Archives of real estate blog entries for April 29, 2009

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Widget Wednesday~ Tips to enhance your Outside Blog - 12:25 PM
Today I am starting another new series that will run for the next several weeks about the great widgets that are currently available for your ActiveBlog (outside blog).  We will dive into the details of how to maximize the functionality of these widgets as well as some of the benefits of running them on your blog.  I will be using my outside blog http://myrtlebeachhomesblog.com as the the example over the next few weeks.  So, keep checking back to see the transformations and changes.
For this first post, we are going to discuss the Local Posts Widget.  While this widget seemed kind … (46 comments)

How To Setup and Maximize Hit Router for Generating Leads - 05:25 PM
Every member on AR has access to "Hit Router" on their "My Home" page.  Setting up Hit Router and maximizing it's potential with lead generation and IDX solutions is exactly why it was created.  The vision and goal of Hit Router was to help our members be able to direct visitors and traffic to their customized IDX sites, then convert those leads to clients and transactions.  There are a couple ways you can do this, and we'd love to show you how.  Understanding how to set this up properly can make all the difference in the leads you could be generating … (92 comments)

Here We Go Again, DC Empowering the Big Banks (YSP Wars) - 03:10 PM
Say it isn't so! H.R. 1728 (did not get passed in the Senate the last time)
Let me explain this to you One More Time Brad Miller and Mel Watt. Side question: How does such an obviously beneficial to big banks and destructive to mortgage brokers legislation get introduced by Congressmen from a notorious big banking area?
What Yield Spread Premium is NOT
Yield Spread Premium is not a unique and only way for loan officers to rip off home owners and home buyers (any more than any other way).Yield Spread Premium is not something a mortgage broker can make up … (27 comments)

And "They" Say Realtors Are Paid Too Much... - 10:07 AM
Depending on who you listen to (an I try not to listen to any of them), Realtors are paid way too much.  Yep. That's right.  Too much. It doesn't matter what the number is....it's too much.
I've seen it in Seth Godin's Blog, Jeff Jarvis writes about it in his book, What Would Google Do?, there's a whole chapter about it in Freakonomics, the runaway bestseller by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt
It seems that we (i.e., Realtors) really don't do much for the money we do get. Heck, I was joking around with some buddies at a social event recently … (85 comments)

Active Rain is All About Friends and Connecting All Over the Country!! - 10:16 PM
How neat it is to get to know - and feel I already do know - so many people across the country - all due to Active Rain connections! There are so many of you that I would feel completely comfortable calling if I were to be in town – and I have – to get together for lunch or for a visit.
Before joining and proactively blogging on Active Rain, I knew not one person in Florida,  or in Northern California, Texas, New Jersey, or in Seattle, or?? with whom I would want to connect should I be in town!
Now? … (54 comments)

Here's the Buzz: Are You Cross-Pollinating? - 07:50 PM
There is lots of buzz about blogging (sorry, couldn't resist) and stuff flying all over AR and elsewhere about the success folks are having with their blogs in generating business. The sting of the market (oops) has not hit everyone in the same way. 

We smell the sweet flower of success regularly with members reporting leads, and closed transactions, generated from their blogging, and folks are finding different ways to use their blogs to market themselves, their listings, and their services, all the while providing useful information to consumers who need to make buying and selling decisions. 
Consumers flit from … (40 comments)

Setting Yourself Up for the Turn-Around - 10:39 PM
Although the economy (and business) may be slow, now is the perfect time to start preparing for a turn-around.  At some point, things will start improving, and if you've managed to hang in there through the tough times, you'll probably be in a really good position when they do.
So what can you do now to get ready?
Spruce up your website.
Is your design a true representation of you and your ideal client?  Does your site cover all relevant content for your market, area, and prospects?  Does it have "dynamic" sections that are regularly (and frequently) updated and are based … (55 comments)

Viva La Difference! - 10:23 PM
One of the great things about blogging on Active Rain is that we are exposed to Realtors® all across the United States and Canada who work in every imaginable sort of real estate office.  And every once in a while, I notice maybe a wee bit of proselytizing in a post or a comment - my company and business model is the best and you are a big fat dummie if you don't give it a try.  Then there will follow a chain of comments that feel like the writers are holding up a cross to ward off evil demons!
But … (49 comments)

LARGE COMPANY vs small company - The pros & cons in today's real estate business - 10:37 PM

Are we larger than life just because we work for a large company or a well recognized name in the industry? Examples of this would be Wells Fargo, Bank of America, RE/MAX, or Keller Williams.
You as a consumer, when shopping for that realtor or loan officer, do you first search for that large name? A company that is recognized on tv, in the paper, or by word of mouth from friends and co-workers? 
Do you think that you will get the best deal by going to a large company?  Or is it security, in fear of the company going bankrupt, so … (57 comments)

What's Your Biggest Real Estate Fear? - 10:29 PM
When I first started into the real estate business, it was tough. I had friends and family that would definitely use me in the business, but that wasn't enough to pay my bills. I soon learned that what I needed to do was prospect, and prospect often.
Flash forward to 2009 and the business is back to that toughness where you will only succeed if you generate new leads everyday, take those new leads, work them too no end until they turn into an appointment, and later, a signed contract. 
Back to the point. My biggest fear in real estate is … (69 comments)

10 Tips for Getting the Most out of Using Facebook with Active Rain - 10:28 PM
A couple of months ago I posted a blog extolling the virtues of using Facebook in addition to Active Rain.  While most blog posts seem to get a few comments when first posted, this post continues to have Active Rain members leave comments and ask questions. 
One commenter asked for tips about using Facebook.  Thirty minutes later, the reply to him had turned into a blog that may have value to other Active Rain members.
Here are 10 good Facebook tips: 
1. In order to reach the most people in the shortest amount of time with the least work, go ahead … (117 comments)

if you'll pay me a bonus, I'll wrangle my buyer into buying yours, instead of the other one.... right? - 10:27 PM
Charles Stallion wrote an interesting post about a transaction that was going to arbitration, due to a buyer's agent bonus that had been rescinded.  That very interesting post, prompted J. Phillip Faranda to write a post about Bait & Switching those very same buyer agent bonuses.  Also a very good read.
Those two excellent reads have prompted me, this morning, to touch on the subject of Buyer's Agent bonuses.
I've had many instances where another agent, or a seller will ask me my opinion about offering a Buyer's Agent bonus.  Their logic suggests that if the bonus is large enough, that … (71 comments)

Is Honesty a Useful Character Trait in Real Estate? - 04:25 AM

Honesty- Truthfulness, sincerity or frankness.  Also, freedom from deceit or fraud.
Black and White or Gray?
Do we tell the truth all of the time?  Do we tell the truth only when it is convenient and when there is no commission involved?  Is leaving out a fact or two mean that we are being dishonest?  Or is being truthful just telling the client what they NEED to know?  Is honesty a matter of black and white or are there "gray areas" in betweeen? 
My Experience:
A new Client of mine asked me the other day "Do you think that we … (33 comments)

The housing market is NOT as bad as the media wants you to think... - 05:46 AM

The media makes it look like the world's coming to an end. Everywhere you look there saying how we’re all basically doomed.
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THAT IS THE DUMBEST THING I'VE EVER HEARD
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These folks are not entrepreneurs and they are WRONG.
Here's proof: 3 weeks ago my Realtor friend Chris Curry did 9 open houses with his Sold-In-A-Week method. He expected to sell almost every home during his
open house.
According to "experts", the odds were against him because:
1. We're in a recession and nobody's buying homes.
2. It is impossible to sell … (55 comments)

Zillow's iphone app launches - 12:44 AM
It's supercool.
It has every home, not just homes that are for sale. It's GPS-enabled, so it follows you around the neighborhood as you drive or walk. And the map has pan and zoom functionality which is slick.
It's free. Check it out.
 
Here's the official Zillow video on it.
 

And with all due respect to my friends at Zillow, here's the much more entertaining video of my 4 year old playing with the app:
… (36 comments)

Going The Extra Mile, Taking a Few More Minutes... - 06:52 AM
When was the last time you went the Extra mile?
 
I'm sure most of us would say, "Everyday".
We do it all the time for our clients and families.
Here is a little tip for blogging, to go that extra mile.
Add a photo to your post at least most of the time Link to some anchor text if you are referencing a post, a school, a new technology tip. Don't just tell us about it. It only takes a few minutes more of your time to engage your readers and make your posts more readable.  
I've been … (85 comments)

Are You a Rookie Foreclosure Homebuyer? Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid! - 06:57 AM
As I drive down Lexington Avenue from my Ham Lake home toward Blaine, I often pass a watchful hawk perched on the power line scouting for his next meal. This redtailed bird of prey makes my REALTOR® mind go to thoughts of the some of the buyers I am currently seeing in the Twin Cities real estate market sitting on the sidelines ready to swoop in on a well priced home. In this market that is often a foreclosure or REO home. Unlike the hawk, which is poised for action, instinctively ready to make a kill; a rookie foreclosure buyer is … (48 comments)

You've heard of "4 Weddings and a Funeral" ... well how about ... - 10:19 PM
~ "4 CLOSINGS and a NEWBORN !! "  
        
 
Well I'm excited to say that the statement above sums up my last 30 days, and ActiveRain played a part in it !!!! :o)

The 4 closings were actually all this week, and they were all wrapped up and closed on time !
What role did ActiveRain play ?
Well, anyone that has had a newborn at some point knows the IMMEDIATE demand for your schedule that the new addition requires !! ... sleep is typically a thing of the past, and the daily schedule is now juggled with your … (84 comments)

A listing you wished you hadn't SOLD.... - 05:15 AM
A broker friend called today to get my advice on an upcoming arbitration, and what I thought the outcome would be and could he when it. It goes like this
His company had a listing that was getting no showings and certainly no offers. After several months the listing agent, after talking to the seller decided together to put what amounted to a non conditional $10,000 bonus on the home. After many many showings, an offer finally arrived. It was $20,000 below full price. The listing agent presented the offer to the seller and she looked over it and said she would love to … (66 comments)


Blog posts


How Do You Use Your Blog Posts? - 08:27 AM
Recently I did a presentation at our Technology Fair...last year I opted for a PowerPoint..last year I must have emailed that power point over and over again and in some cases to the same person! 
Well, this year I decided one thing...no PowerPoint...period...why?  Because I have blogs loaded with training.  No emailing...its there for your use at any time...and I truly believe in blogging for business..so what happened?
More visits on my blogs A few new subscribers and some traffic on a my new blog that I am building Great conversation and questions I have used blog posts for presentations many … (15 comments)

Orland Park Supply and Demand - 09:58 PM
It's interesting how many people do not understand our current market in this recession.  When updating my Orland Park home sellers I send them an updated version of the following Orland Park Real Estate Supply and Demand Chart.  This particular chart is for Orland Park homes for sale for the past six months.

Seeing data like this really makes your jaw drop.  Look at the large amount of inventory compared to homes under contract and homes that have sold and closed.  This shows why it is so important to price your Orland Park home properly. 
Imagine being a buyer hit … (12 comments)

What's New in Home Décor? Top 10 Fashion Colors for Fall Provides Clues - 11:52 AM
Paulia forwarded an interesting article to me entitled, "Top 10 Fashion Colors for Fall Provide Clues to What's New in Home Décor" from here.
Sellers seeking advice from listing agents who wish to update their properties with the freshest colors can take a look at the fashion industry for direction.  A color palette seen first on the fashion runways is picked-up by decorators and builders from wall paints to furnishings, towels and placemats.  The Top 10 colors for 2009 can be downloaded and viewed here .  This year's color range spans from semi-bold hues to catch a consumer's eye to a … (4 comments)

Is Estate Planning Necessary? - 11:35 PM
 
  Estate planning is a very sore subject for most of us and one that most of us avoid talking about until too late to correct or modify.
  Depending on your situation, you might say no but are you sure? You say that you do not need to because I have my will done and I do not own a home or I put it in a life estate for my survivors to "fuss" over. That may be true and I will not get into the Pros and Cons of estate planning as there are plenty of websites that … (0 comments)

Living in Brentwood – Brentwood Parks – Blue Goose Park - 04:45 PM
 
Blue Goose Park is an exciting new park in Brentwood. It is an excellent place for toddlers to pre-teens and families. Blue Goose Park is on the corner or O’Hara and Adams. The park has a farm theme.
This is a very large park with a large grassy area good for playing games, flying a kite, or a nice picnic. Then of course there are the mandatory play structures which every kid wants. This park has two play structures for general climbing and sliding; one for older kids and one for younger kids, although my 20 month old son enjoyed … (0 comments)

Baltimore Maryland Condo-12010 Tarragon Rd Reisterstown, Md.21136 - 09:02 PM
… (7 comments)

Good and not-so Good news for the Wichita, KS area - 10:35 AM
Good and not-so Good news for the Wichita, KS area
April, 2009
 
Peter Greenberg, the travel editor for "Today's show" and the Newsmax Magazine, based in Florida, have named Wichita, KS the Number 1 city for Best American Values. Wichita ranked high in the following areas: Family friendliness, culture, wholesomeness, devotion to religion and community activities.  Hospitality and friendly businesses came in next.  We were rated lowest in scenic beauty (it is very flat here) and education (the new $300 million dollar bond issue) should help here.
 
Kansas City and Edmond, OK were the only other Midwest cities rated.
… (0 comments)

Summer Vacation on a Budget - 02:40 AM
Summer is just around the corner and school will soon be out for summer vacation. Many Americans will be planning vacations and things to do with their families. If you are one of the millions facing a tight budget, don't despair, there are affordable things to do with your family this summer.

There are many things to do in Texas and around Austin. If you have kids that love history, then the Bob Bullock Texas State Museum is a great place to start. The museum explains Texas' history and has thousands of displays. It also has an IMAX theatre that … (0 comments)

Mortgage Rates Teeter Just Above All Time Lows - 02:44 AM
Mortgage rates moved down slightly this week. Even though rates didn't move much this week we are still sitting just a hair above all time lows thanks to the drop from last week. This week the 30 year rate dropped from 4.82 to 4.80. The all time low was reached earlier this month when 30 year rates hit 4.78. Even though the official index puts rates at 4.80 we have seen people getting rates as low as 4.4. The 15 year rate stayed even at 4.48. Both the 5 and 1 year arm dropped this week. But since both rates are … (0 comments)

Family Law: Estate Planning 101 - 02:53 AM
Estate planning empowers you and your family to carry out your wishes during and after your death. There are a lot of steps in the process to complete an estate plan. Before you do anything, though, you need to determine who you want to get what from your estate, and who will handle all those matters if you ever become incapacitated or die. Sometimes it can create discord to appoint an immediate family member as your power of attorney (POA) unless it is your spouse. It can also have the opposite effect if you decide on someone who is not a … (1 comments)

Austin Jobs and Housing Outlook - 02:58 AM
The Austin area added about 3,300 jobs between March 2008 and March 2009, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. That's the good news. The bad news is that the local unemployment rate has gone from 3.8 percent in March 2008 to 6.2 percent this past March. Austin is not immune to the recession after all.

What Austin is doing is weathering this recession better than most places. That 6.2 percent unemployment rate is well below the 8.5 percent national rate. While other major cities across the country, and even across Texas, are continuing the downward spiral of job losses, Austin … (0 comments)

Recent News About Wichita, KS - 03:33 PM
April, 2009Peter Greenberg, the travel editor for "Today's show" and the Newsmax Magazine, based in Florida, has named Wichita, KS the Number 1 city for Best American Values. Wichita ranked high in the following areas: Family friendliness, culture, wholesomeness, devotion to religion and community activities. Hospitality and friendly businesses came in next. We were rated lowest in scenic beauty (it is very flat here) and education (the new $300 million dollar bond issue) should help here.Kansas City and Edmond, OK were the only other Midwest cities rated.Investors are starting to re-enter the Wichita real estate market as they choose where to … (1 comments)

Cash Offer; 96+% of Asking, Close in less than 30 Days...Sleep on IT ?! - 08:29 AM
Yesterday....the fax rang and a wonderful, beautiful, simple, clean offer came flying over our fax....Cash, 96% of asking price....close in less than 30 days...oh Kiss Kiss !  The seller only had the house a few months and was unexpectedly relocated....we didn't sell him the house and would NEVER sell anyone a house without an inspection...oh grrrr....and so we were soooo excited...Both David and I got on the phone to the now west coast seller to tell him the news and let him know we would be sending over the paperwork via e-mail which he does not read religiously.
   Oh well, … (4 comments)

Hey Buyers....Hire A Boy Scout......! - 09:39 AM
   When you are making one of the larger purchases in your life....having someone experienced who has taken the time to earn their ABR designation.... an accredited buyer's agent and who knows the market...who can help you know the pricing in the market...what is realistic for the dollars you have to spend based upon actual numbers. 
    Choosing a price with the "Dartboard method"....is not the best course of action if you really are interested in purchasing a house. The Dartboard Method is defined as picking a price that works for your budget and the dartboard is loaded with the features of … (6 comments)

Mmmmm...Meet Mom on Mother's Day at Matty's...eat it fast 3 times ! - 12:55 PM
   We have told you over and over again...that Matty's may look like a shot and a beer place from the outside...but oooooohhhhh the menu surprises and delightful atmosphere on the INSIDE is the real treat you have in Store in New Berlin, WI   Matt Anderson, the proprietor....just never stops coming up with surprises....entertaining...delicious...fun...generous....filling....reasonably priced....and Mother's Day is certainly no exception....CALL NOW for a bunch of Brunch Mother's Day Celebration Reservation !
   Seating is limited...the food, fun and fulfilling enjoyment are NOT....Call now...don't be disappointed...enjoy..... 414-427-3838....Just west of Sunnyslope on College Avenue:
                                                                                14460 West College Avenue


… (2 comments)

Wordless Wedenesday Wonders - 10:29 AM

… (11 comments)

Phoenix Valley, Mesa, Gold Canyon, Apache Junction and Queen Creek Market Stats as of April 29, 2009!! - 06:31 PM
It's happening here in Phoenix and Mesa Valley of the sun. Our numbers are going down, and our solds are going up. We are down to 7,995 listings under $100,000. The investors and new home buyers have flooded our market keeping all of us hopping.
It is common to see 18+ bids on the homes under $100,000, and even above that number - Buyers are definitely back.
The new numbers are here...we are down to just above 40,000 since January. Will we be down to 40,000 by the first? We'll have to watch and see. 
As you may recall, … (0 comments)

Active Rain is All About Friends and Connecting All Over the Country!! - 10:16 PM
How neat it is to get to know - and feel I already do know - so many people across the country - all due to Active Rain connections! There are so many of you that I would feel completely comfortable calling if I were to be in town – and I have – to get together for lunch or for a visit.
Before joining and proactively blogging on Active Rain, I knew not one person in Florida,  or in Northern California, Texas, New Jersey, or in Seattle, or?? with whom I would want to connect should I be in town!
Now? … (54 comments)

A listing you wished you hadn't SOLD.... - 05:15 AM
A broker friend called today to get my advice on an upcoming arbitration, and what I thought the outcome would be and could he when it. It goes like this
His company had a listing that was getting no showings and certainly no offers. After several months the listing agent, after talking to the seller decided together to put what amounted to a non conditional $10,000 bonus on the home. After many many showings, an offer finally arrived. It was $20,000 below full price. The listing agent presented the offer to the seller and she looked over it and said she would love to … (66 comments)

Looking for the next best money maker... - 09:19 PM
Look no further, you be the judge. About four months ago I got a call from a guy that said, I want the worst 5 acres that you can find. Say what!!
We looked at a lot of property, he didn't care were it was or what it looked like. He shared with me that he could make upwards of a $100,000 an acre and was offering $500 to $2000 an acre. He bought a 2 acre lot, 2 five acre lots and a 7 acre lot of some of the worst property for building on imaginable. One was even what I … (11 comments)

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