Archives of real estate blog entries for December 6, 2010

Featured blog posts


Ranking is Dead .... Where are You Getting Your Traffic? - 11:48 AM
Matt Cutts and others from Google have basically said ranking is dead. So where are you getting your traffic?
It may not be altogether dead but it's not as important as it used to be. In my profession, my clients want a visual graph showing where their main keywords are coming up in Google and others. The problem with this is I am in a different location then they are and my search results can vary from theirs.
In Google Analytics, it shows where your traffic is coming from, how long they stay on your site and the percentage of new … (72 comments)

Is That Agent Qualified To Sell????? - 05:05 PM
So you got a good solid offer from a buyer for your listing.. You see everything is in order , that buyer is Ready, willing and able to buy that home that you have listed, the offer is full price, and you are sure that will make your seller very happy. We have to admit we do ask for every piece of information possible to make sure that buyer is definately qualified to buy before we even present that offer to, but have you thought to make sure that the agent on the other side of the transaction is qualified to … (57 comments)

The House Looking Competition - 11:31 PM
The House Looking Competition
 
I can see it in your eyes: you think you can look at more houses than me,
It's a challenge I've had from which I've claimed victory,
Boom and it's on, and we're off to the races,
There is simply no way you can look at any more places.

You see, I look at houses on vacation just for fun,
That's right, when my family is restin' and relaxatin',
I'm off at model homes fillin' out bogus registrations.
You can't tire me out, I know what you're trying to do,
But the fact of the matter is, … (54 comments)

You Want to Connect on LinkedIn - But I May Not - 07:26 AM
Another day, another email (or two or three) with the subject "Join my network on LinkedIn."
Honey Bear has indicated you are a fellow group member of ActiveRainer's: I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. 
But I don't know Honey Bear (fictitious name) or even recognize her name, and I don't recall ever seeing her face or photo before now.
Someone out there probably knows better than I do the benefits of connecting with mega-numbers of people on LinkedIn, whether you know them or not, but I'm inclined to think a "link" or "connection" implies at … (81 comments)

I want to send you business, but I don’t know who you are or what you are about? - 09:40 AM
Yesterday I got an email from an agent in another part of the country and I have to say I get lots of these, usually 2-3 a week. In all these emails they say they  read my blog all the time and would love me to add them as an associate and what would it take to get referrals from me.

In almost all the cases, when I go to visit their blog, they have either never posted or only post every couple months. I had one that was a member since 2007 and only posted twice in that time. … (73 comments)

Getting Good At This Time Block Thing - 01:30 PM
We all know with our work to focus and prioritize what we need to get done in a day and in a week doing time blocking allocates time to a task. But we need to
   Get Good At This Time Block Thing.
A few ideas to work on it --
Change your setting - instead of doing your heads down project at the office, go somewhere else, the coffee shop, a home office, an unused conference room. Somewhere with less rather than more distractions. I thought once a coffee shop was better but the music in the background was AWFUL
… (51 comments)

And The Rains Came - 08:50 AM
Every year when the weather turns cold they come; the attic rains. Sure as the heats on, water will be dripping in someone's attic. Nor is this a once in a blue moon event, but a regular cold weather phenomenon.
The reasons for an attic rain forest can be several;
Over humidification inside the home, lack of adequate ventilation in the attic or excessive moisture from the basement or crawlspace. Any one of these conditions together or by it self can be enough to start a small cloud burst in the rafters.
Most often what I find seems to be the … (25 comments)

Google Changes Algorithm- A Form Of Sentiment Analysis? - 02:00 AM
Google changes it's algorithms due to a company who was getting Google juice for negative comments from unhappy customers. 
 

What happened was the New York Times covered a story and wrote a multi-page article about Clarabelle Rodriquez who bought eye-glasses online from DecorMyEyes which resulted in the owner of the online eye-glass company to harass her and threaten her.  Ms Rodriguez added her complaints to Get Satisfaction- a site where you can place complaints and dissatisfaction with companies.  Well, we all know that Google algorithms place a lot of authority on the links we get from authoritative sites. Get … (52 comments)

RainCamp Houston 2010 - 03:34 PM
 
RainCamp Houston 2010
 
ActiveRain........in Houston Texas today !!!
 
Here are a few pictures......
 
 
Who is this ?
 
 
Any questions ?     I might be able to answer or even ask the ActiveRain panel.  
 
Also you can go to  San Antonio Texas Military Relocation  for more information
 
… (30 comments)

RainCamp Houston: It didn't just rain, it POURED information on us!! - 11:37 PM
Oh my GOSH! RainCamp Houston was a JAM PACKED, fun filled day of WOW!

Buyer Stats and the Internet:
75% Do not go past the 1st page on Search Engines. You need to rank on page one!
87% Used the internet to search for properties BEFORE contacting an agent.
94% were between the ages of 22 and 44 and were 1st time home buyers.
32% First found the actual home they purchased on-line (not from a Realtor®.)
 
To Be a Successful Agent On-Line Your Online Presence Must:
 
Generate Traffic - Website - Paid Ads - Referrals - SEO … (65 comments)

Vancouver City Stagers - Together for a Great Cause! - 09:21 PM
Vancouver City Stagers - Together for a Great Cause!
 
 
 
A little while ago I wrote a post about a project we were working on in the downtown east side of Vancouver.  Basically, we decided as a group of home stagers, my company included, to transform a women's shelter, Sereena House, from a cold, stark building, to a place these women can feel comfortable in and call home.  Of course, this project took months of planning, and was spear-headed by Heather Kleim of Epic Empire Designs.  We rallied round behind Heather, to see how we could help.  First, … (27 comments)

LIVE FROM HOUSTON -----> It's RainCamp ..... Gobs Of Photo's! - 04:31 PM

 



 

 


 



 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 





 

The After Party...
 









… (82 comments)

Mortgage & Real Estate RED FLAGS that consumers need to be aware of !!! - 10:42 AM
 
Purchasing a home can sometimes be confusing and stressful, and some people in the mortgage/real estate industry will take advantage of consumers. Yes, sometimes there are problems and or issues that come up. But sometimes these problems were known ahead of time, yet never brought to anyones attention. Better yet, some of these problems should have been talked about prior to the mortgage application when the loan officer did their pre-screening of that borrower.  Overall,  it comes down to honesty, integrity, knowledge,  very good service, and just being upfront when problems arise.
First time homebuyers that have never experienced buying a home can … (28 comments)

Should You Solicit Ratings from Your Clients? First Start Answering Your Phone! - 03:23 AM
This month in the California Association of REALTORs Real Estate Magazine there is an article entitled "Missing Manners." 
Several agents from different California Markets tell horror stories, to name a few: 
Trying to get agents to return phone calls. Trying to get agents to actually put the key back in the lockbox. Having agents showing up without appointments at their listings and asking the seller for a showing. Trying to get the other agent to produce paperwork in a timely manner and carry their weight in a transaction. I have noticed some of these same occurrences in my market with the worsening economy … (31 comments)

Our AR Blog Turned Us Into Meat Processors - 10:29 PM
I got a call today asking, "Do you guys render deer meat?"
Huh?  "We sell real estate, we do not render deer meat," was my response. 
"But I found you on the Internet, it says you do meat processing," the caller insisted.
"Well, we will check into that but unfortunately we can't help you.  Sounds like you had a successful outing this weekend, but maybe you should try Freddy Hill or Alderfers."
"Okay, thanks," and they hung up.  Geez, and I never got a chance to ask them if they are looking to move... 
 
Turns out if you Google "meat processing lansdale pa" our blog does … (91 comments)

Motivational Monday: A wolf spider's spin on successful marketing! - 08:48 AM

Motivational Monday: A wolf spider's spin on successful marketing!
Are you strategic and aggressive regarding your marketing efforts or just throwing anything out there, hoping you'll CATCH a buyer's or seller's attention?
Hope is not a business plan and perhaps you could take some lessons from a wolf spider, they are:
Creative Diligent Aggressive Proactive Consistent Industrious Extremely detailed Territory oriented Purely Self-motivated Specific to their target market As you can see from the picture, these overachieving spiders cover all angles in their capture area to ensure success. No wasted efforts, no excuses. A wolf spider's mission is one of … (56 comments)

Buyer's Agents Have No Right to Give Buyers Possession Before Closing, Even in a Short Sale - 10:27 AM
I am going to a closing today for a short sale in Elk Grove. It kind of surprised me when I looked at my production that about 25% of my closed Sacramento short sales this year are homes in Elk Grove. That's probably because Elk Grove was the fastest growing city in the United States in 2006, and look at what happened. When prices fell, Elk Grove took a tremendous hit, and values fell by more than 50%. A short sale in Elk Grove is almost a given. Although, I did sell another home in Elk Grove this year that was … (56 comments)

Are you good enough for the Glengarry leads? What motivates you? - 11:31 PM
Glengarry Glen Ross is a must see for anyone in the sales industry. It portrays the high pressure (and Higher Stress) sales industry and the personalities that embody it. Recently, we played that classic scene at a peer group meeting. The scene is where Alec Baldwin plays Blake, a soldier from Mitch and Murray (Real Estate Firm) sent to motivate the salespeople by telling them all but the top 2 salespeople will be fired in the next few weeks.
We reviewed this to highlight a few things:
1) That to succeed in sales, one must sell. Honestly, I think many agents don't realize this.
… (35 comments)

SEO Blogging - Write for People Not Spiders - 10:08 AM

If you want top search engine placement for your SEO blog posts, write interesting content that people enjoy reading and link back to. Don't write for search engines.
SEO Blog posts can be bold, opinionated, witty, authoritative and personable, so don't hold back. Your voice and spin on things is actually what makes a blog a blog and why people like reading them in the first place.
Here are a few SEO blogging tips to get you started:
SEO Blog Post Length Although there are no hard and fast rules about SEO blog post length, I have found that it's … (46 comments)

Own your neighborhoods! Become THE Neighborhood Expert! - 10:20 PM
 
Own your neighborhoods!  Become THE Neighborhood Expert!
One of the first things I learned when becoming a member here at Active Rain, was about neighborhood posts.  One of the fastest ways to become an expert about anything, is to KNOW more than anyone else.  
According to Wikipedia, an Expert is: a person with extensive knowledge or ability based on research, experience, or occupation and in a particular area of study.
                                  
For months, I scoured neighborhoods and wrote articles.  I drove neighborhoods and built a photo portfolio.  … (135 comments)

I Try and I Try, But I Can't Make Myself Objective - 09:46 PM
I just cannot extract myself from the buying process with my buyers.I get so excited when I see a property I could live in, that I want them to buy it.  I imagine myself having afternoon tea there, sitting on the deck watching the magnificent view, swimming in the pool, bathing in the magnificent tub.....Of course, I will probably never see them again after they buy, but one can dream, can't they?I guess I am living vicariously by my buyers imagining myself living in all those homes.Oh, by the way, if you are in the area, do drop in for a … (79 comments)


Blog posts


USA Hotel for Sale for $3,900,000 - Southeast Hotel for Sale - Florida Hotel for Sale - 01:35 PM
USA Hotel for Sale for $3,900,000 - Florida Hotel for Sale … (0 comments)

Rent to Own? Before you ask ... - 10:33 AM

I get a lot of emails and phone calls from folks that want to know if I can find them a home to rent with an option to purchase.  They have been on the internet, surfing, dreaming and hoping against hope that they can find a home to rent that will also be available for purchase at the end of their lease.
Now, some of them may have tried to purchase a home and found that they did not have the resources.  Maybe they discovered that lenders have a higher bar than the FHA requires.  It can be quite confusing … (4 comments)

College Station Relocation - 03:45 PM
Thinking about moving to Bryan or College Station, TX?  You're not alone!!!  The area is attracting attention from a number of companies and individuals.  Regardless of whether you are looking for a smaller community, a new career, or a different lifestyle, College Station has a lot to offer.
 
College Station Home Prices
Home prices are moderate and well positioned to rise.  In the last 5-7 years we've had a steady appreciation of 3-5% per year.  Not bad, but not enough for a "crash".  We've seen a bit of a tougher market just recently but even then the prices didn't dive like they did in many areas.  For … (6 comments)

What's Your Neighbors House Sell For? 12/06/10 - 06:55 PM
Would you like to know how much your neighbors home sold for in the Metro East Illinois area?
http://www.bnd.com/2010/12/04/1500820/real-estate-transactions-125.html
Please click on the link above to view recent real estate transactions for home sales in throughout the Metro East Illinois area from St. Clair, Madison, Clinton, and Monroe counties. Also, please feel free to contact me if you do not see your neighbors home on this list.
Also, if you are looking to purchase a home in the St. Clair County IL area, please feel freel to use my website(s) www.southwestillinoishomes.com or www.metroeasthomestore.com

Local Scott AFB | Metro East IL … (1 comments)

McKinney Texas- The Up Scale of Texas - 03:19 PM
Located north of Dallas is McKinney and the healthiest place to live in the metro.  As of 2010 the city’s population was 127,671.  McKinney was deemed from 2000 to 2003 as the fastest growing city in the United States and again in 2006 and in 2007 it was ranked as the 2nd fastest growing city among nations.  In 2010 Money Magazine ranked McKinney as the 5th place among the best places to live in the United States.  With continual expansion and a community involvement real estate in McKinney is considered to be of exceptional value.  The area is up scale but … (0 comments)

Dallas Texas: Prime Areas to Invest - 03:29 PM
Dallas has grown into the ninth largest state in the United States.  Being a business hub many young professionals and young families are relocating to Dallas.  The average Dallas household income is $80,000 and above making the standard of living higher than most  areas in the US.  For both investors and home buyers the Dallas real estate market is a good investment.  With a strong economy, a strong real estate market, a higher standard of living and a low crime rate Dallas is becoming the place to live
There are many popular areas to live in Dallas and among the most … (0 comments)

The Shops at Kenilworth...Towson, MD. - 06:15 AM
The Shops at Kenilworth is a  mall in  Towson, Md. with some delightful shops and holiday displays.  It is currently the home to more than 30 stores. The mall originally opened in 1979.
The mall was once home to an express location of the Maryland  Motor Vehicle Administration. This location closed on September 23, 2005, in favor of a new location elsewhere in Baltimore County. The main anchor store is Stebbins Anderson.
 
Perfect place to take the kids to see the enormous display of a holiday village, complete with trains. 
 
           
 
        … (16 comments)

Another HomeRome Condo SOLD in Baltimore! - 01:36 PM
Another HomeRome Condo SOLD in Baltimore, MD i really love putting the SOLD burst on my listings!
Soon I will be  taking photos when the new owner finishes updating this condo.  And, of course, will be sharing them with you!

… (4 comments)

SHORT SALE AND LOAN MODIFICATION ARTICLES - TABLE OF CONTENTS - 04:28 PM
 
Hi folks, I get asked legal questions every day about Short Sales, deficiency judgments, promissory notes and foreclosures. Folks, I am NOT an Attorney and I CANNOT give you legal advice. I can however direct you to this great resource from my friend Richard Zaretsky. Richard IS an Attorney and CAN give legal advice. Read these articles then give him a call.
Richard and I can work together to help you avoid a foreclosure.
 
Via Richard Zaretsky, Florida Real Estate Attorney (Richard P. Zaretsky P.A. - Bd Certified Real Estate Attorney):
Short Sale Loan Modification and Foreclosure Blog Articles
 A Periodic Listing … (5 comments)

The Outer Banks Get's A Little Snow In December - 10:31 AM
It does not happen very often but it actually snowed, just a little, on the Outer Banks Friday night while just across the bridge in lower Currituck snow covered the ground by Saturday morning. For those of us that live here we normally get some flurries or a dusting every year. In the 9yrs that I have lived here there has only been snow on the ground twice and one of those was last years whopping 3 inches. Many children like mine had never actually seen that much snow on the ground so to them it was like 3 feet. It was time to … (0 comments)

Outer Banks Foreclosure|Corolla Foreclosure|Corolla Real Estate|922 Whalehead Drive Corolla, NORTH CAROLINA 27927|MLS#68622|$745,000 - 10:38 AM
Outer Banks Real Estate|Corolla Real Estate|922 Whalehead Drive Corolla, NORTH CAROLINA 27927 MLS# 68622:  8 Bedrooms   7 Bathrooms   2 Partial Baths $745,000
This is a gorgeous home with little work needed. Well sought after Whalehead Club home with amazing views of the ocean and sound.

For more information about this Outer Banks Foreclosure contact Matt Huband-Buyer's Agent at obxrealtors@gmail.com or 252-255-0221.
Listing courtesy of Pignato, Sebastian from Selective Homes© 2010 Outer Banks Association of Realtors®. All right reserved. The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes from the Broker Reciprocity Program of the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®. Real estate … (0 comments)

Outer Banks Foreclosure|Rodanthe Real Estate|Rodanthe Foreclosure|22190 Green Lantern Court Rodanthe, NORTH CAROLINA 27968|MLS#68689|$614,900 - 10:43 AM
Outer Banks Real Estate|Rodanthe Real Estate|22190 Green Lantern Court Rodanthe, NORTH CAROLINA 27968 MLS# 68689:  8 Bedrooms   7 Bathrooms   1 Partial Baths $614,900
Great Opportunity to Own a large Home in Mirlo Beach. Call for a viewing today! Views of the Atlantic Ocean, Pamlicao Sound and The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Not to mention a Great rental Potential.

For more information about this Outer Banks Foreclosure contact Matt Huband-Buyer's Agent at obxrealtors@gmail.com or 252-255-0221.
Listing courtesy of Head, John from CENTURY21, The Head Agency© 2010 Outer Banks Association of Realtors®. All right reserved. The data relating to real estate for sale on this web … (0 comments)

Outer Banks Real Estate-SOLD-$121,000 Below Tax Value|15 Circle Dr, Southern Shores NC-$350,000 - 12:22 PM
Another Great Outer Banks deal has been sold by Matt Huband-Broker/Owner of OBX Realty Group at 15 Circle Dr, Southern Shores NC for $350,000!!
This property was purchased by the seller in 2004 for $430,000. After the purchase a pool was added to increase rental income. This house sold for $121,000 less than the current Dare County Tax Value! The Outer Banks real estate market has defied current national trends with price stabilization and strong buyer demand. Contact Matt today to get your search started for Outer Banks real estate.
Property information
… (1 comments)

Just Listed|Outer Banks Real Estate|Duck Real Estate|100 E Tide Dr, Duck NC|MLS#68587|$425,000 - 01:20 PM
Outer Banks Real Estate|Duck Real Estate|100 E Tide Drive Duck, NORTH CAROLINA 27949 MLS# 68587:  3 Bedrooms   2 Bathrooms $425,000
Classic Outer Banks beach house located in Duck with a short walk to the beach and bike path. This house has been well maintained by the sellers and is sold furnished. Rented by seller thru VRBO( Listing #249535) "Duck Soup" generates amazing rental income with $35,959 in 2010. Renters love this house for its close proximity to Duck Village, walking/bike path, short walk to the beach, and hot tub. Don't miss out on one of the deals Duck!!

For more information about 100 E … (0 comments)

31 Days of December-Day 6 - 11:57 PM
Today I spent working on my blog and some maintenance I needed to do. I'm trying to learn more about SEO too.
I also spent some time writing my Christmas cards. I need to get them finished and in the mail.
I took some time to read and comment on others blogs on ActiveRain. I learn so much from other members. I've put together a book of blogging, seo, and general ideas for my site. There is a wealth of information here, we just have to take the time to read. If you read, it is nice for you to make … (5 comments)

31 Days Of December - Day 6 - 11:22 PM
Some days are harder to stay motivated when life's struggles swirl around you.  I've chosen on day 6 to focus on something over which I may have some control.  I have a homeowner with a real motivation to get the property sold, after some months of vacillation and loss of commitment.  We had a good conversation today about the wisdom of reducing the price once again to reach the equally motivated buyers.  Though she has not given me the go ahead just yet, I suspect she will, within the next couple of days.

… (3 comments)

Motivational Monday - Just Weeks From My Big Date - 11:37 PM

On December 18th my dear, sweet boys are coming to town for the Christmas holidays.  It had appeared they wouldn't be able to make the trip this year, and though my heart dropped at the thought, I understood.  I got an unexpected call last week to tell me they will be here after all to share in the festivities.  At long last I'll get to have my date with my favorite 4 year old.  His older brother is getting a little too old to think an outing with an aging grandmother is any competition for his old friends.  Lucky me that … (10 comments)

Only $78,000- 2112 Belhaven Ct Nampa Idaho Short Sale - 08:03 PM
Nampa Short Sales: 2112 Belhaven Ct.
This 1527 SF 2-story home sits in a quiet cul-de-sac in southwest Nampa, Idaho and offers a great setting with no back neighbors and a well-kept yard!
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths & a fabulous, 12x18 upstairs bonus room!



After the first buyer backed out after bank approval, this neat & clean home is now priced at only $78,000! 2112 Belhaven Ct. Nampa, ID 83651
NOW is a great time to take advantage of the best buys on Nampa Idaho Real Estate! Homes in Nampa are affordable for owner occupants and offer a … (0 comments)

31 Days of December... Monday Monday - 11:02 PM
Mondays seem to bring on a flood of undone work and follow up!
 
People calling, texting, e-mailing me for information and me, trying to process it and keep everybody happy…
 
Dec 6:  Monday morning meeting.  My assistant & I meet every Monday morning and review the pending files, the closing files for the week and the listings.  We also talk about “out and about” errands, prospective buyers and anything else that might be important to cover for the new week.
 
Having a meeting has worked well for us, for over 10 years now!  It keeps us both on … (4 comments)

161 WINDROSE DR, ORLANDO FL 32824 - 04:37 PM
 
MLS#  O5018665               161 WINDROSE DR, ORLANDO FL 32824    $$$ 124,900 $$$

Stop searching!  This move-in ready 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers an open great room floorplan.  With all the counter space, breakfast bar, and walk-in pantry, you'll be whipping up gourmet meals in no time.  Step outside to enjoy grilling out on your large patio.  Located near the 417 and Orange Avenue, you've got plenty of options for shopping and dining in any direction.  Don't miss out!  Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down!  This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage.  *If … (0 comments)

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