Archives of real estate blog entries for April 6, 2010

Featured blog posts


A Review of the Real Estate Commission Paid on Fannie Mae Short Sales - 08:02 PM
Last year Fannie Mae announced that they would no longer reduce the commission on a short sale below six percent. At that time, everyone was very pleased. Present company included. To further facilitate transparency, Fannie Mae also established a loan lookup tool on their website so that agents and sellers can verify whether Fannie Mae is the actual investor on the note in question.
You probably remember from Real Estate Principles 101 that many times when an individual receives a mortgage statement in the mail, this statement is from the servicing company who is merely servicing the note for some other … (48 comments)

What Is RRP And Why You Need To Know - 02:48 PM
What is RRP? Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP), is a new federally mandated program to deal with the issue of lead paint in homes, primarily those homes built prior to 1978. The program takes effect April 22, 2010. It’s important that general contractors, real estate agents, plumbers, remodelers, handy-men, painters, property owners, carpenters, electricians, and all others who work in home repair or maintenance be aware of the rules and the requirements for compliance. Failure to do so can result in a fine of $37,500 per day, per violation!
 
The basic requirement is that work in homes containing lead … (97 comments)

Momentum After The Tax Credit Expires? Seriously? Suffering From Lookie-Lou-Itis? - 08:07 AM

Momentum After The Tax Credit Expires? Seriously? Suffering From Lookie-Lou-Itis?
This is why I don't do a lot of interviews. I am not into stupid questions. Markets are local. The only thing that can move a market is the buyer's ability to complete the transaction and the seller's willingness to enter into a contract to sell.
"If housing is unable to gain recovery momentum before the tax credit expires, where will demand come from afterward?" is a question being bandied about the net as if that piddling $8K really matters if a person is trying to secure the roof over … (35 comments)

I don't work on Real Estate full time, I work on Real Estate ALL the time. - 07:33 PM
I am a workaholic, a Realtoholic to be exact... If I am awake, I am working, it is just that simple, but is it?
Between managing Green Realty, recruiting and training agents, growing my personal business as a listing Broker, I have more work than I can ever do... so I hired a fantastic assistant but I still have the same amount of (just different) work.
I absolutely LOVE to work so being a workaholic is not problem for me or for my wonderful sellers, my family and friends have a much different opinion about it.
I work on vacations, … (79 comments)

A Golden Opportunity In California to Double Dip on Overlapping Homebuyer Tax Credits - 03:58 PM
If EVER there was a reason to get off the fence and BUY YOUR HOUSE in California, this is it. We're talking a once in a lifetime, 24 karat golden opportunity to have the government subsidize your home purchase for up to $18000 in tax credits.
But the window of opportunity is EVER so brief if you are going to attempt to double dip and get both the state and the federal tax credits.
Here's how the double dip works: The federal home buyer tax credit for first time buyers states you must be in contract to buy your house by April 30th and close before June 30th … (34 comments)

La Costa Resort Villas – Luxury Condominium Homes at the La Costa Resort in La Costa, Carlsbad California 92009 - Second Homes Plus Investment - 11:30 PM
La Costa Resort Villas - Condominium Townhomes
at the La Costa Resort in La Costa  

The name La Costa, for many, conjures up images of golf, tennis, resort living by a pool, a fanciful spa. And why not? 
The La Costa Resort and Spa was the first full service resort spa in the US, created back in the late 60s with the development of its famous golf course in South Carlsbad just minutes from the beach - a playground for the celebs from Hollywood, including the Rat Pack, and others with the time and money to spend luxuriating at … (14 comments)

Mortgages to Exceed Value until 2015 to 2020 - 05:31 PM
First American CoreLogic has estimated that even in the healthier markets that are now beginning to heal from the steep price drops of the last three years, homeowners currently with underwater mortgages will continue to have mortgages that exceed value until late 2015.
By the 4th quarter of 2009 First American CoreLogic estimated that over 11.3 million residences with mortgages had negative equity. That’s 24% of all U.S. mortgages.
By using a subset of mortgage holders, CoreLogic was able to project the length of time it will take for the average homeowner to again reach positive equity. The typical borrower will … (26 comments)

HAFA goes live at BofA - Short Sale Power Hour - 04/06/10 - 02:38 PM
Fred Weaver of Group 46:10, Arizona's Premier Short Sale Team called BofA to get the low down on the new HAFA program. You're going to love it! =)
Outback Lead Generation Webinar: Sign up here http://shortsalepowerhour.com/webinar/
Watch this installment and others - click for ShortSalePowerHour.com
… (46 comments)

Active Rain got us Published!!! It's out! - 03:38 PM
I was so excited when the mail came on Saturday and my new issue of Texas Realtor Magazine published by Texas Association of Realtors had finally arrived! I must admit that I usually do not look over this publication as much as I should, but this one is special. I had been contacted by one of the writers concerning a blog post I made. He wanted to write about what I had posted here on Active Rain in his magazine article!
Of course, my husband took it and looked through it first. He couldn't find the article, (or so he said...) "That … (48 comments)

Bridgewater, CT, call it home, Country homes, Country lifestyle, Connecticut Countryside at its best! - 06:39 PM
Bridgewater, CT, call it home, Country homes, Country lifestyle, Connecticut Countryside at its best! Bridgewater, CT is tucked in between New Milford, Roxbury, Brookfield, Southbury and Newtown. Easy access to I-84 makes Bridgewater, CT a very convenient location for commuting. Bridgewater is less than 90 minutes from New York City, which makes this a popular spot for a Connecticut Country Home. The last census showed a population of 1,824, I am sure it has grown a bit since then. Bridgewater is 17.3 square miles of eye candy, if you like the Normal Rockwell-esque old town beautiful countryside type of place! Bridgewater, … (28 comments)

Feeling Fat? - 12:46 AM
I hope this is not offensive to anyone.  But, is anyone feeling fat?  I started this business about 6 years ago, and I noticed that a lot of the more mature male Realtors were kind of chunky?  I thought to myself, why is this?  You work for yourself, you create your own hours, no one is the boss of you, (except maybe your wife), so why do you not have time to work out and keep in shape?  Well, I have been in the business for a few years, and now I know the answer.  I have gained almost 30 lbs.  … (108 comments)

Working Internet Leads Requires Just That -- WORK! - 08:35 AM
** Disclaimer -- Hard-knock advice contained here. I usually write things with humor, sarcasm, and a certain lilt that most enjoy. This has none of that. Toughen up. This is about as serious as I can get without thinking I need coffee...or a vacation.
As one of our Facebook fans recently put it, “Internet leads are the new office phone call!”
The truth of the matter is that the internet lead is here to stay. And according to a recent NAR stat, 94% of all home buyers searched on the internet BEFORE they ever contacted an agent. So, agents have … (130 comments)

Co-Broker or Go Broke...I'll have to think about, which I prefer. - 08:49 AM
 
Slick salesmen offers no traction for the transaction.(all talk no action).
When all is said and done,there is often more said than done.
 
We all agree we put or clients best interest first. But when there are many other options for your buyer or multiple other parties showing interest for you seller. How hard will you fight for a co-broke agents interest is directly related to how much you either like or respect the agent on the other side of the table.
 
I am here to say, we all do this whether it is a conscious effort or … (70 comments)

Should I recommend to my seller that he accept a contingent sale addendum on his home? - 01:46 PM
Should I recommend to my seller that he accept a contingent sale addendum on his home? I keep thinking something is going to break loose and the dominoes will all start to fall.  Everyday it seems I work with a buyer who says, "I really want to move here (or buy a vacation home here) but I can't do anything until my home in (fill in the blank) sells."  Of course, those buyers want to go ahead and start looking and dreaming and planning.  But when I get an offer subject to selling a property, how would that benefit my seller?
… (44 comments)


Blog posts


New Hampshire Is the Safest State In America in 2010 - 09:46 PM
 
    If you Enjoy 4 Seasons You Will LOVE NEW HAMPSHIRE - The Safest State in America!

 
CQ Press has released Crime State Rankings for 2010, and New Hampshire was ranked as the Safest State in America!
New Hampshire received the lowest crime rate ranking, followed by Vermont. North Dakota, Maine and Idaho.
The CQ report looks at the crime rates across 6 categories-murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft- which are compared to the national reported crime rates and then indexed to create a summary score and ranking across 6 areas of reported violent crime and property … (30 comments)

Novato's Wild Horse Valley - 12:54 PM
Novato's Wild Horse Valley
On the North West Side of Novato is Wild Horse Valley.  Wild Horse Valley is just outside of the Novato city limits, providing a semi rural feel, yet you are still close to town and all the conveinyance it provides.
Wild Horse Valley is a riding community with many people owning horses and live stock.  Because Wild Horse Valley is outside of the city limits so you may have a horse on less than 1 acre.    Generally speaking the homes are on city water and sewer.
Homes in Wild Horse Valley are part of the excellent … (1 comments)

RE/MAX Austin Skyline - New location in West Lake Hills - Austin TX - 03:38 PM
RE/MAX Austin Skyline has moved to a new location.

4611 Bee Caves Rd #200Austin, TX 78746

This is actually in West Lake Hills, but people still call it "Austin". It's just under 2 miles East of the previous location on the same street, so it'll be easy to find.
**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 … (5 comments)

OBAMA THE APPEASER - 10:52 AM

The President announced the new United States in an interview with the New York Times today. What he said boils down to this. If you are a non nuclear country and abiding by the international non-nuclear proliferation treaty, then you can attack us with little consequence. You can take out half the population of the USA and you will only receive a conventional response. Our nukes are off the table.
This act of appeasement is treason. I really don’t think there is any other word for it. Every President before him has not even discussed when we might offer a nuclear response to an … (17 comments)

End Unit Townhome for sale!!! Lake In The Hills, IL 60156 - 02:57 PM
… (0 comments)

Wasn't born on Fort Myers Beach but I got here as soon as I could ! - 09:46 AM
I wasn't born on Fort Myers Beach but I got here as soon as I could !   Actually, we moved here from Michigan about 5 years ago.   It is the next step on our journey.  Fort Myers Beach is a barrier island a little over 8 miles long and hugs the southwestern coast of the sunshine state.  Culturally diverse, friendly and laid back it has a rythem all it's own.  Many of our rental customers come back year after year.  Some decide to own a piece of our island paradise.  Thats where I can help.
Estero Island, our other name, has grown … (4 comments)

For Your Clients: How can I fix my Credit? - 12:12 PM
For Your Clients: How Can I Fix My Credit? How you can fix recession-damaged credit
One way to reach out to clients who may have found themselves in credit trouble during the recession is to provide some friendly advice regarding sound credit practices. The following article may be something you find helpful to share with those who are interested in reclaiming their good credit: --
The recession may have damaged your credit, even if you thought you were doing everything right. According to Kimberley Lankford, author of "Rescue Your Financial Life" (McGraw-Hill) and "The Insurance Maze" (Kaplan), in a March … (0 comments)

New Housing Plan, Old Housing Market - 06:24 PM
New Housing Plan, Old Housing Market
The real estate market's recovery hasn't unfolded quite as neatly as the stock market's. The latest housing data suggest the market has begun to slow again. The annual rates of new and existing home sales fell in February, according to the National Association of Realtors and the Commerce Department. And the market is bracing for a January decline in the Case-Shiller home price index.

There are plenty of impediments to a strong housing recovery right now, including a weak labor market and mixed signals about the broader economic recovery. However, the most obvious hurdle - and the one … (1 comments)

178 Eagle Way, South Lyon, MI | Sunny, Updated Home - 03:38 PM
Welcome to 178 Eagle Way in South Lyon Michigan's Eagle Pointe subdivision! Around the corner from everywhere, this home offers a lot for the size and price. Check out the walkthrough video below and the profile sheet further down. If you prefer a virtual tour, check out the vFlyer of 178 Eagle Way, South Lyon, MI. 178 Eagle Way, South Lyon, MI | Sunny, Updated Home produced by Todd Waller on WellcomeMat 178 Eagle Way South Lyon MI | Sunny, Updated HomeView more documents from Professional One - Plymouth. … (0 comments)

Could Equator Propel Bank of America From Worse to First? - 12:55 PM

Maybe. In the last two weeks I have loaded five short sales into the Equator system. All have had BPOs (Broker Price Opinions) ordered and one has already been countered and accepted by the seller. We should have a written approval by the end of the week.
Now for those of you that have worked a Bank of America Short Sale in the past you know that having a BPO ordered in less than two weeks rarely happened. So having five BPOs ordered in less than two weeks is a miracle!!!
The beautiful thing is that I have not made … (27 comments)

4/6/10 Foreclosure update for Birmingham Alabama Homes - 07:56 AM
4/6/10 Foreclosure update for Birmingham Alabama Homes. Today there are 45 updates of foreclosures in the Birmingham area. There are foreclosures in the following cities/areas: Fultondale, Gardendale, Pinson, Roebuck, Birmingham, Trussville, Leeds, Moody, Eastlake, Crestwood, Highland Park, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Russet Woods, Oak Mountain, Eagle Point, Greystone, Chelsea, Helena, Pelham, Weatherly, Calera, Pleasant Grove, Bessemer, McCalla, Ensley, and Forestdale.
To schedule a showing or want more information on any of these Birmingham Alabama Foreclosures please contact Realtor Gusty Gulas with RealtySouth in Birmingham Alabama. You can call me at 205-218-7560 or email me at gusty1305@gmail.com. You can also find me on … (0 comments)

Lone Tree, Colorado Living - 01:31 PM
City of Lone Tree, CO 80124 by Kristal Kraft, Denver Realtor

The City of Lone Tree, Colorado is located on the upper north portion of Douglas County.  Lone Tree is part of the Front Range Urban Corridor which stretches from Pueblo , Colorado the to south on up to Cheyenne, Wyoming in the north.
Residents of Lone Tree like living in close proximity to I-25 the main Interstate highway that serves the area.  Running along I-25 is the RTD LightRail which provides transportation to Downtown Denver and the many stops in-between. 
Lone Tree is a Home Rule Municipality, the government … (2 comments)

Merrick Woods in Long Island, New York -- Buy a Home, Buy a Lifestyle - 11:30 PM

Buying a home in Merrick Woods, on Long Island's south shore  is more about lifestyle than simply bricks and mortar.  People fall in love with the tree lined streets, the pristine properties and the eclectic home choices.  They feel blessed to be in an area where children happily ride their bikes, play street hockey and know their neighbors.  When Halloween rolls around, you'll find adorably dressed monsters and superheros walking side by side, in prodigious numbers, with their parents strolling along two steps behind.  It feels like community.  It feels like home.
Just a few short years ago, getting into … (1 comments)

Delightful Delafield Wisconsin - 03:44 AM
 
  Delightful Delafield, Wisconsin is nestled in the hills of the Kettle Moraine just a 30 minute drive west of Milwaukee.  A peak at "yesteryear"  there are two shopping districts that offer antiques, specialty shoppes, a good selection of restaurants....a tourist's treasure and the pride of local residents.
   Delafield finds lots of reasons to celebrate thoughout the year...from the annual block part to the art fair,   Halloween Celebration and in keeping with the Christmas holiday, breakfast with the reindeer.
   A wealth of recreational and sporting activities and facilities enable visitors and residents to enjoy everything from golk … (5 comments)

Greendale Wisconsin...A Norman Rockwell Village - 04:49 AM
Some people describe Greendale as a Norman Rockwell snapshot from days gone by...the picturesque village was designed to look like an English Garden Community. Designed by the federal government during the Depression, the garden theme included a town center with easy walking to affordable housing and gardens...a theme you still see as you stroll the streets of this village of just over 14,000 people.
       The downtown Village area has over 25 shops including gift shops, specialty shop, restaurants and beauty salons...something for everything an easy walk from anywhere in the Village while you take in the garden scenery of blooms … (8 comments)

Denver Realtor Rally is your opportunity to get Educated - 02:44 PM
The Denver Realtor Rally on April 13 in the Denver Convention Center offers a wealth of education for Realtors, and if you have not yet registered, then make sure you register here the fee is $25 for the day.
One of the big attractions for Realtors this year is the opportunity to get educated in a single day, on a variety of topics ranging from Rules and Regulations to the use of Real Estate Blogsites and Social media for lead generation.
Here is a summary of the majority of classes being run at the Realtor Rally - as you can see … (0 comments)

Condominiums in Mount Vernon, Ohio - 04:27 PM
Mount Vernon, Ohio condo home sales have been super active during the first quarter of 2010.  There have already been 3 Mount Vernon ranch condo sells and that may not sound like many compared to the large metro markets but in 2009 there weren't any condo sales during the first 3 months.  If you are considering making a move into a Mount Vernon condo take a look at our selection of available condominiums.
The current pricing on these available condos range from a low of $117,500 to $200,000 for a custom luxury condo.
710 Knolls Drive, Mount Vernon for $200,000
148 … (2 comments)

Is it unethical to (list) price a property below the banks approve short sale price? - 12:42 AM
Hi,
I recently showed a client a condo for $415,000, after my client loved it and the price we found out from the agnet that the bank has not approved that price but rather has approved a short sale price of $525,000.  I think its unethical for the listing agent to say the property is "short sale approved" while showing an asking price less than the short sale approved price.  When I asked the agent about this he said it was a lead generator, just to get the phone to ring.  I think this is wrong and should be in the local … (6 comments)

Relocating to Mount Vernon Ohio? reLocation, reLocation, reLocation! - 01:03 PM
Relocating to Knox County Ohio? It's all about reLocation, reLocation, reLocation!
In 1965 Look Magazine named Mount Vernon an " All American City" and the city maintains the standards that resulted in this acclaim. In 1994 Mount Vernon was named "Ohio's Most Livable Community" by Ohio Magazine.
Mount Vernon, the County Seat of Knox County was founded in1805 and by 1840 the population grew to 2,363. Today, roughly 20,000 people call it home. 50,000 call Knox County Home. Mount Vernon is quintessential small town USA. Okay so I am biased. I have lived my entire life in Knox County. I have … (1 comments)

Helen Ga Real Estate "Whazzup?" - 08:08 AM
Whazzup in northeast Georgia in general, and Helen specifically?  Go to http://bit.ly/bGvKDI  and see!
Whazzup with the housing market in northeast Georgia, Helen, Sautee, Cleveland, Clarkesville, Batesville, Lake Burton?  Go to www.FlynnTaylor.com  and see!  Want the personal one on one information?  Let's talk!
… (0 comments)

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