Archives of real estate blog entries for July 30, 2009

Featured blog posts


Tweeting for Trouble - 10:03 AM
Here is the scenario: Large rental company, unhappy tenant.  Tenant Tweets that the rental company does not have a problem with its tenants sleeping in moldy apartments. Large  company sues because the tenant has made defamatory statements and permanently injured its reputation by passing this statement around the internet. This is exactly the kind of statement that can get you/us/me into a whole host of trouble.  The Tweet (with the name removed to protect me from similar trouble) read, "Who said sleeping in a moldy apartment was bad for you? XXXX XXX thinks it's okay." In the days before social media, … (56 comments)

An Ambassador Called Me and her name is Lizette Fitzpatrick - 12:16 AM
She warned everyone in her post:  Ambassador Alert! Look Out Newbies! I May Be Calling You So You Can Make Some MONEY! and indeed she did call a newbie and that newbie was me!When I went to answer my phone late one night I started wondering who belonged to this out of state number.  Well, to my pleasant surprise that number belonged to a fellow Rainer who called to lend me a helping and supportive hand.I hadn't signed up for my Blog yet when Lizette called, but had intentions of doing so, I just wasn't sure how difficult it would be or … (51 comments)

And Then What to My Wondering Eyes Should Appear... - 08:23 PM
but...
You've received a contact message from your Contact Form on the ActiveRain network.* If you ever think it's not going to happen be patient.  You just never know when you will receive a treat such as this.  Although I have been very busy with real estate, family, two new puppies (need I say more?), and have not posted in way too long, out of the blue came that welcomed request.
Within days the prospective buyers came down and fell in love with Lake Anna.  Smart, discerning folks!
Today, less than two weeks later, my clients have a contract on a home that in the … (49 comments)

5 Reasons for Firing A Client - 07:12 AM
In challenging markets...like the one we currently face...it's difficult to find new clients.
Why would you even consider firing a client?
Purely and simply, even the best client relationships can turn bad...and when they do, it's time to end them by firing the client.
Most of us are too busy to allow deteriorating client relationships to drain time and energy from attracting new clients and serving existing clients. With that in mind, here are 5 reasons for firing a client.
1. Perfection Obsession
These are the buyers who are obsessed with finding a perfect home, in a perfect location and … (176 comments)

New Theme Thursday~ Turn Your Outside Blog Real Estate Red! - 11:28 AM
It is Thursday!  Which means it is time to introduce another of our wonderful new themes!  This week I wanted to introduce Real Estate Red.This wonderful theme incorporates bold red colors into your blog to make things Pop.  For those of you who have been experiencing difficulties in loading a header, you have nothing to worry about with this theme.  Real Estate Red comes with header already set that shows off the title to your blog well.  Below is a screen shot of what it looks like, or you can always visit my outside blog to view it in real time.
… (21 comments)

Please help me find a new next-door neighbor (or move in yourself!) - Special offer for both agents AND consumers - 06:43 PM
I haven't ever tried to use my blog in quite this manner, but I will be interested to see what kind of response this brings.
The house next door to us is on the market now.  I sold it for the previous owners about two years ago, and an out-of-state investor purchased it.  With the relatively high rent that he was charging for the place, I thought that would help to ensure that we would get a decent neighbor. 
I was wrong. Without going into great detail, let's just say that I'm happy it is for sale now, rather than for … (89 comments)

Federal Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act (MDIA) goes into effect on 8/1/09 - 03:07 PM
 The Federal Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act (MDIA) goes into effect on 8/1/09.  This new Act applies to all applications dated 8/1/09 forward.  The easiest way to understand the concept of MDIA is to think of it this way.  Purchase loan borrowers now have the same protection as a refinance borrower, meaning the Act basically creates a rescission period of 3 days for purchase loans.
What is happening here is the Federal Government is making sure purchase borrowers cannot get "jammed at the table" with new fees and feel forced to close.  The borrower now has 3 days to understand any fee … (42 comments)

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Blog Already! - 10:38 PM
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Blog Already! Ten months ago I stepped into the blogging world, somewhat by accident. I was a bit nervous about putting my own words and thoughts out there for everyone to read (and criticize). I was even more afraid of stating something unfactual.
After several agonizing hours of putting my thoughts down and what felt like the ultimate baring of my soul, I finally hit the "Public" button and shot it off into cyberspace. Here it is - Orphaned Realtors - Who do I go to now?
When I initially posted it, I watched in fear … (45 comments)

Are you a bad Realtor if you use scripts? - 02:41 PM
There is a discussion going on right now on GeekEstateBlog which is talking about how to Qualify Your Prospects To Convert More Leads. In this blog post the writer used a script as an example on how one might best talk to a web prospect.
The blog post is receiving some fiery comments from the real estate community because many believe that scripts dehumanize the real estate buying process, and it turns real estate brokers into nothing more then greedy sales people who want to manipulate the buyer and force them somehow to buy a property that perhaps they don't really … (68 comments)

Dear Seller: Are You Sure You Want to Sell Your Home? - 02:59 PM
The other day I was out showing a Buyer a few houses and the most embarrassing thing happened! We arrived at our final home of the day; I walked to the front door--rang the doorbell and knocked loudly (just in case the Sellers had not left the property yet), retrieved the key from the lock box and let ourselves in...
What we encountered upon entering took me completely by surprise...the stench that flooded our noses was disgusting, no lights what so ever were turned on. We creeped in a little further in the living room and about tripped over the mounds … (84 comments)

Memories of My Childhood Home... - 10:34 AM
When Jason Crouch first announced this contest, I became a bit apprehensive about adding a submission. Good thing that he mentioned that the memories didn’t have to be happy…
 
I have had the “pleasure” of living in several houses during my childhood. They were all, for the times that I lived there, the place that I got to call home. Without really thinking about it, I knew exactly the house that I would write about…
 
Have you ever lived in a place where the experiences in that place have shaped who you are, today?
… (25 comments)

Recruiting vs. Retaining: Making Your Office a Production Power-House - 09:46 AM
Okay Brokers... It's allllll about you today!
Recruiting agents, especially top-producing agents, is essentially about marketing. Just like agents going after listings, the best leads are going to come via word-of-mouth so building up a great reputation with the local agents is key. So now here's the big question... Do you even know what your agents say about you? Is it good, bad, indifferent? Do they say anything at all? Here's a clue in the right direction... if agents are bringing more agents to your door, chances are you're doing something right. If they're not or if agents aren't hanging around … (17 comments)

Asking Permission: Pat’s Blogging Etiquette Reminder - 08:27 AM
When I first began to blog, nothing was sacred.  Anyone at any time could become blog fodder.  This included friends, colleagues, family and clients.I never really thought about it until I wrote a post about one of my oldest, dearest friends who bought his first place – the 64-year old property virgin.  And his name was in it.  He is a journalist with a popular blog of his own, and his employer closely tracks his hits and his Google juice, and of course my blog showed up on their daily search under his name.  His colleagues teased him mercilessly.  Another best … (66 comments)

"Ken Lewis, Please Help!" And he DID!!! Was it TWITTER??? - 09:55 AM
After waiting for seven months for an approval from Countrywide now Bank of America, we finally received approval.

What did it? Perhaps it was this email from the listing agent...
 Dear Mr. Lewis-  Please forgive the informality of this correspondence, but brevity is warranted and time is of the essence. Our firm has been in contact with your short sales department since January of this year, and we still have received no resolution to our requests to negotiate this loan balance. We have complied with every request made by your company negotiators, only to find that those same individuals have slighted our … (69 comments)

Should I Suggest A Higher Price To Get The Listing? - 04:20 PM
These last two weeks I have been doing a lot of CMA's, but very few are turning into listings. I have been told by every seller that my presentation was one of the best they have seen. (They have told me some agents just show up to their home empty handed.) After every appointment, I felt good about most of my presentation, except for one part. The price.
Anyways, I do a lot of work coming up with comparables, checking the condition of the home, comparing locations, and anything that may be unique to the property, I make sure to account for.
The … (94 comments)

Open Houses Are a Waste of Time - 02:56 PM

 I have read a lot of posts that are for and against open houses. The fact of the matter is that open houses have been around forever, and I know a lot of agents that feel this form of advertising and prospecting is completely outdated. They say this because very few homes are ever sold off of open houses and even when people walk through the door, there is no guarantee that they are even serious, they could just be out tire kicking.
 I look at it as an opportunity and nothing more. Just because very few homes are sold from … (87 comments)

Ready, Willing, and Able or Buyers, Browsers, and Tirekickers? - 08:49 AM
Do agents have ‘rights'? Don't we have the choice of whom we take on as buyers or sellers and whom we'd rather not work with?  In this slower market, have we been reduced to being tour guides or welcome center representatives instead of running our businesses?
Before I continue, let me emphasis that probably 90% or more of my customers come directly from my on-line or print advertising and can be classified as "strangers" until we begin working together.  I have developed a few strategies for deciding who I work with and who I don't.
The Browsers
In the current economic and real … (34 comments)

LISTING AGENT MUST ACCOMPANY AND YOU SHARE THEIR MARKETING INFORMATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS! - 05:02 AM
LISTING AGENT MUST ACCOMPANY AND YOU WILL HAVE TO SHARE THEIR MARKETING INFORMATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS TO BE WELCOMED IN AND SHOW THE PROPERTY.
Often working with buyers, I frequently have to show properties in which in the "showing" remarks it states that the listing agent must accompany. I usually inquire why. The reasons vary and most of the times is either due to seller's request or to listing office policy.
Immediately before arriving at the property I start to practice relaxation techniques( UFFF...Breath in, breath out...) and try to count till 20 to see how quickly a listing agent will share their contact information with my client, the prospective … (46 comments)


Blog posts


Be Thankful For Everything You Have! - 06:48 AM
I've learned some difficult lessons over the summer...while this summer should have been filled with fun...family..and lots of business..my summer did not play out this way at all.  Health has been a big issue in my household...I'm fine...but I've been a caregiver to my husband and to my youngest son.  It's been a long two months..
Its been a very hard summer....a long summer but I am very thankful...
Both are doing well..and the dark clouds that surrounded me seem to have lifted and the sun is shining once again!  Finances have been on the bottom of my list...not because I … (22 comments)

The REO list every agent must have - 03:47 PM
 
Foreclosures Are At All Time Highs!
Banks Are Struggling To Unload Their Bank-Owned Properties.
Click below for more details.
<a href="http://a0f75bpr33nk1rflrbz7nnrj20.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">Click Here!</a>
 
… (0 comments)

The Dry Pedernales River - 11:40 AM
The Pedernales River is one of the major contributers to the water supply for Lake Travis.  Just as other rivers are low, so is the Pedernales.  I took the photo below crossing over the river looking north from the bridge on Hwy 71.  Sorry the contraxt isn't better.  It was very overcast yesterday.

See what looks like a valley with grass in it?  That is the dry Pedernales River with boat docks sitting on the ground all along it.  My guess is that what you are looking at is around 8 river miles to Lake Travis.
The fact that the … (0 comments)

Lake Austin Homes - 03:38 PM
A fellow agent and friend of mine, Tim, was testing a boat the other day before buying it.  He, Phil and I launched at Mary Quinlan Park and cruised down Lake Austin to the 360 bridge and back.  I shot a lot of photos, but only a few came out well enough to show here.
Lake Austin is basically the Colorado River that is held back by a dam in Austin.  It runs from Mansfield Dam, which holds back Lake Travis, to Tom Miller Dam.  Lake Austin winds down through some dramatic hills and I have some photos to illustrate that.
… (0 comments)

I’m Fat and Society is a Burden on Me! - 12:37 PM
I’m Fat and Society is a Burden on Me! Now that cigarette smokers have been driven to the confines of small special rooms, remote out door locations, and will soon be hunted down in there own homes by the political correct police they have turned there sites on Fat People.
I AM A FAT PERSON. I am not talking love handles here, more like a Love Boat. This is not just a little extra – I am way over weight. I can joke some about this, but I do not like being over weight. I am not looking for diet advice, … (7 comments)

Location * Location * Location – Real Estate Investing – Part 5 - 03:19 PM
Location * Location * Location – Real Estate Investing – Part 5
This is Part 5 in my Real Estate Investing Series. You may wish to start with the first Four Parts:
Are you planning for your Future? Real Estate Investing – Part 1
Starting at Home! Real Estate Investing – Part 2
Maintain Your Leverage! Real Estate Investing – Part 3
Picking Your Investment Property – Real Estate Investing – Part 4
In Picking Your Investment Property – Real Estate Investing – Part 4 I state that Location – Location – Location is key in any Real Estate Investing … (0 comments)

Day 18: 100 Days of Central Mass Features Niagara Falls - 08:40 PM
James, James Jr. and I took a trip to Niagara Falls to visit some of our old friends from North Carolina that were staying in Buffalo, NY.  I was about 8 months pregnant with William and we were taking a risk since Niagara was about 6 hours away from home and my doctors!  We spent a few days out at the falls and it is by far one of my favorite places to visit.  I can remember when we first got there (and it was my first time, but not James') I looked at the falls from the United States side … (0 comments)

Pearland TX: 1406 Pineland Drive, *Just Reduced* - 10:26 AM
Price Reduced on 1406 Pineland Dr in Pine Hollow
Pine Hollow, Pearland TX  -  Announcing a price reduction on 1406 Pineland Dr, Pearland TX 77581. A 3,171 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $195,000 - WOW - Priced Below Market.  This house is a gem.... And this is a best buy NEIGHBORHOOD... Prices are at an all time low.....  Buy low sell high... Call me at 713-581-4702 for an appointment today...
Property information
… (0 comments)

Are you a Short Sale Super Star? Want to be? - 03:24 PM
Hi folks. In case you have been keeping track, Saturday at 11:00 Eastern Time is the last “live” Session for Short Sale Basics Webinar. During this Session Wendy Rulnick and I will be discussing:August 1st Session 5: Presenting the Short Sale to the Lender
 Making your case  Follow up  Negotiating the payoff Over the last 5 weeks Wendy and I have been walking our students through a Short Sale transaction from beginning to end. We have presented more than 7 hours of very comprehensive Short Sale Agent Training.All sessions have been recorded and are available on MP3 on our private website … (8 comments)

ACRE made Inman News Today - 09:05 AM
I was pleased to see that ACRE made Inman News today: Timing the Real Estate Transaction http://tinyurl.com/lttej5.
… (0 comments)

2417 SABLE DR, KISSIMMEE FL 34744 - 01:34 PM
 
 MLS# O4913856             2417 SABLE DR, KISSIMMEE FL 34744     $$$ 89,900 $$$

SHORT SALE, AS IS. BEAUTIFUL 3/2 HOME W/FIREPLACE ON LARGE CORNER LOT. PRIVACY FENCE. EXCELLENT CONDITION. NEAR TO THE LOOP SHOPPING CENTER, WALMART, FL. HOSPITAL, TURNPIKE & POST OFFICE & MORE. WALKING DISTANCE TO PLAYGROUND AND SCHOOLS. ANYTHING YOU NEE D & WANT RIGHT AROUND YOU. PERFECT STARTER HOME. FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT EXPIRES DECEMBER 1ST. CALL NOW TO VIEW THIS HOME BEFORE THE OPPORTUNITY IS GONE. Listing price may not be sufficient to pay the total of all liens & costs of sale, and sale … (1 comments)

3423 COACHLIGHT DR, KISSIMMEE FL 34741 - 01:38 PM
 
 MLS# O4889049                  3423 COACHLIGHT DR, KISSIMMEE FL 34741    $$$ 100,000 $$$

****SHORT SALE**** AT THIS PRICE THIS UNIT WILL NOT BE AROUND FOR LONG!  This cute house will make a great starter home! Looking for that perfect location...this is it!  This short-sale property is located near shopping, bus-line, schools. .  Community features include pool. Listing price may not be sufficient to pay the total of all liens and costs of sale, and sale of Property at full listing price may require approval of seller(s) lender(s), and such approval may be conditioned upon the gross commission being reduced A little … (0 comments)

Short Sales are Not for Agents Who are Upside Down... - 07:01 AM
  Yesterday we had a specific request from a buyer for a short sale...anxious for a good value at a good price, didn't have a house to sell....was well qualified financially...so off we went to find a listing that would work for this anxious home buyer....

          WHOOPS !  The first listing we came across seemed to meet the criteria...short sale, good condition..price a little high but we can work with that....and then we studied it further...the agent listing the house was the seller.  That cannot happen...not because we say...not because very obviously the agent was not trained in short … (1 comments)

Are you 100% Agent ? How to be 150% ! - 07:25 AM
 

 
 
   We recently became Keller Williams agents.....in the greater Milwaukee/Waukesha area....and we are one of the initial trail blazers in this market to start an office here with a different approach to real esatate than agents have found here traditionally.
   There is no brokerage here that is...or even tries to be Agent Centered...and that takes in just a bunch of different areas that go into making the business you love be reflected in:
 
 The education you are offered The cutting edge technology you receive The listing "ownership and recognition' (see us for details) Profit beyond … (4 comments)

$8000 Tax Credit - 03:49 PM
With the tax credit creating more interest from first time home buyers, I have been fielding questions regarding how to claim the credit. I figured that you might be getting the same type of questions, so I wanted to forward this information from the IRS which I hope will be helpful to you. Your clients can amend their taxes the day after closing and back date the credit to Dec 31st on their 2008 returns. 
Taxpayers who need to make a change or adjustment on a return they already filed can do so by filing an amended return. Here are the … (0 comments)

Get Fugu! Logo Recognition Phone Application . . . Could This Work For Real Estate? - 10:36 AM
I have cool clients. One is a stock investor and he called me yesterday with a tip.
Told me that he thinks that this will be big big big. And is happy that this currently penny stock has risen 5x in a very short while.
The company is called GetFugu   . . .

Now, I am not a stock investor. I just don't have the touch. Real estate is my drug of choice.
But I checked it out and could see some positive application for my business. And perhaps yours as well.
If it works the way I think . . … (6 comments)

My Double Feature AR Success Story - 09:54 PM
I'll try anything once . . . twice if I like it . . . (wink) but I digress . . .
TWO AR success stories in less than a week?
I am still trying to figure out HOW he got there . . . but a nice gentleman called me on Tuesday after I posted my most recent Willow Valley hyperlocal post.
He said "I was online looking for a well pump for my house in Willow Valley and there you were at the top of Google with blogs about my area -- and a listing for a house on MY street! I … (24 comments)

Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks in Millheim Pa is carving out a unique entertainment niche - 10:21 PM
 
Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks in Millheim Pa is carving out a unique entertainment niche in all things, food, music and brew pub.  Wonder what the best beer on the East coast tastes like or have you curled a pint of craft brewed Brookie Brown Ale?  Ever heard of Nouvie Dutchie Cuisine?  Have you had the opportunity to check out the great music of Chicken Tractor?  If you answered no to any of the questions you are certainly in the minority of entertainment seekers in Central Pennsylvania.

Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks is located east of Penn State University www.psu.edu … (4 comments)

ActiveRain or e-PRO Certification or both? - 07:20 AM
ActiveRain or e-PRO® or both?  ...or none of it? I guess that is an option too.
I got the e-PRO® Certification back in 2004 or 2005.  They'd updated the course after I took it to include social media....  I believe the current version is at least the second version since I took the course.
®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®®
In an email from NAR yesterday:
Announcing the All-New e-PRO® Certification Course
"Staying up on technology also means being able to effectively conduct business on the Internet, using both standard tools and emerging technologies.  With that in mind NAR is pleased to announce the all-new e-PRO® … (22 comments)

Worthington Ohio Grocery Store - Home Market - 09:57 AM
The only Worthington grocery store today is the Kroger at Worthington Square.  The only grocery store in the City of Worthington anyway.
Hot dog here's an old ad for Home Market a Worthington grocery store.  What a find a 1940 ad according to Don O'Brien who shared the ad (wrapping material) via his Flickr stream... Mr. O'Brien grew up in Worthington and has fabulous, "Old Worthington" photos on Flickr. Not Old Worthington like the neighborhood exactly but photos of what that neighborhood was like in the late 1930's and into the 1940's. That really was the Village of Worthington... at that … (4 comments)

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