Archives of real estate blog entries for December 7, 2009

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DIY - A Growing Trend? - 11:33 PM
DIY - A Growing Trend?  From home improvement projects to filing income tax returns, America is seeing a new generation of do-it-yourselfers (DIY).  Perhaps the renewed interest in do-it-yourself projects surged with the advent of the Internet.  Anyone with access to the web can pull up a "How-to" guide with a few keystrokes in the privacy of their own home or office.  Just a decade ago, that was not the case.  You either bought a book and studied the desired topic or you hired a professional to complete your project.  Oh how the world has changed in just a few short years. 
Fast forward to real estate services.  As we all know, the … (26 comments)

Is Real Estate Social Media "The New Coffee Pot Crowd?" - 03:25 PM
Personally, I get the real estate social media part where it is really about business to business networking and building a client base for future sales.  It really isn't as much about socializing as many in our industry think.  That is just the 'fad' part of social media.  I prefer to talk about the productivity part of it.   
I view real estate whether it is in a bricks and mortar or a virtual setting as a profession and a career.  It is also my livelihood!  All efforts Blogging at some point should be a productive exercise and have a purpose, otherwise what is the … (148 comments)

Realtors: Here's Another Reason Why I Love Short Sales - 08:44 PM
Many readers are already aware of my status as a short sale aficionado. I've been called crazy, sick in the head, strange. But, I have also been called knowledgeable, helpful, detail-oriented. 
The main reason that I love short sales is because they are so easy. Never before has there been a real estate climate when listings have been so easy to obtain-when traditional seller stalls and objections that had prohibited many agents from taking listings have gone completely out the window. For example, never before has an agent been able to take a listing and not have to "negotiate" the list … (53 comments)

Another Mess to Clean Up for the Profession - 11:53 PM
I'm not the first to lament what stupid things some agents do to tarnish our profession. Incompetence, malfeasance, shoddy standards and putting their own needs ahead of the client's have been well documented. It isn't much fun being the first licensee the person speaks with after a bad experience with their last agent. 
Earlier this evening I met with a home owner who had just ended a 6 month listing contract with another broker. His experiences made me sad, to say the least. The curious thing was how a well priced, beautiful home like his could have expired unsold. The answer was … (59 comments)

Dear Holmdel New Jersey 07733 Seller, Is Your MLS Listing For Sale Dead on its Feet? - 11:28 PM
Dear Holmdel New Jersey 07733 seller, is your Monmouth County MLS listing for sale dead? 
I call it listing fatigue.   There's a point of Dimishing Returns to every unsold Holmdel, New Jersey house sale.   Some Realtors call it overpriced or stale.
The condition is worse.  The once "hot" Holmdel MLS listing is now "not."
Eventually your home turns invisible to the potential buyer.  Like you hired Claude Rains to sell your home.
Consider that almost 20% of the single family homes for sale in the Monmouth and Ocean County Multiple Listing Service (MLS) have been on the market for six (6) months.
That represents 800 of the … (23 comments)

Are The In-laws Killing Your Deal? - 05:03 PM
Are The In-laws Killing Your Deal?Let's face it folks, because of the stimulus package, more and more of us are working with first time home buyers. Along with the befits of having a potential deal and a paycheck, also comes the baggage - the whole famn dam.  Not only do you have nervous home buyers to contend with, now you've got Aunt Nillie griping about the color of the wall paper in the master bath. Dang it, it just doesn't match those new towels she just purchased at the thrift store as a house warming gift.And let's not forget Uncle Will. … (79 comments)

I called Redfin Today And...... - 05:02 PM
Some people read the headlines off a tabloid when they're bored. I on the other hand find it interesting to investigate weird and strange occurrences that are intertwined with our industry. Unless you Realtors have been sleeping under a trillion tons of bed rock than you've heard of this ::clearing throat:: company called REDFIN.
I called the 800 number & SWEAR this song was playing while I was on hold:

 
I thought this was really funny. For those of you that can't follow the lyrics, it's titled .. Burning Down The House by the Talking Heads. After being on … (84 comments)

Finally Broke my 50th Referral on Active Rain - 11:58 PM
You know....when I started on Active Rain it took me almost 100,000 points to get to receiving my first referral.  After the dam broke, it seemed like I had been getting referrals every week.  Then, this past summer, I kinda slid.  Sure I wrote posts, but they weren't from my heart.  They weren't frequent and quite honestly, the referrals just kinda dried up a bit.  At the end of the summer, I buckled down.  Now I post as often as I can provided that I'm not spending all day or all week travelling all over hell and gone!
Then back on … (67 comments)

Why Active Rain Sucks - 01:24 PM

 In my time here I have read countless posts, wrote over 550, and commented nearly 10,000 times. In short, I have had the privilege to see a lot on AR, some good, some bad, and some that just defies any category that you could possibly put them in and those seem to be my favorite.
 One thing that I have encountered in the comments on posts that I have written, as well as the posts of others several times, is an occurrence that always makes me laugh. I call them uninformed commenters, and if you look closely, you will see … (160 comments)

The Bare Minimum - 12:15 PM
There seems to be a consciousness on building codes recently. I myself have been a little more focused on codes of late. This is probably because I have inspected a fair number of newer homes and homes with additions recently.
The one theme that recurs when speaking of building codes is that they are minimum standards, the absolute lowest allowable acceptable parameter. When you stop and think, does anyone really want something done to a minimum standard?
The only minimal thing I like is a bikini, but I digress.
A minimum must exist because a standard needs a benchmark. This is … (25 comments)

Sixty Eight Years Ago Today - 05:26 AM
"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan", from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's address to a Joint Session of Congress on 12/8/1941

My husband, Arthur, was one of the few people in this forum who were alive at the time - he was 16 years old.
Ten months later he enlisted in the USMC and spent four years in the South Pacific and China. There is never a year that he doesn't pause on Pearl Harbor … (78 comments)

"Owning" a search term quickly is as easy as writing an ActiveRain post. Are you ready to capitalize on AR's SEO magic? - 05:37 AM
 
I wrote a public post last night: Newnan Railroads: The Norfolk Southern “Ghost Train and Google” In the post, I related the tale in which I communicated with the engineer of a moving train and my last words were for him to “Google Newnan Railroads” to see the photos that I was taking. At the time, I didn’t think too much about it, but that was a very powerful declaration. I had no SEO whatsoever for the term “Newnan Railroads” and yet I had absolute confidence that I could propel that search term to the first page of Google by … (133 comments)

I was stood up! - 08:56 PM
I am new at this real estate game. Maybe I am doing something wrong, so I need advice. Tonight I was to meet a guy that would hopefully sign a buyer's rep agreement and I had arranged to show him six houses. I sent him many emails.He called me and ask me to show him a particular house I emailed him. He told me over the phone that he was pre-approved for a loan and was ready to buy. He wanted a house right away. He gave me many details. He said he worked late most nights but could meet me at 5:00 … (139 comments)

Remove Late Payments from Credit Reports - 02:20 AM
There are many credit restoration programs out there that talk a big game, but don't have anything to back it up. Worse yet, they might even ask a client to pay up front (illegal), get a new ID (illegal), or guarantee results (illegal). Be wary of companies that are fly-by-night operations, don't have a physical address, or can't provide results.
A 30 day late payment will cost you around 60-100 points, while a 90 day late payment could cost you over 200 points! The higher your score, the harder the fall, which is why the number one thing you can do … (57 comments)

Tweeting and Tracking Your Listings with bit.ly - 12:01 AM
 
 
Tweeting and Tracking Your Listings  with bit.ly
 
Are you using Twitter to post your listings? If you haven't gotten the hang of micro-blogging try adding some of your listings. 
First you'll want to shorten the long URL.  I tried Tiny URL, but then a friend referred me to http://bit.ly/  due to it's seamless functionality with Twitter. You can share the short URL with Twitter directly from your bit.ly account. Or just cut and paste the short URL into your Tweet. Tweeting your listings is a great way to vary the content of your listing description and monitor the … (55 comments)


Blog posts


For a Christmas Treat--go see "Santa Baby" by the Seattle Men's Chorus - 03:10 PM

Last night I attended Santa Baby by the Seattle Men's Chorus.  The concert was held at Benaroya Hall and had great music, interesting costumes and good humor.
Do you ever think back fondly on the Christmas concerts you attended in grade school?  Well maybe this is too far back for you--it was before it was politiically incorrect to celebrate Christmas in public schools. 
It was nice to hear actual Christmas carols--but do not get the impression that it was an evening full of the old standards.   There was quite a mix of music and original lyrics.
If you have trouble … (0 comments)

Inspector’s Corner – The Level 2 Chimney Inspection - 07:11 PM
Happy Friday Readers, it's time once again for some helpful tips from Matt Steger at WIN Home Inspection!   This week Matt discusses Level 2 Chimney Inspections as part of a fireplace and chimney maintenance plan.  Don't have a chimney maintenance plan?  You should!
Don't forget to call Matt Steger with WIN Home Inspection at 717-361-9467 for all of your home inspection needs!
Chimney maintenance is critical, whether the chimney is used with a fireplace or wood stove or simply exhausts the home's fossil fuel heating system or water heater.  While often overlooked by home owners and new buyers alike, a thorough inspection by … (3 comments)

Monday Fit Bit – Get Healthy for a Great Cause! - 07:58 PM
Happy Monday Everyone!  This week's Fit Bit from Mickey Glick comes with a great offer!
(The following is text from Mickey)
*************************************************************************************
 
12 Days Gym Use for a $20 Donation to ALS  I just found out about a program that helps people become more fit while also helping find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). ALS destroys the nerve cells controlling muscles, ultimately causing complete paralysis while leaving mental function intact. Survival is typically two to five years after diagnosis, and no cure exists. It's a horrible disease and my cousin Kathy died from it … (2 comments)

Christmas in the Park, Hemet, CA December 5th, 2009 - Video - 09:17 AM
Christmas in the Park is part of the annual celebration that takes place every year with the Christmas Parade.This year it definitely felt like Christmas - with a little Jack Frost nipping at everyone's faces.  It was nice to see people bundled up and looking Christmasey...although I'm sure miss the warm days I know we are all glad there was not any rain...which might be here by tomorrow.Well this year the event was bigger than ever...114 vendors.  There were lots of crafts and Christmas ware.  There were organizations doing their part to remind us of the 'Reason for The Season' and … (12 comments)

It's Called CHRISTMAS...With a Capital "C" - 09:44 AM
Christmas is the Season and the Reason is the Celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior.Bold statement to make in the Politically Correct Year of 2009...but sorry - tell the hijackers to get to the back of the bus.  This is a CHRISTIAN Holiday that deserves to be celebrated for what it is - the Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ.So, there are other holidays that others may celebrate...but in this country, where we tolerate all religions does not mean they get to hijack our holiday because they may be offended.  Tolerate, means just that - TOLERATE!  We … (9 comments)

Not All Short Sales Are Created Equal - 02:09 PM
Short Sales:  Keys to SuccessShort Sales have certainly changed the real estate landscape in the Hemet - San Jacinto Valley, CA over the last several months.I first started listing Short Sale listings in the MLS in the Spring of 2007, in the local Hemet - San Jacinto Valley, CA area.  At the time, short sales were few and far between as the masses were still speculating if there was a housing bubble or not.Since then, I have learned there are four key elements that further the odds of a successful Short Sale listing, in the MLS.SELECTION:  While there are many homes … (1 comments)

Property Maintenance and Repairs - 09:42 PM
Investors - I believe you are best served with specialists and not general one-size-fits-all vendors.I for one am a local area expert for the Hemet - San Jacinto Valley real estate market and I know REO's.  I list them for the banks and I sell them to Investors.What I don't do is divide my focus to chase a dollar and tell you that I can do all things for you.  I am not a property manager...and unfortunately, it is hard for me to make a recommendation to one - because I have yet to find a local property manager that lives … (3 comments)

Buyer tax credit effective but not available - 10:17 PM
I just wish there was a way the someone could introduce the left hand to the right hand.It seems our federal government has done it again.  OK, lets have this program - it will start immediately...buy errr ummm aaaahhh, lets see, we'll wait a couple of months before the paperwork is ready.And we all know that the government can't function without it's paperwork.Then again, maybe we are all better off if the government doesn't know what the heck they are suppose to be doing - we may all be a bit safer.Merry Christmas,
John
Via Stone Real Estate Group, LLC:
WASHINGTON - Dec. … (5 comments)

REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS 11/29 - 12/06: NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES - 05:31 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)

perdóname - 07:19 AM
40 years ago...I held his sister in front of a tree..the next year was his turn..now..my little boy is a dad and finally has the greatest gift of all...his own baby girl....you see a picture....i know what is in his heart...joy to the world.
40 years ago... I had dreams and visions. I was sure that life would take a certain course. I was on my way. I knew in my heart that I would accomplish things and the world would be better.
40 years have passed... I never reached any of the destinations that were on my earlier map. I … (14 comments)

How many reminders do we need? - 11:27 AM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
"December 7, 1941. A date that will live in infamy" Perhaps one of the most famous lines in American history, marking the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese and a date which saw the united States enter World War II.
It is interesting to note that these famous words by President Franklin D. Roosevelt were a last minute change of mind as can be seen from the amended first draft courtesy of the National Archive which I reproduce here.
It is also interesting to think about the … (19 comments)

Hide it baby! - 07:25 PM
This is NOT SNL - but you can be forgiven for thinking it was. Kevvin is one of my fave bloggers!
Via Kevin "Flag" Robinson Doing a fractional right now (Crownline Home Builders):
Like a typical government response to anything, this one has all the right stuff. Remember transparency and openness? Oh yeah, the full of SH*# guy himself, is leading a seminar for govt employees on how to be more open with the public. Only the seminar is closed door. Secret. OK. Right.
Here is the link for anyone who is interested: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091207/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_open_government
 
What a joke this administration has become on this … (3 comments)

Day 89: 100 Days of Central Mass Features Worcester - Cities to Work In - 01:50 PM
 100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES WORCESTER - CITIES TO WORK IN
Worcester, MA is located in Central Mass and is known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth".  It is the second largest city in New England.  Bordering towns that commuters often live in are Auburn, Paxton, Millbury, Grafton, Holden, Leicester, West Boylston and Shrewsbury.  Worcester covers an area of 38.6 square miles and is just 40 miles from Boston.
Worcester has a very diversified economy.  The University of Massachusetts Medical School is one of the largest employers.  Hanover Insurance maintains their national headquarters in the city of Worcester.  Worcester is a huge college town … (1 comments)

My Motorola Droid Does! - 04:08 PM
 MY MOTOROLA DROID DOES!
Right before our trip to Florida for Thanksgiving, I decided to upgrade my phone at Verizon after having a Blackberry Curve over a year.  I was in the store getting a Netbook for our trip, and that's when I first set eyes on the Motorola Droid.
I was a little reluctant to give up my trusty Blackberry that had grown attached to me like glue.  I asked my sales rep tons of questions and probably spent a good 45 minutes in the store playing with this new Motorola Droid phone, pondering whether or not I could give … (29 comments)

The Bluffs at Heritage - New Phase Opening in Keller! - 04:28 PM
The Bluffs at Heritage in Keller is opening a new phase! If you live in the North Fort Worth/Keller area, you may have noticed all of the dirt that is being moved around near Central High School. This is for the final phase of the Bluffs.
Toll Brothers and Standard Pacific Homes will be building in this section, although the lots are not yet ready for construction. Prices will start in the high $200's and go up from there. Both builders offer nice products with many high-end standard features.
If you are considering building in the area, please let me know if … (0 comments)

Predictions in Arrears aka... 'To Done' List - 09:31 PM
Sally Cheeseman issued a delicious challenge: Write a post on my most positive ten predictions for 2010. How can I just do ten? When I started writing my "to do" list for 2009 around this time last year, I ended up with 28 things and could have gone for more. Now I'm looking back and seeing that there are a few things that I did this past year that were not on my list. Is it possible to make your predictions in arrears, sort of like the way property taxes are paid?
 It is so satisfying -  having a “to done” list!
… (15 comments)

Do you have any idea who holds the mortgage to your property? - 04:45 PM

Hi Folks. A few weeks ago I decided to start asking my past Short Sale Sellers to send me the Release of Mortgage notice once they received it from their lender after the short sale was completed. I’m just getting started on my quest but have received several “Release of Mortgage” notices thus far. As I was reading through them I noticed 2 things that were the same even though the Lenders were completely different.First they all state “…..acknowledge that it has received full payment and satisfaction, and in consideration thereof, does hereby cancel and discharge said Mortgage”.And secondly the … (14 comments)

Local New Bern News - Market Update - 09:04 AM
This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Or, visit my website at www.NewBernHomes.com.
HOMES SOLD (Closed), November 1 through November 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)Under $99,999 = 13 $100K-$139,999 = 24 $140K-$179,999 = 26 $180K-$219,999 = 12 $220K-$259,999 = 09 $260K-$299,999 = 05 $300K-$349,999 = 02 $350K-$399,999 = 01 $400K-$499,999 = 02 $500K-$999,999 = 01 Over $1,000,000 = 00
Total November 2009 = 95 Total November 2008 = 69 Total November 2007 = 121
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", November 1 … (0 comments)

70+ Foreclosures available in Birmingham Alabama for 12/07/09 - 08:24 AM
70+ Foreclosures available in Birmingham Alabama for 12/07/09. Good Monday Birmingham. How about that big Alabama win over Florida on Saturday. Amazing game!! Today's foreclosures are available in the following areas/cities: Birmingham, Roebuck, Pinson, Grayson Valley, Center Point, Eastlake, Woodlawn, Inglenook, Tarrant, Crestwood, Southside, Irondale, Hoover, Riverchase, Oak Mountain, Sterrett, Pelham, Helena, Alabaster, Calera, Montevallo, Bessemer, Hueytown, Ensley, and Belview Heights. Let me know which homes you would like more information on or to schedule a showing.
30 New Listings:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US11501951
44 New Price Changes:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US11501952
Gusty Gulas is a Realtor with RealtySouth in Birmingham Alabama. Contact me for all of … (1 comments)

Knox County, TN Register of Deeds transactions for the week of December 6th - 07:54 AM
I counted the property transfers published by the Knox County Register of Deeds for the previous week and found 186 which is a little above the 150 or so average we’ve had for all of 2009 so far.
It seems the extension of the homebuyers tax credit is continuing to drive the lower end of our market (the $200,000 and under price points) and the upper end remains sluggish.

I’ve been reading lots of encouraging news about real estate markets all across the county and how they’re seeing increases in sales. Our market has shown one encouraging sign in the … (4 comments)

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