Archives of real estate blog entries for November 22, 2010

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Australian Drunk Driving Ad Campaign - 09:50 PM
Australian Drunk Driving Ad Campaign
Today I received an email from a friend that I think should be shared with anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car.  It is the hardest-hitting, in-your-face video I think I've ever seen, and the timing couldn't be better, with the holiday season approaching.
As the father of a daughter that just turned 16 last week, and is now driving, it hit home especially hard with me.  This holiday season, while attending the various social functions, take a moment and think about this video before making the decision to get behind the wheel after … (29 comments)

21 Questions to Ask the Short Sale Seller - 06:52 PM
  
 
 
Quick!  A potential short sale seller calls you to list his property.  What questions do you ask?  Here are a few to start the conversation....
1.       Who are the mortgage holders on your property?
2.       Approximate balances?
3.       Is your loan VA or FHA/HUD? 
4.       Do you have a hardship?  If so, what caused it?
5.       Would you prefer to keep the property?
6.       Have you tried a loan modification or other type of work-out?  If so, what was the outcome?
7.       If FHA/HUD - have you started any pre-foreclosure sale paperwork with your … (50 comments)

5 Tips For Selling Your Central Oregon Home in the Winter - 12:29 PM
We all know that Central Oregon is known for the sunshine, the winters and the wonderful lifestyle so many want to enjoy.  Selling in the winter certainly brings some challenges that our Spring and Summer selling season does not.  Below is a list of things that every Central Oregon seller can do to make their home shine above the rest in the winter.
Keep Walkways Clear of Clutter and Snow – while we cannot always be home to make sure the daily dusting of snow off the walkway, but you you certainly not have items cluttering the walk way or snow … (15 comments)

What I would do with $220.00 in Savings! - 05:53 PM
Kodak has issued the challenge to us to let them know what we would do with $220.00 in Savings we could obtain by using their ink jet printers.
I really want to do something that will make a long term impact.  There are so many needs and I could not possibly meet all of them.  Some of these needs are so big that $220.00 would hardly seem a drop in the bucket.
Here is what I would do.  I would find 7 people and give them $30.00 each with a task for that $30.00.  With that $30.00 I would have them … (29 comments)

Celebrating in the Rain...My TRUE Secret to Success - 02:52 PM
Celebrating ActiveRain Milestones...My TRUE Secret to Success This week, I am celebrating several milestones and thought I'd share a bit of my excitement with my friends here in the Rain.  I've had quite a few ideas for celebrating my 3rd year on ActiveRain, my first ActiveRain client who finally Closed recently (after two plus years of working together) and my 700K milestone.  I planned to write all about ActiveRain and its benefits, a thank you to those who've contributed to my success here in the Rain, a thank you to those who loyally post comments on my blog even when I … (120 comments)

Let go and move on... - 07:15 AM
In these tough times it is sometimes very difficult to just let go and move on with life. Agents are pulling out all stops and trying everything that they can think of to save deals. I can't blame them for trying and sometimes the extra effort or new approach might actually turn up something that works. But, other times it amounts to beating a dead horse and it's time to let go and move on. Sometimes, no matter how many suggestions one can make about trying something different for financing or taking a different approach to dealing with an inspection issue; … (75 comments)

Just because you over spent on your home, doesn't mean someone else will over pay to purchase it! - 10:34 PM
Well here is a not so new scenario.  I don't know why it surprises me so often when I run across it every now and again. 
Last week I took some buyers out to see some homes.  They were fairly new to the area, and a pleasure to work with, and will continue to be so going forward.  Since they were new to the area, I spent some time showing them various homes at various price points in various areas. 
So after a dozen or so homes we found the right one, only it was north of the upper end of … (33 comments)

It's Not Dancing With The Stars....But We're Always Being Judged...Ever Score A "10"??? - 07:02 PM
I read a post written by Norma Toering titled "A Good Agent Opens Doors And So Much More" and it brought to mind one of the reasons we like doing open house events every weekend.  Norma talks about doing open houses to provide information to potential buyers who are looking for a buyers' agent to represent them.
We are listing agents and one of our bonuses in providing open house events every weekend is that we are constantly being "silently judged" by potential sellers.  They visit the open house and never discuss marketing their home.  They are grading our presentation of … (42 comments)

Does Your Image Need A Make-over? - 10:33 AM
Last night I was flipping channels back and forth from the American Music Awards and.......(your guess)
Recently I bought Taylor Swifts new CD, Speak Now (which I love). When Taylor Swift came on to perform....I should say came down...from the stage on a piano singing my favorite song (Back to December) I was excited my channel flipping worked.
Regardless she had a brand new look, long straight hair, different tone and looked amazing.
But, her Voice was just as amazing.
So what does this have to do with Real Estate?
I mean this is a real estate community right? And we … (78 comments)

Why is my window a water fountain? Or----water wants to return to the ocean. - 10:56 AM
Improper flashings haunt most homes.
The basic principle of all exterior cladding of a home is fairly simple:
All materials, as they change type or function, shall have a means of overlapping the materials below them.
It is all about gravity, and making gravity work for us instead of against us.  It is the principle that makes rivers work, and our hair to lay flat---relatively (I know there are those of you that question this part).  If we do not lap materials properly, water can and will take the easiest path downward that it can find----even if it means that … (65 comments)

Can I Get A Better Deal? By Dan Polimino. - 05:55 AM
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful Holiday weekend.
Some buyers were thinking about purchasing a home and wanted to know if they should buy and close in December or in January. Basically, they wanted to know if they would get a better deal if they closed before the end of the year. I said yes, they very well could get a better deal if they closed before the end of the year and here’s why:
•  If you’re looking at a bank-owned property or a builder, they would love to get as much inventory off … (51 comments)

Would you hire your last waiter or waitress? - 03:15 PM
How well do you read your clients needs and objectives?  Are you working for TIPS or just showing up to work and waiting for people to come sit in your "section"?
I just read another blog, http://activerain.com/blogsview/1980839/call-the-waiter-great-advice- that got me thinking (I know that is dangerous). . . Would you hire your last waiter or waitress?
In Don's blog he talked about how waiters and waitresses are supposed to "wait".  Don say's they are supposed to wait for us to make up our minds and order and then wait to see if we want desert. 
But wait, my waiter/waitress forgot to wait!
I am always amazed when … (35 comments)

What Do You Do When You're in a Slump? Get Out! - 12:00 AM
What do you do when you are in a slump? A provocatively titled post My Broker Su@&s by Ken Speer recommends a book called Attitude. While I am all for good attitude, and could certainly use a slug of it on most days, I would recommend something a little different: Get Out!
The best way to get out of a slump is to get out and see people. People who like you, people who owe you, people who like your kids, spouse or dog. You have to stand in front of them to look them in the eye and say "Thank … (99 comments)

WHY DO LISTING AGENTS TAKE OVERPRICED LISTINGS?? THE SECRETS REVEALED! - 10:38 AM
THE GLUT OF OVERPRICED LISTINGS IN MANY MARKETS IS A NIGHTMARE FOR BUYERS, SELLERS, AGENTS and LOAN OFFICERS.  That said, there's nothing new in the practice. 

Inspired by a thoughtful post by Shirley Soforic, KMC BLOG.....HURTING HOMEOWNERS FEELINGS, after watching agents not only accepting, but chasing overpriced listings for decades, there can be no reason to excuse the practice of listing homes for higher than market value other than THE AGENT WANTS THE LISTING. 
WHY?  If all the agent was doing was avoiding "hurting the owner's feelings", THEY WOULDN'T BE TAKING THE OVERPRICED LISTING.  Filtering through ACTIVE listings to show homes is … (137 comments)

An Unemotional Look at the Mortgage Interest Deduction - 12:17 PM
While politicians struggle with how to reduce the deficit, and special interests rush to protect their pet projects and “sacred cows,” let’s take an unemotional look at the mortgage interest deduction.  Though eliminating or modifying the deduction has been considered several times in the past, there have been cries from both the real estate and construction industry that the deduction is necessary to maintaining the stability of the housing market.  A recent survey conducted by the NAHB indicated that almost 80% support maintaining tax incentives to promote homeownership.  And even a majority of renters, who help subsidize their home owning neighbors, … (45 comments)

A New Challenge - Day 1 - 09:16 AM
This is going to sound terrible, but over the years I've grown to HATE the Christmas holiday season.  The reasons are too numerous to mention and they're irrelevant because I've decided this year I'm going tp change all that. 
I'm putting myself up to another Challenge.  I'm hoping it will snap me out of the funk I've been in lately and get me back into the routine of blogging daily.  My super star friends Tish Lloyd, Melissa McKinney, BLiz Spear, Margaret Rome and many others have managed to maintain their commitment to blogging DAILY, but I just couldn't keep up the … (38 comments)

Take It Outside! (PLEASE!) - 03:26 PM
I showed a house the other day that may have been perfect for my clients...if only the seller had NOT smoked in the house.  Seriously, the basement was full of smoke from a cigarette that had to have been put out literally minutes before we arrived. 
 I wouldn't even have brought my buyers if I hadn't been told that the seller only smokes in the garage.  Of all days to not smoke in the garage.....GRRRRRR.  The seller agent was pretty horrified when I called with feedback.  This home has been on the market since 2008.
Does That Tell You Anything?

… (59 comments)

I'm Not Just A Realtor®. And Neither Are You. - 04:50 PM
The author of one recently featured blog here on ActiveRain wrote that there's no such thing as truly helpful Realtors®, just  Realtors® who wish to be helpful in hopes of getting clients. The author commented: "We are not charities."
Ouch!
It may be that sort of attitude that's landed real estate agents at the bottom of rankings of prestige. According to The Harris Poll, the professions with the most prestige are firefighters (62% of the public say "very great prestige," scientists (57%), doctors (56%), nurses (54%), and teachers (51%). Those with the least prestige are stock brokers (13%), accountants (11%), and real … (22 comments)

Don't Low Ball A Home You Love - 12:32 AM
Don't Low Ball A Home You Love!
Seriously.  Now I enjoy a good low ball offer as much as the next agent.  However, if you are going to low ball, you have to have the stomach for it.  What does that mean?
No whining for weeks that you lost the perfect house.  No obsessive checking of the MLS to look for a status change. No wishing bad things to happen to the other buyers who didn't low ball and got the house. No accusations thrown at your agent who spent two hours trying to convince you not to low ball THIS … (152 comments)

It is all About the Connections here on ActiveRain - 07:22 AM
Sometimes there are so many things to write about on AR, I forget to write them down but Debbie Gartner reminded me the other day about reflecting on who my first subscribers to my blog were.  So I needed once again to go back and look at and say to myself how great it is to connect with all these people. Ellen Dittman in Orange Park, Florida was the first one to comment to me and subscribe to my blog, #1 spot.  Ellen lived in RI when she was in the military and so was checking out local RI bloggers and … (27 comments)

You Have an Attitude About Blogging, Don't You!!?? - 11:11 PM
You Have an Attitude About Blogging, Don't You!!?? I can tell - you have an attitude about blogging. 
Don't deny it. It's there. 
Whether you like it or not, you have an attitude about blogging.
Now before you get your shorts in a bunch, think about this. 
If you don't have an attitude about blogging, you will likely not be successful at it...unless your attitude IS that it's stupid, a waste of time, or not worth your effort in which case you ain't even botherin'. 
But for those whose attitude is a tad more on the glass-half-full side of things...
 
Is YOUR … (80 comments)

Who's in Your Active Rain Sphere of Influence (AR SOI)? - 07:32 AM
Who's in Your Active Rain Sphere of Influence (AR SOI)?
Active Rain is a humongous network comprised of lot of smaller networks.  Over the past couple of weeks I have really been paying attention to those who are featured and my AR SOI show up quite often.  I know that a great deal of my AR SOI are a part of other AR SOI's, but I like to feel that they all mine.  I know a lot of people think that some people get featured too often or more often than others.  But in the end, that simply means that we … (62 comments)


Blog posts


South America Resort for Sale for $5,000,000 - Ecuador Spa for Sale - Andes Resort for Sale - 01:20 PM
Andes Spa Conference Center Resort … (0 comments)

1021 Mariners Drive - Dover Shores - Newport Beach CA - $3,299,000 - 08:02 PM

Unlimited MLS Access at: OC-CoastalProperties.com
"Your gateway to exceptional service"
This property marketed in association with Tim Carr.
© Copyright 2011, Allan E. Heller. All rights reserved.  DRE #00464662 … (0 comments)

What I would do with $220.00 in Savings! - 05:53 PM
Kodak has issued the challenge to us to let them know what we would do with $220.00 in Savings we could obtain by using their ink jet printers.
I really want to do something that will make a long term impact.  There are so many needs and I could not possibly meet all of them.  Some of these needs are so big that $220.00 would hardly seem a drop in the bucket.
Here is what I would do.  I would find 7 people and give them $30.00 each with a task for that $30.00.  With that $30.00 I would have them … (29 comments)

11 Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays - 08:52 PM
 
11 Reasons to List During the Holidays
1. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! 
 2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!
3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, therewill be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!
 4. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays!
5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!
6. Buyers have more time … (6 comments)

Turkey Testicle Festival Huntley Illinois - 09:55 PM
 Turkey testicle festival Huntley Illinois
 
Parkside Pub,  11721 Main Street, Huntley IL 60142
Cover charge $10.00 for 5 live bands throughout the day!  (Goes to local charities)
SNAFU, UNCLE SAM, MELLENCOUGAR, 7TH HEAVEN and HE SAID SHE SAID (in this order)
Wednesday evening 11/24 doors open at  11.am.
This is a 21 yrs and older event.  Trolleys and buses will be providing rides throughout town.
Come get your nice hot turkey balls (oops...testicals)  Yummy!
… (8 comments)

Illinois New First Time Home Buyer's Program - 10:34 PM
The SmartMove  program features up to $6,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance as a 10-year zero percent forgivable loan. IHDA's programs are geared toward borrowers who need extra flexibility on sources of income or who have limited funds for down payment and closing costs.
SmartMove features:
Maximum LTVs from 96.5 to 100 percent Conventional, FHA, USDA products available Fixed-rate loans with up to 30-year loan terms Mortgage insurance requirements at one-third less than other conventional products Qualifications include:
Minimum credit score = 620 (FHA and USDA loans) or 660 (conventional loans) Buyer must contribute 1 percent or $1,000 of purchase price, … (1 comments)

Belleville Il Investment Property For Sale - 06:54 PM
Scott AFB - Belleville IL Real Estate
 
2127 East Belle Avenue Belleville, IL 62221 $139,900Multi Family Home, 2445 sq. ft., 4 units, MLS# 3011605
Tools & Resources:
1/2
Description
Great income producer. Rents are as follows a)$350mm b)$400 leased thru 8/31/10 c) $400 leased 12/31/10 d) $325MM. newer roof, Seller pays trash, lawn care
Features
Water Heater: Electric Efficiency: 1 Bths, 4 Units Roofing: Comp Shingle Sewer: Public Sewer Property Features: Ceiling Fan, Smoke Detector/Fire, Tv-Cable Water: Public Electric: Circuit Breakers Cooling: Wall Unit Owner Pays: Trash Pick Up Fuel: Electric Lot Size: 108 X 120 Heating: Baseboard Appliances: … (0 comments)

What is Unique About a HomeRome Listing? There is Always a Special Feature or Two! - 12:09 AM
Some of my listings are quite unusual and not the typical Clone-onial. 
I like to find the one or two special characteristics  to highlight.
Here are a few of my properties and what makes them stand out from the crowd.
 
 
 
 
 
            
 
Someone might ask Where Did You Get Those Picture Words in Your Blog?
 
                         
 
 
 
              
                                         
 
Westminster Contemporary... a former ostrich … (13 comments)

Mount Prospect Turkey Trot - 04:46 PM

Mount Prospect Jaycees 47th Annual Turkey Trot
Since 1963 On Thanksgiving morning the Mt. Prospect Jaycees have also hosted this annual Turkey Trot for families in the Mount Prospect community. The Turkey Trot run is hosted at the Mount Prospect Golf Course and is now the oldest continual running event in the Chicagoland area.
When: Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 25, 2010Where: Mt. Prospect Golf Course, 600 See GwunTime: First race begins at 9:15 AM ( 8:00 AM Check-in )Cost: Adults, 15 and up- $15, Children 14 and under – $5
To get the application and more info about the … (3 comments)

In search of the perfect contact manager - 11:42 AM
                                        I was one of the very first users of Agent Office when it was called RE/MAX Agent 2000 a gazillion years ago. The year 2000 seemed so far off at the time,  and I suppose the name was meant to represent that the product was so advanced. Unfortunately they have made very few improvements over the past many years, and they have never developed a product for those of us looking for something web based. I made it my mission to change to something new in 2011 and during the past few weeks I have test driven a few different … (7 comments)

Paying It Forward - He Could Hardly Walk - 08:48 PM
For some reason that is probably not coincidental, people with greater than average need, tend to cross my path with some regularity.  The first time I met "Oscar," he was at least a half hour late for a meeting we had scheduled with an attorney, on his behalf.  Slightly bedraggled, we watched him through the plate glass window as he paid and dismissed the taxi driver who brought him to us, then walked cautiously toward the front door.
During that first meeting, his sibling did most of the talking, keeping the rest of us at arms length.  Whatever Oscar's problems, and they appeared … (8 comments)

The Stamford UBS Parade! - 04:05 PM
 
This was this past Sunday and a great time was had by all who attended.  If you have never been you can watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aGSqgQ4oOU&feature=player_embedded to see what it is all about and plan for it next year.  It's normally the weekend before Thanksgiving.  Special thanks to all the volunteers who do this every year!!
… (0 comments)

Thought Provoking Real Estate and Business Book - 12:07 AM
I was given an early copy of Bob Bohlen's book "Clarity".  Once I started reading it I honestly couldn't put it down.  What made it even better was that a close real estate friend of mine also was able to obtain a prerelease of the book so we were texting each other as we were both reading it and sharing ideas of how we could apply it into our businesses.  I won't give away any details about the book other than to say that it is a thought provoking book that reads like a business roadmap to success.  It hasn't officially … (3 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Condo Homes - 12:08 AM
Most real estate agents and brokerage websites feature homes, land and condominiums.  The problem is that most of these websites generally lump the homes AND the condominiums together which can make it very hard to sort and locate the condos.  We have created a unique way for our condo buyers to view available condominiums with just a single click of a mouse.  Visit KnoxCountyOhio.com and highlight over the "Buying" button, Featured Listings and click on "Mount Vernon Condos".  Mount Vernon Condos
Offered by Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (0 comments)

No New Debt! - 12:39 AM
Gabe Sanders provides an important reminder that buyers should not take on any new debt while they are in the planning stages or in the process of buying a home.
Via Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate (Premier Realty Group):
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 … (4 comments)

Verizon iPhone - 12:45 AM
The rumors have been flying over a future Verizon iPhone for quite some time.  I believe a Verizon iPhone will become a reality in the very near future and I predict we will hear an official announcement from Apple early in 2011.  Many ActiveRain members may not be aware of a key negotiations that took place earlier this year between Apple and Verizon. Apple and Verizon have obviously struck a deal and last month Verizon has been selling the Apple iPad.  

 
Here are a few questions: 
Will you upgrade when Verizon offers an iPhone?  AT&T iPhone users:  Will … (27 comments)

Effectively Market Your Homes in the Dark - 08:23 AM

The real estate business is a fairly simple business when you step back and look at the basics.  The primary goal for most real estate professionals is to be able to successfully bring a buyer and a seller together and ultimately sell the home.  The agents who are considered "Top Producers" have found a way to bring more buyers and sellers together each year than the average agent.  I have spent more than 2,500 hours during the past 20 years studying some of the top real estate agents in America and Canada.  One thing I have learned is that even … (5 comments)

Green Living: Water Purification - 02:57 PM
The safety of water in the developed world has grown by leaps and bounds over the last century. And while many countries, unfortunately, still deal daily with issues of water contamination, most Americans have access to clean water.
This luxury, however, may have caused some level of complacency concerning what goes into our water and thus into our bodies.
The copious amount of prescription drugs, bacteria, and hazardous chemicals (detergents, bleaches, etc) that are dumped into the water supply each day increases exponentially as our population grows. If the system works correctly, these chemicals are identified and processed out before water … (3 comments)

Mortgage Rates Rise For the First Time in Eight Weeks - 03:21 PM
McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), which found that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) and the 15-year (FRM) rose dramatically this week, as did the 5-year ARM.  The 1-year ARM remained unchanged from the previous week.
30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.39 percent with an average 0.9 point for the week ending November 18, 2010, up from last week when it averaged 4.17 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.83 percent. 
15-year FRM this week averaged 3.76 percent with an average 0.7 point, up from last … (1 comments)

Turning A Tract Home Into a Custom Home - 05:19 PM
 
For many, building their own home is just a dream. Financing the construction, buying the land, and overseeing the project are too overwhelming. So instead, many buyers purchase tract housing. Making that tract house look like a custom home is easier than you might think.
Debbie Kaplan loves her remodeled tract house. When you step inside it, you immediately feel like you're in a custom home. Amenities such as a smart coffeemaker that is plumbed so you never have to fill it, heated floors, a built-in trash compactor, a pantry, an over-the-stove pot filler, and a surround sound audio system … (0 comments)

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