Archives of real estate blog entries for January 22, 2010

Featured blog posts


New Short Sale Guidelines Encourage Specialists - 06:27 AM
If a real estate agent does not yet know how to manage the intricacies of the short sale, it's time they  learned. These tricky transactions are going to be a major part of our industry for a while yet. In the metro Atlanta market, short sales easily comprise 25-30% of all current listings.
As we short sale specialists continue to anticipate the institution of the new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives(HAFA) program's short sale guidelines, I am encouraged on five important points:
(1) No more commission cuts! Participating lenders will no longer be permitted subsidize their own contractors by grabbing a portion of the agents' commissions. The "new … (45 comments)

The Dual Agency Controversy...to have representation or to not? - 04:08 AM
My name is Melody Russell and I am constantly taking a stand against what is known as "dual agency" in the real estate industry. I am not referring to when one real estate firm has two different agents represent different sides of a deal. In such a case, I feel that both the buyer and seller can each have their best interests protected by their own Realtor who is representing only one side of the transaction.
What I am passionately against and wish to educate home buyers about is when one Realtor represents both sides of a transaction.  We as agents have a fiduciary … (74 comments)

In House Agent Owned Title Companies - 08:12 AM
In the spirit of fair market competition there is a big shift in the title industry in Denver. More and more real estate offices are starting "in house" affiliated business arrangement title companies. I understand the goal of "one stop shopping," or convenience for the consumer, but I feel that if these are the goals of the RE industry, a real estate office should still allow access to other title professionals for "fair market competition." A real problem I see if real estate offices opening up title companies, but offering a poor underwriter for the product they are selling to the … (48 comments)

Welcome to Real Estate! - 03:03 PM
While driving between appointments a couple days ago, I called my daughter to check up on grandbaby Tyler. The car and traffic was quiet and it was a nice break in an otherwise hectic day. After learning about the latest baby accomplishments, inevitably we drifted into what my day had been like and what I was up to at the moment.
To me, it was just another day ... going to a vacant listing to meet with a plumber after water was found all over the kitchen floor. I was struck by her comment "Mom, you're always out there taking care … (66 comments)

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Recipients around Orlando - 04:13 PM
In a previous blog First Time Home Buyers are running out of time to collect the tax credit I talked about how there are now less then 100 days left in this program. What most people dont realize is that for many first time home buyers that make $50,000 or less a year receiving a free $8000 cold hard cash from Uncle Sam is like receiving a 15% increase in pay. 
 
I wanted to show you some of the First Time Home Buyers like yourself in the Orlando area that have recently closed on homes and received $8000 from the government … (16 comments)

How To Cure Writers Block - Reblogging on ActiveRain - 09:42 PM
There have been countless times I have sat down to write a blog post and had writers block.  I have actually lost count of the number of times since it has happened so many times!  I know it happens to us all.  So I was a pretty happy guy when I found out about reblogging here on ActiveRain.  But it was 2 weeks ago on the Certified Loan Officer conference call when it really came together to me.  Ruth Vogt shared with us a method she had on creating hyperlocal content when reblogging. 
The recipie is pretty simple, and it lets … (76 comments)

Piggy Back Rides in the Rain - 04:15 PM
When I write a blog, and it's time consuming, I love comments.  I love them, and most comments add so much value to the content. 
Comments on the blog posts are also interesting to read, and/or think about other perceptions. 
But, when I write a blog -- and it's time consuming -- while I appreciate the compliment, please GET OFF MY BACK!
Piggy back rides in the comment section include:
Linking to your website Linking to your product and/or service. and otherwise focusing on your . . . whatever.  
This means that my blog is going to be linked to your . . . whatever, and … (65 comments)

Going Head-to-Head with TLW - A VERY Risky Proposition - 04:35 PM
I have sent TLW my payment for the right to post the video of her head being shaved:  I'm Auctioning Off My Head...ROAR! Woo-hoo, I love winning ActiveRain contests!
Not only can I post the video, I was promised
5,000 Points awarded by AR Upper Management - already awarded, thank you! A Feature post that must include the video of a hatless and bald TLW. Increased traffic to your Blog. Increased readership of your Blog. Increased Subscribers to your Blog.
And I'm just hoping she doesn't come after me with the Tutas Towne Realty Offer Destroyer because I'm not following her plan! TLW retained … (103 comments)

WHY BUY THE MILK WHEN YOU CAN GET THE COW FOR FREE? - 04:17 AM

My catchy headline: WHY BUY THE MILK WHEN YOU CAN GET THE COW FOR FREE? Ever heard that saying before? Well, it's all I can think about tonight so I am going to blog about it.  About me: I have just returned to residential real estate after spending 11 years in commercial real estate as a tenant representative. My first stint in residential was 4.5 years and prior to that I was a practicing lawyer. My fellow colleagues in residential know it's tough to get started in the business but the current market conditions really add to the challenge!  The Story: I … (45 comments)

Me and My Big Mouth - 07:56 AM
Well I was not planning to blog about my experience with a desperate call I received last Monday on Floor Time and then I read a post by Betsy Schuman Dodek with the catchy title "Why buy the milk when you can get the cow for free" this morning and had to take time to share it with you and to add my experience to it. I had a desperate call, I am sure those of you who are in residential real estate know the voice that says "I am moving next month.  No one has been able to help me.  I … (77 comments)

When Did It Become A Bad Thing To Want To Make A Living? - 09:53 AM
Clearly the real estate industry is going through a self-esteem crisis. We have had so many interesting discussions about this. Are we salespeople? advisers? facilitators? greedy? altruistic? I think the funny thing is that only a few years ago, we'd have been seen as "lucky entrepreneurs" who were able to make money doing what the average person was too afraid, or inexperienced to do. The Reality is nothing has changed since then but the attitude.
Isn't it time we stand up and admit that we love our job and make a decent living doing it. What on earth is so wrong … (106 comments)

Are You Loco for Localism? - 08:21 AM
Are You Loco for Localism?After finally decompressing from a business/pleasure trip, I am finally starting to get back to "normal" what ever that means. Having met some fellow rainers while out of town, one comment that stuck in one of the the crevasses, crevices okay how about creases of my mind, was the statement. "...and to see my city through their eyes and photos."  H-m-m-m! My city through their eyes and photos. Should that not be see my city through my eyes and photos? Have we gotten so complacent that we need a visiting stranger to show us what is interesting … (86 comments)

And the Winner Is... - 05:16 PM
Last Friday, I posted a blog announcing a competition. The booty? ActiveRain points for the top 3 winners.  The challenge was to take this property and describe it in 130 words or less in such a way that buyers would be dying to see it.
Oh. My. God.
You Rainers are a witty, creative, persistent, poetic and hysterical bunch!
If you haven't already, go back to the post and read the entries.  I guarantee at least half of them will make you laugh out loud.  A few will make you cry laughing.  And with others, you may pee your pants.
Anyway, without further adieu, and after giving this … (78 comments)


Blog posts


Year End 2009 Market Report for Lincoln County, NC - 01:10 PM
  As we begin 2010 I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a fun filled New Year. The past year has seen a lot of changes some good & some bad depending on your personal point of view: homebuyers' tax credit, lowering of interest rates to historical lows, home prices decreasing to fall of financial institutions/stock prices, low interest on savings accounts, high unemployment, increasing home & business foreclosures, high national debt, stricter loan requirements. The following tables show how Lincoln County faired over the past year in this tumultuous financial market. Economists, like doctors, have voiced different views on … (0 comments)

Lake Pointe Austin - Bee Cave TX - Market Activity - 10:06 AM
Lake Pointe Austin TX is a very nice neighborhood with a lot of activity going on.  You can get a house for $250k or you could get a house for over $1M in the gated section.  You could get a one story or a two story home, an older or a newer home, upfront with all the action or secluded in the back. Take a look at the current activity since the fourth quarter of 2009.

What do you see?  What I see is an interesting trend, but still consistent with my previous market reports on the area.  The smaller, … (4 comments)

Pueblo West Real Estate Statistics (4th Quarter 2009) - 05:42 PM
Here are the Pueblo West real estate statistics for 4th Quarter 2009, 10/1/2009-12/31/2009 along with final 2009 sales totals. The figures in parenthesis are the from the same time period in 2008.

SINGLE FAMILYOf the 117 Single Family Sold, 3 were condo/townhomes.
Residential homes sold 4th quarter by price
10 < $100K34 between $100-150K38 between $150-200K20 between $200-250K15 over $250K
Residential homes sold 4th quarter by Pueblo West MLS location.
[To describe the Multiple List Service area breakdown, Pueblo West Acreage includes those lots on one acre (+) on the south side of Highway 50, not including the Golf Course … (1 comments)

Idaho Based Team Heads for Haiti - 09:45 PM
MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) www.MAF.org has decided to fly one of it's newer planes to Haiti for the relief help it needs!
Watch MAF Haiti Multimedia Clip
MAF is sending a team, medical supplies and equipment to the devastated island nation.
The objective, says the Idaho Press-Tribune, is to support humanitarian organizations and their efforts in providing relief and supplies.The plane, a new aircraft built in Sandpoint, Idaho, will be stationed in Haiti for 2-3 months, with flight crews changing every 2-3 weeks.

The Christian organizationhas set up a Port-au-Prince airport communications center connected to a sophisticated satellite system to provide … (9 comments)

3013 LAKE JEAN DR, ORLANDO FL 32817 - 02:07 PM
 
 MLS# O4957469                 3013 LAKE JEAN DR, ORLANDO FL 32817    $$$ 199,900 $$$

 Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. Fabulous home located in The Enclave at Lake Jean. Fantastic kitchen that will be the cooks delight! The kitchen opens up to the living area creating a great space for entertaining. This is a stunning home in a great neighborhood, and will not last long. Spacious rooms, an open floor plan and a 2 car garage make this property perfect for the fussiest buyer. *If exact … (0 comments)

4926 BRIGHTMOUR CIR, ORLANDO FL 32837 - 02:10 PM
 
 MLS# O4957541                        4926 BRIGHTMOUR CIR, ORLANDO FL 32837    $$$ 199,900 $$$

Short Sale.  Well maintained Ryland 2-story home, nice brick paver porch, overlooks pastureland in rear, all bedrooms are upstair, nice size rooms and more.  This one is sure not to disappoint.  Shop and compare, a 4bedroom home, well maintained in Keaton's Crest with a 3-car garage for under 200,000!  That is right, it is not a misprint.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply you can also … (0 comments)

13418 SWANSEA AVE, WINDERMERE FL 34786 - 02:14 PM
 
MLS#  O4957401            13418 SWANSEA AVE, WINDERMERE FL 34786   $$$ 249,900 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. Fabulous home located in Windermere! Light, bright and open with plenty of room for the whold family. The open kitchen and spacious rooms will really make you want to call this place home! Everything you are looking for is in this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home, so see it today before it is gone. *If exact square footage or room size is a concern, unit should be independently … (0 comments)

"Who is the Lender for Your Short Sale Listing ??" Queried the Agent - 06:52 AM
With almost every showing of our short sale listings....the selling agent wants to know who the lender is....and sometimes each listing does not have that engraved in my brain.....and the truth is, it doesn't matter WHO the LISTER is...the bigger concern to any selling agent should be WHO the LISTER is ...
    Does the listing agent have significant, successful short sale (not necessarily at the seashore Suzy :) ) experience ?
              THAT is what determines the closing...are there some lenders more cooperative, faster, more efficient than others ?...Absolutely. 
      Does the selling agent have experience with one lender vs … (6 comments)

Invite Buyers Into Your South Central Vermont Home - 04:40 AM
Although the interior of your home may be lovely, you can't use that fact to your advantage if potential buyers don't come inside to see it. The majority of house shoppers are influenced by first impressions, and, according to the National Association of Realtors, nearly 50% of them make their decision about your South Central Vermont home before stepping through the door. Ensuring that prospective buyers will want to see more doesn't have to be time-consuming or cost-prohibitive; there are numerous ways to strengthen your home's curb appeal, to capture the interest of buyers, and most likely increase the selling value.
When … (0 comments)

A New Year’s Resolution For South Central Vermont Real Estate You Won’t Regret! - 04:43 AM
Are you tired of the same old promises you make to yourself every January 1st but forget by February? Not this year! Here's a 2010 resolution that's so beneficial you simply must keep it: buy South Central Vermont real estate! Now that the Home Buyer Credit Act has been extended and qualifying income levels have been raised, this is an ideal time to purchase a house. Generally advertised as a tax credit for first-time buyers, the new legislation actually benefits many current homeowners, also.
Basic facts:
Changes: Originally slated to end in November 2009, the credit deadline has been extended to April … (0 comments)

Apple Valley Lake Home Search - 07:53 AM

Via Sam Miller (RE/MAX Stars Realty):
Searching for a home at the Apple Valley Lake has never been easier when you utilize our automated home search system at AppleValleyOhio.com.  This free service will help you find your Apple Valley dream home quickly and easily.  This service can locate homes ranging from entry level cabins to waterfront homes and any type or price home in between.  If you have a specific price range or budget in mind you can choose to be notified of only the homes within your selected price range saving you the frustration of sorting through homes that you have no … (0 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Quality Ranch at 1250 New Gambier Road - 12:32 PM
This home is situated on a gorgeous country setting with acreage yet it is 5 minutes from shopping and the major conveniences of Mount Vernon, Ohio.  For more details and available homes for sale in the Mount Vernon, Ohio area be sure to visit Knox County Ohio 
Via Sam Miller (RE/MAX Stars Realty):
View more listing details, photos and virtual tour at 1250 New Gambier Road
Call Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800 SamMiller.com
… (0 comments)

Brokers Open house in Yardley, Pa., Bucks County - 11:22 PM
Whenever I put a house on the market, one of the first things we schedule, is an open house for realtors, called a brokers open house.  I created a short video, showing what goes on, at a typical brokers open house.
Realtors attend brokers open houses, so that they are familiar with what is on the market.  Often they are trying to determine whether a particular house will suit the needs of their client. 
My brokers open houses are generally catered, but will always include food.  We invite realtors to join me for lunch, while previewing the house.  This strategy ensures … (0 comments)

Down Payment Options - 10:14 PM
Pensacola, Florida: My best of the best series of articles on different real estate topics beneficial to Pensacola Investors, Landlords, Tenants, buyers, sellers in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze, Florida. This weeks topic is on Mortgages including FHA, VA, Conventionals, Creative Financing, Reverse Mortgages and Owner Financing available in Pensacola, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Florida.  I hope you find this series to be educational as well as informative. Looking for a mortgage or loan, call 800-309-3414 to discuss how we can find no money down, 100% financing for you in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl. Call Charles Stallions 800-309-3414 or E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com. To view homes for sale or rent in  Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Florida Click … (1 comments)

Tax Credit For Seller's Looking to Purchase Another Home - 10:15 PM
Pensacola, Florida: My best of the best series of articles on different real estate topics beneficial to Pensacola Investors, Landlords, Tenants, buyers, sellers in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze, Florida. This weeks topic is on the $8000 Tax Credit given to first time home buyers in Pensacola, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Florida.      I hope you find this series to be educational as well as informative. Call me to discuss the use of the $8000. tax credit and how you can double it when buying your next Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl. home from Charles Stallions 800-309-3414 or E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com. To view short sales, foreclosures and homes in  Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, … (1 comments)

Housing Grants available for Veterans - 10:23 PM
Pensacola, Florida: My best of the best series of articles on different real estate topics beneficial to Pensacola Investors, Landlords, Tenants, buyers, sellers in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze, Florida. This weeks topic is on Mortgages including FHA, VA, Conventionals, Creative Financing, Reverse Mortgages and Owner Financing available in Pensacola, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Florida.  I hope you find this series to be educational as well as informative. Looking for a mortgage or loan, call 800-309-3414 to discuss how we can find no money down, 100% financing for you in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl. Call Charles Stallions 800-309-3414 or E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com. To view homes for sale or rent in  Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Florida Click … (1 comments)

The Best of Mililani is Here! - 08:36 AM
951048 Palamoa St 110, Mililani, HI, 96789.
offered at $616,000
3BR/2BA Single Family House
Year Built 2001
Sq Footage 1,824
Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors 2
Parking 3 Car garage
Lot Size 4,831
sqft HOA/Maint $60 per month
DESCRIPTION
DIAL 808-227-2703 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Large three bedroom that feels like four. The perfect home with over 1800 square feet, close to schools, shopping, and in picturesque Mililani Mauka. The backyard is spacious and relaxing complete with sprinkler systems. Enough space to have a family room and the kids room. This is a Short Sale.
 
… (1 comments)

Imagine That! Your Mind's Killer Application - 09:06 AM
If you haven't seen the movie "Imagine That" with Eddie Murphy, it is more than a fluffy cute comedy if you are willing to 'go there'...
The movie's protagonist is a high powered financial exec with a VERY active daughter. She has 3 imaginary friends who, as far as she is concerned, exist in real, period, exclamation point.
 
When Dad's career hits some big potholes and he needs a miracle, quite literally...daughter's imaginary mentors provide her with solutions, which, when she shares them, are pooh-poohed by Pop...until they materialize exactly as she revealed.
Long/short, he gets it, begins to use … (6 comments)

LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SAT SCORES FOR 2009 - Loudoun County Virginia School Excellence. - 01:10 PM

Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:
LOUDOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SAT SCORES FOR 2009 - Loudoun County Virginia School Excellence.
THE SCHOOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT TEST  (SAT).  While Boards of Education in school school districts may use other standards of measurement for school excellence, (Virginia uses a unique Standard of Learning measurement (SOL)), the SAT is universally recognized as a valid measurement of school excellence and it is understood and comparable school-to-school in any school district. 
VISIT SCHOOLS IN AREAS OF INTEREST.  Homefinders.com agents and brokers recommend that parents visit public schools prior to making a decision about which home … (0 comments)

Arlington Heights Real Estate - 02:26 PM
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