Archives of real estate blog entries for March 12, 2010

Featured blog posts


Good Faith Estimates Explained - Changes for the WORST - Detailed changes - Part 2 of 2 - 11:56 AM
 
Important facts about the New Good Faith Estimate
 
The Main Negatives : The New Good Faith Estimate does not show :
the total monthly payment. It only shows the principal, the taxes, and if mortgage insurance required. the total costs for the entire mortgage. It just shows your total estimated settlement charges, that doesn't include the down payment. a signature & date spot. Yes, this form is suppose to be given to you within 3 business days of applying for a mortgage.  Read about the 6 trigger points that define the mortgage application. Yes, there are methods of tracking … (53 comments)

Success in the Rain - 04:49 PM
What a week, what a week!  RainCamp Denver was such a hit and I just love getting to meet more and more of the ActiveRain family.
Speaking of the ActiveRain family, I found a few success stories that should be shared.
If you have yet to write your own success story, I urge you to do so.  Simply go to your profile page and click "edit: located next to My Profile (Edit). Scroll down until you see the spot designated for ActiveRain Success Story.  Keep in mind this will not show on your AR profile but will be available to view … (33 comments)

Thumbs Up! Meisner Paint & Body Shop - Lakeland Florida - 06:10 AM
Looking for a good auto body and paint shop here in Lakeland Florida?
When roads are slick, caution must be taken when driving a car.  When the beautiful Florida sun is setting in front of your eyes while driving, caution must be taken when driving a car. 
Fender bender happens every day.
January 1st, well 2nd started out with a bang!  I drove with my daughters and grandkids to the Orlando outlet mall shopping and had a wonderful time.  As we were leaving the outlet mall the sun was setting and traffic was backed up leading to a major road … (12 comments)

When a Closing Company Interferes with a Closing - 07:25 AM
It never ceases to amaze me at how many people in real estate will work selfishly and aggressively to satisfy their own interests.  Take, for example, my current problem.  I am representing a buyer on a transaction in Bartlesville, a town just up the road from Owasso.  In our area, the buyer picks the title company.  The seller can agree to a mutual closing at the buyer's closing company or the seller can have their own closing.
In this particular case, the title company that has the abstract (Oklahoma is an abstract state), had already done some work on it from … (81 comments)

Got Scottsdale Home Floor Plans? - 12:09 PM
 
My business partner is older than dirt. 
 
Seriously, he's so old that Metamucil takes him in the morning.
He's so old that when he takes his grandchildren on his knee and speaks of "The Great War," he is referring to The Crusades.
He's so old that it takes 4 hours for his life to flash before his eyes.
 

 
Okay, so my business partner is my father, and he's not really all that old.  Just old enough for some good paternal ribbing and to have more years invested into this industry than I do on the … (43 comments)

ActiveRain University Presents Customizing Your ActiveRain Blog - 12:57 AM
Branding your image is one of the most important aspects of any business.  You need to have an image that depicts you and the business you are involved in.  Many sites require complex steps to customize a theme and make it the way you wish.  ActiveRain offers you a really great option on how to customize your blog to represent your image better.  Unfortunately, very few really master how to accomplish this.
Have you ever seen a blog on ActiveRain that looks like this?

I know I surely have.  While this type of theme might be acceptable on this network, … (117 comments)

Are You Using Twitter To Advertise your Open House? Why Not? - 04:56 PM
Although many people use Twitter as a "real time / in the moment" notification tool, there is significant activity that indicates that people are searching the Twitter stream long after tweets are posted.
While the Twitter search tool is fairly rudimentary it is still powerful and can net good results.  What we need to do as REALTORS (R) and real estate agents is load up the Twitter stream with valuable information for searchers to find.
I am suggesting that you post your open house information on Twitter and include #openhouse and #realestate hashtags to help people find you.  You might also … (66 comments)

Can even the busiest of days be devoid of blogging? The answer is a resounding no! - 06:59 AM
My schedule has really become saturated in the last few weeks. And it looks like the month may be one of the most time-demanding of my real estate career.
And since time has become the most precious of all commodities, it stands to reason that something has to give way in order to meet the needs of a hectic schedule.
One of the first things that come to mind is blogging, and whether or not it should be on the chopping block. After all, daily blogging consumes a significant part of any work day.
But it is truly a question of … (78 comments)

Cut and paste is theft! - 04:22 PM

 
For some reason, stealing other people's work has become acceptable to some here on AR. This is something that I find to be truly strange and frankly it is something that needs to stop. First we have cut and paste - word for word blogs that people have been passing off as their own work. Let me be blunt - that is stealing and illegal and not only places the perpetrator in danger of being sued, but also AR. It's funny that people look at words and pictures on the internet and are completely OK with stealing them. Well, … (91 comments)


Blog posts


Fahrenheit 451 - 2010 - 01:27 PM
Fahrenheit 451 - 2010
In the great book Fahrenheit 451 there are no books and people watch TV for information.  The fire departments job is to burn books that turn up.  A scary thought about censorship and knowledge.
However, a key concept in camouflage is hide things in plan site.  There is no need to burn books or destroy the written word if no one reads it.
I recently enrolled my son in a local high school and was given a list several pages long of approved videos that may be shown as part of the educational program.  I was not … (9 comments)

Good Faith Estimates Explained - FHA Loan Good Faith Estimates - Understanding the whole process - Part 1 of 2 - 07:33 PM
This is very important information. Things have changed. Some are pleased. Some are not. Personally, I think that the people that put this together decided that the lenders were the bad guys. I have seen the form. I am confused about why the buyer does not have to sign it. I am confused about why it does not mention how much the monthly payment will be. Actually, I am confused about what this new form does.
Jeff makes loans. He can explain it.
Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage … (1 comments)

Open season on Lender's Pockets? - 08:03 PM

Can it be possible?
The government has opened the door for uncontrolled bilking of Mortgage Companies?
 
I will be the first person to admit that I don't understand all the changes that have occurred in the mortgage industry. I go to classes. I listen. It will take awhile for it all to sink in. It is no wonder that the number one thing buyers don't understand is the lending process.
I do this for a living and can't get my mind around it anymore.
From what I understand, the Good Faith Estimate that lenders must provide potential borrowers has … (5 comments)

Cut and paste is theft! - 04:22 PM

 
For some reason, stealing other people's work has become acceptable to some here on AR. This is something that I find to be truly strange and frankly it is something that needs to stop. First we have cut and paste - word for word blogs that people have been passing off as their own work. Let me be blunt - that is stealing and illegal and not only places the perpetrator in danger of being sued, but also AR. It's funny that people look at words and pictures on the internet and are completely OK with stealing them. Well, … (91 comments)

How To Approach Real Estate Blogging And Ensure Your Success, Guaranteed - 12:19 PM
 
I sat here making an effort to finish writing an article covering the 2 most crucial things to consider about your website when I was derailed by the topic below.
The following is based on a phone rant that I have let loose so many times that I’m starting to feel myself on auto-pilot, almost thinking about something else, as I explain the basic formula to guaranteed blogging success.  It struck me that I need to write this down before I mistakenly consider it to be no longer relevant.  The fact is that it couldn’t be more relevant for new and struggling real estate bloggers.
I am adding … (10 comments)

Opening at Avenue 50 Studio/The Annex March 13 "A Prayer For Juarez, A Curse On The Killers" - 06:27 AM
Opening at Avenue 50 Studio/The Annex March 13: A Prayer For Juarez, A Curse On The KillersOpening Night Reception:  Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 7-10 pm
March 13 through April 4, 2010
 
Participating artists:
Alfonso AcevesLaura BlancoAngela Briggs Ismael de Anda Antonio EscalanteJudithe HernandezCindy SuriyaniVincentmayakovsky
The Avenue 50 Studio is participating in A Prayer for Juarez a world-wide call to attention dedicated to uplift and raise awareness about violence against humanity around the world, beginning in Juárez. The main approach is to no longer come from a place of anger, hate or protest, but from a place of love and … (3 comments)

Fabulous 4 Bedroom split-level home in sunny Soquel! - 06:18 PM
Click to see more pictures of 3310 Fairway, Soquel View more Soquel Real Estate Listings
… (0 comments)

Affordable Live Oak Living! - 06:19 PM
Click to see more pictures of 1576 El Dorado Avenue, Santa Cruz View more Santa Cruz Real Estate Listings
… (0 comments)

Holiday Home Near Disney World. Come experience the dream. - 06:07 AM
2993 Kokomo Loop Haines City Florida 33844Southern Dunes Country Club
This 3 bedroom 2 bath pool home is being sold completely furnished and ready for holiday rentals. World class 18 hole "links style" golf course is the center piece of Southern Dunes Country Club. Located only 30 minutes to Disney World this home would make the perfect Florida get away. Zoned for nightly rentals. Advanced bookings and management are in place for a turn key vacation home. Only $150,000
 
Do NOT be foreclosed on! Avoid foreclosure. Short Sales DO close.
Want to find out more? www.CentralFloridaShortSales.com
***I am NOT an … (18 comments)

Pueblo Events 12-14 & 18 Mar, Time Change-Spring Forward - 10:43 AM
Pueblo Association of Home Builders 2010 Home and Garden ShowThis years Home and Garden Show takes place March 12-14 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds Palace of Agriculture.  There will lots of home décor, construction, landscaping, home builder, gardening, and "green" exhibitors. 
3/12/10 - Kick-off night begins at 5:00pm.  The $10 admission fee includes dinner and drinks.3/13/10 - Hours are 10am - 7pm.  $5 admission3/14/10 - Hours are 10am - 5pm.  $5 admissionFor more info:  http://pahb-co.builderfusion.com/bf/website/
5th Annual "Flavor of Pueblo Food & Wine Show"03/18/10 - Hours are 5-7:30pm at the Pueblo Convention Center
The great flavors of Pueblo cuisine, wine, and … (0 comments)

Nampa Idaho Condo For Rent- $650 / Month - 09:41 PM
Cozy, 1100+ SF tri-plex unit on Indian Creekwith quick Insterstate 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 apartment. Small fenced yard on end-unit.
6 month lease required. $650 / Month + $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!
… (2 comments)

Desperate... - 11:04 PM
Desperate... Brian Buffini spoke at the Wells Fargo "Meeting the Market Challenge in 2010" session yesterday and he told us we should be proud for being in this business right now. Still being in the business, we are the commited ones, the strong ones, the desperate ones. As he joked about it, I thought of this movie clip. Some agents just can't find jobs somewhere and so they are stuck being a Realtor... All joking aside, I'm happy I am thriving in this market and helping people with their Idaho Real Estate needs! … (9 comments)

Short Sale Sellers Can Turn Into Short Sale Buyers Within Months - 06:56 AM
GREAT NEWS !   Know that every situation is different...but this wonderful blog shows everyone...there is LIFE ..HOPE...Everything is possible !
 
Hansons Both
Via Judy Chapman, REALTOR® ~ Luxury Homes & Short Sales (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate):
Yes it’s true ... Short Sale Sellers Can Turn Into Short Sale Buyers Within Months!
This afternoon, I followed up on the progress of one of my Short Sellers ... post-short-sale.
We closed the first week of January 2010 ... slightly more than 2 months ago ... and already they have a few good things to report.
Did I say ‘good’? I meant to … (4 comments)

Highlands Ranch - Backs To Open Space - 03:46 PM
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Parker Colorado Real Estate - 03:49 PM
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Elizabeth Colorado Real Estate - 03:51 PM
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4022 Westminster Rd. -- $229,000 -- SOLD! - 01:41 PM
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What Do I Do To Get May Credit Back - 08:37 PM
Pensacola, Florida: My best of the best series of articles on different real estate topics beneficial to Pensacola Investors, Landlords, Tenants, buyers, sellers in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze, Florida. This weeks topic is on Mortgages including FHA, VA, Conventionals, Creative Financing, Reverse Mortgages and Owner Financing available in Pensacola, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Florida.  I hope you find this series to be educational as well as informative. Looking for a mortgage or loan, call 800-309-3414 to discuss how we can find no money down, 100% financing for you in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl. Call Charles Stallions 800-309-3414 or E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com. To view homes for sale or rent in  Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Florida Click … (1 comments)

It’s Not TOO Late to “RECESSION-PROOF” RENTAL PROPERTIES..... - 08:39 PM
Pensacola, Florida: My best of the best series of articles on different real estate topics beneficial to Pensacola Investors, Landlords, Tenants, buyers, sellers in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze, Florida. I hope you find this series to be educational as well as informative. Looking to rent or need a property manager to discuss how we can be of great service to you here in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl, Call Charles Stallions 800-309-3414 or E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com. To view homes for rent in  Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Florida Click Here. $50. Flat Fee Property Management with no other hidden charges.
Via Wallace S. Gibson CPM * GRI (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.):
With continued … (1 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 5910 Carmel Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 - 10:28 AM
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 5910 Carmel Drive Montgomery, AL 36117
MLS #272597
 

 
Hang onto your heart! From the moment you step into the entry of this handsome patio home, you'll sense it's been loved and cared for. The gleaming hardwood floors and tall ceilings will please your eye. And once you discover all the storage, you'll know it's perfect as your next home! Double closets in one bedroom, two walk-in closets and a kitchen chock-full of cabinetry, too. Plus there's a nifty covered patio out back relaxing. Wish we could include interior photos, but it is tenant … (0 comments)

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