Archives of real estate blog entries for August 11, 2009

Featured blog posts


8 Ways To Use Photos To Promote Your Business Online - 04:07 PM
8 Ways To Use Photos To Promote Your Business - and best of all, most of them are FREE or LOW COST!
I didn't start out as a photographer, and I still wouldn't consider my photos "professional quality" although I see marked improvement each day. Since I've been in real estate, and especially since I started blogging, I have found that I really enjoy taking pictures of my community, events, and of course, of our listings. And, over the past two years, I have accumulated quite a collection of local photos on my computer which have been extremely useful for our … (141 comments)

Gen Y - Why You May Not Be Connecting - 06:13 PM
I just read a gem of an article about how GenYers view their online relationships. I frequently find myself in discussions about the long-term upsides and downsides of social media, so I found this particular article useful from both standpoints.
But what we, as Realtors, MUST understand is the way that social media is interpreted by the next generation of home buyers. Like it or not, buyers in their early twenties prefer to communicate in ways that are far different from what you may be used to.
Text messaging is a great example of this. I personally prefer texting over voicemails … (68 comments)

Bidding Wars- Unethical??? - 05:51 PM
One "seasoned" agent refused to give my clients a chance to beat a competing offer because he believes "bidding wars are unethical".
It all happened about a month ago when I took my buyers to see a beautiful house in Huntingdon Valley listed by a Philadelphia Remax agent. It took no more then, oh, 3 seconds for them to fall in love with this house. It had absolutely everything they were looking for and they were more than ready to make a move after months of online searching.
We scheduled a 2nd showing for the next day so their folks could get a look as well … (112 comments)

Juggling Act - 04:34 PM
JUST DO IT
I am brand new to social networking and very new to Active Rain.  I just posted a comment and found I do not have my picture and brokerage on my comment.  OMG!  I am embarrassed.  Just filling out all the profiles on all of the sites to get up and running is pretty time consuming. I know why most of my colleagues just say no to social networking because of the commitment. However, I knew that this is not going to go away and I had to jump in.  But how?
FIND A CLASS ON SOCIAL NETWORKING
I … (51 comments)

GET SOME RESPECT! PREPARE YOUR CLIENTS FOR A GOOD OUTCOME AND PRODUCE IT! - 06:00 AM
HOW DO REAL ESTATE AGENTS GET RESPECT?
BY LETTING OUR BUYER AND SELLER CLIENTS KNOW THAT . . . . .
WE ARE PAID FOR WHAT WE KNOW, NOT FOR WHAT WE DO!
WE GET RESPECT by preparing the buyer or seller client for the home buying or selling process step-by-step and producing the best outcome. 
This post inspired by Greg Nino's excellent article this a.m. "I Get No Respect".     He did his job and his sellers thought he was overpaid "for the work he did".
GET SOME RESPECT!  One thing I love to hear from a buyer or … (76 comments)

That new listing you and your buyers saw online? The house may not *really* be for sale. - Information for Macomb County MI home buyers - 05:42 AM
I think I may have the answer as to why some listings in our area are so difficult, if not impossible, to obtain showing request confirmation let alone a return phone call back from some agents. A few weeks ago I was contacted by a home owner in my area to put their home on the market. (No specific area will be noted here nor names to protect their privacy.)    I spent hours doing research on their specific neighborhood, the last 90 days of market activity as well as preparing for talking to them about their options should a short sale … (61 comments)

The 3 Biggest Hurdles Your Real Estate Career Will Face As You Head From Here...to There! - 12:58 AM
"If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too." Maya Angelou
 
In the world of real estate, my experience is not necessarily considered the norm. Prior to starting my own company, I have only worked with 2 other Brokers.  So, I'll be upfront in stating that my expertise does not come from a lengthy history of jumping ship.  
However, almost 15 years in the industry has allowed me to observe and experience some of the ramifications of changing the address on ones business card … (80 comments)

Realtor.com will not allow anything that appears to violate the Fair Housing Act and that's a good thing. But....what's wrong with this? - 07:18 AM
Here's the description that I wrote for this newly listed house as I inserted it into realtor.com.  It's listed for $69,000.  I was putting the listing into realtor.com and it was shot back to me. Two times!  I thought they'd made a mistake.  They refused to accept this description and said it was a possible violation of the Fair Housing Act.
**********************
Somebody worked really hard on this house in Kensett Arkansas. They painted the large rooms pretty colors, made a new kitchen, added a bath, added central heat and air, covered with siding and added lots of closet space. You could … (144 comments)

Inman Connect Take Away: The Social Media Explosion! You Gotta Be One of Their Peeps If You Want to Be Their Agent - 10:53 AM
If you are a regular reader of Mortgage Advisor, you know I actually WON my ticket to Inman Connect from the Real Estate Tomato.
To Jim Cronin, and the Tomato Crew, thank you.
I say this even if Jim's blogging presentation at Inman was waaaaay over my head (Mike Mueller, you warned me! I was too damn headstong to believe you).
Luckily, Jim Cronin is good-looking enough that what he says does not need to be on my level. LOL
I got 3 glorious days away from the mortgage madness to hobnob in San Francisco with the elite "Who's Who" of the real estate, … (80 comments)

What Is ActiveRain? - A Message From the Staff! - 01:56 PM
What Is ActiveRain? - A Message from Your AR Staff and TEAM -
Last week or so, Jon wrote a post asking members "What is ActiveRain?" Many of you responded with some really great comments about "What ActiveRain Is" and means to you.  It got me really thinking about what ActiveRain means to me and why?  Then I began to wonder what it meant to the rest of our staff at ActiveRain?  I solicited each one of them with an email requesting them to share What ActiveRain Is and means to them?  The responses I received were too good not … (55 comments)

My Thoughts On Steve Shatsky's Questions Of Stigma Associated With Foreclosure. - 10:28 PM

photo courtesy of iChaz
What a conversation starter.
Recently, Steve Shatsky of Dallas, posted his thoughts on the shrinking stigma that was once associated with foreclosure in, "Foreclosure: What Happened to the Stigma, and Why Its Disappearance is Alarming!"  By the time I got around to reading it, it had already garnered a gold star and 109 comments.  I was about to be number 110, when I realized that this is something I have spoken about before and so felt perhaps I should write about it instead of just make a simple comment.
The comments ran from straight agreement to … (33 comments)

How to Create Your Unique Real Estate Touchstone - 03:33 PM
Do you want to launch your real estate business into the stratosphere?
There is one thing you can do to catapult your real estate brand to the next level.
This one essential key is to define and illuminate your unique selling touchstone.
Your touchstone should evoke images that make a direct contact with your audience. A touchstone is what you are known for, the core of your genuineness or value.

Examples of Touchstones The woman in the picture in the white dress, who is she? I would guess almost anybody on the street can recognize her as Marlyn Monroe. I … (40 comments)

I Get No Respect!! - 12:31 AM
This is an easy blog. Twice in the last year I've listed a home, and within a week received an offer that was executed. No big deal, that's not what's happened twice. What has happened twice might shock you as much as it did me.. it's what the seller says to me near closing both times...
"Well Greg, you sure got paid well for hardly doing anything."
Both sellers assume because the home sold quickly that I didn't really work hard. What would they prefer? Maybe I should have dragged out the process an additional 3  months? Would that have made my pay more … (126 comments)


Blog posts


It's Better to Lose A Buyer Now Than Wait Three Months To Boot Them Out Of Your Car! - 08:10 PM
Yesterday I received an email from a REALTOR from another area..they were in a dilemma and as we spoke this morning I could feel their pain. Feeling frustrated, used and abused... they have been working with buyers or should I say potential buyers but possibly professional lookers...just waiting...and seeing everything on the market..because the media told them to.
"Prices will continue to drop...we can buy something under $50,000 and more than likely it be in move in condition." 
Get real...and remember one thing...in life you get what you pay for!  More than likely if you find something under $50,000 in … (28 comments)

NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS 08/02 - 08-09 - 06:26 AM
New listings entered
Price reductions
Reported pending
Reported sold and closed 
These zip codes include the Northeast Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.    
… (0 comments)

Do You Claim to be the Top Real Estate Agent – Are You Sure? - 03:37 PM
Just who is the number one or top real estate agent?  How do you become the number one real estate agent in your market?  How can you become the top agent on the Internet?   Is it by selling the most homes?  Having the most listings?  Does the top agent have more clients than any other agent?  Does the number one real estate agent read ActiveRain?  How many number one or top real estate agents are on ActiveRain?  Are there any bottom real estate agents on ActiveRain?  What happens if we are not really the top real estate agent?
I did a … (2 comments)

Harvest Park Bowl - 02:28 PM
Harvest Park Bowl is the place to Bowl in Brentwood California. If you have not been bowling in sometime you ought to stop by the Harvest Park Bowl and throw a few balls. Harvest Park Bowl is located at 5000 Balfour Road, just near the corner of Brentwood Blvd (old Highway 4); Behind the Cheaper Gas and car wash. Or call them at 516-1221.
Bowling is great family fun and Harvest Park Bowl has a great set up for families. They host birthday parties, and we have had my kid’s parties at Harvest Park Bowl. If the kids are small and … (1 comments)

the sun always comes up . . . tomorrow..... - 03:31 PM

I have enjoyed being a member of this forum. I have shared my thoughts and views on a variety of subjects. I have written blogs about the real estate industry, best practices, first time buyers, etc.  I have been open and honest about my successes and failures.
I haven't shared much lately.   
As much as is shared, there is often a great deal that goes on behind the scenes. Lives are being lived. Every day, beyond the words typed here, each of us is faced with decisions. Everyone of us faces different challenges. We are common in our pursuit … (16 comments)

Day 23: 100 Days of Central Mass Features Foxwoods Casino - 08:01 PM
About an hour and a half away from most places in Central Mass is the world's largest casino, Foxwoods.    There is 340,000 sqft of gaming space and 4.7 million total sqft in the Foxwoods complex.  Over 40,000 guests visit the casino each day.  I've been going there since I was a little girl, my grandparents love the place!  We used to go and ride the turbo rides and play in the game rooms, followed by all you can eat at the buffet.  There's something for everyone at Foxwoods Resort Casino, young or old.  Enjoy some pampering at the salon and spa, spend a weekend … (0 comments)

Music Tonight at the Farmers Market - 06:47 AM
It's Tuesday! Come on over to the Old L.A. Farmers Market in Highland Park, from 3 to 7 pm, on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way.

And this week is a special treat!  Music at the Market!  Music at the Market! Sizzling Summer Music Nights!
Bands scheduled to play on August 11 are:Crosby Tylor 4pmArtichoke 5pmThe Seasons 6pmCome for the entertainment and stay for the fresh produce, hot and prepared foods and arts and crafts.The Old LA Farmers Market is every Tuesday from 3-8pm. Corner of North Figueroa and Ave. 58. Lots of free parking at Ave. 57. Adjacent to the … (0 comments)

Ghetto Grounds at Tierra de la Culebra Park in Highland Park - 09:56 AM
When Ghetto Grounds, a coffee shop on the parkgrounds of Tierre de la Culebra, opened a few months ago, Highland Park locals voiced some concern over the word "Ghetto".  After all, that word does carry some baggage.
 
Tierra de la Culebra youth worker, Kimberly asked the concerns best in this comment she made on the York Blvd. blog:
"I feel if you would come down and visit Ghetto Grounds you would see a new meaning in ghetto.The vibe in the shop is really chill it feels like coming into your home making a cup of coffee and chilling with your friends.People would see … (2 comments)

Remember the 70's..... - 03:27 PM
 
I pulled these thoughts form a newsletter by Chris McLaughlin. What Difference Does a Few Years Make?For those that are young enough not to clearly remember the early 70's a quick trip down memory lane can serve an important purpose...it demonstrates what a difference a few years can make and why it is important to find passive sources of income early in life.
 Bill Downey, an expert in commodities, recently published a quick spotlight that focused on prices as of August 15, 1971...just a few days short of 29 years from today.
 Average cost of a new house was $25,250 … (0 comments)

For Perfect Crab Cakes Head to Box Hill Pizzeria in Belair, Maryland - 08:53 AM
"The Perfect Crab Cake" is something many restaurants in Maryland claim, but there's one place we've found that can back that claim with delicious proof.

Not long ago we spent a delightful afternoon visiting friends in Belair and decided to top it off with a stop at a local favorite. When you pull in to a neighborhood strip shopping center at 5:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, and the place is packed, you just know it's going to be good.

The Box Hill Pizzeria is known for its pizza, of course, but it's the crab cakes that bring people back. … (27 comments)

60+ updates on Foreclosures for sale in the Birmingham Alabama area for 8/11/09 - 07:44 AM
60+ updates on Foreclosures for sale in the Birmingham Alabama area for 8/11/09. There are plenty of homes in today's foreclosure update for the first time home buyer, investor, and also people looking for that next house. This is a historic time for buyers and especially first time home buyers receiving an 8k tax credit for purchasing their first home. Want to know if you qualify for the 8k tax credit? email or call me and I will go over the qualifications. Most qualify!!!!
36 New Listings:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US10624598
27 New Price Changes:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US10624600
For all of your Birmingham Alabama real estate … (0 comments)

Charming Country-style home w/ Bonus Room! 600 Harpy Ave. - 12:21 PM
… (0 comments)

Fabulous buy! Living Room, Family room and Office/Den! Don't Miss Out! - 03:09 PM
… (0 comments)

3043 WOOLRIDGE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837 - 10:27 AM
 
 MLS# O4928946             3043 WOOLRIDGE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837   $$$ 170,000 $$$

This property is not a short sale or forclosure! $8,000. tax credit to buyers who qualify! Clean! bright! Open! Good schools, shopping and near all major highways. Minutes from attractions, OIA, and the new medical center. 3 Bedroom 2 bath with 1365 sqft of living space. Located in Sky Lake South. Call today for an appointment
For the latest status on this property and many more like it in Orlando, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. You can also email at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com
… (0 comments)

8807 DUNES CT # 5-305, KISSIMMEE FL 34747 - 10:32 AM
 
MLS#  O4927816                  8807 DUNES CT # 5-305, KISSIMMEE FL 34747    $$$ 29,900 $$$
                                  
Immaculately maintained property, ideally located near Disney.  Excellent income opportunity or ideal if working at or near Disney.  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. This property is zoned for Short Term Rental.
For the latest status on this property and many more like it in Kissimmee, contact Steve Glose with … (0 comments)

2644 CHATHAM CIR, KISSIMMEE FL 34746 - 10:43 AM
 
MLS# O4928305                      2644 CHATHAM CIR, KISSIMMEE FL 34746    $$$ 139,900 $$$

FULLY FURNISHED READY FOR VACATION RENTAL-PRIVATE AND SPARKLING SCREENED POOL-COMMUNITY AMMENITES INCLUDES POOL, TENNIS AND BASKETBALL.  ZONED FOR SHORT TERM RENTAL. 3 BED / 2 BATH WITH 1380 SQFT OF LIVING SPACE. CALL FOR MORE DETAILS.
For the latest status on this property and many more like it in Kissimmee, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. You can also email at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com
 
… (0 comments)

Time is running out - your 8000 reasons will be gone soon! by Bo Kociuba, Yukon Realtor, www.Okla-OK.com - 06:37 AM
Badger State Buyers...snap up those bargains...we're here to help you...and maximize the benefits by buying this year....!
Via Bo Kociuba (Keller Williams Realty-Yukon, OK):
Time is running out for the new home buyers...
Your $8000 reasons to buy a new home will expire on November 30, 2009.
FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT TOP 10 LIST
Amount of Credit - 10% of purchase price, not to exceed $8,000 Eligible Property - Single family residence (principal residence) Not Refundable- Reduces or eliminates income tax liability, will receive refund for unused amount Income Limit - Single taxpayers with income up to $75,000 and married … (2 comments)

Agents and Inspections....All Present and Accounted For...You Bet ! - 07:03 AM
  The other day we sent a notice to the listing agent to tell the team that listed the property that the inspection was complete and the contingency waived. I called to be sure the notice had been received and earnest money verified. I made a comment that my husband...also licensed of course...had attended the inspection....
 

   "We Never Attend Inspections...We don't have time for THAT !"  came the snappy comment.
 
                            HUH ????
 
   And how is that you write an ammendment...request a repair or begin to document a defect on a property when you were … (12 comments)

When your passwords have been "compromised" It Feels like someone was in your Underwear Drawer...Ewwww ! - 07:26 AM
  A while ago....I learned that someone who had offered to "help" with some social networks and getting our blogs, website, etc. "front and center" on search engines...also chose to remember all the passwords and user names. They were not difficult to remember...after all, we have to remember them too so why make life more complicated than it needed to be...

   Then we had to go thru the laborious task of changing them all...on e-mail, g-mail, Active Rain...here and there...and every minute wondering how anyone could be soooo invasive....unethical.....and just plain creepy...I can only describe it as feeling like … (15 comments)

Remembering Eunice Kennedy Shriver...Leaving the World a Better Place - 03:23 PM
  Whatever your politics...whatever you choose to believe...you have to believe that Eunice Kennedy Shriver was made of the kind of moral fiber that should be woven more often throughout the fabric of human kind.  The world has lost a heroine.
         In a statement on her passing today, the family said:
 "She set out to change the world and to change us, and she did that and more. She founded the movement that became Special Olympics, the largest movement for acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in the history of the world. Her work transformed the lives of … (4 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2009-08-11

 Archives:

31 Aug
30 Aug
29 Aug
28 Aug
27 Aug
26 Aug
25 Aug
24 Aug
23 Aug
22 Aug
21 Aug
20 Aug
19 Aug
18 Aug
17 Aug
16 Aug
15 Aug
14 Aug
13 Aug
12 Aug
11 Aug
10 Aug
9 Aug
8 Aug
7 Aug
6 Aug
5 Aug
4 Aug
3 Aug
2 Aug
1 Aug
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006