Archives of real estate blog entries for June 26, 2009

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Google Voice Opens the Flood Gates Today - 02:03 PM

Many of us have been eagerly anticipating Google Voice to open their doors for months. According to the Official Google Blog, invites are on their way this morning. Invitations are being sent out on a first come first serve platter similar to how gmail was handled years back.  Get in line here.
How is Google going to help us manage our phone contacts, and should we use it?
Voicemail Transcription - I'll start with my favorite anticipated feature.  Google's answer to Apple's visual voicemail.  They up the ante and transcribe your voicemails into text for you and provide them online, … (65 comments)

California (part 1), Are YOU on a quest to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Get Recognized? - 09:43 PM
With California having so many members I thought that just having 7 new members recognized would not give credit to the state with the most members.  So, I made an executive decision to do a two part post with 7 new members in each post.  I went thru over 400 pages of members to find these folks so I hope you will stop in and say hello.
This post is a result of two posts by my friend Richard Weisser down in Georgia.  The first post was "How do you expect to get drenched in the rain if you don't even … (26 comments)

13 Ways to Promote Your Blog - 08:45 PM
We all know the promotion is important, although one does not want to come across as salesy or pushy.
The same is true of our blogs. We want folks to know about them and the valuable content they offer, but shoving them down someone's throat is not likely to be accepted kindly. 
As I learned yesterday at REBarCampOC (although I sorta knew this), publishing your post is about 30% of the work. (that's a quote from notable RE.net dude, Jim Marks, founder and President of Virtual Results ). The rest comes afterward. That is, promoting your blog so consumers can take … (77 comments)

Don't Date It - Just Marry It! Home Buying Advice From A Best Friend. - 05:54 PM
I was out yesterday showing a cheaply priced bank-owned home to an engineer-type Buyer and, thankfully, he brought along his best-friend.
Here are the basics of Engineer-type Buyer:
Painfully over-analyzes every aspect of the property - including wondering why the previous owners had shag carpet. Crunches numbers and tries to predict the future of the real estate market till you can't see straight anymore. Can out "WHAT IF..." any child, anytime, any day! Generally loses out on every deal because he waits to long. During yesterday's showing, he begins the usual analytical process.
Meanwhile, the best friend remains quiet, occasionally mutters, "Hmm...." and asked, "How … (57 comments)

Hello Police?? This is Bucky...I've just been HIJACKED! Send help!! - 05:23 PM

 I saw this picture and could not resist...sorry...if it is too disturbing for some..please turn away....
Recently, an ugly series of events have been occuring within Active Rain, and other blog sites...and I have heard ALOT of comments about this from agents using Zillow as well.  I have come to know this as "HIJACKING SOMEONES BLOG". 
Many of us here on AR blog to make ourselves feel better, to provide GREAT CONTENT to other people in our profession, to build relationships, to inform consumers, to get FACTUAL information out about recent events or changes in the industry, and some … (93 comments)

Experiences Selling on Craigslist Teach About Real Estate Selling - 08:27 AM
This past week, I have been having a blast selling some personal items on Craigslist. I learnt an invaluable experience about safety's do's and dont's on Craigslist. The selling became almost a dog fight at one point. Buyers scrambling to my home to be the first one there (first come, first serve basis). Then, I realized I have another opportunity to share about selling and pricing - especially for our real estate business.
 
Pricing for Sellers:
Whenever you sell (real estate or other stuff), pricing is key in obtaining your objective. Are you pricing your product to move it or … (66 comments)

Flood Gates ... are they open yet? And what's an agent to do? - 06:19 AM
Just a reminder! The word in the air is that it is time.... (June is almost over... July is coming) -----> Banks will be or are already releasing more of the foreclosures that they have in inventory. 
Although there is also the possibility that banks will cooperate with the new programs that Obama has introduced to help homeowners keep their home and also this is set in place to help slow down the number of foreclosures. See:
What has changed with Short Sales? Between now and then... Look out for your Loan Modification letter - it is time sensitive --- … (61 comments)

Would a Rat Swim It? - 05:28 AM
I had an interesting situation the other day. I was asked to do a "rodent" inspection. I have never before, specifically, done an inspection for, in this case, Mr Rat. However there is a first time for everything.
The interesting thing is why I was asked to do this. A refinance is taking place. An appraiser came in and looked in the crawl space and he saw some torn insulation on a heating duct.

As inspectors know, appraisers too I guess, this does have the look of chewing vermin. So far it seems like we were dealing with a pretty … (51 comments)

CALIFORNIA HOME PRICES SURGE - Relevant to the Chicago Real Estate Market? - 06:10 AM
According to many Real Estate Experts, what happened to the Real Estate Market across the state of California foretold the downward spiral of home prices, and overall home sales, across the country.
Now, however, California Home Sales appear to have turned a corner.  In May, the Median Sales Price of a CA home increased to $267,570 - up over 4% from April, according to the California Association of Realtors, as reported in today's Wall Street Journal by Reporter Stu Woo. 
The California Inventory of Unsold Homes also continues to fall.  Today, experts calculate a 4.2 month supply of homes unsold, … (18 comments)

Extreme Landscape Makeover Contest - 03:39 PM
The Value of "FREE" -vs- The Perception of "Price"
They say that there are no "Free" lunches, and that nothing in this world is FREE.  We once had a neighbor who put his couch out on the sidewalk in front of his house, then placed a sign on it that read "FREE!"  It was a really nice couch with great upholstery and no stains or damage.  The neighbor simply purchased some newer furniture and didn't have room for that particular piece.
Well that couch sat there for three days, and no one took it.   IT WAS FREE!   After 3 … (40 comments)

I have a confession to make: I don't know if it's a midlife crisis but it's been years since I've experienced these kinds of feelings and I'm going to act on them! - 07:03 AM
It's very easy to settle into an environment or relationship that is comfortable, but where there is no passion and no euphoria. Sometimes the humdrum of complacency day after day can lull one into a submissive acceptance of mediocrity.
Often, this kind of monotony can lead to a yearning for something more. It can kindle a longing for something provocative and titillating and out of the ordinary. A new experience to unfetter the shackles of familiar security and inflame emotions that have been reduced by years of being taken for granted. You want more.
And then, all of a sudden, you … (72 comments)

Creating FREE E-Books in Easy Steps - 08:29 AM
I recently read a blog post by Kevin Vitali in which he asked the community for suggestions on what he called “capturing leads” on his website.  I commented: “I have two words: FREE E-book!  (is that three words?) okay then : FREE Report. “
Shortly after my comment, I received a contact from another friend in ActiveRain asking me how I “get my E-books”.  I informed her that I design my own and decided that I should share more information on this subject.
First off, some are wondering  WHAT IS AN E-BOOK? An E-book is a Web-based publication (green publishing, if … (52 comments)

What NOT To Say To A Short Sale Listing Agent! - 05:20 AM
  
 
 
 
 
ONE OF MY SHORT SALE BABIES!!
 
 
 
 
Isn't she cute?? A face that only a listing agent can love!
Anyway, this is a short sale with two different lenders. The first gave me a verbal OK for 380k and the second gave me a written approval for 15k, which the first will only pay 3k towards. Like most short sales, the buyer walked. No problems, because at 392k total, this is still a great deal and I got another buyer in a couple of days. The agent remarks in this listing state … (97 comments)


Blog posts


Bad Priorities and American Culture - or What did Michael Jackson Mean to You? - 10:26 AM
Last night I wanted to watch the news before I went to bed.  I surfed back and forth across three channels next to each other on the dial with news.  For a full half hour all they talked about the Death of Michael Jackson.  Now I am no fan of Michael Jackson and he is an easy target for jokes that good taste do not allow me to put in here, but I am sorry for him and his family.
But I am more concerned about people fighting for freedom in Iran; What the nut job in North Korea is saying … (3 comments)

What Sells? Incentives in the Market Place - 10:10 AM
What Sells?  How do you boost your activity?  How to you make your home stand out in a market of many?  Price is a good starting point, but what else can you do?  Here are some incentives I've seen in the market place to help entice buyers to purchase a home over another:
Cash Back at Closing Sales Bonuses to the buyer's agent if UAG by a certain date Free cars Free tvs Homeowner's Association Fees Paid for 6 months or a year Vacations Gift certificates for fine dining What have you seen in your market place?  What has worked for … (14 comments)

10 Great Tips for 2009+ - 02:22 PM
Received this in my email from my father inlaw today.  Thought it was really cute so I'd share it with you all!  Happy Friday!
TEN GREAT TIPS FOR 2009+
#1 Stay Out of Trouble
 
#2 Aim For Greater Heights

#3 Stay Focused On Your Job

#4 Exercise To Maintain Good Health

#5 Practice Teamwork

#6 Rely On Your Trusted Partner To Watch Your Back.  Take Your Time Trusting Others.

#7 Save For Rainy Days

#8 Rest And Relax

#9 Always Take Time To Smile

#10 Realize That Nothing Is Impossible

… (2 comments)

Google Wave - 08:27 AM
I think I could do a lot with this, from transaction management to an office intranet. 
The video is long, about an hour and twenty minutes ... so don't fire it up unless you have some time to spare.
 
Google explains Wave basics here:  http://wave.google.com/help/wave/about.html
Developers can request a sandbox account here  https://services.google.com/fb/forms/wavesignupfordev/
Ordinary folks can enlist to be bug finders here (this is what I did) https://services.google.com/fb/forms/wavesignup/
 I just signed up to play on PyGo's test wave.  Will report back.
http://code.google.com/p/pygowave-server/
… (1 comments)

Vintage Basket Sale and Auction at Avenue 50 Studio July 4 - 07:36 PM

 Bert Witt and the late Ellen Witt were avid collectors of Native American as well as Indigenous arts and crafts from countries they visited all over the world. For the first time, more than 100 items from their extensive and distinguished collection will be offered for sale.  Among the vintage baskets there are several Inuit, Navajo, Hopi and African baskets. Other collector's items such as clay pots, mortars, figurines and paintings on cloth will also be available.
Proceeds will benefit the Pho Lai kindergarten in Vietnam, a school dedicated to Ellen Witt, as well as help support operations of the Avenue … (0 comments)

OK....tomorrow's the big day!!!! Don't miss out. - 05:22 PM
Hi folks. Did you know I have been giving away free information on Active Rain for three years? Just about everything I know about Real Estate I have shared and have never asked for anything in return. Today, is going to be different.Starting Saturday June 27th at 11:00 am Wendy Rulnick and I, Broker Bryant, will be launching “Short Sale Basics”. This will be a 5 part, very comprehensive, course on Short Sales.If you are not familiar with Wendy check out her blog here. Wendy is the Broker/owner of Rulnick Realty in Destin Florida and…..
“Wendy Rulnick, is a Florida Realtor … (6 comments)

Denver Real Estate ~ Over Priced Homes - 12:43 PM
100 Real Estate Tips in 100 Days (Day 89)
Real estate licensees continue, as they have always done, to agree to market a home for a price in excess of what the comparable market indicates is a reasonable sales price. Of course, many homeowners do the same thing when they attempt to sell their homes without professional assistance. Why does this happen, considering the time, expense, and emotional hassle that must be devoted to selling a house?
Some real estate licensees will list a home at what the seller wants to sell it for, regardless of the apparent market value. The … (0 comments)

Hunting Houses - 12:44 PM
100 Real Estate Tips in 100 Days (Day 90)
After all of the research on the internet, deciding on which Realtor® to work with, interviewing lenders and making loan applications, and getting more advice from friends and family than you really need or want, it’s time to look at property. Whether you are looking for condos, lofts, houses, new homes or classic craftsman, you are going to get in a car and hit the streets. Here are some tips:
Dress comfortably. You may end up really looking a house of you find one you like, meaning peeking into every corner, and … (1 comments)

New Housing Laws Effect July 1, Happy 4th! - 05:56 PM
Some important Colorado laws go into effect on July 1st.
House Bill 1091 requires Carbon Monoxide detectors in all single family and multi-family homes offered for sale, transfer, or rent.  Any residential real property containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage will be required to have a carbon monoxide alarm properly installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each room lawfully used for sleeping.   See HB-1091 for the details.
House Bill 1109 expands the protection given to home owners under the Foreclosure Protection Act. The only action taken in the bill is to revise the … (1 comments)

Selling your Knoxville, TN home in a buyer's market - 10:24 AM
It seems every time you pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV these days you're bombarded with news like "housing crisis", "financial crisis", "mortgage crisis", "foreclosure crisis", or "pick your crisis".
The result of all these crises or in layman's terms, a great big mess is that it has created one of the strongest buyer markets in history. A buyer's market is defined as a period where the supply of homes is greater than the demand. A buyer's market means there are lots of homes for sale and not that many buyers.
With underwriter's guidelines becoming more strict and … (0 comments)

8000 Reasons Get Your Butt In Gear: Deadline for First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Looms - 06:11 AM
Easy to lose your thoughts in Wisconsin festival season...Hey First Timers...you have to harness some of that energy to looking for a house now...happy to help...you will be the winners !
Via Janet Guilbault California Mortgage Banker/Broker:
First time home buyers: Are you still at the computer, doing endless "research" on how to snag the $8000 TAX CREDIT for buying a house this year? 
Does the November 30th deadline seem like a million years away as you think about fireworks (not turkey leftovers)?
First time home buyers: Get your butts in gear. NOW.
This is the wrong time to claim you only get … (2 comments)

Tomorrow Never Comes... - 06:49 AM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The passing of Farah Fawcett and Ryan's plan to "marry her when she felt up to it " really brings home all the cliches we have heard, used, said..."Later,..." "  Sometimes...too often, later never comes...Whether it is a major event like getting married...a personal "to do list"....the apology you didn't make, the will you have not written...the littler things...the closet you didn't clean...the desk that needs organizing...there is always time to delay things..until this happens...after this takes place...never more than now are we reminded that NOW is when you should do it, … (9 comments)

OPERATION PHONE REGISTER....DO IT NOW !!!! - 07:28 AM
 
 
   This is not the most thought provoking headline...it is descriptive and I am hoping that this blog will be read because of the signficance of the information.  Yesterday. our next door neighbor who is an officer of our Homeowners Association, came to the door asking if we knew a family.  He had been contacted by the local police department because they needed to get in touch with them immediately and they were out of town.   The family lived several blocks away....we found the address in MLS and we didn't know them but knew people who did.  To make … (10 comments)

Avalon Real Estate Activity for June 5 to June 26, 2009 - 01:36 PM
Avalon Real Estate Activity for June 5 to June 26, 2009
Investor confidence is evident in Stone Harbor and Avalon . We've seen a spike in sales in the last month contributed to  a combination of factors including the spring season , historically low interest rates and good  inventory of homes priced to sell .
Here is Avalon Real Estate Activity Summary June 5 to June 26 2009.There are currently 232 single family homes for sale in Avalon ranging in price from $549,000 for a two bedroom home at 667 22nd street to a whopping $16,875,000 for a seven bedroom south Avalon … (0 comments)

Stone Harbor Real Estate Activity Update for June 5 to June 26, 2009. - 02:12 PM
Stone Harbor Real Estate Activity Update for June 5 to June 26, 2009.
 Investor confidence is evident in Stone Harbor and Avalon. We've seen a spike in sales in the last month contributed to a combination of factors including the spring season , historically low interest rates and good  inventory of homes priced to sellThere are currently 123 single family homes currently for sale in Stone Harbor ranging in price from $475,000 for a two bedroom home on Weber Court to $5,990,000 for a beach front home on 97th street.Average list price is $2,195,535 and average time on market is 289 days.There … (0 comments)

Here Comes The Sun! Beautiful Newer Colonial Home For Sale In Berkely Massachusetts - 08:39 AM

… (0 comments)

Do NOT Blame The Industry! Do Not Blame ANYONE! DO NOT BLAME! - 06:41 PM
My vehicle dealer's service manager tried to tell me the reason they didn't have my car done for a week past ETA was due to 'the industry'.
That doesn't work for me.
WE can't schlep off OUR failure to perform on OUR industry. Can we? And still have our clients?
No excuses. No exceptions. Just get it DONE!
Reminded me that there is rarely a 'good excuse'. Because NO excuse is good.  
 
… (12 comments)

194 Trailwood Ln., Northbrook, IL 60062 - 11:34 AM
Bryce Fuller is a professional Realtor with RE/MAX North in Northbrook, Illinois. He can be reached via email at Bryce@TheFullerForce.com or on the web at www.TheFullerForce.com His real estate concentration is in Northbrook, Illinois, Glenview, Illinois, and Deerfield, Illinois. All of these communities are on the West Side of the North Shore of Chicago. He has over 5 years of experience selling single family homes,condos, townhomes, condominiums, townhouses, and investment real estate in this and surrounding areas. If you, or someone you know is looking for a professional realtor to buy or sell a residential house in the area, please contact … (0 comments)

142 Baylor Sterling Virginia : Better Than Renting - 01:10 PM
… (0 comments)

Sometimes good advice comes from the strangest sources! - 08:30 AM
Do you ever feel that the same message is coming at you from several sources? 
Yesterday I saw a billboard that really got my attention:
Recession 101:
            "Self-worth beats Net worth"
A tagline was on an email I received:
            "Aspire to inspire before you expire."
Then last night while watching TV, an insurance commercial spokesman was talking about hard times and some things we are learning from them:
Fade to a family around the kitchen dining table and the spokesperson said "We're learning it's more important to make meatloaf together at home than to make reservations." 
Fade to … (4 comments)

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