Archives of real estate blog entries for June 8, 2009

Featured blog posts


SHORT SALE FLIPS - TITLE INSURANCE PROHIBITED - 08:31 PM
The short sale flip apparently is alive and well for some investors - and it is causing havoc with title insurance underwriters.  Now the title insurance underwriters are making their case simply by declaring that they won't insure such transactions.
This decision is not surprising. As pointed out in SHORT SALE FLIP - QUESTIONABLE METHODS, some investors have seen the reluctance amongst knowledgeable (and ethical?) title insurance agencies to question and usually refrain from being involved in such transactions. The result was the new "twist" of using one title closing agent (and underwriter) for the initial sale and another title closing agent (and … (76 comments)

Systematize The Things You do Over and Over Again - 11:02 PM
A system is needed and created when you find yourself doing the things over and over again. I use different systems to stay in touch with 1) my clients, 2) stay in touch with my leads and 3) stay in touch with my sphere.
Three things to automate:
Email signatures Lead generation follow up Newsletters Since 1999 I have been using a drip campaign for my potential buyers who register on my search site.  Currently the criteria they put in for their home search will automatically go into my IDX site and when a new listing comes up that matches their … (67 comments)

ActiveRain Community Search - HGTV’s "House Hunters" Is Now Casting - 03:30 PM
ActiveRain Members - HGTV’s "House Hunters" Is Now Casting and Looking for YOU!
                     
HGTV’s hit TV series, House Hunters, is looking for Homebuyers and Real Estate Agents who want to appear on the show!  ActiveRain and HGTV are working together in an effort to find qualified candidates who may be interested in sharing their "House Hunting" journey on National Television. 
This could be a huge opportunity, and a lot of fun for some of our members and their clients. House Hunters follows buyers and their agents on the hunt as they find just the … (185 comments)

Real Bird Flies With Active Rain Blogging- Update- Important Information. - 07:16 PM
Thank you to all of you attended the Real Bird Flies With Active Rain Blogging! It was a great webinar and we had a lot of people on the call.
I know that a lot of you registered for the webinar but could not make it and were looking forward to the recording that I had said that we would be able to do.
Unfortunately there was a glitch in the system and the recording did not work out.
So that everyone gets the chance to participate and learn from this webinar; Gabe from Real Bird and myself will redo … (38 comments)

How Would You Answer This Question? Did the REALTOR® Lie? Is That Even the Issue? - 07:17 AM
If you're familiar with the Trulia real estate site, you may know that REALTORS® can setup their accounts to e-mail them with any questions that have been posted in their areas they work. I have Trulia setup to e-mail me when questions have been posted about real estate in Volusia county, (although I only work in East Volusia county IE: the Daytona Beach area).
This evening while I was blogging, a question popped up in my e-mail from a home owner in West Volusia county; specifically, Deltona. I'm posting this here for anyone to comment on either my blog, or on … (74 comments)

The FSBO Marketing Hype - FSBO Statistics Don't Lie - Or Do They? - 05:22 AM

"Whoever deals with current public questions is compelled to rely greatly upon the information and judgments of experts and specialists.  Unfortunately, not all experts are to be trusted as entirely disinterested." - The Quotable Calvin Coolidge
I recently read several posts written by for sale by owner ("FSBO") marketing companies and facilitators regarding the efficacy of the practice of selling homes for sale by owner.  Admittedly, I am not a fan of FSBO transactions.  It isn't that an owner can't effectively market and sell their home.  It is simply that there are significant potential problems associated with any sale that compels me … (39 comments)

Silly Saturday Night Post: Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place - 05:31 AM
Every once in awhile I'm lucky enough to get a photograph that perfectly illustrates the kind of predicament life can serve up.
This box turtle was doing just fine lumbering along in four wheel drive until she topped that last branch and ended up tail down between a rock and a hard place.
Box turtles are famous for pulling in their head and appendages and "clamming up."
This one didn't do that.  She seemed to know that she needed help from outside that pretty shell, and she just waited until I picked her up and set her down again.
Off she … (65 comments)

Short Sale Basics. Let the Class Begin!!! - 08:25 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 … (51 comments)

Welcome to Real Estate 2.0~ Home of the Soft Sell! - 05:48 PM
I just finished reading a post by Joe Spake asking the question, Does Social Media Encourage REALTOR® Spammers?  In this post he brings about an excellent point about Hard Selling yourself & services instead of using social media the way it was intended to be used.  As a soft sell.  So what are the differences? 
ALWAYS Ask Everyone You Come in Contact with this: "Do You Know Anyone Looking to Buy or Sell Real Estate?"
Man, haven't we all heard this line before at least 200 times through our real estate career.  This hard sell technique has been ingrained into our … (37 comments)

Is This the Market to Overprice a Home?? - 06:06 PM
"What!  Are you crazy" you ask.
What realtor of sane mind would ever purposely overprice a home in this market, in any market.  Well, generally not me.  I usually think that overpriced homes are in the hands of maniacal agents with no sense of reality.  But you know what desperate times call for . . .
I listed a cute house for a very fair price.  The out-of-state owner relied on my local experience and market knowledge to price it correctly.  I did.  To prove it, we received two offers fairly quickly.  But apparently not high enough for my seller.  One … (53 comments)

Marginal Utility and the Real Estate Agent - 11:49 AM
Are you familiar with the concept of marginal utility?  More importantly, are you familiar with how it relates to your real estate business? 
I think that this might be the building blocks to one of the biggest challenges many of us face in running a real estate buseinss.  And please remember, I am talking about both the agent AND broker level, but especially the agent level... most brokers have already learned to deal with this area of business management... most. 
First let's talk about what Marginal Utility is...
The basic concept as it applies to our case involves the monetary value … (38 comments)

HOW DO YOU SHOW A LISTING, WHEN IT COULD JEOPARDIZE YOUR LIFE? - 07:12 AM
I could really use some advice on this one.  Recently I acquired a new client that is a first time home buyer.  I like working with these clients for they are like children at Christmas.  So excited, and full of life.
This client is now expanding their criteria and adding towns all over the state, and he wants to spend the least amount as possible (because he is afraid of the unknown of possible loosing his job, etc).  I keep mentioning to him that there is no guarantees in life, but to do the best you can for today.  With this way of … (122 comments)

Don't Leave YOUR Clients Hanging Out to Dry! - 08:00 AM
Are You REALLY Your Clients' Trusted Real Estate Advisor? After reading several posts lately about trust in our industry, it brought to mind another type of transaction that has surfaced recently in our market that needs to be addressed.  I have had two buyers recently who have made offers to purchase--good, solid offers (no low-balls--HOW refreshing!),  only to be turned over directly to the sellers by the listing agent.  Both agents are from firms who offer full service and document in MLS that their sellers' listings, to which my clients made offers, ARE full service.
Is your agent manning the ship … (91 comments)


Blog posts


The Biggest Critics of Real Estate Agents - 06:40 AM
Ever stop to think who are the biggest critics of real estate agents?..its clear... Other real estate agents
Ever wonder why the public sees us in the light in which they do? Real Estate Agents being critical of other real estate agents!  Please spare me..its the nature of the business because in many professions its just not true.
I once found info about a well love well respected broker..that would blow you away..it wasn't from a customer..who we as agents serve..but a fellow broker, perhaps envious of the business they do.  I found it pathetic and very very wrong! 
Sometimes our … (20 comments)

Real Estate Franchise...$4 - 03:41 PM
Anyone looking at buying a real estate franchise should take a look at this blog by Mike Terry of Connect Realty.  It is amazing to know that there is an opportunity for any agent out there to make even more money by investing $4.00 ( Connect Realty's first ever promotion now until July 4th 2009) and a small monthly $29.99 or once a year $299 fee to build an organization of amazing agents without having the cost associated with owning, running and maintaining an expensive and ultimately obsolete franchise.  Check it out!
Via Mike Terry (Connect Realty):
Real Estate Franchise...$4
Have you ever … (0 comments)

Chandler Parc Homes for Sale - 07:50 AM
Homes for Sale in Chandler Parc - Chandler Arizona
Chandler Parc Homes | Chandler Homes | Quick Search | Just Listed Today  Bank Owned Homes | Just Listed Bank Owned | Just Listed Short Sales
You can search for homes in Chandler Parc, Chandler or the entire Phoenix Arizona Metro Area without obligation or sign up. Our easy to navigate search will help you find all of the Chandler Parc homes for sale. Search by city, neighborhood (subdivision), community, pool, golf communities, gated communities, waterfront, zip code, school district, year built, price range, bedrooms, baths, square footage, foreclosure, bank owned and short sales. 
When you find Chandler Parc Chandler … (0 comments)

Hearthstone Homes for Sale - 07:55 AM
Homes for Sale in Hearthstone - Chandler Arizona
Hearthstone Homes | Chandler Homes | Quick Search | Just Listed Today  Bank Owned Homes | Just Listed Bank Owned | Just Listed Short Sales
You can search for homes in Hearthstone, Chandler or the entire Phoenix Arizona Metro Area without obligation or sign up. Our easy to navigate search will help you find all of the Hearthstone homes for sale. Search by city, neighborhood (subdivision), community, pool, golf communities, gated communities, waterfront, zip code, school district, year built, price range, bedrooms, baths, square footage, foreclosure, bank owned and short sales. 
When you find Hearthstone Chandler homes or properties that interest … (0 comments)

Knoell East Homes for Sale - 08:03 AM
Homes for Sale in Knoell East - Chandler Arizona
Knoell East Homes | Chandler Homes | Quick Search | Just Listed Today  Bank Owned Homes | Just Listed Bank Owned | Just Listed Short Sales
You can search for homes in Knoell East, Chandler or the entire Phoenix Arizona Metro Area without obligation or sign up. Our easy to navigate search will help you find all of the Knoell East homes for sale. Search by city, neighborhood (subdivision), community, pool, golf communities, gated communities, waterfront, zip code, school district, year built, price range, bedrooms, baths, square footage, foreclosure, bank owned and short sales. 
When you find Knoell East Chandler … (0 comments)

Sun River Homes for Sale - 08:12 AM
Homes for Sale in Sun River - Chandler Arizona
Sun River Homes | Chandler Homes | Quick Search | Just Listed Today  Bank Owned Homes | Just Listed Bank Owned | Just Listed Short Sales
You can search for homes in Sun River, Chandler or the entire Phoenix Arizona Metro Area without obligation or sign up. Our easy to navigate search will help you find all of the Sun River homes for sale. Search by city, neighborhood (subdivision), community, pool, golf communities, gated communities, waterfront, zip code, school district, year built, price range, bedrooms, baths, square footage, foreclosure, bank owned and short sales. 
When you find Sun River … (0 comments)

Vasaro Homes for Sale - 08:16 AM
Homes for Sale in Vasaro - Chandler Arizona
Vasaro Homes | Chandler Homes | Quick Search | Just Listed Today  Bank Owned Homes | Just Listed Bank Owned | Just Listed Short Sales
You can search for homes in Vasaro, Chandler or the entire Phoenix Arizona Metro Area without obligation or sign up. Our easy to navigate search will help you find all of the Vasaro homes for sale. Search by city, neighborhood (subdivision), community, pool, golf communities, gated communities, waterfront, zip code, school district, year built, price range, bedrooms, baths, square footage, foreclosure, bank owned and short sales. 
When you find Vasaro Chandler homes or properties that … (0 comments)

How Was Your Weekend? - 04:03 PM
My weekend was full of fun, how about yours?  Each day is so different with a toddler.  The attention span is so short!!  One minute we're doing this and the next minute we're doing that.
When was the last time you played with an etch 'a sketch?  AT first she was like, Don't dare take a picture with this hat on, but then she gave in and smiled!
 
Then we're outside playing in the pool.

And we're off to play around the tree where we admire the stepping stone with our picture and handprint.

And then we're … (18 comments)

Tip for talking to colleague about signing up for Active Rain - 06:09 AM
Since I mentioned Active Rain to one of our agents, I figured I'd better take a look at what the signup process looks like these days.
So I signed up my dog, Carlton.  (Real Estate - Other)
OK.  There's what I was looking for.  I wanted to suggest to the agent that he stick with free initially, until he decides whether or not this is his thing.
So, that's where the "no thanks" start-with-free button is when someone signs up.  In case you are talking to anyone about signing up that might be helpful to know.

 
Note:  This is the … (1 comments)

How many miles to the gallon does that home get? - 11:01 AM
The rising cost of energy is a concern for all of us. And I'm not just talking about what we pay at the pump. Energy prices affect how much we spend on almost everything we buy. That includes the electricity and natural gas we use to power, cool and heat our homes. It even can play a role in the price you pay to purchase a home or how much you can fetch when you sell.
For buyers Buyers are still looking at all the usual factors in selecting a home; considerations like schools, bedrooms, bathrooms, and closet space - those … (1 comments)

Pearland TX - Real Estate Market conditions through May 2009 - 12:20 PM
Looking at the Pearland TX real estate market snapshots, I see wee had a slight downturn in property values for the months of May.  But I also see we sold more real estate in Pearland TX last month than we have since Aug 2008.  So with that being said, I still feel buying real estate in Pearland is a smart buy.  Pearland real estate is still on the increase in value... We are still have a higher sales price than we had 2 years ago.

As you can see from this next chart, the total number of home under contract … (0 comments)

Short Sale Basics. Let the Class Begin!!! - 08:25 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 … (51 comments)

Outer Banks Real Estate Recovery Continues - 02:01 PM
With 5 months of 2009 down I believe the Outer Banks real estate market is on the road to recovery. May was another strong month as buyers took advantage of the great deals that remain. Since reaching the bottom of the market in January of this year there has been on a steady upward trend in houses going under contract and closing. There are not as many foreclosures and short sales coming on the market which will help stabilize prices and many are now receiving multiple offers. The overall economy is looking a little better and the stock market is also coming off it's … (0 comments)

Denver Real Estate ~ The Deadly Sins of Selling Your Home - 08:25 AM

100 Real Estate Tips in 100 Days (Day 72)
Just back from the trenches after a few days of trying to find the perfect house for my buyers, I've got to speak my mind! We spend so much time trying to gain access to homes that it made me wonder if the sellers who are trying to sell these homes had any idea of how difficult it was on our end!
Let me state, my clients are motivated, qualified and soon to be homeless. This was not a fire drill for them, they came prepared to buy with a checkbook … (1 comments)

Selling Your Home the Importance of a Sign in the Yard! - 08:27 AM
Selling Your Denver Home
100 Real Estate Tips in 100 Days (Day 73)

When it comes time to sell your home many comfort zones must be crossed. Yes, strangers need to come visit when you are not home. You will be asked to leave at the most inconvenient times. Frequently you will be invaded with little or very short notice.
Selling one's home is not an easy task, unless you are ready to "let go." As a homeowner letting go means more than just letting go of your house, you must also let go of the normal controls and swim … (0 comments)

Exceptional Value! 3 Bedroom 2 Bath in Charlotte - 08:18 PM
Single Story For Sale in Capps Hill Village  
Loading Charming Ranch Home
• 1,025 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Traditional " - MLS® $67,000 - Exceptional Value!
Capps Hill Village, Charlotte  -  Charming Ranch Home Exceptionally Priced. This Traditional-Style Ranch Features An Inviting Floorplan w/ Unique Architectural Features Such as Curved Entryways,Vaulted Ceiling & Partial Wall Views. GreatRoom Has Cozy Fireplace. 3 Spacious Bedrooms. Breakast Area Transitions into Kitchen Which is Equipped W/ Upgraded Cabinetry & Modern Appliance Pkg. Qualifies for $7500 House Charlotte Program. Police Officers Can Qualify Up to $15,000 in the House Charlotte Program!
Property … (0 comments)

Have You Been Bit By The "Entrepreneur Bug?" - 08:49 PM
No doubt about it, we are experiencing some never-seen-before trials and tribulations in our profession. Mega real estate and mortgage companies have failed, businesses that have prevailed for decades have closed their doors. Other firms (real estate, law, mortgage and investment firms) have merged in order to survive.
Yet, there's something about these times--amongst the failures, difficulties, and economic stresses that still provides us professionals with the vision of HOPE. Hope to persevere. Hope to go grasp a little closer to one's dreams. Hope to press the "Now or Never" button and embrace the challenges that lies along the path to success.
More than ever before, … (3 comments)

Spacious Home on Large Lot! Beautiful Rose Garden, Mature Trees, and Open Living Area! 2919 Jay Lane - 03:14 PM
… (2 comments)

But it's Such a GOOOD Price...and We Can Fix it Later... - 08:19 AM
 

 
 
  First time buyers are out peaking around the bushes to wisely take advantage of the $8,000 first timer tax credit. We have had several this week...who have chosen homes that are priced very modestly....and there is a reason for that.  To their minds, as first timers, the reason is because as they believe, we all know...(oh not) everything is "on sale" and homes are selling for 75% off the "original retail price."  Wellllll...the Price may be right...but it is right because...
the roof needs replacing the basement needs bracing the electrical needs updating the hot water … (2 comments)

"You Have to Write Whatever I Say...." - 08:45 AM

 
  The first timers..not alone by the way...investors...everyone who doesn't know what they don't know....has decided they know far more about the market than any realtor.  It is not the price they had in their head, it is not 50% off, it is not 30% under the last one sold...it is not, it is not..
 
and while I am "supposed to...I 'have to" I will not.
 
I will not kill a tree... I will not take my very valuable time  I will not waste my breath I will not spend my gas money/car depreciation I will … (4 comments)

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