Archives of real estate blog entries for March 7, 2010

Featured blog posts


Don't Blame the Underwriter - Blame the Loan Officer! - 08:33 AM
Don't Blame the Underwriter - Blame the Loan Officer! Steve are you out of your mind? Aren't you a loan officer? There has been recent conversation about underwriting and underwriters and how grossly depraved and wicked they are - denying loans, taking a shotgun to files, stripping them of all their dignity ...
But as a loan officer that is experienced with both the broker side and the banking side of mortgage lending, I am here to say more times than not ...
BLAME THE LOAN OFFICER We loan officers are on the front lines. It can be wickedly brutal out … (93 comments)

Open vs. Exclusive Listings - 12:37 AM
Got a phone call the other day from a potential lakefront seller who said he wanted me to list his property.  At first I was thrilled - who doesn't want that kind of phone call, but then, immediately, I thought...this is too easy.  He hasn't even MET me yet, or seen my home sales marketing plan.
He then told me that he was contacting a bunch of realtors and was not going to list exclusively with any of them; he was going to give everyone what we call an "open listing."  Just let them all do their best and may the … (78 comments)

Activerain made me a professional photographer! - 09:26 AM


I couldn't believe it when I got the email, there it was, someone wanted to pay me to use my photo. This makes me a professional, well I guess not until I actually get the check. But, I have a lawyer writing a contract on exactly how the photo can be used and for how long. But, I have to say that when one of your first is used, it is really exciting. How did they find the photo? Activerain of course.

Click here to see the post that sold this picture


Todd Clark - … (33 comments)

Do Home Sellers Want the Cheapest Agent or the Highest Price and Best Service? - 09:36 AM
I used to be an Estee Lauder girl. Devoted to the line. Couldn't wait for Free Gift With Purchase. But I am now a traitor. I have deflected to Chanel. I used to be a huge fan of Chanel Allure. In fact, one of the sentences I practiced over and over in my head when I first visited Paris was how to ask a shop-owner if she carried Chanel Allure and how much it cost. Yet, I never really used Chanel makeup products. All of that changed last week.
An agent in my Lyon Real Estate office also works at Macy's. … (93 comments)

Woohoo Margaret Rome is buying me dinner tonight. Active Rain's first Open House! - 07:52 AM
This evening, if all goes to plan with my busy day, I am heading out to be part of the "First Active Rain Open House".
Good Things are Happening in Baltimore...REALTOR® Magazine + Active Rain Gathering Please Join Us!
Out of all the possible attendees tonight I imagine I have the least amount of travel time. Just a short hop up the beltway (I695) and I should be in time for the festivities.
 And who is coming to dinner?
 It seems that the AR Goddess, Lenn Harley has RSVP'd. I finally get to meet The Dr who makes house calls, AR Ambassador … (43 comments)

AR Bloggers Eat Well Tonight - Dining "The Rome Way" - 08:28 PM
Thanks to Margaret Rome, Active Rain bloggers in the Baltimore area ate well tonight. Margaret provided dinner at the Olive Branch restaurant in Pikesville, MD.
A special bonus was that the dinner was being videotaped by Realtor Magazine for an article they're doing on Margaret, for their Master Series. Kudos Margaret.
Tomorrow, we'll meet out at an open house that Margaret is holding. I hear that we may actually meet another special active rain blogger. Check back tomorrow for more pictures.
Wow! Eat your heart out guys. I got my picture taken with a real AR Diva, Margaret Rome. She is … (60 comments)

We Are The Banksters and We Are Here To Help You! - 10:49 PM
The Banksters are claiming that they are here to help release the burden of our overloaded and short of cash courts. The Banksters are saying that they are really here to help you. 
The Florida Bankers Association has drafted a 55 page bill called The Florida Consumer Protection and Homeowner Credit Rehabilitation Act- which you can read right here. 
Now, how many people here believe that the banks really have the homeowners best interests in mind? See how sneaky the name of this bill is? 
Joe Manausa of Tallahasse Real Estate wrote an article that sums up a lot of the … (65 comments)

Dear Seller, About that number in your head.... - 03:46 AM
Whenever I go on a listing appointment, I generally find that the seller already has a “number in their head” about what their home should sell for.  This number can come from various sources.  It is – unfortunately – almost always higher than the current market can command.
In truth, I can’t blame sellers for this…their minds have been levered to continued price increases to such an extent that the current market has left most sellers blind sided.
The first thing I often hear is that “I need to get X out in order to buy my next home which I … (109 comments)

Not So Speechless Sunday: First Signs of Spring in Tulsa Oklahoma! - 07:57 AM

It's the first signs of Spring in Tulsa Oklahoma!
I shot this picture this past week when I noticed that the daffodils had popped up in the front yard of our Greater Tulsa area home.  Our daffodils are always the first sign that Spring is on the way to Tulsa!
You will notice the brown grass in this picture.  Many people who are not from the Greater Tulsa area often think our grass dies in the wintertime, but this is not true.  It more or less "hibernates" by turning brown.  If you look down in the grass, there is always a … (60 comments)

National Open House Weekend! - 10:48 AM
Nothing puts the focal point on real estate agents and their listings more than a "National Open House" weekend. 
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) wants to make a statement with agents hosting "Open Houses" in every neighborhood, that has a home listed by an agent for sale. National Open House Weekend, April 10th and 11th could create opportunity if we take advantage of the timing.
This should do two things...it should create a spike in agent sales because more buyers will hit the streets to find a home.  Why...because this is in conjunction with the end of the "First … (47 comments)

The Greatest Story Ever Told - Sort Of - 10:23 AM
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD!
OK, maybe not the greatest story ever told but perhaps one that at least was very popular! 
Do you pay attention to the blog statistics that AR provides? If you do (and you definitely should if you aren't) you likely know which of your articles, or types of articles, get the most clicks. 
It may not be the articles that you think! 
Did you look? Why don't you take a quick peek!? We can wait.
I know I have written articles that I thought would be very popular, only to find they weren't at all.  Bummer!
… (70 comments)

Hostile Tenants Putting the KIBOSH On Your Listing? PART II (SOLUTIONS) - 11:45 AM
A few days ago I posted: 
Hostile Tenants Putting the KIBOSH on Your Listing?
In reviewing the comments (thanks) there were some that offered helpful suggestions.
After all, as a listing agent dealing with a rental home, tenants can either make . . . or break . . . the activity level of that property.
I've had tenants thwart my attempts to visit the property with an interested buyer.  If they won't return the call acknowledging our appointment, I don't show the place.  I can't risk driving to the property only to find out the tenant didn't 'get the message.'  I've had … (57 comments)

When Your Customer Says Yes -- "Shut Up And Start Writing" - 11:30 AM
When Your Customer Says Yes -- "Shut Up And Start Writing"
Too many sales people in all fields talk too much!  That's why they say, "God gave us two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we talk!"
A huge number of sales are lost because the agent or salesperson feels compelled to keep on selling after the yes!  When a customer says, I like the home, we need to go for the close immediately.
I just had this scenario:
The client said, "I like this house." 
My response was, "then let's go ahead and get … (102 comments)

I'm So Confused... Please Help A Newbie - 10:42 PM
As a "Newbie", browsing around, reading more seasoned agents blogs in search of useful tips and advice, I've come across a few things I don't know anything about.  Hopefully some of you can help answer a few questions... ??
What is a widget?  How do I get one?  More importantly, would I want one?? LOLWhat is a MeMe? What or Who is TLW?Who is Lenn Harley?And of course, the most frustrating... what is a Proxy Error?? 
I appreciate any feedback.  Hopefully responses to this post will help other "Newbies" as well. 
God bless!
 
 
… (99 comments)


Blog posts


Original Prelisting Presentation Sample | Makeover2Takeover Winning Pre-Listing Presentation | FREE Powerpoint Templates - 11:03 AM
An odd thing happened this morning as I was sipping my coffee and preparing to work...all of a sudden I had and usual number of requests for the pre-listing template, the sample and format Jeannette and I used for the makeover2takeover.
I couldn't figure out why until just a few minutes ago...when I recieved the Activerain newsletter..it doesn't surprise me as I get at least 5 requests everyday...so today...I am going to post the links of where you can get both the sample and the actual presentation which kept us in the top 3 of the Activerain Makeover2Takeover contest.
I cannot … (0 comments)

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY MARCH 7 IN NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES - 07:37 AM
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside 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)

Everybody needs somebody to Hate! - 04:45 PM
The other day I heard Hugo Chavez go off on President Obama and Hillary Clinton again.  This strikes me as funny when about has basically bent over for these people in an effort to become friends.  He has taken this apology tour global to the entire hate America crowd.  His attitude is that if we act a little more humble and reasonable these people can be won over and we can have world peace and sing Kumbaya together.
It doesn't work.  These people need somebody to blame.  They are dictators and tyrants that need scape goats and the US is the … (7 comments)

It is Baseball Time Again - 05:16 PM
It's basball time again.

I love baseball, it is the most American of sports , stressing team and individual skills.  It is the only major team sport I can think of where the object is not to move the all into some kind of goal. 
My oldest son liked baseball but never excelled at it and has given it up to focus on wrestling and spring football to get ready for high school next year and that is fine with me.
Son # 2 is a star and at 11 years of age will play in the Little League Majors … (11 comments)

This is Janson! - 05:27 PM
This is Janson!
Janson wanted me to put a big picture of him up on the Internet.  So here it is.  He is wearing my classes and I think this might have been last fall after he had broke his arm.

Janson will be 6 in June.  Janson will tell you that he is very tough. (note the band aide on the chin.)  He likes to tackle daddy.  He is also good at sneaking food. 
He also told me how smart he is now that he is 5 and in school, and then explained that George Washington invented the Microwave … (7 comments)

Speechless Sunday - View from The Oasis at Lake Travis Austin TX - 09:43 PM
This is an actual house, not a hotel...

**Are You Packed Yet?** 

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comDonna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin TX Real Estate and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Hill Country Austin TX Real Estate and beyond. Whether you're buying or selling an Austin home, I'll be with you every step of the way. 
For real time Austin TX listings, click here.
** #1 Agent in my Office for all of 2008 **
Copyright© 2010 By Donna Harris, All Rights Reserved. You may re-blog with … (19 comments)

Realty Executives - 01:47 PM
   Check out Realty Executives cover story spread featured in this month's Real Estate Magazine on pages 66-71! http://bit.ly/bfMQEZ 2:55 PM Mar 4th via Facebook Reply Retweet    Industry advisor by Rich Rector in today's online RISMedia re: recruiting opportunities in 2010. http://bit.ly/dvV6ZP 2:52 PM Mar 4th via Facebook Reply Retweet    Feds help speed up mortgage modifications http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20100304_speedup.htm http://bit.ly/9AXku7 10:08 AM Mar 4th via Facebook Reply Retweet    Check out this week's Mark's Minute for the 20th Anniversary celebration of owners; Jim & Janus Tanner, and Phil &... http://bit.ly/cB1Kre 8:33 AM Mar 3rd via Facebook Reply Retweet    The government … (0 comments)

Metro East Housing Stats for February 2010 - 04:26 PM
Paul Walker, Broker Associate
Since 1997

Realty Executives of Metro East, 1109 Hartman Ln, Suite 200, Shiloh, IL 62221
(Corner of Hartman Ln and Frank Scott Parkway)
February 2010Metro East Housing Statistics
Feb 2010 vs. Feb 2009
# OF SOLD HOMES AVG DAYS ON MARKET
COUNTY Feb 10 Feb 09 Feb 10 Feb 09
ST CLAIR 148 135 131 137
MADISON 140 170 145 135
CLINTON 17 14 106 142
TOTAL MLS AREAS 397 401 143 140
MEDIAN HOME PRICES
Jan 10 Jan 09
ST CLAIR $118,045 $124,264
MADISON $115,668 $116,160
CLINTON $149,679 $129,293
TOTAL MLS AREAS $115,904 $116,859
Active … (0 comments)

UPDATE! First Active Rain Open House Gathering in Baltimore, MD…Starts TODAY! - 11:40 AM
It's here! The First Ever Active Rain Open House Gathering taking place in Baltimore this evening and tomorrow, and the buzz is growing.
Want to earn some quick extra AR points? Rain god Bob Stewart has promised that anyone who attends the open house and blogs about it will be awarded 3,000 points! We've got some big names and personalities, so if you want to meet and learn from the likes of Lenn Harley, Carolyn Tann-Starr, and Dr. Stacey Bough, this is the place for you. A crab cake dinner tonight at the Olive Branch restaurant is on me for the … (15 comments)

Poachers, photo poachers that is, why am I not surprised? - 12:58 PM
RANT alert :)
We've all seen the discussions of how professionalism seems to have gone out the window lately.  Why is that?  Does the perceived "bad market" make some throw ethics, morality and professionalism out the window?   So today, I was running comps on a listing.  The place itself doesn't lend itself to the best of photos, so I have a few of the interior, but the bulk are exterior shots.  The unit itself, the building, the grounds, the pool, clubhouse and tennis courts.
So while I'm running comps I took a double take thinking my listing was loaded in the MLS … (3 comments)

Townhome in convenient Sunset Park, near Countrywood area, Walnut Creek (Northgate schools too!) - 01:09 PM
… (0 comments)

Mortgage Rates Start To Fall - 12:01 AM
The 30 year rate fell from 5.05 to 4.97 this week. Mortgage rates have been yo-yoing the last few weeks. The 30 year rate rose from 4.93 to 5.05 last week. This week the 30 year rate dropped from 5.05 to 4.97. Throughout February rates where remarkably stable due to the lack of news. Now it looks like their are multiple factors (FED increasing the discount rate, housing sales falling) that are affecting mortgage rates but the market seems unsure about what direction rates should move in. The 15 year dropped from 4.40 to 4.33 this week. The 5 year arm … (4 comments)

What to do...? - 07:29 PM
What to do...?
Since my first blog post on Jan 30, 2007, I was under the impression that a "Featured Blog Post" was one that was read a lot and maybe had a minimum number of comments. I guess it's still a mystery.
Today, however, I received the status of having a Featured Blog Post  Market Recognition!
Thank you to Active Rain, their staff and to all the members out there who have helped me get this far in 3 years. This has been exciting!
To top that off,

Pat Kennedy featured another one of my blog posts on her weekly … (5 comments)

Dear Seller, About that number in your head.... - 08:31 AM
The echo is everywhere....price to sell, not to sit...Here is another reminder from another Keller Williams agent...Pricing it right the first time gets a home sold for more money than hoping for a "shift" to a higher number...Thank You Ruthmarie !
Via Ruthmarie Hicks (Keller Williams Realty):
Whenever I go on a listing appointment, I generally find that the seller already has a “number in their head” about what their home should sell for.  This number can come from various sources.  It is – unfortunately – almost always higher than the current market can command.
In truth, I can’t blame sellers for … (7 comments)

Hope for Bankrupt and Foreclosed Borrowers? - 11:00 AM
According to a recent Inman news article, borrowers that have eliminated their debts should be more attractive for mortgage lenders as they will be motivated to lend to people who previously had financial troubles if they look like they can pay the next time around.
Good news, however at what cost to the borrower?
… (0 comments)

Open House Sunday 1 to 4 pm Snacks - Lunch - Drinks March 7th - 08:49 AM
… (3 comments)

For Rent in Pensacola Florida three bedrooms 1 bath Downtown - 08:54 AM
… (2 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3011 Boxwood Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36111 - 07:01 PM
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 3011 Boxwood Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36111 MLS#272333
Updated and affordable in desirable McGehee Estates. If you are looking for the McGehee Estates lifestyle without the price tag, and you want a home that has been tastefully updated, this one should make the cut. Current owners have removed some walls turning cramped ranch style rooms into a LARGE family room. Galley style kitchen opens to informal dining area. Four spacious bedrooms perfect for growing family. The real jewel of this home is in the expansive privacy fenced back yard with huge party deck and in-ground BBQ grill. … (0 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2983 Old Farm Rd,Montgomery Alabama 36111 - 08:14 PM
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2983 Old Farm Rd,Montgomery Alabama 36111
MLS #272390

Are you ready for a re-do?? Desirable location and great floorplan will make it worth your while to check out this end-unit townhome that lives like a "real house!" Needs a good bit of work (click photo for clear structural report, detailed home inspection, roof inspection and re-roof estimate) but priced $31,500 below an identical unit that sold for $141,500. So roll up your sleeves and build some equity. Cash poor? Call about the FHA 203K program, which allows you to finance all the needed improvements with … (0 comments)

Signature Place Condo Auction: Going Once, Going Twice, SOLD! - 04:47 PM
The auction at Signature Place has been creating buzz in downtown St Pete for the last few weeks. Today was it - the auction.  As we expected, all 41 sold, as well as 10 additional ones they put up for bid. Also as we expected, all of them sold above the minimum bids.So - 51 times this afternoon we heard GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE ....  SOLD!
It was interesting to watch the bidders - some people would bid each time to their limit and stop; some were coaxed a bit higher. Some had two determined bidders going back and forth. Yes, … (7 comments)

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