to Localism Approved Content where Rich Jacobson broke the news that Localism would NOT be edited Steve Shatsky said:
"I would have a lot more confidence in the probability of self editing if the Dallas Localism didn't feature content that includes religious based humor (even when funny to some, it can be offensive to others), requests to AR agents for professional advice, a poll about wearing pantyhose, agent-specific … (64 comments)

Take the "I" out of Realtor! - 02:45 AM
 
As a consumer, I don't care how many homes you've sold, how many accreditations you possess, or how many millions you make.  All I care about is:  What can YOU do for ME?   Agents boasting about their accomplishments... who cares?  As a home buyer or seller, I don't want to listen to you boast about yourself!  I want you to listen to ME!  I want you to REALLY listen to me!    I want you to understand the person that I am.  I want you to understand my nuances, my subtleties, my priorities, my reasons, my likes, my dislikes.  … (79 comments)

A Really Tough Week- Loyalty and Commitment Questioned - 02:14 PM
We are getting calls from more buyers the past few days. I do not know if it is a sign that things will be turning around I certainly hope so there are loads of great deals on the market. I think it would be a great time to buy a home.
In the midst of the pick up in business- I have had bloggers block. I have sat at my computer- started a few blogs and erased them.
It has been a difficult week in the Carter household- we were on vacation last week and got a call that my husband's … (81 comments)

I Do Not Want Points For This Blog...........I Need Your Assistance........ - 02:28 AM
 
 
I am writing this because I need the help of the AR family....I am not a person that usually asks for help, and I usually am the calm, cool, and collected person that normally remains positive as humanly possible.  However I am having a weak moment.
My oldest daughter has been battling cancer, recently having surgery a month ago.  All seemed well, I just found out today she will be having more surgery on the 11th.  I have always been strong for my children, and will remain positive and upbeat for her.  But silently I feel helpless and scared...that my oldest … (179 comments)

What Is A Blog? Semantics Matter As A Post aka Article Is Not A "Blog" - 02:37 AM
The term blog is a combination of the words web and log. It is a stupid word in my opinion but it is what it is and it will stay that way forever. Now here is the question of the day:
Why do so many folks here at Active Rain believe that a "blog" is an individual post aka article?
In at least 60% of the sites I visit, the conversations I see, and the comments I read people continue to refer to a blog article or blog post as a "blog." This is incorrect. If you go into the blogosphere … (46 comments)

The Wealth of Points - 02:39 AM
Localism.
It is new and shiny and ready to go. Are you ready? I am. I like the look and I think I will post more than ever! The idea of being the "neighborhood specialist" is really appealing! Although, I work a lake of more than 50 active waterfront subdivisions I will enjoy the new Localism and take full advantage of the source!
Imagine if we could "get to know our neighbors" over the net just as we learn about each other over AR and other sources? From what I heard the old Localism had thousands of hits per month. I … (68 comments)

The Journey Of 200,000 Points Begins With A Single Post. - 02:42 AM
The Journey Of 200,000 Points Begins With A Single Post. To travel to the moon it is a journey of over 200,000 miles. The miles I have traveled on Active Rain have brought me to this juncture meeting the 200,000 point post. Just as a journey to the moon would most definitely be filled with anticipation, rocky turbulence, peaceful bliss, moments of deep thought and being a part of team working in unison to reach our destination so has this unique and rewarding road through Active Rain become to me. There have been moments of anticipation with the first blogging attempts … (157 comments)

Please pray for TLW - 01:57 PM
Hi folks. TLW is going through a very difficult time rIght now. She is a very private person so I am not at liberty to share any of the details BUT.....PLEASE pray for my wife.
Here's a little interview we did back in Jauary of 2007 that I thought you may enjoy. Thanks.
*******************************************
Hi folks, it seems like the new trend in Blogging is the interview. So, with that in mind, I thought who better for my first interview than my wife, "The Lovely Wife" aka TLW. As expected, she showed up to the interview in her cowgirl hat and … (320 comments)

What's your opinion on partnering? - 02:33 AM
I am a newer licensee, and have been learning a lot over the past few months since I began my career as a real estate agent.  I have experience as a real estate investor, so my entry into the industry as a licensee has been easier than most others' experience (from what I can see of my fellow new licensees).
In the past few months I have met some wonderful agents at the real estate company that I am working at.  Many have been very helpful and taught me a lot.  Of course, I know I have to learn more, and … (43 comments)

Special Assessment Surprise at Closing, What the HOA Failed to Realize. - 02:33 AM
I recently sold a condo in a older neighborhood. There were only 2 condos available in this small development of 37 homes and my clients looked at both, and actually put an offer on one, but were outbid.  We put an offer on the second one and got it, and everything was going smoothly.
 We were told there was a special assessment on the community for new siding and exterior repairs and were told the repairs were being assessed at $44/ month for the next 5 years, until the improvements were paid for. This was disclosed in the offer and on … (32 comments)


Blog posts


One move too many - 01:49 AM
I'm used to moving: Munich, Montreal, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, North Carolina, Seattle. Life moved me.

 
Perhaps that's why I joined Brio Realty: "For when life moves you." I liked the tagline. Then brokers came and went and I tagged along. That's not the kind of moving I had in mind. Now, it turns out we could have moved across the hallway. I would like to stay put for a while. But then again, life may move me, who knows.
… (9 comments)

Shortsale Sellers-Mortgage Fraud-Use Those Words Carefully! - 08:10 AM
Mortgage Fraud -Think and use these words carefully if you are a short sale seller!  I say this because I have seller's calling me from all walks of life...from different states...with different situations..short sale situations and some sellers choose the words mortgage fraud!
When I hear mortgage fraud...I ask immediately...have you called an attorney? In most instances..a REALTOR is the first person they call..and in some instances its just been me!

My advice to sellers:
Be very careful using the term mortgage fraud..you may in fact implicate yourself!  Seek the advice of an attorney..especially if you have..a stated income loan...or … (16 comments)

Escala - 11:34 PM
Escala Blog post
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Cristalla - 11:36 PM
Cristalla Blog post
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Active Rain Keeps Kicking me off--Should I take it Personally? - 02:53 PM

I don't know what's up with Active Rain today but it keeps logging me off.   I also had trouble adding the image.  We are not having bad weather here so I do not think it is that.  Maybe too many of us are trying to communicate at once!
Okay Active Rain Gods do your magic!
 
Queen Anne, Magnolia, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Laurelhurst, View Ridge, and Windermere, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address or the … (0 comments)

Have You Heard of High Tech High? It Maybe Time for Washington State to Have Publically Funded Charter Schools! UPDATE 9/10/08 - 03:49 PM

The voters in Seattle voted down having publicly funded Charter Schools. I think this is a good example of why we should re-think that action.
“High Tech High began in 2000 as a single charter high school launched by a coalition of San Diego business leaders and educators. It has evolved into a school development organization with a growing portfolio of innovative charter schools spanning grades K-12. HTH combats the twin problems of student disengagement and low academic achievement by creating personalized, project-based learning environments where all students are known well and challenged to meet high expectations. HTH schools attempt … (5 comments)

We Are Building A Community of Caring At Active Rain - 04:41 PM
Caring Bridge We Are Building A Caring Community at AR


Amazing bonds of friendship and caring are being created at Active Rain.  Many of us have followed Debe Maxwell's updates on her Mom's heart attack and this morning Paul  LeMay reached out to ask for prayer and support as his daughter battles cancer.   We have  become a global neighborhood that cares about each other.   Another wonderful way to keep people informed about loved ones dealing with medical crisis is through CaringBridge.org  This non-profit organization allows seriously ill patients or their relatives to build free, personalized Web sites that include a guestbook, … (4 comments)

Glad to find this group... - 01:53 PM
Having floor time on a Sunday afternoon in the days before another storm comes calling has its advantages !  I am finally able to spend some time investigating the groups which I would like to be part of and contribute to.  I just joined your group and hope to become a valuable contributor in the weeks ahead.  As a Fort Myers Beach resident and Realtor I hope my thoughts and comments will be helpful to those in thr group and visitors alike.
… (2 comments)

This seems like a perfect fit for me... - 02:02 PM
I just reviewed some of the many groups related to Real Estate in Southwest Florida while I am on floor duty this Sunday afternoon and it seems like a perfect fit.  I am a Fort Myers Beach resident and agent with Century 21 Tripower here on the island.  I have rerad some of the posts of members and look forward to adding my two cents !
… (1 comments)

Hi Bobie, Is there room in the group for me? - 02:15 PM
Really didn't expect to find a group dedicated to our island paradise !  As a Fort Myers Beach resident and agent with Century 21 Tripower I think is so cool to have this group and hope to become a valued contributor !
… (0 comments)

Wild Parrots in Northeast Los Angeles - 05:14 PM
Here you have it, one of my very first attempts to video the wild parrot flocks of Northeast Los Angeles.

Yes, a tripod would help.  But, here's the problem,  I set up the tripod in my back yard, thinking the parrots would go to the persimmion tree in the back, so instead they go to the pine tree in the front.  Or I set up the tripod aiming at my neighbor Edem's tree to the east, so they go to my neighbor Jane's tree to the west instead.
So, I think I'm stuck with hand held.  The video was shot with … (14 comments)

Seattle Tour of Houseboats - 03:03 AM
September 7, Noon - 5:00pm Floating Homes On Tour Nine Lake Union, Three Portage Bay Free Espresso Drinks!  
Seattle's Floating Homes Association biennial houseboat tour will be Sunday, September 7, 2008 from noon to 5:00 p.m. This year's tour will feature 12 floating homes, 9 on the east side of Lake Union and 3 in Portage Bay. A mix of quaint and eclectic cottages and larger, more modern as well as historic homes with a variety of decor have been specially chosen to give viewers a chance to look at this unique water-oriented community and lifestyle.
Seattle Real Estate Information
… (0 comments)

Real Estate News for Western New York - 12:32 PM
Buy a WNY Home - Handyman Specials and Fixer uppers - Are they good investments?»
If you are the type of person who recognizes a great deal in a fixer uper, you'll know a great deal when you see one. There are many types of homes to purchase, brand new homes all perfect is what we dream about. But some of the best homes may be less than perfect. Shriveled plants, weeds, wallpaper needing removing, peeling paint, or a cracked driveway are problems that sellers must often fix before their house goes on the market. These homes have the potential of being … (2 comments)

'Down The Ocean' Who's Going to Ocean City for MAR conference ? - 08:30 AM
 How many Active Rainers will be in Ocean City this week for the Maryland Association Of Realtors(r) Conference -September 7th -September 11th?
There are over 20 CE Course selections available, including CRS-210: Building an Exception Customer Service Referral Business on Wednesday & Thursday.  Looking forward to some classes, what's new at the trade show and seeing good friends. Thank goodness Hanna has passed; it is going to be a gorgeous 'down the ocean'.

Conference Schedule at a Glance 


Sunday,September 7th
 
www.HomeRome.com
mrome@homerome.com
410-530-2400
… (11 comments)

Please pray for TLW - 01:57 PM
Hi folks. TLW is going through a very difficult time rIght now. She is a very private person so I am not at liberty to share any of the details BUT.....PLEASE pray for my wife.
Here's a little interview we did back in Jauary of 2007 that I thought you may enjoy. Thanks.
*******************************************
Hi folks, it seems like the new trend in Blogging is the interview. So, with that in mind, I thought who better for my first interview than my wife, "The Lovely Wife" aka TLW. As expected, she showed up to the interview in her cowgirl hat and … (320 comments)

Mortgage Interest Rates Continue To Fall - 11:44 PM
This was the sixth week in a row were 30 Year mortgage rates fell or held steady. In the last 6 weeks 30 year notes have fallen from 6.63 to 6.35. This was preceded by a sudden jump in interest rates in July where 30 year mortgage interest rates rose from 6.26 to 6.63 between July 17th and July 24th. So while rates are little higher today than what we saw on July 17th they have almost fallen back to mid July levels. It's interesting to note that it took one week for rates to jump from 6.26 to 6.63 and … (1 comments)

St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas - 11:51 PM
St. Edward's University in South Austin was established in the late 1800s when Mrs. Mary Doyle bequeathed her 498 acre South Austin farm to the Catholic Church and Father Edward Sorin of the Congregation of the Holy Cross for the formation of an institution of higher learning. Father Sorin was also the founder of Notre Dame University, and had an illustrious and accomplished background.
In 1878, the school's first year, the students were comprised of three school boys who met in buildings which were originally part of Mrs. Doyle's farm. Later, in 1885, the President of the new school, Rev. … (0 comments)

Austin, Texas: Home of North America's Largest Urban Bat Community - 11:55 PM
Austin is home to many things: live music, the University of Texas, the state capital; but many people don't realize Austin is also home to the nation's largest urban bat community-and it's right downtown. More than 750,000 Mexican Free-Tail bats make their home under the beams of the Congress Avenue bridge. Following renovations of the iconic bridge in 1980, the bat population took up shelter under the bridge, and it has been their home each summer since.
During the cooler months, the bats make their home in Mexico, but every year during March and April they make their way North … (0 comments)

fun fall things to do in Knoxville and east Tennessee - 11:28 AM
Fall oficially begins September 22nd in east Tennessee and there's always a lineup of great outdoor activities to get you outside to enjoy the cool air and colorful leaves.


The Obed Wild & Scenic River is pretty much the same way now as it was in the late 1700s when the first white settlers walked along the banks. Great scenery, kayyaking, tubing, fishing, and hiking.
Up north of Knoxville at Norris Dam State Park you can take a color cruise on Norris Lake from October 18th through the 30th. 4 one hour trips a day with a ranger who … (1 comments)

13187 LOOKING GLASS FALLS LN, ORLANDO FL 32824 - 07:13 PM
 
 MLS# S4642325         13187 LOOKING GLASS FALLS LN, ORLANDO FL 32824  $$$ 164,900 $$$

Almost new property. Hardly lived in.  Close to the airport. Great development. Priced for a quick sale. All neutral colors inside. Nice yard with fence posts already in ground. This is a Bank Owned property.
For more information on this property in Orlando and many more like it in the Central Florida area call Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at   407-616-7286  or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com
… (0 comments)

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