Archives of real estate blog entries for October 24, 2010

Featured blog posts


Do you have clogged drains? Does the Home Inspector mention slow moving drains? - 08:30 AM
We have lived for over 3 years in an old apartment building and the sink in the bathroom doesn't drain!
 
We removed the p-trap under the sink and clean the pipe as far as the old pipe in the wall which was
clogged with...I didn't know what.  One should do  this step first to eliminate the possibility of something
trapped in the p-trap be it a hair clog or a child's toy.
 
After investigation I learned it was biofilm which is more commonly called "slime".
Not all of us wish to use commercial cleaners as we do not want … (30 comments)

You Got Us to the Door, Now Get Us to the Table - 09:36 PM
Hey there, Tech Savvy Listing Agents! I'm showing your listings in St. Charles and Geneva, IL! Your steady flow of clever blog posts helped lure the transferee to our great area, your website had nifty interactive maps, and you displayed attractive photos of the home on 1,000s of websites. Your charts and reports convinced your St. Charles and Geneva sellers to price competitively and then to lower the price as we head into fall. And you've marketed to the local agents as well...how could I miss your listing popping up on Google in every search? Your unique property websites are impressive. … (42 comments)

Are you the Interrupter? Or the Yes, I Hear You...But I'm Thinking About What I'm Going to Say Next, Type of Listener? - 12:05 AM
In our business we communicate with various people everyday, so I'm sure you've come across these two -- the Interrupter and the Yes, I Hear You...But I'm Thinking About What I'm Going to Say Next type of listener.

"We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak." Epictetus
The Interrupter is the one who insists on talking over the other and refuses to stop talking and listen. 
Recently I was working with an agent with whom I couldn't get a word in because he kept talking over me in one … (67 comments)

How To Install and Customize Widgets - 10:09 AM
How To Install and Customize Widgets on Your Blogs, Posts, and Sites.
In a previous post about the power and value of Widgets and Gadgets, I promised to provide a training class walking you through the most important steps in creating, selecting, installing, and customizing these little gizmo's into your Blogs and Websites.  While the plaster and paint are still drying, I'd like to invite you to be our first guests at the PRE-Grand Opening of the new ZILLOW® ACADEMY.

This class is only one hour, but will teach you everything you'll need to know about using widgets and gadgets … (90 comments)

Our Family Room Is Freezing! - 07:39 AM
This is an easy one!  All you need is a website for people with a home inspection problem to find you, a car to get you to where they live, and some really cool tools, including an infrared camera.  Beyond that, knowing what you are doing is important, but you have already demonstrated that with your fabulous website!
Showing up at the house, you want to make sure the front porch ceiling is painted light blue!  When they are not, the IR camera can find things that perhaps you did not want to run into during the inspection!  If the porch … (50 comments)

Mom----why is the glass all over the stairs? - 07:31 AM
     I don’t get my panties all wadded up over broken seals in windows or skylights typically.  Broken seals don’t “drastically” affect the thermal performance of the unit----certainly the cost of replacement will NEVER pay for itself in savings relative to the damaged seal.
     I consider broken seals a cosmetic issue----and only important if seeing through the unit is important.  Depending on the windows location to views it may be very important or not important at all to most buyers.  I have buyers tell me that is very important until they find out what it is going to cost to … (29 comments)

The Price of Experience - 11:26 PM
Motivational Power Quote
The Price of Experience
"Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes."
Oscar Wilde, author and playwright  
    
As I see it. . . . . . . .
The price of experience  
There is a price that we pay for our experience. That price is the mistakes that we make along the way to accumulate the know-how so that we don't repeat the mistakes in the future.  
The most costly price that we pay for our experience is by not learning the lessons from the past and doubling drown and making the same mistake again.  
… (19 comments)

Why Being A Weirdo Is A Good Thing - 05:28 PM
If you ever felt a little out of place with others around you welcome to the club. There is a funny expression, "You are unique, just like everyone else."
When you grew up in your teenage years, your Mom would admonish you to "Behave YOURSELF!" Well other than learning right from wrong when you are fully grown you have to figure out finally what behave means to you. Maybe you thought despite your devious ways as a teenager, you WERE behaving yourself.
Being eccentric or WEIRD in good ways helps us overcome the hum drum of normal. In real estate it … (124 comments)

Terrible Dressers & Business Casual Gone Wild...Can Your Professional Appearance Affect Your Paycheck? - 03:51 PM
When I landed my first administrative job out of college, the dress code was pretty much set in stone. Jeans and flip-flops (you've got to be kidding!)  Back then, you wore pantyhose and closed toe shoes even in sweltering 100 degree weather.  Suits were the norm if you were going to be taken seriously, and the bared arm or mid-riff was grounds for scandelous stares.  Certain things just weren't done.
When I started my real estate career in the mid 90's, the dress code enforcement policy was still very much alive and well.  My first company required the wearing of a … (172 comments)

Largest Pumpkin Patch - San Jose CA - 05:39 PM
Largest Pumpkin Patch - San Jose CA

Giordano Farms has been a part of the Blossom Valley San Jose CA community for 30 years.
Giordano Farms is located on Snell Avenue near the corner of Chynoweth in Blossom Valley.
Many Blossom Valley residents make this a weekly stop for fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables.
Blossom Valley homes are affordable which makes Blossom Valley a desirable place to live.
The month of October begins the creation of San Jose's largest pumpkin patch at Giordano Farms. Residents from all around San Jose shop here for the perfect Halloween … (28 comments)

Finding Balance - 11:15 PM
Last week, while I was trolling for blogs to feature on Last Week on Active Rain, I noticed a few posts about taking time off - really taking time off.  And I've noticed that for a lot of real estate professionals, this is a special challenge. 
Whether it's date night or a vacation, we go off with our electronics - the cell phone in the pocket, the I-Pad in the purse, and the little Lumix or Canon Sure Shot in our pants pocket.  We sit under beach umbrellas in the Caribbean negotiating contracts on the listing we left behind.  We can … (52 comments)

Why do we keep doing it? - 01:02 AM
This past week I have been pretty busy so I have not been able to write many posts.  But, I have been reading a number of the featured posts and I have been very surprised at the tone and mood out there in the Realtor community.
I know times are tough, but this is very similar to what happened two years ago during the Presidential Election.  A lot of people wait to see what happens with the elections and once the new year rolls around, our cycle will pick up and we'll all start getting busy again.
What surprises me is the … (40 comments)

We all know short sales are tough, but what about estate sales? - 06:16 PM
Many agents avoid short sales because of the difficulty involved, but do you avoid estate sales?
I've noticed that estate sales where multiple siblings are involved in the decision making can be full of peril. I'm specifically thinking of times when mom and dad are gone. Usually, if mom or dad are still around and making the final decisions there's a voice of reason to keep things going in the right direction. 
1 - Usually there's a dominant sibling, who feels mom and dad's house is worth far more than the market analysis shows it to be.  That sibling is usually … (30 comments)

What are the priciest residential homes in your area? Enquiring minds want to know..... - 12:11 AM
What are the priciest residential homes in your area? Enquiring minds want to know.....
I always love hearing about the priciest homes in other areas and other states.
I'd love to hear about yours!
Tell me  a little about the priciest homes in your area:
What makes them so expensive? How large is the average home? Is it a gated community? What are some of the outstanding or unique features about that area? How are the people that live in that neighborhood? What is the history of that area? And of course, if at all possible, show me some pictures, or … (60 comments)

A Tale of Charlotte’s Web and Charlotte’s Rain - 11:07 PM
Well sort of… more like a tale of Charlotte’s RainCamp to be more precise.
This Thursday, October 28, it will be Charlotte, North Carolina’s turn to host RainCamp and I can’t wait!  Yes, I have attended RainCamp in the past, but RainCamp does not stay static.  Jon Washburn, Bob Stewart, Kerrie Greenhalgh and Ben Kinney, along with a cast of several keep it light fresh and informative, adapting lessons learned and changes to the competitive landscape, so if you’ve attended before, plan and coming again.  I will be there… and I want to meet you!
The Queen City’s own Debe Maxwell … (17 comments)

Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Beholder - 07:56 AM
        
Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Beholder -
I know this title has probably been used on different occasions and we all have our own opinions on the interpretation of that.
My interpretation of "Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Beholder" is that the Seller of a property has sentimental attachment to the home they are selling.  They have typically put their hard earned money and sweat to make it the way they want it.  However, the way they wanted it and the way John & Mary Q. Public may want it, can and may … (22 comments)

Who knows more about correct real estate valuation? Sellers or buyers? My answer might surprise you. - 07:53 PM
Traditionally, it is believed that sellers have a better grasp on the valuation of their property. After all, they have probably seen a CMA at the time they listed the property.
In addition, owners of real property often have recent appraisals that are an in-depth analysis of both the subject property in particular and the market as a whole.
However, in this day and age, buyers are looking at more properties than ever. It is not unusual for a buyer to look at twenty properties, and many may see fifty or more.
And buyers that have seen that many UNSOLD houses … (97 comments)

How many REO agents are violating their fiduciary duty? - 05:38 PM
Taking a quick look around the MLS at the many REO homes listed in a wide range of prices, I'd say a substantial number of REO agents are not only doing their clients a disservice, but also negatively impacting the real estate industry with shady real estate practices.
 
Violation #1 - Incomplete and/or poor listings
How many of you have seen listings in the MLS by an REO agent that look like a 2nd grader posted the information?  What I find most interesting is that even when these homes have been on the market for weeks or months, the bank … (49 comments)

Giving ActiveRain Referral Network A Try - 08:48 PM
Thanks to a good friend and an avid ActiveRain'er Jack Mossman, when I mentioned I had a referral for southern CA, he said just put it in the referral network system on AR.
Well, I have ventured into giving AR's Referral Network a try the last couple days.  I recently had two friends of mine in need of a good Realtor in areas that I do not work in and didn't even know any Realtor's personally.
Within minutes and I had several responses to one of my requests and today I just took care of the second one.  I was surprised … (33 comments)

I Have Already Spoken With Your Client… - 10:11 AM

I hate it when a conversation opens with those words. But it happened again yesterday.
I get a voicemail in my office at about 1 PM (the switch notifies me on my iPhone). I'm busy with another appointment so it has to wait. 
Around 3 PM, I get a voicemail on my home phone and an email from the receptionist in the main office telling me that an agent is frantically looking for me and my phone switch is not working because he keeps getting transferred back to the main office receptionist.  (That one makes me laugh.  In order to … (116 comments)

Proof Enough For Me That the Hyper-Local Post Works.... - 07:45 AM
Proof Enough For Me That the Hyper-Local Post works...
 
I love my community, I wouldn't live here if I didn't.  My family and I love to get out and explore, try new restaurants, attend local events, and learn as much as we possibly can about the wonderful place that we call home.  When I was introduced to Bob Stewart's Hyper-Local Challenge last year, I was so excited to get out and start using my blog to promote local businesses and communities.  The local business challenge took me out of my comfort zone...But I am extremely pleased with the results.  I … (57 comments)

Last Weeks Favorites: October 17th - 24th - 12:43 PM
This week, there were a bunch of good posts, and many of the ones I originally planned to feature got their visit from the Active Rain Gold Star pixie.  This is what was left:
1.  Ross Therrien:  Just wondering where piss poor came from?   This one had me laughing all week, especially when someone mentioned a "threshold".
2.  Lou Ludwig:  Believe That You Are Gifted  Every day, Lou brings us some words of wisdom, and these really resonated. 
3.  Carol Culkin:  The Psychology Of A Home Buyer - Who Knows It Better Than Your Realtor®?  This will help sellers get … (27 comments)

Ooops...Missing One Piece of Documentation~Members Only - 07:58 AM
My seller closed on her new home yesterday morning. Her buyers on her home are scheduled to close next Thursday morning so she is busy moving out and getting the house spic and span clean!
According to the lender last Monday the buyer's file was in order and papers should be released next week to the title company in plenty of time for closing.Yesterday afternoon I got an email from the lender explaining the buyer had issues with their 2009 income taxes and just filed their income tax on October 14th 2010, after a second extension.I'll bet you can guess where … (104 comments)


Blog posts


Homer Glen Condos - 02:43 PM
How many Homer Glen condos and townhomes are up for sale today?  These are considered "attached properties" and comprise condominiums, townhomes and duplexes.  As of today's date there are 24 attached properties for sale in Homer Glen, IL.
Prices start at $136,900 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Homer Glen condo that is a 2nd floor unit with in-unit laundry and pets are allowed (size restriction).  It is not a short sale and is located in the Homer Park Place Condos subdivision on 159th St.
The highest priced units are both priced at $399,900 and are Homer Glen townhomes. They both … (0 comments)

The Diet Continues - Week 57 - Well sort of! - 06:19 PM
My scale is broke and this is the first week I have not gotten a good weigh in.  I have also been on the road at a conference at ate very badly while traveling.  I feel good though.  My wedding ring keeps sliding off and I may need to resize it. 
… (9 comments)

Halloween Festivities in Central Massachusetts This Week - 09:26 PM

Are you looking for a thrill this week before Halloween?  Look no more!  Central Massachusetts is the place to be for all of the chills and thrills of the season!  Check out some of these great places: Davis Mega Maze - Fright Nights I can vouch for what a great time the Davis Mega Maze is!  We went with 3 other couples last night and ventured through the spooky corn maze.  This year's theme is Survivor.  They had different stations setup with Survivor challenges throughout the haunted maze.   Only took us about an hour in the dark to find our way … (7 comments)

The Villages At Wingate Shiloh Illinois - 02:50 PM
Looking for a great new place to live near Scott AFB?
The Villages At Wingate in Shiloh Illinois is a master planned community that is located close to Scott AFB with Mascoutah Schools, and just down the road from Belleville, Shiloh, O'Fallon with easy access to I-64.
Live... The Villages at Wingate, Southwest Illinois new premier master-planned community, consists of over 17- acres on Green Mounty Road in Shiloh, IL. It offers the convenience of retail and professional office space. an on-site elementary school (Mascoutah) and a variety of housing choices ranging from senior-living facilities to full service villas to executives … (0 comments)

Just Reduced! 1003 Dale Ave OFallon IL 62269 Homes for Sale - 06:29 PM
Just Reduced to $111,500
O'Fallon IL Homes for Sale

Community Information
Address: 1003 Dale Avenue Subdivision: ASBURY PARK City: OFALLON County: St Clair State: IL Zip Code: 62269 Amenities
Amenities: SHED Features: DECK, FIREPLACE Parking: ASPHALT Garages: 2 CAR GARAGE, ATTACHED GARAGE, DOOR OPENER Waterfront: NONE Interior
Appliances: DISHWASHER, DISPOSAL, ELECTRIC RANGE Heating: FORCED AIR Cooling: CENTRAL AIR Fireplace: Yes # of Fireplaces: 1 Exterior
Exterior: BRICK, STUCCO Lot Description: FENCED, STREET LIGHTS Roof: ARCH SHINGLE School Information
Elementary: O FALLON DIST 90 Middle: O FALLON CENTRAL DIST 104 High: OFallon Additional Information
Zoning: Single Family Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.00 … (0 comments)

WE TELL STORIES at HIGHLAND PARK'S OLD L.A. FARMER'S MARKET HAUNTED HARVEST FESTIVAL - 08:52 AM
WE TELL STORIES 5th annual HAUNTED HARVEST FESTIVALAT HIGHLAND PARK's OLD LA FARMERS MARKET
Tuseday, October 26, 2010  -- 3:00 - 8:00 PM
@ Old L.A. Farmer's Market at Avenue 58 and N. Figueroa Blvd, Highland Park, CA 90042, adjacent to the Metro Highland Park Station
On Tuesday, October 26, 2010 We Tell Stories, LA's multi-ethnic children's storytelling theatre company-presents The 5th Annual Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festival at the Old LA Farmer's Market at Ave. 58 and N. Figueroa Blvd. in Highland Park, California.  This outdoor festival is a great way for families to celebrate the harvest and enjoy Halloween in … (0 comments)

Another Successful Settlement in Baltimore! Annen Woods Penthouse 1 Gristmill Ct #607 is SOLD - 11:05 AM
… (7 comments)

Things are Changing in Baltimore! - 11:23 PM
 
 
A few weeks ago A Different Kind of Turning Around  led me to these beautiful flowers on the left. The photo on the right is how they are looking today, still pretty but they have changed to a different kind of beauty. This time of year the change is more notable but  in a matter if days, these colors will be only a memory.
Things are changing in Baltimore!
 
 
              Inspired by Richard's post  Savor what is fleeting! Tomorrow might be another day but it may also be too late!
I took these photos at my … (17 comments)

Link Spam From Lenn Harley. I guess we all have to learn!!! - 09:08 AM
OK Lenn....I apologize in advance for this but it was just too good to pass up!! Could this have been your very first comment on AR? I found it on one of my articles from October 2006. I guess we have all grown up together on Active Rain.
I know you have a sense of humor so here goes........

Are you facing foreclosure in Florida?
Do NOT be foreclosed on! Avoid foreclosure. Short Sales DO close.
Want to find out more? www.CentralFloridaShortSales.com
***I am NOT an Attorney nor do I play one on TV. Click the button below for my … (19 comments)

The Fall Colors in Montana - Part 10 of 10: Beartooth Mountains (South of Red Lodge) , Montana - 10:01 PM
I found this series of blog posts with some incredible photos of fall. The colors are gorgeous and the mountains are beautiful. There is a series of these so please take time to look at each one. You will be glad you did. Thanks Gerry for sharing your part of the country with us.
Via Gerry Khatchikian, ASA, TRC, SFR Greetings from Red Lodge, Montana!:
The Fall Colors in Montana - Part 10 of 10: Beartooth Mountains (South of Red Lodge) , Montana
This is the final post of a series of ten posts in October to showcase the Fall colors of Montana.
Part 1: Red Lodge, Montana (Mountain Views)
… (4 comments)

Is Decorating Your Passion? Visit The Designer Showcase At Orchard Hill - Old Westbury, NY - 12:03 AM
If there's a bit of a designer of you, or if you just love looking at beautifully decorated rooms, you're in for a real treat this holiday season.  From October 30th to December 12th, Orchard Hill, the former residence of Peggy Phipps Boegner will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a Designer Showcase with a Home For The Holidays theme.  Only the second time in its history, this 1856 farmhouse on Long Island's Gold Coast, will open its doors to showcase some of the most artistic designers in the New York area. 
Long before I started staging and decorating homes myself I was drawn to the … (4 comments)

Murder & Mayhem, Right Here On Long Island - Fall Events, Come Solve The Crime - 09:42 PM
Love a good murder mystery?  When you pick up a novel by your favorite author, do you find yourself putting everything else off so you can stay on the pages of the book, trying to figure out who the killer is? Does your heart beat just a little bit faster as the crimes unfold in terrifying succession?  If that describes you, what better way to spend a weekend than to be a willing participant in a live whodunit.
World famous producers Keith O'Leary and Margo Morrison, creators of Murder Mystery Weekend are bringing their troop to the Montauk Manor on the eastern end of Long Island for a weekend … (8 comments)

Idaho Short Sale: 16679 Frisco Ave. Caldwell Idaho - 12:40 AM
New to the market, is this neat and clean Caldwell Idaho short sale in South Park Subdivision!Approx. 1102 SF, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2-car garage.
Idaho Short Sale: 16679 Frisco Ave. Caldwell Idaho
This home features a cozy front country kitchen, open living space and a comfortable fenced yard!
     
     
A fairly quick process with Idaho Housing and Finance Assoc. this short sale could reasonably be closed within 60-90 days.
This wonderful opportunity to own Caldwell Idaho Real Estate can be yours for only $69,000!
Contact Caldwell real estate agent, Don Wixom, with RE/MAX Advantage at (208) 880-5039.
… (5 comments)

Nampa ID Apartment on the Creek $650/month - 01:32 PM
Cozy, 1100+ SF tri-plex unit on Indian Creek with quick Insterstate access! Just 15 minutes to Boise, Idaho, this Nampa rental is in great condition and offers conveniences to downtown and freeway travel.
Water, Sewer, Trash paid by landlord. Includes, Stove, Ref, Washer/Dryer, Microwave, Dishwasher, Garbage Disp & Fire Sprinklers!
3 Bed, 1.5 Bath, newer end-unit apartment with fresh paint.
6 month lease required. $500 deposit. Contact Don (call or text) 208-880-5039



If you know of anyone looking for a rental in Nampa Idaho, please tell them about this unit!
Download Application
… (0 comments)

Error Message Adding a New Neighborhood in Hyper-Local Pages....? - 01:42 PM
Maybe I'm missing something here, but when I try to post about a specific subdivision that is not already in the drop-down menu, I get an error message when trying to add a neighborhood.
Can anyone shed some light on this? Is it something AR is working on fixing? Is it user error?
Just looking for some Hyper-Local help!  Thanks!
… (8 comments)

Taking a Look at Mortgage Interest Rates Since 1990 - 02:04 PM
When you figure that the majority of a home buyer's monthly payment is interest, doesn't it make sense to take advantage of low interest rates?
Having a low interest rate will allow more of your monthly payment to go toward the principal balance and allow more discretionary income to pay down that principal balance more quickly.
Taking a Look at Mortgage Interest Rates Since 1990

 
Don't miss your opportunity to take advantage of these record low interest rates to buy Idaho Real Estate!
Search Idaho Real Estate
Idaho Short Sales
Homes in Boise
Homes in Nampa
Homes in Meridian
… (4 comments)

When Will You Stop Wasting So Much Time? - 03:25 PM
Being more productive with our time, can make us better people.
Those who are around us will benefit from more of our attention and we may be able to make more money to provide for the needs of our family and loved ones.
Take this list presented by Gary Woltal and make your day more productive!
Via Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
A very dear one I know is always chiding me to quit "PLAYING" on Facebook. Well for those of you working that social media or others, many can be addicting and with too much … (6 comments)

38 N State Street Nampa ID 3 Bedroom Home for $70,500! - 10:01 PM
What a great opportunity,  if you are searching for homes for sale in Nampa! Check out this charming 1-level home that is bank owned and recently freshened up with new carpet, paint & fixtures!
38 N State Street Nampa ID 3 Bedroom Home for $70,500!
     
    
Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac, this nice Nampa home has just been reduced in price to only $70,500!
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2-Car Garage & Approx. 1018 SF all on one level.
Contact Nampa Idaho Real Estate Agent, Don Wixom with RE/MAX Advantage, for more details and a private showing of this … (2 comments)

Pamper Yourself....and Pay it Forward in Muskego,WI at GLO 10 Spa - 09:17 AM
You don't have to look far to find ways to benefit your community and support causes...this is my own favorite pamper parlor,...and we are leaving shortly to help set up for all the fun, food and pampering you would ever want !
 
 
Glo 10 Salon & Spa is opening up Sunday, Oct. 24th for their very first Cut-A-Thon! All proceeds will be going to the ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) Foundation. The following services will be offered at a discounted rate:$8 haircuts$7 mini manicures$5 facial waxing$1 per minute chair massage$3 tans$5 mega bed tans
  There will be raffles, … (10 comments)

WOW! BEST PRICED HOME IN CASTLE PINES! - 11:12 AM
… (2 comments)

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