Archives of real estate blog entries for March 17, 2009

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The Internet Will Replace Realtors - The Fatal Flaw..... - 09:58 PM
The Internet Will Replace Realtors - The Fatal Flaw.....
Many of you remember the concern and controversy that came up several years ago when sites like Zillow and Redfin came on the real estate scene. They aren't very involved in our state but it still made local headline news.
Some people said, and still say, "the internet will replace Realtors" and "Real Estate Services will become a commodity."The theory was that people could appraise their home online and then buy and sell themselves, saving money by cutting real estate agents out of the equation.
This theory had a fatal flaw however,as … (81 comments)

Beaverton area homes listed “AS-IS” are beat up on price! - 05:16 AM
With an inventory of homes for sale in the Beaverton, Oregon, area that could still be on the market in six months, listing your home “AS-IS” will cause buyers to beat you up on your price of your home.

Two years ago, I would have told you that listing your home “AS-IS” would get buyers to avoid you all together because of all the homes that were out there, the best homes sold quickly, and the “AS-IS” homes just didn’t sell at all.

Well, today, buyers are looking for deals and with all the short sales and foreclosures … (19 comments)

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign... - 05:06 AM
Signs and name riders are an awesome way to advertise. 
The owner of my office wanted to get a picture of me in front of one of my new signs that just came in. We spent several hours going around to my listings and replacing the generic RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods signs with new signs. 
The older signs, although they did not have my name and cell phone number, had a spot on the top of the sign for a name rider where I had my name and cell phone number in big red letters on white background.
What I have found is … (44 comments)

"Happy St. Patrick's Day Pics" - 05:06 PM

 On our visit to Boulder City Nevada just south of Las Vegas Nevada we ran into a few great areas. In the old part of town are a bunch of great antique shops, restaurants and buildings that date back many years.
 A very hot spot for motorcycles of all kinds that come through for lunch and or a few beverages.
 Born and raised in Minneapolis Minnesota which is right next to St. Paul Minnesota, making up the Twin Cities. We use to go to St. Paul and drink green beer and party with the Irish and anyone else that thought they … (37 comments)

I would like to interview Mr. Bernanke because I am scared!!! - 06:39 AM
 

 
Mr. Ben Bernanke is considered the 4th most powerful man in the world in the banking sector and can at times operate independent of the President of the United States.
Not sure if you watched the 60 minutes interview of Ben Bernanke. I was impressed because he seems down to earth, humble, and caring about Main Street USA. - Mr. Bernanke grew up in Dillon, a small town in South Carolina.  He remembers the culture of Dillon and applies it to his decisions.  In the interview, they talked about his childhood home that was bought by another … (63 comments)

What Is A Property Stylist? - 05:36 PM
One reason why I love what I do is because it’s creates interest all around. People are interested to know what Home Staging and ReStyles are all about. I love to educate them. And of course they want to know what a Property Stylist is as well and one reason why I chose that title.
Another reason, I chose the title Property Stylist is becasuse it really encompasses all that I do as a Home Stager. The average home stager is not average at all! Most Home Stagers provide more services than just home staging alone. From downsizing and organizing to … (24 comments)

Spin Timeless Classics and Rock Your Blog Archives - 07:00 PM
Spin Timeless Classics and Rock Your Blog Archives Balanced Bloggers Spin Timeless Classics
What are the timeless classics that live in the archives of your blog?  Your blog should be well stocked with a variety of posts that will rock the prose of time.  As you look through your blog can you pull out a dozen or more posts that a real estate buyer or seller can turn to for advice, inspiration, or information?  If your mission in blogging is to educate homeowners or buyers I bet you can find these posts.Once you spin some timeless classics on your blog … (41 comments)

Mortgage Pro Week In Review March 9/2009 - March 15/2009 - 12:22 PM
OK...so a couple of years ago Jeff Belonger , A.K.A....the true mortgage dude...asked me to write the mortgage week in review.  I must have sucked b/c it's been a while.  Now, I think that all the top dogs are on spring break and I'm the last man standing.  I'm honored to take part, so without further adieu....Here are the top dogs showing the top posts of the week.
  
Finally, Mr. J.B. himself shines with his awesome post Do your Guarantee your GUARANTEE??? He talks a lot about Guarantees and what they're made of.  Really it comes down to what's … (16 comments)

How St. Patrick’s Day Came To Have Special Meaning For Me - 05:25 PM
I confess that growing up I didn’t get the whole idea of St. Patrick’s Day. I suppose that growing up in the South and being Protestant probably had a lot to do with my apathy for this holiday.
 
I was vaguely aware that far off places like New York and Chicago had big celebrations, parades and such. I had some knowledge of snakes or potatoes I wasn’t sure which, nor did I know what it meant.
 
I knew that shamrocks looked like four leaf clover to me. My concept of leprechauns came primarily from the cereal, Lucky Charms. … (23 comments)

Home Sellers Top Questions About Home Staging - 05:38 PM
                                                       

There is so much information on home staging, that home sellers are on overload.  With advice coming from all kinds of sources and areas of the country.  Yes, it is confusing, where do you start?   If you watch tv, you may get the impression you can have your home staged for under $2000.  Or another show may stage a home for around $20,000.   Big difference!   Another show has strangers coming to your house picking it apart, to the point that you're thinking, no way am I going to let someone do that to my home.  You can read articles or books on the internet from people that may be … (37 comments)

Why not make Home Inspections mandatory? - 05:41 PM
We're in the middle of an economic and individual housing meltdown in this country.  People are losing their homes, banks are losing their assets.  To comfort the government, banks and homeowners, new appraisal regulations are being made left and right.  Upgraded appraiser qualifications are being put in to place to keep honest appraisers honest, mandatory review appraisals are ordered, or two appraisals per property are what we are to expect under some loan conditions.
As an appraiser, I have had attic and crawlspace photos have been asked of me... I have even been asked to perform re-inspections for something that was … (83 comments)

"Overwhelmed by the Technology Learning Curve?" Blog Tips for Rain Drips - 07:00 PM
Let's face it. For many of us, the learning curve for implementing emerging technologies into our business can be a rather daunting and intimidating venture. For old dogs like me, it can tend to be very frustrating and insurmountable at times. Although we recognize the value and benefits of blogging, and utilizing the wealth of social media tools available today, it's just a tad bit challenging to wade through everything that's out there!
Maybe you're relatively new to ActiveRain, and you're thinking that there is just too much stuff to absorb! You feel like you're trying to take a drink from … (130 comments)

This Is How Our Nation's MLS System Aid In Over-Inflating Housing Markets and How Markets Get Over-Inflated! - 05:42 PM
This Is How Our Nation's MLS System Aid In Over-Inflating Housing Markets!
MLS Systems Across the USA Assist In Over-Inflating Home Values.There's a major flaw built in to our MLS systems.  MLS systems don't automatically deduct seller paid concessions, don't adjust for cash equivalency, nor do real estate practitioners understand their responsibility to do likewise.  So, in the 2 examples below, the first is over-inflated by $7,000 and the second by $6,500 based on "reported seller paid concessions". When the next Agent pulls an MLS CMA to price their new listing, and they use either of these 2 sales which bumped the … (29 comments)

What do you see - obstacle or opportunity? - 09:59 PM
Henry Ford said "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."
So what obstacles do you see in front of you today?  The market?  The massive changes in the mortgage industry?  Have these things made you lose sight of your goals?
Successful professionals set goals on a regular basis, but setting goals is much more than just thinking or dreaming about the future.  It's about planning.  It's about strategy.  It's about perseverance.  But mostly it's about DOING.  I hear a lot of Realtors these days complaining about a lot of things.  And yes, let's be … (37 comments)

My Mom's LAST Chemotherpay Treatment! Rejoice with me!!!!! Cancer Sucks! - 10:01 PM
Tomorrow is the start of a new life for my mom. She is Cancer Free!!!! & tomorrow is her last Chemo treatment. She still has a long road ahead, she had a double Mastectomy and will undergo reconstructive surgery in the months to come. Life has thrown us a curve and God has helped us take each and every step with a new found faith and trust in him. She had a Stage 3 cancer we are beating it and I love the motto : Cancer Sucks! I know not very lady like but oh so true. My mom is my … (91 comments)

The BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells (Localism Feature) - 10:14 PM
It's that time of year again where tennis fans flood the Indian Wells area in California to watch all of the world's greatest tennis players compete.  A star-studded cast includes some of the finest men and women players such as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Jelena Jankovic and Nadia Petrova.
The BNP Paribas Open is one of the events that are on the ATP World Tour and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.  While tennis is the reason everyone gathers for this event, there are numerous things to take advantage of while there.  To make sure you do not miss a thing going … (7 comments)

5 Things St. Patrick Can Teach Us About Our Communities And Our Businesses. - 05:42 PM
Since it's St. Patrick's day, I figured I would share a little bit of history on the man behind the holiday. St. Patrick wasn't from the country that is now permanently associated with his name. He ended up there through an incredible series of events. When he was a young boy pirates landed in his home town and he was kidnapped along with many others. The pirates took him to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. He spent 6 years in Ireland most of that time under lock and key. During this dark time, is when religion came to him.
… (39 comments)

LOWBALL OFFERS... - 09:51 PM
Can an offer be so low that it is offensive?
I received an offer on one of my listings last night.  A real nice two bedroom condo near Naperville's train station and downtown.
The condo is beautiful.  It shows great.  We've only been on the market 19 days...
Anyway, we received the offer last night.  They bid $200k.  We are asking $325K...
I must say I was surprised.  In my three years as an agent, I haven't had an offer near this low.
Does this seem odd?
It seems strange to me...
We will sell this home.  But not for 62% of our asking price after only 19 days … (83 comments)

Whatta Mess... - 06:31 AM
Okay! So we have heard the drill before. Oh, this is a new house which has been inspected by the codes department. They have issued a CO (and as we listen to the crickets chirp, birds sing and hallelujahs spring forth from the cherub sitting on the eaves) all is in a state of bliss and peace fills every nook and cranny of the property. That is until the #@%&!!! home inspector arrives. Such as with the case of a new property that I inspected just recently in the Nashville, TN area. In this picture alone are several problems. Some like … (38 comments)

3rd Annual Green is Red Hot Winners: Announcing a LUCKY TREND for ALL Who Click HERE =) - 06:16 PM
3rd Annual Green is Red Hot Winners:  Pointing the Way to a LUCKY TREND !!  
Dia dhuit ...March 17th  is GREEN with possibility. Could even turn out to be a Trend to Celebrate! According to the Judges (see just below)  the Eco-All-Stars'  3rd Annual GREEN is Red Hot Challenge opened up to "Fortuitous Opportunity" for ALL of us.
There were many entries in this Challenge.
THE JUDGES1) read them all, 2) created and independently scored the posts using a 10-point  Spreadsheetand 3) want you to know that ALL of the posts were and are worth reading.  You can find links to all the posts … (23 comments)

Plagiarism and Copyright Violations-Are They Really Worth It? - 10:10 AM
Having on more than one occasion seen my websites and blogs appear under a different name, reading about plagiarism and copyright became a "hobby."  Last fall after having a copyright attorney review my maps, some of which have official  US Copyright certificates, with others that were appearing on the internet, I delved even further into the murky waters of plagiarism and copyright.So what is Plagiarism? 
"Simply put, plagiarism is the use of another's original words or ideas as though they were your own. Any time you borrow from an original source and do not give proper credit, you have committed plagiarism … (54 comments)

TLW UPDATE -- We Still need EVERYONE'S support ! - 08:01 PM
Hi All ~
Well I just got an update and I know there are thousands of you all just yearning for some news, like I was, so here is the update.
Unfortunately the surgery had to be delayed until tomorrow morning :o(
... I can only imagine how long this day must have been for Bryant and Billie ...
The procedure is now set for 7am EDT tomorrow morning (Weds).
TLW is well, but she is very anxious ... most of us cannot possibly imagine how stressful and uncomfortable this day must have been for her ...
AND BECAUSE OF THIS … (103 comments)

The Difference Between Networking and Spamming on Active Rain - 10:04 AM
As I was pulling out of my driveway yesterday, my cellphone rang. It was an Active Rain member asking if I had a few minutes to talk. I always try to make time to talk with callers -- especially Active Rain members -- who need help. But something about the way this guy started the conversation struck me as odd, "I'm calling other agents on Active Rain . . . are you still doing short sales?"
I interrupted and asked what he was selling.
"I'm not selling anything," he insisted. "I am networking to form a mutually profitable . . . … (107 comments)

Looking to Increase Growth Leader Traffic? Link to Specific Listings in Your MLS - 06:29 PM
When I decided to write a St Pat's day post about homes with emerald green roofs and listings on Green Lake, I knew I wanted links to the addresses. Our association has strict rules about advertising another agents listing with reciprocity restrictions. I decided to link to flyers from the Growth Leader.
First, I went to the search the MLS area then entered each MLS number in to get to a specific listing.

Next I used the direct link to the property for my hyperlink in the post.

This will allow the reader to see the information on the property … (27 comments)

New Contest: Receive a FREE Outside Blog for One Year! - 12:10 PM
Well, my mother always used to tell me things happen for a reason, and it seems she may have been right.
Remember back in December when Bob Stewart asked the AR community to help him help a little girl named Zorra and her family who had been through a lot? Bob made the incredibly generous offer of a free year of Localism sponsorship to anyone who donated $50 or more to the cause. Well, we donated our $50 and settled back to wait for our Localism sponsorship.
And waited. And waited. And never got it. Hmm.
We checked back on the … (129 comments)


Blog posts


Convicted Kidnapper Pursues Agent - 10:07 AM

As the fallout from the financial crises continues, and the criminals that perpetrated fraudulent loans are brought to justice, some of us as agents may be pulled into the fray.
Approximately three years ago I represented a very nice women that had been manipulated into buying a home by her own boss, a mortgage company Vice President.
She had been convinced to allow him to use her credit in what he claimed would be a very profitable "flip". He explained the need to "use her credit" by claiming his was simply maxed-out from his vast real estate holdings involving other … (4 comments)

Do You Have Your Green On Today? - Happy St. Patricks Day! - 07:13 AM

Don't Forget your Green! Did you know I wear green everyday?...Midori means green in Japanese!  Happy St. Paddy's day!
About The Author:  Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager . CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 2 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach andOrmond by the Sea.midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236
… (18 comments)

300,000 Points What Does It All Mean? - 03:54 PM
I mean almost 3 years...300,000..the long term commitment..and on many occasions this milestone and commitment..has lasted longer than many of my past boyfriends, some friendships or even jobs I have held.
I ask myself so what does it mean and what have I learned? It's means.... Without readers I can honestly say I probably would have stopped a long time ago... That as time goes on we end up improving whether we are experts of SEO or not.. In most instances..the comments are by far much more valuable than the post would ever be! "There is no place like home, regardless of … (41 comments)

A Few Foreclosure Solutions Simplified, tips for the agent and a primer for the homeowner in PA - 07:19 PM
First and foremost, this article is not in any way considered to be, or offered as, legal advice.  I am not an attorney and all agents and homeowners with specific questions about the foreclosure process should consult with an attorney. With that being said, let's get started!  An agent gets a call for a hot new listing. They show up paperwork in hand, sit down with the seller of this wonderfully marketable listing and the seller proceeds to tell them they are behind on their mortgage and the foreclosure process has begun. Questions flash through your mind: How much time do … (0 comments)

Items To Take Away When Staging - 04:39 PM
Not sure where to begin when trying to de-clutter and stage a home?  Here is my simple breakdown list.
Coat racks should be left empty. I know it isn't practical, but no leaning tower of coats please.
Shoe racks should not be left outside by the front door. Do not leave a "remove your shoes" sign unless the carpet or flooring is brand new or you just had it steamed cleaned. It doesn't make sense to have people remove their shoes if your carpets is just as dirty.
Hide Key Racks. Don't forget to pack away extra copies of all keys.
… (0 comments)

253 KENSINGTON PKWY, ABINGDON, MD 21009 - 10:40 AM
Wow! This absolutely amazing home will give you that AH-HA feeling! 4 Bedrooms; 2 Full Baths.  Beautifully decorated & in awesome condition. Several updates/grades include: dream come true kitchen, window treatments, hardwood flooring & much more. Cozy up to the fireplace in the living room or hang out on the 25x16 deck. Don't forget the garage & shed! All of this on a .25 Acre fenced corner lot in sought after Box Hill 2.
Please click on the link below or copy into your browser for more details and pictures.
253 KENSINGTON PKWY, ABINGDON, MD 21009
http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=29618542491

… (0 comments)

San Antonio Agents and Mortgage people, Who are your Top Title Companies?? Help Requested - 07:54 PM
Hello San Antonio people!
I've been asked by a couple of people if I would/could drive down there to give my Internet Class.  I also have two other classes, Psychology of Real Estate Working with Buyers and Psychology of Real Estate Working with Sellers.
I'm looking for information on your favorite title companies down there who would help promote the classes and secure agents for the classes (mortgage people for the internet class too).  Each class is 2 hours, so that's 6 MCE credits total available.
I would need a minimum of 20 people per class in order for it to … (5 comments)

How NOT to buy a home - 06:55 PM
Nobody wants to lose money or wind up in a financial bind. No one hopes to buy a home only to later regret the purchase. And yet, these scenarios occurred frequently enough to contribute to the nation’s current housing mess.
 
Luckily, it is possible to learn from other people’s mistakes.
 
Don’t look if you don’t know your target price
You can waste a lot of time if you start looking at homes without really knowing what you can afford. There are many factors to consider when figuring out a price range, including available funds for a down payment, monthly … (1 comments)

701 Los Robles, Leander - Welcome Home! - 08:22 PM
… (2 comments)

Denver Walk Score (Day 3 100 Real Estate Tips) - 10:44 PM
100 Real Estate Tips in 100 Days (Day 3)
What is Denver's Walk Score?
If you don't know your Walk Score, you must visit The Walk Score Website! Developed out of a need for homeowners to calculate the convenience of one's home to stores, restaurants, work and other quality aspects of a neighborhood, one can go online to get a number.
The number can range from 1 to 100. So depending on the proximity the home (address) is to Grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, movie theaters, schools, parks, libraries, bookstores, fitness, drug stores, etc. the higher the number.
Assuming and … (2 comments)

Alaska Credit Unions and Banks Are Strong - 04:16 PM
Happy Saint Paddy's Day, everyone.  And I am happy to report that Alaska credit unions and banks are strong and healthy.  There seems to be alot of doom and gloom in the national headlines, so I am very happy to report some good news.  A few weeks ago, I wrote in my blog, What to Do if You Are On the Downside, that Alaska's economy is very healthy compared to the lower 48.  The Anchorage Daily News seems to back me up on this in its recent article regarding Alaska banks and credit union health. The ADN reported that many of Alaska's credit unions and banks … (1 comments)

Celebrate St.Patty's at MATTY'S in New Berlin, WI ! - 10:43 AM
  You  just knew that Matt Anderson would be rolling out the green carpet on St. Patricks for patrons old and new....and do it with style and a BUNCH of fun besides....come on over....and see what a little green will do to celebrate the holiday in New Berlin...Matty's outstanding food with an irish flair to please the palate...music to awaken the Irish in you ...and plenty of green beverages to quench your thirst whatever your nationality......

 
… (3 comments)

Wanna Move to Wales ? Wisconsin that is....do it now...with this Super Tri-Level - 05:46 PM
It's neat....it's got outstanding curb appeal....a great private backyard....a family room with a fireplace and a whole wall of built-in display and storage...3 bedrooms and a bath and a half....Entertainment and Family Friendly layout....just a hop from schools in the ever so charming community of Wales, Wisconsin. It is where David Hanson grew up....and as we drove through town....the buildings that were once the corner grocery store and one room school are still there...just having taken on their now "highest and best use."


    Welcome to this tri-level at: 212 Llamberris Pass ....spelled correctly...2 L's named after a town in … (2 comments)

Dear Mr./Ms Lender......I am sooo not the Boogey Man..... - 07:10 PM
 
 
Dear Lender.....
   This is a difficult time for many homeowners...and I am working harder than I have ever worked before to help homeowners who for reasons of hardship cannot pay the mortgages and home equity lines that they have borrowed from you.
     At the time you lent them the money...You believed that they were capable of making the payments. You believed that their home was worth the amount of the mortgage and very often, the additional second mortgage or HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) that you extended to them. 
       The homeowner, as the … (4 comments)

475 Plum Creek Dr. #504 -- $124,900 -- SOLD/JUNE 2009! - 06:39 PM
… (0 comments)

1432 Prospect Drive -- $149,000 - 12:32 PM
… (0 comments)

Happy St. Patrick's Day - A Lil Bit of History of How it Began! - 03:10 PM
Today, March 17, we are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone is wishing each other a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day, or St. Paddy’s Day.” I remember as a child, always making certain that I wore "something" green - including a ribbon on my underwear. ;-)  Okay, I wore a green barrette too. ;-)
I am always interested in history, so I did some research on this “green day.” I've shared a link that provides some juicy details on the origination of St. Patrick's Day and other good stuff.
1.  Irish Stew. I selected a link to a video about how to make this … (25 comments)

Who in this group is actually doing REO for banks? - 07:12 PM
I have been trying to break into REOs for a while now and I do about 30 BPOs a month and I never get any listings . How can I ? If you can help please let me know>
… (4 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1852 Graham Street - 09:54 AM
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1852 Graham Street Montgomery AL 36106 MLS# 262401 (Single Family Res) and 262412 (Multi-Family, Triplex) Main house: 4 bedrooms/3.5 baths Attached Mother-in-law apartment: 1 bedroom/1 bath Detached guest house: 1 bedroom/1 bath   LIVE BETTER FOR LESS--LOTS LESS!! Don't let the price on this handsome bungalow fool you. Because there are two rental units included with the property, you can keep your personal living expenses under $900 per month! And my, how you'll live: a totally redone interior with all the old-house detailing you love. Almost 2900 square feet including 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a … (0 comments)

5 Things To Do Before Putting The 'For Sale' Sign In Your Montgomery Yard - 09:57 AM
If you are thinking of selling your Montgomery home this spring, now is the time to start getting ready to sell. Below are 5 things to do before putting the ‘For Sale' sign in the yard:   
1. Have a presale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.  
2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large … (0 comments)

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