Archives of real estate blog entries for May 16, 2010

Featured blog posts


5 Common 1st Time Home Buyer Mistakes - 05:40 PM
1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.
The home buying process really starts with the pocket book. Not only do you need to know how much you can afford to buy now, but you need to look at what the closing costs are, as well as what the long term cost of the loan is. Most lending programs available today that include some sort of special deal are geared towards 1st time buyers. Tap in.2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.
Analysis by … (35 comments)

FOCUS - The Key Element to Success in All Things - 04:49 PM
F  For
O  Optimum
C  Concentration
U  Use
S  Self-discipline
How often we get mired down in a litany of small issues that eke their invasive tendrils through the tidy garden of our thoughts. The result is a tangled mess where even the most beautiful aspects of our lives begin to resemble gnarled weeds.When I find myself in this negative state of mind, I pause to recall an old Ojibway saying,
"Sometimes I go about pitying myself and all the while a great wind is bearing me across the sky."
When I remind myself of this saying, a warm tingling sensation … (61 comments)

She/He Who Finds The First House We Like Gets The Commission - 11:12 PM

She/He Who Finds The First House We Like Gets The Commission
Buyer's Agents work their tails off to find their clients the home of their dreams. They spend countless hours searching for homes online and previewing homes without you so your time is not wasted.
So, when you tell us you don't want buyer representation you mean the following:
You don't want us to research area home sales in order to get you the lowest price possible. You don't want us to negotiate for you to get you the lowest price possible. You don't want us to give you information … (125 comments)

Cash Flow in the New Economy - 07:39 PM
Starting a blog off with the word "Wow" is generally used to grab the attention of the reader really quick. In the case of this blog, I won't start it off with "Wow" but I do want to get your attention.
Here we go. "Cash Flow is King" is a phrase many of us have heard of. The truth of the matter is that it is king in the lives of those who have it. Those who don't have it just sit around wishing for a little cash to come their direction.
The economy is said to be getting better by … (15 comments)

I SHOULD NOT HAVE ATTENDED RAINCAMP LA - 11:53 AM
I SHOULD NOT HAVE ATTENDED RAINCAMP LA...
... but I did and am very happy about it.
I want to give you my three main take-away points from the camp, but first I want to explain why I didn't meet people, and apologize.
Allergy
In this year 2010 Phoenix has had the worst pollen season in 12 years, and it really affected me. It had been bothering me for a week, and on Thursday I decided to go to the doctor to get a shot of cortizone - a drug that I don't like to take but in this case I wanted … (26 comments)

Active Rain Personalities....The Good Bloggers Actually Match Their Online Personality - 07:47 PM
I went to Active Rain Camp yesterday! It was great! What I liked most was the way they put a ton of useful information into a "bullet point" format. What I mean by that is that they didn't overwhelm us, they really condensed it down to a "DO THIS" list. I came away with some definite plans for my week.
But that's not what this post is about. As you might imagine, it was also a fun party of Rainers. There were some names I recognized and some I didn't. What I found the most interesting is that the "big names" … (84 comments)

Why Would I Attend 3 Rain Camps in 6 Months? - 11:27 PM
Why Would I Attend 3 Rain Camps in 6 Months?
 
 
Since December, I have been to Rain Camps in San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles?
 
And, some seem to wonder why I keep going.  Haven't I learned everything yet?  I know how to blog don't I? If you look at my points, maybe it looks like I know lots of stuff and don't need to learn more.
 
But, the truth is there's always more to learn.  When I went to my first Rain Camp, perhaps 30% of the material was new to me.  Was the other … (38 comments)

One Awe Sh*t Wipes Out 1000 Attaboys (or Girls) - 06:15 PM
In August of 1982 I took my first management job, in San Francisco, running a computer maintenance group that handled the banks and other financial institutions. One of the first things my new boss told me, which I remember clearly to this day is to not forget Chuck's (that was my bosses name) First Rule of Management: One Awe Sh*t Will Wipe Out 1000 Attaboys.
It took me awhile to truly understand this but, after managing the group and the clients for several months it was firmly drilled into my brain. No matter how good the service we gave on … (59 comments)

Top five upgrades a buyer looks for in new construction. - 06:23 PM
Buyers love to look at new homes and when they see model homes with all the upgrades they are disappointed that they have to pay for upgrades.
Builders are offering incentives in free upgrades in some areas.
Buyers choose the following items most often :
 granite counter tops in kitchen
recessed lights
deck
hardwood  floor in foyer and kitchen
gas fireplace
If you are looking to buy new construction in Philadelphia and suburbs, call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre 215-343-8200x124 or direct 215-2758491
 
… (42 comments)

INSURANCE COMPANIES ADDING CONDITIONS TO POLICY ISSUANCE IN FLORIDA 5 YEARS AFTER THE FACT - 08:18 AM
The 2005 Hurricane season in Central Florida was one everyone remembers. It was also an anomaly. The chances of three names storms barreling down the Central Corridor of Florida in six weeks are very high. But it happened.  Winds gusting at 115 miles per hour inland, loosened many roof shingles in quite communities far from the coasts.
For awhile, Central Florida looked like a tarp city instead of a tourist mecca. Fema was on hand to help homeowners mitigate damages and provided blue tarps free of charge.  The State provided laborers to install them as they went door to door.
Five … (11 comments)

Your Business Idea Sucks - 04:11 AM
I get pitched business ideas all the time. Some I think are great, some I wonder how many cocktails the person had before coming up with the idea, some I think are a great start looking for a unique twist and others I think downright suck.
Recently I was introduced to Fiverr by Lara Solomon (@LAROO). The simple premise of the site is that there's a whole bunch of people there who'll do things for $5. Some of them border on the bizarre (I'll be your Facebook girlfriend for a week and make all your friends jealous) but many seem, at … (41 comments)

Will You Please Quit Squeezing My Eyeballs! - 09:19 AM
Will You Please Quit Squeezing My Eyeballs! Or, how not to get what you want but why are you wanting what you really can't have? My husband uses that expression, "squeezing my eyeballs", I assume it is some Russian saying. He has others too, "it's not making the weather" is one I like, or... "not meat, not fish", not bad either. Today I am thinking all three are doing it for me! When negotiating a deal, listen listen listen to what the other side is saying. If you want something but you are being told you can't have it, why oh … (68 comments)

The Neighbor Said It's Overpriced - 08:05 PM
What?
Okay, let me paint a picture for you.  Friday afternoon I was out showing a few lots to a friend/customer of mine.  He liked two of the lots and said that he wanted to stop out to the lots with his wife when he had time.  When he went back out, he ended up getting into a conversation with the neighbor at which time the neighbor decided it was his place to determine the price of the lot. 
This particular lot is priced a bit high, but it's owned by a builder that would likely accept a lower price if … (140 comments)

New Construction Pre-Drywall Walkthrough-Carolina Preserve - 09:49 AM
New Construction Pre-Drywall Walkthrough  Carolina Preserve
When building a home, the new construction pre-drywall walkthrough is not only necessary but interesting.  I have a clients building at Carolina Preserve Del Webb and just occompanied them to thier new construction pre-drywall walkthrough and thought I'd take you along.  

The purpose of the pre-drywall walkthrough is for the buyer to see first hand how the home is coming along, orient them to the building process, have the home inspected, and make sure the upgrades are in place.

The buyer is often overwhelmed by all the details and new information, … (11 comments)

RainCamp Los Angeles | Its Raining Information! - 06:02 PM
I was one of the lucky ones (lucky and smart!) to be able to attend RainCamp Los Angeles yesterday. It was well worth the investment of time and money. Besides getting to meet and hang-out with a terrific group of Los Angeles real estate professionals (a big shout out to the men and women who traveled from as far away as Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta and New Jersey!) I got a head full of new information to incorporate into my blogging and social media efforts. I took away great info to propel my Los Angeles home staging business to a higher level. … (39 comments)

RainCamp - Los Angeles - My Summary! - 04:10 PM
RainCamp - Los Angeles - My Summary!
On Saturday, May 15, 2010 on the campus of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California about 200 lucky attendees found themselves at the cutting edge of today's real estate market ideas with exceptional presentations from Ben Kinney, Brad Andersohn and Tom Ferry.

The day was action-packed with a TON of new ideas presented for how to move your business forward using the latest of today's social media, technology and motivational ideas.
With a wide array of attendees such as veteran blogger Jeff Dowler, my associate and serial blog "lurker-only" Oscar Mora and soon … (58 comments)

Now that you've cast your bait, is it good enough to hook ‘em? Just choosing the right lure may not be enough. - 08:12 AM
 
By now, most ActiveRain bloggers have learned that it is easy to get good SEO results with most long tail real estate terms. As a matter of fact, it takes about five minutes to move from search engine oblivion to the first page of Google.
However, once the bait is cast and the trolling for business commences, it is not enough to simply lure prospects to your post. Once you get them there:
You’ve got to hook ‘em! An Internet surfer that clicks on a page usually decides in the first 5-10 seconds whether on not to delve deeper into … (47 comments)

Are You Combative or Cooperative? - 12:01 PM

After reading a bunch of comments on the blogs today, I'm amazed at the number of people who think their job as a buyer's agent is to win at all cost.  Of course if they believe that then as the listing agent my job must be to win at all cost. 
I'll argue that the "win at all cost mentality" agents probably kill more transactions and they are not working in the best interest of their clients.  Clients hire us not only for our knowledge and expertise, but so they can have someone who is not emotionally involved in the transaction.  Emotion … (75 comments)

Loyalty: You Gotta Dance with the One Who Brung Ya! - 12:30 AM
 
OK, I’m back from a break… well sort of… my posts may still be a bit infrequent for awhile longer, but I’m easing back into it.
The reasons for my recent blogging sabbatical are the topic of another post, but I have a backlog list of observations and perspectives to share… for starters, my thoughts on Loyalty.
The Real Estate business can be a fickle one.  In my six years as a REALTOR® I have seen it so many times.  Agents are loyal to a mortgage lender, title company or an inspector… and despite years of exceptional service, support and … (42 comments)

Last Week on Active Rain: May 9th - 16th - 08:34 AM
Last week there were a lot of interesting posts.  There was a segment on CBS's 60-Minutes dealing with strategic defaults that spawned some thought-provoking posts.  Then there was the mid-year NAR meeting here in Washington.  Then there were some posts that were just good, and in one case, just so silly that I had to put it on the list.  So here goes!
1.  Bryan Watkins: New Yardstick: Can I Afford My House?  With affordability issues being so important to buyers these days, this post raises an important, and often overlooked, point.
2.  Elizabeth Weintraub: Sacramento Home Sellers Should Never Withhold … (48 comments)

Rain Camp Los Angeles - May 15th, 2010 - 12:17 AM
Today was Rain Camp Los Angeles.  An ugly, gray, cold day in L.A., but a day filled with valuable information. If you get the chance to go to a Rain Camp then jump at it. Many of us thing we "get" this blogging thing.  We think we know what it takes to get us to the top of the search engines, but there is always something extra to learn.  Another tool, another tip.  Creating an internet presence is not rocket science, but it needs to be done consistently and it needs to be done right.  Jeff Dowler has already posted about … (36 comments)

Is there a Shortcut to a short sale? - 06:27 AM
The answer is:  Yes, refer it. 
Now, I do have a hard time doing this when the business is coming from a past client in need of your help and asking you for it.  But I'll tell you the system just does not play in a Realtor's favor.  Why should we bother?   
 
… (23 comments)

The iPad - Content consumer - 07:59 AM
 

My iPad arrived on April 30th as advertised.  The release of the 3G model was not quite as big of a deal as the release of the iPad on April 3, 2010.  I held out for the 3G model and although it mostly gets used in the wifi mode I am happy to have the 3G data access.  I opted for the limited plan and if seems to be just enough as I can't seem to find AT&T service everywhere.
In general it is a cool device but so far it has been my observation that it is a … (64 comments)

Random Thoughts ... On Localism Issues - Is It Broken - 06:20 PM
Random Thoughts ... On Localism Issues - Is It Broken
Localism 'Under Construction' - Please Proceed with Patience!  is a post by Rich Jacobson back in January 2009 and we have been patient but the issues being discussed here are also found on Active Rain


Who ever takes on the challenge of fixing it has their work cut out for them. 
Here is how Uxbridge Should Appear
Province ..... Ontario
County ..... Region Of Durham also know as Durham Region
City ..... Township of Uxbridge 
Neighbourhood ..... Uxbridge The old town of Uxbridge


 Not Like This
 

MAKE … (49 comments)

Showing Feedback… I do, but I don’t, because I shouldn’t. - 09:32 PM
Periodically out here in AR Blogland, someone writes a post about Showing Feedback.  They are usually ranting because they are annoyed that somebody has failed to provide feedback on their listing after a showing.  Asking for feedback seems like a simple enough request and one that we all have made on our listings.
Everybody likes getting feedback on their showings.  I know that I do, but I also understand when agents choose not to provide it or provide feedback that is very vague and non-specific.  Why?  Because it’s not their responsibility and they do not work for me or my seller… they … (143 comments)


Blog posts


Orland Park - Featured Listings - 01:23 PM
Newest Orland Park Home For Sale - 14030 Charleston Dr.
Click on the address link above to get all the scoop on this great North Orland split level home with beautiful landscaping.  This Orland Park home is located in the popular Heritage Estates subdivision.
 
Be sure to check out the single property websites for the listings below.  Each website offers multiple photos, a virtual tour, map location plus Walk Score, school info, calculator and more!
11910 Windemere Ct. - Beautiful condo featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths (including the huge master suite), plus 1 car garage parking.
12013 Winchester … (3 comments)

Waukesha County Real estate: Happy Armed Forces Day - 01:41 PM
I agree with you 100%!!!
Via Tom Braatz, Waukesha County Real Estate,WI (Re/Max Realty Center 262-377-1459):
There is not a day that goes by that we should not thank our lucky stars for the wonderful men and women that serve to protect our country and remember those who gave so unselfishly the ultimate sacrifice so we could have our freedom and live our lives as free individuals. A thought many may not think of too often but the truth is that freedom is not free and it requires commitment, vision, hope, and faith to deliver it.
  
By definition by Wikipedia Armed Forces … (1 comments)

The Diet Continues - Week 35 - Better - 11:14 AM
I have started eating a lot better.  My weight is staying about the same.  I was down 2.2 pounds this week, but only because I fasted most the day before my weigh in.  However, I really do think I am headed in the right direction.  I have no lost over 60 lbs total.
… (5 comments)

Certified Distressed Property Expert - 05:41 PM
I now have Certified Distressed Property Expert designation. (CDPE)  I have invested in many hours of training and now have the tools and systems in place to help home owners in distress.  There are alternatives to foreclosure. 
A short sale can be a way out for homeowners that are upside in their property and can't make their mortgage payment. 
A foreclosure is far more damaging to someones credit than a short sale.  A foreclosure will stay on your record for 7 years or more whereas with a short sale it may be as little as two years before you can buy … (2 comments)

Realty Executives Keeps Growing - 04:29 PM
Congratulations to John and Kathy Witt
Realty Executives Rocky Point Acquires Local Real Estate Brokerage Leagan Realty Mexico

RISMEDIA, April 26, 2010-Realty Executives Mexico announced that broker/owners John and Kathy Witt of Realty Executives Rocky Point have acquired Leagan Realty Mexico, a four agent real estate brokerage firm, founded by Lisa and Gary Eagan.
"After months of discussion with John and Kathy Witt, we are pleased to announce that they have acquired Leagan Realty Mexico," says Lisa Eagan, former designated broker and owner of Leagan Realty Mexico. "Everything we had in place will stay status quo. The only difference will … (0 comments)

Realty Executives International - 05:03 PM

Realty Executives International Realty Executives in Tucson Founder Helen Heun, Realty Executives Original Co-founder June Rector (wife of Dale), and Realty Executives International Owner and Exeutive Chairman Rich Rector strike a pose at an event in Tucson with guest AZ Real Estate Commissioner Judy Lowe honoring Heun's contributions to the real estate industry. Congrats Helen - well deserved recognition!  
See More  
… (0 comments)

Prevent New Tax Burdens on Real Estate - 05:07 PM
… (0 comments)

For Sale By Owners, FSBO Information - 05:23 PM
3 Facts every For Sale By Owner Should Know
  
1) Sellers have been employing Realtors for over 200 years....Why?
 
2) 70% of For Sale By Owners choose a Realtor, or change their plans...Why?
 
3) Realtors can sell houses Faster and for More Money...Why?
 
THERE ARE 6 OBVIOUS REASONS WHY!......
 
1) Serious Buyers Only Shop For Sale By Owners to Save a Commission
IT'S BECAUSE THE SMALLEST SELECTION OF AVAILABLE PROPERTIES ARE OFFERED BY FSBOS. Look at the classified section of the paper. Less than 10% of homes are by owner. Lets play real estate. You're a … (1 comments)

Mortgage Rates For The 5 and 1 Year ARM Hit All Time Lows - 03:07 AM
The 30 year rate fell from 5.00 to 4.93 this week. In a time where the news is filled with stories about inflation fears we are seeing mortgage rates steadily decline. This is the 5th week in a row where rates have held steady or fallen. Its also the lowest we have seen rates in 2010.

The 15 year dropped from 4.36 to 4.30. This is only slightly above the all time low of 4.27 for the 15 year fixed mortgage.

The 5 year arm dropped from 3.97 to 3.95 which is an all time low for the 5 … (1 comments)

Seven Sights to See with the Kids this Summer - 03:12 AM
Summer, at least in the eyes of Austin school children, is just around the corner. Summer temperatures are already being felt and hot afternoons seem to stretch out longer in the summer. Fortunately, fun ways to entertain the whole family abound in the Austin area.

Zilker Park Hillside Theater - Pack a picnic dinner and head to the Zilker Park Hillside Theater for an evening of memorable entertainment. For over 50 years Austinites have headed to the grassy hillside above the Barton Springs Pool to bring a little culture to the warm summer nights. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" runs through … (0 comments)

Is Now A Good Time to Buy? - 03:22 AM
Have home prices hit rock bottom? Probably not in some areas and maybe not as a whole. Nonetheless, now could be the best time to buy a house. Even with the homebuyer's tax credit due to expire at the end of the month, there are compelling reasons to buy a house in the current economy.

This recession made a good case for the renting over buying argument. But as the country tentatively enters the recovery phase, buying a house makes sense in many circumstances. The rent versus buy analysis has many considerations, including home prices, how long you planning on … (6 comments)

The Subprime Story - 03:26 AM
As past and present bankers from Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bears Sterns and Washington Mutual sit on the hot seat in front of Congress, Americans have to be collectively scratching their heads. What exactly are these guys guilty of? And, why won't any of them own up to any wrong doing?

As the Congressional Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission continues to grill bank executives about the role each institution played in the recent economic crisis, a theme seems to be emerging: The banks did nothing illegal. Moral obligations aside, the path to the financial meltdown was paved in greed, but probably … (2 comments)

Five Bad Home Improvement Ideas - 03:28 AM
When considering adding value to a home, you consistently hear from the real estate industry that updated bathrooms and quality kitchens stand out in a home sale. Those are proven sale closers. There are certain other improvements you can make to your home that will beautify it or create convenience for your family. When it comes time to selling, however, those improvements may do nothing to increase the value of the property and may even turn off potential homebuyers.

Over-the-Top Renovations

Au contraire mon frère, not all renovations will raise the value of your home. Just `cause it's … (5 comments)

Problems with US Census Workers - 01:13 PM
Lately I've had a few annoying brushes with the US Census Bureau - or people who claim to be working with them.  One of them involved a pushy, obnoxious census worker who called me to ask about my real estate clients in a home I'd had listed.  I told her that I cannot tell her anything except that it was occupied in April. So she proceeded to call, and be rude to, my office's receptionist and manager (who gave them the same answer).  I complained to her boss and he called her off.Recently I also got a call at my house from a … (14 comments)

Open House May 23, Sunday 2pm-4pm- FHA Approved condo in Taunton MA Keller Williams Realty-Lori Lincoln - 09:05 AM
… (0 comments)

The iPad - Content consumer - 07:59 AM
 

My iPad arrived on April 30th as advertised.  The release of the 3G model was not quite as big of a deal as the release of the iPad on April 3, 2010.  I held out for the 3G model and although it mostly gets used in the wifi mode I am happy to have the 3G data access.  I opted for the limited plan and if seems to be just enough as I can't seem to find AT&T service everywhere.
In general it is a cool device but so far it has been my observation that it is a … (64 comments)

Corcoran's iPhone App Latest Version Updated with New Features - 12:22 PM

Corcoran's iPhone Billboard on the West Side Highway in the Meat Packing District
… (3 comments)

Pets are NOT People - 11:24 AM
 

Too political?  I really just wanted a photo of dogs playing poker. 
This or one with Goldman Sachs are all I could come up with...both licensed with a Creative Commons license from notionscapital on Flickr.   I went with insurance giant AIG.
Dog gone it...  "Pets are NOT People" 
The dog is going to play cards!!!  I am not even sure if it is poker, bridge, pinochle or 'go fish' but he is going to a card party... not staying home for an open house.
This is a Re-Blog of Randy Ostrander's Pets are NOT People...  to some … (2 comments)

Upper Arlington area - 05:34 PM
Upper Arlington area is #20 of '365 Places to Live in Columbus' on ColumbusBestBlog and Facebook.
There are some wonderful photos from Upper Arlington's history on Flickr from UA Archives | Upper Arlington History  or go directly to their website.  UA Archives  Pictures of people, places, houses and more.   UA Archives looks like a  joint effort of the Upper Arlington Library, the Upper Arlington Historical Society and the Upper Arlington City School District.
The map from the 1880's is of the area, from the Scioto River to the Olentangy and from Bethel Road down to 5th Ave. a larger area than … (0 comments)

Pacific Union International Tiburon & Belvedere CA Real Estate Market Report (May 2010 Home Sales Update - 10:33 AM
Sales doubled in April 2010 in the 94920 zip code, which covers Tiburon and Belvedere, CA. - we had 14 trades. Importantly, as evidenced by the chart below, median sales prices are up 15%. Moreover, the number of escrows is up 42% over last year. We are seeing increased all cash activity as last month saw at least two sales over $3 million were funded in cash. I think it is fair to say that the majority of real estate practitioners would agree that the field has tilted back to neutral position in most price bands.

Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each … (0 comments)

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