Archives of real estate blog entries for October 23, 2009

Featured blog posts


A completely new proposal to save the real estate market. It's not as crazy as you might think! - 07:37 AM
A lot of real estate agents are speaking as if the door on real estate sales will be slammed shut if the federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers is not extended. And while this opportunity to collect cash has had a very positive effect on sales in the lower price ranges, it really hasn't meant much to sellers with homes valued in excess of $200,000.
My preference is to let this credit just go away. The expiration of the credit could actually lead us back to a true fair market, where buyers buy because they need a house rather than just … (216 comments)

6 Reasons Why Everyone Should Be A Rainmaker - 07:02 PM

As I have shared over the past few weeks, I have been extremely busy with Webinars for our new members teaching them how to write posts effectively for search engines & also to be appealing to consumers.  In the classes I share how to write posts to rank well in the search engines as well as making your posts appealing to a consumer who comes to read what you have written. 
During the webinars, one of the questions that normally comes up is Why do I need to be a Rainmaker?  While there are thousands of reasons why everyone should … (43 comments)

The Art of Database Management: Meeting Customer Relevancy - 08:14 AM
It's important not to assume to know what is relevant to your clients. You must ask intelligent questions, run reports on this information, and then proactively meet your customers' relevant needs. This completes our analysis of Bill Gates' quote regarding managing information, and brings us full circle.We've talked about gathering information. Here are some things that you can do to BUY BRAIN CELLS! Remember, marketing is about being in the forefront of your clients' thoughts, and the only way you can buy their brain cells and make them work for you is by marketing to what is important to them. That is why we … (58 comments)

How to Re-purpose Your Real Estate Blog's Content To Grow Your Email List in 5 Simple Steps - 11:57 AM
How to Re-purpose Your Real Estate Blog's Content To Grow Your Email List in 5 Simple Steps If you are blogging 3-5 times/week as part of your marketing strategy you should use your published original blog content to your advantage.  Re-purposing the content from your published blog posts allows you an additional vehicle to brand your business and promote your services online.  One easy way to re-purpose your content is to to create an ezine from the content contained in your published blog posts.  An Ezine is similar to a newsletter and is published in a PDF format which makes it … (108 comments)

Blogging Continuing Ed- Make your Blog Better with these Resources - 09:00 PM
Blogging on any Platform is a learning experience, and one we use to share information.  Sometimes though we learn things on other platforms that we want to share with the community of another.  That is what this is, some valuable resources I found on another Platform, and wanted to share to help you make your Blog Better.
 
I have been actively learning new things for months now, and thought I would share a few of the great resources I have been using with everyone here.  Yes, I have been blogging for a couple years now, but technology changes, Google indexes … (79 comments)

Cougar. Mountain Lion. Tigre'. Whatever You Call Her, You're Going To Like This Zoo. - 11:21 PM

Cougar.  Mountain Lion.  Tigre'.  The Indians I grew up with in Suriname, South America never saw one of these North American cats.  The one they feared was the Jaguar.  They called it "Kai Kwi."
Don't come to Tucson without visiting the Arizona - Sonora Desert Museum.  It's one of the world's ten best zoos.  This magnificent cat isn't cooped up in a 20 x 20 cage with a concrete floor.  She's the beneficiary of some of the most forward thinking zookeepers on the planet.
My Darlin' and I live six miles from the "Desert Museum."  Most of that six miles … (35 comments)

Add A Little Bit Of 'Sparkly' To Your Real Estate Closings - 09:37 PM
Today I was at a closing with one of my favorite agents on the other end. We had a few minutes to chat while waiting for the checks to be cut (yes we get checks to take back to our Brokers at closing!!) and the subject turned to interesting closings we have had in the past.
I mentioned one I had where I was working with a really cute first time home buyer. I had also just heard of a sweet new closing gift to give so I thought I would give it a try. The gift consisted of bringing a … (53 comments)

WINNERS OF the P.A.W.S. CONTEST Life BEFORE ActiveRain...and NOW - 04:58 PM
Since June of 2007,  POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul group has strived to be a place to read many positive and inspirational stories.  We have remained in the top spots of ActiveRain groups since inception and the contests we have every so often boosts everyone's spirit as well.
The theme of this contest was What Was My Life Like Before ActiveRain and Now?  The members were beckoned to reach back into their memory banks and remember what it was like before they even became members of ActiveRain. They wrote their stories on their marketing, businesses, internet presence and even their … (44 comments)

"Perception vs. Reality" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips - 03:20 PM
Perception Versus Reality
I remember when I first began my career in real estate back in Lawrence, Kansas.
(Rockchalk, Jayhawk, GO KU!)
I was affiliated with Realty Executives/Hedges Real Estate, a franchise owned by Bryan and Laura Hedges, great friends and even better brokers. I had a wonderful experience there and it served as a solid foundation for the years ahead.
Follow the Leader
When you're a new agent, you seem to spend an inordinate amount of time observing what everyone else is doing. Right, wrong, or indifferent, we real estate folks have the habit of playing 'Follow-The-Leader' and simply … (45 comments)

Bank of America Short Sales and Their Endless Runarounds and Contradictions - 09:50 AM
Bank of America short sales and their endless runarounds and contradictions have left a bad taste in my mouth for this banking and lending institution.  Two years ago, my largest short sale problem was Countrywide.  Countrywide would take many months to review files and just when you were getting ready to dig your own grave, the approval would come through.  That wasn't the end.  Just because Countrywide approved your short sale, didn't mean squat.  I had an approved file closed for not sending in a form that Countrywide never asked us for.  That was dealing with Countrywide.
Well, when a seemingly good bank … (147 comments)

The Secret to Knowing The Sales Price a Short Sale Bank Will Approve - 09:09 AM
Short sale buyer's agents in Sacramento are wising up and asking more questions upfront about my listings before showing them to a buyer, but I still get the goofy questions about homes that are new to the market such as: Is this short sale approved by the bank? Some banks such as Wachovia and Wells Fargo are putting systems in place to preapprove the sales price but most banks do not. It takes an offer from a qualified buyer to get a response.
I've had only one bank this year tell me that the price on my Sacramento short sale wasn't … (33 comments)

Mandy Farms Subdivision in Morehead City, North Carolina - 05:32 AM
Mandy Farms Subdivision in Morehead City, North Carolina is a family oriented community in the heart of Carteret County.  Mandy Farms is centrally located on Hwy. 70, between the Croatan National Forest and historic Beaufort.
 
Mandy Farms consists of more than 450 Single Family homes and is conveniently located.  Also within Mandy Farms, you will find the Sports Center and two Excel Early Learning Centers.  Right around the corner is Medical Park Pharmacy where you find true small town customer service along with Carteret General Hospital and other medical facilities.  Mandy Farms is only a five minute drive (if you drive the … (25 comments)

Yosemite - My Tribute To the Works and Inspiration of Ansel Adams and Introducing SlideRocket - 09:09 PM
Thank you again for visiting this small tribute to the photographic stylings of Ansel Adams. Being a novice photographer but inspired by Ansel Adam's amazing photography of our National Parks, I felt I wanted to at least attempt to show some of the beautiful natural wonders of Yosemite and to do it in the black and white format he became famous for.
 
Hope you enjoy this photo presentation. Turn your speakers up as there is music embedded in the presentation and starts when the show starts. . Note: To view this show in Full Screen mode, mouse over the bottom … (92 comments)

I am drinking the Google Juice - Certified Loan Officer Program and the magic of SEO - 08:56 AM
I am drinking the google juice as a Certified Loan Officer in the Active Rain certified loan officer program.  What is the certified loan officer program?  Good question. one that isn't easy to answer.  This is because it is a pilot program started this summer by Active Rain.  I was called in July and asked if I had an interest in working with business partners (mostly the Realtors on Active Rain already - non rainmakers) as well as people who have never heard of active rain by teaching them how to blog and get to the top of Google.  I had … (26 comments)

Making Your Blog More Than Just Yesterday's News - 05:35 PM
After waving the points flag in front of everyone, Bob Stewart asked members to share how we are using our blogs to reach out to our clients, both past and present. I’m sure there will be a ton of great ideas that I’ve never thought of, but here’s what I’m doing.
Let me preface this by saying that the entire purpose is to push them to my blog and remind them that I’m here when they need an agent or just need information.
I’ve never believed in contacting either my past or prospective clients without a good reason and without … (91 comments)

Those Are Some Big Shoes To Fill - 02:53 PM
This is my first post, as many of you may know. For those of you who don't know, I am Broker Bryant and TLW's Son. I recently left the United States Marine Corps after serving 13 years. I'm currently training to take over the family business one day. I've kept up with the goings on of my parent's business over the years and, now that I'm here, I see that I have some big shoes to fill. 
I've been at this for about a month and I've learned a ton of stuff. I'm working with two buyers right now. Hopefully I'll … (142 comments)

In The Market vs. On The Market - 07:54 AM
"I'm ready to put my home on the market!"  That's a phrase that always gets my attention. I book the appointment as quickly as possible.  I meet the seller, we break the ice while they take me on a tour of their property.  Then we sit down at their table.  That's when we get down to business.  I ask a lot of questions and try to listen more than talk, but the seller can't wait to hear what I recommend as list price.
 
If I'm patient, and don't just spew out the number, they will usually ask, "Where should we price it?"  That's where I ask, "Do you … (62 comments)


Blog posts


The Mill at 2T - 03:18 PM
Last night my husband and another couple dined at The Mill at 2T.  It was our first time there.  The restaurant has not been open very long.  I have to admit that this is the best restaurant that I have been to in years.  It rivals the best NYC restaurants.  The restaurant is not very big and only has 7 or 8 tables, but the tables are round (which I like) and they are quite large so there is not a space problem on the table, and the chairs are leather and extremely comfortable.  The restaurant itself is very cozy and comfortable.  It is housed … (0 comments)

Google Maps can be edited... - 01:46 AM
I was frustrated because whenever I searched for may address on Google Maps it took me about a block east of where my office is located.  Now, this might not seem like such a big deal...but it was, and let me tell you why.
The photos that went with the location showed a vacant field...yikes.  I am in the newest and brightest and best neighborhood shopping center in the entire Hemet - San Jacinto Valley, CA.  And when people look for directions, they find a vacant field...no way.So, I stumbled and played around a bit...not exactly what happened, but it happened.  … (12 comments)

Have You Ever Seen A Desperate REALTOR? - Well it Ain't Pretty... - 02:58 AM
There are times when we all might feel a little anxious about our real estate business.  I know that the membership roles of most local boards and State Associations has dropped year over year for the last couple of years and the 2010 membership will undoubtedly be considerably less than 2009.I cam across a vide - actually mocking desperation...but I wonder just how desperate this agent really is?  Is he still in business?  The video was released back on 6/1/2008?  Did this guy keep up with the times?  Is he listing Short Sales or did he lose his house whcih some … (11 comments)

A Free Video Creation Tool - Check it out - 12:15 PM
In less than an hour, I opened an unsolicited email - followed the link, watched a couple of short videos, opened a free trial account and created a video from an artilce I previously published on ActiveRain.Now, this is my VERY FIRST ATTEMPT and I am not 100% happy - probably around 85%.  There are a few tweaks I need to go in and correct, not that I have seen it play out...for example, you may be able to typ in long bullet points, but they don't wrap around - they fall of the degge of the screen and that is … (6 comments)

Real Estate - Buying a House - Austin TX- The Simple Steps to Follow - 10:19 AM
Buying a House in Austin TX can be simple, if you break down the process.  There are several steps, but knowing what those steps are, and in what order to do the steps, can make buying a house less intimidating.A couple of months ago, I wrote a seven part series on the main steps of buying a house, but I wanted to put those steps all in one place for easy reference for anyone buying a house in Austin TX to find and follow.  Below are the links to those steps with a brief description of each.
Getting pre-APPROVED verse getting … (6 comments)

Real Estate - Homes for Sale - Austin TX - Sales Increase 6.4% - 01:42 PM
Real Estate - Homes for Sale in Austin TX and Central Texas rose 6.4% in September!!  That's huge!!  That's the first substantial increase, year-over-year, in more than two years!! What else did the Austin Board of REALTORS® report?? The median sales price in the area was also up, by 2% to $185,250.In August, homes for sale were strong with 1748 closed transactions. However, in September, which is traditionally a slower month since school just started back in session, closed transactions were at 1780 strong. To compare, there were only 1673 sales in September 2008.There are many reasons why we're having an … (9 comments)

Something to think about. . . - 09:38 PM
This is really disturbing. Please understand that I am not suggesting you base your decision on whether or not to have a flu shot, but certainly it is something I'm sure no one gave any thought to. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Copyright © 2009 By Simon L Conway All Rights Reserved.) You can read Simon’s political blog daily at www.540wfla.com – and click on "The Daily Patriot” banner Simon Conway is the two-time winner of the FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction for Real Estate Agents in the Orlando area. Please give me a call if you have questions about the Central Florida real … (6 comments)

WIN FREE SIGNED COPIES OF GLENN BECK'S "ARGUING WITH IDIOTS" - 09:51 PM
When I was on the air today, one of the pieces of housekeeping I had to do was a live read on a new competition - and it is so easy that I felt the need to share it with my friends here on Active Rain.
The radio station - 540 WFLA in Orlando - has a number of signed copies of Glenn Beck's New York Times Number One bestseller, "Arguing With Idiots" to give away.
And what do you have to do to get your hands on one? Simply follow the radio station on Twitter!
Right now there is a … (8 comments)

Day 67: 100 Days of Central Mass Features Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 07:46 PM
 100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, WPI, is located in the city of Worcester and was founded in 1865.  It is one of the country's earliest technological institutes and provides a unique approach to science and technology education.  WPI ranks very highly among other national, doctoral universities.  The campus is absolutely beautiful and centrally located in the city set on top of a secluded hilltop.  It is an 80-acre, traditional New England campus.  WPI is one of 13 colleges and universities throughout the city and is strategically located with good access to commuter rails that … (2 comments)

Google Wave: How to create a new wave and make it public - 08:16 AM
Google Wave:  How to create a new wave and make it public.
Creating a new wave and making it public is easy, but not exactly intuitive at least for the first few days. 
To start a new wave, click "New Wave".

A message box will appear in the right Panel.  Type the name for your new wave in the message box.  (You can also type in some content, but so far, for no particular reason, I have been leaving the title as its own message box).  Click Done.

 
In order to make the wave public, you will need … (9 comments)

Short Sales for Foreign Owners. Do they make sense? - 03:44 PM

Hi folks. I received a very interesting email today. Here it is:Bryant,I'm English, live in China, and have NO USA contact except I own an investment home in Davenport. Loan is 220k, worth maybe mid-100's. Do I walk (non-recourse…remember, I’m in China!) or short sell? Appreciate your advice..Interesting question to say the least. And honestly I’m not sure how to respond. His question brought up a whole bunch of new questions in my head.
 What recourse would the lenders have on a foreign investor?  What about FIRPTA?  How would it affect his credit?   Is there any advantage at all for … (16 comments)

Niles Real Estate Market Report - 07:45 PM
Niles Housing Report for past six months.
There were 127 properties sold in past 6 months in Niles with an average market time of 182 days.The average home is 246,500. In the graph below you can see the real estate statistics based on market time, price range and homes sold.
The minimum sold price was $78,000 and highest sold home was $558.000 in Niles in past 6 months.
 

 
The realty of your local market may not match what you hear in the media. Utilize a Realtor to determine your local market conditions. This will be the resource … (5 comments)

25 Foreclosures available in Birmingham Alabama for 10/23/09 - 07:49 AM
25 Foreclosures available in Birmingham Alabama for 10/23/09. This morning has started off rainy but hopefully this afternoon the sun will come out. The foreclosures keep coming on the market so I hope you find what you are looking for! Today's list of foreclosures are for sale in the following cities/areas: Mount Olive, Birmingham, Roebuck, Woodlawn, Highland Park, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Altadena, Alabaster, Bessemer, McCalla, Belview Heights, Adamsville and Forestdale.
11 New Listings:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US11196802
14 New Price Changes:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US11196803
Gusty Gulas is a Realtor with RealtySouth and here to serve all of your Birmingham Alabama Real Estate needs! I love referrals … (0 comments)

Beautiful Luxury home for sale in Palos Verdes Estates - 12:38 PM
http://viacoronel.com    $2,900,000
This is an absolutely stunning Ocean View property and entertainers delight. It has been remodeled from the ground up with designer touches and no expense was spared. Throughout the house are Walker and Zanger stone and tiles. Most of the stone floors are heated, including the kitchen. It has a huge formal living room, beautiful entry with wrought iron railing, elegant formal dining room and one of the nicest gourmet kitchens you will ever see! It has Viking appliances (all professional), 6 burner stove with two ovens, another oven and microwave, warming drawer, wine cooler, ice maker and a … (4 comments)

Walking Stick Vista in Pueblo - 03:48 PM
This week was the Colorado Association of Realtor's annual convention at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.  The convention is always a great time to meet realtors from across the state, attend continuing education classes, and view what's new at the vendor displays.  It was a little disappointing that so few people attended the convention - out of about 24,000 Colorado realtors, less than 1000 attended the convention.  A sign of the bad economic times I guess.  One interesting thing I did learn at the convention was something that is happening in our own backyard!
I met Larry Belkin, President of Encore … (0 comments)

Fun Book for Real Estate Agent to Read!!! - 11:12 AM
Carrie takes care of her family through her real estate practice and loves the community that she lives in.

"Raven, a small town facing economic ruin and a dwindling population, is the home of Carrie Hammons, a single mother striving to provide for her family. With the help of a friend and lawyer whose role in her future evolves into a romantic interest, Carrie struggles through this difficult transition. Following a chain of missing person's cases in the area, Carrie experiences supernatural visits from an entity. She exits the initial contacts with a change of character and a motivation to … (0 comments)

Eight Unique Factors that Make Owning Real Estate in Portland, Oregon, Highly Desirable - 09:27 PM
Portland, OR has been bestowed with certain characteristics that make owning a home, a leisure house, or an investment property in the area highly desirable. The real estate market in this part of the United States has fared well in the current downturn. The region has also been attractive for homebuyers and investors because it features some of the most beautiful scenic landscapes in the nation, a healthy living and recreational environment, and a large number of unique qualities, including the city's designation as the "greenest" and "cleanest" city in the nation. The following distinctive characteristics of Portland should appeal to … (0 comments)

Portland, OR, Real Estate Market Becomes More Attractive to Prospective Buyers - 09:30 PM
Many homebuyers and property investors have been deterred from buying real estate in Portland, OR by the stereotypical perception of the region as a place with heavy rainfall and persistent cloudiness. Moreover, local homebuyers have struggled with the ever-rising housing prices, which substantially eroded housing affordability in recent years. However, while the weather has not changed much, the recent declines in home prices and attractive mortgage rates have created the right incentive for homebuyers to consider purchasing a home or investment property in the region. In fact, now may be the best time to buy a piece of real estate in … (1 comments)

Should I consider renting out my house until the market improves? - 04:07 PM
Pensacola, Florida: My best best of the best series of articles on different real estate topics beneficial to Pensacola Investors, Landlords, Tenants, buyers, sellers in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze, Florida. I hope you find this series to be educational as well as informative. Looking to rent or need a property manager 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 Here. $50. Flat Fee Property Management with no other hidden charges.
Via Prest Realty, Sales and Rentals in Payson, AZ:
This is my … (1 comments)

How to Buy Your First Home... the Easy Way in Pensacola! - 06:10 PM
 
THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com
Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze
Avoid the 10 Most Common, Painful, Frustrating Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make
Buying a residence can be a hair raising experience. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding the right place, securing the loan and finally moving in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is the largest investment we've ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something so expensive and personal can often cloud our business judgment. Most home purchasers do little or no research before they invest their nest egg. Doesn't it … (4 comments)

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