Archives of real estate blog entries for May 10, 2009

Featured blog posts


People with Ideas have Lots of Friends! - 01:04 AM
Do you want to do something differently and think you know how to make it work?  What's your idea?  More importantly - What will you do with it?  How much is your idea worth?  Does it have value only to you or would it be of value to others? Think about what happens every time someone on ActiveRain writes about an idea - how to do something or a new way of reaching a goal or solving a problem!  One post about a topic becomes many posts and even more comments are added.  The idea multiples and grows as others add … (41 comments)

Client Representation, Firing YOURSELF! - 01:15 AM
Have you ever fired yourself?
I fired myself twice this week.
I usually don't fire myself, but I did, twice this past week.   I had come to the spot in the representation process where I could no longer help the clients.  The first I never started the second was lack of cooperation by the seller.  They were not helping themselves and making it impossible for me to market their properties.
Here is something to keep in mind in the selling process.  The original purchase price of a property does not mean then when you take out a second mortgage the property is worth more.
The … (118 comments)

Wildfires wreak havoc on concrete-tile roofs - 05:29 AM
Yesterday we went through a home inspection on an REO.  As you might be able to see in the picture, there is a distinct sag in the roof.  The dip, an estimate 6-8 inches had, underlying it, a cracked joist.
 
In fact, along several spans you can see the same behavior, although none quite so deep.  Additionally, there are stress fractures in the stucco above header on each of the windows.
Naturally, my clients called out their contractor.  It turns out that the roofing plywood was only 1/2-inch thick when it should have been 3/4-inch.
What does this have to do … (28 comments)

What's the Cost of Your Integrity? - 08:05 PM
There is a Bible story in the Old Testament that never fails to amaze me, no matter how many times I read it.It's the account of Esau selling his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of soup (Genesis 25:19-34).To understand the full weight of this story, you really need to understand the extreme value and importance the Jewish people ascribed to the firstborn son. It was a position of great privilege, prestige, and status. It afforded a double portion of the Father's inheritance. And, prior to the Levitical Era, assigned the responsibility of family Priesthood.And so it is with … (89 comments)

Are Reports of "Green Shoots" Creating a False Sense of Security? - 05:19 PM
Recent reports of “green shoots” have caused some to predict the end of the recession and housing crisis. Are the signs of recovery real, and can we truly expect the housing market to stabilize? Many of the optimistic reports are based upon statistics that have been better than anticipated; but the news is still bad—very bad.
 
Remember, it was only days before the collapse of Fannie and Freddie that we were assured they were financially sound. This isn’t the first instance of bureaucrats or politicians telling us that everything was okay.
 
The big problem the U.S. faces is … (20 comments)

Funny Things Our Moms Used to Say - 07:55 PM
Happy Mothers Day
We all remember the funny things our moms used to say to us while growing up...

This room looks like a tornado went through it.
We're having poison for dinner and you're going to like it. 

If you don't stop crying, I'll give you something to cry about.
Just wait until your father gets home.
Sit up straight, you're going to get stuck like that.
Did you just roll your eyes at me?
I brought you into this world and I can take you back out of it.
What do you think, I … (66 comments)

Is "FREE" a good thing? - 06:16 PM
A potential customer responded to one of our websites the other day and raised an interesting point when he said. 
"If it's "FREE" I do not have much interest!"
So of course I asked why?  "I believe anything worth having is not FREE".
Hmmm... I quickly thought about all the "FREE" or "DISCOUNTED" services I have offered over the years and than I quickly tried to analyze if any of my "FREE" or "DISCOUNTED" offers had resuted in ANY actual BUSINESS!
As I completed the call with the customer, whom never became a client, I began to understand.  Nothing worth having is "FREE".
So fittingly on Mother's Day … (37 comments)

Pocket book getting lighter? Don’t stop marketing, increase it! - 07:57 PM

Everyday I hear it from my students that they stopped sending news letters or post cards because they couldn’t afford to send them anymore. This is absolutely the wrong time to stop sending them, that is the time to send twice as much, blog twice as much do what every you have to get your name out there.

Many agents stop advertising all together when the pocket book gets light and then just wait for that next referral that they just happen to get by accident and then they are sitting for months without any business. Don’t let this … (50 comments)

Is this really possible? Do they not have internet access? - 07:49 PM

Today I was looking for an agent to refer, not one, but two transactions to in what I consider to be a pretty large city along I-5, with a population of just over 20,000 people. So, I do what I do every time I need to refer some business out? I go check out my favorite website of the last two years… ACTIVERAIN because it ROCKS!
Well, I click on the search feature, because I don’t know the county (even though I live in the dang state) and click the city. There we go… 11agents pop up. Someone there is … (61 comments)

Let Your Dreams Blossom - 12:16 AM
There is something so extraordinary about the bond that mothers have with their children. When my children graduated from high school I told both of them...to spread their wings and grow. Mothers guide their children the best they know how to do but ultimately each and every child leaves that nest and has to find their own way in the world.
Sometimes, mothers get lucky and their children find their way home once in awhile.
I have been fortunate that my son got out of the US Navy and came home safely in 2006. My son's birthday is on March 19th...and that's the day … (47 comments)

Ellen Crawford Named Mother of The Year! Happy Mothers Day! - 12:20 AM
I just had to share the news that my wife Ellen was named "Mother of the Year!"  I know mothers across the country do not receive the recognition they so justly deserve for working so hard, and at the same time being mother to great children and juggling so many tasks deemed impossible to men!  Thanks for all the mothers for going without sleep when their children were sick, or for their offering wise consul and reassurances when their children had questions or doubts.  Thank you to all the mothers that prodded children through schools, helped us learn our lessons well, and for pointing on career … (58 comments)

Offend Someone and Go To Jail - 12:20 AM
In the latest bastion of tricks to try and silence Americans and limit freedom of speech even more, the latest House Bill introduced into Congress, H.R. 1966, is known as the Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act.
To sum up this bill:
Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
Action = A Felony charge.  Not just a slap on the wrist, but jail … (84 comments)

Realtors®-Multi-Tasking is our Middle Name - 12:22 AM
Yesterday driving up and down I-95 between Arlington VA and Stafford County VA it came to me that multi-tasking for Realtors® is a way of life.  Now first of all for anyone not familiar with Northern Virginia a one way trip between Arlington and Stafford is 40 miles.  Which might not seem like a lot to those who work in rural communities but for anyone in our area they know that trip back and forth on I-95 can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on traffic, accidents and road construction.  Anyway driving up and down the interstate I … (43 comments)

Subscriptions - Is That What You Get At The Pharmacy ? - 06:09 PM
I read a great post by Nestor and Katerina Gasset yesterday about flagging blog posts.  Judging by the comments they received, many Active Rain members had no idea what that little red flag meant.
Many members were under the impression that the powers that be at Active Rain determined which posts would be featured with the coveted gold star. And while that may be so,  I think it is great that we as members have the opportunity to give a "thumbs up" to a great post and help send it on its' way towards the stars.
Today I started thinking about another … (35 comments)

What I've learned in a year as a new mother - 06:12 PM
As my 1 year old daughter is taking a nap, I feel very reflective today. I cannot believe she is already a year old and that this is technically my 2nd Mother's Day. It still doesn't seem real.
But then I look at the toys and books I still need to pick up from today's first play session and I know it is all too real.
As I sit here trying to get a little work done before we go visit my Mother for the day, I'm thinking about what I have learned over the past year.
1) Babies have their … (26 comments)

Pet Peeves About Fellow Agents - 06:09 AM
No combo code. Too often upon arrival to show an REO property I’d find there was no lockbox as listed on the MLS, but a combo instead. No code listed and no answer from the agent. A complete waste of time for everyone. Thankfully, our MLS now requires a lockbox.
No photos. The first day that listing hits the MLS it’s sent out to thousands of consumers through auto searches. If there are no photos, there is a good chance there’s no interest. I have yet to have a client want to look at a property that they can’t see a … (86 comments)

Blogging Pays ... Can You Really Afford NOT to? - 01:13 AM
About 4 days ago, I received a call from a very nice gentleman who asked me some questions about short sales in Northern Nevada.

He came across my Outside Blog and saw my press release for my CDPE Certification (Certified Distressed Property Expert). He asked me some questions and I probably spent 20 minutes on the phone with him.
Just as I was planning to place a follow up call to him yesterday early evening, I received an email from his wife. Here is what she wrote to me: 
Hi Christy – my husband (Doug) spoke with you a few … (65 comments)

Active Rain Keeps me in Good Company Online and Offline! - 07:43 PM
I recently had the opportunity and honor to write an article for Texas REALTOR® magazine, which is the monthly publication of the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR).  I was contacted by someone at TAR about 5-6 weeks ago and was asked to write an article regarding Tips on managing a successful Short Sale.  Wow!  My topic of expertise and no editorial guidelines besides that?  As the former editor of my high school newspaper, I knew that this was a dream assignment!
One more question, I asked.  "How did you find me?"  The answer was not a surprise.  The caller said, "I've been reading … (44 comments)

REO Property - When Is It Sold ... When To Stop Showings? - 12:16 AM
In these times of abundant bank-owned, REO, properties on the market, there are some interesting new challenges facing agents.  One of the most challenging is when to declare the property sold.  After the initial offer is submitted, negotiations are "verbal" even if they are an email correspondence.  Then comes the meeting of the minds, when the parties agree on price and terms.  Is it sold?
The meeting of the minds status leads to the next step, the asset manager sending a 13 to 26 page addendum that must be signed by the Buyer.  That is then sent, along with either a … (24 comments)


Blog posts


Happy Mothers Day! You Are Wonder Woman! - 08:32 AM
Mothers amaze me! Happy Mothers Day To All and especially my mommy!  You are Wonder Woman!  

About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real Estate Training and assists sellers in short sale situations. Midori is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License # BK645709 and a member of the Daytona Area Association of REALTORS.  Contact midorimiller@yahoo.com or (386)453-3236.
… (18 comments)

To Call or Not to Call--That is the Question? - 01:19 PM
Happy Mother's Day Everyone!
 
My Mother's Day will begin at 5:00 this evening with dinner with my daughter's family in Wallingford.  I should walk around Green Lake after that!
Anyway, I was looking at my list of folks I should call (old friends, past clients, people I am working with and potential clients)and debating if I should make that call!  Yes, it is Mother's Day--are people going to feel interrupted? 
I have decided I am going to call the "old friends and relatives" the ones that I have not kept in touch with--not because I did it intentionally, but because … (4 comments)

Helpful Hint to Retrieve Valuables that Went Down the Drain - 02:50 PM

 
I received an email from one of my brother-in-laws and it was so helpful.  It is from the website called "familyhack.com."  Family hack says on their website "We are a family with three small kids figuring out how to travel the world, work from anywhere while home schooling our kids. We also blather on about life hacks, saving money and cool stuff we love."  The website is great, some sample categories they have are:  Age 2-4, Age 5-7, Books, Maintenance & Repairs and Work.
This particular feature is on how to get something out of a drain without calling … (3 comments)

Another Freebie – Yes Absolutely Free! Free – Free – Free! - 05:02 PM
I recently blogged on a great free product, Open Office, which is a full office suite and is absolutely free. Link here to that blog; then link to the product.
One of my respondents asked me how it works with Outlook and I had to tell her I did not know as I use G-Mail, a Google product.
is free with up to 7324 MG of storage. It has labels, custom folders, and more toys than I can honestly have time to figure out or use. But the best part is that it can be used with your normal e-mail … (4 comments)

Watch out for those numbers pounding the table! Or the Bill James of Real Estate! - 11:40 PM
A good friend of mine is trail lawyer and when he was just out of law school and old hand told him, “When the facts are on your side pound home the facts; when emotion is on your side pound home the emotion; and when nothing is on your side pound on the table.”
Real estate is made up of two basic things: Numbers (facts) and emotions. Yes numbers are the only facts that matter in Real Estate. But you have to watch the numbers carefully.
I just watched 60 minutes and there was a profile on Bill James who wrote … (0 comments)

I can't Sleep! - 04:23 AM
What do you do when you can't sleep?  I woke up at 3:45 am this morning like it was bright and early and time to wake up.
I tried to get back to sleep by letting my brain turn to mush and not think about things, but no such luck.
I have a very busy Sunday later today, so I wish I could get more sleep.  My mom is coming into town to visit my new house.... oh and to see her granddaughter that I moved away from her. 
My inlaws are also coming over for dinner. That should be fun...
… (19 comments)

2009 Mother of the Year- Award Video - 09:21 AM
You can click here to see the video for the Mother of the Year... This was sent to me by my Sister in Law.
I found it to be sooooo true!
**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comDonna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin, TX and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Whether you're buying or selling, I'll be with you through the entire process.
… (9 comments)

Potential Yahoo Data Center in WNY - 04:05 PM
Sunnyvale California Internet company Yahoo Inc. is looking to establish a data center in Western New York.  Governor Paterson's office confirms that they are talking with Yahoo executives and trying to convince them to do business in WNY.
The center would house computer systems and other equipment.  State officials say it would result in 70+ high paying technica jobs, but the luring the big-name company could help with other economic development efforts.  Governor Paterson wants the New York Power Authority to come up with a low-cost power plan for Yahoo that would help lure them to the Buffalo area.
Additional Articles … (1 comments)

How do I decide what to offer on the home? - 04:11 PM
View the rest of the article...
… (0 comments)

Town of Niagara Market Report May 2009 - 04:19 PM
View article...
… (3 comments)

Happy Mother's Day TLW! - 12:36 PM

Hey Hun, after all we have been through in the last 9 months I thought I'd repost this for ya. It's all true you know? Just don't make me say it :)
Have I ever told you guys how lucky I am? No? OK so here goes. I am sooooooo lucky. "But Broker Bryant you always said you weren't lucky, that your success was earned and that you worked real hard to get where you are and luck had nothing to do with it." OK, OK maybe I wasn't 100% truthful.
I was very, very lucky. I was lucky the … (39 comments)

Default! What Happens Next? - 12:16 PM
Defaulting on a Contract
100 Real Estate Tips in 100 Days (Day 50)
It happens. It's never a good thing, but sometimes life happens, and one of the parties has to default. Before we discuss the worst case demise of a contract, let's speak of how to avoid the situation entirely.
In Colorado, REALTORS® use a state promulgated contract. While in recent years the contracts have been devised to favor the buyer, the great thing is that the contract to buy and sell is a standard and commonly understood document. The contracts have a great deal of explanation and protections for … (5 comments)

Calling all Knoxville area buyers; here's a deal you shouldn't pass up. - 12:52 PM
First the federal government came up with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 which provides for a tax credit of up to $8,000 or a maximum of 10% of the sale price of a home for buyer who have not owned a home in the past three years. Sounds like a good deal but a lot of otherwise qualified buyers were still being left out because even though they were able to qualify creditwise they were cash poor and just didn't have enough available funds to take advantage of the tax credit. Enter a new program from the … (4 comments)

It's All About The Party.....Celebrate Success ! - 08:00 AM
  
 
 
 Anyone who has worked with us...as a buyer, seller, co-broke, painter, plumber, handyman, remodeler, lender....knows that in part, for us, "it's all about the party."  Hmmm...that can sound un-businesslike...undisciplined....unrealistic....but let me explain it and I think you'll agree....it IS businesslike, it IS part of the focus, etc.   Seeing the end result of anything as part of the focus of the project makes your goal reality....sooner...more fun...a combined goal when you involve others...let's see how the PARTY philosophy works in real life....in real real estate.
   - Our buyers get an appropriate closing gift, we make sure that they … (4 comments)

A Little MOM Humor - 12:05 PM
 

 
  I am the eldest of 3 children....My Mother says she is working on a formula for a retro-active birth control pill...we are all still here...not sure if it starts oldest to youngest or you can pick and choose.  My parents have lived in Wisconsin for a lifetime...my Dad passed away a few years ago and my mother, who will be 88, still swims 3 times a week...maintains her own home...gambles a little...bakes a little...jokes a lot.
   My sister and brother live in sunny California...John neighboring Russell Ray in San Diego and my sister Barbara in San … (6 comments)

I had a disturbing dream last night and it really got me thinking - what would I really say in that situation? - 08:35 AM

Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty:
Over the years, I have become quite adept at remembering and interpreting dreams. It's a subject that has always fascinated me and since we usually have at least one memorable dream per sleep session, we can learn a lot about ourselves from our dreams.
Last night, in my dream, I was on a commercial airliner flying to Japan. We were flying over the ocean, when the aircraft suddenly became disabled. The pilot came out and told the passengers that the plane had lost the ability to land, and that we would remain aloft until … (1 comments)

Calling all golfers! Tee off for Loudoun Habitat for Humanity - 02:43 PM
Loudoun Habitat for Humanity will host its first annual Golf Classic at River Creek Club on Monday, May 11th. There will be two tee times with the first starting at 8:15am and the second at 1:30pm. The club house will offer a complimentary barbeque buffet and a cash bar from 11:30am-1:30pm. Prizes will be awarded for hold-in-one, closest to the pin, longest drive, and the winner of a putting contest. Interested? Register Online or call (703) 737-6772. … (0 comments)

Obama should appoint a Secretary of Blogging - 10:45 AM
Christopher Bean suggests that resident Obama should enhance transparency through the new media and appoint a Secretary of Blogging.
Perhaps this is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but his article in this morning's St Petersburg Times did make reference to an interesting government blog (that's not an oxymoron) for the TSA. It's written with a human voice, not governmentese, and you can learn - and sometimes laugh - about knitting needles, and why a book and wires might look like a bomb on the security screen.
 
… (14 comments)

3 Ps to Selling Your Home Faster - 12:54 PM
There are 3 Ps to selling your home quickly: Price - Prepare - Present
Price it right. It doesn’t matter what you paid for it or how much you have in it. It doesn’t matter if it’s “fair”. It doesn’t matter what you could have sold it for 2 years ago. It’s all about what’s actually selling - which do include short sales and foreclosures - and also what other homes are on the market. If you want to sell quickly, price it below those. If you want to sell “in the herd” price with the ones that are low. If … (7 comments)

Do labeling your photos help the consumer, Just another way to separate You - 10:52 PM
    I have started labeling the photos I enter inot the MLS in an effort to add more info about the properties that I list.  Its short and to the point.  Much like the postcards we use to send home before e-mail and digital photos. In this photo I am featuring the street below givng the buyers an idea of the neighborhood.  Maybe it will make a difference. Its quick and easy to read. 
    Each photo may have one thing that stands out.  Just beginning to try this with the help of picnik which I learned about on Active Rain. I … (16 comments)

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