Archives of real estate blog entries for April 5, 2010

Featured blog posts


Bluffmont Heights, Lone Tree, CO - 10:20 PM
 
Bluffmont Heights Community by Kristal Kraft, Realtor  

 
Bluffmont Heights a Walkable Community  
Bluffmont Heights as one would assume is situated on the side of a bluff, this upscale enclave enjoys close-by conveniences typically found only in a more urban environment.  This is by no means a mistake, Bluffmont is part of Lone Tree's long term development plan to build a walkable-urban neighborhood in the middle of suburbia!
Of course all cities begin small and grow with time, with varying end results.  Not so in Lone Tree. where the master plan is detailed and well-thought out.  Eventually, … (0 comments)

BofA Short Sale Success-Sometimes, The Squeaky Wheel DOES Get The Grease! - 12:37 PM
BofA Short Sale Success-Sometimes, The Squeaky Wheel DOES Get The Grease!

Many of you read the blog I wrote last week titled, "Is BofA Servicing Your FNMA Short Sale? If So, You Need To Read This....".  
Basically, BofA was servicing a FNMA-owned loan.  FNMA had given their approval for the short sale, but BofA decided to foreclose on the home less than two weeks later, despite telling us that the foreclosure had been postponed.  I immediately contacted our local NBC affiliate, and they ran a story on it last week.  Visit our media room to see the video.
To make … (19 comments)

The BEST 32 Reasons To Velcro Yourself To Your Chair: Virtual BarCamp - 11:12 AM
 
Virtual BarCamp is TOMORROW!
Clear your schedule.  Lock your door.  You are not going to want to be to be interrupted.

From 9AM until 5PM PST, we will showcase 32 of the industry's brightest minds to blow yours.  Below is that list. 
We are running 4 simultaneous webinars, all day long.  Each “Webinar Room” has a separate Access Link, Call-In-Number and Access Code.
This information will be emailed to all registered participants.  You can jump in and out of each webinar by using the different access links and call-in-numbers.  Each session is separated by a 15-minute intermission, leaving you plenty … (38 comments)

Woodley Road in Winnetka - 12:12 PM
Woodley Road in Winnetka – this exclusive, winding road has a Winnetka zip code but is actually part of unincorporated Cook County. Considered one of Winnetka’s toniest addresses, homes here are generally on lots between one and two acres, with lots of woodsy areas between homes.
People are drawn to this area because of privacy and exclusivity. It’s easy to get lost when you enter between the stone pillars announcing “Woodley Road.” The street winds around, has small dead-end turn offs, and circles back onto itself. Ultimately, the road is one large circle with one entrance on Hill Road, and two … (12 comments)

Another sad day for logic… Another real estate broker turned down for a home loan - 12:00 PM

By Todd Clark (Broker/Sales Coach) 503-524-9494

I was talking to a friend of mine who was trying to buy a home, but he said despite making five times what his wife does per year, he was turned down for a loan while his wife was granted a home loan with no problem. This is what has left me scratching my head and let me explain why.
Why was he turned down, despite having a 35% down payment and 742 credit score? According to the underwriter it is because he is commission based and there is no way to guarantee … (84 comments)

Sellers, Buyers, And Lenders Want To Know About Lease Purchase Agreements - 05:57 AM
Lease Purchase Agreements continue to grow in popularity as a solution for home sellers because it increases the pool of potential home buyers for their property. As with any type of creative financing for home buyers, an agreement which allows a buyer to rent for a period of time before buying the property makes it more appealing to those who either have damaged credit or perhaps a home of their own to sell.
We have written numerous posts explaining the benefits of using a lease purchase contract for selling real estate and for buying real estate, but this weekend we received … (48 comments)

Technology- Is It Really Necessary? - 11:43 PM
    
 
Most folks have jumped on the bandwagon of technology to one degree or another, but there are skeptics who say there's too much emphasis on the tech and not enough on the touch.  So who's right?  Maybe everyone.
     As social networking and cloud computing grow exponentially, you have to make a choice.  You either stay with the veteran methods of marketing, communicating and running your business or you adopt the new methods (and hope to be able to keep up.)  The good news for the "old school" is that you don't have to - and shouldn't- give up … (50 comments)

Lohr Lake Village, Ann Arbor Mailing, Saline Schools, Pittsfield Township Taxes - 06:45 PM
Lohr Lake Village, located on the south side of Ann Arbor in Pittsfield Township. Children attend Saline Area Schools.
Lohr Lake was started in 1992 and most home completed by 1995. Althought there are a few lots still available to purchase and build on.  
Lohr Lake is a quaint neighborhood with walking trails, fountains, ponds, and a pedestrian bridge. Most of the homes are 2 story colonials , 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths and average between 2500-3500 SF Pittsfield Township taxes, Saline Schools. K-1 (Houghton), 2-4 (Harvest),  5-6 (Heritage), 7-8 (Saline Middle School), 9-12 (Saline High School) Built by Bayberry Construction … (19 comments)

Be careful Your PC Isn’t Held for Ransom - 08:31 PM
Computerworld reported that a hacker threatened to expose health data and demanded $10 million from a government agency. The alleged ransom note posted on the Virginia DHP Prescription Monitoring Program site claimed that the hacker had backed up and encrypted more than 8 million patient records and 35 million prescriptions and then deleted the original data. “Unfortunately for Virginia, their backups seem to have gone missing, too.” “Uh oh,” posted the hacker.
Holding data hostage is sometimes done using “ransomware” Otherwise known as “ransom software.” The software gets on your PC as the result of you downloading an infected attachment … (24 comments)

Walk Away From Home In Foreclosure?? - 12:26 PM
I have seen a lot of posts lately about the responsibility of the homeowner to NOT walk away from the upside down mortgage mess they are in.
There is much ado about the moral ramifications and the hit it will place on your credit.
With all due respect to these wonderful experts, I think, in fact I know they are wrong. In my opinion, of course.
First of all, why should the individual homeowners be the ones to take the big hit. Where is their bailout. The banks and insurance companies took billions from us, and used it to buy up all the … (46 comments)

Freedom Of Speech - Are There Lines and Who Draws The Lines? - 12:56 PM
Ruthmarie Hicks has a featured post in where she states her opinion and a response to another post that Paddy wrote that Ruthmarie did not agree with nor did she feel that Active Rain should have featured. I commend Active Rain for featuring both of those posts so that a discussion can then ensue. Let me first make it clear that Ruthmarie and I do not see eye to eye on politics in most areas but we are still friends and we can have a civil debate. Ruthmarie's post is members only so if you are not logged in, you will … (79 comments)

What Should I Be Looking For in the House? - 08:15 PM
One of the most common questions homebuyers ask me as we're walking around the inside of homes they're considering is "What Should I Be Looking for in the House?"  This question arises most commonly among first-time buyers who haven't spent much time previously exploring houses.
Since everyone has different interests, needs, and desires, answering this question can be somewhat difficult.
Nevertheless, here's a handy-dandy guide for prospective homebuyers of things you should be looking for and things not to worry about too much while trekking through OPH.
Oh, sorry, OPH stands for Other People's Homes.
All of the following presumes that … (41 comments)

Moving UP…to Upper Park Heights in Baltimore, MD 21215 - 07:41 PM
More and more people are Moving UP… to UpperParkHeights in Baltimore, MD21215. There are some great condos in this area where people of all ages are discovering that UpperParkHeights has much to offer as a community.

Here you will find Sinai Hospital, where I was a former head nurse, with its long history of service. Founded in 1866 as the HebrewHospital and Asylum, Sinai has evolved into a Jewish-sponsored health care organization providing care for all people. It is a teaching hospital that counts among its faculty many nationally and internationally recognized experts in their fields, many of whom also hold … (21 comments)

Ask for what you really want.... - 12:14 AM
AR Friends,
I noticed something in advertising, blogging, social media, print, etc. - People are not asking for what they really want.
I know asking for what you really want sounds simple and I know not everyone is doing it! Is it the fear of looking greedy that's keeping you from asking?  That was my hang up.  
So what's the difference in asking for a $2,000,000 referral and a $200,000 one?  I know $1,800,000 if you are using the American math right? The crazy thing is that I am finding out that the money is the only difference.  I am also finding that I … (91 comments)

NAR National Open House...How Should I Leverage It? - 04:44 PM
The timing is great, I have a new listing coming up and given that NAR is sponsoring the National Open House this weekend, I targeted my clients prep work to having the house ready for marketing the same weekend.
I have the open house on my calendar, but now what?
Am I missing something? How do I leverage the effort being made by NAR to help my client increase their open house traffic? I know that many associations have deals with local papers to do some group advertising, and mine does, but I have been in this business way too long … (41 comments)

The Agent Bonus Question - Does It Call Your Ethics Into Question? - 03:08 PM
Agent bonuses have been around for a while now and by default I ignore them. As a buyer's agent, I know that it is my job to help my buyers find a home and negotiate for them the best price possible and that is my first priority.
But this week, I ran across something that I felt was dangerous in the area of agent bonuses. Here it is...
 

 
Notice this add from our local MLS. The agent notes state that IF I help them obtain a full price sale then I get an agent bonus.
 
I looked … (82 comments)

Flaming Competitors' Blogs For Fun And Faux-Pas . . . - 11:51 PM
I don't think of any other agent, including the ones I vie for listings with, as competitors. Just like a post I wrote a million years ago, EVERYONE is our CUSTOMER.
I guess my expectations are too high. But I would rather play Twister on glass shards than demean myself by posting inflammatory comments on my local colleagues' posts.

However, not all seem to share my opinion.
I recently posted (here and a couple of other sites) a 'how to' post.
A local agent commented on the post to the effect that I had a bad attitude, my office was … (87 comments)

Setting Up Multiple Users for Tweetdeck for iPhone - 10:18 PM
Last night, on Twitter, I "over-heard" a conversation between a couple of folks I am following. They were asking the question...

 
"What is the best way to set up multiple twitter accounts, how to manage them also?"
I quickly offered my 2 cents that I was able to do this in Tweetdeck. One of them did not know how to do this, so here is my response. It's a short and simple video "tutorial" for them. I hope this helps them as well as anybody else who has more than one twitter account and is looking for ways to manage … (23 comments)


Blog posts


REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS 03/28/2010 - 04/04/2010: NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES - 06:26 AM
New listings entered
Price reductions 
Reported pending
Reported sold and closed 
These zip codes include the Northeast 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)

What does "highest and best" mean? - 10:50 AM

Via Russ Ravary - Michigan Homes for sale - Michigan Real estate & Mortgage info (Remerica Hometown One):
So your real estate agent has called you and says your bid is just one of many that the listing agent has received on the Southfield foreclosure.  He says you need to give your highest and best offer.
"Highest offer" means highest price.  But highest price doesn't always win.
"Best offer" comes into play now.  "Best offer" means the easiest type of offer to close.  "Best offer" means the least number of possible obstacles.  So I am going to list the "best offers" in order.
… (1 comments)

The BEST 32 Reasons To Velcro Yourself To Your Chair: Virtual BarCamp - 11:12 AM
 
Virtual BarCamp is TOMORROW!
Clear your schedule.  Lock your door.  You are not going to want to be to be interrupted.

From 9AM until 5PM PST, we will showcase 32 of the industry's brightest minds to blow yours.  Below is that list. 
We are running 4 simultaneous webinars, all day long.  Each “Webinar Room” has a separate Access Link, Call-In-Number and Access Code.
This information will be emailed to all registered participants.  You can jump in and out of each webinar by using the different access links and call-in-numbers.  Each session is separated by a 15-minute intermission, leaving you plenty … (38 comments)

Spacious 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom Townhome. Great school district! Round Lake, IL 60073 - 02:51 PM
… (1 comments)

Beatiful Woodstock home located near square! Woodstock IL 60073 - 09:50 PM
… (0 comments)

Just Listed - South Pond Waterfront - 72 S Shore Drive Sturbridge MA (01566) - 11:12 AM
 Just Listed - South Pond Waterfront - 72 S Shore Drive Sturbridge MA (01566)

List Price:  $489,000Bedrooms:  4Bathrooms:  3Living Area:  3200 SQFT
Welcome to your waterfront paradise with 102' of frontage on desirable South Pond.  Enjoy entertaining from your covered patio, large deck & sandy beach.  Exquisite master suite features vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet, master bath w/jetted tub & separate shower & private balcony overlooking the lake. Open floor plan features hardwood floors throughout, 2 fireplaces, 1st floor bedroom and full bath, huge deck, covered patio and 2 balconies. Finished lower level w/plenty of space for entertaining. Must See!
Click on … (6 comments)

Moving UP…to Upper Park Heights in Baltimore, MD 21215 - 07:41 PM
More and more people are Moving UP… to UpperParkHeights in Baltimore, MD21215. There are some great condos in this area where people of all ages are discovering that UpperParkHeights has much to offer as a community.

Here you will find Sinai Hospital, where I was a former head nurse, with its long history of service. Founded in 1866 as the HebrewHospital and Asylum, Sinai has evolved into a Jewish-sponsored health care organization providing care for all people. It is a teaching hospital that counts among its faculty many nationally and internationally recognized experts in their fields, many of whom also hold … (21 comments)

Use Of Internet To Search For Homes - 01:52 PM
Every time that I receive an email or magazine from my favorite real estate media, national or local association I can't wait to open it.They always provide me with great tools and resources to help me and my clients. I wanted to share these stats from my latest Realtor Magazine.
The data below is provided by Illinois Association of Realtors.

Real estate agents were viewed as a very useful information source by 81% of buyers who used an agent while searching for a home.
90% of the buyers found their home online.
 
If you are thinking of selling or … (2 comments)

Carriage Club, Lone Tree Colorado 80124 - 12:28 AM
Carriage Club Neighborhood in Lone Tree, CO

By Kristal Kraft, Denver Realtor
Carriage Club in Lone Tree is a very nice neighborhood the borders the Lone Tree Golf Course to the west.  Situated on a hillside, the neighborhood enjoys wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. 
The neighborhood consists of approximately 430 homes, mostly upscale two-story and a some single level homes.  Due to the landscape, many homes offer walk-out basements.  Twenty-three acres of open space is wides throughout the neighborhood offering elbow room and is home to several parks.
Location of Carriage Club
Carriage  Club is located … (0 comments)

Carriage Club, Lone Tree Colorado 80124 - 12:33 AM
Carriage Club Neighborhood in Lone Tree, CO

By Kristal Kraft, Denver Realtor
Carriage Club in Lone Tree is a very nice neighborhood the borders the Lone Tree Golf Course to the west.  Situated on a hillside, the neighborhood enjoys wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. 
The neighborhood consists of approximately 430 homes, mostly upscale two-story and a some single level homes.  Due to the landscape, many homes offer walk-out basements.  Twenty-three acres of open space is wides throughout the neighborhood offering elbow room and is home to several parks.
Location of Carriage Club
Carriage  Club is located … (0 comments)

Carriage Club, Lone Tree Colorado 80124 - 12:44 AM
Carriage Club Neighborhood in Lone Tree, CO

By Kristal Kraft, Denver Realtor
Carriage Club in Lone Tree is a very nice neighborhood the borders the Lone Tree Golf Course to the west.  Situated on a hillside, the neighborhood enjoys wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. 
The neighborhood consists of approximately 430 homes, mostly upscale two-story and a some single level homes.  Due to the landscape, many homes offer walk-out basements.  Twenty-three acres of open space is wides throughout the neighborhood offering elbow room and is home to several parks.
View Lone Tree, Colorado 80124 in a larger … (1 comments)

Bluffmont Heights, Lone Tree, CO - 10:20 PM
 
Bluffmont Heights Community by Kristal Kraft, Realtor  

 
Bluffmont Heights a Walkable Community  
Bluffmont Heights as one would assume is situated on the side of a bluff, this upscale enclave enjoys close-by conveniences typically found only in a more urban environment.  This is by no means a mistake, Bluffmont is part of Lone Tree's long term development plan to build a walkable-urban neighborhood in the middle of suburbia!
Of course all cities begin small and grow with time, with varying end results.  Not so in Lone Tree. where the master plan is detailed and well-thought out.  Eventually, … (0 comments)

What would you like for breakfast deer? - 11:07 PM

On my way to an appointment this morning, I just had to stop the car and shoot these lovely creatures.  They were peacefully munching on the new green grass, hardly giving me a second glance.
It was a nice gently way to start my day.  I wanted to share my moment with you!
kk
 
… (10 comments)

Why Should I talk to you ? “ snarled the attorney. - 11:33 AM
 
   We were asked to call a friend’s divorce lawyer regarding the sale of his home. His soon to be ex-wife was living in the house, not paying  the mortgage, not allowing showings and they had been given a notice of default months ago.  The husband wanted to do a short sale…he understands what the ravages of foreclosure will do to him for years to come.  I explained to the husband, if his ex did not allow showings,  changing listing agents would in all likelihood not change that situation .
   He called his lawyer and told him we would … (6 comments)

Apple Valley Lake in Central Ohio - 12:58 PM
Apple Valley Lake Community home for sale at 952 Valleywood Heights Drive
For additional real estate listing details be sure to visit this Apple Valley Ohio home for sale and don't miss the virtual tour
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  www.AppleValleyOhio.com
 
… (1 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Home For Sale - 01:16 PM
906 New Gambier Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio
Additional listing details can be viewed at 906 New Gambier Road
View the Virtual Tour which includes dozens of bonus photos
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  SamMiller.com
 
 
… (1 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Condo - 01:19 PM
Located in the Colony Condominiums Development on Historical East Gambier Street
For additional listing details and to view the virtual tour be sure to visit 509 D. East Gambier Street
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  SamMiller.com
… (2 comments)

Apple iPad First Impression - 10:14 PM
I picked up my new Apple iPad on Saturday and recorded this short 2 minute video summary sharing my first impressions of the Apple iPad and the setup process. This is a product that both Mac and PC users can benefit from using.
Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800 or 1-800-282-9096.  Apple Valley Lake Real Estate and Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (13 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Home For Sale - 10:43 PM
This home is sitting on one of the most gorgeous wooded lots on the edge of Mount Vernon.  
Via Sam Miller (RE/MAX Stars Realty):
906 New Gambier Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio
Additional listing details can be viewed at 906 New Gambier Road
View the Virtual Tour which includes dozens of bonus photos
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  SamMiller.com
 
 
… (1 comments)

Helen Ga Real Estate " Helen Ga Real Estate Homes" - 08:21 AM
Do you have a home in Helen?  Do you have a second home in Helen?  Do you have an investment in Helen?  If not, why not?  Right now Helen, Sautee, Cleveland, Batesville, Lake Burton and all of northeast Georgia have wonderful opportunities for first time homes, cabins, rentals, investment, or retirement properties.  When Realtors won't take listings that are too highly priced, you know that this is a Buyers Market.  Some savvy Buyers are investing now, buying up foreclosures, fixing them up, and believing they will be ready when the market corrects with a home they have enjoyed, worked on and … (0 comments)

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