Archives of real estate blog entries for July 27, 2010

Featured blog posts


If Buyers Are Liars, then I'm the Biggest One of All - 09:21 PM
IF BUYERS ARE LIARS, THEN I'M THE BIGGEST ONE OF ALL
Although I pride myself on being pretty darn patient with my clients who are searching for that perfect home here in Alexandria and while I assure them they should take as much time as they need to feel comfortable with their home buying decision, wow, until I started going out with my husband out to look for a new house for us, I was not prepared for what a PITA client *I* was going to turn out to be.
After looking at dozens of homes (not to mention dozens more online), all of which … (46 comments)

Watch out that YOU don't get accused of stealing! - 12:55 AM
Today a fellow realtor told me about her seller's accusation that our touring Realtors stole $30K worth of her jewelery!
Ann, the realtor, was the only one with the alarm code, and was there for every showing of the Miillion dollar home.  The week the home was on tour, she hosted the home and was present for each agent's viewing, as the seller was out of town.
When the seller came home, she discovered her $30K in jewelry was missing from her sock drawer, despite Ann's warnings to remove anything of value. 
"I'm SURE it was one of you Realtors", claimed … (86 comments)

Often Unrecognized Benefits of Being a Rainmaker - 12:40 AM
Often Unrecognized Benefits of Being a Rainmaker



We all know the benefits of being a part of ActiveRain, Right? We understand how we get the best placement in the search engines and get all the great exposure from the posts we write. We all understand if we do it right, we also receive a significant boost in our business. But have you ever taken stock of the many other benefits we often don't think about.
Over the course of the last 3 years of membership with ActiveRain, I have read market reports from members in real estate markets … (72 comments)

Wall To Wall Is For Floors, Not Blogs - 08:47 AM

We've all seen posts where the wall to wall text and closeness of the text is an immediate turnoff.
You have 3 seconds
for a reader to decide if they are going to "stay or click away"Yes, a graphic or picture helps, but endless text with no white space or change in size or color will not win the mind (forget about the heart) of your reader.

When it comes to white space, font size and color Debe Maxwell is an excellent model to emulate. Bill Gassett, on the other hand, usually uses a medium size font, but he … (114 comments)

Real Estate is Constantly Evolving. Are You Considering an Agent Who Hasn't? - 10:37 AM
Real Estate is Constantly Evolving.
Are You Considering an Agent Who Hasn't?If you're thinking of selling your home, especially in today's market, the agent you choose can make a huge difference between having a sold sign in your front yard or having your home sit on the market for an eternity.
With nearly 90% of potential home buyers beginning their home search online, shouldn't the agent you trust to list your home have a strong internet presence?
 
Shouldn't that agent know how to utilize the technology available to them?And shouldn't they be able to demonstrate these things right there at the … (62 comments)

5 Most Common Reverse Mortgage Questions - 10:55 AM
… (16 comments)

Bank Of America Short Sale Training Video- A Must For Training in Short Sales - 01:16 AM
 
Bank of America Short Sale Training Video- A must for training in short sales. If you are a short sale agent this is a must see video about Bank of America short sales. 
Are you a Short Sale agent? Do you work with Bank of America short sales?  We all have had our share of nightmare closings and high doses of Tums and Alka Seltzer to deal with lenders on short sales.  Here is the long awaited for how to do short sales with Bank of America video training module.  Warning- Move liquids away from your keyboards and laptops!   
… (68 comments)

"Sorry, WHO IS THIS ????" - 07:02 PM
TEXTING has become an increasingly quick, easy, and convenient way for many to communicate in this fast-paced world these days.
 
 
As each month goes by, more and more clients of mine decide to 'shoot me a text' with a quick answer, or they ask me to do the same.
 
Now as convenient as this is, there are still some things that we should remember so that we can at least keep as much professionalism as we can, while using this communication source !
... a few things I like to keep in mind !
 
 
Watch … (107 comments)

Making Time For Blogging! Advice For Newbies! - 08:26 AM
Making time for blogging is not some frivolous thing I do, it is an important part of my daily routine to build my business! I know that it is more difficult to have time to blog during the weekends, so I make sure that I have my blogging done Monday thru Thursday. If anyone follows the dates, they will see that I don't blog on Friday thru Sunday. On those days I ONLY write comments on other people's posts.
Having a routine is important. I know I have more time on weekdays so I take advantage of it! I try to … (53 comments)

10 Easy Ways to Have Better Communications With Your Customers. - 05:49 PM

Hi folks. Today I want to talk a little bit about communication. In my opinion, lack of good communication skills and/or systems is the number 1 reason why Sellers and Buyers complain about their agents. In fact, just about every time I go meet with a Seller who has just had their listing expired "lack of communication" is what they complain about.
 
"They listed my property and I never heard from them again." "I always had to call them if I wanted an update." "It would take them days to return my phone call." "They never answer their phone … (93 comments)

Go Ahead and Look over Your Shoulder....It's Okay! - 05:43 PM
Motivational Speakers, Trainers, and Real Estate Guru's have been telling us for ever.....If your not moving forward your going backwards! Look forward not Behind you in order to move Ahead?  I say Bah Humbug!

I believe when you look back in that 'rear view mirror' .....
YOU can see how far you have come.
YOU can remember how you got to where you are today.
YOU can reflect on lessons you have learned that you have shared with others.
YOU can embrace that there were good times in the past and there will be good times once again.
YOU can be still and know that … (37 comments)

RainCamp Boston, Ma, IT WAS FANTASTIC, and That's Getting to be Redundant - 04:30 PM

RainCamp made it to New England, and did it right on the historic Boston Harbor. No tea was thrown into the water but there was plenty of information flying around and being caught by willing ears and eyes.
This was my third RainCamp, and although some of it was same-old, as it was being presented so efficiently and expertly by Ben Kinney, I was able to pick up tid-bits that I had missed in the previous camps.
RAINCAMP, New York City was just overwhelming not only by location, but also by the people in attendance that made it so special.
… (62 comments)

What the Top 1% Do - 02:14 PM
This is probably a misleading title.  It's probably more like "What the Top 1% of the Top 10% Do," but that was too long of a title...even for me!  For years, people have been asking me what the differences are between the top agents and the "middle of the pack" agents.  They ask because I once was a "top dog" and secondarily, I either coach, train, have been mentored by, or mentor most of the top producers in North America. 
When you talk about top producers, I'm not talking about the guy who consistently wins the top sales award at the … (101 comments)

The lead wasn't dead, it was the phone! - 12:38 PM
This may have happened to you.  It really happened to me. 
Someone calls about your listing.  You have a great conversation on the phone.  They come to your office to meet you.  Then you head off to see the house. 
You spend some time walking the property and they decide they don't like that house, but they are interested in buying. 
You talk about their wants and needs and you agree to email them some homes for them to consider. 
So far, so good. 
The next day you go online, search and find some homes that meet their criteria.
You … (28 comments)

Are You Pulling My Leg? - 08:39 AM
                                     
ARE YOU PULLING MY LEG?
The reason I chose this title is because I just had an incident where I work for an investor that buys around 20 homes from me per year.  We were bidding on a house through the Internet, as this is that companies procedure.  We were being bid against and apparently the way this company works that it is similar to ebay where you can do automatic incremental bidding up to a certain capped amount.  This is very similar to an escalation clause.
After a couple of days of going back and forth, we … (60 comments)

Random Thoughts ... Active Rain Storm ... Potential Leaderboard Improvements - 10:31 AM
Random Thoughts ... Active Rain Storm ... Potential Leaderboard Improvements
For those who are interested only in the points structure the leaderboard brings back some of the features that disappeared in the revamping of the State/Provincial/Local pages of Active Rain. The existing filters in the new leaderboard help you drill down to the level you are interested in but beyond that it is a manual search for the type of person you may wish to find, if points are not the criteria you wish to use..

......
MAKE IT A GREAT DAY
To learn more about what housing optionsUxbridgeand the … (64 comments)

Duck...Duck...Goose! - 02:40 PM
Duck...Duck...Goose!
I won't answer you, you and you but I will answer YOU!
I just have to ask...When you make a comment on someone's blog and they make a comment to everyone but YOU, do you take it personal?
I subscribe to a good number of Activerain bloggers and enjoy interacting, reading and have learned something from each one of them.
I have noticed however, when going to some blogs, and after making a comment, that a large number do not reciprocate with an answer at all. And many times they skip over some people, directing their comments only to others.
I wonder WHY?! Maybe … (117 comments)

Getting Business from Friends You Have Never Met.... Second Sphere. - 01:09 PM
Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana
 
Hello Everyone,
Well, I got a call the other day from a gal who said I am your facebook friend and I want to list my home. I was a little stunned and excited because I had been trying a few things on facebook to see if they would generate a response. Now here is the kicker. I have never met this person.She was a friend of a friend.
She belonged to what I call a Second Sphere. We have a common friend and yet we have never met. Facebook is powerful … (40 comments)

MLS Listing Information, Avoid Mentioning Repairs - 07:26 AM
Knowing that appraisers are now required to review and comment on the MLS history of a property, I avoid making any comments about repairs that are "in progress" at a listing or scheduled at a listing.
In order to inform an agent showing the property of repairs I have agents contact me directly for an appointment.  And I answer the phone or return calls immediately!
The reason to avoid mentioning repairs on the MLS Sheet is simple.  The appraisers will note any "repair" comments on their appraisal and that may trigger a request from loan underwriters for copies of permits and … (138 comments)

FSBO Action Marketing Plan For HUNGRY Agents - 09:35 AM
FSBO Action Marketing Plan For HUNGRY Agents - Here is a simple yet very effective FSBO Marketing Plan:
"Do not wait; the time will never be just right; start where you stand with whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along." Napoleon Hill
Why Work with FSBO's?
 
 For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Statistics FSBOs accounted for 13% of home sales in 2008. The typical FSBO home sold for $153,000 compared to $211,000 for agent-assisted home sales.
FSBO Methods Used to Market Home:
Listing on Internet/FSBO website: 51% Yard sign . … (58 comments)

With Arms Wide Open, A Newbie's View of Active Rain! - 12:16 PM
Reading the featured posts today about why be on AR & the benefits of being a Rainmaker, and just had to throw in our two bits about what we learned in a short amount of time!  (Cliff notes version, skip to the video at the end).
Technically, we're NOT total newbies.  Like many others of the 187,608 members, we created a profile WAY back on 8/30/2006.  We know this because our Points Summary tells us so :) And then we left. Don't remember why, maybe we thought this was like a lot of other sites, get your name in the … (59 comments)


Blog posts


It's Not Too Late for Movies in The Park - 07:58 AM
It's not too late to grab your lawn chairs, sit back and enjoy a movie in Lions Park.  The Cheyenne Parks and Recreation event is sponsored by Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, which provides the movie equipment, and Bresnan Communications, which provides the movies.  Held at the Lions Park Amphitheater, this is a free event for all.
This free event is held every Tuesday at sundown through August 17th (but no movie on July 27th).  Participants are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and be prepared for changes in weather during these movies.  Donations are accepted for outlying costs for staffing. 
August … (0 comments)

First Impressions Make a Difference - 07:03 PM
In today's market with inventory levels so high, it's so important to have your listings shine!  While we believe it's so important to make the most of the first impression when our listings are getting shown, we normally try to go the extra step and prepare many of our vacant listings for the showing agent prior to their arrival.  While there's a team of us with 3 full-time Realtors and an assistant, it does seem to help with this style of practice. 
Today, this practice really seemed to pay off.  This morning, our team received a two hour notice of a noon showing … (6 comments)

Antioch Home Back on the Market - Move in for under 100K - 11:48 AM
Antioch Home for Sale!
Did you miss this home the first time?  Well it is back on the market and not due to any problems with the house. 
Very light fixer that may qualify for FHA.  You can get this home and move right in for under $100,000.00.
Do you want a home with:
Classic Fireplace in a Cozy Living Room Single Story Single Family Home Three Full Bedrooms Covered Patio Large Lot Gas Stove Two Car Garage Quite cul-de-sac Close to Shopping A Small Price This Single Family Home may be for you. Click here for more information on this … (2 comments)

Pittsburg California Bank Owned Homes - 02:16 PM
Pittsburg California Bank Owned Homes
This Report looks at Pittsburg California Bank Owned Homes by comparing the current active market in Single Family Bank Owned Homes to Bank Owned Homes sold in June and May.
As of this report there are 40 Single Family Bank Owned Homes for sale in Pittsburg California with an average asking price of $192,297.00 and a median price of $189,900.00.  This is an average price per SF of $113.00 and these homes have been on the market an average of 62 days.  
In June 44 Bank Owned Homes sold in Pittsburg California for an average … (0 comments)

Antioch California Bank Owned Homes - 02:23 PM
Antioch California Bank Owned Homes
This Report looks at Antioch California Bank Owned Homes by comparing the current active market in Single Family Bank Owned Homes to Bank Owned Homes sold in June and May.
As of this report there are 81 Single Family Bank Owned Homes for sale in Antioch California with an average asking price of $214,791.00 and a median price of $220,000.00. This is an average price per SF of $114.00 and these homes have been on the market an average of 44 days.
In June 50 Bank Owned Homes sold in Antioch California for an average price … (0 comments)

Oakley California Bank Owned Homes - 02:41 PM
Oakley California Bank Owned Homes
This Report looks at Oakley California Bank Owned Homes by comparing the current active market in Single Family Bank Owned Homes to Bank Owned Homes sold in June and May.
As of this report there are 42 Single Family Bank Owned Homes for sale in Oakley California with an average asking price of $232,027.00 and a median price of $222,150.00. This is an average price per SF of $116.00 and these homes have been on the market an average of 59 days.
In June 26 Bank Owned Homes sold in Oakley California for an average price … (0 comments)

Brentwood California Bank Owned Homes - 02:49 PM
Brentwood California Bank Owned Homes
This Report looks at Brentwood California Bank Owned Homes by comparing the current active market in Single Family Bank Owned Homes to Bank Owned Homes sold in June and May.
As of this report there are 46 Single Family Bank Owned Homes for sale in Brentwood California with an average asking price of $323,410.00 and a median price of $282,400.00. This is an average price per SF of $136.00 and these homes have been on the market an average of 42 days.
In June 32 Bank Owned Homes sold in Brentwood California for an average price … (0 comments)

Discovery Bay Bank Owned Homes - 02:55 PM
Discovery Bay Bank Owned Homes
This Report looks at Discovery Bay Bank Owned Homes by comparing the current active market in Single Family Bank Owned Homes to Bank Owned Homes sold in June and May.
As of this report there are 10 Single Family Bank Owned Homes for sale in Discovery Bay with an average asking price of $318,166.00 and a median price of $330,900.00. This is an average price per SF of $129.00 and these homes have been on the market an average of 44 days.
In June 13 Bank Owned Homes sold in Discovery Bay for an average price … (0 comments)

My credit is not good - but my co-signers credit is excellent - Yippie, I can buy & use FHA loans - 04:00 PM
Good post on some lending issue for those having trouble getting a loan.
Via Jeff Belonger- The FHA Expert FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans ( - FHA Home Loans - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
 
There will always be some sort of mortgage myth in our industry or a piece of information given by a loan officer that is misleading. What I am about to talk about is regarding FHA loans and a borrower using a co-signer to help them purchase their new home. We call this a non-occupant co-borrower type of loan.
 
 
… (2 comments)

PODCAST: PREZ ‘I’M-A-NUT-JOB’ OF IRAN, ATTACKS PAUL THE OCTOPUS! - 01:38 PM

I tend to say it a lot because it so often seems like we’ve fallen through the looking glass, but this story is real. It’s not made up because to be honest, how could any sane person make this up?
What would prompt a leader of a nation to show his insanity to the world? It’s a serious question embedded in a funny story. Don’t forget that while you listen to today’s podcast.
The picture is a link from telegraph.co.uk
To listen to today's podcast CLICK HERE.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

(Copyright © 2010 By Simon L Conway All Rights Reserved.)
Simon Conway is the two-time … (3 comments)

Boston RainCamp Top Tips & Useful Tools You May Not Know - Part 2 - 08:04 PM
Boston RainCamp Top Tips & Useful Tools You May Not Know - Part 2 Hello everyone!  Sorry for the little delay in posting part 2 of my Boston RainCamp series.  I was trying to pay more attention so I wasn't stumped when I was called on again and I also had the opportunity to speak on the agent panel.  The second part of the day was jam packed with tons more stuff that I couldn't wait to share with you all!  Here goes it: Google Alerts - I use Google alerts currently to keep track of every time my name or business name is published somewhere … (7 comments)

Roundup of "Wild Horses" continues in the State of Nevada (Please re-blog to help save the horses) by Vegas Bob - 09:27 AM
This post and video is a wake-up call for friends of animals everywhere.  Wild horses on public land are at the mercy of the federal agencies.
Via ROBERT A.SWETZ - Commercial Real Estate (Commercial Real Estate - www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com):
Roundup of "Wild Horses" continues in the State of Nevada (Please re-blog to help save the horses) by Vegas Bob
 
Some friends at work mentioned to me about the "Wild Horses" that were being rounded up by the Feds in the State of Nevada.
I purchased 11 acres of property around 230 miles north of Las Vegas Nevada and there us to be "Wild … (3 comments)

Belleville IL Home for Sale, 2433 Coniferous Dr - 02:41 PM
Looking for a short sale home to purchase in Belleville IL
Property Details Bird's Eye View Get Local Streetview
$126,500 - 2433 Coniferous Drive, BELLEVILLE
3Bedrooms2Baths1,375SQ. Feet0Acres Great oppurtunity to purchase a short sale home, with Open Floorplan. Laminate flooring in Living Room and Dining Room area. Kitchen has newer refrigerator and stove. Large utility room, His and Hers closets in Master BR. 12 x 12 Wood deck off of Dining Area. Large Shed.
Essential Information
MLS® #:3010232 Price:$126,500 Bedrooms:3 Bathrooms:2.00 Full Baths:2 Square Footage:1,375 Acres:0.00 Year Built:1999 Type:Residential Sub-Type:1 STORY Status:Active Community Information
Address:2433 Coniferous Drive Subdivision:RICHLAND PRAIRIE ESTATES … (0 comments)

Time to Buy a Home, or investment property? - 02:49 PM
It's a great time to buy real estate. Looking for a home for sale, foreclosures, short sales, multi-family in St. Clair County IL?
Home sales up
Yesterday the Commerce Department reported that new home sales increased 23.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 330,000 last month, up from an downwardly revised 267,000 in May. Sales year-over-year fell 16.7%. The June sales pace is the second slowest ever on record since the Commerce Department began tracking the data in 1963, but it was slightly better than the annual rate of 310,000 economists were expecting, according to a consensus survey by Briefing.com. … (1 comments)

Let's find a new term for "Regular Sale" - 10:31 AM
"Regular Sale"
How often do you see agents use that term in their property descriptions to indicate a property that is NOT a short sale, NOT in foreclosure, or NOT bank owned.
Do you ever wish that we could all find a term that sounds a little more ... I don't know .... professional?
I've seen some attempts, such as "equity sale" and "conventional sale" but these just don't do it for me either.
Here's my attempt at coining a term:  "Private Party Owner"
OK, so my term is not all that great.
What term are you using?
… (4 comments)

10 Easy Ways to Have Better Communications With Your Customers. - 05:49 PM

Hi folks. Today I want to talk a little bit about communication. In my opinion, lack of good communication skills and/or systems is the number 1 reason why Sellers and Buyers complain about their agents. In fact, just about every time I go meet with a Seller who has just had their listing expired "lack of communication" is what they complain about.
 
"They listed my property and I never heard from them again." "I always had to call them if I wanted an update." "It would take them days to return my phone call." "They never answer their phone … (93 comments)

Wichita, KS economic update...... - 05:47 PM
Wichita, Kansas Economic Update
July, 2010
 
The Brookings Institution just completed a study on American cities and how fast their exports were growing.  Wichita, KS was Number one with the fastest growth of exports over the last five years.  Only four Metropolitan areas doubled exports over the last 5 years...Wichita, Portland, New Orleans and Houston.
This growth in Wichita is mainly attributed to the Aviation sector.  Wichita aircraft plants build nearly ½ of all general aviation aircraft delivered worldwide each year.  Nearly ½ of all Aircraft manufactured in Wichita are sold outside of the United States.
 
Where Kansas Ranks … (0 comments)

Sawgrass Plantation Orlando $500 Savings Bonus - 04:46 PM
 
Sawgrass Plantation in Orlando Florida is a new and exciting community located in Southeast Orlando off of Wetherbee Road. This community has 3 distinct builders, KB Homes, M I Homes, and Beazer Homes which are currently building new homes priced from the $160K to $240K range.
KB Home located at 12678 Sawgrass Plantation Blvd has 10 new Open Series Models to choose from. Sizes range from 1443 sqft to 3512 sqft. KB Homes is a "Built To Order" builder with many options and upgrades that can be added to each home to suit your lifestyle. Each floor plan has 4 … (0 comments)

9983 CYPRESS VINE DR, ORLANDO FL 32827 - 04:55 PM
 
 MLS# O4996126             9983 CYPRESS VINE DR, ORLANDO FL 32827    $$$ 170,900 $$$

 Immaculate and spacious 4 bed 2 bath home located in the prestigious community of Northlake Park  ~  Split floor plan with large master suite and walk in closet  ~  Upgraded master bathroom has his and hers vanities,  garden tub and large separate shower  Association dues include your membership to the YMCA with its heated Olympic sized pool and numerous facilities located in the community.   Home is located minutes from the new VA Hospital, Burnham Institute, Medical Center, O.I.A., and Theme Parks. Wow!  What a great opportunity to … (2 comments)

The Flag in Wisconsin is Flying Half Mast Today... We Lost a Friend and a Leader - 06:56 AM
  Today when Wisconsin residents pass a flag, it will be at less than full mast....and the world will have been diminished by the loss of a great man, a father, a husband, brother, uncle....and a friend.
  Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary of Agriculture for the state of Wisconsin drowned in Lake Superior on July 21st while on an outing with his church working for Habitat for Humanity. Working for a cause that he believed in to Rod meant giving it his all....his all far more than most people could imagine giving.....he did it to causes he loved, the family he cherished, … (16 comments)

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