Archives of real estate blog entries for May 4, 2010

Featured blog posts


Give Thanks Where It Is Due, 4,000,000+ Pieces Of Content Moved In A Week Is No Small Task - 02:45 PM
I want to start by saying that this post is not a post about griping about the recent headaches we all experienced here at ActiveRain.  Nor is this post about how wonderful I think ActiveRain is.  What this post is about is simply one thing, the people of ActiveRain.  While we have all experienced deep frustrations over the past week and many have already voiced opinions about ActiveRain on Twitter or Facebook. This is not my post ranting about things, it is a post about the people who run the network.
I get the point that some of us are paying … (77 comments)

DON'T SELL BY SQUARE FEET! THAT ADVICE IS SIMPLE RISK MANAGEMENT! - 04:51 PM
BOB HAYWOOD provides some authority for advice I've given agents for decades - "I'm Sorry, But I Can't Tell You How Big the House is..."
DON'T SELL HOME BY SQUARE FEET. 
About 20 years ago, I read a case law report of a lawsuit by a buyer against their agent.  THE AGENT LOST.  The square feet given the buyer by the seller was 100 square feet lower than that included in the appraisal report. 
Since that date, about 20 years ago, I have never sold by square feet.  We sell by bedrooms, bathrooms, amenities, lot size, etc. 
IT JUST MAKES COMMON … (106 comments)

How Do You MEASURE ROOMS? - 08:36 PM
How do you measure rooms?  I read a couple of posts this evening dealing with the use or non use square footage to sell houses. One was written by Bob Haywood about changes in parts of Oklahoma and then followed up with one by Lenn Harley.  Her post dealt with the possibility of a lawsuit. Some states or MLS systems require it and of those that do, some have disclaimers on accuracy and/or request the source for the figure.  Now there may well be a move on to require that this information be omitted.
It made me think of another measurement often used...room sizes. It is interesting how … (90 comments)

The Great Loan Modification Hoax - 05:21 PM
In February of 2009 President Obama made a speech in which he promised to help between 7 and 9 million families avoid foreclosure, a promise that if kept might truly have helped stabilize the U.S. housing market. Unfortunately, the promise upon which millions of homeowners have placed their hopes and committed their savings, seems to have been little more than political rhetoric.
 
To address the housing crisis, the President outlined announced the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, a program which although not described as such, would require billions of dollars, would be impossible to administer, and that, in the end, … (85 comments)

From Oh No! to Oh Yeah! - 08:36 PM
From Oh No! to Oh Yeah!  See what a difference home staging can make.
BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

By removing personal items and keeping the staging simple these areas now look clean, spacious and serene.  Don't you love the magic of home staging?
… (49 comments)

"I'm Sorry, But I Can't Tell You How Big the House is..." - 03:56 PM
They say change is constant.  Nothing stays the same.  We all know this to be true because we can see change happening around us all the time.
But sometimes change is awfully strange. 
Take for example, the change that is coming to how we sell real estate in our part of the world.  Pretty soon, we will no longer be discussing square footage of properties with potential buyers.  In fact, it seems like this information may no longer become available.
The following was included in yesterday's weekly bulletin release from our local MLS Board.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Weekly Facts Blog … (100 comments)

Spring Cleaning and Real Estate, Is There a Correlation? - 06:32 PM
It's that time of year again to organize the closets, the kids, the husband, my business, the garage, myself, and sometimes....my clients? Hu? Yes...my clients.
There is a quote by Margaret Atwood "In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.", that reminds me how I feel, during certain real estate transactions, and the end of an eight hour negotiation session over a very small amount of monies.
After eight hours of sweating, cussing (to myself of course), and shutting my office door so people don't hear my level of voice rise...I just need a shower! … (32 comments)

Where are your leads coming from? - 05:52 PM
Where are your leads coming from?
This morning, I was going through my Tuesday routine of following up on my leads and active buyers.  While going down my list I glanced over at my board of listings and pendings and had a thought...my leads are coming from a fairly wide variety of sources!

photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumaxart/2136953043/
For most folks, this probably isn't an earth shattering revelation, but for me it is.  When I think back to where I was in my career this time last year and where I am now...there is just no comparison.  I am by no means satisfied … (109 comments)

What Can We Do to Help with Oil Spill Cleanup? - 12:37 AM
In New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, we take for granted easy access to fresh fish and seafood.  We take for granted that we are home to many species that are reliant on the condition of our coastal waters and wetlands to survive.  We take all of this for granted until they are threatened by something that is out of our control.
Over 6,000 square miles of fishing waters have been shut down due to the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  Stop for a moment and consider that.  Over six thousand square miles. 
That number will more … (51 comments)

The Fix Is On! Active Rain Rocking in Smoothness Tonight! - 10:43 PM
After a couple of weeks or rough going, Active Rain is beginning to run like a smooth and freshly oiled machine. I took a break during all the proxy errors for a little over a week especially when it took like three hours just to get a post to publish. Commenting was out the window then as well. 
The owners of Active Rain were diligently working more than overtime to move over to new servers. It was a huge undertaking of a project but at the end of the day, Active Rain will run faster and smoother than ever. 
I want … (59 comments)

What's The Point? - 01:22 AM
Here's the answer to a question we have all been asked.  "What's The Point?"
More to the point - What are "points" and who pays them?
A point is equal to one percent (1%) of a mortgage amount. For example, on a $120,000 mortgage, one point is $1,200.
Are there different types of points?
Customarily points are quoted as something plus one. For instance, a 10% interest rate with points of three plus one: The one point is a loan origination fee, which pays the cost of processing the mortgage; the three points are discount points.
What is the purpose of … (41 comments)

Huge Disadvantage When Marketing Properties As 'Do Not Display Address' - 11:10 AM
The two big reasons I've heard agents market properties this way is 1) a marketing tactic to generate more calls and 2) at a seller's request for privacy or fear of theft.  There is now data to support that you will actually get more contacts if you do show the address.  Hopefully this data will fuel the seller's desire to get the home sold and overcome their security fears.  
It was found that properties which DO display receive 6 TIMES the page views that properties that hid the address.  Further, properties with the address displayed also recieved 6 TIMES the inquires. 
Why is … (39 comments)

Before you delete that bad picture.... - 12:45 PM
....have some fun with it.
For example, the picture at right is underexposed. I took it at the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, and when both the interior and individual aquariums are dark, it can make for some interesting times trying to get some interesting photos of some interesting fish.
When you get back to the office, though, take that bad picture to a photo editing program such as Photoshop, Photopaint, or any of the free programs online, and you just might be able to make something useful out of it.
I took the above photo to Photopaint and increased the … (84 comments)

How to Import Your ActiveRain Blog to Wordpress - 07:38 AM

THIS BLOG HIJACKED BY MARY MCKNIGHT FOR TODAY!!!
Amid all the wild hub bub that the webinar I hosted the other day caused, I wanted to let everyone know that TLW was wonderful, took all the undeserved heat and organized a great event with over 100 people showing up to find out how to import their AR content into a Wordpress blog. The technical part of the webinar was over in about 20 minutes so I just spent the rest of the hour just making some general Wordpress recommendations for plugins, SEO and usage and talking about some higher level … (62 comments)

Get over it - 09:29 AM

 
Not a very pretty picture today.  This is what the code from a virus that was hiding in my blog looks like, just hanging out in the php files and creating problems that I don't even want to get into because I am too tired after being up for half the night fixing it.    It seems that there was a kind of back door in my self hosted word press blog that someone exploited.  Last night I got the pleasure of deleting files and cleaning files out.  I believe that my blog is clean but will ask an … (72 comments)

Active Rain Success Story - My first Blog Reader Closing! - 12:25 PM
Active Rain Success Story - My first Blog Reader Closing!
A few weeks ago I was racing out of the office when I stopped by my desk to check, one more time before leaving, my email. I can't tell you how excited I was to read the following:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
I immediatley typed in the phone number into my cell and ran out the door. That Saturday, this delightful couple came to my office for our Buyer/Realtor interview. We discussed the process and went to view a few homes that I had selected for … (78 comments)


Blog posts


Tinley Park Homes Supply and Demand for 2009 - 12:16 PM
The chart below shows the Supply and Demand Data for Tinley Park homes in 2009.

If you've seen any of my other charts (I've created a Supply and Demand Chart for Oak Lawn and Orland Park homes), you won't be surprised at the discrepancy between Tinley Park homes on the market (red line) compared to those that went under contract (blue line) and those that sold and closed (green line) in 2009.  This is what is meant when referring to a Buyer's Market.  There was much more inventory in 2009 than ready, willing and able buyers.
This chart also gives … (2 comments)

Austin Real Estate is HOT! - 10:52 AM
From Alamo Title Co.:
The Week in Review Units for Sale: Apr. 25 - May 1, 2010 (compared to the same week in 2009) New listings are up this week 6.14% Pendings are up this week 79.32% Solds are up 34.32% As for Average Prices: Apr. 25 - May 1, 2010 Sold average sales prices decreased 2.97% to $240,726. In 2009 it was $248,095 for the same week. The Month in Review Preliminary April 2010 Data: Units for Sale: (compared to April 2009) New listings are up 27.42%. Pendings are up 43.78%. Solds increased by 21.13%
As for Average Prices: The … (0 comments)

Continued Education – Tomato University Classes for 5/5 thru 5/7: Facebook, Blogging, Thesis Theme and Community Development - 04:51 PM
 

Wednesday May 5th at 11:00 am PDT
Thesis Theme Tips for Real Estate Blogs
Thesis Theme tips for Real Estate Blogs: Thesis is a popular Wordpress theme for real estate blogs. We'll cover tips on optimizing, customizing and resources for using the Thesis theme.
Please note:
All classes are LIVE Webinars. Students will be able to either call-in or connect with their headset/mic/speakers to listen in and ask questions. All classes will have a live chat managed by the professor (or assistant). Students will receive all webainr login links and codes in an email (to the email on file … (2 comments)

De-Furnish or Re-Furnish Moving In or Moving Out Try Virginia's Rose in Eldersburg, MD - 11:01 AM
 De-Furnish or Re-Furnish  Moving In or Moving Out Try Virginia's Rose in Eldersburg, MD
My job as a REALTOR® and Broker is to bring buyers and sellers together, to find that perfect home to fall in love with. (We wrote about that, you'll recall.)
My friend Linda Szarko owns Virginia's Rose, a consignment furnishings shop, that  brings buyers and sellers together to de-furnish and re-furnish their homes. Lee and I visited the other day...what a great idea! (That's Lee with Linda, above)
This wonderful shop is located in Eldersburg, MD, at 1720 Liberty Road in the Oklahoma Shopping Center. Plenty of parking and and … (6 comments)

11 Slade Ave #806 Pikesville, MD 21208 Luxury Baltimore Coop! - 01:10 PM
… (5 comments)

3615 Blair Rd. Randallstown, MD. 21133 4 Bedroom Brick Rancher-Assisted Living Potential! - 03:33 PM
… (3 comments)

7011 Concord Rd. Colonial Village, Pikesville, MD 21208 Single Family Home - 08:34 PM
… (10 comments)

Park Districts Pool Discounts - 11:53 PM
It's time for Park District Pool Discounts in Chicago-land suburbs!
Are you following your Park District on Twitter or Facebook? Some of them are really keeping us up to date with local events and happenings.
Glenview, ILGet Ready for Summer! Buy Your Outdoor Pool Passes before May 15 and Save!
Northbrook, ILThe early discount fee for pool passes ends May 29 at 2pm.
Niles, ILOasis Fun Center Season Pool Passes
Mount Prospect, ILMt. Prospect Park District offers the community many different pool pass options. You can choose from a year round pool pass or just the summer.
Park Ridge, ILBe ready … (1 comments)

Appliance Rebates for Disabled Alaskan Residents - 02:45 PM
Appliance rebates are now available for disabled Alaskan residents looking to trade in their old energy-guzzling appliances for newer, more energy-efficient models.  Under this new program, any Alaskan resident currently receiving some type of disability from either state or federal agencies are eligible to receive a state-issued voucher that will go towards the purchase of a new Energy Star® appliance.  The appliances that qualify include: refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers.  This program began on March 16, 2010 and is scheduled to run until September 2011 or until the $658,000 in funding runs out.  All applicants are only eligible to receive vouchers … (1 comments)

5605 LEJEUNE DR, ORLANDO FL 32808 - 01:18 PM
 
 MLS# O4979678                5605 LEJEUNE DR, ORLANDO FL 32808      $$$ 34,900 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. *If exact square footage or room sizes are a concern, unit should be independently measured. For more information about HomePath financing and incentives, please visit Homepath website. This ranch home has an open and airy floor plan with wood floors and a nice backyard for entertaining.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 … (0 comments)

11500 WESTWOOD BLVD # 822, ORLANDO, FL 32821 - 02:06 PM
 
MLS#  O4978660               11500 WESTWOOD BLVD # 822, ORLANDO FL 32821     $$$ 54,900 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. *If exact square footage or room sizes are a concern, unit should be independently measured. For more information about HomePath financing and incentives, please visit Homepath website. This condo is an upstairs end unit, with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths vaulted ceilings, beautiful granite counters, contemporary kitchen cabinets with stainless handles, tiles floors, and balcony.
For the latest status on this property and many more in … (0 comments)

2091 DUNSFORD DR, ORLANDO FL 32808 - 02:08 PM
 
 MLS# O4979502                   2091 DUNSFORD DR, ORLANDO FL 32808    $$$ 80,000 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing. *If exact square footage or room sizes are a concern, unit should be independently measured. For more information about HomePath This is a great home with lots of room, open floor plan lots of tile floors, screened patio over looking an in-ground pool.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a … (0 comments)

13818 OLD DOCK RD, ORLANDO FL 32828 - 02:11 PM
 
 MLS# O4979630               13818 OLD DOCK RD, ORLANDO FL 32828     $$$ 189,900 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. *If exact square footage or room sizes are a concern, unit should be independently measured. For more information about HomePath financing and incentives, please visit Homepath website. This 2 story home is looking for a large family, 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, marble counters in the baths, master has garden tub,and separate large shower, granite counters in kitchen, eat-in space,also formal dining room, tray ceiling in … (0 comments)

5046 KEATON CREST DR, ORLANDO FL 32837 - 02:15 PM
 
MLS#  O4979061                   5046 KEATON CREST DR, ORLANDO FL 32837    $$$ 329,900 $$$

Not a Short Sale or Bank Owned! A beautiful 4 bedroom / 3 bath  home offering a huge upper level bonus room with full bath. Spacious & in excellent condition. Huge living & dining room area - great for entertaining! Enter the kitchen and you will be amazed - so much room for the serious cook! Built-in desk area - new laminate flooring - all kitchen appliances included. The kitchen overlooks an awesome family room - bring that BIG SCREEN TV! Upstairs is a huge bonus room with … (0 comments)

13360 LUXBURY LOOP, ORLANDO FL 32837 - 02:18 PM
 
 MLS# O4978669               13360 LUXBURY LOOP, ORLANDO FL 32837    $$$ 229,900 $$$

NOT A SHORT SALE OR BANK OWNED!  A rare find pool home! Clean & in great condition! Spacious & open floor plan. No rear neighbors....kick back & relax by the sparkling pool! Plantation shutters add an elegant touch. Much sought after community of Chalfont -within walking distance of A-rated schools. Take a look today - this one is sure to please!
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster … (0 comments)

Are You Suffering from Active Rain Withdrawal Symptoms ? Take this Test - 05:55 AM
 
Are You Suffering from ARW  ?
         (Active Rain Withdrawal )
 
 
Classic Withdrawal Symptoms:
 
  - Inability to wake up your brain without doubling the morning java
- Fingers shaking over the keyboard  and randomly hitting keys
    …no blogging ability
 
 - Fuzzy brain due to loss of new brain food ideas
 
- Uncontrolled raindrops falling from both eyes due to loneliness
 - Hyper localized finger drumming mimicking commenting  keystrokes
 
                               
 
 
 
 
                                    … (5 comments)

Stamp Out Hunger Day is Saturday, May 8th....Just do it ! - 06:15 AM
  Saturday, May 8th  is "STAMP OUT HUNGER"  day and you have time to shop for extra things to put next to your mailbox for your mail carrier....RUN NOW  !    This cause has become one we have adopted since the mail carriers began doing it.
   Some years the spring rain has meant wrapping the non-perishable items in layers of plastic bags. This yearr we, more than ever we are hoping the sun is out and we hope people put out all the food they can to fill the local food pantries. There is more unemployment in many areas and more … (8 comments)

Central Ohio Knox County Country Home Near Knox Lake - 04:46 PM
 
To view a detailed photo virtual tour be sure to visit Fredericktown, Ohio Home For Sale
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (3 comments)

933 Lystra Lane -- $399,000 -- SOLD!! - 09:37 AM
… (1 comments)

Helen Ga Real Estate "May 5th in Helen" - 11:06 AM
Planning to spend May 5th in Helen?  Let me know how you are going to celebrate.  Do you know what to celebrate on May 5th?  Let me hear from you!
Sometimes you are just thinking about moving to the area, not much to invest, but think you could buy something around $150,000?  If you did not have to furnish it?  If you could come and use it on some weekends?  If you could walk to downtown Helen?  Maybe you could invest with family and everyone could use it?  Thinking about it?  Let's talk!!  It is out there!!
… (0 comments)

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