Archives of real estate blog entries for April 25, 2009

Featured blog posts


Wax On, Wax Off - 10:02 PM
I LOVED Karate Kid when I was growing up. The fight scenes were tame enough that my Mom let me watch, but cool enough to keep me interested. Mr. Miagi taught wimpy Daniel to take on a gang of jerks and in the end good triumphs over evil in the final showdown between Daniel and the guy who was willing to "sweep the leg." Really, what's not to like - well except maybe the sequels.

I found it a couple of weeks ago while flipping through channels and was mesmerized by the way that Mr. Miagi taught Danielson the art … (46 comments)

In the mood for a quickie? New calendar, iPhone/BlackBerry wallpaper & blog header previews... - 06:35 PM
 

 Hi guys, my brain needs a serious rest from writing tutorials and I have a busier than busy month coming up so right now, I'm taking some "me time" to relax, have fun, eat like a pig and watch hockey. ;-)
 Today I just wanted to give you a preview of some new stuff I'm working on that will be coming out sometime in May including... a new calendar/wallpaper that you can use on your own sites & blogs, a look at a couple of cellphone wallpapers and a new series of blog headers for both ActiveRain & Wordpress.
… (41 comments)

Active Rain Star Blogger Interviews- Secrets To Success of The Rich and Famous Bloggers! - 07:22 PM
Active Rain Stars- The Real Scoop On Your Favorite Bloggers! Welcome to our first Active Rain Stars! Here are the real deal interviews with your favorite bloggers.
All the burning questions inquiring minds want to know are now discovered.
Hold on, fasten your seatbelts as we go for a wild ride through the Active Rain blogosphere to meet your very own super stars! It was a long flight from West Palm Beach Florida to Beaverton Oregon. I made my way through with my camera and my ISPY kit as I am really a covert operator on a mission to … (72 comments)

How do Realtors show that they "Care" in your community? - 07:25 PM

Loaded down with tools, work gloves and safety glasses, at 7:30 am yesterday morning I met up with about 15 other Realtors at a modest home in our community.  After a brief introduction by our site captain about safety and the list of projects we were to complete, everyone put on their gloves and got right to work.
Our mission: 
Rip out the old, rotted side porch and build new one Build and install two crawl space doors Scrap old paint off of front and side metal railings and steps Paint Spruce up garden if time permitted
 
 
The ripping … (79 comments)

Club Chaos Spring Eye Candy Contest: LANDMARKS (Sat April 25 - Sat May 2, 2009) - 10:33 PM

 
This is our third Club Chaos Eye Candy event where we run parallel but dueling contests: ONE for PHOTOGRAPHY (APR-ECP04) and ONE for VIDEO (APR-ECV04). As previously stated, we are looking for your very best eye candy ladies and gentlemen and we want you to submit quality work worthy of a featured post.
Club Chaos will be hosting this Active Rain Contest with a little help from our friends, so please pay attention to what is mandatory and what is optional. As requested, we rotated some of the groups and have introduced Fraishe Aire and PAWS into the mix.
… (125 comments)

Do You Qualify for a Short Sale? - 06:29 AM
The original concept of a short sale is when a home sells for less than the mortgage(s) on it. The homeowner may or may not sign a promissory note or bring money to closing. Many homeowners in Orange Park and Fleming Island have not one, but two or three mortgages, including a home equity line of credit.  You may be considering a short sale, but the question is - Do You Qualify for a Short Sale? Not every Clay County homeowner does insofar as no financial penalty. Here's the thing:
The rules for short sales keep changing
If a home … (93 comments)

Homeowners Insurance for Ann Arbor and Saline Buyers - 05:23 AM
A few months ago I looked at my Homeowners Insurance Policy and decide to get some new bids. I was able to save $600.00 on my annual policy.
I wasn't unhappy with my provider but right now I am all about saving money.
Watch this video is you are buying a home in the Ann Arbor Area or need to look at your policy. Everyone needs to review their policy from time to time. ( yearly is best )
 
*************************************************************************** Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-216-2822 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com
Our TEAM of 6 buyer associates are available … (35 comments)

Have your sellers do their own open house - maybe not in this case - 09:58 PM
Would you let your sellers do an open house? By themselves?  You just put out your sign or two and let them have at it. (maybe close your eyes and hope for the best)Sometime back we stopped by an open house. We do this quite often, stopping by to say hi to the agent, take a look at the house and chat a bit. It seemed like nobody was around - the door was open, so we called out "Hellos" and heard some mumbling. Stepping inside the house made us gag. The odor that emanated from the house was unbearable, the … (107 comments)

"Sounds Like a Good Problem to Have" - Results from ActiveRain - 07:14 PM
This is my 800th post on ActiveRain.  I spent a lot of time and effort writing original content over the past couple of years, and I wanted to take a minute today to answer a question that has been posed to me many times:
"Jason, is it worth it?  Have you seen good results from your blogging?" Well, aside from the friendships, referrals, teaching opportunities, publicity in local and national press, and my own radio show about social media, I have one terrific indicator that it's all worthwhile - actual clients find me.
Before I say this, please understand that it … (93 comments)

31 Days To Build A Better Blog Challenge - Day 20 - 08:29 AM

photo courtesy of unthinkingly
A comment a day keeps the doctor away, 10 comments a day gets you points.
Here at ActiveRain, we're no strangers to commenting on other blogs.  We do it everyday, although I must admit, my commenting has slowed a bit lately and I have been missing some of my favorite bloggers back and forth (although I still do read everyone I can).  In Day 20 of the 31 Days To Build A Better Blog Challenge, Darren encourages us to comment on blogs within our niche (real estate).  Easy enough you say?  Well...I agree and disagree.  It … (58 comments)

We agree that we disagree. but be nice! - 05:46 AM

I am happy to say ..I have been busy and away from blogging for a while. I received what I thought was very excellent information on emergency uses for your cell phone.  I thought it important enough and wanted to share this with my AR family.
I never realized information ( unlike a  company ) could be checked out on www.snopes.com
Thanks to someone leaving me the comment that the information was not accurate,  I deleted the post.
Because of the comment on the correction and that I need to check things out before I blogged about them, I received … (66 comments)

Is Your Home Inspector like Simon Cowell? - 05:06 AM
I enjoy watching American Idol.  Each Season I seem to get attached to certain contestants and after each performance I sit on the edge of my seat waiting for the judges’ feedback.
In many ways, this experience mirrors my experience with SOME home inspections.  I wait for some inspectors to finish the inspection, type in the information into their laptop, print out the report. And review it with the buyer.  It all seems to start out nicely… just minor stuff, non-functional outlet, an occasional vapor seal in the window, and then it happens… the inspector becomes Simon Cowell.
How did that … (51 comments)


Blog posts


Dick Pollard and Midori Miller on WELE1380 AM.com - 08:45 AM

 
 
Dick Pollard Host of HousesandLoansMag.com has invited Midori Miller to be on the radio....
oh oh on the radio! :)
Daytona Beach Florida 1380 am from 12 to 1 pm. Today's Topic Technology Fair- Lowest Priced Properties that Sold in Daytona Beach- Multi-level marketing..and he wants to talk about one of my personal favorites Activerain!
Call in at : 386-523-1880 We would love to hear from you!  

 
About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training. Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member … (8 comments)

Short sale denials.....is it in the past? - 01:49 PM
I found this 2 months old post today by Stephanie Litton Short Sale Denial...need ideas on how to proceed. , posted to members only, that didn't have any comments on it. I immedidately posted comments just to lshow her that someone was reading it and shared the same frustration. She was asking for help and suggestions, but didn't receive any. "Sad... no one knew enough about short sales to comment....."
I've found that recently it seems to be getting easier to getting short sale approvals and responses from the Bank, or is it just a particular Bank that I am dealing with. I even had a Bank … (4 comments)

Snyder Market Report - 09:49 PM
Snyder NY Real Estate Market Report

Current Snyder Real Estate Market Report
April 25, 2009
There are currently 131 active listings with an average list price of $163,520 ranging from $38,760 to $624,900 There are 11 pending/under contract sales at this time In the past 30 days there has been 26 closed sales with an average closed price of $168,123 and spending an average of 33 days on the market Year to date there has been a total of 64 closed sales with an average closed price of $133,424 spending an average of 86 days on the market Highest sold … (0 comments)

Open Houses in Cheektowaga NY April 26, 2009 - 09:54 PM
Cheektowaga Open Houses
Open Houses don't sell houses! Yet we find them to be a popular way to search for a home after the Internet.   It gives buyers an opportunity to look at a variety of home styles to help them put together their list of requirements.   Sometimes it is a way a home gets sold, but it is not always the best way for a buyer.
Who are the typical visitors of Open Houses?
Nosy neighbors - your neighbors have seen the sign out, they want to see your home to compare their own home's value Daydreamers - people who cannot … (0 comments)

Fair Housing 101 - 09:57 PM
Fair Housing Rules Affect WNY Buyers
 
Fair Housing Rules prevent Realtors from giving their opinion on neignborhoods.
Fair Housing Rules Stop Us From Answering Some of Your Questions!
What a New York Realtor® cannot tell you about a neighborhood might surprise you. We recognize that the purchase of your Western New York home is a huge life altering decision and you want to make sure that you have not only the perfect home, but also that have all the facts you need to make that decision.
Fair housing has been in the news in Western New York lately and it … (0 comments)

FSBO Basics - 10:04 PM
For Sale By Yourself in Buffalo NY?


Selling your Buffalo home by yourself there are many things that you have to think about. For Sale by Owners have a lot to do get their homes sold and they are at a disadvantage to get it right the first time.  One of the most important things when selling your Buffalo home by your self is all the details.
What does a Realtor® do?
Many of these things that a professional Realtor® takes care of for the Western New York Seller:
Effective pricing of your Buffalo home. The market changes rapidly, … (3 comments)

Holiday Homes with Pool Near Disney World - 04:39 PM
SUNSET RIDGE IN DAVENPORT FLORIDA
Beautiful 5 Bedroom, 3 bath home with screen enclosed, in ground and heated pool. Ceramic tile floors in all wet areas. Kitchen with breakfast bar opens to family room.  Separate formal living room. Privacy fenced back yard. The home is being offered fully furnished with short term rental licensing and bookings in place. Turn key holiday home located 10 minutes to the Disney area less than 1/4 mile south of I-4 on HWY 27 in Davenport. Sunset Ridge is a quaint gated community right down the street from restaurants and shops. Don't miss  this one! Call … (4 comments)

Who gets the best foreclosure deals? - 07:02 PM

It's been over a year since I wrote the blog post "Connecticut Foreclosures and Sainthood."  Sadly, many more foreclosures have come on the market and I've gained more foreclosure experience.  There are some great deals on homes that have been foreclosed, many of them are being sold far under market value. In some cases, with repairs and a little elbow grease a buyer can gain instant equity.
As I said back then, you must have the patience of a saint to buy a bank foreclosure. Here's the rub. I have found in many situations that first time home buyers just … (7 comments)

There's life in the local real estate market! - 07:45 AM
Morning! There are some great deals for buyers in the Jacksonville area. Many, many short sales, and foreclosures. Unfortunately, I still feel that those who have been fortunate enough to "maintain" during this tough economic time, and have continued to pay their mortgage on time, are not in a good position to sell. The movement, according to recent statistics by the Florida Association of Realtors, is that the buyers are primarily first-timers, and investors. While the home sales were down nationally for the month of March, they rose in Florida. Go to www.floridarealtors.org for more info!
… (0 comments)

Clues for Cutting Moving Expenses - 01:18 PM
Denver Relocation Tip: Clues for Cutting Moving Expenses 100 Real Estate Tips in 100 Days (Day 38)

 
Relocating to a new neighborhood at a distant location can be very expensive. Not all people moving have the benefit of a relocation package or the excess cash to complete the move.
Many folks rely on the do-it-yourself options like U-Haul Penske or Budget truck rentals. These companies offer one-way truck rental, so you can pack and unpack yourself. The fees involved typically are per diem, plus gas and mileage.
Prices for these rentals will vary according to location. Oddly enough some … (2 comments)

What's in YOUR Cell Phone Bill? ....PLUS...FACEBOOK WARNING!!!!!!! - 09:14 AM
Many of us are paying a lot more attention to the details lately, and in an effort to reduce some of my expenses I modified my cell phone plan last month.  Today I received an email that my bill was available online so I logged into my account, excited to see how much my bill (normally about $120 per month) had been lowered.  When I clicked on the "view my bill" link, the new bill was over $129!!!!!  My minutes were well within my plan, so, no, I had not gone over my minutes.  So, why was my bill so high???
As I … (9 comments)

What IS your Cup of Tea ? - 08:30 AM
Lots of talk these days about tea parties....and it started a thread of thought about direction...purpose....energy....and realizing how important that is to EVERYONE in every aspect of life...every person in a transaction and our chosen professions.
       REAL tors -Have you gotten real ? Are you still waiting for the phone to ring or do you  have a marketing plan that you review,  revise and renew ? Have you invested in the education, taken the time to learn the areas of your practice that you choose to concentrate on or are you taking whatever comes along and hoping something does...tilting at … (2 comments)

Come and Have a Draft at Matty's While You Watch the Draft - at 2 pm ! - 10:05 AM
 
 

Finish off your draft picks with a selection of Matty's famous Saturday night meat selection...sure to cure the hungries for even the biggest appetite....touch down one of these specials tonite:
#1 10oz Blackened Prime Rib #2 8oz Filet #3 12oz T-Bone #4 10oz New York Strip #5 11oz Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin 

                                          14460 West College Avenue, New Berlin, WI 53151 414-427-3838
     Munch along...eat em up, eat em up chew ! chew !  Come early....stay late...drink responsibly
and have fun !
… (0 comments)

Office Decor!! Any suggestions - 10:20 AM
We are opening an office in Fort Walton Beach, not on the beach but close by. Me and my partner can not decide what we want it to look like. So I suggested we ask you. Any Ideas.
I want it be like my office in Pensacola, nice, clean and homey, by the way does anyone know how to get a good smell from a microwave. I tried cooking an apple pie in there but it blew up. I like the homey feel.
Anyway he thinks we ought to go totally professional, state of the art. My question is how does … (5 comments)

The New Investor, Faces have changed - 10:40 AM

Via Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FlexIt Realty, a call or click away! (Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan):
Have you noticed the "New Investor"?
The faces have changed but the short term intent is the same.  The near term is completely different and you may end up with a long term client.
The new investor isn't based on the normal income brackets, age groups or demographics.  The investor is your first time buyer.  Most are using the HUD or Foreclosure purchase option to get into their first home...but it is only for a 2-4 year commitment then they are going to flip … (2 comments)

The National Council on Aging Reminds Us: Reverse Mortgages can be used by over 13 million Americans to Remain Independent and in Their Homes Longer - 10:57 AM

Via Larry Morris, Oregon Mortgages (American Nationwide Mortgage Company, Inc):
WASHINGTON — A study released by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) shows that reverse mortgages can be used by over 13 million Americans to pay for long-term care expenses at home, allowing many to remain independent and in their homes longer.
“The study shows that reverse mortgages have significant potential to help many seniors pay for help at home or to make home modifications. It also points to the need for strong consumer safeguards and lower transaction costs if these loans are to appeal to the millions of older … (2 comments)

Featured Listing 5657 Chanterelle Cir Milton FL 32583 by Charles Stallions - 11:45 AM
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com Looking for a home to rent, sell or buy in Pensacola Florida, Pace Florida and Gulf Breeze Florida. E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com foreclosures, short sales homes for sale or rent.   Charles Stallions Real Estate Services located in Pensacola Florida, a 12 member team of local experts on Loan Modifications, Certified Residential Specialist, Distressed Property Expert with fourteen years in real estate dealing in foreclosures, first time home buyer programs and investor sales. We are the company you keep, with your one stop office for Property Management, Title and Closing Solutions, FHA, VA, Conventional Loans, Termite and Pest Control, Land Surveyors, Around … (2 comments)

For Sale 5928 SOMERSET DR Pensacola Florida by Charles Stallions - 12:45 PM

… (2 comments)

Investor Alert Below Market 6515 STARBOARD DR by Charles Stallions - 12:49 PM

… (2 comments)

For Sale 1607 AMANDA LN Pensacola, Florida 32514 by Charles Stallions - 12:54 PM

… (2 comments)

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