Archives of real estate blog entries for November 9, 2010

Featured blog posts


Mr. Home Seller, Is This a Deal Breaker? - 03:17 AM
When negotiating a purchase contract for a home, it is important to put things in perspective.  Too often buyers and sellers reach minor impasses and lose the transaction.
     "So Mr. Seller, are you really willing to risk a $650,000 buyer over a $300.00 cleaning fee?"
My question for clients who are thinking about a counter, "Is this a deal breaker?"  If you counter, you are gambling on possibly losing the deal.  The other side can walk away.  If you sign, we are in escrow.  It is one thing if we are far apart.  If we are talking something ridiculously … (63 comments)

Someone At BofA Needs To Read This...Matt Vernon, Are You Out There? - 01:14 AM
Someone At BofA Needs To Read This...Matt Vernon, Are You Out There?
Today, I was asked to participate in the Channel 12 News Loan Mod-A-Thon here in Phoenix, AZ.  Channel 12 (the local NBC Affiliate, particularly reporter Melissa Blasius) should be given an award for the coverage they've given the local real estate crisis in AZ.
In a nutshell, Channel 12 took it upon themselves to conduct an 18 hour "call center" today.  From 4:30 am-10:30 am, real estate and bankruptcy attorneys were available to take calls.  From 10:30 am to 4:30 pm short sale real estate agents and housing counselors … (51 comments)

Rouse Your Facebook Presence with Roost - 07:14 PM
I have blogged before about Facebook business pages and how they differ from your personal profile. Now, new applications are coming into prominence that can make your Facebook business page even more robust and appealing, such as the Roost application now used by almost 20,000 agents already.

What the application does is add a "Home Search" tab to your page, and once clicked on, it opens an option rich, thematically colored custom page right within Facebook giving search options and other links.
It is sharp. It is emphatically an application for your business page, not your personal page. Here is … (75 comments)

Who's Your Major Competitor?? Mine is You....Am I Yours??? - 12:50 PM
Yesterday, there was a post written byLoreena Yeo, and I haven't stopped thinking about it.  Loreena and many commenters stated that they only compete with themselves.  Loreena and I usually agree on concepts, but this one is an exception.  I'm having a difficult time understanding this concept.
We're in a very competitive profession.  We have competitors all around us, and regardless of your niche, there is competition.  How do you know where to set the bar, when you do not acknowledge having competitors?  If you are not competing with others in your profession, how do you know if what you are … (130 comments)

I made the front cover of a National Magazine The Residential Specialist. Now What? - 02:02 PM
 
I wanted to share with the community an amazing opportunity that I was blessed with. I made the front cover of the Residential Specialist, an honor that I never imagined I could ever achieve as a Realtor. It was an article about a 100 percent financing, 30 year fixed, no money down, no closing cost loan that is available to everyone (owner occupied only) nationally.
Personally, my hope is that all Realtors nationally can lead their clients to this product and utilize it. This program can most definitely revolutionize your business. I am happy to share with any and all … (70 comments)

A Peek Inside Bloom in Northern Liberties - 08:30 AM
In Northern Liberties, stylish boutiques often pop up out of nowhere. The owners are always happy to see you, the windows are full of things you can't help but look at, and there's often an opening party with a sweet discount.
Sigh. That's why life here is really, really, really good.
Enter Bloom in the Piazza, and you'll see what we mean. This clothing boutique has everything from those hyper-trendy faux leopard capelets you've been seeing on all of the fashion blogs, to the edgy black standbys that you need to pull off the occasional racy look. There are cold-weather accessories … (6 comments)

The Perfect Buyer......A Tribute To My Client - 05:08 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We hear quite a bit about what we'd like the perfect buyer to be. We want good FICO scores, pre-approvals prior to calling us and quick decisions when we find them the "perfect" home. Well....this week, I close a transaction for the perfect buyer. And they didn't meet any of the above criteria. So, what made them "perfect"? Loyalty, Commitment and Perseverance.
On paper this couple are the world's worst client. They had mistakes on their credit report, very little to put down as a down payment, and no real idea … (53 comments)

Can Too Many Different Key Words in Your Posts Dilute Your Overall Effectiveness in Google Or Re-phrased as "My Own Wall of Words" - 05:58 PM
Can Too Many Different Key Words in Your Posts Dilute Your Overall Effectiveness in Googleor Re-PhrasedMy Own Wall Of Words
At the bottom of this post are the tags or key words that I have used in my posts since I started here on ActiveRain. They showed up when I was editing a post using Safari and have no idea how to duplicate their appearance but I was certainly impressed with how many there were. And that may not be such a good thing. Technically, these key words found in my posts here in the Rain are searchable in Google but … (118 comments)

Are you wearing your Integrity? Do you have it? Do you live it? - 08:58 AM

Are you wearing your Integrity?  Do you have it?  Do you live it?  It's not just a word to toss about, it's the way you should conduct yourself and your business.
Integrity -- noun 
1.  adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. 2.  the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the  empire. 3.  a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull. I have been in this business for a long time, and I've seen agents come and go.  Most of those who are now Missing In … (44 comments)

A Secret To Great Customer Service - 04:04 PM
Despite many agents telling me they are not salespeople I will beg to differ with them all day on that point, but they are right that they are ALSO customer service people. With that function in mind or wearing that hat there is
   A Secret To Great Customer Service
While truly no SECRETS with business, just understanding what works the theme here is consistency with your clients. And how does one achieve that consistency? What is a secret?
            CHECKLISTS.
Whether you get them from your office or Broker or slowly build the list with your own experience checklists give … (106 comments)

In what direction goes Active Rain? - 06:27 AM
Yesterday I posted an entry on the FUD that I opined is gripping the country; and, to my great surprise it was picked up as a featured post. The post admittedly had at best a tenuous connection with our real estate business world but it drew a surprising level of response. One response in particular caught my attention and that was one that declared that Active Rain was not the correct venue for such political tripe as I had posted.
Fair enough, I thought; but, what is appropriate material for Active Rain posts. Surely not just the boring attempts to gain Google Juice … (42 comments)

A Ball Gives A Warning - 09:30 AM
My kids like all kids love to play with balls. Rubber ball, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls, there are as many balls as there are blades of grass in the lawn or so it would seem. We don't think of balls as being dangerous. Yes, a baseball hit hard right at you can hurt, but the ball is a really safe toy...or so I thought.
One of the services I offer as a Connecticut home inspector is radon testing. When testing for radon it requires a return trip to the house to retrieve the testing device. Sometimes the agent meets me, usually … (38 comments)

If You Haven't Stayed In Touch With Past Clients, Contact Them Ahead of the Holidays - 05:31 PM
You know you should be staying in touch with past clients all year round, but if you’ve gotten busy and let this slide, do it now!
Why is now so important?
Because the holidays are right around the corner. People will be moving around, visiting more than normal, and thus – talking a lot.
Some of your buyers will have out of town guests, and some of them will be out of town guests in other communities. And because the mortgage meltdown is very much on people’s minds right now, they’ll probably be talking about real estate.
At least a … (53 comments)

Does Saying "I Suggest" Set The Wrong Expectations - 07:11 AM
Active Rain gives us all the power to a post for a feature.  But when we then say in our comments "I've suggested" does it make the writer watch the featured board in anticipation of a coming gold star?  What if the gold star never appears?  Do they get discouraged, frustrated or even angry?  Just because we suggest a post or even multiple Active Rain members suggest a post doesn't mean that it will end up with a gold star.  We all have our opinions about what makes a post feature worthy.  You may read a post and think WOW the … (86 comments)

Oh. THAT Birthday..... - 02:57 PM
It's gonna be a biggie.  
You notice that you're getting "up there" in so many little ways:
You realize that you got your driver's license over 20 years ago.  Way over 20 years ago. Same for when you graduated high school  college. Your daughter is big/old enough to wear your clothes, but she'd really rather not. You daydream about getting new carpet for your birthday. You'd settle for (and be happy about!) someone else to vacuum your carpet! If you actually put the number of candles on your cake that equaled the number of years you'd been alive, you'd buy out the … (40 comments)

Are you a Manipulator or a Negotiator? There is a Difference!! - 10:13 AM
I have seen several posts lately that reference the art of manipulation, I mean NEGOTIATION.  Hmmm....I am thinking that there are definitely agents that think that they are one and the same.
No one, let me repeat that for emphasis....NO ONE likes to feel manipulated.  Whether it is a seller that is interviewing an agent to represent their most valuable asset or a seller trying to "negotiate" a lower fee from an agent because they don't see the VALUE between one agent and another.  If you are not providing a visible, tangible value to your clients, your fee will always be … (33 comments)

Has the Real Estate Market Hit Bottom? - 05:48 AM
Since you're on this website, we'll assume that your a licensed real estate agent. And if so, at least some portion of your income is derived from the sale of real estate. This would lead me to the conclusion that the real estate market is very important to you, and to some extent, you're financial well being. So let me ask you a question...
Has the real estate market hit bottom?
The news seems to indicate that our market has hit bottom and is now slowly starting to recover. Do you believe this? I don't. The unemployment rate is too high … (133 comments)

Whoda Thunk.... - 06:55 AM
Whoda thunk.... When I first came into the real estate market, finding buyers was like shooting fish in a barrel. If you answered the phone in the office you could be assured buyers would call. Then buyers were as sparse as the hair on Kojak's head. Now I have a real potential dilemma. I have 2 hard earned sets of buyers with the same parameters. I say "hard earned" because they both came to me directly through my website. Both sent me emails requesting me to call. Neither sent an inquiry on a listing they saw, both read my website cover … (59 comments)

WATCH YOUR PLACEMENT OR LOSE IT!!! - 12:38 AM
No...I am not speaking of your ranking...I am speaking about your signs! Gary Woltal wrote about the prospect of many cities considering legislation and/or revenue generating fees for real estate signs (click here to see his post). To be honest, we have brought this on ourselves.  Now, before you yell and scream, let me explain.
We are preparing for an open house.  One of our best methods for directing buyers to our opens are our signs.  We leave early to get our signs up on the appropriate corners...
We put them on private property without asking permission of the owner We put … (68 comments)

If Conan can do it, then so can we - 04:51 AM
I watched Conan O'Brien's "new" show on TBS this evening.  It's a bit of a sad tale, in the grand scheme.  Yes, he is most likely making more money than every Realtor in the country, so we can't feel that bad for him.  However, the story itself is one of trials and tribulation.   As we all know, Conan had a successful show on NBC for years, playing second fiddle to Jay Leno.  Then it was time to put Jay out to pasture, and Conan took over, only to have that decision rescinded a few months down the road.    Conan's career … (34 comments)

When Is It Okay To Talk About Commissions & Percentages? FB/AR/TWITTER - 04:55 PM
Jason Vorhees is fictional character who kills people in many of his very popular movies, Friday the 13th. Freddy Krueger attacks people in their sleep and terrifies millions of fans around the world. The Texas Real Estate Commission and The Sherman Anti-trust Act are not horror movies with evil villains looking to cut your arms and legs off.
It seems that when someone utters 3% or 6% that everyone hides under the covers and throws holy water on the screen, as if their license, freedom and unborn grandchildren are all at risk. It doesn't have to be this way.
I spoke to … (26 comments)


Blog posts


Europe Villa for Sale for € 3,500,000 - Western Europe Villa for Sale - Portugal Villa for Sale - 02:35 PM
Portugal Villa on Waterfront with Sea Views … (0 comments)

8th Annual Festival of Trees in Cheyenne, WY - 08:12 AM
The 8th Annual Festival of Trees will be held in Cheyenne, Wyoming on
Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20
6 pm
Old West Museum

Join the Business Leadership Network, a local disability advocacy group for employment, for what is to be their biggest fundraiser of the year on behalf of its Mentor Ability Youth Career Development Program.  All proceeds (after expenses) are going to help students and adults with disabilities transition into employment. 
Friday night will be for families inclusive, while the closing night of this event will feature a local musical group for entertainment, Christmas-themed auction items and … (0 comments)

Remodeling Lancaster – 8 Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Windows - 06:18 PM
Welcome Back Readers!  Thanks for stopping back for this edition of Remodeling Lancaster with MBC Building and Remodeling!  This week, we have some great tips on replacing windows!  Old, drafty windows are not only unattractive, but they let your dollars literally fly right out the window with all the heat they lose in the winter time.  Replacing windows can save you hundreds of dollars a year in wasted energy, they'll pay for themselves in no time at all with the savings! 
8 Things to Consider Before Replacing your Windows
 A window replacement project can reduce your home's energy costs, improve indoor climate, … (1 comments)

Do you want to know why people are Mad! I'll tell you Why! - 12:17 PM
I often here that people who cannot make their agreed upon mortgage payment have nothing to whine about.  That they are the problem, that if only they would get out of the way and suffer the pain we could get passed this mess. 
I understand that the so called Liar Loans and the Average Americans choice to live above their means while using the house as an ATM to finance a joy ride of consumer spending is a big part of the problem. 
No doubt this country and the people in it have a price to pay for our mistakes.
Those … (3 comments)

Conan Comes out Swinging - 02:27 PM
Conan O'Brien returned to late night last night on TBS, beating out all Late Night Talk, including Jay Leno who has taken back the tonight show.
I have always thought Conan is Very Funny and was far more like Carson than Leno or Letterman. 
The opening was great, as was his monologue.  Andy and most the boys in the band were back, I did not see Max Weinberg.
I was not able to find any of last nights show on YouTube, but enjoy the attached clip.
… (9 comments)

California's Central Valley - Weekend Getaways - 04:42 PM
One of the many reasons that I love living in Turlock and the Central Valley is because we are so close to some of the most beautiful parts of California.
Like most people I enjoy getting away from time to time and one of my favorite places to go it Monterey Ca.  Being a Short Sale Realtor can get stressful at times and a day at the ocean is a good stress reliever.
Living here in the Turlock area I can be in Monterey in just a couple of hours.  It's close enough for a day trip or a weekend get away.
… (4 comments)

Algonquin IL market times are getting scary! - 08:21 PM
Our local MLS marketing reports are showing market times increasing. This report is based on the inventory for the past 30 days, active listings ONLY in Algonquin.   5 or more bedrooms almost a year!  (GULP).   Thinking about selling next year?  Better call an agent and get it listed today! 
 
 
 
This report is posted by Vicki Watzlawick, Broker Owner, Exit Platinum Realty, McHenry County's #1 Foreclosure Office, Lake In The Hills,IL  847-809-5155.  (Equal Opportunity Housing)
… (0 comments)

JUST SOLD - Southbridge MA Home Sales - 01550 - 03:52 PM
JUST SOLD by JCKC Realty with RE/MAX Professional Associates!  This lovely home located at 210 Pleasant Street in Southbridge Massachusetts SOLD on November 9th, 2010 for $180,000.  Congratulations to our buyer Lynn!
List Price:  $139,000Sale Price:  $125,000Bedrooms:  3Bathrooms:  1Living Area:  1200 SQFT
If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate, we'd love to work with you!  Let  JCKC Realty show you what we do to get homes sold fast and to negotiate the best price on your next home purchase.
If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Southbridge, click the link to get started or give us a call.  We are happy to help.
This … (4 comments)

Metro East Housing Statistics for October 2010 - 03:32 PM
Are you searching for homes for sale near Scott AFB?
 

Oct 2010 Metro East Housing Statistics
Oct 2010 vs. Oct 2009
                                                                                               
                                                # OF SOLD HOMES                                          AVG DAYS ON MARKET
COUNTY                               Oct 10                    Oct 09                                    Oct 10                    Oct 09ST CLAIR                              138                         248                                         127                         127MADISON                            205                         300                                         149                         120CLINTON                                 12                           23                                         161                         103
TOTAL MLS AREAS             463                         716                                         144                         127
  
MEDIAN HOME PRICES
                                                                Oct 10                                                    Oct 09
ST CLAIR                                              $133,429                                               $130,841MADISON                                            $137,236                               … (0 comments)

Someone At BofA Needs To Read This...Matt Vernon, Are You Out There? - 11:11 PM
Bob writes of his experience working a Loan-Modathon in AZ. I have wrote several blogs about how BofA is going through the motions but appears to instead be in a land grab rather than doing the right thing and trying to keep people in their homes. 
Not all loan mods work out. Owners agreed if they couldn't make their payments the banks recourse was foreclosure but it was also understood prior to TARP or Bailouts that banks actually should try. After HAFA, HAMP, Bailout, Stimulus, etc., you would think they would give it a bigger push.
Bank of America doesn't. 
Our … (9 comments)

This is a Good Kind of Busy! - 12:19 AM
                                     
 It has been a wonderfully busy weekend. I am in the middle of writing three  offers on  three  of my listings. Each one has been a unique challenge. This is a lot of activity especially in this crazy real estate market. Heck in any market, this is a lot of activity.
 
                                       
 Along with these three offers, I also have a listing appointment tomorrow. So what's the problem? I have lot to do and I have a blog to write. Do I skip my ActiveRain blog and finish these three offers?  … (26 comments)

Focus On The Good Or Focus On The Bad, Either Way You're Creating Your Day - 10:40 PM
I've been going through a rough patch lately, with some days harder than others to rise to meet the tide.  When I got up this morning I had one of those intense conversations with myself that sometimes go nowhere, but occasionally, when I'm very lucky tends to reveal the perfect solution . . . at least for one more day.
I was halfway to a personal pity party when I suddenly said, out loud as I recall, "you can focus on the things you can't do, or you can focus on those that you can."  A simplistic notion to be sure, but … (15 comments)

14039 SPARKLING COVE LN # 402, WINDERMERE FL 34786 - 02:11 PM
 
 MLS# O5014502            14039 SPARKLING COVE LN # 402, WINDERMERE FL 34786    $$$ 173,890 $$$

SHORT SALE, Beautiful Townhome-Condo close to Disney. Many community features: Pool overlooking a Pond, walking trails, tiki bar, clubhouse, tot lot PLUS exercise facility!! This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, loft area, and 1 car garage. Upgraded kitchen Countertops, 42" Cabinets with upgraded tile, security system and much more. HURRY as this will not last!!!
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Oviedo area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply … (0 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Brick Ranch for $100,000 - 08:59 AM
Super clean, nice and neat brick ranch located in the south end of Mount Vernon, Ohio at 603 Newark Road.
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Mount Vernon Ohio Homes For Sale
… (4 comments)

Apple Valley Lake Ranch - 09:06 AM
This property is an exceptional value and the price was recently reduced to $115,000.  Check out 246 Woodlawn Circle at the Apple Valley Lake 
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale
… (1 comments)

Overlooking The Apple Valley Golf Course - 09:14 AM
Now Very Aggressively Price at Just $120,000!  Check out 797 Country Club Drive at the Apple Valley Lake.
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale
… (1 comments)

16919 Glen Road Near Kenyon College and The Mount Vernon Nazarene University - 09:28 AM
View additional listing details of this country home by visiting 16919 Glen Road online
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Homes For Sale
… (0 comments)

Stylish Apple Valley Lake Ranch - 09:45 AM
115 Crabapple Drive at the Apple Valley Lake is now only $159,900.  This is a $10,000 price reduction and this home has exceptional styling.
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale
… (1 comments)

Luxury Brick Ranch in Mount Vernon Ohio - 10:15 AM
Super clean, nice, neat and well cared for brick ranch at 201 Adamson Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio for $169,900.
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Mount Vernon Ohio Real Estate 
… (0 comments)

Off Market - 10:31 AM
537 North Jefferson Street in Utica, Ohio.  For a regular list of bank owned homes in and around the Knox County Ohio communities be sure to visit KnoxCountyBankOwned.com
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Homes For Sale
… (3 comments)

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