Archives of real estate blog entries for June 22, 2010

Featured blog posts


Knowing when to STOP negotiating is 90% (or more) of the game! #in - 07:43 AM
When it's over, It's over!
Most business people take some level of pride in their negotiating prowess.
After all, the "worth" of many folks in their professions relies heavily on their ability to coax and persuade in order to get whatever it is that they or their client wants . . . resulting in a satiated raving fan who returns to do more business and refers all of her friends, family, and work associates.
Do you know when to STOP?
How many times have you witnessed other folks (or caught yourself) negotiating themselves into a GREAT deal and then negotiating themselves … (58 comments)

Real Estate Consumer Evolution: The Times They Are A Changing! - 10:35 PM
In 1981 The Corcoran Report started covering New York City real estate market trends. The market reports became widely quoted in the media and established Corcoran as the residential experts. The quarterly reports are considered the "bible" of market statistics and trends in the city.
In 1995 Corcoran.com was the first Manhattan real estate firm on the web.
In 2008 Corcoran began annual Consumer Reports from a series of survey questions on corcoran.com - a kind of window into the psychology of the market. Results of consumers thoughts on a variety of real estate and lifestyle-related topics are compiled in the … (35 comments)

Top 10 Reasons to Post on Active Rain - 09:07 PM
Active Rain and its staff have provided us with a resource equal to "Guaranteed Success". Now, of course this means that for it to work you have to work it.  That's the down and dirty truth about just about everything we do. We can talk the talk but to become successful we must walk the walk.
If you are sitting at your desk in your office waiting for the phone to ring or for someone to walk in off the street to "give" you business then WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!  You may just starve doing that! Buyers AND Sellers … (82 comments)

Finally!!! I Found A Door Drop Flier That Worked! - 07:17 PM
I don't know about you, but I don't read the door drop fliers that land on my front door step. Not unless I need a gardener or a new service of some kind. But would I use it to find a Realtor? No! So I've always seen them as a necessary evil for the neighborhood farm, and rarely done them. I'm sure I've missed opportunities by this, but not completely sure.
I've been revamping my business this month. Everything from a new website to hiring a new team member and really tackling a geographical farm. So the door drop was a … (159 comments)

The Touch Stone: How Hunting "Hot" Leads Is Bad For Business - 09:03 AM
Have you trained your brain to shoot yourself in the foot???
Let's start with a little story........
As a young boy, Tan had always heard of stories handed down by his father and his father's father of a magical rock that, when held by someone, would grant them any wish. It was called a 'touch stone'. (A person would know they found the touch stone because the stone would be smooth and round...like a ball...and warm to the touch.) And, as luck would have it, it was said to be along the shore of a small lake near the village that … (88 comments)

Are You Concerned That Your Blogging Efforts Are Not Producing Leads? - 01:30 PM
This morning I saw Ralph Gorgoglione's post asking about your Social Media results over the past year. Or should we say  the lack of results!  Ralph very kindly placed his Active Rain and Social Media results up for all to read. It wasn't until  I began to read the comments, that I was surprised at how many commmentors were having very little success with their Active Rain blogging efforts. 
This was my comment on Ralph's post:
 
I can share what I am doing and maybe this can help someone else today.  My main focus with blogging is to reach the consumer looking for local real estate help in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manassas … (92 comments)

The New York Mortgage Broker Conundrum - 10:17 PM
I originated mortgage loans from about 2002 until 2006 or so. I considered starting my own mortgage brokerage but decided against it for several reasons, including the growth of my real estate company and the vast changes in the industry after the sub prime crisis. That required more learning than I could spare if I wanted to properly manage my real estate brokerage. I no longer originate mortgages. However, I do know the difference between interest rate and APR.
For most of my time in the industry I worked for brokers, not direct lenders. They seemed to me to have more flexibility in … (32 comments)

Cook County Fingerprinting - Just Press Here Please! - 10:58 AM
More real estate lunacy! In an effort to curb fraud our area of Cook County has enacted a new law that to me has gone totally over the top!  In order to close on a home, the seller must put his fingerprint on the title document which then gets transferred to the buyer.  Typical 'give me your thumb please and press here' only there are no police present.  Has fraud gotten that out of control?  
Normally at a closing the sellers and buyers present the title officer their drivers licenses or any form of official identification at the closing.  This … (48 comments)

Buying A Home? Like Your Realtor Choose Your Loan Officer Wisely - 10:58 PM
 
Buying A Home? Like Your Realtor® Choose Your Loan Officer Wisely So you have decided to purchase a home. Great!! It's a smart move in any market but especially now with inventory abundant, prices competitive and interest rates....well interest rates are beyond outstanding.And you have done your homework. Like 92% of Buyers out there you started your search on the Internet, checking out homes and locations. You know the importance of working with a Realtor® and have chosen one that is both knowledgeable and professional, who has  come highly recommended or who may have even been found by you on the Internet through reading their blog. You just knew … (25 comments)

Your Circumstances DO NOT Define Who You Are! - 03:15 PM
In my profession I have seen many changing markets, worked with clients from all walks of life, and had the pleasure of helping many people move forward in life.  Today, however, I feel the need to make my voice heard.
In the past several weeks I have gone on five listing appointments.  Three of them are potential short sales, one is a pre-foreclosure and the last one is a straight listing with no strings attached.  The one thing that all of the homeowners have in common is the fact that today's economic conditions have affected all of them in one way … (47 comments)

Blog, Blog, Blogging the Active Rain Way at Paradise Valley MLS REALTOR Meeting Thursday June 24 - 02:25 PM
Blog, Blog, Blogging the Active Rain Way at Paradise Valley MLS REALTOR Meeting Thursday June 24
While it isn't necessary to educate my fellow ActiveRain friends about the importance of blogging, I do want to stress the importance of spreading the word about how blogging can really benefit businesses -- even those outside of Real Estate.
Whether you're attempting to sell a service or a product, you want to succesfully and uniquely brand it as your own. When you go to the grocery store, you don't just grab any loaf of bread off the shelf. You normally look for the label … (23 comments)

New Salon at Lake Sinclair- Square 1 Salon - 03:22 PM
First of all, I am a non typical woman.  For those of you who LOVE to shop... I just don't understand it.  I hate to shop.  I hate to go to the store period.  I usually am in and out for the item(s) I need with no wasted time "looking" at things I'm NOT going to buy.
With the recent started construction of widening Highway 441in Putnam County the hair salon I used to go to was eliminated to make way for progress.  I am sure the stylist relocated, but I never got a card, an email or a phone call … (24 comments)

The Elements Of An Awesome Loan Package! Part 1 - The Application - 08:34 PM
In my opinion, the number one way to make a loan transaction fly through the process is by submitting an Awesome Loan Package! An Awesome Loan Package is actually very easy to put together. All it takes is a little attention to detail.
Let's start with the loan application. The key idea I want you to remember is to be accurate and complete. Some items are extremely important to be accurate with. Others are very important to be complete.
You want to be extremely accurate with:
The number of units Occupancy (is it your primary residence, vacation home, or investment property) … (9 comments)

I do not need the "EXPERIENCE"! - 05:56 PM
I recently read an article written by a real estate agent who was having significant problems closing a couple transactions with two of the nation's largest retail lenders (you know who they are) and he posted a query to find out if others are having the same issues.  Good post, but what I took exception to is that his resolution was to instruct his clients to "double app" the first lender to ensure a timely closing.  I disagree with this process on so many different levels that I feel the issue should be thrown out there for discussion.First off, if agents … (61 comments)

a Magnetic Attraction - tutorial - 05:17 PM
I have seen so many bloggers, here on Active Rain, post great content, and then destroy it by having photos and text that runs together.  Maybe "destroy" is a bit harsh, but it surely ruins the aesthetic.. (there is that better?).  To my left is an example (not to pick on anybody in particular) that was posted just a little bit ago, but one of our top bloggers.
As an Active Rain Ambassador, I feel it's my duty to share a little bit, to help your posts look a little cleaner, and help AR look a little prettier... right?
So here's … (73 comments)

7 Ways You Know When It's "The Right Place?" - 01:18 PM
In all the homes I've shown throughout the past 18 years, I have had some clear cut signs that this IS the "right place".
1)  The clients eeeeewwww and ahhhhhhh
2)  They stay there longer than just a few minutes
3)  They say, "What do I have to do to get this?"
4)  They are inspired, there body relaxes and/or gets excited, sometimes simultaneously...and you can tell it by their body language.
5)  They become HAPPY.
6)  They breathe a SIGH of relief.
7)  What would you ADD TO THIS LIST?

Cheers to finding the right place for you and … (45 comments)

Confessions of a Social Media Neophyte - 10:39 AM
1.  I feel guilty for making new "virtual" friendships when I can't seem to keep up with my "real" friendships.
If I spent as much time visiting with the 3-D people in my life as I do visiting with people I can only "see" by way of a still photo...or, if we're lucky, a vlog...I'd have a fuller social calendar than Megan Fox at a men's club.
2.  I question the validity of my rationalization that all this time spent on the computer is actually good for business.
This doesn't feel like work at all.  Oh, I tell myself it is.  And I tell those around me that it is, too.  … (45 comments)

Buying a Condominium Requires Doing Your Homework - 10:40 PM
Buying a Condominium Requires Doing Your Homework
 
Helping a client with the purchase of a townhouse recently has reminded me that a condominium purchase can actually be more involved than buying a single family home.  This is partially due to the fact that you need to be concerned, not only about the unit you are buying, but also with the strength and stability of the entire condominium complex. 
 
Before entering into the purchase of a condominium there are some important questions that need to be researched.  


Monthly condominium fees - Depending on the complex, these can be significant … (64 comments)

Are PMI Companies the New Short Sale Train Wreck? - 08:33 PM

I've been trying to finish up two short sales with a conventional lender.  I listed them in late October and executed contracts the first week of December.    
Each property had about $85k remaining on the mortgage.  Property values have plummeted in this particular part of town and the vacant homes in the area are vandalized, further driving down values.  The BPOs came in at $29k on each of them and we had cash contracts at $28,800. 
With the holidays, we got the files into the lender in January.  By the middle of February, we find out that both files … (34 comments)

I am an Unpaid Columnist - 09:24 PM
I had a friend not in the industry ask me about my blogging.  "I know you do it, does it pay well?"
"Well, that depends" was my response.
"I don't get paid directly for doing a Blog."    "What?" as he looked at me with disbelief.  "Then why do it."
I first started Blogging as a way of gaining business.  Then as a way of finding out information.  Then friends developed and I blog many times to keep in touch with my friends.
"Wouldn't it be easier to be on Face Book?"  he laughed.
"NO"!  Face book is more of a … (43 comments)

Appraisals & the HVCC ... Are You Frustrated With the Current Hassles? - 01:34 PM

    
     Appraisal issues continue to be a problem for competing Lenders, Banks, and Mortgage Brokers.  I receive calls from Attorneys and Realtors ... even Borrowers themselves (after the loan has not closed through a competing lender), asking, "What can you do to help this situation"?  Currently, this is happening more often that you would think ... or like.
    
     I definitely do not mind receiving phone calls or pleas for assistance regarding this issue.  I'm always happy to have a chance to help and also grow my business.  And, this is a problem where I think I hold a definite edge over many … (33 comments)

Stop Explaining a Commission as a Payment for Services. It's Not! - 07:36 AM
"Don't get too close to me...I have a cold!" We have believed for so long that breathing the same air will spread germs, that it's almost a given. But if you talk to medical professionals, they will tell you that colds and viruses are rarely spread by breathing the same air. It's the exchange of body fluids that spread the germs.
In our profession, we have been told, and continue to tell the consumer, that a commission is a payment for services rendered. We've repeated it for so long that, almost universally, we believe it to be true. But logically, it's … (46 comments)

My first day in AR - 08:02 PM
I joined AR today at about 12:30eastern time. It is now 7:56 pm and I am still here. There is so much wealth of information on this site, I can't get off,  I can't stop looking and reading, I'm like a little kid with a new video game.
I wanted to take the time to Thank everyone here. The blogs, the info, the EVERYTHING, I am just in awww..
 
Thank you!
 
… (90 comments)

Diary of a Mad Decorator......................... - 09:57 AM
For all of you that have been following my blogs, you know that Shaken...with a Twist is a start-up business.  This is week 20 since it's inception.  Some of my blogs deal with decorating and staging tips, others with marketing ideas, some inspirational and some just plain "ole" fun.
Well today I wanted to share a few more things with you...............mainly the story behind
Shaken...with a Twist................why and how it started.
My diary, if you will.....................

Decorating has always been a passion of mine............in the past I have helped many friends and family members with projects in their homes.  I found … (56 comments)


Blog posts


Mexican Pacific Beachfront Boutique Hotel - 09:25 PM
Mexico Beachfront Boutique Hotel … (0 comments)

Seattle Fixer - 05:23 PM
Seattle Fixer for sale
Looking for a Fixer in Seattle?  Well look no further than this low priced home in Seattle.
Tax records indicate roughly 1600 square feet of livng space but due to additions from the current owner, there's a lot more here than the King County Assessor knows about.  You can close on this home quickly with cash or perhaps use an fha rehab loan to close in 30 days and get this home back on the market for a profit.
Located within walking distance of grocery stores, schools and the 1st ave bus line, this home has a … (0 comments)

Super Low Interest Rates Still Available - 06:42 PM
I just touched based with a Lender in the area that I had not spoken with for some time. After some catching up on the last couple yers, I asked what was the current 30yr rate. "4.5% with a 60 day lock an no discount points." Where were these rates when I was buying a home! What a great time to buy a home.
 
Jim Shepherd
EXIT Realty West
www.sheltonhomesnow.com
 
… (0 comments)

Top 10 Easy Plants to Grow - ANYWHERE! - 10:20 AM
Want to spice up your yard but don't know much about gardening?  Here are the top 10 easiest plants to grow in any yard to get you you started:
Daylily (Stella de Oro’) – a beautiful summery yellow plant that is not only easy to grow but its elegant flowers make for a great variety that is the first to bloom and the last to stop Black-Eyed Susan – this native daisy is one that you will never have to worry about again after you plant it. It is virtually void of pests and diseases and it’s yellow blooms are full and … (1 comments)

A Moving Experience - The Nuts and Bolts - Part 3 - 03:56 PM
A Moving Experience - The Nuts and Bolts
As I have talked about in my prior post I am a junk collector I hate to throw anything away.  So moving, organizing and cleaning can be tough on me.  The other night after moving big stuff and going through boxes all day I decided to organize my tools while relaxing in front of the TV.  I had cleaned out the tool draws and have several tool boxes.  They were organized at one time, well you know how that goes.
Going through the boxes there were odd nuts, bolts, nails, screws, brackets, etc.. … (2 comments)

Marin County Horse Property Open June 27 - 04:09 PM
Marin County Horse Property open this weekend.
If you are looking for a Marin County Horse Property one of the best buys will be available for viewing June 27 from 1 to 4 PM.
The owner has told me to bring all offers. With the weather getting nice this pool home with a back yard that feels like a Park will sell. Get your offer in first.
This Marin County Horse Property is in Novato's Wild Horse Valley featuring a horse community and many riding trails.
Although this Marin County Horse Property has not been used for horses in many years … (1 comments)

328 E. Renovah Circle - 04:24 PM
This fantastic contemporary home has fantastic curb appeal!  The owners of the property have maintained the original architecture with amazing updates.  This home has 3,700+ square feet with additional footage not included in the heated footage. (Sunroom off Kitchen and Suite off of the Garage with Full Bath)  Original marble floors, window sills and fireplace make this home truly unique.  A large Living Room is perfect for entertaining.  Updated gourmet Kitchen with Linea style custom cabinetry, glass back splash, gas range top, Subzero Refrigerator and dual zone Subzero wine chiller.  Attention to detail has been made to renovate the Master Bathroom with slate tile, … (1 comments)

Executive Style 6 bedroom Home! 12440 County View, Homer Glen,IL Short Sale! - 12:29 AM
… (1 comments)

Chicago Area FireWorks Shows - 12:39 AM
Chicagoland Firework shows
JULY 3 Arlington Heights Arlington Park Racecourse 2200 W Euclid Ave, 847-385-7500, arlingtonpark.com. "Racing, Fireworks and Music." Twilight horse racing starts at 4pm; 30-plus minute fireworks show starts at dusk. General admission tickets $10, in advance $8. Reserved seats $10-$20.
Bartlett  9:30 p.m. Fireworks Extravaganza * (music simulcast on FM 98.1)*The Festival Closes at 9:30 p.m. BEFORE FIREWORKS & will reopen afterwards until 11 p.m.
McHenry Jaycees Annual Jaycee Day fireworks at Petersen Park in Mchenry on Mccullom Lake Rd. our parking starts at 430pm our fireworks start at dusk.   815-482-5885, www.mchenryjaycees.org
Oak Brook Oak Brook Polo Club, … (2 comments)

Blogging For Business Networking Class - Week 2 - 05:32 PM
Blogging For Business Networking Class - Week 2 Week 2 we had a great turnout in class.  We had more people show up that weren't able to make it last week.  This week we focused on becoming a RainMaker & How To Shoot Up The Search Engines.
What Is A RainMaker?
A Blogger with an Outside Blog on ActiveRain Blogs are open to the public and not just members Get the full benefits of "Google Juice" as we like to call it What Happens To RainMakers?
More Exposure with Outside Blogs Google Juice - Very important to find consumers, leads … (9 comments)

Selling your home in St. Clair County Illinois - 11:14 PM
Home Sellers Guide Metro East Real Estate
Search for Homes My Listings Office Listings Buying Selling Marketing Plan Home Evaluation About Us Real Estate Links Home Seller's Guide
Ask for a Free Home Evaluation: A well-priced home will generate competing offers and drive up the final sale value. Our free market analysis takes into account the most actively searched prices and home values in the area and provides you with a detailed evaluation that puts it all in perspective.
Sell Your Home with a Professional: Our tried and true marketing plan will take the guesswork out of selling your home.
… (0 comments)

Home Buyers Guide to Metro East | Scott AFB Homes - 11:20 PM
Home Buyer's Guide and Tools to Metro East | Scott AFB Homes
Search Homes Right Now: Use the search tool to browse the wide variety of single-family homes, duplexes and condominiums on the local real estate market.
Register for the Home Finder and let your dream home come to you. Members can also create saved searches, collect their favorites and sign up for instant email alerts when new homes that fit their criteria come on the market.
First-Time Buyer? Read about some things you need to be aware of, if you're new to this process.
Learn About the Community and homes … (0 comments)

Our Real Estate Listings Metro East Real Estate - 11:33 PM
Looking for Homes for Sale in the Metro East Illinois Area?
Search for Homes My Listings Office Listings Buying Selling About Us Real Estate Links  
Our Listings
Our office is pleased to highlight the following properties. If you're a home buyer, simply click View Details to learn more about each property. If you're selling your home with us, we'll feature your property here too, so that it receives optimal exposure on our site. O'Fallon Homes, Scott AFB Homes, Metro East Homes, Belleville Homes, Shiloh Homes, Freeburg Homes, Smithton Homes, Swansea Homes, Fairview Heights Homes, Collinsville Homes, Troy Homes, Mascoutah Homes.
… (0 comments)

Tip: Google Docs now does OCR - 07:37 AM
This is so very useful, I am re-blogging it.....
Via Buddy Snipes (Trusted Agent, Inc.):
Need a quick and easy way to convert PDF files to text? Google Docs. They quietly upgraded Docs and now it can convert any PDF or image file (like say a scanned business card) to text. All you do is select the file you want to upload to your Docs account, check the box for OCR and upload. That's it!

Buddy Snipes
 
   
 
 
 
… (5 comments)

St. Augustine Beaver Creek Crossing! - 04:43 PM
There is no place like this adorable, well-maintained Beaver Creek Crossing Community home. This spacious quad manufactured home totaling approx over 2,800 square feet on approx 1 acre was built new in 2002 with many upgrades, including separate tub and shower in master bath, skylights in most rooms, wood-burning fireplace, tile countertop master bath and so much more. Bank Owned/AS-IS! MLS 123218 
… (0 comments)

St Augustine Florida Club Condo! - 04:45 PM
Incredible says it all for this 2 bedroom 2 bath split-plan condo with 1131 sq. ft. of living space. Amenities include clubhouse with pool, sauna, pool table, car wash area, picnic and grill area. Excellent condition! Excellent price. Do not miss this opportunity! Home Buyers Warranty. Condo has been professionally cleaned and ready to move in! MLS 119953
… (1 comments)

Just Listed Outer Banks Foreclosure: 41473 Ocean View Drive Avon, NC 27915 - 04:45 PM
Just Listed Outer Banks Foreclosure-41473 Ocean View Drive Avon, NC 27915 MLS #66824: 6Bd 6 1/2Bths Price $925,000. For more information go to http://shar.es/mE2Hb
 

If you are looking for the latest list of Outer Banks Foreclosures to hit the market you need to go to Just Listed: Outer Banks Foreclosures. Any new foreclosures that come on the market will show up on that page. Add it to your favorites and check back everyday. Go to Outer Banks Foreclosures for the full list of Outer Banks Foreclosures by town.
About the author of this blog: Matt Huband, SFR is Broker/Owner of OBX … (0 comments)

Outer Banks Sunsets Are Amazing - 05:05 PM

Many times I feel so lucky to call the Outer Banks my home. It is such a special place to live and visit. I was over at a cookout in my neighborhood the other night with some good friends and as the sun was about to go down I snapped a few photos that were so pretty I decided not to keep them to myself. The photos were taken from my neighbors deck( not a bad view to have every night) looking back across the Sound just north of the Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk. 
I hope you enjoy the pics. If you have not already visited the Outer … (1 comments)

Stop Explaining a Commission as a Payment for Services. It's Not! - 07:36 AM
"Don't get too close to me...I have a cold!" We have believed for so long that breathing the same air will spread germs, that it's almost a given. But if you talk to medical professionals, they will tell you that colds and viruses are rarely spread by breathing the same air. It's the exchange of body fluids that spread the germs.
In our profession, we have been told, and continue to tell the consumer, that a commission is a payment for services rendered. We've repeated it for so long that, almost universally, we believe it to be true. But logically, it's … (46 comments)

Mount Vernon, Ohio Condominium - 03:39 PM
Virtual tour of this all brick Mount Vernon Ohio Condominium
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  www.SamMiller.com
… (1 comments)

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