Archives of real estate blog entries for March 9, 2010

Featured blog posts


THE WHITE LIE -- EXACTLY WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE FROM A REGULAR LIE? - 11:15 PM
A fellow emailed me about two weeks ago, and told me that he would like to visit with me about listing his house for sale.  He had picked me from an Internet ad.
I sent him some information, even visited with him by telephone.  We set up the appointment for the morning time a few days later.
So I prepared the Comparative Market Analysis, Listing Agreement, and other supporting materials, and the next morning I drove about twenty miles toward his home.  Just as I was turning onto his street, my assistant called and told me that my prospective client had … (67 comments)

Blog Carnival of Real Estate - My First Time to Host! Winners Announcement - 09:06 PM
Not long ago, I was asked by my friend Mike Price to host the "Carnival of Real Estate", which is essentially a gathering of blog posts each week about our industry.  Sounds like fun to me, so I said a hearty "Yes!".  Since I've held lots of contests during my blogging career, I have a little experience in this arena.  :)
 
First of all, if you took the time to submit something this past week, I thank you all for your submissions.  We all take pride and a great sense of ownership of our writing, and I know firsthand that … (40 comments)

Holy Cow...Where did all the inventory go? - 07:03 PM

 
This is as about elementary as it can get
supply goes down and prices go up
 
A funny thing happened while I was doing a search for a client tonight. I plugged in their price range, deleted all short sales and hit enter. My first thought was "That can't be right".  I went back and re-checked the criteria. The client was looking for a town home or a single family home in Montgomery County priced somewhere between $300,000 and $325,000. There are only 69 listings that are active. 
Chew on that fact for a minute
It may be … (47 comments)

First Active Rain Open House Gathering – Day Two and Done! - 06:06 PM
My second day of open houses and filming for REALTOR® Magazine's Masters Series started very early with a workout at the gym. Katie and Gabe filmed a bit of my session while John, my trainer, did not go easy on me just because I was in the spotlight. C Tann-Starr came along for the "fun" and  Katie and Gabe were able to use the wonderful facilities of Life Bridge to get in much needed workouts. Katie, who is training for a 1/2 marathon, picked up a few pointers from John.
Then it was back home for a few phone calls, some … (53 comments)

My Active Rain Success Story... Sort of. - 09:35 PM
My Active Rain Success Story... Sort of. I'm writing this post for three purposes; 1) I just attended Denver RainCamp and I wanted to implement some of the ideas we learned about (I'll number each item as I go in { }), 2) because I promised my Active Rain "mentor," Ruth Vogt {1}, that I would do so, and 3) because my son keeps asking me how many hits his project on YouTube has received, and is disappointed that as of this morning it was only 42.  So, if you will indulge me, and at least select the video below - … (34 comments)

Sir, Please Step Away From The Buyers? - 12:25 PM

This is about etiquette.On Sunday, I had an amazing Open House.  I showed up with fifty fact sheets and ran out.  It was like I was giving away free Labradoodle puppies or something.But that is not what made it amazing.The neighbors are planning to sell their house, putting it on the market in a couple of weeks.  And the husband parked himself in the front yard, stopping people as they left my Open.  Then I got a couple of calls from buyer brokers who sent their prospects telling me he had grabbed their buyers to tell them his place was … (126 comments)


Blog posts


The effective way to purchase a home - 01:06 PM

Diogenes
This is not the way that people seek the truth today.

This is an example of where consumers seek the truth today.
For all you marketing geniuses out there, the landscape has changed.  Big firms and yesterdays marketing pro's have always tried to stay ahead of the curve.  They also did everything possible to picture their product or their style as being the best in the market.  The time has come for them to get in the fast lane or risk being kicked to the information super highway curb.  The consumer of 2010 and beyond is not some hapless spender … (5 comments)

Holy Cow...Where did all the inventory go? - 07:03 PM

 
This is as about elementary as it can get
supply goes down and prices go up
 
A funny thing happened while I was doing a search for a client tonight. I plugged in their price range, deleted all short sales and hit enter. My first thought was "That can't be right".  I went back and re-checked the criteria. The client was looking for a town home or a single family home in Montgomery County priced somewhere between $300,000 and $325,000. There are only 69 listings that are active. 
Chew on that fact for a minute
It may be … (47 comments)

WHAT IS MASSA HIDING? - 11:56 AM

 
 
 

 
Right now he is the darling of the Right. He voted “no” on healthcare; on the President’s budget and promises to do the same on Cap and Tax. But he won’t get the opportunity to do that or to stop the latest attempt at putting some form of Obamacare on the books, because on Monday Rep Eric Massa (D-NY) will no longer be a member of Congress. I have a problem with this. He is accused of a sexual harassment ethics violation, but if you listen to the story he tells, what took place is really pretty … (3 comments)

WHAT IS MASSA HIDING 2.0? - 04:52 PM
 


 
 
 

 
 
I posted a similar blog this morning. Rep Eric Massa (D-NY) has just been on Glenn Beck when he said he was NOT forced out. Listen to HIS OWN WORDS DIRECT FROM HIS MOUTH on my Podcast today. I questioned what he is hiding because what he says and what he is doing simply do not add up for me. Right now he is the darling of the Right. He voted “no” on health care (because it did not contain a public option); on the President’s budget and had promised to do the same on … (1 comments)

708 Cardiff Ct, O'Fallon, IL 62269 Home For Sale $337,900 - 04:33 PM
O'Fallon Home For Sale
708 Cardiff Court Ofallon, IL 62269 Single Family Home, 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 4340 Sqft., MLS# 3002181
Tools & Resources:
Save Listing Request More Info Schedule a Showing Map to Property Find Similar Printable Version Mortgage Calculators Get Pre-Approved for a Loan Tell a Friend 2/10
Description
PRISTINE CONDITION!LINDHURST RANCH WITH FULL FINISHED BASEMENT-SPLIT BEDROOM CONCEPT-OPEN FLOOR PLAN-VALUTED CEILING-LUXURY MASTER SUITE$BATH-KITCHEN AND BREAKFAST AREA IS OPEN TO THE FAMILY ROOM-HARDWOOD IN HALLWAY AND DINING ROOM-FAMILY ROOM-LARGE REC ROOM IN BASEMENT PLUS GAME ROOM-LIVING ROOM HAS GLASS DOORS FOR PRIVACY-HARDWOOD IN HALLWAY AND DINING ROOM-FAMILY ROOM HAS SURROUND SOUND … (1 comments)

How Much Will You Make On The Sale Of Your Property? - 02:12 AM
Most people look to comps in their area to come up with the listing price for their property. This is logical, but you also have to focus on the bottom line.
How Much Will You Make on The Sale of Your Property?
It happens more often than you might imagine. A homeowner decides to sell and goes about figuring the best price to sell. They may set a price off of the cuff or do research to ascertain the best price that will result in a sale within a specific time period. What many do not take into account, however, is … (0 comments)

Bathroom Design Strategies That Increase The Value Of Your Home - 02:22 AM
When it comes to adding value to your property, the experts in real estate will agree that to capitalize in the bathroom and kitchen almost certainly guarantees profitable returns.
If you're considering making your home appealing to potential buyers, then one of the first places to start is in the bathroom. With countless accessories and appliances on the market, making a decision that will ultimately allow you to reap the rewards is daunting.
When it comes to bathroom design, what is it that most people really want? Would choosing a spacious whirlpool bath above a traditional bath be financially beneficial in … (2 comments)

Budget for Closing Costs – Home Inspection and Title Fees - 02:32 AM
Closing costs simply refer to the fees associated with various things associated with the escrow process in a real estate transaction. In the excitement of having an offer accepted for your dream home, you can easily lose track of the fact you are going to need to have some serious cash on hand to pay them. Many people make the mistake of only assuming they need the down payment money, and have to rush around town trying to come up with money for the closing fees.
If you are buying a home, you need to get a professional home inspection. Doing … (0 comments)

Facing Foreclosure? Walk Away Or Stay? - 03:12 AM
That's a question many homeowners are asking themselves these days.  Do I walk away from my home or stay and stick it out to try and save my credit? 
Nearly 1 in 3 homeowners in the Tampa Bay area are facing foreclosure.  That means if affects everyone.  If you're not facing foreclosure yourself, then maybe your neighbor or someone in your neighborhood is.  This affects the value of your home.
Both sides can be argued of this question.  But is it really worth the risk of destroying your credit for many years to come if you are able to stick it … (2 comments)

First Active Rain Open House Gathering – Day Two and Done! - 06:06 PM
My second day of open houses and filming for REALTOR® Magazine's Masters Series started very early with a workout at the gym. Katie and Gabe filmed a bit of my session while John, my trainer, did not go easy on me just because I was in the spotlight. C Tann-Starr came along for the "fun" and  Katie and Gabe were able to use the wonderful facilities of Life Bridge to get in much needed workouts. Katie, who is training for a 1/2 marathon, picked up a few pointers from John.
Then it was back home for a few phone calls, some … (53 comments)

Buyers Beware....The asking price of the property means SQUAT! - 04:08 PM

As some of you may remember I was a HUGE fan of Range Pricing for many years. When we first opened Tutas Towne Realty 13 years ago Range Pricing was our UVP (Unigue Value Proposition).
I haven't used Range Pricing since the market changed in late 2006. It made a lot of sense when the market was moving upward. It doesn't make sense today.
You can see by the comments in this article that many agents didn't get it and some buyers didn't like it. But none the less it worked. My properties sold quicker and for more money using … (24 comments)

Home Loan Advantages and Benefits for Military Personnel - 03:14 AM
United States Military Veterans have a plethora of home loan advantages and benefits available to them. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan guaranty program was expanded and extended by the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 and the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008.

Home loan refinancing is available for up to 100 percent of the home's appraised value. Maximum guarantee amounts were temporarily increased for loans closing January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011. Until September 2010, the VA is allowed to continue to guaranty adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and hybrid ARMs (HARMs).

… (1 comments)

The Relationship Between Housing and Jobs - 03:18 AM
Most economists blame the messy bursting of the housing bubble for the Great Recession, yet it's jobs that are discussed the most on the news.
So what is the relationship, if any, between jobs and housing when it comes to the future of the economic recovery? Is it one of those vicious cycles where people can't get jobs until the housing market recovers, but with a shaky job market no one is buying houses to put an end to the decline in housing? Just reading that sentence is enough to cause a headache.

Recently Mint.com, a personal finance website, … (0 comments)

Remodeling Amenities That Add to the Sale of Your Home - 03:21 AM
In preparing a home for sale, some homeowners don't have a clue where to concentrate their efforts and appreciate a valuable tip or two. Read the questions below. If the answer is yes to any of these, follow the strategy to fix it:

* Is the wallpaper throughout your home outdated?
If yes, replace the wallpaper, or paint or texture over it.

* Is your paneling outdated?
Typical grooved paneling is outdated. If you have this type of paneling in your home, paint it a neutral color. High-quality paneling without grooves, which is $30+ a sheet unfinished, as … (4 comments)

Important or Urgent? - 09:43 PM
Important or Urgent?
I first was exposed to this grid at a Ken Blanchard seminar.  I think of it often and I have also tried to keep a good balance of spending more time in Quadrant 2. It isn't always easy. 
                                                     
When you cross the axis of "Importance" and "Urgency", which one wins? 
Quadrant 1 is known as the "CRISIS" Quadrant.  You want to spend as little time here as possible.  If the building is on fire, it's important and urgent and action must be taken immediately!
Quadrant 3 is known as "INTERRUPTION" Quadrant.  Things seem urgent and important, but … (9 comments)

3915 ATRIUM DR # NA, ORLANDO FL 32822 - 09:01 AM
 
 MLS# O4966900                    3915 ATRIUM DR # NA, ORLANDO FL 32822     $$$ 99,900 $$$

SHORT SALE. 2/2 in prestigious Ventura Country Club. Guard Gated property, beautiful clubhouse with olympic size pool. Come see today. Listing price may not be sufficient to pay the total of all liens and costs of sale, and sale of Property at full listing price may require approval of sellers lender(s), and such approval may be conditioned upon the gross commission being reduced.  Any adjustment will be split 50% by listing Broker and 50% by selling Broker.
For the latest status on this property and many … (0 comments)

9978 TIVOLI VILLA DR, ORLANDO FL 32829 - 09:03 AM
 
 MLS# O4967625              9978 TIVOLI VILLA DR, ORLANDO FL 32829    $$$ 117,500 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. *If exact square footage or room sizes are a concern, unit should be independently measured. This 2 story townhome has lots of tile, 42" cabinets in kitchen, granite counters, separate dining room, eat-in-kitchen, loft upstairs, screened patio, lake view.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply … (0 comments)

6315 ABBEYDALE CT, ORLANDO FL 32818 - 09:07 AM
 
 MLS# O4966990             6315 ABBEYDALE CT, ORLANDO FL 32818      $$$ 159,900 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. *If exact square footage or room sizes are a concern, unit should be independently measured. Fabulous home located in Somerset at Lakeville Oaks. This home is a must see and will go fast! Nice, bright and open floor plan with spacious rooms. Large kitchen and spacious master suite will make you want to call this one home.
For the latest status on this property and many more … (0 comments)

14762 KRISTENRIGHT LN, ORLANDO FL 32826 - 09:10 AM
 
 MLS# O4967522                  14762 KRISTENRIGHT LN, ORLANDO FL 32826    $$$ 165,000 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. *If exact square footage or room sizes are a concern, unit should be independently measured. This contemporary home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, some tile in wet areas, bonus room or office, 2 car garage, great place to live, ITS A MUST SEE!
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. … (0 comments)

The Cooolest Thing We EVER Found on Active Rain ? OUR new Home ! - 04:58 AM
   We were talking to agents about how excited we are to be at Keller Williams...what the brokerage has to offer...what it has meant to us. "We can hear it in your voice !"  they said....we can't help it....we don't want to...this business model...the oportunity....just can't stay awake long enough to take in every class there is...and it's like going to the candy store of higher real estate education...hard to choose what to do first ! 
It you are an agent in southeastern Wisconsin and want to experience the sweet reward of the very best technology, the easiest access to cutting … (10 comments)

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