Archives of real estate blog entries for April 2, 2010

Featured blog posts


Did you know that more than half of the homes sold in 2009 were Short Sales or REO's? - 10:31 PM
Recently I was reading about a very telling statistic. The California Association of Realtors has published that more than 50% of all first-time homebuyers sales were either short sales or foreclosure transactions.
These short sales presented many first time buyers with great opportunities. To be able to step into the market which a few years ago looked like an impossible event? The buyers see many benefits to purchase a short sale. (As a Realtor who is in Escrow now for ten months on a short sale, I have a different perspective). Patience is an absolute necessity, for all parties, buyers, sellers, … (64 comments)

SHOCKING STUDY OF SELLERS' WAYS OF PICKING THEIR AGENT - 11:26 PM
UPDATE, June 2, 2010:   5,931 have read this blog since it was posted.
The April 2010 issue of "Texas Realtor" shows interesting results of a new survey of home sellers.
62% of home sellers only interviewed one agent before listing their home. 19% of home sellers talked to three agents before they selected one 22% were more interested in determining the list price that would make their home competitive than any other service a listing agent would provide. 1% thought professional designations were important when picking their agent.  The other 99% didn't see the value to be of consequence. 3% found/picked … (218 comments)

Short Sale Sellers in North San Diego County: Do Not Wait Until the Sheriff Is at Your Door - 07:34 PM
Attention sellers in North San Diego County: If you live in Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside and beyond and you are having trouble making ends meet, it is important to face facts and know your options.
In the last few months, I have met many folks who might be facing foreclosure who feel scared to open their mail, to contact their lender, and to face the reality of their situation. If you are having trouble making ends meet and making those mortgage payments, know that you have options. BUT... you have many more options available to you if you do not … (19 comments)

Loan Modifications Fail to Stem Tide of Foreclosure - 05:43 AM
The government’s Mortgage Metrics Report by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) reveals that half of the loans modified under HAMP at the beginning of 2009 were once again delinquent by the fourth quarter of 2009.
Fully 14% of all mortgage loans were delinquent by the end of 2009 according to this report. There were twice the modifications in the fourth quarter as occurred the same quarter a year before. Most payments were reduced by at least 20%.
New foreclosure filings fell 15% in the fourth quarter as mortgages remained delinquent … (21 comments)

ActiveRain University - How to use your AR Blog, Listings, Videos and Facebook Fan Page for a Winning Combination - 12:31 PM

ActiveRain University
Thu, Apr 8, 2010 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
Signup link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/496413472
 
 
The Cheese has moved in online lead generation! What to do?
 
Please join us for this power webinar presented by RealBird’s founders at the new ActiveRain Online University. This webinar will be no-nonsense, hands-on, examples-packed, with Q&A at the end.
 
Just a few short years ago all you had to worry about was making your website prominent in search engines. Once consumers found your website they would then use your property search tool to find a home of interest to them, subscribe … (53 comments)

Back to the Future - 04:43 PM
The other day I happened upon a conversation between two colleagues.  While channel surfing, they had both come across a rerun of the 1985 classic "Back to the Future", and were discussing what things they would change if they, too, could pop back in time.  After listening to their ideas-one of which centered on ensuring that a particular person's parents never met, thus eliminating the possibility of them having to deal with, shall we say, his rather unique personal grooming habits-I wandered off, shaking my head and chuckling. 
But as I headed down the hall, I started thinking it about it:  … (22 comments)

I'm Jumping In! Close Your Eyes! I'm Blogging! - 10:19 PM
I know, I know!  Please don't berate, belittle or befriend (oh, I guess it is DE-friend) me, but in any case, I have known for over a year now that I should be blogging.  I have told myself that I was going to do it - tomorrow!  Well, after 365 or so tomorrows, I have put the gauntlet down and told myself that I am not going to procrastinate anymore.  Why do you ask?  What made the difference?  RAINCAMP!  Yesterday, I travelled a total of 300 miles roundtrip to travel from my home in Lake Havasu City, AZ to Las Vegas … (70 comments)

ACTIVERAIN COMMENTS INDEXED BY GOOGLE?? I THINK NOT and IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE. - 04:46 AM
SOME BACK AND FORTH LATELY ABOUT GOOGLEBOT VISITING AND INDEXING COMMENTS TO ACTIVERAIN POSTS.
COMMENTS AND GOOGLE ALERTS.  I believe that the recent comments to a post about Google indexing comments are, IMO, not necessarily what the writers believe to be so.  The often use of Google alerts doesn't verify that Googlebot spiders and indexes comments, even if it appears to be so.   
IS GOOGLEBOT BLOCKED BY "NO FOLLOW" CODE IN ACTIVERAIN COMMENTS??  If so, I believe it is the right practice.  The opportunities for mischief if Google spidered comments is just too enticing for members who would spam commentsfor Googlebot. 
Commenting 10Xday on different posts for ActiveRain points is one … (105 comments)

The Power of Social Media ~ Are You Here To Stay? - 09:34 AM
I came across this video on the social media.  Maybe you have seen it.  I wouldn't be surprised.  I think I very well may have seen this here on our very own Active Rain sometime ago.  What amazed me is not just the power of this video...and make no mistake...it is very powerful.  But  the sheer number of views!                          

1707924

I am just sayin...think about it....



… (50 comments)

Huffington Post Features ActiveRain Blog - 08:23 PM
Earlier today I posted a blog about how Curbed LA featured my blog about Nicholas Cage's Bel Air house that is to be autioned off on 4/7/2010. The article on Curbed LA linked back to my ActiveRain blog.
Later today I discovered that my blog was also referenced on Arianna Huffington's The Huffington Post with a link back to my ActiveRain blog.
I think that this is outstanding exposure and again goes to show the power of ActiveRain.

… (61 comments)

Hey Carlsbad! Have a Coke and a smile, and a sandwich, a pizza and... - 11:25 PM
Sometimes when you do business with certain companies you will be amazed by how giving they are. We believe in customer service and helping people realize the American dream.  So while others may be too busy to return your phone calls or too busy to help you work on your credit to qualify for a home loan, you can count on us to go above and beyond. Other well known companies do it too...well instead of me telling you, let me show you!
 
 




Since 1977


First Priority Financial is licensed by the California Department … (16 comments)

New York Times Co. sells partial stake in Red Sox (and lists the rest with local Realtor!) - 05:22 PM
According to a recent Boston Globe article, the New York Times Co. has sold a small portion (1.2%) of its stake in a company that owns the Boston Red Sox baseball team for an undisclosed amount to venture capital firm Greylock Partners, located in California.The New York Times had been looking for a buyer to purchase some or all of its interest (a total of 17.8%) in New England Sports Ventures, LLC, which owns the Red Sox, Fenway and other sports properties, for quite some time.  It hired Goldman Sachs about a year ago to help sell it.Since the Times Co. … (28 comments)

My Active Rain Hit Router was down.....and so were my website hits! - 01:02 AM
Yes, Agent Aaron - There is a Santa Claus!  Hit Router - an amazing tool.  Lead generation that works!  It is like buying a whole bunch of adwords at once - for a lot less than the price of one keyword.   People are searching the internet for many things, using all kinds of keywords.Since Active Rain is a very successful real estate promotion site ....
  ( that's right, I said real estate promotion site - the social network part is very useful and so much fun, I love it - but when you are blogging for business, 'talking' to potential … (50 comments)

Rob Roy Neighborhood - Austin, Texas - 07:56 AM
Rob Roy Neighborhood - Austin, Texas
I know the Rob Roy Neighborhood and have worked here for twenty years! By coincidence, my first listing appointment back in 1989 (yes that was the last century) was for a home located in the Rob Roy Neighborhood. That home eventually  sold for $368,000 and though the sellers owed the bank more than that, they gladly paid the balance and thanked me. You have to remember that during this period Texas and other parts of the nation were going through the S&L Crisis with 1000-2000 foreclosures every month in Travis County alone! Every neighborhood was affected … (44 comments)

Talking and Texting while driving - Now a primary offense - (Test your skill challenge!) - 12:59 AM
Talking and Texting while driving - Now a primary offense
Fellow agents, if you're anything like me, you probably didn't talk on the cell too much while driving...until you started doing real estate. A survey showed that 85% of all cell phone users talk on the phone while driving on a regular basis. I would venture to guess that licenced real estate agents probably have an even higher percentage. Well, be careful. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but now this habbit can cost you a big fat $124 bucks!
Current Washington state law says that talking on a cell phone or … (75 comments)

Why should I join a group? - 12:27 AM

Okay so Active Rain is kinda funny.  When I joined last year, it was up to the new member to figure out how to use it, and to either fail or excel.  Now at least there's a user manual to read and Ambassador's you can contact. 
So why should you join a group?  Let me start off by saying that the other day I browsed all 6300+ groups and wrote a critally acclaimed post about my experience ( http://activerain.com/blogsview/1573922/active-rain-groups ).  The result was lots of comments "why should I join a group?"  Here's 3 reasons why:
You like the topic and want … (51 comments)

Confessions of an Active Rain "point monger" - 09:40 PM

I don't know if this has happened to you, I hope not.  I'm sure if it has, you would never admit it to anybody.  My dirty little Active Rain secret.  By confessing, I hope to save some of you from the secret life I led!
There are not a lot of ACTIVE Active Rain members in Sonoma County. In fact my best estimate is that there are less than 20.   Regardless, my story really focuses on an event that climaxed in January of this year. 
My friend and fellow Active Rain blogger, Dave Robertshad (for years I believe) maintained the top featured position … (82 comments)


Blog posts


Welcome to New Hampshire - Experience the Granite State of Mind - 11:29 PM
                   New Hampshire is known as the Granite State ... and it's motto is "live free or die."
On April Fools Day, filmmaker and rapper, ...Christain Wisecarver who is from Atkinson, New Hampshire released
"Granite State of Mind"   A parody based on (Jay-Z ).   It has had over 300,000 hits on you tube.
Here are a few New Hampshire names you may recognize in Chirstain Wisecarver's parody
Adam Sandler
Seth Meyers
Sarah Silverman
Alan Shepard
Christa McCaulliffe
Daniel Webster
Robert Frost
 
 
 
"EVERYBODY PUMP YOUR FISTS AND YELL LIVE FREE OR DIE! LIVE FREE OR DIE!"
                                                                                                              
Welcome Spring! Welcome to New Hampshire!
Visit New … (19 comments)

Shopping For a New Home? Cheyenne is a Great Place to Buy! - 12:46 PM
Shopping For a New Home? Cheyenne is a Great Place to Buy!  If you are in the market for a new home, there are a lot of things to consider.  Do you like to cook?  Then you will want a home with a well equipped kitchen.  How about gardening?  Is a big yard important?   Here is some great infomation that I found on the Century21 Network.  Makes a lot of sense.  Click on this link or paste it in your browser.  http://www.21online.com/ViewNewsItem.aspx?ID=9
The time to take advantage of the Tax Credit is coming to an end.  I have heard rumors that … (0 comments)

As the Market Changes...So Do I - 02:12 PM
There is no doubt that the California Real Estate Market has seen some dramatic changes over the last few years.I started working with distressed real estate as early as 2006, when I did my first of several thousand BPO's that I now have under my belt.  At the time, I recall being laughed at by a local agent - to my face - criticizing me for my lack of judgment and too busy chasing $50 at a time opposed to earning $5K or more in a real estate commission.  I'm sure many more did the same behind my back.
In March of … (13 comments)

Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay - 01:47 PM
Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay
Deep Water Dock Homes are some of the most popular properties in Discovery Bay.  If you want to live on the water you should really look at Deep Water Dock Homes.
Right now there are 32 Deep Water Dock Homes in Discovery Bay for sale, last month there were only 25 Deep Water Dock Homes for sale.  The Deep Water Dock Homes are priced from $320,000.00 to $2,300,000.00, with an average price of $782,939.00 and a median price of $615,732.00.  These homes have been on the market for an average of 52 days.
There … (1 comments)

Homebuyer Tax Credit Clarification for Californian's - 02:46 PM

Via Tim Lorenz (TIM LORENZ of Keller Williams Realty):
Homebuyer Tax Credit Clarification
The federal homebuyer tax credit is about to expire in 30 days. The homebuyer needs to be under contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 and to close the escrow by June 30, 2010. At this time there are no discussions of the tax credit being extended a third time. The first provision was set to expire November 2009 before the government approved the extension. Even the writers of the tax bill made statements about the likely hood of a third extension as extremely unlikely.
However, the … (1 comments)

Arena Football League is Back - 03:49 PM
Arena FootBall League is Back.
Those of you who follow my blog know that I like Football, and I really like NFL Football.  But when I cannot get the NFL I love to watch Arena Football.  It is a great off season fix.
For those not familiar with Arena Football it is played indoors on a 50 year field that is also narrower.  There are 8 men on the field at a time for each team (5 line and 3 back field).  No punting is allowed.  The backfield can be in motion vertically as well as horizontally.  It is a wide … (3 comments)

The Vanity of Violence! - 05:11 PM
Recently we have seen an up tick in reported threats of violence against Congressmen and other assorted leaders in this country.  The Tea Party is being accused of much of this.  Just random thoughts here in bullet point:
The only person arrested so far was for an attack on the office of a Republican Congressman for not supporting the Health Care Bill. Many accusations have been made that are not supported by facts, video, etc . .  In fact video seems to show the opposite. Liberals enjoy playing victim and love to paint those that disagree with them as hate mongers.  … (4 comments)

INTERVIEW: Author and Talk Show host Michael Graham talks about the Tea Party movement - 11:20 AM
Michael Graham is a talk show host in Boston. He is also an author and his latest book “That’s No Angry Mob, That’s MY MOM” is available now. Michael talks to me about how the left has used everything at its disposal to destroy the grassroots Tea Party movement. Together we examine the name calling and even this week’s comments from a United States Senator that Guam is about to capsize because it has too many people on it!! If you really want to understand how threatened the left is by the people, then you have to listen to this short interview and indeed … (2 comments)

Owner Financing Available on this Winter Haven Florida Pool Home - 05:16 PM
Bargain buy close to Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven Florida. Prestigious neighborhood of Lake Florence Pointe. The best priced home in the area. Over 2,800 sq ft of living space with many extras including tile and wood laminate flooring through out, recessed lighting, wet bar, fireplace, french doors, spa and in ground swimming pool. The owner will finance with 20% down at 8.25%. Easy qualifying. Give us a call today to arrange your private showing.
Only $239,000!!
Do NOT be foreclosed on! Avoid foreclosure. Short Sales DO close.
Want to find out more? www.CentralFloridaShortSales.com
***I am NOT an Attorney nor … (9 comments)

Douglas County: Hess Road Update - 05:13 PM
What is going on with Hess Road? There have been rumblings throughout Parker and Douglas County for years about the fate of Hess Road. It is a work in progress, and it will eventually open up a major traffic artery to Parker and Castle Rock residents once it is finished. Parker residents, especially those in Stroh Ranch, Canterberry Crossing, and Horse Creek, were thrilled with the recent completion of a large stretch of Hess Road in Parker.
There hasn’t been much noticeable activity since then, so now what? Douglas County recently began construction on the east phase of Hess Road to … (0 comments)

Denver Real Estate - Approaching Deadline IRS Tax Rebate - 10:29 PM
Tax Rebate Ends in April! First Time Home Buyers and others who qualify for the Tax Rebate must act now.
The deadline to be under-contract for a specific home is April 30, 2010.
In order to qualify for the Tax Rebate you must CLOSE on the home prior to June 30, 2010.
You have less than 30 days to find a home! If you haven't begun to look, now is the time to start.
The market will be busy this month with people who have been sitting on the fence waiting for yet another extension to the tax rebate.
It doesn't … (1 comments)

Nampa Short Sales - 08:39 PM
Nampa Short Sales
Here are the numbers for the 1st quarter of 2010 for Nampa Idaho Short Sales and Distressed Properties:
 
Currently there are 1182 single-family homes for sale, listed as "Active" in the Intermountain MLS
46% of those homes are "distressed listings," 140 REO & 409 Short Sales (35%).
The Average Asking price of All Nampa Idaho Homes is $144,153
32% of these homes are priced from $100k - $150k
 
SOLD DATA: As of 3-31-2010 (1st Quarter)
349 Single-Family homes have SOLD in Nampa Idaho!
73% of these Nampa Homes were distressed properties. 189 REO & 67 Short … (2 comments)

Boise Idaho Short Sales - 08:53 PM
Boise Idaho Short Sales
Following are the numbers for 2010's 1st quarter  for Boise Idaho Short Sales and REO Properties:
 
As of 4-1-2010, there are 2435 single-family homes for sale in Boise, listed as "Active" in the Intermountain MLS.
34% of those homes are "distressed listings," 226 REO & 614 Short Sales (25%).
The Average Asking priceof Boise Idaho Homes is $224,709
33% of these homes are priced from $100k - $150k
 
Boise SOLD DATA: As of 3-31-2010 (1st Quarter)
688 Single-Family homes have SOLD in Boise Idaho!
44%of these Boise Homes were distressed properties. 183 REO & 117 Short Sales (17%).
The Average SOLD pricefor Boise Idaho Homes is $179,921
… (4 comments)

151 E WASHINGTON ST # 209, ORLANDO FL 32801 - 10:16 AM
 
 MLS# O4972486                   151 E WASHINGTON ST # 209, ORLANDO FL 32801    $$$ 85,000 $$$

 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 is a great 2 bedroom 2 bath home located in downtown orlando. A great kitchen to come home to after a long day of work to prepare a great meal. Just need a little tlc in order to make it your own. 
For the latest status on this … (0 comments)

418 BAR CT, POINCIANA FL 34759 - 10:29 AM
 
MLS#  O4972875                  418 BAR CT, POINCIANA FL 34759       $$$ 47,500 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3% down! This  property is approved for HomePath Mortgage or HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing. *If exact square footage or  room sizes are a concern, unit should be independently measured. This is a great 3 bedroom 2 bath home with plenty of space. Spacious size living room for entertaining and large size backyard for those summer bar-b-ques.  With a little TLC you can make it your own.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Poinciana area, contact Steve Glose with … (0 comments)

2226 MYSTIC RING LOOP, POINCIANA FL 34759 - 10:34 AM
 
 MLS# O4973059                2226 MYSTIC RING LOOP, POINCIANA FL 34759     $$$ 54,900 $$$

"Short Sale: approval of the seller's lender(s) may be conditioned upon the gross commission being reduced. Home is in exellent condition. Tile throughout, wonderful 3 bed / 2 bath home with over 1200 sqft of living space.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Poinciana area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply you can also email me at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com.
… (0 comments)

Did you ever Play "Ask Your Mother/Ask Your Father " ? - 01:13 PM
  When we were kids, if you didn't like the answer you got from one parent...you asked the other one...hopefully without the other knowing or consulting and hoping for the answer to be favorable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  I thought that was a kid's game....Now...we find agents playing the same game....if I give you an answer you don't like, ask David and vice versa. One actually went in the car while meeting with David to call me for a different answer...not telling me of course...she had gotten a negative response from him. 
   Communication is a … (5 comments)

Montgomery Homes For Sale: 1505 E. Fairview Avenue #A Montgomery AL 36106 - 09:13 AM
Montgomery Homes For Sale:1505 E. Fairview Avenue #A Montgomery AL 36106
MLS#273327

Looking to simplify your life? Grab this easy-care Cloverdale condo before it gets away! Spend weekends travelling instead of mowing and summers relaxing instead of painting. Nice large rooms and plenty of storage means you won't have to give up the things you love...just the chores you don't. Priced for updating so bring your imagination or your decorator.
Learn more about 1505 E. Fairview Avenue and other Montgomery Real Estate by visiting HatTeam.com.
Search all Montgomery homes for sale.
 
… (0 comments)

Raynham House For Sale!- Taunton Real Estate and Homes- First Time Buyers Get Your Tax Credit! - 06:50 AM
Raynhan House For Sale- Taunton MA Real Estate and Homes, First Time Buyer Tax Credit! Looking for a house for sale in Raynham MA? Go to LorilincolnTeam.com for the entire list! … (1 comments)

Lori Lincoln is now Licensed in Rhode Island- Keller Williams Homes and Real Estate for Sale - 12:34 PM
Lori Lincoln if Keller Williams  is now Licensed in Rhode Island- Homes and Real Estate for Sale
Due to the overwhelming requests from my clients, family and friends, I recently obtained my Rhode Island Real Estate License. If you or someone you know has a friend, co-worker, colleague or family member who is looking to buy or sell real estate in either Rhode Island or Massachusetts, please contact me with their information and I will treat them right.
Thank you for your support.
phone 508-878-0917
email: lorilincoln@kw.com
website: http://www.LincolnTeamRealEstate.com
blog: http://www.southcoastmahomes.activerain.com
Lori Lincoln
Keller Williams Realty
 
 
 
… (1 comments)

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