Archives of real estate blog entries for July 9, 2009

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It is Bob's Birthday Today. Go by his Blog & Wish Him an Awesome One! - 02:42 PM
 
Go to Bob's blog and wish him happy bday!
 
Via Jeremy Blanton (ActiveRain Corp.):
Happy Birthday Mr. Stewart!  Hope you have an awesome day today!
 

 
Please, go by his blog & wish him a Happy Birthday!
… (0 comments)

No! It's NOT OK! 90-120 day escrows and endless closing delays are NOT acceptable. - 05:43 PM
OK - this is a funny way to begin a blog - but I'm exhausted!   Just plain out and out drained.  Normally this state of tiredness would have me beating a path to a doctor.  But I don't need a doctor, I just need a lender who can close a loan in a timely manner.  You see,  in addition to everything else that I do to complete transactions,  I am being  confronted with host of  escrow issues that I've never seen before.  I find myself on the phone constantly trying to prod the banks to close loans that I've had commitments … (72 comments)

Blogging Laryngitis - 04:16 PM
There's been no official diagnosis from the AMA you understand, but I seem to have been afflicted just the same. That I'm afflicted will come as no surprise to some of you, but we won't go there...  While I love technology as much as the next fellow, keeping up with an endless stream of social network websites left me feeling like a slave to a Dell.  I blogged, twittered, facebooked, blipped, flickred, linked-in and wordpressed until I couldn't see straight.
After hearing from more than a few clients, a handful of AR friends, a few regular readers who were wondering if … (49 comments)

The Business of Real Estate Sales - Real Estate Agents are their own Small Businesses - Online Business Training Classes from the SBA - 04:13 PM

Recently, Katerina Gasset posted an article entitled "Is Real Estate Your Job Or Your Business? What They Did Not Teach You In Real Estate School!" which pointed out the simple fact that real estate agents are not employees.  Real estate agents are business owners in charge of their own brands.  As such, they are in charge of developing and implementing a business plan, a financial plan and a marketing plan. 
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a variety of online resources and tools for small business owners, including a series of online courses.  Although the online courses are pretty basic … (27 comments)

When the right message is delivered in the wrong way! - 12:45 PM
I've had several occasions lately to ponder "How can the right message not be received?" With our real estate careers, it's much the same as dealing with our children. If the message you want conveyed isn't delivered in the right manner, the message (however well-meaning) is lost.
If messages are delivered in a threatening, demanding way, how can one expect for the message to be received willingly? And even pondered at all? Even if the point is well-made, the message can be completely lost in frustration and irritation of the receiver, if delivered in the wrong way.
We need to give … (52 comments)

Banks aren’t the only ones being hit with foreclosures, but there is a difference – NO BAILOUT! - 04:12 AM

Over the past 6 years I’ve been in real estate, I’ve done a lot of owner financing and lease option deals for owners and buyers. But until this last summer I had never had a situation where a property was given back on a lease option or a home owner had to foreclose on a buyer.
But, there was a difference with the buyers and sellers of these properties versus the ones that were in pre-foreclosure with the banks. The sellers (who also were the bank on these sales) were willing to listen to the buyers and their situations and … (36 comments)

As U.S. Recession Continues, Big Retailers - Including Gap, Ann Taylor, Others, Negotiate Sizable Lease Concessions! - 05:02 AM
Good Evening, folks!
The strange, but pleasantly-cool weather continues here in Chicago.  More like early May, rather than mid-July, around here!
As the economy continues weak in many parts of the U.S., and retail sales continue to slide downward, many of the largest retailers are using favorable language in their mall and shopping center leases to renegotiate their store rents.  Savings to these big chains could be substantial!
Reported in today's Wall Street Journal by Elizabeth Holmes, Vanessa O'Connell, and Kris Hudson, Many retailers are exercising benefits provided by "contenancy clauses," common in many retail store leases.  This language lets tenants … (20 comments)

Get out of your mortgage for FREE?!? - 09:21 PM
Probably not...
But that doesn't mean that people aren't trying it... and it doesn't mean that people aren't getting in trouble for it.
Here is the way it works (and it all sounds so legit...):
Mr. and Mrs. Consumer buy a house and get a mortgage from MonsterMegaMortgageCompany (MMMC). MMMC sells their mortgage to Investor Pool #1. Then it is bundled and sold to IP#2... and #3 and #4 over a span of a few years. Mr. & Mrs. Consumer start having problems, and despite everything they are facing foreclosure. To try to get help they contact a "Foreclosure Mitigation" Law … (74 comments)

By Golly,...It's A Closing On The Horizon! Imagine That! - 11:28 AM
What a difference a week makes! Finally, got an offer accepted and now a closing scheduled for Aug. 11th with one of my Growth Leader clients. As with many Internet clients, it takes time to develop a relationship, meet with them and then show homes. Patience pays off. I think many more will be ready soon.
I have 137 subscribed prospects and most all receive daily listing alerts. Of those prospects there are 60 that I see are active or hot. Many come in daily to search listings. Of the ones I have called, they all seem to be genuine and eager to speak … (32 comments)

Trying to do every kind of marketing at once can be a bit overwhelming! - 09:44 PM
So I've recently undertaken multiple lines of marketing to try and re-establish my business.  As you may or may not know, I've only been in my current market for one year and I don't have the repeat business and referral business I had back in Houston.  So, I've taken to trying every marketing resource that has worked for me over the past 6 years and it's just too much to do all at once.
For instance,
I've been going door to door and introducing myself
I've been marketing myself in my social groups and at temple functions
I've been calling on … (37 comments)

That's My Photo In Your Listing ... Opinions Wanted - 05:28 PM
Quick copyright question:
An image I originally took and posted to my AR blog two years ago surfaced in a local agent's MLS listing photos recently.  Naturally, I emailed the agent and kindly asked that she remove my photo.  After no response, I sent a second request and received a phone call from her designated broker.  While the conversation was cordial and he agreed to remove the offending photo from the listing (apparently he selects the images and uploads them), we had a difference of opinion as to what is considered "fair game" for images on the web. 
Now bear in … (139 comments)

Are you just another lazy real estate agent? - 10:06 AM
One of my best friends is a small local home builder.  We gab on the phone as often as some people talk to their mothers, usually at least once a day.  Our conversations sometimes last hours and cover everything from real estate to religion, child rearing to politics and all points in between.  We don't pull punches even though we have vastly differing opinions, we let it fly and often agree to disagree then move on.  He loves to claim he's always right,I love to point out when he is wrong and vice-versa.
Not long ago, he said something that still sticks in … (44 comments)

Social Media - Would You Like Fries With That? - 05:28 AM
Fast food, bad eating and super sized plates at restaurants are very popular. Social Media is becoming the same way in several ways. It's becoming "too much." Much like a successful small business that grows too dang fast for it's own good. The only problem is that Social Media is more like a movement, a craze, and not collaboratively a collective business owned by any one company.
You can't click anywhere without being invited, suggested or expected to join some new network. Just looking at the top of Active Rain & you'll notice another social networking site called Realtor.org and yet another contact … (73 comments)


Blog posts


Good Tips For Realtors - 03:05 AM
I read an article in the newspaper a few months back about mistakes people make on job interviews.  It struck me that many of these mistakes might also apply to realtors when meeting with homeowners for listings presentations.  Here are some mistakes (modified for real estate).
- Don't Prepare - Not being able to answer questions such as:  How many homes have sold in this neighborhood this year?  What's the median sale price?  Days on market?
- Dress Inappropriately - Well, I'm in Hawaii and things are a bit different here.  Aloha shirts and shorts are the norm.  I think we might be … (2 comments)

If You're Going to Splirt Out Stats, Make Sure Your Stats are Correct!! - 10:27 AM
I was recently teaching a class, and at the end, I had the opportunity to talk with a couple of the people about real estate and how they got started and yadda yadda.
In the conversation, I was asked which broker I started with.  I told them, and proceeded to let them know that I only started with them because they were ranked #1 in Texas, and #14 Nationwide (at the time) and being new, I wanted to be able to toot that horn.
I was only with them for a year and a half, until I became wise to the … (15 comments)

SOLD in 6 Days for $25K OVER the Asking Price! - 08:37 AM
… (2 comments)

This Ain't No Part Time Biz! - 09:41 AM
Part time agents always make me chuckle.  This ain't no part time biz!  How can you be successful if you only work after you are done with your day job?  Okay, I will give credit to those that know a ton of people and lived in an area their entire life.  They may be able to drum up a few clients that are friends, family or co-workers at that day job and may be able to keep them even though they have a limited availability.  But in order to make the big bucks and be a top selling agent, you're going … (11 comments)

New Way to Move Short Sales - 07:25 AM
I have been following these guys and since they are local it makes it a bit easier.  They have put together a system that helps semi automate moving short sales.  His course goes into each step of his system, provides forms and exactly what he does to list and sell short sales.
I have to say, I am really impressed with this guy, he isn't a real estate agent but his partner is a real estate attorney and real estate broker.  Between the two of them, they have come up with a really good system.
I thought I'd pass the info … (0 comments)

Brand This for Yourself and Use as a Lead Generator - 07:33 AM
I wanted to pass along this free eBook for you to use to help capture prospects. I have been receiving good feedback from the people I have been giving it to.
I use it for lead capture and I also sent a copy to my past buyers.
You will have full rights to brand this however you want.
All you have to do is click on the link below, supply your name and email address and the book will be emailed to you.
Get Your Copy of 200 Household Tips
To Your Success,
Linda Reynolds
… (0 comments)

A Book I Cannot Do Without - 07:37 AM
I love this book, I have read it so many times over my real estate career that I have lost count. If you are looking for a book to help you get your real estate business back on track then I strongly recommend this one.
The 2 sections I gained the most from was the budget section and the follow up section. They actually give you the formulas on how much you should be spending on advertising, technology, rent, car, etc. When I put my spreadsheet together and saw the numbers I was surprised, I was over budget! Now I know … (2 comments)

Do You Have Your Own Blog Outside of Active Rain? - 07:41 AM
Blogging in our industry has become a mainstay, it isn't an option anymore, we need to blog to keep our businesses alive and build that internet presence so buyers and sellers can find us.   Getting started can be a daunting task.  Where do you begin? I am often asked.  This is why I created video training that walks you through all the steps of creating and filling your blog with content.   Blogging 101 is a lifetime membership and is updated as the technology changes.  So if you are wondering what you need to do go start blogging, then this … (4 comments)

My "Kitchen" Burned Down! Baltimore, Md - 04:22 PM
Well not exactly my kitchen, but I think I have eaten more meals in the Suburban House than in my own house or we did until last night. And we almost never get through a meal without seeing a friend or client. It’s just our favorite neighborhood deli and restaurant! 

They make the best omelets (seems like about a dozen eggs), the best chopped salads, and have the best waitress, Mitzu, who knows that when I order a “chop chop” that’s not what it is called on the menu. It is an oriental chicken salad that is finely chopped. … (27 comments)

Spacious home on 1+ Acre! Huge Basement and 3-Car Garage! 3807 S Kimball Ave. - 02:44 PM
… (3 comments)

Clean, Cute, Updated...Call It SOLD ....Tosa Ranch ! - 10:55 AM
              
  You are going to love this 3 bedroom squeaky clean ranch....updated kitchen and bath...3 season room, rec room with wet bar and half bath....a man cave if there ever was one....OR....play area...OR....you name it...you'll want it....BUT you have to come to the open with your pre-approval letter and checkbook in hand or you'll be toooooooo late !
                                    
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Another Quality Listing from David & Sally Hanson - For more information: 414-525-0563 -
                                                               MLS 1089371
 
… (4 comments)

COMING SOON! Beatiful townhouse in Centreville * OPEN SUNDAY! - 03:11 PM
HOME DESCRIPTION Adorable 2-story townhome set in the peaceful Singleton's Grove community that is conveniently located within a few miles of Rt. 28, Rt. 29, I-66, and the West Falls Church Metro railway. This home is completely move-in ready with recently replaced HVAC, refrigerator, sliding glass door, laminate hardwoods throughout main level, and ceramic tile floors in the bathrooms. On the warm sunny summer days, step out into your own private oasis complete with deck, beautifully landscaped yard, and privacy fence. Enjoy the great community amenities that include a pool, 4 tot-lots, 4 basketball courts, tennis court, soccer field, and plenty … (0 comments)

Oviedo Florida Real Estate Market Update 07/09/2009 - 09:24 AM
This is the market information regarding Oviedo, located in Seminole County Florida.
To date there are currently 10 bank owned homes for sale in Oviedo Florida and there are also 108 short sale opportunities in Oviedo. Considering there are 108 out of the total 400 properties for sale in Oviedo Florida, which equates to approximately 27% of the properties for sale in Oviedo are foreclosures. This does not mean there are only 108 foreclosures in Oviedo, it just means there are only 108 foreclosures currently for sale in Oviedo and there are many that are in foreclosure, just not represented on the Orlando MLS.
… (0 comments)

Taunton MA- Don't listen to the media.. the market is moving! - 06:06 AM
Does this ever happen to you?  You've gone through your day  feeling  pretty darn good about life and then you turn on the 6:00 news and suddenly, your whole demeanor and attitude change? You are not alone. The media's job is to produce ratings and drive up revenues in air time. I know this first hand. I used to be in the advertising business and believe me ratings rule.
Lately we are hearing negative news reports on the economy and the state of the real estate market in general, but I believe they aren't reporting accurately on the big picture. As someone who is … (3 comments)

Massachusetts Real Estate Do your listing agents in your area accompany showings? Should they? They do in my area. - 11:05 PM
Are you in a market where the listing agent has to accompany showings on their listings?  Seems like sellers in my area believe it is odd for us not to. In Southern Massachusetts, the sellers expect the listing agent to accompany.. but closer to Boston.. every home is on lock box!
Why is this????
On one hand, the buyer and their agent may feel more comfortable without the listing agent present. They may move a little slower and really think about buying the house.. the house will be in their thoughts longer.
Buyers  and Buyers agents also tell me that they … (8 comments)

Dinner at the White House -- A Modern Parable - 04:32 PM
 Keep your grimy paws AWAY from my dinner roll !
Once upon a time, I was invited to the White House for a private dinner with the President.
I am a respected businessman, with a factory that produces memory chips for computers and portable electronics. There was some talk that my industry was being scrutinized by the administration, but I paid it no mind. I live in a free country. There's nothing that the government can do to me if I've broken no laws. My wealth was earned honestly, and an invitation to dinner with an American President is an honor.
I … (8 comments)

Does anyone know of a better FREE website than Alamode?? - 07:40 PM
 
Hey there!!
I have recently shut down my Point2Agent site becuase of financial difficulties.
I am looking for a GOOD FREE site to go to, since the one I had picked seems to not be as user friendly as I once thought they were.
Please help me FAST....... I had tired to get some meta tags put down for search engines for the Alamode site, but there did not seem to be a place for them.
Can anyone help me on this?
 
Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent®The Knights Team Sales leader
Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

 
 
 
… (12 comments)

Calculate your Carbon Footprint - 08:33 AM

 
Its a simple tool that will help you calculate your footprint within couple of minutes. Its a great website with lot of valuable tools to help you save planet earth. Please feel free to share it with your friends and family.
My score was : ECP 322
 
                                                                                   Contact Ritu Desai,                                                                         REALTOR, Ecobroker, ABR,ePRO                                                                                  at Samson Properties                                                              Cell: 703-625-4949 or Email:Info@eNOVAHomes.com                                                     You are interested in purchasing or selling a property in Northern Virginia                          Arlington County, Alexandria City, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Falls Church City & Prince William county.
 
… (2 comments)

Avalon At Seven Meadows - 09:58 PM
Avalon At Seven Meadows Avalon is a custom home section located in the beautiful Seven Meadows area. Located just West of HWY 99 (AKA Grand Parkway) off of Fry Road, the location is ideal for access to the West Park Tollway (15 minutes or so to downtown on the West Park Tollway) and just 6 minutes South of I-10.
View Larger Map
Avalon At Seven Meadows sales for June: 5 homes closed in Avalon in June
Price Range: Homes sold (final sales price) in Avalon at Seven Meadows ranged from $385,000 to $757,000
Current Inventory: There are … (0 comments)

It's hard not to scratch the itch.. - 09:09 PM
Open your eyes.
Perhaps I'm reminded of such a thing because it's allergy season and I'm scratching like Chewbacca with a bad case of crabs?  Maybe it is just because I have a third degree burn on the the top of my right foot (that is now healing) due to a freak accident involving lasagne, the Food Channel, and one too many lost bets in regards to how many Natural Ice 12oz cans I can chug within a 72 hour time-frame.
Or maybe, it's because the journey is still going on and always will.  At least until I turn over and start … (9 comments)

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