Archives of real estate blog entries for March 7, 2009

Featured blog posts


Spring Has Sprung, But Have You - 04:06 PM
 Now that it is time to once again reset the clocks and enjoy longer days of daylight, the grass is starting to green in certain areas and soon the flowers will start to awake from their Winter slumber. We all know that Spring is just around the corner and we can sense the delight that it will bring by thawing the frost and making the world look new again. Mother nature is ready and you should be too.
 Now is the time to start the arguous and preparing fa the months ahead in order to embrace the bounty that they bring. The … (51 comments)

How do I know if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac has my loan???? - 01:58 PM
This seems to be the question of the hour.
How do I find out if Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae has my loan??
To find out if either of these two giants have your loan you need to first call your lender or loan servicer (the one who sends you a mortgage statement every month) and ask them if one of the two have your loan. If they do not want to tell you because some might not or if you do not feel comfortable with the customer service reps answer then you can find out directly from Freddie Mac or Fannie … (37 comments)

Remember to Change Your Clocks Tonight! - 04:05 PM
Well, it's time to SPRING FORWARD tonight (March 7), so don't forget to turn your clocks forward one hour. You will lose an hour of beauty sleep tonight; however, we're gaining an extra hour of daylight--gone are the days of it being dark around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.! I always love this time of the year because it means that Spring will be here shortly and with Spring come the beautiful flowers and warm weather that I enjoy so much. It's also a good idea to change all the batteries in your smoke detectors; remember to change them again when we … (59 comments)

Be Engaged in the Conversation With Nearby Tweets... - 07:08 AM
As we all know, "traditional" media types are dying. All we need to do is turn on the tube to hear the latest and greatest on what paper is bankrupt. And, most of us who could, would zap past TV or radio commercials so we can get back into the "nitty-gritty" of the program. A very low percentage of us trust media ads. Kinda like Congress, "If their lips are moving...". On the other hand, a huge percentage of us trust a referral source from a friend or collegue. Sound familiar? This type of "personal referral" source of advertising can be … (30 comments)

Do You Understand Economics? - 05:41 AM

Be Prepared “The next 180 days may be the toughest economic days we will ever experience in our lifetime.”
This was spoken by Gary Keller at the recent Keller Williams Family Reunion I attend in Orlando.I admire someone of Gary’s stature who pulls no punches. Not many leaders are willing to do that, including our own trade organization.
There was palatable silence in the room of over 6000 Realtors.
What has happened? Historically, our housing market has increased by an average of 4% per year, until…. 2000 to 2005 where homes appreciated 7 to 13%. It was not sustainable.
Note … (66 comments)

Am I a bad person? - 09:05 AM

 
When I got my Google Alerts for Lake Norman Real Estate this morning, as always, I took a look at blog articles written by other Realtors just to keep in touch with my area.
I happen to read one by an agent/broker owner of a local real estate firm that had cut and pasted one of my posts over a year ago.  I thought we had a clear understanding that he was never going to use any of my content or photos again.
Well, in his post this morning in his video about a subdivision there was one of my photos!  … (113 comments)

Sharing a Roof - Another Side-Effect of This Economy - 09:11 AM
Is a Multi-generation Household in Your Future?
 
Remember when you were a teenager and couldn't wait to move out of your parents house?  You may have been one of those people who wouldn't even consider a college close to home because you wanted space, lots of space, between you and your parents.  The last thing that ever crossed your mind was THEM moving into your dream home with you, your sweetheart and your children.  (...or you moving your whole family in with them, OH MY!)
A lifetime of Thanksgiving dinners and other family dramas has re-enforced your love of … (63 comments)

Based on purely anecdotal information, I hereby declare that the worst is over! - 08:34 AM
I am the first to admit that I have no statistical information to back up this claim. All that I know is that business began picking up last week, culminating with a Friday that produced six new buyers. And I don't mean leads that must be converted; I'm talking about showings with pre-approved buyers.
It's not unusual for my phone to ring, but in this case I was overwhelmed. And although I have a partner that is a very experienced buyer's agent, we are having difficulty scheduling every one that is ready to go!
So I have been busily engaged in … (62 comments)

Vent on Activerain and have it Featured~ A Simple Guide to Writing - 08:27 AM
We all have those pet peeves...The things that happened that just make us want to scream.  Many times you will see someone write a post.  You know, the posts that start with:
**Warning Vent Coming** Personally, I think that venting is a good thing.  It helps a lot to get something that has bothered you out of your system.  However, I believe that there are ways to write a vent and make it useful for the community instead of just writing your complaint.  Over the past year, I have written several of these types of posts and had them featured. With … (56 comments)

Keeping in touch with disappearing buyers - 07:42 AM
How many times have you had someone come to an open house and tell you they want to buy. 
Well maybe not that often...I still hold open houses under certain conditions.  I make sure to ask the right questions. I am there why not ask about their status?  Are you working with someone?  Are you under buyer contract?
I also cultivate through print and the internet...not just one source but a consistent method of keeping in touch no matter how the prospect was originated.
The point is....many buyers just do not have a reason to stay with you.  They buy from sellers agents and end … (28 comments)

Killing The ANTs Is Crucial To Your Survival - 07:27 AM
No, I am not suggesting you get out a can of Raid.  The ANTs I am referring to are Automatic Negative Thoughts.
You know the ones.  They just pop up out of nowhere.  They just happen. There you are, planning your frontal attack on your next source of business and you start questioning your capabilities.  You hear that little voice that tells you you're not good enough to try to get that listing, etc.
Well, stop those ANTs dead in their tracks!  Don't let the little critters ruin your picnic.
I'm familiar with the thoughts.  Who isn't?  But I had never … (38 comments)

Fun with Flickr toys - 08:18 AM
I beleive that blogs need photos, graphics and art work.  People seem to prefer blogs with art work over those that only offer walls of words.  Sometimes I have photos for blog posts and sometimes I want something a little different so I go to flickr toys.  I can take photos from my flickr account and turn them into unique graphics. Here are some of my creations.
I created this magazine for a blog post last fall.

Here is a desk top wall paper calendar that I have on one of my blogs that readers can download:

Here is … (64 comments)

Dear John... ahem, I mean Active Rain... - 07:06 AM
It is difficult for me to write this but I cannot remain silent any longer. I love you so much that if I don't be honest with you I am afraid we will drift apart.

>>> insert melodramatic music here <<<
We met more than 2 years ago when I saw you across a crowded Internet that fateful day. It was love at first sight and since then I have delighted in growing and learning with you. You brought out some of the best in me as you became this amazing and powerful site. I realize that I may not … (74 comments)

Real Estate: Brainstorming ideas for helping each other survive - 08:57 AM
An unedited whiteboard of brainstorming ideas for helping each other make it through this year.  Brainstorming is done when you just write down whatever comes to mind, without editing.  I did many of these in workshops and seminars, and though why not do it for the people I care about, my Active Rain friends.
Everyday we read about more people that have lost their jobs, lost their house, or whatever bad thing the economy has done.  This morning I sent an email to someone that has to now make a tough decision on whether to stay or go in Real Estate.  … (60 comments)


Blog posts


Gary Keller Shows Up At CENTURY 21 Sundance Meeting! - 07:05 AM
You read right but not in person..and thanks to Missy Caulk I had to do it..her words...Gary Keller's words inspired me..As I started my presentation and spoke the name...I could see faces shocked..really surprised..and one of these days..
I'm going to end up in trouble.. So what new right?  It had to be shared! I speak the truth..and sometimes people aren't interested in the truth...they want optimism..they want to feel good but feeling good may not produce income to take care of your families.  I am a realist and sometimes not so optimistic!  I admit I have been concerned with
Agent … (26 comments)

Where is Active Rainer - Joan Mirantz? -- Get Well Soon! - 04:10 PM
 
 
  Where's "THE OTHER JOAN"?      Joan has been a active rainer who I invited to join about 2 years ago!   She contributes wonderful posts and comments on a regular basis...  Recently, she went missing! 
   Joan had left me a messge a little over a week ago letting me know she was getting settled into her new home, so at first I didn't think too much of the fact she had not posted for a while...She said she would be posting about her new home soon.  However, I never saw any posts.
    I called Joan to see how the move was going and to confirm that we … (25 comments)

Selling a House - The Front Yard - 01:29 AM
As an Accredited Staging Professional, I was taught that the outside of your house is just as important. Everyone knows that Great curb appeal, and a memorable first impression is essential. In a hot market people will overlook the sight of your yard and the clutter on your house. Not these days, where there is much more to choose from So stage the outside of your house.
Start by looking at the outside of your home through a stranger's eyes. Go and stand outside in the street if you have to. Can you see your house or is it blocked by … (0 comments)

Jennifer Bolen - REO Agent & Realtor in Seattle & Portland - 12:26 PM
Hello all!  I just returned from my first Family Reunion and LOVED it.  I've been with KW since June after moving over from a large local brokerage.  I couldn't be happier with my move.  I have a team that covers Seattle and Portland.  Would love to assist any of you with referrals in these areas!  Looking forward to being a part of this great group. 
… (1 comments)

Creating an Internet Presence and Converting Cyberleads- 2 hours MCE Credit- March 11 & 12 in Dallas - 02:38 PM
Back by popular demand are two more opportunities for coming to my class.  Many people had last minute excuses reasons for not coming, again, so I've been talked into one more batch of classes in Dallas.
I'll be teaching a TREC approved MCE class on Wednesday, March 11 from 9:30am-11:30 am and Thursday, March 12 from 1pm-3pm at Republic Title in Richardson, TX.  Please take note as to which date is the morning time, and which date is the afternoon time. 
Learn the basics of how to Create an Internet Presence in order to help capture more buyers and sellers who are doing their … (15 comments)

Free Lunch with a Cop For Kids, Lake In The Hills, IL - 09:25 AM
Lunch with a Cop
Friday, April 17th and 24th the Lake in the Hills Police Department is hosting their Lunch with a Cop program.  It will be held both days from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Lake in the Hills Police Department's Safety Educational Center, located at 1109 Crystal Lake Road.  It will include a pizza lunch, puppet show and safety tips.  Pizza and pop will be served to the children (and parents) by members of the Lake in the Hills Police Department, the puppet show with follow lunch.  This program is free and is a great opportunity for young children to realize that the police are their friends … (0 comments)

Just doing some home work for an Anti full service listing prospect,found some interesting results - 01:43 PM
Well after running around a late afternoon I thought it would be best to hit the phones for a bit before calling it a day. So i was calling on some expired listings when i came across a client that had recently built and was planning a move to their retirement home far far away.
The Gentleman made it clear that he has already told a number of agents that have called before me that he and his wife had no interest in hiring a full service agent or paying 6%.
He also informed me that they were not the most motivated … (3 comments)

Interesting Results for anyone thinking of going the Flat Fee, MLS only route in Milwaukee - 04:57 PM
I was writing a blog earlier about meeting with a prospective seller that believed his chances were better of saving money with a Flat Fee, MLS only agent vs. going with a full service agent.
This got me thinking of the true stats that these companies actually delivered and I wanted to share them here.
This is a study of the top 3 Flat Fee providers in Milwaukee WI
Milwaukee Area Flat Fee service Stats
I will not include any names here.
This is based on the #1 flat fee in our area.
380 homes listed
59 Sold
only 15.5% actually … (1 comments)

Outer Banks Short Sale Just Listed-$265,000 Below Tax Value - 08:58 AM

3,100 sq. ft., 5 bath, 5 bdrm 3 story - MLS® $639,999 - $265,000 Below Tax Value
Rodanthe, Dare County  -  Oceans Beacon is an investors dream comes true!! Where else can you get a house in this price range generating over $80,000 in rental income. Year after year renters keep coming back for more. Pool/Hot tub, game room, and elevator plus your only steps to the ocean. Every bedroom has its own balcony to enjoy the views. You will not find a better house with the rental income and all the amenities plus only 1 lot off the ocean. … (2 comments)

Silicon Valley Real Estate Market Update for March 2009 - 12:32 AM
How's the Silicon Valley real estate market?
The market is heating up!  Anecdotally, my phone is ringing off the hook and my email is jammed with people wanting to discuss home buying and home selling in the San Jose area.I have talked a few sellers out of selling - it's important to be extremely realistic right now since the odds are against selling.
What about pricing for Santa Clara County homes that do sell?  Are sales improving? Yes! It's better.
Countywide, home sales increased, year-over-year, by a whopping 30.3% in February. The vast majority of sales are in the lower price … (4 comments)

Where The Heck Am I Going? - 08:08 PM
Okay, admittedly I need help.  When I left ActiveRain it was a two lane road with obvious cross streets and traffic lights.  The one I've come back to is a major highway with off ramps that lead to secondary roads with no signs that I'm capable of reading.
 
I write a post.  That's the easy part.  Now what do I do with it?  Which of the 48 possibilities is appropriate and will get it to its ultimate destination.  I feel as if I need a navigational system for my second time around this block.
Help!
… (6 comments)

1230 WRIGHT CIR # 309, CELEBRATION, FL 34747 - 04:59 PM
 
MLS#  S4650114               1230 WRIGHT CIR # 309, CELEBRATION, FL 34747  $$$ 246,000 $$$
 
PRICED TO SELL - FANTASTIC VALUE. Private location with spectacular water view, top floor 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Carlsen Model, elevator building, with one car garage and storage area.  Upgraded cabinets, tile and appliances.  Enjoy the lifestyle.  Ownership brings with it membership in the Artisan Club - fitness center, lushly landscaped heated pool and spa area, billiard tables and cafe.  DSL connection included.
For more information on this property and many more like it in Celebration, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty at 407-616-7286 or visit … (0 comments)

The Challenges of a Short Sale - 05:03 PM
By now most home Buyers have a general understanding of what a Short Sale property is. What most do not realize is that the price that is advertised for sale is not always a guaranteed sale price.  Yes, there are exceptions to this in where the listing agent has been able to negotiate the proper sale price of the property but in most cases this is not true.
To better understand this you should know that the process of a home that is a Short Sale can be rather long for the Seller who is trying to get out of their … (1 comments)

Foreclosure Home or Party House - 05:05 PM
With the vast number of vacant foreclosed home out on the market; it was just a matter of time for these properties to become the latest hang out for teenage kids. These properties have often been left vacant for month's without any maintenance or property management to look over these homes. They are often vandalized for appliances or fixtures throughout the homes. Now these homes are becoming the hangout of choice for kids looking for a place to party. Recently a large 4000 square foot home outside of the Fort Myers area had become the Party House for a large group of … (1 comments)

2509 LANIER RD, KISSIMMEE, FL 34744 - 05:10 PM
 
 MLS# S4639915            2509 LANIER RD, KISSIMMEE FL 34744   $$$ 119,000 $$$

BANK APPROVED, great location, this home has a 2004 roof,3 bedroom 2 bathroom , in-law quarters,tile floors throughout,why not purchase a home that is perfectly located  to everything. a/c 2006 enclosed a/c florida room, great home to make a primary res BANK APPROVED  FOR  MUST BE A SOLID BUYER TO CLOSE, CASH AND APPROVED BUYERS WELCOME WE ARE READY TO CLOSE RIGHT AWAY
For more information on this property and many more like it in Kissimmee, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com.
… (0 comments)

255 WHITNEY ST, KISSIMMEE FL 34744 - 09:57 PM
 
MLS#  S4649976        255 WHITNEY ST, KISSIMMEE FL 34744      $$$ 79,900 $$$

3 Bedroom / 2 Bath home in Kissimmee. Perfect for a starter home. Short Sale! Listing price may not be sufficient to pay total of all liens and costs of sale,sale of property at full listing price may require approval of seller's lender and such approval may be conditioned upon the fees being reduced.
For more information on this property and many more like it in Kissimmee, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com.
… (0 comments)

145 AURELIA CT, KISSIMMEE FL 34758 - 10:04 PM
 
 MLS# S4649944       145 AURELIA CT, KISSIMMEE FL 34758    $$$ 117,000 $$$
Exterior Front
Large 4 bedroom 2.5 Bath home is Poinciana. 2320 square feet, built in 2007. Very well maintained and in move in condition. Listing price may not be sufficient to cover all encumbrances, closing costs, or other seller charges and sale of Property at full listing price may be conditioned upon approval of third parties.
For more information on this property and many more like it in Kissimmee, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. … (0 comments)

517 MAGPIE LN, POINCIANA FL 34759 - 10:08 PM
 
MLS#   S4650055               517 MAGPIE LN, POINCIANA FL 34759   $$$ 65,000 $$$

Price to sell" This is what you always dream about it.   This beauty has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 car garages, and it is in good condition.  FIRST TIME BUYERS OPPORTUNITY This house qualify for USDA/Rural Housing loan 102% financing. This is a SHORT SALE!!!!! Listing price may not be sufficient to cover all encumbrances, closing costs, or other seller charges and sale of property at full listing price may be conditioned upon approval of third parties.
For more information on this property and many more like it … (0 comments)

SPRING FORWARD With the 4 R's...Start Tonite !!! - 05:21 PM
   Tonite at the stroke of bedtime...
    we will spring ahead into a new season.....for those of us in the sometimes frigid midwest in can mean adding color to the landscape....green rather than brown grass....purple crocuses pushing their heads thru the previously frozen ground.  It won't be long before the beautiful pale orchid colors are joined by a chorus of tulips in many hues dotting front yards and parks...baskets and window boxes.
  Revisit - Your business plan
 Review - Your 1st quarter progress
Renew - Your comittment to your career
Rejoice ! In all you have accomplished and know you … (2 comments)

Nominate the Citizen of the Year in New Berlin, WI - 06:47 PM
   Every year, the Mayor of New Berlin, WI asks residents to nominate someone for Citizen of the Year. This year, the nominations are due in the Mayor's office no later than March 31st.
    The criteria for the award include: 
Contribution of something with a lasting effect to the community  Volunteerism  Enrichment of the cultural, civic and youth facilities of the City of New Berlin Contributions to community welfare Civic Achievement  
 
              If you wish to nominate someone, you may send a letter or e-mail of 500 words or less to Melody in the mayor's office:mstyba@newberlin.org  or: 3805 S. Casper … (0 comments)

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