Archives of real estate blog entries for May 5, 2010

Featured blog posts


Assume the Best, Baby... Assume the Best - 08:22 AM
I have a new mantra. Assume the Best.
This actually comes from my personal life where it's been sorely needed for, oh, about 43 years now, but I recently started intentionally applying it to my business life (is there really a clear division between the two anyway?)
When someone does something that doesn't make sense to you - something that irritates, inconveniences, hurts or offends you - do you automatically assume it was intentionally done to irritate, inconvenience, hurt or offend? Do you naturally filter through all the possibilities of why they did "it" and latch onto the one that makes … (75 comments)

How To Use Google's Wonder Wheel - 09:18 PM
The Google Wonder Wheel Keyword Research Tool
...is a keyword research utility that was created by Google Labs and allows users to discover keyword searches that are popular and built around certain specific keyword terms.
Google's wonder wheel could be a great tool for helping writers to find new topics. The wheel can also help you dominate specific keywords and phrases in the search engines because it helps you write about the things that are the most searched for on the web using the most popular keywords or terms.

Here's How It Works:
Create your search in the Google … (86 comments)

Don't Be Held Hostage - Learn And Grow From Your Experience - 06:38 PM
Activerain went through a dreadful experience over the last couple of months. Everyone knows about the proxy errors, bad gateways, inability to post comments, and more time spent worrying about losing content and clients than worrying about your own business. Don't be held hostage again. It's time to learn and grow from this experience.

 
Learn and Grow
I first learned how to blog and how to tie SEO into my daily life from Activerain. I bet there are over 180,000 people that have done the same thing. It was amazing the stuff I learned from Activerain, but I wanted more.
 
… (42 comments)

The Best Tool in your Toolbox - 10:08 AM
Social Media is all about making connections, reinforcing those connections, and enhancing those connections.  Want to know the best tool in any social media marketer’s toolbox?
It starts with a great big  G…
No, it’s not Google (although that might come in a close second).  It’s being “genuine”.  Really!  One of the worst things tools is Automation (in my opinion).  One crystal clear way to be genuine is to personalize your one on one messages.  Nothing grabs the recipients attention more than something that shows you took the time to know a little more about them before firing off that message.
… (40 comments)

If you didn't read it, you can't truly react to it. - 12:57 PM

Have you heard a single word I said?
Immediately after reading the title, I suspect everyone will think that I am talking about me, but I'm really just making a generalized statement here.  It occurred while reading a post by a fellow ActiveRain member that (strangely enough) was a re-blog of something I had written.  I had forgotten the post, so I quickly re-read through the re-blog.
The fellow blogger had written a great intro to my post and shared some of their thoughts and feelings about what I had written - in my opinion, the only way re-blogging should … (73 comments)

What is a "Neighborhood Specialist"? - 11:12 PM
What is a "Neighborhood Specialist"?

Recently, a friend and I were on a morning walk in my  neighborhood, Lost Creek in the Eanes School District and noticed a new "For Sale" sign in the front yard of a home. As we passed the sign I saw a rider posted at the bottom proclaiming the agent to be a "neighborhood specialist"! My friend laughed and said, "Oh look, another agent who I've never heard of and they also claim to be a local expert!" I just laughed and shrugged it off but my friend whipped out his phone and dialed the number … (190 comments)

Zillow named in patent infringement lawsuit - 02:26 PM
Automated property valuation service Zillow has been named as a plaintiff  defendant (corrected) in a suit by First American CORELOGIC who claims to own the patent on formulas used to do property valuations.  Seven other companies were also named in the suit, with Zillow being the name most consumers will recognize but the others also being important in the real estate industry for doing BPO's and appraisals.

The story is being reported by the Orange County Register and while ZILLOW has responded that they are not intending to change any portion of their business model at this time, the suit, if … (79 comments)

New Real Estate Industry Term: the Man Cave - 09:20 AM
New Real Estate Industry Term: the Man Cave
After spending more time with younger couples home searching before the tax stimulus deadline, I learned a new word or phrase that I believe is becoming an industry standard: the “man cave.” I’m not sure if it’s one word or two words or whether it’s hyphenated, but it’s definitely a term widely used.
From what I’ve learned from clients, a “man cave” is the SINGLE room in the home that the male gets to decorate and keep his personal stuff not allowed anywhere else in the house. He can paint the … (91 comments)

Easy Tips to Avoid Appraisal Delays - 05:43 PM
 Are you wondering why it takes so darn long to get an appraisal report completed lately? This information will give you the secret tools needed to punt kick the process into high efficiency gear!
New lending laws have put a cog in the wheels in Real Estate Land. Back in the good ole' days, as soon as a contract was consummated, the loan officer would order an appraisal.
No can do anymore! The loan officer must now obtain the borrowers approval of a good faith estimate prior to ordering an appraisal. So what does this have to do with you?
Before … (26 comments)

There may be something to this staging thing... - 12:38 AM
So, I went to a wonderful Open House a couple of weeks ago.  It was for a another agent in the office and I have to say I was very impressed.  I never really knew what to make of the "hire a person and they make your home look nice" idea.  I mean, really?  A person spends all this time and money not just cleaning your home, but making it look like a showroom? People do this for a living?  I didn't buy it at all.  I can barely put together the words to tell the client to clean the bathroom, … (55 comments)

Facebook For REALTORS: 10 Ways To Lose Friends and NOT Influence People - 02:57 AM
 

As of this post, there are over 400 million people on facebook.  With all those people in one place there is bound to be someone that just really annoys you to the point that you “un-friend” them.  Here are some of the most irritating things a Realtor can do.  
 
Business, business, business. If every time your friends log into their facebook account, your “friends” see you talking about your business, you will most likely be “un-friended”-quickly. They accepted you as a friend because they want to hear about you, your recommendations, your suggestions, your day; not your … (135 comments)

Are You a Tech Master? - 04:39 PM
In February 2009, REALTOR® Magazine launched the Masters Series, a video diary of top-producing practitioners, who represent expertise in a certain field within real estate. We traveled all over the country to meet some of the best real estate pros, followed them around for a day, and learned their trade secrets.
We're planning the 2010 series and we want to hear from you. Have you been in the business for over 10 years? Are you a top producer? For September, we're looking for the practitioner who's mastered technology.  Is that you? I hope so.
If you'd like to be considered for … (28 comments)

Calling Back Leads is Usually a Waste of Time - 04:19 PM
Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana
 
Hello Everyone, So have you ever felt calling back leads was a waste of time? They rarely turn out to be anything and most people who put a little effort to call back leads realize it didn't produce much. There are others who might argue that that is crazy and a lot of their business comes from following up with leads. Who is right?
Both are right actually. For most people calling back leads is a waste of time for two simple reasons. Statistically the deck is stacked against you. Most leads … (164 comments)


Blog posts


Luxury Sellers Presentation - 04:37 PM

Capture your sellers with a beautiful representation of your marketing.  Sellers Presentation by Cherie Young.
 
… (2 comments)

Luxury Real Estate Website for Christine Perry, www.TheHomeLounge.com - 05:49 PM

Luxury Real Estate Agent, Christine Perry, www.TheHomeLounge.com, check out her unique Little Black Book on the top link as well.
 
… (2 comments)

Open House SAFETY TIPS! - 07:43 PM
Great Tips!
Via BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Tomlinson):
OPEN HOUSE SAFETY TIPS!
Every Spring, millions of homes are held open. A home is usually a private place. But when you have an OPEN HOUSE, you draw in the public and safety MUST be considered for both your Realtor, and the home owners.
Here are some things I have learned as an Realtor in regard to OPEN HOUSE SAFETY.
FOR THE HOME OWNER:
Put away (lock) all prescription drugs Remove any valuable jewelry and items you can't replace such as heirlooms. Remove calenders providing your schedule. Remove pets … (1 comments)

The Diet Continues - week 33 - Still Fighting - 01:18 PM
I should have posted this over the weekend, but Active Rain was down.  Things have been tough with the kids and I have been on the go a lot.  Therefore I am not eating as well as I should. 
I need to work on getting back on track.  I did loose .6 pounds last week and am still heading in the right direction.
… (1 comments)

The Fannie Mae Follies! - 01:57 PM
The Fannie Mae Follies!
I want to tell you a story and see what your thoughts are on the situation.  I also want to stress I do not know if the issue was Fannie Mae, Homepath, the agent, or the asset manager.
I had a client looking for a home.   She had a conventional loan, a silent 2nd from the city, and grant money for 1st time homebuyers.  She was coming in with about 18.5% of her own money down.
I explained to her appraisals are coming in low and with her stacked financing she would not be the most attractive … (1 comments)

My Own Bokerage - Home Point Real Estate! - 07:07 PM
I obtained my Broker's License in March and am now opening a new Brokerage - Home Point Real Estate!
What difference will this make to my current customers?  Not a lot on the surface, you will still get the same great personal service and integrity I have always offered.  However, I now have better control over my back office and support.  These are things you do not see on the surface.  Many of these changes will be implemented slowly over the next couple of months.
Working at Home Point Real Estate under my own license will also allow me to develop … (4 comments)

Celebrating Charles Burkowski's Scarlet, watch rare video footage of Buk and "Scarlet" - 08:31 AM
My good friend, Pam, is now a published author.
Pam ("Cupcakes") was Charles Bukowski's lover in the mid 1970s.  Bukowski penned the poems in his book "Scarlet" about her.
 
Now several years after Bukowski's death, Pam has written her memoirs of that time. Her book "Charles's Bukowski's Scarlet" has just been released. If you watch this short Charles Bukowski video closely, you will see some footage of the author, Pamela "Cupcakes" "Scarlet" Miller Wood, at 0:46 - 0:49 and again at 2:32 - 2:52.
 The title of this Bukowski video is "A Report Upon The Consumption Of Myself by Charles Bukowski". And no, the … (1 comments)

Housing Construction Snapshot: April Edition, Dallas - 11:26 AM
Straight fact: though housing construction is up, and new lots in North Texas are being snapped up like hotcakes the trend is towards thriftier housing. You might not notice if you're just looking at the average price of a lot or some of the big deals industry leaders are highlighting. But a lot of the houses planned in the US market are multifamily homes, a clear sign that people are cutting back.
Not that that's a bad thing, really. People in real estate don't always admit it, but though people cutting back on housing spending hits them in the profit margins, … (0 comments)

One MLS for Texas? New Precedent in CA - 12:15 PM
California is currently in the process of a merger between its largest realtor network and a multiple listing service. Over 33,000 realtors would be linked by the resulting MLS. The enormous amount of information all in one database has the potential to make analyzing the market—sale prices, price trends, and other essential information—much easier. 
Such a move does worry some realtors, concerned about being made obsolete by technology. (or perhaps it's just their interns that fear this) Information is often jealously guarded out of such fears. However, the job of being a realtor is more than just listings—in today's communication-focused society, … (2 comments)

There She Goes With Her Numbers Again! 5:50:50 a.m. on 5/5 and the temperature in Baltimore is 55 degrees! - 03:16 PM
 5:50:50 a.m. on 5/5 and the temperature in Baltimore is 55 degrees!
Is there such a thing as too many fives?  but what do I do with this?
This is not the first time I have blogged about numbers. Just do an AR search with  Margaret Rome and  "numbers" and you will see a few more.

It is May 5... Cinco de Mayo. I'm up early to get ready for some exercise when I notice the time: it is 5:50:50 a.m. on 5/5 and the temperature in Baltimore is 55 degrees!  When the numbers line up, do the stars align … (17 comments)

OK...So how fast was your fastest closing? - 07:00 PM
From contract to closing? Mine was 4 days and took place in May of 2007.
A four day closing! Yep, that's right, my Sellers and I negotiated a deal on a Monday and closed it Friday afternoon. Not only that but it was a 100% financing deal on a $230,000 property and a mail away to the Seller!
Is that fast or what? The contract was fully signed late Monday and sent to the Title Company on Tuesday morning. Appraisal and survey were done Tuesday afternoon. Final mortgage approval was on Thursday and Seller docs were Emailed to them on Thursday … (20 comments)

Arapahoe County's Victim Assistance Training Program - 11:45 PM
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office recently announced its 2010 Fall Volunteer Victim Assistance Training Academy. TeamCox Realtors has taken a couple of the CERTS training classes and we highly recommend them. They are hands-on and well-taught. If you are looking to we serve your community and add to your personal growth, consider this training program. The training program for volunteer victim advocates will begin in August and run through October. It requires a time commitment of approximately 50 hours over 10 weeks. Volunteers will also have monthly training/meetings held the first Monday evening of each month, and are responsible for signing … (0 comments)

4560 YELLOWGOLD E RD # 106, KISSIMMEE, FL 34746 - 12:00 PM
 
MLS# S4668897                4560 YELLOWGOLD E RD # 106, KISSIMMEE FL 34746     $$$ 85,000 $$$

 SHORT SALE ~ Guard gated community, two story condo, 3 bedroom - 2 bath, living/dining room combo, inside laundry, walk-in closet and jetted tub in Master Bedroom. Community Pool, club house, playground, fitness center.  Only minutes from theme parks, shopping, dining, Orlando International Airport and major highways.  Must see this very well maintained unit.  Ready to move in. Hurry, it won't last!
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Kissimmee area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit … (0 comments)

13730 Prairie Ln. New Berlin, Wisconsin Open Sun May 16 3-4:30 - 6 bedroom, 3.5 bath ! - 01:33 PM
 
Sunday, May 16th,  2:30 - 4 pm....Spectacular HUGE 6 bedroom, 3.5 bath home ....just what Mom wants for Mother's Day !
13730 W. Prairie Lane, New Berlin, WI  $379,912 !!
  Room to Roam....Outstanding Lower Level - 2 bedrooms, full bath, closets galore, fireplace....WOW !
                                                                         Master Bedroom Suite...walk in closet, bath with separate
                                                                         shower and tub.
                                                                     Martha and Rachel give this granite & stainless kitchen 
                                                                 with walk in pantry a thumbs up for gourmet delights

 
       LOTS more to see...touch...enjoy....if Saturday doesn't fit in your busy schedule...give the Hansons a call and we … (1 comments)

Super Sized...Super Price...New Berlin Colonial - 5 bed, 3.5 ba, 5.5 gar, 3/4 acre - 11:14 PM
 
  All we can say is WOW !  Super size everything...a master bedroom 15' x 22' ....living, family and dining room...eat in HUGE kitchen...separate spa building with skyights....mmmm....all of this on 3/4 acre culdesac with wooded backyard....it absolutely doesn't get better !
 
                                               Sunday, May 16th  1:00 -  2:30 pm  Open House
                                                    14705 West Fleetwood Lane, New Berlin, WI
 
                                                                 $424,444
 
                                                  5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 5.5 garage spaces
                or for a Private Showing, … (6 comments)

Mount Vernon, Ohio Country Home For Sale - 04:31 PM
You may view a virtual tour with dozens of photos at 15770 Pleasant View Drive in Mount Vernon, Ohio
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Mount Vernon Ohio Real Estate
… (6 comments)

3905 Sturbridge Drive -- $215,000 -- SOLD! - 05:52 PM
… (0 comments)

2138 Washington Drive - SOLD SEPTEMBER 2010 - 02:04 AM
… (0 comments)

Are You in the Top 10? - 12:42 PM
Did you know that Washington D.C. was recently voted the #2 best place to live in the country?! RelocateAmerica.com, a leading website in providing relocating resources, has named Washington D.C. the #2 place to live coming in just behind Huntsville, Alabama! It's no wonder so many of us call it HOME! Washington D.C. was also 4th on the Top Ten list of Recovery Cities in the country. This shows that we are well on our way back to economic health! Not in the Top 10 but would like to be? Call Ask Gina and Company and we would be happy to … (0 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1803 Madison Avenue Montgomery, AL 36107 - 09:48 PM
Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 1803 Madison Avenue Montgomery, AL 36107
MLS #274369

Meet Me at the Lions! That'll be your invitation to friends and relatives when you make this handsome brick bungalow your new home.  Located on one of Capital Heights best-known corners, Madison "at the lions."  And renovated by one of Montgomery's "young lion developers" to include a kitchen full of great new cabinets and two full baths with the best of old house detailing plus new fixtures as well.  Even an unfinished basement you can make a workshop or maybe a man cave! And door is wide … (3 comments)

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