Archives of real estate blog entries for May 3, 2010

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Don't Know What You've Got (Till It's Gone) - My "Relationship" with ActiveRain - 10:45 PM
I graduated from high school in 1988 in Dallas.  That same year, the hair band Cinderella released a song called "Don't Know What You've Got (Till It's Gone)".  The song didn't make a particularly strong impression on me back then, but I heard it a lot during a memorable time in my life, so I haven't forgotten it, either. 
Where the heck am I going with this?
Well, over the past week or so, I was reminded of those 22-year old lyrics when I tried to get my daily ActiveRain fix.  After weeks of proxy errors, intermission curtains, and rampant, free-flowing … (162 comments)

ALL Monies Related to a Real Estate Transaction MUST be on the HUD. Right? - 06:59 PM

Hi folks. I've been having a discussion over at www.ShortSaleSuperStars.com on whether or not having the Buyer of a Short Sale pay off part of a junior lien "outside of closing" without disclosing to the 1st lien holder and without placing the payment as a P.O.C. (paid out of closing) item on the HUD is Mortgage Fraud and/or a violation of RESPA.
The article is presenting a scenario where the 1st lender does not agree to pay the 2nd $7,000 from the sale. They only agree to pay $3,000. So to skirt around this the agent suggest having the buyer … (80 comments)

Life at 50 (Through the Eyes of a 20 Year Old) - 05:01 PM
This video was created by a 20 year old and entered into a contest sponsored by the AARP. The purpose of the contest was to find out what 20 year olds thought life would be when they reach the age of 50.
I have to say that this is a very clever video, but you have to watch the whole thing to understand just how clever this young person is. It's well worth 1 minute and 44 seconds of your time to be inspired by this.
I don't remember being that clever when I was 20
(80 comments)

I work hard for, and to be a Realtor® in good standing, no matter what you say - 09:28 PM
I work hard for, and to be a Realtor® in good standing, no matter what you say. I was disheartened for a few reasons this evening. I read a featured post by SarahGray Lamm just a bit ago. She was talking about how her association just sent out a warning against post dating contract purchase agreements to obtain the first time home buyers tax credit. That is bad enough, however what bothered me the most is a comment which was made by a consumer. The consumer believes that Realtors® are not being held to a higher standard, that we pay money … (111 comments)

Facebook Becoming too Intrusive? Maybe you're Worse - 12:34 PM
Have you noticed how privacy issues relating to the internet are increasingly at the forefront of news releases and blog discussions lately?
Most recently, Facebook’s launch of Instant Personalization is being challenged as too intrusive since this new feature automatically opts you into Partners, Pandora, Yelp, and Docs.com without notice.
Google has shown equal indifference to its users privacy when they opted in their users to Buzz, and behavioral targeting without consent. As Realtors, do we do any better in making public disclosures and respecting our website visitor’s privacy?
Before you answer that, how about a little reality check?
Do you … (42 comments)

Update on Progress of ActiveRain Server Issues - 01:32 PM
We are balancing the line on our communication regarding timelines. We want to give you the most up to date information and everything we know, but we want to be cautious of giving projected completion dates. Traditionally the way we try to work is to make an announcement based on factual information. Projections are dicey, because if we miss them, we lose credibility.
However, on the flip side, if we don't give projections of where we are, people generally assume the worst. In this case we are going to err on the side of giving too much information and I'm going … (174 comments)

Senators Give Facebook the "Middle Finger..." - 04:18 PM
 
Facebook has 400 million users. This is more people than every man, woman and child (including illegal aliens from Mexico) living in the United States right now.
I've chronicled a few of the problems facing Facebook and now it's getting a lot worse. This last week, New York Senator Charles Schumer wrote a letter to the FTC demanding they develop guidelines for how Facebook information can be used.
Oops. Here it comes. 
Since Facebook is experimenting with and placing every American's Facebook personal information at risk by pulling stupid stunts like last week's changing of Facebook FAN Page icon to … (37 comments)

We just need some of Apple's customers to start buying real estate - 05:42 PM
How would you like to have thousands of clients who will place orders for your products without even touching a real one?  They will fight to be the first to stand in line to buy products which are likely to have some snags since they are new products and first off the lines. 
The customers do not even care about trying the product or inspecting it before they buy it.  There also is a reasonable expectation that the price of the product will go down after they buy it.  They are happy just to have their hands on the product.
It … (27 comments)

Six Ways to Destroy Your Real Estate Business - 12:55 PM

SIX WAYS TO DESTROY YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS
Over the last twelve months, I’ve had the opportunity to see first-hand how some real estate businesses have fallen into a death spiral.  And yet in the same difficult market, I’ve seen other businesses soar.
What makes the difference?  What are the most common things that real estate agents do to destroy their businesses?
1.  Work in the moment.
While that sounds very enlightened, it’s a recipe for disaster.  Working in the moment happens when an agent is working reactively—handling the crises of each day as they come along.  If this describes … (41 comments)

Don't Even THINK About Asking Me To Participate In Your Fraud - 03:35 PM
My email this morning contained a truly disheartening message...the Executive Director of my local Board of Realtors has found it necessary to convey the following:
It has come to the Association's attention that sellers are being asked to sign post-dated contracts to April 30 so buyers can take advantage of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.
This is an illegal practice and constitutes fraud.
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission will be posting information about this issue through Facebook and Twitter later today.
I am appalled. This would never have occurred to me...never. I am not naive and have been practicing North … (77 comments)

Considering a Move to Minnesota Acreage? What You NEED to know! - 10:29 AM
Over a decade ago out family came across a home being renovated on just under 3 acres in the country. It was a bit of a drive from North St. Paul and Maplewood, the quiet little suburbs where we had spent most of our lives. But there was something intriguing about the beautiful landscape with dozens of towering oaks and pines.
We loved the idea that our two boys who were just starting school at the time could play hide and seek and ride their bikes right in our own yard. We made the leap without considering all of the … (11 comments)

How Does This Crazy ActiveRain Situation Affect You? - 03:12 PM
So you want the ActiveRain server scoop?    How does this crazy ActiveRain situation affect you?  
As Bob Stewart said last week regarding the server issue, ActiveRain is working all hours of the day and night to get this problem resolved for us all as quickly and effeciently as humanly possible.  The problem occurred due to the major growth that ActiveRain has experienced over the past year (a good thing for us because the more people that are here posting good content, the higher we will rank in the search engines).  We are north of 180,000 members and posting videos, … (81 comments)

Active Rain...you are worth the wait! - 09:30 PM
I have been a member of AR for about 2 years. I've been a part of a movement.  Not like the founding members, but a movement still.  When I first joined, there were less than 80,000 members.  Membership is now well over 180,000.
I cut my teeth here in the rain, learning how to write a blog article. I have learned about technology.  I have learned how to MAKE money in an ever changing market.  I have learned how to show up better than the rest.  Had it not been for my involvement in AR and the cheers from my online … (85 comments)

Short Sales & Leases - What's Legal and What's Not? - 05:17 PM
I recently stumbled across an MLS listing in the Los Angeles area that was listed For Lease at $17,500 per month. 
It was simultaneously listed For Sale at $2,525,000.
However, the MLS Listing indicated this was a Short Sale.
The lease listing indicated a security deposit of $25,000 for a one-year lease.
This got me thinking ....
How could the Listing Agent (for both the sale and lease listings) think this was legal?
If the owner was looking to the bank for financial relief because the loan was greater than the current value of the property, how could that owner accept … (34 comments)

Any ideas on how to get back the "passion" for real estate? - 04:11 PM
Each year at this time after 4 motnhs of working everyday as long and hard as we can, our agents feel some burn out. We all want to know how to get the passion back? We are meeting on Thursday for a 1 hour Mastermind with each other to share some ideas on ways to get more business and make it fun and exciting. We all love this business, but right now more than ever it is harder and harder to have people be happy and move forward with their transactions.
One agent has the idea to hold informational meetings to … (45 comments)


Blog posts


Activerain Is Still Getting Google Juice - 06:52 AM
Recently I signed up an agent with Active rain and while its been difficult for him to post...it seems even with proxy errors and the system being down, Google still loves ActiveRain.  As I read posts and comments and some very big concerns you have to remember one thing....
The Boys in Seattle Have Our Backs Anytime there has been changes, system down or new tools to be implemented on the network, the boys have never let us down.  As a matter of fact on each occasion Active-rain has come back with a vengeance...better, faster and people still continue to reap … (6 comments)

Crawford Farms - Fort Worth, Texas - 03:13 PM
Crawford Farms is a beautiful neighborhood in north Fort Worth located off of I-35 and Golden Triangle. The community was opened in the early 2000's and has since blossomed into a popular neighborhood for many people relocating to the area.
Homes in Crawford Farms start in the mid $100's and go up to the high $300's. The neighborhood has a community pool, playground, and walking trails. Although it has a Fort Worth address, children attend highly rated Keller ISD.
If you're thinking of buying or selling a house in Crawford Farms or north Fort Worth, please call or email me. I … (0 comments)

Good Morning, Active Rain - 07:14 AM

I stepped outside early this morning to find the season's first epi bloom.
(5 comments)

Bradenton Condos for Sale - 11:55 AM
Condos for sale in Bradenton Florida - Condos and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Condos, in the Bradenton Real Estate market of Bradenton, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Bradenton Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Bradenton community / subdivision but may include Bradenton town homes, condos, and villas on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Bradenton Land for Sale - 11:57 AM
Land for sale in Bradenton Florida - Land and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Land, in the Bradenton Real Estate market of Bradenton, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Bradenton Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Bradenton community / subdivision but may include Bradenton town homes, Land, and villas on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Bradenton Investment Properties Under 100k - 12:01 PM
Bradenton Investment Properties Under 100k in Bradenton Florida - Land and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Bradenton Investment Properties Under 100k, in the Bradenton Real Estate market of Bradenton, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Bradenton Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Bradenton community / subdivision but may include Bradenton town homes, Land, and villas on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Bradenton Villas for Sale - 12:04 PM
Bradenton Villas for Sale in Bradenton Florida - Homes and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Bradenton Villas for Sale, in the Bradenton Real Estate market of Bradenton, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Bradenton Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Bradenton community / subdivision but may include Bradenton town homes, Land, and villas on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Executive Homes for Sale in Ellenton Florida - 12:07 PM
Ellenton Homes for Sale in Ellenton Florida - Homes and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Ellenton Homes for Sale, in the Ellenton Real Estate market of Ellenton, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Ellenton Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Ellenton community / subdivision but may include Ellenton town homes, Land, and Homes on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Executive Homes for Sale in Lakewood Ranch - 12:09 PM
Lakewood Ranch Homes for Sale in Lakewood Ranch Florida - Homes and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Lakewood Ranch Homes for Sale, in the Lakewood Ranch Real Estate market of Lakewood Ranch, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Lakewood Ranch Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Lakewood Ranch community / subdivision but may include Lakewood Ranch town homes, Land, and Homes on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Palmetto Executive Homes for Sale - 12:12 PM
Palmetto Homes for Sale in Palmetto Florida - Homes and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Palmetto Homes for Sale, in the Palmetto Real Estate market of Palmetto, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Palmetto Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Palmetto community / subdivision but may include Palmetto town homes, Land, and Homes on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Parrish Executive Homes for Sale - 12:14 PM
Parrish Homes for Sale in Parrish Florida - Homes and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Parrish Homes for Sale, in the Parrish Real Estate market of Parrish, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Parrish Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Parrish community / subdivision but may include Parrish town homes, Land, and Homes on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Bradenton Executive Homes for Sale - 12:16 PM
Bradenton Homes for Sale in Bradenton Florida - Homes and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Bradenton Homes for Sale, in the Bradenton Real Estate market of Bradenton, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Bradenton Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Bradenton community / subdivision but may include Bradenton town homes, Land, and Homes on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

Bradenton Foreclosures for Sale - 12:19 PM
Bradenton Homes for Sale in Bradenton Florida - Homes and Real Estate by Communities. This is an MLS search for: Bradenton Homes for Sale, in the Bradenton Real Estate market of Bradenton, FL. School information, Buyers tips and relocation guide for home buyers available. We're your Bradenton Realtors with experience, knowledge, and dedication to service. Here you will find listings in the Bradenton community / subdivision but may include Bradenton town homes, Land, and Homes on a custom MLS search. … (0 comments)

ALL Monies Related to a Real Estate Transaction MUST be on the HUD. Right? - 06:59 PM

Hi folks. I've been having a discussion over at www.ShortSaleSuperStars.com on whether or not having the Buyer of a Short Sale pay off part of a junior lien "outside of closing" without disclosing to the 1st lien holder and without placing the payment as a P.O.C. (paid out of closing) item on the HUD is Mortgage Fraud and/or a violation of RESPA.
The article is presenting a scenario where the 1st lender does not agree to pay the 2nd $7,000 from the sale. They only agree to pay $3,000. So to skirt around this the agent suggest having the buyer … (80 comments)

Walking Around Glenview - 10:39 PM
Few days ago on a nice sunny day I was walking around downtown Glenview with my camera. 

It was a nice walk. I started by Caribou Coffee. Right by my home.
   
From Glenview and Waukegan I walked to Auto Service With Steve on Waukegan and Grove. Stopped for few minutes to chat with Steve and went to Spiro's Deli To have his famous Bomber sandwich.
  
Went towards the Metra station and it was too early to stop for beer at Grandpa's ;) they do have great food.
  
I had a craving for a … (2 comments)

Majestic Horse Property on 9+ Acres Minutes to Chapel Hill - 02:10 PM
Team Jodi just listed a beautiful horse property on 9+ Acres. The home is custom built with over 3400 sq. ft. of living space on one level. The property has a 4-stall barn, 6 acres of fenced pasture and a dressage ring.
Click Here To View Virtual TourPowered by: ClassifiedFlyerAds.com Click here to learn more about Team JodiClick here to view Team Jodi's Chapel Hill Real Estate and Durham Homes for Sale Click here to Search homes for sale in Chapel Hill and Durham and the surrounding Triangle NC area … (1 comments)

Keller Williams.... Great Debut in Elm Grove, WI...Ta Dah !!! - 01:22 PM
 
 
   Keller Williams Elm Grove, WI....in....sit a spell...try on some technology....help yourself to some education...and while enjoy some profit sharing...what a menu....what a company....what a brokerage...r
 
  Want a private personal tour ?  We thought so....414-525-0563
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                       Mmmmm...we are Red-dy and Going !
 
 
  Come on in...we put our money, our effort, our space where our mouth is and your head needs to be to be the very best you can be....here is our Olympic Size training room...
 
     Find out what the third largest real estate brokerage … (6 comments)

Leipers Fork, TN: Flooding (pics and advice from FEMA) - 12:02 PM
Greetings from the flood zone!  In the past 48 hours, my little town of Franklin, TN (more specifically, Leipers Fork, TN) had a seasons worth of rain (15+").  As you can well imagine, once the creeks were full, there was nowhere for the water to go but up.  Reports are saying, this passed the 100 and 500 year flood plains.  To declare we were under a state of emergency was an understatement - EVERY road in our county was closed, the National Guard was called in and a dusk to dawn curfew was imposed!  Our sweet, serene little piece of heaven became anything but! … (0 comments)

Franklin TN: Flooding Video... - 03:09 PM
Hi all!  I was doing a search to try to determine if one of my listings is underwater and came across a video of how bad the flooding was in Franklin TN.  Please be warned, it's horrifying!
 
 

(1 comments)

Mortgages and Credit Reports for Gulf Breeze Florida - 05:57 AM
Great article of interest and a good post for Pensacola and Pace Flordia as well. You can always get one free credit report as well. Call Charles for any and all you Real Estate needs here in the Pensacola and Pace area. 850- 324-5109
Via Joyce Kelley Realtors® Pensacola/ Gulf Breeze Homes (Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Inc):
(2 comments)

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