Archives of real estate blog entries for August 20, 2009

Featured blog posts


A complete step-by step guide for purchasing HUD Homes in Georgia. Part Four of Seven: How to bid on a HUD home? - 03:58 PM
In Part 3 of this series How do you find a HUD home in your area that is for sale? we discovered that the best way to find a suitable HUD homes is to engage a real estate buyer's agent that is proficient in the HUD buying process.
Once you have found a HUD home that is suitable for your needs, it's time to consider making an offer. In the state of Georgia, HUD uses a blind bidding process that allows each potential buyer to enter a bid prior to a clearly defined bid deadline.
Before having your buyer's agent enter … (14 comments)

Earnest money deposits...they aren't required to facilitate a deal in Florida! - 10:36 PM
Earnest money deposits...they aren't required to facilitate a deal in Florida!
Earnest money deposits are not required, in other words, there is no law in Florida that requires earnest money deposits to make an offer on a property here in Florida.
A promise to buy and a promise to sell are enough consideration to create a valid contract to purchase real property here in Florida.
We as licensed agents must present all offers, with or without an escrow deposit. (NOTE:  If there is an escrow deposit, the name, address and phone number must be on the contract of who is holding … (46 comments)

A Loan Modification May Cost You 50 Points on Your FICO Score!!! - 03:26 PM

 
Hi folks. I just read this and had to share......
"Unfortunately, the “Big Three” credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – have issued new guidelines that allow lenders to report new mortgage loan modifications as “partial payment status,” a designation that could lower an individual’s credit score by more than 50 points."
It's my opinion that being penalized for doing a loan modifcation is just BS to the nth degree! It's like why bother? Why not just go ahead and do the short sale and move on with your life?
What will they think of next?
Bryant TutasBroker/OwnerTutas … (79 comments)

ActiveRain Updates - A Few New Features - 02:35 PM
ActiveRain Updates a few new features
There were a few changes and updates made to the network yesterday both internally and for members.  Just wanted to make sure you knew about them in case you hadn't noticed already.
The first of which is pretty obvious are the New Badges.  They have been moved from covering the upper corner of your photo and placed below the photos now.  This should help those members whose photos were being interfered with by the old badges.                                        
We've added the RSS feed now for the "featured posts" that appear on the … (221 comments)

Building Your Buying Muscle - 12:28 PM
In my recent efforts to up my endurance and strength on my mountain bike, I started going back to the Gym, Cal Fit in Carmichael, to subject myself to the merciless class known as X-bike. Doesn’t the name  just say it all?
Here’s what happened. My dad died a year ago and before he did, he kept telling me how much he wanted me to take his little green mountain bike from Target and do some riding. I hadn’t rode a bike in 20 years and had no intention of starting, so I humored Dad and changed the channel.
For whatever … (46 comments)

Are you ready to start your own real estate firm? Here's how Part 7! - 10:53 AM
GET THE WORD OUT!

 
Wow!  It's now official.  You are the owner of your own real estate firm!
 
You have analyzed why you wanted a business and outlined your business model Part I .
You have created a Mission Statement, Vision, Values, Goals and Objectives  Part 2 . 
You made a list of all of the nuts and bolts of starting a new firm and executed it Part 3. 
You have developed an awesome brand, logo and marketing materials Part 4 . 
You created or re-designed your blog, websites and hired an IDX firm Part 5.
Your firm license was issued, you have moved your listings … (40 comments)

REALTORS’ SURVIVAL GUIDE, PART III. “Profiles: Use It or Lose It.” - 01:08 AM
 
REALTORS’ SURVIVAL GUIDE, PART III.  “Profiles:  Use It or Lose It.”
 
I guess I’ve been a little pre-occupied with the sluggish economy (is that understated, or what?) in this Series.  I hear housing starts are up .5% from the worst month in history, though.  That has to get everyone fired up!  NOT!
 
Anyway, as Realtors®, we are really feeling the effects of this economy.  Unemployment remains at near record levels and the figures do not include the hundreds of thousands of Realtors® who are making next to nothing…or any of the other “sales-people” in other industries who are … (41 comments)


Blog posts


More custom maps for real estate websites - 10:09 PM
I had no idea custom maps would go over.  I would really like more ideas on what we can do for maps for agents.  Thinking about an eco map, with points of interest being green businesses.Would love ideas.Cherie Youngwww.CherieYoung.comwww.BeautifulCustomMaps.com
… (0 comments)

6 Reasons why your house won't sell. - 12:51 PM
Couldn't have said it any better!
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor, North Shore Realtor (Evanston Real Estate, Evanston, IL):
1. Your photos are unimpressive. The vast majority of home buyers start their search for a home on the Internet, your house had better look great in print. Not just nice... downright fabulous.  Today we are considering internet views as a 'virtual showing'... if your house gets past that, then they might (just might) make an appointment to see it in person... We consider that your SECOND showing. Today's buyers are expecting good quality photos (and lots of them... just 1 shot … (2 comments)

Please Vote For My Blog - 03:05 PM
My main blog has made the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M top 10 list of Texas real estate blogs.  They are having a contest to see who will have the top blog and I need votes.  Here is the list of blogs:
Dallas Dirt Beal Century 21 Real Estate Swamplot Shannon Register realtynewsreport.com (The Bivens Blog) Land with Minerals Roselind Hejl's Austin real estate blog LIVE Midland Austin Real Estate Guy Southeast Texas Real Estate Talk Scott Nicholson's Austin blog Mine is the Austin Real Estate Guy blog - third from the bottom.
Select your favorite and e-mail your vote to … (1 comments)

Blog Title Hell and The Long Tail Brad Andersohn Curse! - 02:29 PM
Blog Title Hell and The Long Tail Brad Andersohn Curse!
Shame on you if you are reading this!  I bet you are the same person who looks at the National Enquirer while in line at the supermarket.  Did you catch the Sleazy Article in the Enquirer on Active Rains Spy Satellite.  Just shoddy reporting; everyone knows Bob Stewart is actually an Alien recruited by Active Rain.  He had to go back to the base ship for a few days for the Elvis concert.  Don't believe me; Here is the picture:

Elvis is behind the tree.  Photo provided by MeCookie at … (0 comments)

Real Estate - Buying a House - Austin TX- The Simple Steps to Follow- Part 4 - 10:47 AM
When buying a house in Austin TX, there are several steps to follow, but if broken down, it's much less intimidating. What else helps?  Doing the steps in a particular order.
For example, Part 1 of buying a house in Austin TX talked about getting Pre-Approved for a mortgage, while Part 2 talked about how to start looking for houses and neighborhoods.  Part 3 talked about actually looking at the insides of houses.
This next part will address writing an offer.
Before writing an offer, you need to have your REALTOR® pull up the history of the property along with recent … (5 comments)

ESCROW SURVIVAL GUIDE - For Homebuyers In Northeast Los Angeles - Part FOUR: Physical Inspection - 07:00 AM
ESCROW SURVIVAL GUIDE - For Homebuyers In Northeast Los Angeles - Part FOUR: Physical Inspection
Even if you are quite comfortable with making all your own home renovations and repairs and repairs, we will urge you to obtain a professional physical inspection of any home you purchase.
Why?  The home inspection will provide us with a complete, objective, unbiased examination of the home.  The inspector may note issues you overlooked or the inspector might suggest alternative solutions to various concerns.
You do not need to take time off to attend a closing.  Most mortgage loan originators will accommodate you with evening or weekend … (0 comments)

New Active Rain Badge - 08:50 AM
I'm.... ahhh.... not sure my new RainMaker Badge is an improvement.

You think it's a hint I ought to stifle it?  :-)
… (8 comments)

New Mexico Foreclosure Filings rise in first 6 Months by 44%! - 09:01 AM
New Mexico Reports more than 2,600 Properties with Foreclosure filings in first half of 2009!
This is a 44% increase from the previous six months and 11% ahead of the first half of 2008 (according to RealtyTrac.com).
… (0 comments)

A Loan Modification May Cost You 50 Points on Your FICO Score!!! - 03:26 PM

 
Hi folks. I just read this and had to share......
"Unfortunately, the “Big Three” credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – have issued new guidelines that allow lenders to report new mortgage loan modifications as “partial payment status,” a designation that could lower an individual’s credit score by more than 50 points."
It's my opinion that being penalized for doing a loan modifcation is just BS to the nth degree! It's like why bother? Why not just go ahead and do the short sale and move on with your life?
What will they think of next?
Bryant TutasBroker/OwnerTutas … (79 comments)

11 new updates on Birmingham Alabama area Foreclosures - 08:36 AM
11 New updates on Birmingham Alabama area foreclosures this morning. Nice looking new listing in Alabaster and a great deal in Center Point are in this list. Call for more info on any of these!!
6 New Listings:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US10700614
5 New Price Changes:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US10700660
Gusty Gulas is an Associate Broker/Realtor with RealtySouth in Birmingham Alabama. I have extensive experience helping investors and first time home buyers purchase Birmingham Alabama area foreclosures. How can I be of assistance to you? Call or email me 205.218.7560 or gusty1305@gmail.com
… (0 comments)

Primer On Getting Your Long Island Home Sold - Part 3 - Marketing Your Home To Sell - 08:08 AM
Once the early stages of preparing your home on Long Island for sale are complete, the next thing to determine is the best method to set it apart from all the other properties currently available.  If you've ever looked on the Internet at home listings all over Long Island, you can't help but notice that some are head and shoulders above the rest in presentation. 
A good real estate agent will take many, many photos of your house, room by room, hopefully with a quality camera.  If he or she doesn't personally have the capability of doing that, a professional photographer should be … (2 comments)

Home located behind Pensacola Christian College to be sold AS IS, WHERE IS and $10,000 below market this week. - 07:14 AM

Pensacola, FL. - My name is Anna and due to un-foreseen circumstances I am having to downsize. I have the opportunity to purchase a beautiful condominium close to my new job. The only challenge is selling this huge 4 bedroom two bath brick ranch style home with garage and large fenced in lot. My home has wood floors through out oversize (actually gigantic) kitchen where I have cooked a many of huge Thanksgiving meals along with sharing a little gossip with my sisters. Yes, It would be a great home for a growing or large family that will share many memories … (1 comments)

America, Join Us Today to Help Wounded Warriors - 07:39 AM
Pensacola Fl. - What a good cause and I hope that others across the country will join in. Just follow the link and make a contribution. I love our military and if you are free today, you should too. God Bless you and God Bless the USA.
Via Kenneth Cole Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (Appleseed GMAC Real Estate):
My broker put this post up on Activerain, you can join us no matter where you live in the USA.  If you can't come to Staten Island and bowl this us, you can make a contribution.  see http://appleseedrealty.wordpress.com/ You can pledge a dollar amount, get your … (3 comments)

Luxury Home in Easton Open House Sunday 9/19 1pm-4pm 15 Tony Drive, Easton MA - 09:00 AM
Brand New in Sought after Border Estates, off Bay Road near Stoughton line
Builder Clearance !! Last Two Homes. Prices Slashed. Every Conceivable Upgrade is included in the price...9' ceilings, hardwoods, gourmet kitchen, stainless appliances ,lavish master suite, sun room, wired for sound, gas fireplace, alarm, flat screen ready built-ins, playroom ready basement with full windows...Builder Clearance !!                                                 
                                                                                                                  
               
                                                                                                         


You Deserve to Live this well..
… (0 comments)

Life In Mohave County AZ 86442, 86426, 86440 Series ~ Part 1 ~ Fort Mohave Tribal Land - 11:29 AM

 
As a real estate broker in Mohave County, AZ, a question I frequently answer is, “What's with the checkered squares on the map? And why aren’t there any houses in the light gray ones?”
 
Those squares on the map represent Fort Mohave Indian Reservation tribal land.
 
The Fort Mojave Reservation covers approximately 42,000 acres of land in the ‘Tri State Area’ where California, Nevada and Arizona intersect. Most of the land is in Mohave Valley AZ 86440. None of the land is in incorporated cities Kingman, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City—it is all outside city … (0 comments)

Life In Mohave County AZ 86426, 86442, 86440 ~ Part 2 ~ Understanding Septic Systems - 12:01 PM
Now what does a city girl from Southern Cali know about septic tanks?
A LOT, actually--from years of chats with the REAL septic experts out here who install, certify and repair out Mohave County septic systems.  
Until I moved to Arizona, I didn't know much about septic tanks-and most of what I thought I did was wrong. 
But as a Mohave County Buyer's Broker, I often need to educate our relocation clients, vacation and investment property buyers about these somewhat icky but fascinating contraptions. If city sewer is not available in the area you wish to purchase in, it's a good idea to have a basic understanding … (7 comments)

Life In Mohave County 86440, 86426, 86442 ~ Part 3 ~ Water Softener And Reverse Osmosis Systems - 12:30 PM
People are often AMAZED at how we can call our home along the banks of the beautiful Colorado River with its clear and fresh water . . . and have the mineral rich water we do running through our plumbing!
Here in Bullhead City, Fort Mohave and Mohave Valley, AZ, the water is EXTREMELY mineral rich. Lots of calcium, magnesium and iron.
Fine for vitamin supplements but CATASTROPHIC in pipes!
The minerals in our water corrode pipes and cause a multitude of problems. And yes, it is tastes pretty darn bad.
There are two contraptions that no homeowner in Western Mohave … (0 comments)

Museum of Fine Arts - St Petersburg Florida - 02:57 PM

 
Looking out my front window this morning I saw some young ladies walking up and down the steps of the Museum of Fine Arts - obviously working on their posture. Learning to model? Just gaining poise?
It's another day of sunshine in St. Petersburg so the umbrella is for keeping the sun off, not the rain.
By the time I got my camera and went out the door, I no longer could get the group ascending the stairs in harmony, heads held high and straight, but I think I caught a bit of the moment.
Sometimes it's tai chi, … (7 comments)

Mobile AL Real Estate Market Snapshot - 08/19/2009 - 09:39 AM
Below you will find a table that contains the Market Activity report for 8-19-09 activity in the Mobile AL Real Estate Market according to the Mobile Association of Realtors MLS system.
This information is derived daily directly from the local MLS System. For more free Mobile AL real estate information, reports, and statistics, please visit visit http://www.GulfRegionProperties.com/


Mobile AL Real Estate Market Snapshot 08/19/2009
Single Family Homes and Condominiums
… (0 comments)

New Price for 4 Bedroom Waterfront Home in Mobile, Alabama - 03:11 PM
… (2 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2009-08-20

 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