Archives of real estate blog entries for October 26, 2009

Featured blog posts


Hope Alaska: Camping & Recreation - 02:07 AM
Hope Alaska: A Jewel in Alaska's Recreational Crown                    Camping & Outdoor RecreationLiterally at the end of the road on the beautiful southern shore of Turnagain Arm lies Hope, Alaska.  Founded in the late 1890's after gold was discovered on nearby Resurrection Creek, Hope is a charming window to the past and a favorite playground for Alaskans.
There are no WalMart's, no 7-11's and no Golden Arches.  What they do have an abundance of, however, is natural beauty. The 17 mile Hope Highway winds through towering spruce and stands of birch and aspen giving visitors spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains and … (31 comments)

In order to succeed we must know when to be flexible. - 05:25 PM

A while back I called one of our fellow ActiveRainers. I did this because I had received an email and could tell this person was struggling a little in their business and needed some words of encouragement. So I called.
Anyway, it seems discouragement was setting in because she was going on listing appointments but was losing them on pricing. Then they would list with another REALTOR® and after several months, and a few price reductions, the property would sell at close to the list price that she had suggested from day one. Have you ever had this happen?
I … (111 comments)

Great Insight From A Future Detroit Homeowner - 05:07 PM
I recently received a comment/question sent to my email by a future customer who had read one of my blog posts on active rain. I wanted to post it here so others could get some insight into issues that need to be addressed when buying properties especially in urban areas. I asked the client to watch the posting for information that may be helpful to her.
Carla writes,
"Hello Mr. Stevens, I saw your comments on Activerain.com. Here's a scenario for you, I would like to purchase this home at **** St. Detroit, MI 48224 - it has extensive fire damage. This is … (14 comments)

Being a Good Neighbor or just Bad Etiquette? - 09:54 PM
Pardon me while I hijack your thread . . . .

We've all either seen it, experienced it or been guilty of it.  And that's posting links in comments that promote a site, blog, service or worse, blatant spam.  (I've nailed a few of those, but that's for another post).
We all know that it is poor form to include links to your own promotional sites and other materials in comments without permission from the host.  I'm not counting what you normally put in your signature lines.  And if you ask and the host says yes, then go right ahead.  … (49 comments)

What are the symptoms of H1N1... and how are they different from the common cold? - 12:20 PM
What are the symptoms of H1N1... and how are they different from the common cold?
How can you help stop the spread?

I don't know if this is accurate or not but several different sources seem to be giving us this information so I thought I would pass it on... some say the HINI outbreak will peak this week...some say it will break out again in January... I am not a doctor and have no idea but the chart is interesting so I thought I would pass it on... it makes some sense... as always wash your hands and stay … (50 comments)

Should your life stop just because you're buying a home? In short... YES! - 11:39 AM
Should your life stop just because you're buying a home?  Truthfully, you never know what affect actions you take today will have on the mortgage you apply for. Even if you don't plan on refinancing or purchasing for another three to six months from now.
Something as simple as transferring money from your savings to your checking account can create hassles in the mortgage process. I know it may seem a bit much, but lenders are paying closer attention to mortgage transactions today. Sure, the transfer of money seems simple enough.. and maybe it is. But when lenders see a large sum … (35 comments)

Twitter is Stupid, I don't have the time for Twitter! - 10:51 AM
That is a direct quote from a Realtor I met on Friday.
When I asked him how much time he spent on Twitter before making that generalization he told me that he signed up, typed in what he was doing, and no one ever responded and he NEVER got any leads from Twitter.  So I guess it must be true!
The reality is that Social Networking (including Twitter) is the best tool to come along for Realtors since the Website.  Do you remember the agents who said, "I don't need a website, this Internet thing won't last"!  When those agents snubbed … (132 comments)

Shouldn't Realtors be fighting this bill? - 07:17 AM
I have been seeing alarmist ads of TV about the American Clean Energy & Security Act of 2009 for some time now, but it took an email from one of my past customers to get me to look into it a bit further. I certainly had no idea that it may have such a dramatic impact on housing and the ability for owners to sell their homes as it appears that it may. A part of the problem is that very few people anywhere, including the Congress, have any real idea of what is hidden in this bill and what impact it might … (44 comments)

Bryce Mohan 1975 - 2009 - 05:59 AM
Members who were active in the Photography Group back in the early days will remember Bryce. 
Bryce also created the Photography, Advanced group here on AR.
Bryce's wife Kirsten posted on his facebook profile yesterday that Bryce had passed away.  He was only 34.
"On October 25th, Bryce lost his on-going battle with depression. While he seemed fine and much improved lately, we will never know what ultimately caused us to lose such an amazing human being, husband, and father so early in life.There will be a memorial this week and we will update you all from here. It will likely … (57 comments)

Will This Maryland Wetland Soon Become Concrete? - Part 1 - 06:41 AM
For the next few weeks, I'm going to share with you weekly photos of the wetlands on the west side of Route 3 in Crofton, Maryland.  Enjoy them while you can because the property owner has somehow managed to obtain a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment to develop this natural wetlands area into a site for a big-box store. 
Community residents and activists successfully drove Walmart away and assumed the issue was dead.  Little did we know that the permit process continued.  Even if we had known it, who could have imagined that our state Department of the … (34 comments)

My Advice to Consumers Reading ActiveRain Blogs – The Real Estate Industry has Lots of Positives - 07:35 AM

My Advice to Consumers Reading ActiveRain Blogs - The Real Estate Industry has Lots of Positives
 
I think it's safe to say we've all been hurt before - whether in a relationship, business, and just from experiences we've had.  The memories that can come back to us when we relive those experiences can be quite painful and often leave us feeling cautious about trusting anyone.  I know on many of my blog posts people have shared some of the negative feelings that they have experienced and are aware of when it comes to the real estate industry and how … (47 comments)

You're Buying A House In Scottsdale, AZ With A Shared Well Connected To More Than 4 Homes?? - 03:43 PM
You've been pre-qualified for a 3.5% down-payment, FHA home loan, to buy the house of your dreams in Scottsdale, Arizona.  You and your Realtor have searched for months and finally narrowed it down to one home.  It's a short-sale located in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ.  This is the ideal location; not too far from your office, great schools for the kids, plus terrific dining and night-life for you and your wife. 
Your Realtor is very sharp and has well over twelve years of experience selling high-end homes in Scottsdale.  You make it through the inspection period with no items needing repair.  Your Realtor gives your lender the go ahead to order the appraisal.  The FHA appraiser returns the … (22 comments)

Top 40 Resources for Information and Education - 04:38 PM
These are my Top 40 Resources for Real Estate Industry Information and Education
Most of my reading hours are spent right here on ActiveRain.  Your Blogs and Posts.  Let's face it, one could sit at their computer ALL DAY everyday, and never run out of great material to read and learn from AR members.  There is more information, education, inspiration, and entertainment here than you could consume in a lifetime.  However, from time to time, I like to head out onto the Blogosphere SUPER-HIGHWAY and explore what else is out there.
When I first started working here at AR, I was … (95 comments)

Shake, Rattle and Roll (or how I generate Blog Ideas) - 06:14 AM
There are many posts on Active Rain that are dedicated to the hows and whys of blogging.  Often the question comes up about how we come up with our ideas for posts. I have been trying to pay attention to how, and when, I come up with my best blog ideas.   Hands down, the place I think best is when I am out taking a walk or a run.  If I had to guess, I would say that my running trips generate more, and better, ideas than my walks.   It doesn't matter if I am playing music or not; I … (42 comments)

You Shouldn't Treat Other Agents As Your Enemy...ROAR! - 03:41 PM
As many of you already know, I normally don’t put up Real Estate related content. But, I read something that inspired me to, once again, discuss the importance of being a Realtor Friendly Realtor. When I romp around AR, I occasionally bounce right into a Blog Post that either slams a competitor, or makes disparaging remarks about another Realtor. Every time I run across it, I shake my head and think, okay well that Realtor/Blogger doesn’t get it. Apparently, Brokers spend very little time teaching Realtors the importance of working together to achieve the end result of selling a home. I … (113 comments)

Tell Me Something Good That Happened To You This Past Week. - 06:03 AM
It's a new week once again.. hope you had a good week last week!  As you think back over it, is it difficult to remember what you did each day?  It seems that most of us get up in the morning driven with our "to do" list.  The things on that list seem very important and they are, but when I try to remember what I did two days ago, sometimes that it difficult and yet on that day, the things I was doing were ALL important.  So can you think back through your week and tell me something good that … (43 comments)

"Permission Based Marketing" - What's it all about? - 09:49 AM
Everywhere I look these days, the social networking sites seem to be abuzz with the latest and greatest best practices and trends. Well, today, I am going to add to that list and introduce the latest trend in real estate marketing which is Permission Based Marketing. 
Permission Based Marketing is not for the faint of heart.  It is a "head on" approach to getting buy in as you go along.  It takes practice and more practice to master.  But once you are comfortable with it, you will leapfrog over your competition. 
I'm sure you've seen this technique utilized in the past.  Industry gurus such … (81 comments)

Activerain works, if you work it. - 04:30 PM
Activerain works, if you work it.
The first question I always get whenever I teach a lunch and learn in Santa Rosa, California on Web 2.0 marketing and Activerain is, "does it really work, or is it just hype?"
Activerain works, if you put in the time and energy. As a Sales Manager in the lending world, with limited time to learn the latest and greatest technologies on the net, I chose Activerain as one of my primary tools for connecting with Realtors in Sonoma County. I've always enjoyed teaching and decided to integrate my love for teaching (see why) by … (39 comments)


Blog posts


A Lack Of Professionalism - 10:38 PM
Right now I am working with a couple..well...a couple would be stretching the truth...OK..let me rephrase and say they were once a couple but no longer married...a divorced man and woman...utilizing the same attorney.
Sounds fine right?  Nope its trouble...the attorney is a personal friend of one of the parties...there are parents involved...it probably was ugly...the divorce that is.  It's clear by the conversations I have had...I'm speculating...but in this instance...I was right.
This lovely couple is placing their property into short sale...the attorney requested all info for the short sale package...one of the parties felt uncomfortable providing the information needed...you … (23 comments)

Outrage: In some States “Walk aways” can Hurt Homeowners! - 03:02 PM
There have been numerous articles and blogs about what happens to a homeowner's credit score & possible ramifications for future loans. Now news agencies are reporting a new wrinkle that homeowners should be aware of when they walk away from their foreclosed home.
A recent article in the October 2009 AARP Bulletin by Michelle Diament discusses a tactic of banks in handling foreclosed homes. Mortgage servicers are getting around paying state & local fees on the backs of foreclosed homeowners. To read the entire article Click Here. The article discusses how a 62 y/o homeowner abandoned her Cleveland home of 25 … (3 comments)

Social Security recipients homes at Risk - 03:18 PM
  I just heard that next year Social Security recipients would not see a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their payments. That is a troubling thought for the 41 million seniors whose financial security depends on the program. Some depend on their COLA payments to pay on their mortgage or equity line of credit to keep their homes while paying for other essential necessities.
   While overall inflation might not be rising in the United States, the daily costs for seniors are growing fast - especially on the things that seniors need most, such as health care and prescription drugs. The average … (0 comments)

Monday Fit Bit – Strength Training can ease your pain! - 04:53 PM
Happy Monday Everyone!  It's time once again for the newest Monday Fit Bit from Mickey Glick at Body and Soul Fitness Studio.   This week Mickey, wants you to know that back pain can be addressed through strength training:
STRENGTH TRAINING 5 TIMES MORE EFFECTIVE THAN AEROBICS AGAINST LOW BACK PAIN
According to research from the University of Alberta, you're better off using strength training rather than aerobic exercise to reduce pain and improve lower back function.
Study participants were people with chronic back pain. One group took part in a 16-week strength training program and used load-bearing machines, dumbbells, barbells and other … (3 comments)

Another Cool Google Tool...and Yes, It's FREE - 08:54 AM
OK, so during my early morning wake up coffee hour of mindlessly surfing the Internet I came across a YouTube video about yet another free service that Google is providing.  In this case it is for your cell phone.Cell carriers have notoriously charged an expensive premium everytime a user called 411 for information on a business.
There have been free services, but they typically had you listen to 30 seconds (an eternity) or more of phone ads in order to access the information you were seeking.It should be no surprise that Google has built the better mouse trap.  Google, you know, recently got … (8 comments)

Cool Things To Do Wtih Your Cell Phone - 08:56 AM
One Good Google leads to another...especially on a brain dead Sunday Morning, while still nursing that first cup of highly caffeinated coffee.
I just posted a video about Google 411 - probably isn't breaking news, since there were over 5 million views of the Video on YouTube - but I can guarantee that most people I know don't know a thing about it.Well, as I continued with my morning surf I came across another video published on YouTube, by Google.  I don't want to go over the top and say it is hilarious, but I can guarantee no matter how grumpy … (4 comments)

American Home Shield Is GOLD in My Book - 11:34 AM
American Home Shield Is GOLD in My Book    The home warranty company, American Home Shield has proven to me beyond any reasonable doubt that they are everything anyone could ever expect to receive from a home warranty company.  I first met our local Rep, Judee Edgerton (ActiveRain Link) back in 2005 as I was getting started in the local Hemet - San Jacinto Real Estate market.  Judee is just one of those people that you can't help but like.  I had already established a strong relationship with a rep from another company, when I was working 30 miles to the south, … (1 comments)

NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS 10/18 - 10/25 - 07:56 AM
New listings entered
Price reductions 
Reported pending
Reported sold and closed 
These zip codes include the Northeast Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
… (0 comments)

Can You Guess What This Is? - 10:47 AM

If you think you know what this is, please leave a comment.
… (7 comments)

These People Need an A-- Kicking! - 02:53 PM
One of my poor first time buyers with FHA puts in an offer on a property.  He comes in so the seller nets over asking price by about $6,000.00.  I expect we might get out bid, but I did not expect this:
They reject my clients bid and leave it on the market waiting for a higher bid.  Not, "we want to wait and see if other offers come in," not, "we cannot pay credits or take FHA financing."  Just that there offer was not high enough.
I understand listing low to draw buyers in, but when the only buyer comes … (11 comments)

In Conclusion – Real Estate Investing – Part 15 - 05:34 PM
Tax Strategies – Real Estate Investing – Part 15 - And In Conclusion
This is Part 15 of my Real Estate Investing Series. You can view the first 14 Parts here:
Are you planning for your Future? Real Estate Investing – Part 1
Starting at Home! Real Estate Investing – Part 2
Maintain Your Leverage! Real Estate Investing – Part 3
Picking Your Investment Property – Real Estate Investing – Part 4
Location * Location * Location – Real Estate Investing – Part 5
Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 A
Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate … (1 comments)

Custom Facebook Tabs - 06:19 PM
Custom Facebook Tabs!
I swear I have seen them.  Tabs you can name what ever you want!  But I cannot find them for the life of me.  Please help me!  Does anyone know how to create the custom Facebook tab? 
I find the entire Facebook set up counter intuitive.  It may be right in front of my face(book).  Please let me know.
… (2 comments)

The Facebook Warning - Big Problem! - 06:25 PM
The Facebook Warning - Big Problem!
I am a big advocate of agents taking charge of their own profile, life and electronic image.  If you do not have your own domain name and e-mail address you are making a big mistake.
Well I made a Big Mistake.  I started a Facebook Fan Page and used my company name in the title.  No big deal you might think.  Well think again.  You cannot change the name of a fan page.  That page is currently tied me to the company I am with.  Now I have no plans to leave, but it would … (12 comments)

Geronimo Park - Apache Shores - Lakeway TX - Quaint Little Park - 10:20 AM
Geronimo Park - Apache Shores - Lakeway TX is a quaint little park that has a lot to do.  We didn't even know this park was back here.  We were just driving around looking for more boat ramp options to launch our boat on Lake Austin or Lake Travis.

This cute bridge goes over a stream to get to Geronimo Park.  It must have been built by some short people because my husband had to duck under the signs on either end, and he's barely six feet tall. You can sit by the stream that runs through it and just … (6 comments)

Will Brokers Guarantee Our Quest For 1000 Registrants For Virtual REBarCamp? - 03:42 PM

“You buy the pizza, we’ll deliver the education” Brokers, imagine providing your real estate agents the ability to learn from industry leaders, top marketing professionals and social media experts without leaving the office or paying for speakers to visit your destination.
This is what Virtual RE Bar Camp (VREBC) can do for your office.
Your entire office can get the educational experience that REBarCamps have provided to thousands of agents across the country.  Bring the power of this event to your agents, without the cost and travel.  The Ultimate Office Meeting.
Every brokerage is looking for new and unique ways … (6 comments)

FREE grilled chicken offer is available all day Monday 10-26-09 - 09:18 AM
I saw the commercial for this free grilled chicken last night.  My initials just happen to be KFC, so you know I love it!  We grabbed a bucket of the grilled chicken one afternoon when we went to Chicopee State Park, it was good stuff!  Definitely finger licking good...go get your sample! 
Via Kathleen Ann Pacheco-Corbett Realtor® RI-Ma CEBA Master e-Pro ABR ABRM GRI CRS ((FIRST Exclusive Buyer's Office Providence-RI) ):
Kentucky Grilled Chicken FREE OFFER  Visit a participating KFC restaurant today and you can try one piece of the new Kentucky Grilled Chicken for FREE
The grilled chicken, a recent addition to … (6 comments)

Day 69: 100 Days of Central Mass Features Winter - 10:46 AM
 
100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES WINTER
Winter in New England is probably one of the most famous seasons.  You either love it or you hate it.  Winters in Central Mass are beautiful.  You can enjoy skiing at Wachusett Mountain.  You're sure to see lots of snows in the Worcester hills and heading west.  We enjoy a lot at our home in Brookfield.  In fact, we've already enjoyed several days of snow and winter hasn't even begun! 
Winters can vary from year to year.  Some years we get tons of snow and then others can be mild and almost warm!  … (1 comments)

Local Halloween Festivities for Brookfield & Warren - 11:58 AM
 LOCAL HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES FOR BROOKFIELD & WARREN
Halloween is just around the corner, can you believe it?  My boys are going to dress up as Transformers this year...well, William wants to be Spiderman, but he's lost all of his old costumes.  We bought him a Transformer last night figuring he'll want to join in with the other 2 boys when the night actually gets here, but so far he's not liking the idea.  I better find Spiderman!  What are you doing for Halloween?
Here are some local festivities for Brookfield and Warren for pumpkin carving, trick or treating and Halloween parades.  Enjoy!
… (3 comments)

North Fort Worth - A buyer's market! - 02:03 PM
I've been selling in the North Fort Worth/Keller area for several years now. In the past few months, I have met many people interested in selling their home and purchasing a new one. Unfortunately, the vast majority have not lived in their homes very long and are underwater, where they would owe money at closing just to sell the house. Many people who do not "have" to sell right now are choosing to hold off until the market "turns around." Realistically, I believe it's going to take two years or more for home values to significantly increase. On the other hand, it's a great … (0 comments)

Bryce Mohan 1975 - 2009 - 05:59 AM
Members who were active in the Photography Group back in the early days will remember Bryce. 
Bryce also created the Photography, Advanced group here on AR.
Bryce's wife Kirsten posted on his facebook profile yesterday that Bryce had passed away.  He was only 34.
"On October 25th, Bryce lost his on-going battle with depression. While he seemed fine and much improved lately, we will never know what ultimately caused us to lose such an amazing human being, husband, and father so early in life.There will be a memorial this week and we will update you all from here. It will likely … (57 comments)

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