Archives of real estate blog entries for June 8, 2010

Featured blog posts


HOW TO PLACE AN IMAGE ON YOUR BLOG - 04:15 AM
HOW TO PLACE AN IMAGE ON YOUR BLOG
Recently someone was having a difficult time working with the image insert forms to properly place images on the page. There are people on the forum who are much more experienced with this than I am, but I do know how to do it so I'll attempt to explain my method.
Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae … (66 comments)

Fannie Mae Continues to Tighten Credit Guidelines: Interest Only Loans - 05:39 PM
EDIT:  Quote from Thomas Jefferson, one of our Founding Fathers, in 1802:"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.  If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their  currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will  grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children  wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."
 
My story:
My borrowers bought a beautiful second home here in Tucson at the end of May, and wanted to make the smallest possible … (36 comments)

Permission beats begging hands down! - 05:43 PM
 
I wonder how many times I have wondered if the adage:  "It's easier to ask forgiveness, then to seek permission" is accurate.  It has probably even worked to my advantage sometimes....just not with a mortgage loan!Seriously, the last thing I want to do is try to "FIX" a loan in the middle of the process.  Almost nothing scares me....I am intrepid when it comes to working with a committed home buyer; but I do want to know the challenges BEFORE the smoke bursts into flames.  Most issues in finance happen because issues/concerns/obstacles were not addressed before the underwriter reviewed the … (29 comments)

Should Realtors® be the First Line of Defense Against Sexual Predators? - 01:29 PM
Should Realtors® be the First Line of Defense against Sexual Predators? 
The issue of sexual predators weighs heavily on the minds of many perspective home buyers these days.  And, it is not without some justification.  
Megan's Law which was instituted in 1994 brought to the forefront the dangers that children face and requires anyone convicted of sex crimes against children to notify law enforcement of the address and status on a continual basis.  
The law was inspired by the case of seven-year-old Megan Kanka, a little New Jersey girl who was raped and killed by a known child molester.  The Kanka family … (73 comments)

I Built It But They Didn't Come - 03:13 PM
The old saying "Build it and They Will Come" doesn't play with blogging. What makes a person click on your blog and more important what drives the reader to comment on what you have wrote? I have written blogs that I thought would be a flop and they were featured, yet I have taken hours to write one that is meaningful and insightful and received no comments at all. One of my last posts about Blogger's Remorse was featured and a lot of comments mentioned some blogs get no comments while others get dozens of responses so here are a few … (59 comments)

Showings Are "Hot" in The Summer - Is Your Home the "Cool" One? - 08:31 PM
Showings Are "Hot" in The Summer - Is Your Home the "Cool" One?
 
If your home is currently on the market then this is a post for YOU!  While I am SURE your Realtor® prepared you for what to do when you have scheduled showings like lights on, soft music, etc there are some special touches that you can do for a showing in the summer that just might make your home stand out! Summer conjures up memories of cookouts, swimming pools, lemonade and fireflies......so, why not get the buyer that will be previewing your home in the right … (73 comments)

Overcoming Stage-r Fright - 07:53 PM
Recently I had a very frank phone call with a local Realtor Friend whom does a large volume in our area and we often "bounce" ideas off each other in regards to business, marketing, blogging, etc.  Even though we speak frequently, I asked him point blank during the conversation, "Since you know all the benefits of my Industry (Home Staging) why is it that you've never used one?"  His reply was simply, "...because some Home Owners get offended when you tell them their house looks like cr*p."
We both shared a good laugh but this was an "ah-HA!" moment for me.  Here … (28 comments)

Sparky’s Beetles - 10:52 AM
 
     As a Licensed Structural Pest Inspector, in the State of Washington, I am required to report on the presence of wood destroying organisms----both past and present.  The reason we report on past conditions is for several reasons.  One reason is that these previous conditions might become active again if conditions are right----as in wood decay.
     Another reason is that people might see this past evidence and not know what it is, or know whether it is something they should be concerned about.  This is really common with Toredo, the wood boring clam that is very common in lumber … (23 comments)

The "Perfect" Short Sale Buyers - 08:37 AM
It seems that almost every call and lead I take recently, is about a Short Sale.  They truly are the best "deal" to be had in the Coachella Valley in the current market.Education has always been a huge part of my real estate business.  When times were fabulous in 2004 to 2007, there was still a tremendous amount of information about our local municipalities, cities, lenders, demographics and builders that Buyers and Sellers had to be aware of.Now, it's Short Sales and REO's, and I believe this trend will continue through 2012 in my desert communities.  So, today we're going to … (33 comments)

Unavailable Listings Got You Down? Show Em The Ugly Face - 07:34 PM
This is the face I make every time I have to tell a home buyer that the home they just saw listed on Realtor.com is actually unavailable.
"Yes, Mr. Ineedahome, I understand that it is still listed as active in the MLS."; and "Yes Mr. Ineedahome, I realize that it's a waste of your time having listings on there that should be pending." What am I supposed to say?
I realize that I'm probably stepping on someone's shoes here, but...I know it shouldn't be active, you know it shouldn't be active, and guess what...the consumer knows it shouldn't be … (55 comments)

MEET THE UNDERWRITER? A RARE OPPORTUNITY AND A WELCOMED ONE! - 10:31 AM
YESTERDAY WAS A BANNER DAY!I  And another fabulous ActiveRain experience.
I MET THE UNDERWRITER!
Yesterday I, and one of my Homefinders.com network broker partners, had the pleasure of meeting with an experienced UNDERWRITER for over an hour. 
"WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL", you ask?  Fact is, having an opportunity to sit with an discuss underwriting policies and procedures with an active underwriter is a big deal. 
The last thing a Buyer's Agent want to hear is "THE LOAN WAS REJECTED".   How often are real estate agents and brokers faced with barriers to settlement that begin with the loan officer calling and informing the buyer's agent that … (56 comments)

A Big Part of "List"ing is Listening - 12:54 PM
I love it when I hear a non-salesy, common-sensical approach to gaining business.  'Cause I'm not salesy at all.  Never have been, never will be.  I tried to be salesy once, while working in a clothing store to help put myself through university.  I ended up stalking the client who said she didn't want my help throughout the store, pretending to be fixing the clothes on the racks near her.  She knew what I was doing...and ran away.  Then I ran away too.
I'm now a Montreal real estate broker and Montreal home stager, but I'm still not salesy.  And I have no intention of … (40 comments)

What Is A Real Estate Broker And How Are They Different From An Agent? - 12:47 PM

Original Source: Real Estate Brokers And Agents
Many people believe that a real estate broker and a real estate agent are the same thing. This is just not true. So, what is the difference between a real estate broker and a real estate agent?
Similarities Between Real Estate Broker’s And Real Estate Agent’s
 
Similarities: Both real estate broker’s and real estate agent’s are required to maintain an active real estate license.  They must pass the state real estate exams of their states. Here in Utah, if you want to be a Utah real estate agent, you have to have … (33 comments)

Are there really real estate agents out there who WANT to work with investors? - 03:23 PM
What is it that makes investors so undesirable to work with?  Over the last week I've spoken with a number of friends who shared with me their struggles with working with agents who fail to understand what and how we do what we do.   Stories ranged from agents who were very collaborative to others that were down-right hostile. Developing a good relationship with agents requires a bit of understanding, business acumen, and collaboration.
Let me state the obvious, as an investor I am interested in doing a real estate transaction that nets me a profit.  It is not unlike you, the … (95 comments)

New meaning for the phrase: Flea Bag - 04:05 PM
One of our agents today came back to the office asking that we stay a good distance away... she had a change of clothing in her arms that she always keeps in her car, just in case... Just in case of what?
Well, her reasoning for it was that if perchance she had to walk through some mud, or somehow something spilled on her clothes while out showing houses she could change into the new set of clothes and not miss a beat. In this case, she was carrying the clothes at arms distance in a bag, and telling everyone to … (51 comments)

Shooting Marketing Photos ...please don't shoot yourself in the foot. - 04:59 PM
Every day I am amazed at the listing photos I see in the mls.  Perfectly nice homes that look like the ugly stepsister (that's probably not pc anymore is it?). 
I guess it wasn't such a big deal when we were toting around phone book sized listing books full of black and white postage stamp sized photos of homes for sale.  But that is obviously not the case anymore and it's becoming more important than ever that your listings look good online.  Those blurry or poorly lit photos just aren't going to cut it.
This isn't just a theory, mind you.  … (83 comments)

Taking the little deals...do you take it as an insult or a compliment? - 07:23 PM

I've been a Realtor® for over 14 yrs. It's my full time job and it's also true that I have a spouse who also works full time. Between the two of us......we live a pretty good lifestyle so I'm thankful for that.
As all of you know....the Real Estate market has been in shambles for about 5 yrs. Remember you kept hearing that any day now the "bubble is gonna burst"?...Well it obviously exploded. And now some still have blood on their hands. Some are out of the business and the most of the ones that are still hanging around are … (106 comments)

You Might Be a Salesperson If..........A Simple Test - 06:18 PM
There is such a misunderstanding about what makes a great "salesperson." I am always amazed when actual salespeople disparage the term or it's duties. And if you are a Realtor, Mortgage Broker, Stager, Independent Home Inspector....etc, etc.....you are a salesperson. Embrace the term! Now, I'm willing to admit that maybe I'm wrong, so here's a simple test you an use to determine if you are a sales person.
You might be a salesperson if......
1) You listen to potential clients to determine their needs and concerns
2) You identify what needs/concerns are "must haves/have nots" and what are not
3) You … (106 comments)

My ActiveRain Comments Mile Stone - 11:25 AM
My ActiveRain Comments Mile StoneToday has been an active day for me on Activerain. I have hit two mile stones that are important to me. First  I have eclipsed the 200,000 point mark. That's cool, but much important to me is that I have passed the 2600 comments made mark. That is the real prize for me, quite some time ago my friend Russel Ray had a post that I believe changed my Activerain participation. Need more ActiveRain points? QUIT DOING THE MINIMUM! Since reading that post I have been as diligent as I could be to comment as much as … (58 comments)

No technology, no preparation, no listing for you. - 12:48 AM
Someone called me on my cell this morning and wanted to know if I would like to list their house, which is about 40 miles away from my office.  Sure I would like to take a look of the house, I answered.
The appointment was set at 2-2:30 this afternoon, so I got my CMA done and other preparations done, and headed out about 45 mins before the appointment, I got there 5 minutes before 2.
The couple already retired and want to move to Florida, very nice couple, friendly and funny.  We sat down and talked, as the conversation continued, … (79 comments)

A Tip of The Hat . . . to CHARLES BUELL - 01:10 PM
Many thanks to Charles Buell, an Active Rain blogger, and home inspector in the Seattle, WA area.  I've been following Charlie's posts, and they are both insightful and entertaining.  Yesterday, I had a serious question to ask, and while I thought about the local home inspection company that is EBA Portland, LLC's "preferred" referral choice, I didn't call them.
The question had to do with a property rental I own.  And, I didn't want to contact an outfit that I've had a long-term business relationship with.  It only took me seconds before thinking of Charlie for the answers!
Here's what happened:  When the former tenants … (34 comments)

I don’t get paid to list homes, they need to sell! - 12:33 AM
I recently was working with a past-client who wanted to sell her house I had sold her and her then husband. The couple was now getting divorced and wanted to sell the house and split the proceeds. I was doing a lot of foot work and thought the listing was mine. I must tell you this is not my regular farming area but I do list homes for past buyers in most all areas.
Do neighbors always tell the truth? I had just sold a house within a mile of said house and my CMA was right on the money. She … (98 comments)

Would You Let The Buyer Negotiate Your Short Sale? - 06:39 PM
 
I received what looked like a form letter today about one of my new Destin Florida short sale listings. The property address was inserted in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.  Here is the email:
"I noticed your listing at STREET # STREETNAME. DESTIN, FL, is it still available?  If so, I am very interested in buying the property.  I realize it is a short sale and may take many months to get bank approval but I am willing to wait. I am local and I buy 10 properties a month.
  I can guarantee you a full listing side commission, regardless of what commission the … (59 comments)

What did I learn from 10,000 visits on my profile and my 1st Gold Star on Active Rain - 11:39 PM
 
Home : Statistics Your profile has been viewed 10000 times.
 
It is a very exciting day for me to accomplish 2 big steps on Active Rain, I have 10,000 visits on my profile and I got my 1st Gold Star on my post.  I know there are many members here get featured posts all the time, and they are probably so used to it by now.  When Mike Jones  left the first comment for flagging my post for feature, it is already enough for me at that moment.  I feel honor just to be considered to be featured.
I am not a big time … (89 comments)

OMG, The Nightmare of all Realtors!!! Flags!... - 11:02 PM
I received a call from a potential client two days ago for a piece of land I have listed. "Deb, he said, I want to make a contract for purchase on your 23 acre tract".  I'll give you one guess what I said! "Yes sir!"
I attempted to get hold of my SELLER for the last two days and for the first time EVER he didn't return my call.
Now, a quick story about my Seller. He is young and recently inherited a piece of land worth good money. His Grammy was 99 years old when she passed in the little … (75 comments)

*RANT* we are used to doing a lot of leg work, and not getting the job -But this case ended in fraud! - 11:39 AM
 
It’s funny what consumers will try to justify…when they are committing fraud. I have been a Realtor for 26 years, and the President of my firm also owns an award winning custom home building firm that has been in existence for over 35 years. Between us we have seen it all…been there and done that – more than once.
 
Once a customer tried to implicate our squeaky clean reputation in something sorted. The attempt back fired in a big way, but we had to deal with possible litigation and legal expense to defend ourselves, while the customer was committing … (71 comments)


Blog posts


Don't Just Sit There .. Give Back to Cheyenne & Volunteer! - 10:08 AM
Have you always wanted to give back to your community but were never sure how to go about it?  Well here is your chance!  There are numerous organizations throughout the Cheyenne community that could use your help.  Volunteering in Cheyenne is not only fun, but it is also a great way to show how much you care about the Cheyenne community.  Whether you have an hour a week to give, or an hour a month, we want your help!
Each month I will showcase an organization within the community of Cheyenne.  I encourage you to get involved within your community and … (0 comments)

A Moving Experience - A Hole in the Wall - Part 7 - 01:39 AM
You know those dings and dents around the house that have a special found memory?  Sometimes they are measurements of the kids on bedroom wall or hand prints in the concrete.  Well for me it is other things.
I am the father of 6 boys (13, 11, 7, 5, 2 and 4 months).  They are conniving, disobedient, noisy and dirty.  And yet you cannot help but love them.  When they finally fall asleep and you tuck them into bed they are beautiful.  As a father I have learned my magic kisses can heal wounds.  So I will take them as they … (2 comments)

A Moving Experience - Let Go of My Legos - Part 8 - 10:28 PM
There is an old saying, "A penny saved is a penny earned."  Now how many people would bend over to pick up a penny today?  I don't know, I might in some circumstances for others it might not be worth it at all.
John Madden tells the story about him seeing John Matuzak throw a $20.00 in the toilet and then go in after it.  When he asked him what he was doing Matuzak said, "Well I dropped a quarter in by accident, but I was not going in after a measly 25 cents."
I cannot resist picking up little Lego … (2 comments)

2 Day Tom Ferry Seminar, Active Rain & Video Blogging - My First Crack At It - 07:15 PM
 2 Day Tom Ferry Seminar, Active Rain & Video Blogging - My First Crack At It
Yesterday and today I attended a 2 day Tom Ferry seminar.  What good stuff!  Lots of great ideas and it was a very enjoyable couple of workshops to attend.  My head is going crazy with all of the good ideas I want to implement into my business.
The first thing was something I've been saying for a year I want to start doing:  video blogging.  I'm a little camera shy, but practice makes perfect, right? 
It was great to see the Active Rain crew … (14 comments)

Lummis Day 2010 - Ann Like Red via iPhone Video - 08:33 AM
The silver lining to premature death of my backup camera battery was that I discovered the video capability of my iPhone (3rd generation iPhone) wasn't half bad. 
Not great, but certainly not bad.  I suddenly developed alot more respect for the little phone. 

Hmmm... the new iPhone 4 with its high def video capability is beginning to sound interesting.......
… (0 comments)

Plymouth Michigan Housing Stats | May 2010 - 10:09 PM
May 2010 is officially over and we are rushing head long into June! Important item to note in the housing market: April 30th has passed us by. April 30th was the deadline for buyers to get under contract to be eligible for the Uncle Sam housing purchase tax credit (up to $8,000 for first time homebuyers and up to $6,500 for everyone else).
To view the Plymouth Michigan housing stats, be sure to click "Fullscreen" below to see everything.
Plymouth Michigan Real Estate Stats | May 2010
Average Sales Price:  $204,093 A modest increase over April's average sales price of … (0 comments)

Low Tide Bike Ride - Anastasia State Park, St Augustine, FL - 08:23 AM
On Saturday, June 26 2:30pm
This program will give our visitors a great cardio vascular workout on one of the most awesome beaches in Florida. Meet at Island Joe's pavilion located inside the park 15 minutes prior to the event. Bring at least one pint of water, bicycle, snack, binoculars, and sunscreen. This Ranger led event will start with a 3 mile low tide bike ride and bird watch. Participants will enjoy an ecology talk at the point of Conch Island and then start the return trip. Riders should be prepared for weather conditions on the beach which could be influenced … (0 comments)

Almost a Free Lunch! GBBR GRRS..Speaking in Baltimore. - 06:19 PM
Almost a Free Lunch! GBBR GRRS..Speaking in Baltimore.
You saw the lineup of speakers on my last post, and what a great group of presenters they were! Tigers all, like the rookie tigers in the grass that kept us company.

Sharon McKenna spoke about being involved with the Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS® (GBBR), WCR, MAR, designations like ePro, and staying up to date while networking.
Dale Block talked about working with buyers, how to find them, how to educate them, and how to ask the right questions. She gave lots of good information, and the class was taking notes … (10 comments)

Top Ten Reasons For Coming To Rain Camp Thursday in Washington, DC! - 11:44 PM
Look forward to meeting and sharing more wonderful people who live inside my computer.  See you in DC!
Margaret
Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):
Top 10 Reasons to go to Rain Camp In Washington, DC  this Thursday
 
You’ll learn lots of stuff that you didn’t know you didn’t know They’ll teach about search engine magic, helping you to turn on the tap to that yummy Google Juice They’ll help you learn to convert more of the leads you get from blogging into real live buyers and sellers You’ll get great ideas for working blogging and other social networking into your business … (6 comments)

Asking the ActiveRain Community for Help in Finding Our Missing 16 Year Old Daughter - Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, California or ? - 12:07 AM
Please pass this on & keep this family & this situation in your prayers!
Via Missoula Real Estate By Monica Ray (Access Realty):
Asking the ActiveRain Community for Help in Finding Our Missing 16 Year Old Daughter
Many of you who follow me or Kevin on our other social networks already know that our daughter has been missing from the Superior Montana area since 5/30/10.
She is with 2 older males, both of which have outstanding felony warrants.
She was last seen in Washington State in the Seattle/Kirkland area and in Sedro-Woolley, WA. She could still be in the Washington area or may … (1 comments)

Stowe Vermont Area - Condos and Townhomes for Sale by Condo Project - 10:29 PM
Stowe Vermont AREA - MLS Condo Search
  The Stowe, Vermont area has many different condo/townhome projects.  Each is unique in its offerings. 
Some considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a condo are: Association Fees - How much are they and what do they cover? Condo Bylaws Amenities - What are the amenities (pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, etc.)?  Pets Allowed? Rentals Allowed and/or Limited? Location - good for rentals? Full Ownership? or Quartershare/Fractional Share? Below are searches based on each project.
STOWE CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES:
Adams Mill Townhomes - off Moscow RoadCopley Woodlands - Stowe Village  Covered Bridge Townhomes - off … (0 comments)

Gambier Ohio Home (off market) - 09:00 PM
Virtual Tour of this gorgeous country estate property that is located at 7737 Chadwick Road, Gambier Ohio 43022
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Gambier Ohio Home For Sale
… (1 comments)

Mount Vernon, Ohio Country Home (SOLD) - 10:00 PM
Country home located just a few miles South of Mount Vernon, Ohio. View the virtual tour and additional details
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Mount Vernon Ohio Real Estate
… (1 comments)

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Offering More Flights To and From Mesa, Arizona! - 11:03 PM
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is offering flights to smaller towns across the US. As more people visit Arizona, or choose to move here for the winter months purchasing a home in the Mesa, Arizona area, more and more flights are being added to Allegiant Air’s schedule.
Always keep in mind that airline flight schedules are subject to change without notice via their web site. Please contact the airline directly to confirm arrival and departure times and to make reservations.
Please check-in a minimum of two hours prior to your scheduled departure time or check with the Airline to confirm minimum check-in … (13 comments)

Pensacola Home for Sale - 7020 Oakfield Rd., Pensacola, FL - North Central Pensacola - 03:47 PM
… (1 comments)

Pensacola Home For Sale - 5916 DUCHESS RD, Pensacola, FL - North Central Pensacola - 03:50 PM
… (1 comments)

Pensacola Home For Sale - 1278 MAZUREK BLVD, Pensacola, FL - North Central Pensacola - 03:52 PM
… (1 comments)

Pensacola Home For Sale - 704 W LLOYD ST W, Pensacola, FL - South Pensacola - 03:55 PM
… (1 comments)

Worried about Metro construction and your commute to Tyson’s? - 02:52 PM
Don't be! Loudoun County has you covered! Bus service will be provided starting June 21, 2010 and it will begin pick-ups in Leesburg. Using the Dulles Greenway, the service should take about 45 minutes to arrive in Tyson's Corner. Once there free shuttles will be provided to your final destination. The Metro will be a huge improvement to our area and Loudoun Country is trying to make the transition as painless as possible. So All ABOARD the Tyson's Express! For more information on your commuting needs please visit: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=3199 For information on buying or selling a home in Loudoun County, please … (0 comments)

Price Just Reduced - Hurry!!! Great Size unit available now! - 12:36 PM
94523 Lumiaina St G/204, Waipahu, HI, 96797
2BR/1BA Condo
offered at $225,000
Year Built 1993
Sq Footage 657
Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Floors 2
Parking 1 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size 504,425 sqft
HOA/Maint $290 per month
DESCRIPTION
Nice starter condo at a reasonable price. Great place to start your home ownership. Golf courses, shopping, restaurants, and parkings all close by. This is a Short Sale. We have no offers. The 1st resonable offer is the one we work with it. A buyer has nothing to loose by submitting an offer and everything to gain.
DIAL … (0 comments)

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