Archives of real estate blog entries for October 27, 2010

Featured blog posts


Civil War Battlefield of the West: Picacho Peak, Arizona - 12:47 AM

~ Stormy Sunset at Picacho Peak ~
I'll bet you didn't know (until you stumbled across this little blog) that Tucson in 1862 was the western capital of the Confederate Arizona Territory.  It was.  Google it.
This peak, about 40 minutes northwest of Tucson (along Interstate 10) marks the site of the westerlymost battle of the Civil War.  It's called Picacho Peak, and I've stood on the very top of that granite outcropping you see there, snapping photos for you, and just enjoying the view.
Here's some of what you'll see on your way to the top:

Can't you … (32 comments)

I WILL NOT Accept offers via Email! (and you can't make me!) - 05:29 PM

"I WILL NOT Accept offers via Email!" The listing agent decided that he didn't want to accept offers via email and based on the forms that we use in parts of Washington, he doesn't have to.It is a little known fact that some real estate forms require express permission by both parties to be used via email. In the above case, it is a form 22d Optional Clauses addendum that is needed."That's fine. I will drop it by your office in the morning""I won't be in my office.""I'll give it to your broker. I am sure he will find a … (145 comments)

Advertising with Pinpoint Accuracy on Facebook - 01:44 PM
In the middle of October, Ken Tracy let us all know (or maybe you knew already, but I didn't) that the October issue of REALTOR® Magazine had a coupon for $50 in free Facebook advertising.
REALTORs® are a good group to target in an attempt to generate advertising spend, you all spend a lot on advertising! So Facebook thinks if they pull you in with a freebie, you are likely to keep spending after your $50 runs out. My wife and mother-in-law have their issues sitting around the office so I really need to swoop one up and figure out the … (79 comments)

Craig's Picks - ActiveRain Blog Themes - 03:24 PM

I want to start handing out gold stars! As you make comments on my blog posts or subscribe to my blog, I try as much as I can to head over to your blog too. (So many people, so little time!) Also perhaps you caught my eye as I was checking out the featured or main blog rolls.
I like to learn from others. I know we all do, that's we are here in the rain to begin with! I've started doing snapshots of pages that I like. In fact, I'm going to start categorizing my favorites into such as … (71 comments)

Flat Fee Listings. Why You SHOULD Consider Them. - 04:48 PM
Hi folks. I want to talk a little bit about Flat Fee MLS Listings. There is a featured post titled "To Flat Fee or Not to Flat Fee" I'd link to it but it's "Member's Only". Anyway, the writer is asking "Why are so many agents opposed to flat fee listings?" That's a very good question. Based on the responses she received the issues agents have are: Can't reach the seller to show the property. Why should they have to do all the work for half the pay? The properties are usually over priced.  The co-broke offered is usually less than … (69 comments)

Lessons Learned Are Just as Important as What We Earn - 04:44 PM
The AR Lessons Learned Are Just as Important as the Leads, Referrals and Checks We Earn
This is my version of an ActiveRain Success Story.  While may may think of AR Success Stories as directl leads, referrals and closing of those leads and referrals, I contend that
The AR Lessons Learned Are Just as Important as the AR Leads, Referrals and Checks We Earn
I wrote a post today about a listing that I have that is now pending.  Oddly enough, I ended up showing this home to a buyer that was working with another agent.  The buyer's agent actually called me … (50 comments)

Move Your Listings Faster Realtors-By Offering Attractive Terms - 07:34 AM

Move Your Listings Faster Realtors-By Offering Attractive Terms- Location and price are definitely important but there's a lot of weight given to the "terms" buyers are looking for when purchasing you home. Let's face it; most buyers must get a loan to finance their purchase. There are very few "All Cash Buyers" Relative to those who finance. Often the 10% or 20% down one needs for Conventional Financing is a Huge sum of money and prohibitive to many "would be buyers".
But there is Financing out there that is relatively easier for buyers qualify for and only requires 3.5% Down. … (63 comments)

Bellingham Home Inspector (King of the House) Octopus Wiring - 09:54 AM
Can you identify octopus wiring? Do you know what it is? I see lots of it in Whatcom County and Bellingham. Basically, it is often found in older homes where there are too few receptacles to meet the needs of the occupant's electric demands. It is easily recognized by anyone who knows what to look for -- electric extension cords being run all over the house -- heck they might be routed over the burners of the stove and often receptacles will have one or more multi-outlet adapters plugged into them and additional electric outlet strips plugged into those.
Octopus wiring … (17 comments)

The Solution Can be Similar to the Florida Swampland Fiasco During the Depression - 07:53 AM
It seems pretty clear to me that the MERS system that the mortgage industry put together in order to facilitate mortgage securitization has really screwed up the system of titles that the states and local governments had in place for over a hundred years.
It has caused many to question who actually owns their mortgage and who has the legal standing to actually foreclose on the home.
This has caused the whole "robo signing" fiasco where banks thumbed their nose to the legal system and fraudulently created fake documents in order to push through the foreclosure in court hoping that no … (25 comments)

When My Home, Becomes This House - 06:53 AM
At first, a tabula rasa of plans and creativity can often morph into less of an adventure and more of a burden. Obvious catalysts such as divorce, job relocation, and financial upheaval take their place as the usual suspects; yet, lesser known but equally powerful are the smaller complications that often chip away at the wall of fondness towards the walls of home.
A residence becomes many things over the course of ownership. It ebbs and flows between new project, old repairs, new replacements, and old cares.
Tides of change can wrinkle the face of a neighborhood that was once bursting … (19 comments)

PROTECT OUR HOME PURCHASE AND PROTECT YOUR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT - 06:29 PM
PROTECT OUR HOME PURCHASE AND PROTECT YOUR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
Secret: Dark roofs do not last as long as light color roofs.  Further, light roofs reduce air conditioning costs by reflecting sunlight.
Secret: Interest on your mortgage loan and real estate taxes are deducted from your gross income before computing your income tax. Wow.
Secret: The agent's whose name is on the FOR SALE sign in the yard has promised the seller that he/she will get the best price for the seller.
Secret: Earnest money deposits can be forfeited if a buyer falsely represents his/her financial ability to obtain financing.
Secret: … (52 comments)

When's The Last Time You Updated Your Websites Content? - 05:17 PM
Are you struggling to rank your website for your most desirable short tail keywords? If you're not updating the content on your website on a constant basis, I can tell you, you probably won't ever rank for those juicy short tail keywords. Although blogging on Activerain provides great juice for those longtail keywords, if you ever want to get your own website ranking for keywords that drive substantial traffic, you need to start focusing on quality content creation. 
 
Why You Should Update & Add Content To Your Website Constantly
Have you ever heard the saying "content is king"? You may … (39 comments)

Real Estate and Politics is LOCAL: In New York It's Called A "Flip Tax" - 11:18 AM
Update: 2/2011 REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) saves Flip Tax
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is proposing a guidance (rule) that would restrict Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks from investing in mortgages in buildings with a Flip Tax (private transfer fee covenant).
WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire – October 15, 2010) – The National Association of Realtors® strongly supports the proposed guidance from the Federal Housing Finance Agency to prevent government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks from investing in mortgages encumbered by private transfer fee covenants.
In a letter … (23 comments)

"JUDICIAL STATE"? "NON-JUDICIAL STATE"? DON'T PANIC. SELL THOSE REOs AND HELP CLEAN OUT THE INVENTORY!! - 09:02 AM
                  * * * *   DON'T LISTEN TO THE NEWS - LISTEN TO FOLKS WHO KNOW  * * * *
Who is "IN THE KNOW" when it comes to the lastest mortgage - foreclosure - title - note, etc. scandal??  Experts who:
Know the foreclosure laws in your state. Are not subject to "shock news" in the media. Are not selling "quick fixes" to the foreclosure document matter. TITLE ATTORNEYS, THAT'S WHO!
Tim Maitski  offers solutions to the "foreclosure document" problem.  Tim writes that it doesn't matter whether a state is a "judicial" or "non-judicial" state.  I DISAGREE.  I believe that it matters … (76 comments)

You Can't Afford Less... It's Time To Elevate Your Game! - 11:50 AM
Elevate Your Real Estate Game - Part 1: In these conditions, you can't afford to operate at anything less than your best.Are you making the most of the last quarter of 2010?Are you building momentum that will carry you through the first quarter of 2011?If not, you have to ask yourself "why not"?Here's the situation as I see it. See if any (or all) of this hits home with you... THE FLAW:Last quarter of the year blunders.THE CLUES:
Operating in a disorganized fashion. Too much focus on what to do and how to do it. Not enough action, or action that is … (46 comments)

Don't Get Caught Up in the Federal Pacific Debacle... - 04:13 PM
Don't Get Caught Up in the Federal Pacific Debacle...If you're involved in real estate, you probably had some dealings with the "dreaded" Federal Pacific Electric panels. Lord only knows I have. Having gone to several classes to get my CEU's, invariably the topic is brought up. Home inspectors and instructors parrot one another: fire hazard, arc welder in a box, and so on.While there may be concerns about FPE "Stablok" breakers and panels, I have yet to see a failure. Having inspected over 5,000 electrical panels in my career, I have seen several failures in other manufacturers boxes so why aren't the tech … (23 comments)

Duct Cleaning And Air Filters (2 of 2) - 06:30 AM
In the previous post I discussed dusty ducts and their contents.  That post has become increasingly popular!  And I have received many private contacts asking for the follow up!
So, how can we prevent such dust build up in our ducts and forestall its accumulation?
First, there are two HVAC industry philosophies on household air filtration. 
Second, there are many types of filters out there - ranging from disposable, to washable to electronic.  Some are very cheap, others quite expensive.
Remember, an HVAC system moves and conditions air.  The more it moves the more it can condition.  So air returns are … (64 comments)

Blogging is Today's "Traditional" Marketing Part Two- Another Success Story - 08:00 PM
Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how blogging is today's new traditional marketing, and I posted a success story from my buyers' mouth.  Yesterday, I closed the twin brother of the husband in the previous story! When I first got the call and the message was that he was the twin brother, I had to play the message a couple of times to make sure I heard him correctly. I had no idea there was a twin... and they're identical! The buyers from a couple of weeks ago were so happy through their buying process, that even before … (49 comments)

HELP! How do you make your spouse a spokesperson for you?!?! - 12:54 PM
I'm hoping I can get some feedback on this issue as I have made no progress in about 4 years. I'm trying to get my wife to be a referral source for my business. And now that she is staying home with our little baby boy I guess I can say "our" business. My wife was a 1st grade teacher and doesn't have a sales bone in her whole body. In the past she's definitely told people that I sell real estate, but she refuses to go any further and get people's information so I can contact them. She feels it's crossing the boundaries and feels awkward even … (29 comments)

"I don't want to hire you to sell my house, but I'd love to pick your brain so I can do it myself!" - 07:13 AM
"I don't want to hire you to sell my house, but I'd love to pick your brain so I can do it myself!"
Well, maybe they aren't quite that blunt.  But the meaning is the same.  And if you've been in this business for more than 20 minutes you've had at least one of these conversations.
I spent time and energy preparing for a listing appointment, had all the right info and a great rapport with the Seller.  I felt I nailed it.  Then, at the very end, I heard:
"I don't want to hire you to sell my house, … (256 comments)

If Customers Had to Use your Back Door - - - Would You be Proud or Embarrassed? - 12:29 PM

I was killing time early the other morning while getting a new windshield put in my truck and thought I would walk down a few of the alleys in our fair city. What I saw did not really surprise me but it did make me think about how back alleys are a lot like careers.
Some of the doorways were clean and bright and made you feel good and some of them were downright ugly, worn out, and outdated.  I thought...'wow...and I always thought this company was on top of their game'.
There were the doors that were functional but not stylish...some were … (19 comments)

How Well Does Blogging Work for You? - 06:35 PM
It's been almost a year since I started this blog...and I'm really glad I did.  I considered this to be a fairly safe way to find out whether or not I had the wherewithal to maintain a blogging presence on a regular basis.  The ActiveRain blogging community turned out to be very supportive of my efforts.
Not to far into my posting career here, I challenged myself to blog at least every two weeks.  At the time, that seemed like it was going to be a fairly onerous task.  I didn't think I really had much to say and that it would be … (73 comments)

Making your Online Presence Mimic your Presence in the Real World - 10:05 PM
Two recent posts, one from Tammy Lankford and one from Gene Mundt got me thinking again, and you know that's dangerous.Tammy is pondering the fact that some people ask a question in their post and never go back to respond to the people that took the trouble to provided an answer.  Gene is wondering what we hope to accomplish with our online marketing.Our behavior online should be absolutely no different from our behavior in the world outside. Courtesy does not go out the window because we are not looking at, hearing, or touching someone else.  Always say thank you.Always acknowledge someone … (80 comments)


Blog posts


USA Land for Sale for $129,990 - Price Improvement - Southeast Lots for Sale - 03:25 PM
Carolina private - gated - wooded acres … (1 comments)

5870 Benner Street, #201, Highland Park - 06:48 PM
5870 Benner Street, #201, Highland Park
 
 

5870 Benner Street, #201, Highland Park, offered for sale at: $155,000
Standard sale with new kitchen & new bathroom - all in move-in condition. Gorgeously landscaped. Gated community of 7 buildings makes Arroyo Seco Village a unique & special place to live. This 2nd floor end unit with view balcony faces Arroyo Seco Village's grassy & tree-lined courtyard; consists of living room & breakfast room; kitchen with new cabinets & new built-ins: stove, oven & microwave; 1 bedroom, 1 full bath; mirrored closet, linen cabinet (All freshly painted, new carpets & new … (0 comments)

Homes for sale Brookeville, MD $400-$450k - 02:10 PM
Homes for Sale Brookeville, MD $400-$450k
 

Our Nation's Capital for a day in 1814
Brookeville, MD is located a few miles north of Olney, MD on Route 97 (Georgia Avenue).  The town has quite a history and today is the center of the outer reaches of suburban Montgomery County.  Brookeville  feels like country and yet it is only about 15 miles north of the red line.  Shopping is close by and homeowners here are ready to welcome Harris Teeter, the Green Turtle and more to the revitalized Olney shopping area.

The Inn at Brookeville Farms
The Inn at … (1 comments)

Hill Country Galleria - Bee Cave Austin TX - Trick or Treating Events - 03:42 PM
Hill Country Galleria - Bee Cave Austin TX - Trick or Treating on Saturday, October 30. Actually, there will be activities all day.  This is a picture of Alyssa at the Galleria last year! Man, has she changed!

From 10am-9pm, there will be Eurobungee and a Rock Climbing Wall. Wish I could do that, but I'm sure my belly would get in the way! From 3pm-7pm, there will be Bat Puppet Crafts by Art Attack. Art Attack is fun as we've gone several times to make ceramics with hand and feet prints. At 3pm, there is a Dance Performance by … (7 comments)

Blogging is Today's "Traditional" Marketing Part Two- Another Success Story - 08:00 PM
Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how blogging is today's new traditional marketing, and I posted a success story from my buyers' mouth.  Yesterday, I closed the twin brother of the husband in the previous story! When I first got the call and the message was that he was the twin brother, I had to play the message a couple of times to make sure I heard him correctly. I had no idea there was a twin... and they're identical! The buyers from a couple of weeks ago were so happy through their buying process, that even before … (49 comments)

Upcoming Training At RE/MAX Professional Associates - 08:25 AM

I wanted to share the upcoming training and events for RE/MAX Professional Associates.  Each week this list gets updated and sent out to us in a Broker Bytes newsletter along with tips and best practices.  All weekly trainings start at 10AM after the 2 group coaching sessions for experienced & new agents.  November 2-Spencer-Social Media-Blogging class November 3-RE/MAX & You Rapid Learning Series-In Mystic for FREE November 9-Charlton-Forms November 16-Spencer-Social Media-Blogging class 2 November 23-Charlton-Inv. Property Appraisal-Conrad November 30-Spencer-Office meeting-Realtor.com vote   November-Coming Soon-Sturbridge 5-7pm-Master’s Edge Richard Robin’s Sales Mastery Course(Stay tuned for Special incentives) Networking Events: October 25, 5-7 Fun At Five Central Mass … (4 comments)

Closet Organization It's a Project! - 11:59 AM
Looking for ways to organize your closets, or even your garage for more storage? Below is a great article that your can benefit from!
Please call Perry Tiemann with Garage Decor and More for all of your garage storage needs. Perry's phone number is 618-789-7969. He has Garage Cabinets, Garage Flooring, Polymer Floors, Slatwall Systems, Overhead Racks, Loft-it Lift Systems, Closet Systems and Accessories.
Via Marilyn Boudreaux (Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s):
WELCOME TO MY CLOSET PROJECT

Earlier this week I was showing a very nice new  $375,000 home to a prospective buyer.  When we entered the Master Bath … (0 comments)

New Pledge Of Allegiance - 12:33 PM
You will love this! "They" can take God out of school, but those who know the One, True and Living God, they will never take Him out of our Hearts.
Via Connie Lou Barnett GRI,CRS,CRB,SRMM,ARA,PRS,SFR,QSC (Real Living/Home Realty):
BY A 15 yr. Old SCHOOL KID IN ARIZONA New Pledge of Allegiance (TOTALLY AWESOME)! Since the Pledge of Allegiance And The Lord's Prayer Are not allowed in most Public schools anymore Because the word 'God' is mentioned..... A kid in Arizona wrote the attached NEW School prayer: Now I sit me down in school Where praying is against the rule For this great … (2 comments)

Asset Securement Services in Belleville IL - 12:51 PM
Are you in need of Asset Securement Services in the Belleville Illinois area?
Charles Spicer and Randy Brown are owners of Home Design, LLC and can handle trash outs, re-keying, remodeling, lawn care and any of your foreclosure trash out needs. They can be reached at 618-560-4011 or 618-670-4724.

… (0 comments)

Everyday-Go Forward and Do Something Positive - 01:05 PM
Great post. Jim Rohn is really one of greatest motivational speakers you can listen to. We show our Faith by what we DO! Faith without Action is useless. We need to speak Wisely and Live Wisely. Sometimes we just need to get our feet washed, get them wet by jumping in and getting into action. Sometimes we need to be bathed from head to toe, and without the action of taking a bath/shower you will not be clean.
Joy comes from helping others in need, speaking a kind word, and giving of yourself as soon as the need presents itself. Never wait … (0 comments)

The Power of Prayer - 02:46 PM
Do you want to see God move in your life? Then it is the time to pray. Do you want to see the Hand of God work thru the circumstances of life to bring about something miraculous - something abundantly good - even out of what we perceive to be our darkest moments. Then it is time to pray.
Do you believe that God cares for his creation, and his cares for us? If God created the universe - and He did! If God put the earth on it's foundation - and He did! If God set the limit for the … (4 comments)

Four Reasons Why Your House Won't Sell - 11:06 PM
Here is some very good advice for home sellers. Be sure to be the best that you can be! Make sure your home is "market ready" and priced to have a "wow" factor when you have a prospective buyer walk thru your home!
If your home is not market ready, and priced below your competion, buyers in this market will move on to the next home seller that is. There are just too many homes on the market, and some at great deals. They will sell before you if you don't give yourself the edge. It will only cost you more … (1 comments)

If Selling by Committee...You Have To Be the Conductor - 11:16 PM
                                              
 
 
Have you ever sold real estate by committee? Have you ever done a transaction by committee? You just might say: What is she talking about now?
The property has been on the market and we now have an offer.  The seller starts receiving advice from others. These can include grown children and their spouses, in laws, siblings, grandchildren and their spouses, nieces, nephews, best friends, neighbors, ex-wives, beauticians, gardeners and their spouses, house keepers etc...OK so I am exaggerating a bit but you get the point.
These are the people who I refer to as "the committee". … (28 comments)

Flat Fee Listings. Why You SHOULD Consider Them. - 04:48 PM
Hi folks. I want to talk a little bit about Flat Fee MLS Listings. There is a featured post titled "To Flat Fee or Not to Flat Fee" I'd link to it but it's "Member's Only". Anyway, the writer is asking "Why are so many agents opposed to flat fee listings?" That's a very good question. Based on the responses she received the issues agents have are: Can't reach the seller to show the property. Why should they have to do all the work for half the pay? The properties are usually over priced.  The co-broke offered is usually less than … (69 comments)

Do You Want Listings or Motivated Sellers? - 03:30 PM
Do You Want Listings or Motivated Sellers for You Atlanta Home? Personally, I want motivated sellers. I want to know that I have a chance to sell the Atlanta home and if the seller does not cooperate there won't be a sale. When buyers do an Atlanta home search, I want them to find my homes and know they will find homes they can buy at the terms that are beneficial to both parties. So here are some keys to know if you have a motivated seller for your Atlanta home. 1. They WANT to sell their house and are motivated … (11 comments)

Should I pay down my mortgage(s) - 08:01 PM
I have always been a believer in leveraging your time, tools and resources. Money is a resource and these days, not too easily replenished!
If you can afford the payments and have extra cash, I believe its' best to hang on to your cash!
Doug posted a very good thought here:
Via Doug Jones CMPS (Mortgage Magic):
In real estate it has been said everything is location, location, and location. In money management the words are timing, timing, and timing. Back in the early 1980's banks were offering 10+% for savings accounts. But, most of us did not have the money to take … (2 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Country Home with 10 Acres - 02:59 PM
16683 McDonald Road just outside of Mount Vernon, Ohio near shopping and the major conveniences of Knox County.
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (1 comments)

CAN YOU WRITE FROM YOUR SOUL ON ACTIVE RAIN? - 03:05 PM
I have been following Joe Jackson on ActiveRain for nearly 3 years.  Joe's post is a reminder to me and I am sure many others that we all need to blog beyond our real estate listings.  This is great motivation for me to create some new Knox County Ohio community posts on ActiveRain.  
Sam Miller
Via Joe Jackson (Keller Williams Capital Partners):
It has been over 3 years ago that Sam Miller invited me to join Active Rain. At firast I was just posting listing, some community information and responding to posts. But as I approach 300,000 points, I have realized the … (2 comments)

Helen Ga real Estate: "You can't FAKE IT" - 09:31 AM
Perfume makers try and bottle it, room freshners try and imitate it, fabric softners try to copy it, but you know...You Can't FAKE IT!!  What is IT?  That clean fresh woodsy smell encountered on an early morning walk on a country road.  Especially right after a light spring or fall shower.  Today!!  Today is the perfect example of that woodsy clean air that is reserved only for lightly populated areas.  I just returned from a visit to a metropolitan area.  I did go for my walk with my Sir Winston (more about him later), at his insistence.  Guess what, even he … (2 comments)

Water bill leaving you All Washed Up?! - 04:43 PM
Many Loudoun County residents recently got a shock when they opened their water bills and found that their amount due was much more than they had anticipated. If you don't look carefully through the inserts in your water bill, or if you don't attend your HOA meetings, then you probably missed the information detailing a new three-tiered billing system implemented by Loudoun Water. The first tier charges customers who use less than 25,000 gallons $1.77 per 1,000 gallons used. The second tier charges customers who use between 26,000 and 50,000 gallons $4.96 per 1000 gallons used. And the third tier charges … (0 comments)

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