Archives of real estate blog entries for February 26, 2009

Featured blog posts


Make Your Own Link Buttons - 12:10 AM
here have been a lot of posts about link button over the past few years.  I saw one asking ActiveRain to please provide them for us.  Someone else suggested using links instead of buttons and offered a tutorial on how to create a link.  This post is going to show you how to make your own link buttons.
FIVE SIMPLE STEPS FOR CREATING YOUR OWN LINK BUTTONS:
STEP ONE:  Choose an image and save it on your computer.  Here is a group of buttons that I bought from istockphoto, (that's where I get most of my images) and I simply cropped … (109 comments)

They Are The Boss Of Us - 09:15 PM
The crux of the Realtor® - client relationship is confidentiality.
In representing our clients, we are like the priest.  They can tell us anything.   We must zip our lip.  We can disclose to the other side only what the client  specifically authorizes us to disclose.
One area that tests this basic ground rule of our business is dealing with listings that are still available, but that have offers in counter.  You want to encourage other offers, but how much do you tell the other agents?
"The other offer is totally crappy."  That might encourage an offer but the new offer … (59 comments)

ActiveRain on the road this weekend: Sunny SoCal - 09:05 PM
Jon and Jeff and I will be down in Southern California this weekend.
When it snows in Seattle at the end of February, we have to pack up and hit the road. This is normally the time of year that Jon gets a bee in his bonnet and relocates to Orange County California anyway. This year, we have convinced him (albeit temporarily I fear) that we need him up here in Seattle. So in a compromise, we agreed to take some long overdue business meetings in the O.C. with Jon so that he could keep his sanity amidst the dreary Seattle … (83 comments)

Let's Use The Power of AR To Get This Economy Going! Give Us YOUR Ideas About What We Can Do! - 07:00 PM
I believe that it is time for all of us to begin fighting back! Yes, we must fight for our jobs, our careers, our industry. We can no longer just sit and wait for better days. I would like to challenge everyone who reads this post to give us ONE idea that we all can use to spread the word to the general public that is really not as bad as it looks, help us get our economy back on track.
Can you think of something positive to do? to say? to write? and to publish?Can we all start printing newsletters with … (41 comments)

Let's Join The Union! - 02:32 PM
It's funny how ones past experiences seem to rear their head in other aspects of your life. While a member of a labor group I have learned what good it does as well as the bad. I like that everyone was for the most part equal and no one member got special privileges over another. That same philosophy is also a bad thing becasuse a lazy co-worker gets the same benefits as the loyal hard working individual. Point is there are many benefits non-union labor enjoy today as a result of organized labor. I don't want to start a political firestorm … (83 comments)

New Tool for Twitter Users - Tweeple Pages! - 11:23 AM
I've been busy lately building a new tool for Twitter. I'm very excited about this and felt like I had to share it with my ActiveRainers. I'm sorry if this seems self-promotional, but this is a FREE tool for Twitter users and can be really powerful for real estate agents. If you're not on Twitter yet head on over to my post Social Media in Real Estate - Part 1: Twitter to find out why you should be on there, signup real quick, then head back here to read about the newest tool for Twitter.
It all started with a simple … (80 comments)

Gratitude, Let It Shine! - 07:24 AM
As a strong believer in a positive attitude, I know that a major part of attitude is gratefulness.  After reading "The Power of Positive Thinking" I believe it even more. One of the stories Norman Vincent Peale tells is about a man who came to him after losing his business telling him that he's lost everything.  To make a long story short, Mr Peale asked if he'd lost his wife, his children, his health, etc. The man replied that his wife was very supportive and loved him greatly, his children also loved and supported him, and he was a healthy individual.  So, the … (44 comments)

DID SOMEBODY SAY FREE????? - 07:09 AM
With a market more challenging today then five years ago, I've noticed that many real estate agents have a tendancy to make (sometimes frivolous) purchases of new technology, tools, educational programs, and other gadgets or gizmos to enhance their careers.  I can appreciate anyone trying to stay ahead of the competiton by implementing new tools into their business but when income is down, all good business owners, including real estate agents must get expenses under control.  So, how do you get the best of both worlds... new tools with no money?
1. Evaluate What Your Office or Franchise Offers - Most of the big … (43 comments)

MUST READ FOR ALL AGENTS THAT SELL SHORT SALES - KEEP THIS FANNIE MAE SERVICING GUIDE IN YOUR FILES AND ON THE WALL OF YOUR OFFICE. - 06:09 AM
                                         * * * *  HARD CORE REAL ESTATE INFORMATION * * * *
THIS SERVICING GUIDE FROM FANNIE MAE CONFIRMS WHAT COUNSEL TO THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS HAS ADVISED FOR MONTHS. . . . . .  BANKS FOR SHORT SALE OWNERS MAY NOT LOWER YOUR COMMISSION.  IF THE LENDER CONDITIONS APPROVAL OF A SHORT SALE ON A REDUCTION OF THE CO-OP OFFERED IN THE MLS, it violated Fannie Mae Guidelines.   
                                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DATE: Wednesday, February 25, 2009.
No Negotiation of Preforeclosure Sales CommissionServicing Guide, Part VII, Section 504.02: Contacting Selected BorrowersEffective March 1, 2009, closing of preforeclosure sales may not be conditioned upon areduction … (138 comments)

Are you low hanging fruit? - 06:06 AM

... as a real estate blogger.
Todd Carpenter said "I think the low hanging fruit comes from those real estate bloggers who criticize NAR because they are frustrated and want NAR to be better." 
Todd Carpenter is the new Social Media Manager for NAR. I prefer NAR Social Media Czar to Social Media Manager or Social Media Director and would appreciate it if you would ALL refer to him that way....
On Facebook, Sarah Cooper shared an interview Ginger Wilcox did for Agent Genius with @tcar the new social media Czar at NAR. Todd is @tcar on Twitter.   I don't … (29 comments)

Coming In April... REBarCamp Portland! Are you coming? - 06:48 AM
Yes, you read that right.  On April 23rd, 2009 Portland will host the next Pacific NW Real Estate BarCamp.  So, if you missed the Seattle BarCamp here is your chance to attend one.  Maybe you were fortunate enough to make REBarCamp Seattle.  Great!  You can come to Portland as well.
Each REBarCamp is made up of a different group of individuals and I guarantee you'll learn new things at this one too.  Maybe you can share something you learned in Seattle and have implemented in your business.  Let the group know how it has worked out.  Pay forward your experiences!  That's … (28 comments)

Guess who's got Growth Leader? Yep you guessed right! - 06:54 AM
"The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more you will have to express gratitude for."
~ Zig Ziglar
After months of reading others Realtors' Growth Leader posts... and seeing their tips and advice... and watching their success... I finally took the plunge.  Signed up.  Just finished the paperwork today.  That's me doing the HAPPY DANCE --->
I got to select my NEW domain name.  Actually I selected 3, just in case the 1st or 2nd choices are already taken (you know how we real estate pro's tend to hog those good domain names)!
Now the friendly "behind the scenes" … (39 comments)

Manhattan Beach-Beach Cities: 6 things to know abour loans if you are buying or refinancing... - 07:47 AM

If you are thinking of buying a property or refinancing your South Bay-Beach Cities home there are 6 things you should know about the current financial market.
While almost everyone knows that lenders have tightened their rules about making loans; most people really don't quite understand what that means when they are shopping a loan for a purchase or a refinance. If the only real estate loans you have obtained have been within the last 7 years... you may be in for a shock.
The rules have changed drastically from a few years ago. The Beach Cities have seen … (26 comments)

Another Benefit of Blogging On Active Rain - It's Good For Your Health! - 06:03 AM
Everyone can benefit from blogging here on Active Rain! Those I have met or interacted with on the Rain have already found whatever it is that makes it worth their while to create, write and post on their blogs!
Writing has long been a therapuetic tool for many people struggling with all sorts of issues - just look around and see how many journals you can find in any given store!
The immediate effect of writing is usually a short-term decrease in stress, negative moods and physical symptoms.  I agree!  How many of us have felt better after we wrote a wonderful Rain post?! … (23 comments)

Are You Still Showing Short Sale Buyers? Not Me! - 08:02 AM
Everyone has to make a living and that's cool. One thing I have removed from my repertoire is showing short sale buyers.
If I want to get jerked around I'll take a trip down to a pawn shop or local used car lot!

If I want my calls NEVER to be returned, I'll call customer service with my cell phone carrier.
The list goes on and on.
Twice as much work + Lower pay + Bad communication + Tricky 1 Sided Paperwork From The Bank + So Called "Competing Offers" = CRAP!
1/2 the time I don't even "get" the house … (134 comments)

Write A Blog Post~ - 10:21 PM
Active Rain is changing daily. At times in huge ways and at other times in little ways. One little change must have a HUGE affect and was a brilliant change.
Remember on the side bar at the top where it use to say [post a blog] and it sat there waiting for you to click it and start writing? I do. I would, depending on my mood simply look at it, shrug a little and go back to reading!
But nooooo......
Now it says:  Write a Blog Post
That is a CALL TO ACTION if I've ever heard one. Once addicted … (75 comments)

I have a little challenge for you... Are you ready? - 06:48 PM
•1.       For one week do not "one up" someone.  If someone has a good or bad experience, simply listen.  You can not answer with a comparing situation that happened in your life.  You must answer with a Positive remark.
•2.       For one week you cannot complain about anything.  You can discuss a situation only if you have a solution or are searching for a solution.
•3.       For one week if someone tells you they are angry, you must respond positively.  You must have a positive response for every negative remark or comment made to you, or you just listen.
My personal … (34 comments)

I lost sleep because of 3 ACTIVERAINERS! - 08:35 PM
I respectively ask all ActiveRain individuals to put a small disclaimer on your informative, educational and "must have to keep up with everyone else" blog posts, something along these lines:
**The task featured in this post will take you a minimum of 5-6 hours, do not attempt when you need sleep, need to spend time with loved ones or have pressing tasks @ hand!  Nothing will get done!
Last night I set out to spend a quiet evening at home with my fiance, Trevor.  I left work having just read Jeremy Blanton's post about updating your BB and adding any new software that … (83 comments)

How Do You Get a Short-sale Approved Prior to Getting An Offer? - 12:05 PM
Our experience has been that there is no such thing as a "pre-approved short sale" (or preliminary short sale), yet, we see references to "pre-approved short sale" and "approved short sale" in our MLS and elsewhere.  If banks are not willing to talk to borrowers until such time as they are behind on their mortgage payments, are the banks willing to discuss short sale positions with distressed home owners prior to receipt of an offer? Our experience has been that banks are not willing to consider a short sale until the borrower has a offer in hand to submit for review by … (63 comments)

HiJacking. A Little History And The Guidelines Of Engagement...ROAR! - 05:52 PM
It has been brought to my attention that many of you Newer Members do not know what a Hijacking is or are familiar with the guidelines of engagement. Hence this post. I hope to clarify this topic for you and help you meet some of the most hilarious Bloggers we have around this place. Let’s do the history first. Hijacking has been around since the early days of AR (2006) The first Hijacking was conducted by me and it happened on one of my own Blog Posts. I actually Hijacked the comments from other members. I was responding to their comments … (226 comments)

Creative Financing is great alternative to those with Bad Credit - 06:29 AM
Hello Active Rainers,
 
I would like to explain to a few of you agents out there a little known secret called owner financing.  Through my search on the MLS, I have been trying to master the filters in the search query to find specific deals that provide for owner financing.
 
Owner financing is when the seller, in return for a down payment (sometimes as low as 5,000 or lower!), would finance the remaining mortgage for the buyer, thus bypassing the need for bank financing.  Essentially, the owner of the property becomes the bank and you would pay this person … (16 comments)

Hello Again AR.... I'M BACK! - 06:37 AM
In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, I'M BACK!! 
Since November I've been pretty much on an Active Rain hiatus.  At first it was the hectic holiday schedule that got in the way of my AR addiction and I just didn't have time to blog anymore... then life and real estate got in the way.  I terribly missed reading everyone's blog posts, but as time passed the withdrawal symptoms diminished and I barely gave AR a thought. (I know it's hard to believe!)
Although the early bedtimes had been nice, at the beginning of this week I decided to sign in and see what's been happening on AR and to my dismay, … (35 comments)


Blog posts


Are we stuck with the not so ActiveKEY from GE...How many more bad products are we stuck with? - 12:51 PM

 
Why should we be stuck using a sub standard tool? Why is there no competition? Who makes these decisions for us?
 
The only plus to this new key is that it synchronizes automatically, but it doesn't matter much because you will not be able to use it, because it runs out of batteries.  They should give us the car charger for free, just because it doesn't hold a charge and because we have to lug around something bigger and clumpier. I was in the professional development committee for many years and never once was I asked what I … (10 comments)

MUST READ FOR ALL AGENTS THAT SELL SHORT SALES - KEEP THIS FANNIE MAE SERVICING GUIDE IN YOUR FILES AND ON THE WALL OF YOUR OFFICE. - 10:16 AM
Its a wonderful thing...New Guidelines...and Hope for Shortsale Experts and their customers! 
Thanks Lenn..You Rock The House!
FANNIE MAE SERVICING GUIDE
Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:
                                         * * * *  HARD CORE REAL ESTATE INFORMATION * * * *
THIS SERVICING GUIDE FROM FANNIE MAE CONFIRMS WHAT COUNSEL TO THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS HAS ADVISED FOR MONTHS. . . . . .  BANKS FOR SHORT SALE OWNERS MAY NOT LOWER YOUR COMMISSION.  IF THE LENDER CONDITIONS APPROVAL OF A SHORT SALE ON A REDUCTION OF THE CO-OP OFFERED IN THE MLS, it violated Fannie Mae Guidelines.   
                                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DATE: Wednesday, … (4 comments)

Nashua, New Hampshire has Something to Laugh About! - 02:26 PM
 

 
Does the economy have you down?  Do you need an attitude Stimulus?
Then you need a laughter bailout!
The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce with the Nashua Teachers Union will be hosting a comedy night this Friday, February, 27th at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Nashua.
Entertainment by Larry Murphy & Kumail Janjaini                     AND Headliner, Eugene Mirman(Comedy Central & HBO "Flight of the Concords) The tickets are available at the door or you can call the Nashua Chamber at 603-881-8333.
•  When:   Friday, February 27th •  Where:  The Crown Plaza Hotel, Nashua, •  Time:   6:30 pm •  Cost:     $35.00  
 Laughter is the best stimulus to … (27 comments)

5109 El Rio Avenue, Eagle Rock - 06:21 PM
… (0 comments)

SAVE HOME FROM FORECLOSURE - 09:39 PM
If you are behind in your mortgage payments and the home may be going to foreclosure soon, there may be a way to delay foreclosure and possible save the home.    Many of the mortgages we currently have were sold.  Original mortgage notes may be lost or difficult to find.   I saw a news program today that indicated that one way to get some extra time is for seller to ask for the Mortgage Note.  When the Mortgage Co tells you the home will go to foreclosure, ask to see the note.  In some cases this can take some time for the Mortgage lender to find.   … (0 comments)

114 Showings and the House Finally Closed! - 02:33 PM
No, that's not a typo.  This house had 114 showings on it.  What was wrong with it, you might ask.  Nothing!  It is a great house!
This is where pricing competetively can sometimes backfire...
The house comped out at $289k.  I looked at the comps every couple of weeks to keep up with the activity in this neighborhood, and the comps were always very consistant at $289k.
We listed the house at $249,500 in order to sell it FAST!  It was completely updated with new granite counters, travertine floors, travertine fireplace, refinished and stained hardwood floors, stainless steel applianes, all new light … (28 comments)

What have we become? - 09:58 AM

The cult of personality is continuing to make Americans and others simply ignore what is taking place in our nation - a paradigm shift as to who and indeed what we are.
This picture - an AP one lnked from Yahoo News - shows our President at a German Carnival in Duesseldorf. Note the halo they have placed on his head and the wings with "yes we can" emblazoned on them. But no one really thinks he is the Messiah do they?
Oh and he is leading, dragging Europe behind him in the form of a smaller entity (looks female … (18 comments)

Pearland TX - Real Estate Market conditions through January 2009 - 03:44 PM
The Pearland TX real estate market is doing GREAT.  In looking at the real estate market in Pearland, one can see we are following the same trend as the last 2 years.  The median price is flat for Jan 07-09. So, if one where to follow the trend, the Pearland Real Estate market is set for launch.  I feel Pearland will follow the last 2 years trends.  Pearland's real estate market is doing fine.  Now is the time to put your house on the market... You just need to price the house correctly and it will sell.  For someone buying a home in … (0 comments)

Report from the trenches of Milwaukee-THE MARKET IS BOUNCING - 10:43 PM
It might be hard to say that the market is rebounding for sure from the real estate recession but it sure has taking a bounce. either way this really is not the year for buyers to be waiting on the sidelines.
Now that the stimulus has been finalized and the 1st time home buyer tax credit has been offered the phones are starting to buzz quite a bit more in my office and i am expecting quite a bit more as the word gets out.
For those of you buyers out there with steady jobs that really have a low probability … (0 comments)

Central Florida Short Sales, Upfront Fees and Anti-Trust . - 05:13 PM
John MacArthur wrote a post yesterday expressing his disapproval of a Real Estate Company in his area that charges Short Sale Sellers a fee in addition to the commission. John’s opinion is that this is taking advantage of people. I thought his opinion was way off base. But hey…..that’s just my opinion. Go read his post and form your own. 
My question to John was “Is it the fee or the amount of the fee that has you riled?” I asked this question for two reasons. 
1. If it’s the AMOUNT of the fee then I would consider his opinion a possible … (35 comments)

Real estate update for Wichita, KS, 2-2009 - 10:24 AM
February, 2009 Market update
For
Wichita, KS
 
The Center for Real Estate at Wichita State University and the Wichita Board of Realtors reported sales activity for all of 2008 and January of 2009 this week.
 
Real estate sales forecast for 2009 shows existing home sales at around 7,500 units, 11% less than 2008.  New home sales are expected to decline by 17% to 1,280 units.  Building permits are also expected to decline 19% from 2008 levels.
 
No rebound in sales levels are expected until the 4th quarter of 2009.  This date could be extended depending on how … (1 comments)

Extended Tax Credit Available for 2009 First Time Home Buyers - 04:20 PM
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who qualify for the first-time homebuyer credit and purchase a home this year before Dec. 1 have a special option available for claiming the tax credit either on their 2008 tax returns due April 15 or on their 2009 tax returns next year.
Qualifying taxpayers who buy a home this year before Dec. 1 can get up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married filing separately.
For first-time homebuyers this year, this special feature can put money in their pockets right now rather than waiting another year to claim the tax credit. This important change … (0 comments)

A Happy Client, Isn't That What This Is All About - 04:37 PM
Recently had to list a client's home that I sold her a year ago due to medical issues.  Considering the market with a market time of over  375 days in that particular location, I recommended that she price the home just below the dollar value of when she bought it.
The home sold in 31 days and she was estatic.
Our broker sends out "report cards" to our clients asking a few questions about our service and knowledge with a rating of 1-10 with ten being the highest. This particular client rated me 10+++ on all five questions and then wrote … (9 comments)

Spring Break Destinations near Austin - 11:53 PM
With spring break just a few weeks away, families are planning their vacations. Since the economy is not very stable, many families are planning their spring break close to home.

San Antonio is the number one vacation spot in Texas. The city has many things to do and see. The Alamo, river walk and Hemisfair Park are a few that are on the "must do" list.

The Alamo, it is Texas' most important historical land mark and brings around 2.5 million visitors each year. It was built in 1718 near the headwaters of San Pedro Creek and was moved … (0 comments)

More Good News For First Time Buyers! - 09:24 AM
Good News For First Time Home Buyers Who Lack Funds for a Down Payment!
First Time Buyers are benefitting from the best incentive from the government in a long time. A Tax CREDIT of $8000 is significant, so much so that any First Time Home Buyer who is gainfully employed, has decent credit (or can improve credit) and plans to be in the one location for at least THREE YEARS, should consider buying a home.
The Problem is:
First Time Home Buyers often lack the necessary funds for a down payment and closing costs. Closing costs can be paid for by … (16 comments)

Breaking News: Another Builder Folds in Charlotte NC! - 03:37 PM
Folks,
The residential real estate market is really facing some critical, tough times. Unexpectantly, another builder has bellied-up. Minutes ago, I received bad news that builder, CP Morgan Homes has just folded here in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.

 Sadly, this builder is completely out of business. Builder/Sales Representatives received word this afternoon that they will no longer have a job. In fact, many were instructed to pack up as much of their things as possible within their office and make additional arrangements to look for another job.
Many of us remember CP Morgan Homes migrating to the Carolinas and making their grand entrance into the residential real estate market … (2 comments)

MLS Assistant Replacement - 04:58 PM
My company is currently using MLSAssistant by Bainbridge, Inc., to provide an on-line property search capability, daily e-mail alerts to customers when a listing meets their criteria, and an automatic, daily plug-in/feed of all our listings which are all available through our website. We are having a multitude of issues with this company and are looking for a replacement company that will provide us the same capability. Any suggestions?
… (1 comments)

MLS Assistant Replacement - 04:59 PM
My company is currently using MLSAssistant by Bainbridge, Inc., to provide an on-line property search capability, daily e-mail alerts to customers when a listing meets their criteria, and an automatic, daily plug-in/feed of all our listings which are all available through our website. We are having a multitude of issues with this company and are looking for a replacement company that will provide us the same capability. Any suggestions?
… (1 comments)

Add Value and Your Clients and Prospects Will Appreciate You - 09:22 AM
This week I had a call in for a possible listing.  The best news is that the reason this person called is that he saw - and liked - the market data I posted on my blog.  I spoke with him on the phone and he asked if I would come over and look at his house and tell him what he needed to do to get ready to go on the market.  He was very clear that they may or may not sell and that if they do sell, they will likely interview a few agents.  I told him I … (4 comments)

Take Me Right To Voice Mail!!! - 04:11 PM
 
How many of us have dreaded to make a phone call because we know that we either have to deliver bad news or that we know our client will keep us on the phone forever when all we needed to do was leave a quick message. We ALL have been in this situation praying that the phone call would go directly to voice mail. What if there was a way to have our call go directly to voice mail and bypass the caller all together. Would this not be a great idea??
I know im sounding like a sales pitch … (6 comments)

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