Archives of real estate blog entries for November 21, 2010

Featured blog posts


"You're Not a Good Worker!" - 09:04 PM
You can imagine my surprise when these words came out of my husband's mouth a while ago. We were doing some landscaping at our office building and had just come from the nursery with 30 shrubs to place and plant. (We are all about sweat equity). 
I tend to focus on details, so after arranging, rearranging, nudging and tweaking the plan, I finally gave the thumbs up to start digging (which means it was time for my husband to start taking action while I stood back and admired the progress). 
I guess I let my Blackberry distract me for a few … (47 comments)

There is one extraordinary benefit of the current real estate market in Coweta County GA! - 08:21 PM
At one time, Coweta County Georgia was the fastest growing county in the entire United States. But the nearly uncontrolled explosive development threatened the rural character of the former bedroom community, now a suburb of Atlanta.
When the earth movers ceased their incessant drone in late 2006, the days of the great land grab ended. And acreage as a commodity was no longer traded.
So at least for now, I can drive a few short miles and be a totally different world, devoid of sprawl and in essentially the same state as it was fifty years ago.
Anthropological history, at least … (24 comments)

I Was Inspired by Jason Crouch! - 01:31 AM
I was inspired by...Jason Crouch!
Things were looking pretty grim about three years ago. My real estate income had dropped by over 66%, and the future seemed to include very dark possibilities. I was in a real estate death spiral.
I was praying for a solution, and I needed solid advice that I could implement fast. I called a friend who suggested that I talk to Jason Crouch. He spent time finding out what my situation was, spent a few hours giving me direction, and the main idea that he suggested was that it was time to move to a different brokerage.
… (61 comments)

Realtors are Packing - I Mean Handguns! - 01:18 PM
Realtors are Packing - I Mean Handguns
While going through this morning's Los Angeles Times(11.21.10) business section I ran across a small article written by Mary Umberger(Chicago Tribune). Titled "Locked and Loaded", she wrote of an unscientific online poll regarding Realtor safety.    The unscientific report states 25% of the Realtor respondents stated they carried handguns.   Of course, it was a relatively low number of respondents(according to the news article--240 total participated in the poll).  
I am not sure of the validity of this poll but it is certainly advisable to be mindful of our safety as Realtors especially when you think of vacant and abandoned … (172 comments)

Haunted by a RainDance - Am I a Hyper-Local Realtor® who keeps her word? - 06:43 PM
Haunted by a RainDance - Am I a Hyper-Local Realtor® who keeps her word?  
Back when I was young and foolish - June 2010 to be exact - I posted a little video on the Internet.  Today, it came back to haunt me.
 
This afternoon my buyers decided which NJ lakefront home for sale was the right vacation house for them. Their young but adult daughter had come to give her opinion too.  Yippee! We found one they all can enjoy and will submit the offer this week. Even better is that the listing agent is a dear colleague from my … (91 comments)

As a Realtor, paying a concession at closing may be the best money you ever spend! - 03:08 AM
Have you ever had a "problem" client who was absolutely dead set on walking away from a deal over a $200 - $400 dispute?  Maybe they wanted a new dishwasher.  Perhaps a carpet cleaning?  More than likely, this client has run you through the ringer already.  "No, maybe, no, maybe, no....okay, I guess".    When the dispute arises, their comments are something along the lines of, "I don't care how much the seller has given, I don't get this concession, I don't close".   Stalemate.  Commission on 99% of sale = $0   Decision time.  This is where the proverbial rubber … (62 comments)

Do You Lock The Door And Throw Away The Key??? - 08:45 AM
I recently wrote a post titled "Find a Buyers' Agent Who Cares or Be Prepared to Pay the Piper" and now here's the flip side of that coin.  My team and I are listing agents, and our attitude is that it's better to co-broke than go broke.  We market to buyer agents.
Most buyers today have a buyers' agent or seek one out when they are ready to proceed with a property.  This is a good decision for every buyer.  They all need to be represented properly.  
However, there are listing agents who make life very difficult for buyer agents to proceed.  Phone … (76 comments)

No New Debt! - 07:30 AM
Are you in the process of obtaining financing for a home you have under contract?  Our friends and trusted lenders at Group One Mortgage want to warn you about taking on any new debt while you go through the closing process on your new property:
No New Debt! Failure to follow these new rules may result in the delay or termination of your mortgage loan! As of 2010, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac instituted a new rule. Lenders are required to verbally re-verify your employment and update your credit report within 10 days of your closing. We must identify and investigate … (43 comments)

Live Christmas trees, roping, wreaths, centerpieces and so much more at Fieldstone Nursery in New Milford, CT. - 09:34 AM
Live Christmas trees, roping, wreaths, centerpieces and so much more at Fieldstone Nursery in New Milford, CT.


 
The little elves at Fieldstone Nursery in New Milford, CT are hard at work again! From now until they sell out, Fieldstone Nursery will be open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm making and selling you some of the most spectacular holiday greenery and more. I was there the other day and went in the magical back room, the elves were certainly hard at work. The air was heavy with the smell of Christmas, the greens were flying, … (26 comments)

Blogging is a contact sport - 11:37 AM
Blogging has always been a little give and take.  You give your heart into your blogs, and the reading public (if you're fortunate enough to HAVE a reading public) takes what they want from what you've written.
If you're truly fortunate, you get occasional feedback from your readership in the form of comments.  Active Rain is really good with that and most commenters (although not all) are polite and professional.
But out there [Alan points out over the audience's heads for emphasis] in the real world, unprotected by Bob Stewart, Kerrie Greenhalgh, et al... in the worlds of Wordpress, Trulia, Zillow … (71 comments)

This is my favorite Selling Season! Want to know why? - 04:38 PM
This is my favorite Selling Season!  Want to know why?
When should I put my home on the market? Wrightsville Beach Sellers, you've heard it for as long as you can remember;  Spring is the best selling season.  People buy in the Spring so they can move in the Summer.  No one wants to move in the Winter.
I beg to differ.  Right now is the best selling season.  That's right: "NOW!"
Let's think about it for a minute.  If you were looking for a home right now wouldn't you be pretty serious about it?  I mean, who takes … (66 comments)

Did you know your iPhone can help get you robbed? My past clients didn’t until now! - 12:36 AM
Seems when of my past buyers almost got robbed recently and it looks like it maybe all do to their iPhone and their iPhone camera. Now, they were very careful not to ever use FourSquare at home and they never published their address anywhere. The fact is everything they had via mail went to a PO Box at the local post office.

But, what they didn’t realize was every picture they took with their iPhone that the uploaded was Geotagged and gave the exact location of the photo. So, when someone started watching Twitter and saw they were out and … (121 comments)

Buyers - Be diligent in knowing THE REST OF THE STORY - 11:34 PM
PAUL HARVEY was a radio personality who was one of the best storytellers of all time. From 1976 until his death in 2009, Paul told a series of stories described as part mystery and part history. And each time he would end his broadcast with his famous line "and now you know ... (pause) ... the REST OF THE STORY".
When buying a house, your real estate agent will be able to tell you at least some of the story. They can tell you facts about the neighborhood that might include nearby schools, parks, grocery stores and public transportation.
The seller … (21 comments)

Peter Horn Master Violin Maker and Restorer - Greater Cleveland Ohio - 11:27 PM
Peter Horn Master Violin Maker and Restorer of Stringed Instruments - Greater Cleveland Ohio

Greater Cleveland, Ohio is home to one of the most experienced (56+ years) master violin (and all stringed instruments) maker, repair and restoration specialists in the country.  Peter Horn is a master violin maker, repairer and restorer.


I had the opportunity recently to visit Peter in his shop in at 10269 Barr Road in Brecksville, Ohio 44141.  My daughter's viola bow had a serious stress fracture so I took it to Peter to evaluate.  Peter explained that the crack was running with the … (24 comments)

Montgomery & Bucks County Featured Communities! - 08:12 AM
… (7 comments)

Skype: It's so Easy a 2 Year Old Can Train You! - 12:12 PM
Yesterday I had a conference call on that "skype thing" and I had never used it.  Ever ever ever.  I have heard of it, my sister has begged me to get a webcam since her first kid was born (over two years ago).  I balked at the learning curve and a possible new addiction.
Seriously, don't let the learning curve throw you off - it's easy.  All you need is a web cam (unless it is already built into your computer equipment) and the FREE Skype software for your computer.  They also have apps for mobile phones such as the iPhone … (79 comments)

I Don't Want To List My Neighbors House.... Do You? - 10:13 AM
Why would anyone want to list their neighbors home? Down the street from me lives a Realtor who just listed his neighbors home. He's very proud and excited, as he should be. He's knocked on all of our doors to "tell us" about his new listing. Obviously I kicked him in the crotch when he rang my doorbell - kidding.
I don't know about you, but I'm not interested in having my every move judged by my next door neighbor. Can you imagine all the awkward conversations if the home isn't getting showings or selling?
 
THERE CAN BE NO SMALL … (177 comments)

I don't care WHAT you say.... - 06:20 PM
I don't care WHAT you say.... I had a totally unexpected conversation the other day with someone I truly respect in the real estate marketing world. They told me blogging was passé, blogging for business is too much work and not worth it. Why do that when I can pay to be advertised on a site that gets millions of people on it looking for a home? Just sit back and let the leads pour in. Doesn't that sound easy? I was actually horrified when we were having this conversation. I have put so much time and effort into blogging and … (89 comments)

Are You Thankful For Activerain? I Am! - 09:43 AM
 
Are You Thankful for Activerain?  I Am!
 

I must say, I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season (and everyday), the list could go on for days.  Of course, there is my family, my friends, my career, my church, my health....But I have written about those things many times, and This Thanksgiving, I wanted to focus on Activerain and the many things AR gives me.
 

 
If you have been on AR for more than a day, you most likely know who Bob Stewart, Jonathan Washburn, Kerrie Greenhalgh and Ben Kinney are.  … (76 comments)

Dear Buyer: I'm Not Hiding Houses From You! - 10:52 AM
Dear Buyer:  I'm Not Hiding Houses From You!
Believe me I want to sell you a house!  In fact, I have a big incentive to sell you a house.  So I wouldn't be going and hiding any houses from you.  I just wouldn't do that.  In fact I check the MLS two or three times a day to see if there is a new house on the market that you would like.  I know it is frustrating because the inventory of homes you are interested in is extremely low.   And you are ready to buy a house NOW.  There are a … (79 comments)

cd - 07:52 AM
cd=400,000. Roman Numerals. 
I have posted on each of my millennial milestones, and with each marker I am more humbled by the impact on my business than the point total. What a trip. 
I discovered Active Rain while researching a scam out of Colorado. I created a profile and little else for about a year. I began blogging in earnest in December of 2008, but by the summer of 2009 my activity began to tail off as the local market tanked and I devoted time to chasing deals. Around that time I met the late legendary Joe Ferrara at the Lucky Striker Social … (63 comments)

Quit Complaining About Being Featured… - 11:20 PM
 
Quit Complaining About Being Featured…
I find that if people like what I write; I will get featured, period. Sometimes I spend a lot of time on an inspired subject or topic. Time does not equal feature. I believe it is better than most. I can’t be the judge, I’m prejudiced.
I would rather see 30 comments than a featured post with 9 comments.
Most of the complaints are from some really gifted writers. The problem is that they haven’t built up any constant readership. That’s why I like and employ the
 button. I use it when I … (65 comments)

Nothing Screws Up the Day More than a Bad Cup of Coffee - 02:17 AM
Nothing Screws Up the Day More than a Bad Cup of Coffee
If you are like me you begin your day with a cup of coffee.  Sure a morning shower is refreshing, and I am always excited to begin the day with a blog post that pops into my mind the first thing in the morning.  But, nothing gets done before that first cup of Joe.  I would say I'm caffeine addicted but that is not true, I am COFFEE addicted.  Caffeine tablets and soda pops don't cut it.  Coffee ice cream, lattes, Frappucinnos®, Costa Rican, Columbian, and that new Dunkin … (94 comments)

Great Service is a Choice................ - 03:34 PM
Years ago, my friend, Harvey Mackay, told me a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point. He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey.
He handed my friend a laminated card and said:   "I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the … (16 comments)

Last Week's Favorites: November 14th - 21st - 12:47 PM
This has been a most interesting week.  And I think that Cindy Jones may have sold us a house.  More about that later.  Here are this week's picks.
1.  Irene Kennedy:  An Ouchie for my Wallet but maybe a Pay It Forward too  This is a wonderful post about how to amass some great real estate karma.
2.  Ken Speer: MY BROKER SUCKS! - PART 1 OF 3  Also check out Parts 2 and 3.  We should all have such sucky brokers!  Actually, I do!
3.  Barbara Chatterton: Expectations: We Will Not Be De-Feeted!  This is a good one to read … (41 comments)


Blog posts


SOLD- 8 Blaine Avenue, Leola, Pa 17540 – $209,000 MLS#172547 - 07:50 PM
Welcome Back Readers!  Today we have a new video tour of 8 Blaine Avenue in Leola Pa!  Just minutes away from major commuter routes, bring your Time Machine & Imagination and this home will shine!   Here are the basic stats, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2155 Square Feet,  read on for more details and check out the video tour in the youtube player!
 This home offers a spacious floor plan & with the help of a $5,000 re-decorating allowance (w/acceptable offer) you'll easily be able to make this home shine!  HUGE bedrooms, slate entry foyer, formal living room, cozy family room with wood fireplace, a … (0 comments)

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21 IN NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES - 07:45 AM
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
… (0 comments)

The Diet Continues - Week 61 - Holding Steady! - 04:20 PM
As I have told a lot of you I am just trying to hold steady until after New Year and then I will kick the caffeine and go back on induction.  However, this week I really watched the volume of food, but I did not starve.  I kept the carbs moderate, but not low. 
I dropped 2 pounds this week.
… (3 comments)

Attack of the Frozen Turkeys! - 04:30 PM
Tonight is the big night!  The annual Church Thanksgiving Potluck!  This year we volunteered to bring one of the turkeys.
So I rush home from Church to get it cook and what do I find - After 4 days in the Fridge it is still like a rock!  I dump it in the cold water to defrost, but it still looks like it could sink the Titanic!
What's a guy to do?  Rush the wife off to the store to get a ham!  I can cook that in 2 hours! 
Now what am I going to do with a Turkey that … (8 comments)

Is Your Refrigerator "Market Ready" to help your home sell - 06:27 PM
The refrigerator is one of the main focal points of your kitchen. And since the kitchen is one of the biggest selling features of your home, don't mess it up by answering yes to any of the questions below.   1. Will buyers be able to see where my family has traveled by the magnets I've displayed?   2. Will buyers be able to see how cute I am and how cute my kids, grandchildren, pets or grandparents are?   3. Does my refrigerator look like I had to push the doors shut to get the produce, meat, soft drink and freezer aisles from … (5 comments)

North by Northeast 18th Annual Discovery Tour Today November 21 - 01:31 PM
The rain is clearing off! 
What a beautiful day for the Arroyo Arts Collective 18th Annual Discovery Tour in Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Garvanza, Montecito Heights and Mount Washington.
First stop:  Lummis Home (200 East Avenue 43, Highland Park 90042) to sign in and pick up the tour book.

More info:   North by Northeast Discovery Tour.
… (3 comments)

Moon Over Baltimore - 12:14 AM
Driving home this(Saturday) evening, could not help but notice the absolute beauty of the moon. The full moon is actually tomorrow November 21st but it looked close enough for me.
                                                                       Loved the way you could  see the  jet trails.
 
           
 
Decided to step outside and see the moon's position from my house. With so many trees around, it is not usually visable. But since we now have some naked trees...this is what I captured.
 
 
            
 
         … (21 comments)

Looking Forward To Thanksgiving And Reflections On Thanksgivings Past - 10:50 PM
We're on countdown now to Thanksgiving, probably my favorite holiday of the year. My early memories play like an 8 millimeter movie with my mother in the lead role as she valiantly carried the enormous turkey to an already overcrowded table. The cast remained the same over the years, revealing changes only in style and age as it crept up on mom and all the supporting players.For me, the passage of time was a gift as I raced toward some unseen goal post called adulthood.  I glibly lied about my age as my body prematurely morphed into the shape of a full grown woman.  There were times I added … (6 comments)

What's Going On In ActiveRain - This Is Bizarre - 11:18 PM
Okay, I wasn't sure quite what to do with this but it's too bizarre and I'd love to know how this can happen here.  For those of you who missed it, here is a post from a new "member."   I just can't imagine how this can happen.  I can understand someone having a problem, if this is real, but how does someone create a membership with a phone number that goes to information?  Maybe someone here is smarter than I am.
… (17 comments)

Choosing Your Tech Tools - from Your Realtor®, The Geek - 09:22 PM
Often times, there are really COOL tools and technology out there & I admit, I have put a few of them on my "to-do" list, but why?  If they don't add to the bottom line and if they don't meet a need or help in productivity, maybe they are just COOL toys and not really TOOLS.
 
Via Danielle "Dee" Baldwin (Fort Collins Realtor @ Infinity Group Realty):
Over the course of the next few weeks I’ll be sharing some of my all-time favorite technology tools.  The trick for making the most of technology is to use what works for you but there … (1 comments)

Does timing make a difference? - 09:57 PM
Every year, I mail out a magnetic calendar to my database of friends, past clients, customers and affiliates. I usually mail out about 1300 pieces.
 
I have wondered about the timing, however. When is the best time to send these little marketing pieces out in order to get the best results?
 
When are people most open minded to looking at a new year & taking the initiative to place YOUR calendar on their refrigerator?
 
This year, I plan to mail them out just after Thanksgiving.
 
What do you think?  Does timing make a difference?
… (11 comments)

3 Bedroom Condo for rent in Nampa, Idaho - 10:07 PM
Cozy, 1100+ SF tri-plex unit on Indian Creek with quick Interstate 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)

3378 Kingswood Way Boise Idaho - 10:26 PM
This charming 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Boise home has a cozy gas fireplace in the living room, large utility room and 2-car garage!
 
With auto sprinklers and only 988 Square Feet, this well-kept home is low maintenance and priced for affordability!
 
Check out this fabulous Boise Home at 3378 Kingswood Way for only $78,000!
 



… (2 comments)

5105 Dandridge Way Caldwell Idaho - 10:41 PM
This newer 1503 SF Caldwell home sits on a standard sized lot next to the common area with a fenced yard, 2-car garage and an upstairs bonus room!
 
With a split-bedroom design, the space is used well without the wasted hallway area.
 
This Caldwell Short Sale is priced at $80,000 and offers 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Great Room & Upstairs Bonus Room!
 

 
5105 Dandridge Way  Caldwell, ID  83607
 
 
 
… (6 comments)

Star Idaho Real Estate Report - 10:48 PM
Trey collects some excellent data on the Boise Idaho Real Estate Market!
We are seeing an up-tick in new construction this year as opposed to 2009! This means more jobs in the region and we hope to see new construction increase even more in 2011!
See these stats that Trey presents and check out more about Idaho Real Estate here!
 
Via Trey Langford (BuildIdaho.com):
Star Idaho Home Values & Real Estate Report Average Quarterly Sales Price of New and Resale Homes in Star, Idaho
Source: Intermountian MLS
Trey LangfordFounder
www.Buildidaho.com

Locate New Subdivisions across Treasure Valley Idaho
Research Boise Idaho Home … (0 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Real Estate - 10:09 AM
Within easy walking distance of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University this surprisingly spacious ranch is a worth serious consideration.  Visit 103 Parrott Street online and we would love to give you a personal tour.
Offered by Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Homes For Sale
… (2 comments)

Another Knox County Ohio Home Goes Under Contract within Days of Listing (SOLD) - 10:21 AM
When you are serious about selling your Knox County Ohio home call Sam Miller and start packing.  
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Homes For Sale
… (3 comments)

Adding ActiveRain Video Tutorials - 10:47 AM
I think adding an detailed library of video tutorials to ActiveRain could be a positive addition.  I am confident that many new members become a little overwhelmed once they have joined ActiveRain and log in for the first time.  If there was a short 1 minute video explanation of each of the features it might enhance the member retention of ActiveRain.
 
… (4 comments)

Happy Thanksgiving to our Active Rain friends... - 08:22 AM

 
May you all have safe travels, fun, relaxation, and time with family and friends,
 
Happy Thanksgiving to you all-Jay
… (2 comments)

ONE WAY TO CURE THE ECONOMY.....TAKE THE LOSS AND MOVE ON.... - 08:20 AM
Real Estate at the end of the day in an investment. Just like any other investment sometimes you loose and sometimes you gain. Life is full of tough choices and fold and go on your home is one of them. Read on.....
Via Richie Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca:
People who have lost something suffer for the experience. Have you ever had a car stolen, a home burglarized....your purse or wallet taken? How about people who gamble. They play and lose and hide that failing with a vow to WIN IT ALL BACK...when in reality they may need to just stop gambling
… (4 comments)

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