Archives of real estate blog entries for April 15, 2009

Featured blog posts


HGTV, Asheville, Green Week, 2009 and THANKS Active Rain! - 04:41 PM
WAY BACK in the Summer of 2007 HGTV's House Hunters' crew flew in to Asheville, NC to videotape the story of a  couple (our clients) and their search for a green home.
The couple ended up deciding to purchase an older home, and then to retrofit it to their own eco-specifications...It would be "Ultra-Green".
In the meantime, the producers at the HGTV House HuntersShow had been planning ahead. They had their own hunt going on.  As a result of their efforts, HGTV found us and began taping for a Green Week segment to be aired in 2009!
Seems like a long, … (26 comments)

This Post Entitles Bearer to Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) Points! - 05:41 PM
I hit the half-million point mark on points last week.  Actually, the AR guys were kind enough to give me a "new dad" gift by rounding my points a little bit so that I could hit exactly 500,000 (see screen shot at right).  
When I started on ActiveRain back in August 2007 (20+ months ago), I never would have conceived of having a point total in this range.  I just knew that I enjoyed the interaction and the friendships that I was developing.
Then, along the way, something else happened. I realized that I really love to write, and write I … (144 comments)

Social Networking or Social Disease? - 02:30 PM
Have you been exposed to the Social Disease called Social Networking???
Millions have been exposed.  If you have a computer or an e-mail address chances are that you have been exposed to or invited to join a Social  Networking site.  Have you been tested yet?

Disease or Waste of Time  Now that I have your attention I must say that some people, especially the old guard, feel the buzz about Social Networking is just a Disease or a waste of time at best.  Oops!  I hope I haven't offended you.  Most of us and yes I am one of the old … (84 comments)

An SEO Cage Match between Trulia and Zillow? (or at least a spirited discussion...) - 01:24 PM
My guess is that when Teresa Boardman posted this message to Twitter:
“O.K. if an agent could only use one, which should they use? Zillow or Trulia?”
She had very little idea (or did she?) what an inspired discussion would commence. As it is with Twitter, both David Gibbons, Community Director of Zillow and Rudy Bachraty, Social Media Guru of Trulia were listening, and what transpired over the next hour or so was a spirited discussion on SOME of the merits of Zillow and Twitter.
Now, this discussion fell quite short of discussing the ENTIRE difference and benefits of the two … (44 comments)

To be or not to be an EXPERT, that is the question - Such as an FHA Expert - 03:16 PM
 
UPDATE : 4/16/09 @ 12:59 pm - I just wanted to add this because of a few comments about the term "Expert".  In my opinion, an Expert doesn't know everything... I would find that almost impossible, about any expert in any industry. But to me, it would be someone that knows more than 85% to 90% of that industry or that topic. One that is on top of their game, on top of the industry changes, can explain things well, and... a biggie here... if they don't know something, they don't give a questionable answer until they have the correct … (46 comments)

OK Now I'm Upset! - 11:04 AM
Last week I spent my days with several buyers. Out of the three I was with two put in offers. Both homes had been on the market for awhile with no offers.
Both placed offers and when I was sending them I asked if there were any submitted already. Both said no, perfect. Now both were sent.
I called on one and he tells me that another offer came through and they went with the other offer before my buyers even had a chance to counter. Great, back to the drawing board with them.
Second home follow up call, was put … (97 comments)

The Demise of Fannie & Freddie: Lizzie Borden Took An Ax... - 08:20 AM
Oak Grove Cemetery on Prospect Street, Fall River, MA is the final resting place of a suspected (though never convicted) killer. 
"Lizzie Borden took an ax," the ditty goes, "and gave her mother forty whacks.  When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one."
Another famous Massachusetts resident, Congressman Barney Frank, may soon preside over the dismembering and demise of another famous couple with whom he's intimately involved--Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
As in the trial of Lizzie Borden, the public will widely believe Congressman Frank to be culpable in the demise of Fannie and Freddie, despite his … (55 comments)

The Confident Rookie Series - SECRET EIGHT - Get Comfy with Your Commission - 07:36 AM

Most new agents are terrified about the prospect of discussing their commission with a potential seller. If this is the case for you, you're going to need to be 100% comfortable with the commission fee you're going to propose. If you aren't, you're dead meat. If you have concerns that you're overcharging for your value, it will be crystal clear to the seller prospect. In my first year, almost all of my listings were taken at a very low percentage because that's all I thought I was worth, due to my inexperience. As my experience and expertise grew, I became … (33 comments)

At Least We Don't Eat The Drywall - 06:58 AM
This is another difficult post to write.  Because of its content.  It is frightful, for which I apologize.
The beat goes on and on regarding the 500 million pounds or so of poisonous Chinese drywall.  It is affecting more and more homes, now estimated at over 100,000, and more and more people, and was apparently used for over four years.  Its damage continues.  If you missed my first two posts on it you can catch up here:
January 29 -- http://activerain.com/blogsview/895160/I-Think-We-Need-To-Recall-China
March 21 -- http://activerain.com/blogsview/994937/Update-Chinese-Drywall-The-Lawyers-Have-Landed
It is a very serious problem.  It has made the mainstream news.  Most recently, AP, 11 … (72 comments)

Spanky to be a part of greatest swim in the history of mankind! - 04:49 PM
I have written many times about my friend, Master Sergeant of Marines, William "Spanky" Gibson. You can read his story here and then you can read about his promotion here and you can even read about the truth from the front lines of Iraq right here. And if all of that isn't enough for you, then you can read my personal story of how Spanky chose to honor me.
Well now Spanky, who has been working in DC on a Congressional Fellowship (something usually reserved for those with the rank of Captain and above) is at it again. Not content with currently training … (23 comments)

Top Search Engines Reveal - The Top Real Estate Social Networks - 02:06 PM
Mirror Mirror on the Wall...  Let Google & Yahoo search them all....
What do people search for on Google?  What do you search for on Yahoo?  What are clients, friends, and family searching for?  Seems our entire lives are spent in search of something?  The questions is, are we ever really finding exactly what it is we're looking for?  Google and Yahoo put alot of time, money, and resources into making sure that you do, at least on the Internet.  In this post, I put the TOP TWO to the test with a question I get asked often by non-members.  Where … (95 comments)

How my Active outside blog resulted in a listing in less than an hour! - 09:29 AM
I was just ready to leave my office when I received an out of town call on my cell phone....
Hi is this Judy Greenberg?
Yes, who is this?
My name is Sam and my brother George just arrived in town from Arizona and would like you to list my father's townhome in Buffalo Grove. 
Now I'm thinking this is a little bit of a hoax, but I still  calmly continue with the conversation... When do you want to meet?   Where are you now? 
We are on the corner of Milwaukee and Half Day Road and we are looking for your office.
You are … (91 comments)


Blog posts


I Dreamed A Dream - 11:16 PM
Have We Become Cynical?  A very good lesson in "Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover!"  The Surprising Susan Boyle! If you want to feel uplifted and dazzled watch this!
Many valuable lessons as you watch this clip! Enjoy it...I sure did. I might have to watch it again tomorrow morning!
Susan Boyle on Britain's Got TalentUploaded by dwarthy About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and develops Daytona Beach Real Estate Training. Midori Miller is a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and an active member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  … (13 comments)

Brentwood, CA Real Estate Market Report! Prices are holding steady! - 01:32 PM
Are you a First Time Home Buyer seeking to Buy a Home in East Contra Costa County? Did you want to find a home in Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, or other smaller communities. Maybe you need to know about ?
If you are a Home Buyer or Home Seller in Brentwood or East Contra Costa County these are numbers you should pay attention to. Although there are many Bank Owned Homes this market seems to be holding steady. These numbers are taken from the local Multiple Listing Service today April 15, 2009. There is some variation on … (1 comments)

Spanky to be a part of greatest swim in the history of mankind! - 04:49 PM
I have written many times about my friend, Master Sergeant of Marines, William "Spanky" Gibson. You can read his story here and then you can read about his promotion here and you can even read about the truth from the front lines of Iraq right here. And if all of that isn't enough for you, then you can read my personal story of how Spanky chose to honor me.
Well now Spanky, who has been working in DC on a Congressional Fellowship (something usually reserved for those with the rank of Captain and above) is at it again. Not content with currently training … (23 comments)

Latest Pool Trends Make A Splash - 03:56 AM
Today's homeowners have a myriad of options to choose from when it comes to pool selection. The above ground pool remains one of the cheapest construction options available and one of the easiest to build, but it also remains one of the less durable designs and over the years has become less attractive than some of the other options out there. Still, if you are planning to move and want the security of knowing that you can take it with you, this type of pool is worth considering.

Fiberglass pools are unique because they are made in one piece … (0 comments)

Tips on How to Save on Entertainment - 04:02 AM
Just because the economy has tanked and has put Americans on tight budgets, does not mean that you can't entertain your family. You just need to know how to do it on a tighter budget. Here are a few tips on how to keep your family happy and still have fun, even if you are trying to save a few bucks.

If your family loves going to the movies, you know how expensive it can be. Even on discount night at the movies. If you buy two tickets for the matinee, which is usually around $14.00, and you want drinks … (1 comments)

The J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin - 04:14 AM
There is a large research facility in northwest Austin that is part of the University of Texas System called the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, and the site is nine miles north of the main U.T. campus just north of the Domain. This facility is on the cutting edge of new technology but not very well-known to most residents of Austin. The site of the PRC was originally a magnesium plant during World War II and was owned by the U.S. government until two U.T. professors sought to lease and eventually buy the site for the University. An agreement was reached in … (0 comments)

Signs of a Better Economy? - 04:21 AM
Is the glass half full or half empty? Or maybe that analogy doesn't work in this economy because people really just want to know if we've reached the bottom of this bitter drink of bad banks, busted housing markets and layoffs. The answer seems as hard to come by as a good analogy.

However, the current stock rally started with good banking news last month and that trend seems to be continuing. Wells Fargo & Co. said last week that it expects to post a record profit for the first quarter of 2009. This week will bring reports from … (2 comments)

Denver Water Where Does It Come From? - 03:56 PM
Water Where Does It Come From?
100 Real Estate Tips in 100 Days (Day 31)

Denver receives 15-16 inches of precipitation annually. Simply stated, that is not enough to support the Metro Denver population. So where does the water come from?
The mostly green grass one sees gracing Denver area lawns and golf courses is known as Marion Bluegrass, and derivatives of Kentucky Bluegrass. Denver is not the best place for this type of grass because the normal environment here is hostel to a grass that needs more than Denver's normal precipitation. So why does that type of grass … (4 comments)

Sometimes Life is Not All About Real Estate . . . Sometimes It's About Dreams - 08:25 PM
For the second time in as many years I found myself mesmerized by the video playing out its magic on my computer screen.  Another contestant on Britain's Got Talent was about to be interviewed and given a chance to audition for the judges and a none too encouraging audience.  It almost felt like someone would be waiting in the wings to extend the hook to reel in Susan Boyle.  With what audacity did this middle aged, poorly dressed woman from a town in Scotland have to voice her dream of becoming a professional singer.  The crowd laughed.  Simon rolled his eyes.  She … (3 comments)

3 Things to consider before buying a new home - 10:06 PM
 
 
Should I buy a home in Knoxville, Tennessee now? A question lots of potential buyers are asking themselves now.
So what’s the answer? The answer depends a lot on you and the reasons you’re thinking of buying.
Generally if you plan to live in any home you buy in Knoxville for at least the next 3 years now might be a good time for you to buy for the following three reasons:
You may be eligible for a new federal tax credit of up to $8,000 that is only available this year for home purchased and closed before December … (0 comments)

All I wanted for Christmas..New Year's...Valentine's...St. Pat's...Easter... - 08:21 AM
 

 
 Just a simple request....very simple...to become like the rest of realtor reality in the 21st century....I want an IDX friendly MLS....doesn't seem like a big request....I offered to pay our share...I wanted to be a grown up ....up to the minute high speed, high tech, lead capturing, 21st century realtor....
   So far....no good...our MLS just took a survey...how could they improve their service...IDX,,...IDX,...One theory is that the brokers who now charge their agents for leads from the company website would find that a bit more difficult....isn't it the sales that the agents bring to the broker what … (6 comments)

Where do you really live? - 09:46 PM
Where you live is a good place to start looking at sustainability in our lives, in more ways than one. The closer you live to where you work the less distance you have to commute. One of the reasons New York City is actually a pretty green city is that so many people live in small apartments and walk or use public transit to get around. Many people in large metropolitan areas with good transit systems do not own automobiles. If they need to go somewhere they want to drive to, they rent a car.
Many of the people reading this … (5 comments)

The Housing Credit Explained (or, $8k Falling From the Sky!) - 09:46 AM
The Housing Credit Explained (or $8,000 Falling From the Sky!)
In February, Uncle Sam decided to offer up quite an incentive to the homebuyers of 2009 (as if the affordable housing prices and low interest rates weren’t enough).  Homebuyers whose home purchase closed between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009 are eligible for a hefty tax credit – some up to $8,000!  Don’t start doing back flips yet; this is truly a wonderful incentive but if something sounds too good to be true, read the fine print.
The fine print, in this case, is that to qualify for this particular … (0 comments)

2009 is Still the Time to Buy! - 09:50 AM
Now’s the time to buy!  What?  We’ve said that before?  Well uh….this time we MEAN IT!
Let’s look at all the advantages to buying a house in the coming months:
1.    VERY affordable prices:  as I’m sure you’ve heard, the prices have dropped plummeted to new lows thanks to the highest foreclosure rate in years.2.    Huge inventory to choose from:  one of the most important things about the housing market right now is the surplus of houses that are currently for sale.  This means that you have a better chance to find your dream home now than ever.3.    Low interest rates:  … (0 comments)

8000 First-time Homebuyer Credit - 10:05 PM
Here is a good explaination of the $8000. buyer credit.
Via Naoma Doriguzzi - Mortgage Consultant (New American Mortgage):
I know alot of people have already explained this but I still get daily questions on this new topic.
All First Time Homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009 are eligible for the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Credit.

Qualifications:
A First Time Homebuyer is defined as you or your spouse have not owned a primary residence in 3 years. 
You are a US Citizen
You do not have income does not exceed $75,000 ($150,000 if married filing jointly)
Benefit:
You do not … (2 comments)

Maximize purchasing power with a buy down - 10:08 PM

Via Pat Savani (Champion Realty, Inc.):
In Maryland as with much of the country we have an over supply of inventory but now low interest rates may help us move our inventory. Maryland in spite of the negative national economic news still enjoys unemployment below the national trends with a rate of less than 6%. Maryland's major employers are the federal government, defense contractors, healthcare and education. Maryland for the 2nd year in a row was rated the richest state in the nation in 2008.
Historically low interest may help reduce the inventory.
Low interest rates has generated renewed interest home buying.  … (2 comments)

Montgomery Homes For Sale: 1537 Melissa Lane - 12:28 PM
Montgomery Homes For Sale:   1537 Melissa Lane, Montgomery Al 36117  MLS# 263487
  Welcome to the "Peacemaker Plan!" Your squabbles over closet space and bathroom tidiness are OVER when you make this home your own! His 'n hers walk-in closets provide personal storage space, and truly separate vanity areas mean you won't have to look at your spouse's mess all over the countertop. 20-inch Italian tile floors throughout the living areas and hallways mean no more arguments about having the pets inside. And kids can spill their Kool-Aid without upsetting Mom and Dad. Formal and informal eating areas, a … (0 comments)

Waterford Lakes Real Estate Market Update 04/15/09 - 08:11 AM
This is the most recent market information for Waterford Lakes Real Estate. Waterford Lakes is located in East Orange County and part of unincorporated Orlando Florida. 
 The properties labeled with a "B" stand for Waterford Lakes Bank Owned properties that sold and the property with "F" illustrate a short sale that sold in pre-Foreclosure.To date there are currently 10 bank owned homes for sale in Waterford Lakes and there are also 56 short sale opportunities in Waterford Lakes. Considering there are 56 out of the total 126 properties for sale in Waterford Lakes, which equates to approximately 44%f the properties for sale in Waterford … (0 comments)

Sandhill Crane Family - 05:15 AM
The Withlacoochee State Forest in Florida is a wonderful place to escape. Our landlord, Tom Bell, was in the Green Swamp portion recently and took this photograph, which he sent to us in an Easter greeting, as the closest shot he had of an Easter "chick". I was so delighted with the photo that I asked him if I could share it on my blog, and he agreed.
Thanks, Tom, for sharing this wonderful part of Florida and nature with all of us.
… (0 comments)

Cincinnati Ohio Real Estate Market Report 24 hour update 04/15/2009 - 08:46 AM
Call me about the 8000.00 Stimulus package for first time home buyers!
Here is a daily MLS update of activity in the Cincinnati area.
 There are 18865 properties for sale in the Cincinnati area.

 
48 of the pending properties are priced at 120,000.00 or less!
To search for your new home in Southwest Ohio you can click on the link below.
http://www.find1home.com/more_listings.php?id=4123
… (0 comments)

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