Archives of real estate blog entries for January 23, 2009

Featured blog posts


The ActiveRain Guide - 04:04 PM
The ActiveRain Guide is "FINALLY" available but will probably never be completed. (LOL)  It's taken nearly two years for this project to get to this point... let me explain.

When I joined ActiveRain back in February of 2007, there were no manuals, very few tutorials, only about 20,000 members, and I had no idea where to begin or what to do here.  Countless hours and days were spent navigating the site and community in search of a manual, tutorials, and how to get started here.  Help was far and few between back then.  As a newbie here, I remember what … (115 comments)

A Day in the Life of a Consumer - Lessons and Reminders for us All! - 09:13 PM
I spent the day today as a consumer.
Somewhat urgent family issues called me to Philadelphia for several days - seemed like an interesting opportunity to pay attention to the consumer experience, especially since traveling these days can be such a nuisance. Perhaps there would be some lessons and reminders about customer service. 
Lesson 1 - PROVIDING UNNECESSARY SERVICE UNEXPECTEDLY.
A quick drive early in the morning before rush hour brought me to the Long Term Parking facility I have used before - Park Shuttle and Fly off Harbor Drive. I was greeted at the automatic gate in the rain by … (49 comments)

What is ActiveRain to YOU !?!?! - 08:54 PM
  Boy, there is so much excitement and positive activity happening here with ActiveRain recently !!!!    Membership currently stands at 130,687 - a phenomenal growth rate !  
Straight talking Bill Gassett - is about to become a TV icon    
Our Short Sale Czar Elizabeth Weintraub is launching a new book she authored which will likely open to high acclaim !
ActiveBrad, and the A|R crew have achieved goal after goal recently, including the launch of a more sophisticated Outside Blog avenue, and the completion of the highly researched ActiveRain Tutorials      
And lets not forget JC !!  No not that JC from … (81 comments)

The Google Made Me Do It! - Why we updated our home page. - 07:16 PM
When the time came for us to rethink and revamp the home page for the Ticor Title & Escrow Northwest website, we brushed up on our minimalist aesthetic sensibilities and went straight to Google analyitics. Why? We've been tracking the pageviews on our site for many moons now via Google analytics and there are more little nuggets of info in there about our users' preferences and behavior than you can shake a stick at. This made it really easy to determine what to keep on the home page and what to toss out.

What did we specifically look at? … (40 comments)

CA AG Busts Another Ponzi Scheme. Yeah! - 11:40 AM

And the beat goes on - or maybe I should say the beatings continue. Always good to see miscreants get their come-uppance. Unfortunately for more than a thousand people the come-uppance comes up too late to save their 'investment' and, in some cases, their retirement.
It's precisely this variability that makes this type of fraud so difficult to prevent. Although the two articles I posted earlier also involved Ponzi schemes and affinity fraud, the crimes are as different as night & day. In one, people with Hispanic surnames convinced other people with Hispanic surnames they could get them into … (26 comments)

Fran's Friday Forum For Freedom Fraught Fealty Filled Friends...!!! - 12:38 PM
C'mon, go out and get those dictionaries opened and discover new words and add them to your vocabulary...!!!
******* 
A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day...30,000 to a man's 15,000. The wife replied, 'The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men...The husband then turned to his wife and asked, 'What?'  
*******
One of my favorite sayings is, "You learn something new every day"...And if you don't think that's true, you're probably in the wrong business...  
Actually, that's true in any business...and, in fact, it's true … (49 comments)

15 Reasons Why I Dislike MEMEs, Am I Alone? - 09:56 AM
15 Reasons Why I Dislike MEMEs, Am I Alone?
 
My understanding of this phenomenon was that it was intended to be a get to know yaw event. Not to pester members... Most members ignore your tag so the whole MEME was futile... Most members regard MEMEs as Spam... MEMEs waste bandwidth ... MEMEs are worthless for SEO... The comments you receive are usually from the person who tagged you (A pity Comment) They are one step below a chain letter... When you choose to tag someone it usually alienates that person from ever contacting you again... If you want to … (63 comments)

We Are The Children Of Active Rain - 12:08 AM

 
 

I have been meaning to write a tribute post to the awesomeness of Active Rain, but even for me, I had a hard time finding the words to express myself. To me, Active Rain is about the wide variety of voices of people in the real estate industry and also consumers who choose to comment on their thoughts. The membership now has soared past 130,000. But as you develop a core 10, 50, or 100 people who get to know you better and interact with you regularly you will see that
We Are The Children Of Active … (101 comments)

Help Appraisers to Justify Price! - 09:56 AM



I happen to like appraisers, at least most of them. They usually either are, or have been, active real estate agents. When an appraiser calls me for input, I get back as quickly as possible. Some agents don't even return their calls, unless it relates to one of their current transactions. That is just stupid! If you ever need that appraiser's help, do you think you will get it?
 Appraisers do exactly what agents do for a CMA, but in more detail.They can't have seen all the properties they are trying to use as comps, so they have … (44 comments)

How My ActiveRain Efforts Have Brought Additional Exposure! - 05:37 AM
I could easily write several posts on this topic, but since I've had so many different opportunities this past month that have arisen from my blogging lately, I decided to write a post about all of them at once. 
And yes, that is a picture of my actual thumb!
REALTOR MAGAZINE I received a call from a reporter with Realtor Magazine late last month.  She had seen this post of mine: How to Properly Leave a Brokerage - Am I wrong to expect a call?.  She wanted to talk about my experience in two areas: agents who leave, and letting agents … (111 comments)

What To Look For When Choosing A Home Stager - 11:40 PM
                 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With the growing number of home staging training schools popping up to make a fast buck, the result is a glut of "Home Stagers" in the marketplace with absolutely no experience and no idea of where to start.  Are you willing to put your client's largest investment into the hands of someone without the expertise necessary to get the results you need?  This could turn out to be a very costly mistake.  
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a Home Stager:
  LOWEST QUOTE/FREE CONSULTATIONS   Beware of Home Stagers that come in at a … (45 comments)

Washington/Baltimore Area Active Rain Gathering! Be There Or Be Square! - 11:05 PM
When:  Tuesday, January 27th
Time:  7:00 pm
Where: 1623 Webster Street NW, Washington, DC  (a half block west of 16th Street)
Please come by to welcome Jonathan Washburn to Washington!  He'll be here meeting with some guys at NAR, and what a great excuse for a gathering!
And Oh!  My!  God!  I have to run downstairs and take down the Christmas tree!
It would be great if you could RSVP (comment) or just come by.
A good time will be had by all. 
Oops!  Passive voice! 
All will have a good time!
… (53 comments)

SO you are really gonna walk for $800???? Are you CRAZY! - 03:43 PM
Sales are hard to come by these days.  Values on properties are even harder.  Meaning the appraisals are getting tougher and tougher. 
I put a deal together 2 weeks ago.  The sellers dug in their heals at a price a little bit too high.  I am a buyer agent and advised the buyer to have a contingency put in that if the appraisal does not come in with the full value, the buyer can walk.
You can guess where this is going!!  The appraisal comes in $1600 under the offer price.  And that just happens to be the highest price the … (81 comments)

For Members Only Rant: Don't Blog Drunk! Don't Comment Drunk! - 05:35 PM
One of Active Rain's best writers (active, entertaining, useful content) succumbed to the MeMe thing.  I got tagged.  But after five or ten, I don't do MeMe's any more.  No time, nothing more to write about myself. 
But I said so in a comment on the blog post, and then listed seven things (in the comment, not a meme post) about myself in the body of the comment.  I said I was honored to have been picked.  It was what I would have done and said if the blogger and I had been sitting together in Starbucks talking to each other.
… (89 comments)


Blog posts


Foreclosure Notices Out of Control- Some Bankrolls Getting Fatter! - 08:37 AM
Yesterday I was working away in the office...and the next thing I know...someone in our office was being served docs and notified they must give a deposition...two magazines battling back and forth!  Yes this has been ongoing and I personally think it's a silly lawsuit at that!
The worst of the worst comes out of people when times are tough! The interesting thing was when I introduced myself as Midori..he already knew who I was and was pretty excited, "Are you Midori Miller?"  A legend in my own mind! :)   I knew then it must be Activerain efforts.
It turns … (20 comments)

Custom beach home for sale - Luxury and 4 bedrooms - 07:50 AM
Clear and unforgettable GULF Views!!!
This Cullen Hartzog custom home is a 3 story, 4 bedroom, 4 Bath luxury beach house.
Elaborate decks maximize the views and entertaining areas on every floor and just a stroll away from deeded beach access...call today for an APPOINTMENT!
For pricing and additional information, please view the listing
Contact Wanda directly (850) 596-1205 for additional information on this or other Panama City Beach Florida homes for sale.
There are many buyers looking for homes in the Panama City Florida area.
Sellers if you've been considering selling your home - contact me today for a free … (0 comments)

Another new member of the team - a Baby... - 07:58 AM
I am very pleased to announce that we have another new edition to the Panama City Real Estate team...
David and Wanda Martinez are the proud grandparents of Angelina Feliciano, daughter of William Feliciano III and Jessica Adkinson. Angelina was born January 20th, at 4:30 p.m. at a healthy 7lbs. 4oz and 20 inches!
Here are a few pictures from the Martinez family:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Congratulations to the ecstatic grandparents.  View more photos of the newest edition.
… (0 comments)

Manvel TX, Brazoria County, Land for Sale - 09:59 AM

… (0 comments)

Room to Roam! 3/1 On 1/2+ Acre outside of Salinas - 01:30 AM
Click to see more pictures of 739 Middlefield Road, Salinas … (0 comments)

Mortgage Market Reports - Interest Rates climb higher !!!!! - January 21, 2009 - 06:24 AM
This is a MUST READ for Rhode Island buyers "sitting on the fence". Jeff Belonger states the Hard facts in his "reality check".  
Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
WARNING, this is not a negative post, it's a reality check !!!!
Fence sitters, your fence post might have broken from under you. If you were waiting for rates to drop to 4.0% or 4.5% because you read it in the paper or heard about it in the news, don't look back wishing. It's still a great time … (4 comments)

It Has To Be Done 1-2-3! - 03:00 PM
I can hear it now…there she goes with the numbers again. I woke up this morning at 5:30 a.m. and I realized it was 1-2-3. Could not get it out of my head – who knows what sparks my Type E brain sometimes? But there it was: 1-2-3, and there won't be another one until December.
Numbers mean more than just a way to count or tell time. Remember 944? That's one of my special numbers. Even more special is 14,848, the number of days I've been married and living my own love story. What does 1-2-3 mean? Today's date, of … (40 comments)

Your call is very important to us, ya right! The mortgage companies do NOT CARE - 09:11 PM
I was listening to talk radio this afternoon on the way to an appointment to show homes.  Gil Gross of KGO 810 Radio was talking about mortgage companies... he was talking about REAL PEOPLE trying to call the  mortgage companies for help.  You know, all that stuff you hear on the news, "the banks are here to help," "we'll modify loans," "we'll help you stay in your homes." 
____________________________________
Here is recap:
Friday  January 23 , 2009
2 PM:  Congresswoman Gets the Runaround on Bank Help Lines...
In a revealing example of what she says the average homeowner faces, a California Congresswoman spent more … (7 comments)

Rockland County Foreclosures on the Rise - 12:04 PM
Its only January and Rockland County has seen a rise in active Bank Owned Properties being listed by local Realtors. I am receiving many calls from interested prospective buyers, but foreclosures are not always the right investment for a first time home buyer. Often they are only available for purchase with cash or Renovation Loans. Additionally they generally need a good amount of work, not just updates. To view some featured local Bank Owned properties visit http://rocklandhouses.com/RocklandForeclosureProperties.htm  Or for  a full list of available Bank Owned Properties email me at: sheryl@RocklandRealEstate.com  Or if you'd prefer, call me at: 845-638-1081
… (0 comments)

Short Sale Tales Part 35 "Of Course I Know Short Sales...." - 10:10 PM
   We recently got a call from an agent who was going to show one of our Short Sale listings for the second time.  In Wisconsin at this point in time....not everyone understands Short Sales. That everyone includes realtors, attorneys,....and of course buyers and sellers.  I asked the showing agent if she and her buyer understood short sales.  Invariably the answer is the same..."Of course." You bet...of course....because you know you probably SHOULD know....but you don't....so see if you can fake it with the lister....maybe I just list them and don't know either...oh not !  The next question was interesting..."Have you … (0 comments)

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Begins Registration for Kindergartners for Fall 2009 - 08:24 AM
Registration for Kindergarten Begins in FebruaryThe Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools will begin accepting registrations for kindergartners for Fall 2009 on Monday, February 2. To make it more convenient for families, forms may be printed from the district's website, www2.chccs.k12.nc.us/registration, or a registration packet may be received by mail by calling the registrar, Marlen Orio, and leaving your name and address.  Parents may also come by Lincoln Center to pick up a kindergarten registration packet and take it home.  All of these options allow the forms to be completed so parents may be more prepared before coming in to register. Only parents or legal … (0 comments)

Stone Harbor Sales Activity January 1 to January 23, 2009 - 12:37 PM
 
So was there any sales activity in Stone Harbor in January?
Check out the numbers below:Stone Harbor Single Family Homes - January 1  to January 23, 2009 Market Recap:106 single family homes are currently for sale in Stone Harbor with asking prices range from $525,000 to $5,990,000Average asking price is $2,387,687Average Days on the market - 246 daysTwo single family homes in Stone Harbor are now Under Contract.
356 89th street listed for $990,000
9200 First Avenue, a Beach Block home listed for $1,985,000
No Single Family has SOLD/SETTLED  in Stone Harbor  as of January 23rd.
A Duplex at 241 … (0 comments)

Finally I Got The Contract Signed! - 04:22 PM
 
These days you have to be persistant and calm and patient.  I have been working on this contract for a month now because some sellers still think their property is the best in the neighborhood and their listing Realtor took and over priced listing...in a down market.

But I finally got the buyer and seller to agree and it is an all cash transaction so it is a win win for everyone...we are all so happy ...YEAH! My CRS Training helped me on this one!
 
 

… (2 comments)

New Office Listing...Beach front for $825,000. - 04:05 PM
This home offers four bedrooms, two and one-half baths with breathtaking views of the ocean right off of your decks. This unit is currently not on the rental market but makes a great investment or second home, call for your appointment today.   Located at 7723 Pleasure Avenue, West, you are right next to the foot path entrance. Don't miss this one!  For more information go to http://www.SeaIsleCityHomesForYou.com
… (0 comments)

Sea Isle City Rentals - 06:18 PM
Looking for a rental in Sea Isle City?  We are adding new rentals into our system all the time.  Seasonal rental are still available along with a selection of weekly and off-season townhomes, condos and single family homes in Sea Isle.  For more on rentals call Geraldine "Gerri" Rescigno at RE/MAX Beach Home Realty 609-263-3600 or visit http://www.SeaIsleShoreHomes.com  
… (0 comments)

816 Hunter, Glenview, IL 60025 - 01:25 PM
<!--Header Box-->
Bryce Fuller is a professional Realtor with RE/MAX North in Northbrook, Illinois. He can be reached via email at Bryce@TheFullerForce.com or on the web at www.TheFullerForce.com His real estate concentration is in Northbrook, Illinois, Glenview, Illinois, and Deerfield, Illinois. All of these communities are on the West Side of the North Shore of Chicago. He has over 5 years of experience selling single family homes,condos, townhomes, condominiums, townhouses, and investment real estate in this and surrounding areas. If you, or someone you know is looking for a professional realtor to buy or sell a residential house in the … (0 comments)

2536 Carrolwood, Naperville, IL 60540 - 01:29 PM
<!--Header Box-->  
Bryce Fuller is a professional Realtor with RE/MAX North in Northbrook, Illinois.He can be reached via email at Bryce@TheFullerForce.com or on the web at www.TheFullerForce.comHis real estate concentration is in Northbrook, Illinois, Glenview, Illinois, and Deerfield, Illinois.All of these communities are on the West Side of the North Shore of Chicago. He has over 5 yearsof experience selling single family homes,condos, townhomes, condominiums, townhouses, and investment real estatein this and surrounding areas. If you, or someone you know is looking for a professional realtorto buy or sell a residential house in the area, please contact Bryce today! He works … (0 comments)

1037 Cedar, Northbrook, IL 60062 - 01:43 PM
<!--Header Box-->
Bryce Fuller is a professional Realtor with RE/MAX North in Northbrook, Illinois. He can be reached via email at Bryce@TheFullerForce.com or on the web at www.TheFullerForce.com His real estate concentration is in Northbrook, Illinois, Glenview, Illinois, and Deerfield, Illinois. All of these communities are on the West Side of the North Shore of Chicago. He has over 5 years of experience selling single family homes,condos, townhomes, condominiums, townhouses, and investment real estate in this and surrounding areas. If you, or someone you know is looking for a professional realtor to buy or sell a residential house in the … (0 comments)

322 Pathway, Lake Villa, IL - 01:46 PM
<!--Header Box-->
Bryce Fuller is a professional Realtor with RE/MAX North in Northbrook, Illinois. He can be reached via email at Bryce@TheFullerForce.com or on the web at www.TheFullerForce.com His real estate concentration is in Northbrook, Illinois, Glenview, Illinois, and Deerfield, Illinois. All of these communities are on the West Side of the North Shore of Chicago. He has over 5 years of experience selling single family homes,condos, townhomes, condominiums, townhouses, and investment real estate in this and surrounding areas. If you, or someone you know is looking for a professional realtor to buy or sell a residential house in the … (0 comments)

8645 NILES CENTER RD, Skokie, IL 60076 - 01:52 PM
<!--Header Box-->
Bryce Fuller is a professional Realtor with RE/MAX North in Northbrook, Illinois. He can be reached via email at Bryce@TheFullerForce.com or on the web at www.TheFullerForce.com His real estate concentration is in Northbrook, Illinois, Glenview, Illinois, and Deerfield, Illinois. All of these communities are on the West Side of the North Shore of Chicago. He has over 5 years of experience selling single family homes,condos, townhomes, condominiums, townhouses, and investment real estate in this and surrounding areas. If you, or someone you know is looking for a professional realtor to buy or sell a residential house in the … (0 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2009-01-23

 Archives:

31 Jan
30 Jan
29 Jan
28 Jan
27 Jan
26 Jan
25 Jan
24 Jan
23 Jan
22 Jan
21 Jan
20 Jan
19 Jan
18 Jan
17 Jan
16 Jan
15 Jan
14 Jan
13 Jan
12 Jan
11 Jan
10 Jan
9 Jan
8 Jan
7 Jan
6 Jan
5 Jan
4 Jan
3 Jan
2 Jan
1 Jan
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006