Archives of real estate blog entries for April 30, 2010

Featured blog posts


Carlsbad Buyers – Some Home Buying Costs You May Not Think About (Part 1 of 3) - 10:48 PM
Carlsbad Buyers - Home Buying Costs You May Not Think About (Part 1) There are lots of costs associated with searching for and buying a new home in Carlsbad, or anywhere. Obviously the big ticket item is the home itself. 
But don't ignore the other fees that can really add up and which some Carlsbad buyers may not be thinking about. This is NOT to discourage but, rather, to educate you a bit about the home buying journey and the costs you may incur. Keep in mind they can vary from transaction to transaction (Note: These costs may be rather different … (2 comments)

Explanation of Server Errors - 04:52 PM
… (13 comments)

THANKS ACTIVERAIN! - 09:51 AM
FRUSTRATED ABOUT THE ACTIVERAIN "PROXY ERRORS"?? 
OF COURSE YOU ARE and this is AN EXAMPLE OF HOW DEPENDENT MANY OF US HAVE BECOME ON THE BEST REAL ESTATE NETWORK BLOG ON THE INTERNET!
DON'T EVEN TRY TO DENY IT!!
We are all frustrated, helpless, curious, disheartened, foiled, thwarted and just plain "UP THE WALL" with the continuous technical difficulties.
WHAT DOES THIS SAY TO ME??
Does it say that ActiveRain "shoulda, coulda" made the financial investment in more reliable systems with consideration for service, etc.??? 
Probably.  However, it really says to me:
"Since integrating ActiveRain into my marketing plan back … (9 comments)

Active Who? What If There Were No Active Rain! - 07:35 AM
We joined Active Rain in March of 2008. I don't recall anyone inviting us, we just found it. Like most people I didn't realize what it was until experiencing it firsthand. Lately I've been thinking, what if there were no Active Rain? Would it make a difference?
Absolutely!
Here are several reasons Active Rain makes a big difference and why its important to you.
#1. Active Rain is a great source of real estate information. Do you have a tough real estate question? You can ask other agents that have had similar issues how they handled it. Of course consult … (8 comments)


Blog posts


Charles Bukowski's Scarlet, a memoir by my friend Pam "Cupcakes" Wood - 09:07 AM
My good friend, Pam, is now a published author.
Pam ("Cupcakes") was Bukowski's lover in the mid 1970s.  Bukowski penned the poems in his book "Scarlet" about her.
 
Now several years after Bukowski's death, Pam has written her memoirs of that time.  Her book "Charles's Bukowski's Scarlet" has just been released.  I figured the least I could do would be to create a  quick fansite, http://www.BukCalledHerScarlet.com   and tell my friends about the book. 
And you don't need to be a fan of Charles Bukowski to love this book. It is a tour de force of life in Los Angeles in the … (0 comments)

Chinese Drywall Inspections - 12:33 PM
We have all heard about the Chinese drywall problem in the Hillsborough and Manatee counties area and the next question is "How will I know if the house I am buying or selling has it?"
Well there is an answer, we have found an inspector that has trained dogs that can sniff out the sulfur component that is in the Chinese drywall.  They can even tell you if it is only in one room or if it is a single board and the rest is ok.
What better way to have that peace of mind when buying a home than to … (0 comments)

Chinese Drywall Inspections - 12:33 PM
We have all heard about the Chinese drywall problem in the Hillsborough and Manatee counties area and the next question is "How will I know if the house I am buying or selling has it?"
Well there is an answer, we have found an inspector that has trained dogs that can sniff out the sulfur component that is in the Chinese drywall.  They can even tell you if it is only in one room or if it is a single board and the rest is ok.
What better way to have that peace of mind when buying a home than to … (0 comments)

What are Denver's Hottest Neighborhoods? - 09:11 PM
5280 magazine has named Denver's best places to live in its May 2010 issue. The list includes Congress Park South, Belcaro, Park Hill East, Washington Park West, and several more. These neighborhoods actually saw substantial price appreciation last year. Thanks for the great article, 5280!
For more information on Denver's hottest neighborhoods, please contact TeamCox Realtors at 303-400-6060.
Click here to read more about the hottest neighborhoods in Denver
Click here to read the article in this month's 5280 magazine
 
… (0 comments)

Stowe Land Trust, Stowe Vermont - 09:44 AM
 Stowe Land Trust - Stowe, Vermont
The mission of the Stowe Land Trust is dedicated to the conservation of scenic, recreational, and productive farm and forest lands for the benefit of the greater Stowe community.  The concept of the Stowe Land Trust evolved in 1986 when Johannes van Trapp, George Rau, and John McVickar became conerned about a rumored development  for a 235 acre parcel.  Eventually a local Stowe Group was incorporated as a non-profit organization which became know as "Friends of Stowe Conservation".  In 1988 the organization successfully convinced the Stowe voters at Town Meeting to approve the acquisition and … (0 comments)

Apple Valley Lake View Home (Off Market) - 08:29 AM
Ultra Affordable Apple Valley LakeView Home on 482 Crabapple Drive in Central Ohio
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Apple Valley Lake Real Estate
… (0 comments)

Twist of quotes - 09:57 AM
It is always great to have these numerous motivational/inspirational quotes but it is also good to mix it up alittle bit.  Besides it is Friday! 
 
It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.  ~ unknown author
The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think. ~ unknown author
I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places. - … (0 comments)

Your opinion on Buying Lead's or Referral Fee's? - 12:29 PM
We all have been approached with the number of different company's trying to sell us "Exclusive" leads.  But as we all know they may be exclusive for the first 5 minutes if that before being sold to the next person.  Then the wonderful cost starting anywhere from $25-$200 if not more.  Not to mention the close ratio on buying leads is somewhere between 2-8% not very good turn around for your dollar and time.
On the other aspect if another person in another state has a lead and refers it to use and closes we can offer up between 25-35% of … (0 comments)

Snooze and Losing Agents - 03:22 PM
How many times have we all wished we had done something that could have been beneficial to our business.  Then spend the next few months kicking ourselves that we didn't jump on something when it was available for little to no cost.  I.E.  such as those that wish they were on ActiveRain could have been rainmakers but now today they have to pay.  Snooze and lose type of scenario right?  I wouldn't waste any time on gaining another added marketing tool when it is available for free if there is a good chance it will help me gain more clients. 
I … (0 comments)

Snooze and Losing Agents - 03:24 PM
How many times have we all wished we had done something that could have been beneficial to our business.  Then spend the next few months kicking ourselves that we didn't jump on something when it was available for little to no cost.  I.E.  such as those that wish they were on ActiveRain could have been rainmakers but now today they have to pay.  Snooze and lose type of scenario right?  I wouldn't waste any time on gaining another added marketing tool when it is available for free if there is a good chance it will help me gain more clients. 
I … (0 comments)

Adults Ignoring Train Crossing Signals in Barrington and Sending Out a Bad Message To Our Children - 09:02 PM
Adults Ignoring Train Crossing Signals in Barrington and Sending Out a Bad Message To Our Children If like me you live in Barrington Illinois you'll know that we have a Metra Line station located in the center of the village. The train line runs parallel to Route 14 and therefore both Main Street and Hough Street, 2 of the busiest roads in our village are affected by train traffic. We also have some freight trains using the same line. It is an all too common news item about train line accidents in the Chicago area. Whether it be cars that have … (0 comments)

Friday Funnies - 08:12 AM
A married couple went to the hospital to have their baby delivered.  Upon their arrival, the doctor said that the hospital was testing an amazing new high-tech machine that would transfer a portion of the mother's labor pain to the baby's father. He asked if they were interested. Both said they were very much in favor of it.  The doctor set the pain transfer to 10 percent for starters, explaining that even 10 percent was probably more pain than the father had ever experienced before.But as the labor progressed, the husband felt fine and asked the doctor to go ahead and kick it up a notch. … (2 comments)

Is Active Rain All Done? - 01:52 PM
Well, it's been two days of almost no Rain.  I can log on (sometimes).  I can occasionally write a blog post, but I can't comment on any one else's and the system is incredibly slow on the few occasions that it works.
However, the daily drop is been working.  No word on what's going on in that.  No facebook announcement either.  A little information would be very welcome.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
… (0 comments)

Productive Not Just Busy! - 09:20 AM

 
It's so easy to get pulled into activities that aren't the highest and best use of our time, isn't it??? If you aren't clear on your priorities and good at setting boundaries with others, the day can go by and you wonder at the end what really got accomplished. I've been using this simple technique to keep myself and my client's focused:
Joeann's Rule of Three:What 3 things, if you took action on them today will give you the biggest payoff towards your LONG TERM goals?
Here's what to do:
•·        At the very beginning of the day, choose … (0 comments)

Webinar: 10 Simple Steps to Attract KILLER Reviews! - 09:08 AM

 
Mine for gold in your own backyard!
  Online ratings are the rage! Consumers share reviews online about everything they purchase. This Webinar is a must for any business owner who wants to leverage the power of happy customers. The first, best step in reputation management is creating disciples for your message! Learn how to generate positive buzz about your brand!   REGISTER HERE   Learn how to write and receive AMAZING reviews and testimonials on leading social media platforms, including  •  Amazon  •  LinkedIn  • Yelp •  Foursquare •  Twitter  • Facebook  •  and more! Use crowd sourcing … (0 comments)

USDA LOAN FUNDING???? IS THIS ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF THE HOUSING INDUSTRY???? - 07:53 AM
THERE APPEARS TO BE ANOTHER "NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF THE U.S. HOUSING INDUSTRY.
No word from USDA.
No word from Congress.
No word from the WH.
Nothing from NAR.
WE HEAR THIS EACH YEAR when funding for the USDA Rural Development loans runs out.
YET!  THIS YEAR IS DIFFERENT!!!
USDA is MUM!
Congress is MUM!
The WH is MUM!
Nothing from NAR!
No word this year about funding.  In fact, lenders are declining mortgage loan applications with UDDA Rural Development funding for the first time I can recall.  How many times have we said,
"Don't worry.  This happens each … (0 comments)

THANKS ACTIVERAIN! - 09:51 AM
FRUSTRATED ABOUT THE ACTIVERAIN "PROXY ERRORS"?? 
OF COURSE YOU ARE and this is AN EXAMPLE OF HOW DEPENDENT MANY OF US HAVE BECOME ON THE BEST REAL ESTATE NETWORK BLOG ON THE INTERNET!
DON'T EVEN TRY TO DENY IT!!
We are all frustrated, helpless, curious, disheartened, foiled, thwarted and just plain "UP THE WALL" with the continuous technical difficulties.
WHAT DOES THIS SAY TO ME??
Does it say that ActiveRain "shoulda, coulda" made the financial investment in more reliable systems with consideration for service, etc.??? 
Probably.  However, it really says to me:
"Since integrating ActiveRain into my marketing plan back … (9 comments)

Last Minute Crunch for Tax Credit Fuels 38 Home Sales in Crofton Area - 06:52 AM
Real Estate Sales since April 15 in the “Greater Crofton Area” – i.e., Crofton, Davidsonville, Gambrills & Odenton – seem to indicate that the tax credit has brought home buyers out of the woodwork.  And it wasn’t just the first-time buyers who were home-shopping. 
Homes listed from $167,900 – $799,900 found new prospective owners between April 15 and April 25:
Crofton: 13 homes went under contract, including 8 contingencies and 5 firm contracts.  6 are detached homes, 1 is a condo, and the remaining 6 are townhomes.  List prices ranged from $199,800 to $624,900.  Still on the market are 154 other homes for buyers … (0 comments)

Thank You to Crofton Businesses - 07:30 AM
Well, LOTS of Crofton businesses are good neighbors… but they won’t all make this list. 
These are the local (and a few not-so-local) businesses which have generously donated gift certificates or services to the Crofton Village Garden Club in support of this weekend’s fashion show and high tea.  The event will benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure and beautification projects in our own Crofton community.
American Laser Center Auntie’s Sweet Chocolates Avant Garden Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar & Grill Brighton Collectibles Elements Therapeutic Massage Four Seasons Grille Fusia Pan-Asian Cuisine Gambrills Flower Farm Greenstreet Gardens Harmony Gardens Homestead Gardens Irish Channel … (0 comments)

Friends of A1A Environmental Education Fair - May 1, 2010 - 08:36 AM
… (0 comments)

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