Archives of real estate blog entries for October 10, 2009

Featured blog posts


REAL ESTATE IS A CONTACT SPORT - 08:15 PM
REAL ESTATE IS A CONTACT SPORT
Real estate is a contact sport. That means as Realtors we need to talk with people. We need to let everyone we know what we do for a living. Your name should pop up first when someone has a real estate need. Today, many people are in trouble with their properties and do not know who to contact. Be the one in your local community to solve their problem with their trouble property. Locally, many people here in Phoenix, AZ, are upside down in their home. I have created the crisis real estate team to … (67 comments)

Short Sale: Removing an IRS Tax Lien from a property - 05:38 PM
If you have a short sale property with an IRS tax lien, the IRS will remove thier lien and allow you to sell the home. It takes WORK but it can be done!
In cases where the homeowner has not paid their income taxes, the IRS may place a federal tax lien on the property. Actually, the lien covers all of the person's property including the home. Typically, you can convince the IRS to remove the tax lien (from the house) by requesting a Certificate of Discharge of Property from Federal Tax Lien (Publication 783) with the IRS.
The reason the … (82 comments)

WHY TENACITY IS SO IMPORTANT - 04:35 PM
BUYING A HOUSE ISN'T EASY THESE DAYS neither is selling one.   Think the process is frustrating in the beginning stages, it can be a frenzy in the final stages before closing.  Lender financed loans certainly have their fair share of obstacles to overcome.  Like revised appraisal practices which have an impact on your ability to buy or sell.
STRESS CAUSING FACTORS
TIMING:       also called BEAT THE BANK                 
Short sale properties have a drop dead date once the lender agrees to release their lien against the house and take less than is owed.
These properties often are in the throws of foreclosure.]
These drop dead … (23 comments)

Google Trends Labs shows you what people search for in your area - 08:23 AM
Have you tried this great Google tool yet? Google Trends Labs lets you search, find, and compare keyword search terms with others to see which ones are being searched for most.
Here's an example from my area comparing: "Knoxville Real Estate", "Knoxville TN Real Estate" and "Knoxville Homes For Sale"
 

 
The blue line above represents Google searches within the US for the keywords, "Knoxville Real Estate" which form the baseline at 1.00
The red line is for "Knoxville TN Real Estate which scored 0.45 or less than half the top keywords rank.
Last is the term, "Knoxville Homes … (92 comments)

Anne Arundel County Maryland Real Estate - September 2009 - 07:28 AM
The real estate market showed quite an improvement last month in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, compared to September 2008.  The number of homes sold and settled was UP almost 25% and the "Days on Market" went down over 11%.
I don't believe this is the beginning of a market trend for homeowners who are waiting for the market to turn before they sell, however.  More likely, it is a temporary "bubble" that has been stimulated by the federal government's $8,000 tax credit (due to expire next month) and the huge inventory of bank-owned properties and short sales being picked up by … (15 comments)

5 REASONS AGENTS SHOULD BLOG...AND MORE FROM SEATTLE RAIN CAMP - 12:24 AM
5 REASONS AGENTS SHOULD BLOG...AND MORE FROM SEATTLE RAIN CAMPOne of the Many Topics covered at Rain Camp.... the 5 most important reasons for Realtors to Blog .
To write articles so people will find you via the Internet. Postion yourself as a expert in a field of Real Estate or Geo Location by targeting your market..Example: Mesquie Nevada Land, Bank Owned properties, Open Houses, Golf Course Communites. Successfully Market Your Listings. Generate internet traffic to you and create links back to subjects or people in your blogs.See Toby Barnett as examples of links back in his Blogg Posts Blogging for Referral Business.Some of the … (126 comments)

Winner of the Active Rain Newbie Contest - Come join the fun & check it out - - 03:01 PM
 

 
(time permitting, I wanted to be more creative in announcing the winners - next time)
 
 
WINNING – so many quotes on this one – Jeff Belonger says, “it’s about giving your sincere best, 110% genuine effort, and being proud – walking away with more than just satisfaction, but an accomplishment, making a mark and supporting those around you. Being the best you can be, especially as an underdog.  Trying is not losing !!!”  - “those who don’t try are the losers”
 
 
With that said, some of you might have surprised yourself. For many being … (18 comments)

Could A Seller Be Liable For Civil Damages For Using Surveillance Equipment. - 12:54 AM
Earlier, David Spencer wrote a blog with a similar title but did not allow comments or a reblog.  That is, of course, his perogative but personally, it pisses me off.  Why not have a two way conversation?  So I am having one anyway and you are welcome to join.
David made the point that a seller could be sued for civil damages and possibly fraud if they had surveillance equipement on when their home is being shown.  I am sure that is true if there was no notice provided. 
However, you can bet that I would have surveillance cameras running all over the place if my … (103 comments)


Blog posts


FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Program - make your new home GREEN! - 02:15 AM
I was just reading through the blog roll this evening and came across a post about a type of loan that I had no idea that existed.I am excited to learn more and see if maybe we can bundle a few of these together with our REO Listings in the Hemet - San Jacinto Valley.
 
Via Erin Attardi, Realtor - Sacramento, CA 916-342-1372 (Lyon Real Estate ):
I am frequently asked about the FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Program by buyers seeking to purchase homes in need of energy efficient upgrades. This programs allows buyers to finance the cost of energy efficient improvements … (0 comments)

REALTORS: California home prices will rise in 2010 - 02:58 AM
I posted my own take on the report released by C.A.R. Chief Economist this afternoon at the CAR EXPO.My problem is that there are just too many WILDCARDS that Cheif Economist Leslie Appleton-Young discusses.
If you want to read my original post, please visit...2010 Real Estate Projections from C.A.R & Local Expert John Occhi, REALTOR®
 
 

Via Greg Fielding (HousingStorm.com):
The California Association of Realtors released their  2010 Housing Market Forecast
The median home price in California will rise 3.3 percent to $280,000 in 2010 compared with a projected median of $271,000 this year, according to C.A.R.'s "2010 California Housing … (0 comments)

FHA loans to 5% down? No seller concessions allowed? Rumors? - The government at its BEST again !!!! - 02:59 AM
Jeff Belonger has been the FHA EXPERT long before FHA Loans became the popular animal they are today.
Lately there has been much written about FHA Loans by writers who understand the ins and outs of this topic far better than I do.
Please read and heed... 

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
 
FHA loans to 5% down?  A 5% down payment for FHA loans?
 
 

 
I totally understand the issues at hand, that many agencies are now having more loans … (6 comments)

San Jacinto CA - Veteran Memorial - 10:32 AM
In the heart of the city of San Jacitno is a small park that I have wizzed by hundreds of times since I have lived in the Hemet - San Jacinto Valley in the South West Riverside County region of the Inland Empire in Southern California.Evan as a veteran, I never really paid that much attention to it - it is a pretty small park and right in the heart of the old town portion of the City of San Jacinto.

Today, I was meeting a client in the area - and she got caught up in traffic - running … (2 comments)

The Diet Continues - Week Five- Making Progress! - 08:20 PM
The Diet Continues - Week Five- Making Progress!
This week I lost 3 pounds.  I hope the weight loss continues to accelerate.  I have seen videos of my self and I am way too fat.  Some say I should dump the artificial Sweetener, but I cannot give it up.  I do try and limit it, but need my soda.
I also made a lemon tart this week using cream cheese, lemon, eggs, and Splenda.  Very good and very low carb.  I am going to do some other experimenting. Food wise I added some vegetables and fruits; I am eating Zucchini and … (14 comments)

Royal Rangers Award Ceremony - My Kids Get Big Stuff - 11:48 PM
On October 7, 2009 Royal Ranger Outpost 5 had it's award ceremony.
My six year old Weston picked up a number of badges as did five year old Janson, both are in Ranger Kids (think Tiger & Cub Scouts).  But this was a really big night for my older two boys.

My son Corbin who turned 11 this summer earned his Gold Eagle over the summer and it was awarded to him.  The Gold Eagle is the highest award for Discovery Rangers (8 to 10 year olds) and not many kids get it.  I think only three other kids in … (6 comments)

Facebook 101: Yes, I'll Be Your "Friend", But I Don't Want To Hear From You! - 07:13 PM
If you are using Facebook to social network and connect with old friends and family, you are probably starting to fill up your friend's list fast.  With each person you choose to be friends with on Facebook comes more and more status updates, posts, links and invites on your wall and page.  Like me, you've probably got your inner circle of people you'd like to follow and keep tabs on and then you've got those people that have found you that you don't know that well, but felt bad rejecting their friend requests so you've accepted them and now you don't … (9 comments)

NELA Art Second Saturday Gallery Night, tonight October 10 - 05:55 AM
Tonight, October 10, NELAart presents: SECOND SATURDAY GALLERY NIGHT
Many galleries will feature a Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead theme this month.
WHEN: Every Second Saturday 7:00-10:00p.m.WHERE: Highland Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night is a free self-guided tour of the galleries, non-profits and artist run project spaces located in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA).
NELA has a tradition in the arts that dates back to the early 1900s.
The tradition continues with new spaces opening regularly. NELA is now one of L.A.'s most exciting destinations to view contemporary art. 
Individual gallery hours may vary:
Avenue … (0 comments)

Post on AR - 09:48 AM
Go to http://www.activerain.com
Click Login - it's at the far right end of the blue navigation bar
On the next screen enter your username and password, click login
Once you are logged in, you will be at the My Home screen.  Look in the left side column, and up near the top you will see a link titled "Write a blog post".  Click on that, and you will be at a basic post editor screen.  Type or paste in a title, type or paste in your market report or op-ed piece.
At Visibility select Public (if you have that option, otherwise … (0 comments)

REALTORS(R) are the root of all evil!! - 03:24 PM
REALTORS(R) created the bubble and we are the reason the bubble burst.
REALTORS(R) sold houses to anyone that could breathe because we are money grubing theives.
REALTORS(R) give bad advise because all we care about is our commission.
REALTOR(S) are the root of all evil!!
Or so some would want you to believe.
Especially the "bubble heads". They feel that we were out there setting prices higher and higher because the Buyers would pay it. There is some truth to that but the price was dictated by the market, not REALTORS®.
I can remember, in 2005, going back and forth with … (155 comments)

Clayton, CA 94517 Market statistics, sold data and housing trends - 02:40 PM
Clayton, CA a fabulous small city nestled beneath our gorgeous Mt. Diablo State Park .  So much to offer in Clayton. I know, because it is where I call home myself! 
Just in the last month or so in Clayton we've seen our own Oktoberfest, Labor Day soapbox derby, a weekly Farmer's Market and our bi-weekly Music in the Grove.  Our walking trails are consistently voted TOPS, and Clayton itself is on the list of America's BEST CITIES to live in! Oh, and you'll often horses and riders walking thru town (or tied up behind the local saloon), coyotes roaming around and wild turkeys galore - seemingly … (0 comments)

October Events In Niles - 11:38 AM
Monsters BallFriday, October 23
This special event is perfect for the whole family who want to experience some Halloween fun. Enjoy dinner, followed by a spooky firelight Halloween story time that will put you in the mood for the Monsters Ball. Wear your costume and be prepared to move to the music, play games and have a “Monster” good time. Fee includes dinner, story, and dancing. All participants must register for this event.
 
 
Halloween Parade & PartySaturday, October 24
Get your costume ready for the annual Halloween Parade and Party. Join us for a bewitching stroll from Oak Park … (0 comments)

Google Trends Labs shows you what people search for in your area - 08:23 AM
Have you tried this great Google tool yet? Google Trends Labs lets you search, find, and compare keyword search terms with others to see which ones are being searched for most.
Here's an example from my area comparing: "Knoxville Real Estate", "Knoxville TN Real Estate" and "Knoxville Homes For Sale"
 

 
The blue line above represents Google searches within the US for the keywords, "Knoxville Real Estate" which form the baseline at 1.00
The red line is for "Knoxville TN Real Estate which scored 0.45 or less than half the top keywords rank.
Last is the term, "Knoxville Homes … (92 comments)

Texting While Driving - Should it be Outlawed? - 01:07 PM
Texting While Driving - Should it be Outlawed?
I came across a post by Rossi & Bishop on RealTalk yesterday.  They referred to an article written by Jamie Nash of Montgomery County News.  In the article was a YouTube Video that really stuck a nervee.  I am the mother of two teenage boys.  Both are actually quite good drivers, but I know the older one texts while he drives.  And yes, he knows it's dangerous.  I know that when I was a teenager, I thought I was immortal.  When I look back at some of the things I did while driving, … (8 comments)

Say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Midori Miller TODAY ! - 07:40 AM
 
 
Today is Midori Miller's Birthday....There are few members of Active Rain who have taken as much time, contributed as much energy, given as selflessly of their talents, sharedd their experiences as much as Midori has...cheerfully, willingly and with great efficiency and expertise.
   We are proud to have her as an active member of Active Rain....and we are personally proud to call her a friend and know that our relationship has and will continue to be enriching for years to come.
 
    Come on over for some virtual cake...you choose the flavor...
 
    Toast her Big … (4 comments)

What DOES 300,000+ Points Get Ya ? - 08:43 AM
Wellllll....
            Let's see.....

                   A Bigger Real Estate Brain....
 
 
 

                      Potentially over 160,000 "new best Friends"
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   For us, A "New Home" where Technology, Education and Income...Run Faster and Jump Higher...


  Better Blogging Skills and More Business


… (9 comments)

"If I write on Your Short Sale Can My Buyers Keep Looking...?" - 02:26 PM
  We got a call the other day from an agent...who asked...
                     "Can my buyers keep looking after they write on your short sale ?"

   Golly gee whiz....if your buyers aren't willing to wait...and this is not really the house they want...please don't write an offer on our short sale. It isn't fair to the sellers, who think they have a genuine offer....who think that their days of worrying about going into foreclosure are over.  Offers should be written by buyers...and agents who have a sincere, honest, genuine...realistic interest in the property.  Which is really no different … (4 comments)

A Giving Tradition....Start One This Year.... - 02:36 PM
   We have a number of different traditions at our house...many at the holidays...traditional menus, presents, decorations....and one that we encourage everyone to think about as the holidays draw near....is one of having other people have the opportunity to share in your family's traditions.
   It seems that every year, we know someone who has family that live out of the area, is divorced, recently lost a spouse...for whatever reason, would otherwise be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas alone.  There is always a place at our table...an extra present under the tree....containers of leftovers to warm for future meals.
    This year.....you … (4 comments)

Can Real Estate Investors... Move at the Speed of Trust? - 05:23 PM
Pensacola, Florida: I am continuing my best best of the best series by choosing articles on different real estate topics beneficial to Pensacola REO's Investors, home buyers and sellers. This weeks topic is on the Investor and who wants to be the next millionaire in Pensacola, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Florida. With a well know, little used strategy we can make you the next millionaire. Unbelievable, put me to the test and see.     I hope you find this series to be educational as well as informative. Call me to discuss the use of the of this little used strategy and to discuss how we work and if it will benefit you here in Pensacola, Pace … (1 comments)

Landlord/Tenants Rights on Abandoned Personal Property - 05:25 PM
Pensacola, Florida: I am continuing my best best of the best series by choosing articles on different real estate topics beneficial to Pensacola Investors, Landlords, Tenants and almost anything to do with rentals. This weeks topic is on Homes for Rent in Pensacola, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Florida or property management in general.  I hope you find this series to be educational as well as informative. Looking to rent or need a property manager call 800-309-3414 to discuss how we can be of great service to you here in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl. Call Charles Stallions 800-309-3414 or E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com. To view homes for rent in  Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Florida Click … (1 comments)

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