Archives of real estate blog entries for August 5, 2009

Featured blog posts


Why The Reverse Mortgage Market Will Disappear - 10:13 PM
This isn't a sales pitch; it's some straight talk about the reverse mortgage market.  If you're considering a reverse mortgage, you ought to do it now.  Not tomorrow, not next year,
....now.
The reverse mortgage market has a ticking time-bomb in it much like the sub-prime market did; it's priced all wrong.  Sub-prime loans used to be a very healthy product when the risk they carried was priced appropriately.  In 2005, secondary market investors bought too many of these loans, causing a "price war".  The darned loans were so cheap that good credit borrowers used them to buy homes bigger than … (38 comments)

What You Hear Ain't Always the Full Story! - 07:09 PM
                                 


Sometimes you find pearls of wisdom when you least expect it ...
     Yesterday's blog on ActiveRain by Dan Pena titled  "Why do we need Reverse Mortgages?" was that kind of find. 
 
 
       My mind had barely digested Dan's powerful blog when ... what do I find in my mail?  The latest ConsumerReports magazine (Sept. 2009) with a lengthy article concerning Dan's very topic ... Reverse Mortgages. 
      The CR magazine article was of quite a different tone than Dan's blog.  The sub-title read a little like something you'd find in The Enquirer.  "The next financial fiasco??  It could be reverse mortgages."   … (47 comments)

I'm Not New to Active Rain, But I'm a New Rainmaker! - 05:37 PM
My friend Mike Jones showed me how to become a Rainmaker, and I'm excited about learning how to use this wonderful community to build my business.  School has started, and with two back to school, I'm FREE!!  (If you don't have young kids, you don't know how good this is.)  LOL
Thanks for visiting my blog; I look forward to learning all about SEO and meeting new friends in the Rain!
… (58 comments)

I'd Love To Give You Feedback, But... - 11:46 PM
So far this week, I've gotten six calls from agents or their assistants asking for listing feedback.  Now, I am a nice person.  I'd love to help!  But there's this little problem.
All of the calls were regarding listings I showed in July.  Yes, freakin' July!  And not even late July!
I'm old!  I don't remember so good any more!  And I typically go through a lot of houses in the course of a week's work.  You calling me and saying it was that cute red brick colonial on Whatsit Street won't help.  Red brick colonials are the DC area cliche … (110 comments)

Guerrilla Marketing -- Daring To Be Different - 11:50 AM
 
"Marketing is the differentiation of yourself against your competition.  Advertising is the cost of being boring."
That is according to an article I read in BrokerAgentPro roughly a year ago.  The article went on to say that, if a person marketed themselves properly, they would never need to advertise because everyone would already know who they are and what they do.  The article also went on to say that, if you don't know the difference between the two, you should hire someone that does.  And, I couldn't agree more!
I enjoy marketing.  I guess that is why I blog.  It's a good way for me to differentiate my company versus other companies in this … (212 comments)

Why Do Some Real Estate Agents Short Change Buyers? - 07:01 PM
An agent works with a buyer for days...they get the buyer pre-qualifed for a loan and off they go in the car.  What is wrong with this picture? 
Why do some real estate agents short change buyers? I say this because we take the time to sit with a seller...we prepare to meet with the seller..we provide a consultation..we have them sign documents before we market their property and then market the property. 
Too many times I hear agents who discuss buyer loyalty but when I ask questions this is what I get:
Did you sit with the buyer and explain … (41 comments)

3 Groups Of People To Incorporate Into Your Online Marketing Plan - 11:38 AM
I was at RE Bar Camp San Fran today. In one of many social media discussions we had today, a light bulb went off for me to help people plan their online marketing. 
Basically, you have 3 buckets of people you always have to be thinking about to make sure that you are always working your funnel or pipeline of clients.
Current Friends Acquaintances People you don't know Current friends - These are people that you already that would likely search you out by name.  For example, on Facebook, they would know to type in your name if they wanted to get in … (41 comments)

Reflections and Rainbows - 09:44 AM
The Reflections...
Yesterday was the first day for the rest of my life.   My rat has finally won the race.  Got to find some new and improved rats.  The slower kind!  And there is the old cliché... "Been there, done that.... and I got the T-shirt for it." Well my dresser drawer is full of t-shirts and does not have room for any more.
I made it official....I announced my retirement from the mortgage industry.  I had been sitting astraddle of the fence for the past few months with my decision. Geesh, I lived and loved this business for 40+ years … (31 comments)

Should We Ask Even "Normal Sellers" To Prove They Can Close? - 07:35 AM
This post is not about foreclosed or short sale homes. Rather it's about what I have affectionately come to call "normal sellers".I came across such a seller this week while I was showing a young couple some homes. There was some interest in this home so I started doing my usual investigation...getting disclosure forms, checking on the number of mortgages that have been filed, checking the taxes and the county valuation etc.. I then called the listing agent to ask some questions and I voiced some concerns about the work that needed to be done to the property. His response was … (61 comments)

Open Letter to First Time Home Buyers - 11:04 PM
Dear Procrastinating First Time Home Buyers:  
I know you.  I've seen you in the mall on December 23rd. I've watched you race through town en route to the airport; screeching up to the terminal just in time to prevent your mom from giving up and getting in the cab.  I even saw you run over the neighbor's cat on your way to the post office on April 15th.  (Actually, disregard that last one.  I'm sure it was just a large stick).  You excel when the stakes are high.  You thrive on knowing you'll succeed where mere mortals would stumble.  Your … (91 comments)

Palm Beach County Foreclosures- Up Close and Personal - 09:40 AM
Palm Beach County Foreclosures- Up Close and Personal
It is one thing to hear about all the foreclosures going on in Palm Beach County Florida and quite another to see them.
I was standing in line at the Palm Beach County Clerk's office and there was a huge line in front of me. The first thing that I noticed was a sign on the door that said to expect longer wait times because of budget cuts by the state. But then I noticed something much more revealing of why this line in particular was so long and the realization that I … (37 comments)

What is ActiveRain? ..... THIS is ActiveRain! - 08:22 AM
Our founder, Jonathan Washburn asked a question the the other week on his post  What is ActiveRain? I went back there a few mornings later to see if he responded to my question about coming back to tell us all how wonderful ‘we' are. And he did.
Because of Jon and his staff's involvement with the community I have remained a loyal member on ActiveRain since March of 2007.  It made a difference to have them interact with us on a daily basis. It made a difference that they cared and took into consideration when I had a concern. It made … (61 comments)

"I don't show short sales" - Have you heard this before? - 11:41 PM
I've come across many agents who simply will not show short sales.
At first, when I was cranking away the short sale listings and buyer represented sales just humming along, I would think those agents are crazy for not dealing with short sales.
And most of those agents were seasoned agents, so I was quite surprised.
But now that I've been in the trenches for a while getting beat up on so many different angles, I'm starting to wonder if those seasoned agents are seasoned for a reason.
When you start to analyze the amount of time you invest in short … (89 comments)

I Sure Hope Things Change Soon - 06:56 PM
 I can't count the number of times that I have heard someone make the statement, "I sure hope things change" lately. This is a passive thought that leaves little in the way of progress. Progress itself is an aggressive effort to force and coax change. You see, while change is inevitable, sitting with your thumb up your ass and waiting for things to change for the better is little more than a recipe for disaster.
 While I will be the first to admit that holding on to hope and remaining positive is a great thing to do, that can't be all … (46 comments)

SOCIAL MEDIA - Are you interactive, pro-active, reactive or inactive? - 11:23 AM
Pull up a chair, get comfy ... get something to drink ... all better now?  OK - this may be a little long, but it's hopefully going to give your mind something to contemplate.
Much has been said and written about Social Media.  But lately I've made some puzzling observations - first hand.
In the early days of Social Media there were many of us that weren't quite sure if it would 'take off' and become something important or if it was just another one of those fads.  You know ... the flash in the pan kind of thing that everyone … (63 comments)

The Future of Real Estate.. .I experienced yesterday! - 06:21 AM
The Future Of Real Estate This was not just another short sale closed for me. . I saw the future of Real Estate and I was allowed a glimpse of it's reality . .while my clients were signing and completing the sale. This is what I saw and experienced. My client got captured using the Internet They just tried a loan mod and they decided that they simply could not stay at the home A short sale was their next move We listed the property The client emailed us pictures We got a contract We negotiate with two banks We got two … (76 comments)

On the Street Where We Lived, In a Neighbourhood Where We Grew Up. - 06:15 PM
On the Street Where We Lived, In a Neighbourhood Where We Grew Up.
Quaint and neighbourly is how we would best describe our hometown, the town of Weston, located in the north/west section of the Greater Toronto Area.
Let us give you a short tour of what the town of Weston was like many years ago, when we were growing up there.
In and around the neighbourhood where we were raised; Weston had tree lined streets, mostly detached homes with manicured gardens and very friendly people. Life seemed simple; well heck, when you're a kid it is simple! If it seemed … (24 comments)

Since you stopped paying your mortgage, I think I will stop paying my rent! - 07:42 AM
Since you stopped paying your mortgage, I think I will stop paying my rent!
Wow, here we go again with another crazy short sale scenario....
I represent the buyers who have made an offer on the house they are renting. Several months ago, my buyers found a letter posted to the door of the home they are renting. It was from a bank and addressed to the owner of the home. They called the owner to let them know a letter had been delivered to the house. A few days go by, maybe longer, the tenants come home and find a notice of defaultattached … (131 comments)


Blog posts


Why Do Some Real Estate Agents Short Change Buyers? - 07:01 PM
An agent works with a buyer for days...they get the buyer pre-qualifed for a loan and off they go in the car.  What is wrong with this picture? 
Why do some real estate agents short change buyers? I say this because we take the time to sit with a seller...we prepare to meet with the seller..we provide a consultation..we have them sign documents before we market their property and then market the property. 
Too many times I hear agents who discuss buyer loyalty but when I ask questions this is what I get:
Did you sit with the buyer and explain … (41 comments)

Another Austin TX Creature - 09:56 AM
Every chance I get, I've been posting pictures of the creatures and critters I see in and around my house.  Some look friendly, while other's look not-so-friendly.
Here is our latest friend that we encountered. 

Oscar (the dog) didn't quite know what to do with him. He was scared at first as it hopped around.  But then he put his paw out in friendly play.  Mr. Toad allowed me to snap a couple of pictures before hopping under the BBQ grill for "safety".
**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comDonna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin, TX and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, … (12 comments)

Bambi Needs Help Finding a House - 10:29 AM
Can you help me and Bambi and the rest of my family find a home?

There are lots of deer running through my neighborhood of Falconhead West in Bee Cave, TX, but it was even more amazing to find this tree that looks so much like a deer, right down the street from my house.

From this angle, you can see he has found his way to the Model Homes (per the sign in the background, in case you missed it).
**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comDonna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin, TX and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, … (13 comments)

Local New Bern News - Market Update - 09:18 AM
This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Or, visit my website at www.NewBernHomes.com.
HOMES SOLD (Closed), July 1 through July 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)Under $100K = 06$100K-$159,999 = 33$160K-$199,999 = 26$200K-$249,999 = 18 $250K-$299,999 = 04$300K-$399,999 = 06$400K-$499,999 = 03Over $500,000 = 01
Total July 2009 = 97 Total July 2008 = 144Total July 2007 = 183
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", July 1 through July 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

… (0 comments)

2392 BRIDLE PATH LN # 2, ORLANDO FL 32812 - 02:55 PM
 
 MLS# O4912540            2392 BRIDLE PATH LN # 2, ORLANDO FL 32812    $$$ 122,900 $$$

This is the one! No short sale here, just a great price on a well maintained 2/2 ground floor condo. MUST SEE charming unit nestled in the tranquil community of Coach Homes at Mariners Village. This unit boasts an open floor plan, built-in desk in the kitchen, interior laundry room and screened patio. Master suit has a walk in closet and master bath features a large shower with built in bench. The one car garage w opener provides extra storage and is accessible via interior … (0 comments)

3567 SHALLOT DR # 101, ORLANDO FL 32835 - 02:59 PM
 
 MLS# O4928054              3567 SHALLOT DR # 101, ORLANDO FL 32835     $$$$ 127,900 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3% down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. Wonderful 2 story condo located in highly desirable Stonebridge Lakes! Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath property has a bright, open and airy feel. Large master bedroom with bathroom that has a lovely garden tub to relax in after a night of entertaining on your screened in back porch. This will go quickly, so check this property out today! *If exact square footage is a concern, unit … (0 comments)

8118 VILLAGE GREEN RD, ORLANDO FL 32818 - 03:02 PM
 
 MLS# O4881263      8118 VILLAGE GREEN RD, ORLANDO FL 32818     $$$ 138,900 $$$

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION!! Fast closing!! Original owner. Well maintained 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with a pool home. Floor to ceiling natural wood burning FIREPLACE in the family room. New carpet.  New tile in the eating-in kitchen. NO HOME OWNER'S ASSOC. 2004 re-plumbed and new roof. Split bedrooms. Master bath offers stand up shower & separate vanity from bath area. Sliding glass doors in mst bdrm & family room. All appliances convey, including W/D. New pool on 2005.  Must see!! Best home in the neighborhood for the … (0 comments)

The "Experienced" Short Sale Lister Has No LM 7 Months Later...Huh ? - 10:48 PM
   We had an agent call us about showing one of our short sales the other day..,...she admitted she was hesitant. He buyer wanted a "good deal" and she had seen our listing on line and sent it to her buyer. The buyer had sold his home that did not have a mortgage and had cash and time to close....ahhhh the perfect short sale buyer. She said he had written on a short sale on another agent and was growing impatient. Oh no...My excitement was starting to dissipate....and I asked her how long they had been waiting....

"Seven months ago … (0 comments)

2319 & 2321 Fernway St. -- $135,000-- SOLD SEPTEMBER 2009! - 12:29 PM
… (0 comments)

2307 & 2309 Fernway St. -- $135,000 -- SOLD SEPTEMBER 2009! - 05:22 PM
… (0 comments)

What makes the perfect company? - 09:47 PM
This is a hypothetical post.  I was reading an article elsewhere that made me start wondering - what makes the perfect company?  Obviously what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.   While I can guess what many new agents look for in a company (training, mentoring, etc.), I'm wondering what more experienced agents look for when they are looking to move to a new company.  As an experienced agent, where do your priorities fall - higher commission, staffing, marketing services, etc.?   Would you forego any of this if the company were giving you viable leads on a daily basis (or … (1 comments)

Why The Reverse Mortgage Market Will Disappear - 10:47 PM
Well worht the read and please pay attention here if you are thinking about one.
Via America's #1 Mortgage Broker/858-777-9751:
This isn't a sales pitch; it's some straight talk about the reverse mortgage market.  If you're considering a reverse mortgage, you ought to do it now.  Not tomorrow, not next year,
....now.
The reverse mortgage market has a ticking time-bomb in it much like the sub-prime market did; it's priced all wrong.  Sub-prime loans used to be a very healthy product when the risk they carried was priced appropriately.  In 2005, secondary market investors bought too many of these loans, causing a "price … (1 comments)

Broker Opens...do they work?? - 10:52 PM
Food is the quickest and easiest way to a Realtors heart.
Via Monika McGillicuddy~REALTOR®~ N.H. Real Estate Broker & Trainer (Prudential Verani Realty/Hampstead):
Question for you all.
Have you had any success with Broker Opens? I mean have you had a sale that resulted from a Broker Open?
I know you get a good amount of broker traffic but at what cost and are the results worth it?
I ask because I know that I go to them simply for a free lunch...yeah I admit it.
A free lunch and I know it will be a nice lunch. The last one I went … (4 comments)

This May Be One Of THe Best Things I have Ever Done...See If It Works For You! - 05:03 PM
 

I just created a page on FaceBook.com called Naples Real Estate
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naples-Real-Estate/95313889309
Than I asked my friends to be my fan and I had 56 fans in less than an hour!
Please check it out and be a fan too and then you should create your page and invite
fans....this is fun!  Plus It is FREE Advertising....Social Networking Works!
… (5 comments)

Sell DVC (Disney Vacation Club) with ResalesDVC.com Garden Views Realty, Inc. - 10:34 AM
Goodbye Mickey.Sell your DVC ownership with ResalesDVC.com  Jaki Apetz and Kinn Tutas

Photo by Tom Bricker (WDWFigment) Walt Disney World ResortMagic KingdomRegardless of whether Walt is telling Mickey to go forward to be with Minnie and Roy, or whether Walt is surveying the Kingdom, and informing Mickey that all of this is his to watch over, I always envision the next "action" occurring after the one frozen in time by this statue is Walt slowly letting go of Mickey's hand. I don't think this happens as a coarse reminder that Mickey is on his own, but as a bittersweet goodbye … (0 comments)

LEARN HOME STAGING DESIGN IN 5 DAYS!!! - 07:34 PM
Watch this 30 second video and discover how you can become a Home Staging Designer in 5 days of exclusive, one of a kind, hands-on training!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGVW2Nl_PlA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Etheacademyofhomestaging%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded … (0 comments)

NACA: Interest Rate Update - 03:54 PM
In my post yesterday I mentioned that the interest rate on the NACA loan was 4.875%.  It did go up and is now 5%.  It's still a very interesting program that makes slightly lower than normal interest rates available.  I don't know how often the rate fluctuates, but it is a 30 year fixed rate loan.  If you would like more information, just call and we'll provide you with current updates via phone or in person.  225-341-BRLA
To view the blog post to which I am referring go so www.HomeAfterHomeBlog.com and scroll down to the post entitled:
NACA: Best Kept Secret? … (2 comments)

Jambalya Fundraiser $7/plate Tues August 11, 2009 - 05:08 PM
After having knee surgery, Butch Strother, developed clots.  The doctors then noticed a blockage near his heart.  Now he is scheduled for bypass surgery and could use the support and prayers of our community.  If you would like to show your support (and have a good meal) please come by and pick up a jambalaya lunch on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at:
RE/MAX First
4750 Sherwood Common Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
If you plan to have a lunch send an email so that they'll have a head count and can prepare the appropriate number of lunches.  Send your email by … (0 comments)

Finessing A Needy Client - Hey You Already Have A Wife And Mother! - 01:49 PM
I'm easy to find and reach, as is required in this business--and I usually have no problem with it.
USUALLY.
Right now I have a client who retired 2 weeks ago - at the same time we got him under contract.
We had worked together for about 6 months prior - he had not been overly needy.
ALL OF A SUDDEN he is calling me 3 - 5 - 10x/day on my cell!  OH MAN!

When in transaction, I religiously send a daily email and call with a 'recap' to let client know EXACTLY
where we are/what has happened so far what is next what … (9 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - The Beautiful Colorado River - 09:17 PM
There's nothing nicer than a sunny morning walk, me and the Lunapup tromping down the walking trail at Rotary Park, with the river winding beside us:

The midmorning boaters are arriving, but the river's still pretty smooth. It just seems to roll along . . . unlike me, aimlessly . . . with no pressing matters to attend to.
I am envious . . . I have a long day ahead . . .
 
… (4 comments)

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