Archives of real estate blog entries for May 15, 2009

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"Don't Throw Out the Baby with the Bath Water!" Balancing Your Marketing - 02:27 PM
With all the hype and hoopla about using blogging and social media to promote/grow your business, there is a tendency for many to ignore or neglect the more tradtional, time-honored methods of generating revenue.
Let's be very clear on something - blogging and social media ARE NOT the magical purple pill that will solve all your business woes or put you on the road to financial freedom. They are simply more marketing tools at your disposal that can be used in conjunction with your past methods.
Now, it could be argued that a steady, consistent habit of posting to your blog … (81 comments)

NAR, You Silly Old Goat...Why Would You Let This Be Emailed To Every Realtor® After Yesterday? - 02:45 PM

photo courtest of NAR and my inbox
I feel like I'm treading water with cement shoes.
After the fiasco that was Donovan's announcement at NAR Midyear in Washington, D.C. that FHA would now allow consumers to use the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, comes this email in my inbox.  For those of you that have no idea what this is all about, I recommend you read Jeff Belonger's post "Using First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credits for the Downpayment - It's GONE !!!! - The story of the $8,000 tax credit" - I'll wait for you to finish before I … (111 comments)

I was Wrong - 05:19 PM
  Did you ever notice that those three words seem to be so difficult for most people to say? Well, like it or not, if you live long enough in this lifetime you will be wrong. In all honesty you will be wrong a lot. You will be misinformed, mislead, and sometimes you will just forget or become confused when attempting to answer a question.
 You will misinterpret information and you will mislead people. I'm not saying that you will think that you are wrong from the start and I am not talking about you intentionally misleading anyone you encounter. I'm simply … (117 comments)

Positive Roll Call!! List positive things that has happened the week of 5/11/09 to keep our spirits high! - 11:02 AM
Time for The Friday Roll Call!!!! Let's get positive!!
I am dedicating another post just to allow all of us the opportunity to read a positive story or two. I will start!!:
1. had two closings this week and one more next week.
2. We are very busy.
3. Was quoted in the Detroit Free Press.
4. The weather in Detroit is great!!!.
5. Leased two vacant rental homes this week.
6. Feeling good, focused and positive.
*** We all have one thing in common; we each share a 24 hour day.  What we do with those hours makes each of … (46 comments)

Is it A Good Home? What Do You Think? - 05:40 PM
First of all, I really do not work foreclosures at all.  You could not pay me.  I do not work investors, or list distressed properties.  However, everyday we receive phone calls from would be investors on the cheapest property they can find on anyone's website.  These are not our listings, but courtesy of IDX and could be located almost a state away or 50 miles + across town in another county.  The homes are foreclosures or bank owned properties that are priced so low... they look like it is a rental.  These are deals... for the most part you mush have cash to close, because they … (152 comments)

ATM skimming and how to prevent it - 09:34 AM
Identity Theft Expert Robert Siciliano
At least once a week, and often many more times, you may use an ATM to make a deposit or withdraw some cash. Criminals know this and have figured a way to intercept your debit card transaction to make themselves rich. This post is about that, and a very cool dude who figured out he was being scammed, and stopped it.
I met a charismatic gent on FOX and Friends named Sean Seibel. Sean has a unique job title at Microsoft: User Experience Evangelist. Sean’s job is to be on top of what’s new and what’s … (25 comments)

Is Google Juice Going Sour For Google Searchers? - 08:59 AM
Now, I will be the first to admit that I have not mastered the art of brewing Google juice. 
When I started to blog on Active Rain two years ago, you had to go to Page 35 of the Patricia Kennedys to find me.  Then all of a sudden, I was on Page 1, and I stayed there for a long time. One of my goals on Active Rain is to make it easy for previous friends or clients who I might have lost track of to find me.  And it's worked well.
Yesterday when I Googled "'Patricia Kennedy' and 'Real … (72 comments)

"I Believe Good Things Will Happen To Me Because I DESERVE THEM!" - 09:48 AM
Wow! How many of us go through life thinking that we are not deserving of good things, great things, or even extraordinary things? I have to admit that up until a few years ago, I was one of those people! I have worked extremely HARD in my lifetime and I depended upon other people to determine my self worth. Whether it was working as a Marketing/Advertising executive for a successful home builder who in busy times hailed my work and then blamed me for the lack of traffic once the market turned south...or the married couple who owned a franchise copy/print shop who … (67 comments)

Sorry, the check from your bank is no longer good (enough). - 09:41 AM
Under a new Indiana law title companies will no longer be allowed to accept cashiers, corporate, or personal checks for their real estate closings after July 1, 2009. Mortgage lenders and many real estate buyers will need to wire transfer their funds to the title company or closing agent in most situations.
The law (House Bill 1374) requires that any party to a closing that must deposit more than $10,000 must wire transfer those funds into the closing agent's escrow account. Certified or cashier's checks or cash may accepted from any single party that needs to deposit less than $10,000. Corporate … (44 comments)

Sellers, This is Your House Talking to You---4 Things I Need Before You Leave - 08:58 AM
We've had some good times together, but the time has come for us to go our separate ways.  You'll be moving on and I'll stay behind. Yes, it's true, you have outgrown me.  Before you walk away, here are a few hints to make our parting filled with more sweet than sorrow:

1.  Garage sale, Goodwill or Simply Give Stuff Away:  I don't want to look like I'm bursting the seams of every room, closet and drawer.  So please help me lighten the load, look sleeker and more spacious by keeping only what fits. Once that excess baggage is gone you'll be surprised … (53 comments)

Am I To Blame For Falling Home Values In My Area? - 02:57 PM
As a lot of us do, I work for both buyer's and seller's. Regardless of which side of the fence I'm on, I do my best to get the best possible deal for my client.
Lately, I've been feeling a little bit guilty. Ya see, when I'm working for a buyer, I'M WORKING FOR THE BUYER. One of my primary objectives is to get them the most for their money. I won't go into all the details of why I'm a great Buyer's agent, because I'm not writing a personal commercial here.
Now, I strongly discourage extreme low-ball offers. We all … (60 comments)

Featured Posts, Points or Content... - 08:49 AM
...what is most important to you or your audience. Of all the blog sites, ActiveRain is the only social media site that "awards" its members by giving points to it's members for commenting and posting. I have yet to see a "featured" post on WordPress, Blogger or one of the many other social media sites. And, who on these other sites has amassed 600,000 points? None that I know of. To some, the doling out of gold stars seems to be a little one-sided as they appear to be geared more towards the more "popular" figures here in the Rain. Not … (70 comments)

WARNING VENT- You just can't make this stuff up. - 05:30 AM
You know that saying "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you."
Well, I'm not paranoid, really I'm an Optimist.  My glass is half full.  I will myself to be well and happy when needed, but dang it they were out to get me today!
I have been the owner/Broker of Lane Realty since 1995 and I am pretty sure today tops the list on Murphy's law in my office. If it could go wrong it did.  In fact, somethings that couldn't go wrong did.
Item #1:
Ah the REO contract.  Buyer is using his own attorney.  … (66 comments)

IF ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE THEN WHY DON'T I FEEL WEAK ? - 11:29 AM
It's been said that only the strong will survive this market and economy that we are in. I guess I must be weak. With great sadness I retired my license to the State of Tennessee this week. Although, some might say I am weak, I don't consider myself weak. If you consider yourself weak because you just need to take care of your family than I guess the strong could pick up their home and move it wherever they want on the base of their fingertips alone.
I feel sad and relieved all at the same time. Sad for the clients … (112 comments)


Blog posts


Do Not Discount Craigslist! - 08:43 AM
9:38 pm placed property listing on Craigslist.....10:20 pm...a question from a potential buyer...this morning...3 more questions. 

 
While it might be questions...questions can turn into communication...which can turn into potential buyers and sellers.
The more you circulate your listings the better your chances are into turning them into sold!
With all the hoopla and negativity circulating around Craigslist...do not discount the value! One of the hotshots in our office...gets most of her property inquires right there.
Do you use Craigslist and how are your results?  About The Author:  Midori Miller is a Real Estate Trainer and writes and trains Real … (19 comments)

Nashua New Hampshire – Best Place to Live in America - 09:52 AM
 
Learn about the unique history of Nashua, New Hampshire.  Beginning on Friday and extending through Sunday, you can enjoy experiencing the history of the "Gate City."
Friday Events:    
Noon:  There will be an open house at the Nashua manufacturing Co. gatehouse at Mine Falls Park.  (off of Riverside Street)
The gatehouse was recently renovated... the giant gears, counterweights and measuring devices can be viewed.  You can learn about the building and the 3 mile long manmade canal that was dug to bring water to the Millyard to power Nashua Manufacturing Co's machinery.
At 7:30 p.m.  Enjoy a local History presentation entitled … (28 comments)

Making the Real Estate Process Easier – We Got Your Tools! - 01:48 PM
This post is for the Real Estate Professional and the Real Estate Consumer. When you get involved in a Real Estate transaction there is a lot of documents to sign. I have never counted how many signatures, initials, etc . . are involved, but it is a lot. Frequently you will be under a tight deadline to sign some of the documents.
In the past this meant someone has to travel or reams of fax paper, with all the associated problems of faxing large stacks of documents.
Now there is another solution; on-line electronic signatures. I use Docusign. It is a … (0 comments)

Six Reasons to Use a Realtor! - 02:10 PM
Where ever there is large amounts of money about you are going to find some bad apples. This includes Real Estate. The players are many and include real estate agents, lenders, escrow officers, buyers, sellers, and loan modification people (what ever they are).
Ultimately it is about the character of the people you deal with as individuals, but one way to bring the odds in your favor is to use a Realtor. Not every real estate agent is a Realtor. Real Estate license are regulated by the state. Realtors are members of National, State and Local Associations dedicated to the profession.
… (0 comments)

Facebook's Targeted Ad Marketing Works - 06:50 AM
It's now been one week since I started my Facebook Target Ad Marketing, Thursday thru Thursday.

To date, my ad has been shown to 63,826 people within 10 miles of Austin, aged 27-50 years old.
What are my results?  Of course, you know 1 week doesn't tell you much of anything, but it's interesting to look at.
I've had 24 people click on my ad.  At first I thought it would be mostly my "friends" clicking the ad, but then I realized that most of my friends are either in Dallas or real estate and mortgage professionals in other areas … (17 comments)

Lakeway TX Connects to Spicewood TX, Road Opening Delayed - 11:25 AM

A new street is opening that will connect Lakeway, TX to Spicewood, TX.  The initial grand opening was slotted for May 2009, but they are a couple of months behind, but for those thinking Spicewood might be too far of a drive for you, I wanted you to know about this short-cut being created!
Currently, if you need to get to Spicewood, you have to drive all the way down 620 until it deadends into 71, hang a right, and go 9 miles before you reach the first Spicewood community.
Now, instead of driving past all those schools and their school zones, … (0 comments)

Austin TX on the Top of Forbes' America's Best Bargain Cities - 02:17 PM
Released a couple of days ago, Austin TX tops Forbes.com's list of America's Best Bargain Cities.  All 5 of Texas' largest cities made the top 10, Dallas, Houston, Ft Worth, and San Antonio.
Not a single Texas city made the most overpriced list.
Whhy did Austin TX top this list?  Several reasons.  The main one is that Austin has the lowest unemployment rate in the entire country at only 5.5%.
Not only is Austin the Capital, but it's also steered by the Technology industry and the University of Texas.
When I talk with people about the market in Austin, the biggest … (3 comments)

April 2009 Market Report for Fort Myers & Southwest Florida - 02:35 PM
The latest sales figures for Southwest Florida and in particular the greater Fort Myers area confirm what agents have said for some months now:  The market continues to rebound and show continued support.  Statistics are from the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach as of May 14, 2009.
April home sales were up 105.5% year to year with 1,406 existing single-family homes sold, compared to 684 in April '08. Pending sales improved 60.2% year to year, with 2,368 single-family homes pending versus 1,478 a year ago,
Of significance is the drop in the number of single family homes listed on the … (0 comments)

Still Three, Still Free - But With a New Face - 10:22 PM
Life has a way of doing that...changing plans at the last minute. Unfortunately, Fran Thorsen won't be able to join us on Monday, May 18 for our Social Media Divas Share Their Secrets event. But - we are delighted that nationally syndicated columnist, author, trainer, and speaker, Bernice Ross, will be filling in to make the day even better.
Bernice couples her expertise as a Master Certified Coach with 30 years of real estate sales experience. For our event, Bernice will present "How to Build a Successful Online and Social Media Presence for under $2.00 per Day." Is there anyone who … (13 comments)

My job sucks! - 05:21 PM

Hi folks. Well…..I made it through another week. Here are some funny things that happened this week.1. One of my Sellers gave me fake pay check stubs that his boss “created” so he could show a lower income to his Lender and qualify for a Short Sale.  2. We made an offer on a REO, sight unseen, only to find out the pictures in the MLS were of the wrong house.3. Had a Buyer interested in a $32,000 REO property that was offering a co-broke of 2% MINUS a $250 transaction fee. For anyone math challenged that’s $390. 4. Chase … (48 comments)

North Carolina Senate Bans Plastic Bags On The Outer Banks - 09:31 AM
North Carolina State Senator and Outer Banks native Marc Basnight has successfully introduced legislation the ban all plastic bags from the big box stores on 3 coastal counties starting in September of this year. This trial program covers Dare, Currituck, Hyde counties and may be expanded to the rest of the state if all goes well. Senator Basnight hopes to reduce the amount of trash that blows around on the Outer Banks and help the environment due to the windy conditions that are prevalent all year long.I think it's a great idea and my family already uses cloth bags when we go shopping. I see plastic … (0 comments)

Where have all the good homes gone, long time passing! - 05:41 PM
As I sit down to write this article I am reminded that we are in a great area.  We usually recover well before the national data and we have some great Realtors working with buyers and sellers in our area.
Often though, the homes that appear to be available, are not.  I had a client send me a list of MLS numbers they had just viewed on-line, on a website which is updated regularly.  Of the five, one was active, with no offers.  Of the four remaining, one was pending and the other three were all contingent-other which in MLS speak … (1 comments)

Wild, Wild West Fest, Gardeners of Pueblo West Plant Sale, Breast Cancer 3-Day - 04:21 PM
Don't forget the Wild Wild West Fest!  I received this from the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce:  "Plan to attend all of the great events this weekend at the Wild Wild West Fest! Events include: a Downtown Festival and Carnival Rides, Live Entertainment & Beer Gardens, Cowboy Pancake Breakfasts, Custom Car Show, PBR Fan Zone & Marketplace, Art & Beauty to Boot Art Exhibit, Ice Cream Socials, Team Roping & Barrel Racing, Wild West Mercado, Out of the Chute WII Challenge, Cattle Barons BBQ, Wild Wild West Parade, Horseshoe Tournament, Kayak Rodeo, Chuck Wagon & BBQ Lunches, Duck Race, PBR Ring of … (0 comments)

Summer Festivals in Southeastern Wisconsin ! - 08:32 AM
  We know how to celebrate every season in Wisconsin and on any given weekend...you can find the Lake Michigan lakefront celebrating something...Ethnic festivals...Summerfest...music...food...exhibits..displays....sooo much to see and do !

June  5-7
Riversplash - Downtown Milwaukee
Pridefest - Henry Maier Festival Park - Lakefront
June 6-7
Port Pirate Festival-Port Washington Lakefront
Scottish Fest/Milwaukee Highland Games -Heidelberg Park
June 18-21
Mukwonago Summerfest - Field Park, Mukwonago, WI
June 19-21
Lakefront Festival of the Arts - Milwaukee Art Museum
Polish Fest  -Henry Maier Festival Park - Lakefront
June 25 - July 5
Summerfest -Henry Maier Festival Park - Lakefront

… (1 comments)

Summerfest....More than 700 Reasons to Celebrate in Wisconsin ! - 09:45 AM
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Folks in the Badger State know how to party...and if want to learn the art...perfect the party animal in you, enjoy an outstanding variety of music, find a big small town that's friendly...sample some of the best food and drink anywhere....come to Summerfest !
                                                  It is the WORLD'S LARGEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
                                                          June 25 - July 5th              
 
   The staff has really outdone itself this year … (2 comments)

4022 Westminster Rd. -- $249,000 ** SOLD** - 01:39 AM
… (0 comments)

Sellers, This is Your House Talking to You---4 Things I Need Before You Leave - 10:43 AM
A shout out to Joan, this was posted this morning and I thought of you. Take a look and then call me with what you think.
Via Norma Toering Rolling Hills & Palos Verdes Property (REMAX Palos Verdes Realty Lic# 01147470):
We've had some good times together, but the time has come for us to go our separate ways.  You'll be moving on and I'll stay behind. Yes, it's true, you have outgrown me.  Before you walk away, here are a few hints to make our parting filled with more sweet than sorrow:

1.  Garage sale, Goodwill or Simply Give Stuff Away:  I don't … (1 comments)

Statewide recognition given for outstanding response from a domestic violence program in Loudoun - 07:09 AM
The Loudoun Domestic Response Team (DART) is a program that works with local agencies and organizations to keep domestic violence victims and their families safe. The members of of the Loudoun DART who were presented with awards from William Mims, the Attorney General of Virginia are: Susan Chasteen - Victim Witness ProtectionLori Kaplan - Community CorrectionsApril Higgs - Community CorrectionsWendy Pineda - Juvenile Court ServicesKyle Wallace - DART CoordinatorJeannie Mullane - Community CorrectionsFor more information about the DART program, contact DART Coordinator, Kaye Wallace at (703) 737-8234. To read the full article, go to www.loudoun.gov … (0 comments)

Oviedo Real Estate Market Update 05/14/09 - 09:37 AM
This is the market information regarding Oviedo Florida, located in Seminole County Florida.
To date there are currently 14 bank owned homes for sale in Oviedo Florida and there are also 131 short sale opportunities in Oviedo. Considering there are 131 out of the total 463 properties for sale in Oviedo Florida, which equates to approximately 28% of the properties for sale in Oviedo are foreclosures. This does not mean there are only 131 foreclosures in Oviedo, it just means there are only 131 foreclosures currently for sale in Oviedo and there are many that are in foreclosure, just not represented on the Orlando MLS.  
 The properties … (0 comments)

Why has slang taken over? - 07:47 PM
It's interesting to watch how the English language has developed. Sometimes terms come up for new situations; sometimes one word can substitute for many - i.e., "google" has become a verb. I'm ok with hearing, "I google my prospects" rather than saying "I search for information on my prospects by searching their name on the web through the google site." Language evolves.
What I don't understand is expressions that are neither new nor time-saving - i.e, "It's my bad" instead of the traditional "It's my fault." It's not easier to say, and it certainly doesn't make grammatical sense.
What are we … (8 comments)

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