Archives of real estate blog entries for June 20, 2010

Featured blog posts


I got called out for improperly using "Realtor" - 06:27 PM
I recently got called out for improper use of the word Realtor.
I wasn't sure what I was doing wrong because I always capitalize it, although that is the third preferred use.
The preferred use is REALTOR®.
The second preferred use is Realtor®.
However, the National Association of Realtors, recognizing that putting registered symbols or all-caps REALTORs throughout text can easily dilute the message of the text for the general public, allows the third preferred use of Realtor, with just an initial capital letter.
In all instances, though, realtor with all lower case is not proper.
Also note that Realtor© or any other form with the … (266 comments)

Eating Fresh in the Summer - 03:28 PM
Eating Fresh in the Summer All the best flavors come from the freshest ingredients. One of the great benefits of local food sources is that the food can be harvested at the peak of its flavor. Starting with your own backyard as an ideal location for freshness, if you aren't wanting to grow your own then finding local farmers is the next best option.
Look for local farmers and support them! Some other place I'll talk about all the reasons why local buying and food raising is so important. Today, I hope you'll just think about making as many of your … (20 comments)

My ActiveRain "12 Step Program" - 12:33 PM
 
 
 My ActiveRain "12 Step Program"
 
Hello, my name is Deborah and I am new (returning, reactivating, developing) to the "Rain".  I am trying to create content and comment every day.  And, I stand in awe of the talent and experience in the real estate industry.  Sobering thought...how do I navigate this ocean of intellectual wealth?
 
There is a wonderful comment that says, "The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time."  Another axiom states, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
 
Like many of us standing in the "Rain", … (93 comments)

Referral Business - Extend Your Community to Build Your Referral Network - 09:45 AM
Referral Business - Extend Your Community to Build Your Referral Network
This past week, we had another settlement for a referral that we received from an Active Rain member.  Even though we have not met this person face-to-face, she trusted us with a valuable referral.  That trust was built on a relationship that evolved through our interaction and getting to know each other on Active Rain.  If we did not do a great job with the potential client, it would be a reflection on her.  So when you receive a referral, it is a compliment that should not be taken lightly.  Well the … (23 comments)

Are You Selling Your Home or Just Helping Your Neighbors Sell Theirs? - 01:03 PM
There are a couple of kinds of people who help their neighbors sell their home.
The first kind is the neighbor we all want to have. Their yard is perfectly landscaped, the trash cans are never left out by the curb, the cars are tucked safely into the garage instead of parked on the street, they don’t have dogs that would even think about barking or cats that consider your garden a litter box.
They are friendly, courteous and can’t wait to tell anyone they meet what a great neighborhood they live in, including the people who are considering moving to … (46 comments)

Real Estate, Facebook And A Wedding - 02:05 AM
Real Estate, Facebook And A Wedding
This is a true story that illustrates the value of Facebook in particular, and social media in general.  Do you want to know why social media matters?  This is why.
Meet The Groom
A few years ago someone walked into my office, interested in selling the home he and his wife owned.  Over the course of a week or two I gave them some advice, helped them prepare the house and listed it for sale.  Within a few months it was sold.  The couple divorced not long thereafter.
Staying In Touch
As I do with … (59 comments)

Marketing 101: Taking a Better Photo (Part III) - 05:08 AM
 Here are a few pointers for taking better kitchen photos.
 
A)  Refrigerator:  Remove all magnets and artwork from the frig.
B)  Counters:  To make the impression of ample counter space remove any excess accessories from the counters.
C)  Sinks:  Hide excess dishsoap, scrub brushes and dishes so they do not appear in the shot.
D)  Dog Dish:  Remove any dog dishes from the photo shot.
E)  Kitchen Trash Cans:  Remove unslightly kitchen trash cans from the photo shot.
Thanks,

… (58 comments)

When Home Buyers Have A Smorgasbord Of Choices - Realtors Must LISTEN! - 07:58 PM
She only looked at ONE property and made an offer. Then, there was the couple who began their home search on a Saturday and submitted an offer the following Wednesday.  How did these last two buyer clients decide on a home so quickly when there were so many options?  
This weekend I was at a restaurant which offered too many menu choices and as I began the process of elimination I thought for a moment about the real estate consumer, the high inventory of homes currently on the market and how the many choices of available homes can be so overwhelming to a home buyer. But, it doesn't have to be.  As I continued to think of … (28 comments)

Real Estate In The Hamptons: ...A Repeat of the 1993-94 Market? - 12:04 AM
Real Estate in The Hamptons: ...A repeat of the 1993-94 Market?  Hampton's real estate (Suffolk County, East of the Shinnecock Canal) is not the same as many other markets--it is a market driven almost entirely from the stock market and it's related financial businesses.  But, ask most homeowners who bought in the early nineties and they all say there is a similarity now that is hard to ignore. 1993-94 was the beginning of a real estate market that launched a historical housing boom....and a record housing crisis in 2008-'09!
THE KEY TO HOMEOWNERSHIP: LOW RATES, LOW PRICES, WLLING INVESTORS!

Similar circumstances to the late '87 stock … (25 comments)

A Father's Day without Dad - 10:47 AM
They say it gets easier.  I say... well, kinda.  I know this because I didn't shed a single tear as I passed the Father's Day cards display this year...the second Father's Day since my dad died on October 2, 2008, but I still felt that familiar lump in my throat.  That same lump I feel whenever I see a little graying man who reminds me of dad. I've come so close to going up and hugging those little old men when I see one sitting alone at a restaurant or shopping for groceries and I still push back tears at those … (55 comments)

Happy Father's Day -- Favorite Dadisms - 02:45 PM
In celebration of Father's Day, I thought I would highlight a few of my favorite "Dadisms"... 
Don't ask me, ask your mother. Elbows off the table... please. This is your last warning, missy! I'm not just talking to hear my own voice! Don't forget to check your oil. Did you check the oil? Are you SURE you checked the oil? You're only young once. You're gonna like it, whether you like it or not! The early bird gets the worm. If your friend jumped off a bridge would you? You have things so easy! Don't look at me in that tone … (42 comments)

Lessons I Learned from my Father (Happy Father's Day, Dad!) - 11:15 AM
Lessons I Learned from my Father (Happy Father's Day, Dad!)
 
An apple (or a banana) a day keeps the doctor away. You may think this is just another wives' tale, but it sure has worked for my Dad. Ice cream isn't just for dessert; it can be a meal by itself. (Just be sure to follow lesson 1 also, and you'll be just fine.) Learn to do things yourself. You'll save money and be much more proud of what you have. T-shirts never go out of fashion. Neither do solid-colored button-down collared dress shirts. (My Dad still wears his collared … (15 comments)

Isn't It the Lender Who Decides DEBT FORGIVENESS? - 05:51 PM
Along  my path in the real estate industry I learn and continue to learn. I know that going above and beyond and being a detailed Realtor Associate® leaves me respected by many.  I came into the market at the start of the boom and weathered the storm during the downturn and I am at the point in my career where I am ‘stable'.
I make a good living, I make sure to allot time for me, time for family and I certainly do not take on more than I can handle. I have control issues (which I'm sure many will agree … (43 comments)

My 1000th Blog Post and What I've Learned Here on Active Rain - 03:41 AM
My 1000th Blog Post and What I've Learned Here on Active Rain  
This is my 1000th post on Active Rain.  I have been active on AR for just over 2 years now, and this week I expect to pass 500,000 points. (It would have been nice if I could have made them coincide, but I just couldn't get the math to work). I thought I would share what I have gained from my time here.
 




SEO and Knowledge


I didn't know what SEO stood for when I started in AR, let alone … (102 comments)

Geo Tagging - Not Sure I Get It - 09:02 AM
I have friends all over - and one of the things I'm finding very interesting is how many people ARE Geo-tagging everything... and how many people just AREN'T.
I mean - seriously... have you seen someone in NC posting that they are "checking in" at a listing? Well folks in Colorado are!
One friend recently said, " and have you seen where (so and so) has been lately?  They must be gaining 50 pounds!  I mean it's Biscutville, Bojangles, Krispy Kreme... OMG!"
So is it because it's a GAME, and you get BADGES? Or is there some Social "nod" associated with … (57 comments)

SHABBY IS NOT CHIC- 3 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR HOME'S APPEAL UNDER $100 - 07:58 AM
SHABBY IS NOT CHIC- 3 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR HOME'S APPEAL FOR UNDER $100.
Everyone is tightening their belts in this uncertain economy. And most people worry about making ANY expenditure when considering selling their home.  They are adversely opposed to spending money when the housing market is down knowing they will get less than expected. However, what they are not looking at, is how much more they will get when it sells and how much faster it will sell using only these 3 tips which cost less than $100.
WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER BUY?

 
   OR  THIS?  
 
… (38 comments)

Lazy Agent? Overextended Agent? On Vacation Agent? Or Limited Service Agent? - 07:22 PM
Lazy Agent?  Overextended Agent?  On Vacation Agent?  Or Limited Service Agent?  As I was sitting in front of my computer waiting for inspiration for a blog topic, the phone rang and gave me one.Me:  Hi!  This is Pat.Caller:  My name is Joe Buyer and I just saw your new listing on the Internet.  When can I see it?Me:  Well, are you working with an agent?Caller:  Yes, I am, but he can’t show it to me.Me:  Not to worry.  I’m having an Open House on Sunday afternoon and you are welcome to come by then.Caller:  I can’t make it on Sunday.Me:  You … (48 comments)

Thank You to Kathleen Cooper, SRES, REALTOR, JCKC REALTY-Keller Williams!! - 07:59 AM
Blogging For Your Business

This post is to thank Kathleen Cooper from JCKC Realty-Keller Williams located at 135 Main Street, Suite 5, Sturbridge, MA 01566.
After attending a Tom Ferry event, sponsored by Prospect Mortgage about two weeks ago, she was inspired to take on teaching REALTORS in our local market about how to blog and to share her knowledge and success on ActiveRain.
Kathleen posted her first ever video blog at Sleepless in Sturbridge, linked it to her Facebook page, set up an EVENT: Blogging for Your Business and invited all of her "friends."

Tuesday, June 15, … (10 comments)

Don't give away the Milk! - 05:12 PM
Hello Everyone,
There is an old saying,"Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free" This is a true statement when it comes to real estate. When we are talking about lead generation we see that there is a basic pattern. We have buyers and agents, and the buyers get on the internet for one thing...... information. We have it and they want it. Now I know some will say they can get information anywhere for free and I tend to agreee. But then why do people buy books?
People buy books because the information is packaged for … (35 comments)

Last Week on Active Rain: June 13th - 20th - 06:57 PM
Over the course of the week, I was struck so many times at the information I was taking in here on Active Rain.  Of course, I'm not sure how much of it I will ever use.  And that was a theme in at least a few of the posts I chose for this week's summary.  Here goes!
1.  Martha Brown: Please don't ask me to make a quick decision. It's not like I can ask for a refund or an exchange.  This is dedicated to all of you hyper-aggressive Type-A's out there!  The next time you're feeling pushy, re-read this one!
… (42 comments)


Blog posts


Farmington Woods Townhouse in Avon, CT Reduced to $189,900 - 01:23 PM
… (2 comments)

What Makes a Dad? - Happy Father's Day from New Hampshire - 10:33 AM

 
What Makes a DadGod took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree,The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea,The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight,The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,Then God combined these qualities,When there was nothing more to add,He knew His masterpiece was complete,And so, He called it ... Dad~~Author Unknown.~~
Happy Father's Day to all the great dads!
 
 
 MY … (13 comments)

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY JUNE 20 IN NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES - 09:44 AM
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.  

… (0 comments)

Every Day is Father's Day for me. - 11:59 AM
My wife and I do not put much into Mother's Day or Father's Day, except for my step mother out parents and grandparents are gone.  The older boys may do or say something and the younger boys will probably put together a little something with the other parent to teach them they owe respect and duty to parents.

I have 6 boys though and I can tell you everyday is Father's Day for me.  Being a father has been my highest goal in life.  It is a tougher job than I thought, but I would never go back.  Sometimes on … (4 comments)

A Moving Experience - A Job Half Done? - Part 12 - 12:03 PM
I had my son washing windows at the old house today, getting ready to put it on the market.  The windows do not look too bad, but he left his news papersthat he used to clean the windows laying all over the place. 

(Ranger does not like Hair Cuts and this job was left half done.)
I think this is typical of teenagers (especially the younger ones) and I explained to him that clean up was part of the job.  He is not finished until he has cleaned up. 
As a Realtor and a Broker my job is far more … (3 comments)

It is an Engineering Problem - Not a Legal Problem! - 12:19 PM
The response to many crisis these days, and now the Gulf Oil Crisis, is to treat it as a legal problem.  Now I have great respect for the rule of law, but it is no longer the rule of law we have so much as being ruled by lawyers. 
No doubt there should be some legal consequences in regard to the Gulf Oil Spill, but the solutions we have seen from the government have seemed to be more about the law than about practical solutions.
It has been about getting money from BP.  The sad thing here is the law actually … (10 comments)

Real Estate Myth Busters - 12:29 PM

Via Mike Montague - Barrie Ontario Real Estate (Sutton Group Incentive Realty Inc. Brokerage):

Something relatively new to real estate in the past ten years is the private home selling company. The proposition of saving thousands of dollars is enough to catch the attention of anyone. The idea of listing a home for anywhere from $700 for a sign on the lawn and an ad on a website, to a couple thousand dollars if you want some of the additional services that a REALTOR typically provides such as setting your price, getting your house ready to sell, to assisting you in closing … (1 comments)

Let The Games Begin - World Cup 2010, Day 10 - 08:47 AM

How could I pass up a chance to share the only true World Games?
Viva BRASIL!

Via Al and Peggy Cunningham, Brokers Voted Best Real Estate People Brampton (RE/MAX Realty Services Inc. Buying or Selling):
Let The Games Begin - World Cup 2010, Day 10 Day 9 of World Cup 2010 the field is starting to grow smaller.  Cameroon was defeated for a second time and will be packing to go home.  Today brings a couple of interesting matches.
First, here are yesterday's results.  Ghana and Australia finished in a 1 - 1 tie, Netherlands defeated Japan 1 - 0 … (3 comments)

Donations Needed for Wildlife Rescue and Recovery on Gulf Coast - 02:30 PM
We are be challenged every day. We continue to do what we can. If you can help here...help.
thanks
Via Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty Crescent City West Bank Partners):
The Jefferson Chamber is collecting items to assist the Terrebonne-Barataria National Estuary Program in the rescue and recovery of oiled wildlife.
Photo credit: Greenpeace USA 2010 on flickr
There is an immediate need for some items and two convenient drop off points for all donations. If you can help, please bring your items to:
East Bank Location Jefferson Chamber Office 3421 N Causeway Blvd Suite 203 Metairie … (1 comments)

ORANGE, Where Have You Been All My Life? - 11:47 AM
Yesterday, at a dinner party, I spilled some red wine on a pale pink shirt.  In an effort to rinse out the wine before it set into a permanent stain, I made a bigger mess.
My friend and hostess, Pat, pulled an orange tee shirt out of a drawer to save the day.
When I returned to the table, several guests commented on what a great color!  And funny, there is not a single orange thing in my closet, except now for my new-found orange tee shirt.

This morning, I went browsing through several women's apparel web sites, and find … (7 comments)

Upgrading to Wordpress Mu (multiple user) 3.0 - 02:05 PM
If you use Wordpress Mu to create multiple blogsites; or if you run any Mu blog communities, bookmark the URL shown below before you you start the upgrade to 3.0 
http://pressography.com/wordpress/news/how-to-upgrade-wpmu-2-9-2-to-wordpress-3-0-in-5-easy-steps/
This is a post on Pressography, explaining a couple things you need to do manually to complete the upgrade ... a change to your wp-config.php file, a change to your .htaccess file; and deleting wp-content/blogs.php,  .... not horribily difficult things, but if you don't do them, the nag error screen will haunt you.
Note this refers to WordPress MU Multiple User -- not single user WordPress!
 
… (0 comments)

Bearfoot in the Park Free Outdoor Concerts ~ Glenview, IL - 05:01 PM
Bearfoot in the Park - Free Outdoor Concerts At Jackman Park Gazebo, Lehigh & Prairie
Bring your dinner, folding chairs and lawn blankets and enjoy these shows guaranteed to please young and old alike! Click on band name/photo to hear a sample of their music.
… (0 comments)

109 CABRILLO DR, GROVELAND FL 34736 - 06:13 PM
 
 MLS# O4987903                 109 CABRILLO DR, GROVELAND FL 34736     $$$ 144,900 $$$

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. Close by June 30 and receive an extra 3.5% in closing costs or appliances! See the Special Offers tab on HomePath website, or ask me for more details."
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Groveland area, contact … (0 comments)

1033 S HIAWASSEE RD # 2623, ORLANDO FL 32835 - 06:17 PM
 
MLS#  O4988533                1033 S HIAWASSEE RD # 2623, ORLANDO    $$$ 25,000 $$$

"Short Sale"-Sale price may be insufficient to pay the total of all liens and costs of sale and the seller may not be able to bring sufficient liquid assets to the closing to cure all deficiencies. Fantastic condo at a steal. Upgraded kitchen and flooring A must see unit in this conveniently located condo complex. Ammenities include a gym, pool and lakeside entertainment area. Low HOA and great investment opportunity.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty … (0 comments)

12554 WISCONSIN WOODS LN, ORLANDO FL 32824 - 06:21 PM
 
 MLS# O4988101                   12554 WISCONSIN WOODS LN, ORLANDO FL 32824   $$$ 74,900  $$$

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 financing and incentives, please visit HomePath website. Close by June 30 and receive an extra 3.5% in closing costs or appliances! See the Special Offers tab on HomePath website, or ask me for more details." This home has alot to offer tile and wood floors through out, vaulted … (1 comments)

2706 NAN DR, OCOEE FL 32761 - 06:27 PM
 
MLS#  O4988110              2706 NAN DR, OCOEE FL 34761              $$$ 150,000 $$$

Short Sale; Listing price may not be sufficient to pay the total of all the liens and costs of sale. Seller may not be able to bring sufficient assets to the closing to cure all deficiencies.  Sale conditioned upon third party approval.
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 reply you can also email me at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com. U.K callers dial: 020-3239-7286. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed on the date posted.
… (1 comments)

137 SEDONIA CT, DAVENPORT FL 33837 - 07:27 PM
 
 MLS# O4988673                  137 SEDONIA CT, DAVENPORT FL 33837     $$$ 189,900 $$$

Stop Dreaming....Start Living in the spacious floorplan in this most beautiful like-new home in Del Webb Orlando.  What a deal you get for this price....upgrades galore with tile, granite, lighting fixtures & fans, stainless appliances, corian tops, surround sound wired, pavers, and a large lanai for entertaining with privacy.  Community to have 31,000 sq ft clubhouse with pools, game rooms, pickle ball courts, arts & crafts, and so much more..activities galore will be available. Gated 55+ golf course community. You deserve to live the Del Webb lifestyle and … (2 comments)

"How Much DID you pay the inspector to look the other way " Screamed the new homeowner. - 07:59 AM
  This blog is dedicated to Russel Ray, Jay Markanich, Michael Thornton and Inspectors everywhere who truly give their careers their very best effort and elevate the level of professionalism in our industry.
   The agent gave the buyer a courtesey call a couple weeks after closing to see how things  were going in her new home. She had asked for the names of some contractors and wasn't going to move in until the work was completed.
           "How much DID you pay the inspector to look the other way ?" the homeowner screamed. "You sold me a money pit so you wouldn't have … (18 comments)

A Funny Thing Happened on Rt. 66 - 11:25 PM
Carra's one of MY clients so of course I'd want to do her a good turn and help her get this AWESOME property sold. This post is also a testimonial to the SUPERPOWER of networking!
If you've never been to Williams, AZ . . . our state is so much more than desert and metropolis. You'll be amazed by the beauty of this town on the edge of the Grand Canyon along historic Route 66.
Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Author, Speaker, Consultant, Second Homes AZ LLC):
A Funny Thing Happened on Rt. 66
June 11-13, 2010 the Arizona H.O.G. (Harley Owners … (1 comments)

A letter to a dad...Happy Father's day - 08:03 AM
A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed, "Dad". With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:
Dear Dad,
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with mom and you. I've been finding real passion with Joan and she is so nice even with all … (5 comments)

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