Archives of real estate blog entries for August 21, 2010

Featured blog posts


Combatting Las Vegas Valley Copper Theft! - 01:53 PM
Yesterday while showing homes in two subdivisions side by side with high vacancy rates and boarded up homes, it appears there was another recent rash of A/C units stolen for the copper. The units were gutted and the copper was stripped all the way to the home.  We meandered into neighboring vacant backyards to find many units stripped.
Has it come to legislating recycling??
I wish that we could get tougher recycling laws like Mississippi (how sad, I know) where recyclers would have to be registered and perhaps state where the materials came from and the source would need to be … (48 comments)

Are You Using Proper Disclosure When You Post an Ad on Craigslist? - 07:47 AM
This past week in addition to studying the MLS looking for rental property for my daughter and her husband we have also been looking at craiglist.  Yesterday an ad caught our attention.  The ad said "rent/buy immediately.  Email xxx or call xxx for details on this beautiful unit."   The neighborhood mentioned was one on our prime target list. We knew every unit that was for sale or rent in the MLS so we thought YEA a property for rent by owner.My daughter sent an email and a reply came almost immediately.  "I have several properties available.  How soon do you need … (122 comments)

Right of Offset-Yet Another Trick Up The Lenders Sleeve - 05:37 PM
Right of Offset-Yet Another Trick Up The Lenders Sleeve
Folks, this is scary stuff.  Yesterday, I received a call from one of my clients, telling me that her bank recently withdrew money out of her account to pay part of her missed mortgage payments.  We are in the middle of the Arizona pre foreclosure process, trying to conduct a short sale on her home, and she happens to bank at the same institution that holds her 1st Mortgage.
Banks have what is called a "right of offset", which allows them to take money out of your account, without your prior approval … (55 comments)

Would YOU Endorse Me? | A LinkedIn Controversy - 12:02 AM
Would YOU Endorse Me? A LinkedIn Controversy No, I'm not asking you to.
You can, of course, if you wish and feel it's deserved, but that's not the point. 

If you are on LinkedIn (you are, aren't you? It's your on-line professional resume. If you're not you'd better get there), you no doubt know about recommendations. You likely have some, and probably have shared a few as well. 
You can request that someone endorse you, perhaps with the hope they will reciprocate Or you can be proactive and recommend someone without them asking (how cool is that?)  According to LinkedIn, … (61 comments)

An "AS IS" Sale Means Seller Will Do No Repairs...or does it? - 04:12 PM
I'm curious as to how many times an agent has received a contract for an "as is" listing and soon after the home inspection, the buyer's agent sends over a list of 30+ requested repairs including, but not limited to, cosmetic repairs and minor repairs? I have sold numerous homes "as is" and it was always understood by both agents that the Seller can be asked to repair major items or safety-related items. Also if the loan is an FHA, Seller can be asked to repair FHA-related repairs.
What do you do when the other agent has told the Buyer that … (71 comments)

Selling A Home-San Antonio TX - 05:22 PM
Selling a Home-San Antonio TXSelling a home-San Antonio TX from the Seller's perspective is really selling a house. I try to get my clients who are selling to see the sale as strictly a financial transaction involving the exchange of their asset, the house, for money from the Buyers that they will use to buy something else. In some cases, that is hard for Sellers because the home can hold so many great memories. Memories like a young couple's first household together, or having kids grow up in the house, or family parties, and memorable neighborhood gatherings. It's tough to let … (25 comments)

Selling Out of Area? Lost in the 'Burbs? When and Why I Accompany a Showing - 11:39 PM
Is the buyer's agent who works "out of area" really out of his mind?. What about an agent working "out of her comfort zone"? Most buyers first pick an area and than pick a house while relying on their buyer's agent to help them learn about their different choices. What role does the listing agent play in a showing with an "out of area" agent?
Of course I agree with J. Philip Faranda that a listing agent shouldn't interfere with the buyer agent's relationship with his client. But what if the buyer's agent is, well, lost in our area?
I have listings in Wayne and on the east side of St. Charles where certain areas … (41 comments)

The House That Built ME... - 03:19 PM
The House That Built ME...

I was searching the MLS for new listings a couple of months ago and I noticed that the house that I grew up in was up for sale.
My heart sank... I wanted to be able to buy it, but unfortunately I don't have the money. I put it on my watch list and every day I looked at the house it started bringing up all the memories from that home. So much happened in that home. I lived there from birth until I was 10 when my mom sold it after her divorce from … (59 comments)

Yuck! Bed Bugs are Back! - 06:58 PM
Yuck, yuck, yuck.  Bed bugs, once thought to be the sole province of dirty, low rent hotels are back - with a vengeance. 
Almost totally eradicated after WWII with the use of DDT (now banned because of it's toxicity), the increase in international travel is thought to be one factor in the increase of infestations.
Entire office buildings (the Time Warner Center), residential buildings, retail stores (Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria's Secret), movie theaters (AMC's Empire 25), in New York City have been invaded and reports are coming in from around the country. 

In fact, just this week, bed bugs … (58 comments)

Are Women or Men More Decisive When Buying a Home? - 03:00 PM
If you believe that "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus" applies to real estate, then this theory would apply everyday to millions of home buyers looking to make a decision on buying a home.  For most of us home buying is the largest purchase we will make in our lifetimes and buying a home with another person makes it even more challenging.
Studies by third party research firms, such as International Communications Research (ICR) have indicated that women may be inclined to make up their minds faster than men as indicated below or have different criteria when looking to … (45 comments)

Why I Love my Job - 11:27 PM
I was just answering a comment and I realized I need to write a blog about why I love my job.
My job:  Real estate broker, agent, consultant, business owner, trainer, negotiator, psychoanalyst?
Yes, I wear many hats.  It can be a challenge getting all this work done and in a timely fashion.  Everything in real estate revolves around deadlines.  So some days are very hectic.  Most of mine are but there is never room for boredom.  That is one of the reasons I love my job.
Meeting people. Clients, customers, lenders, title people, insurers, inspectors, builders, contractors, advertising salespeople and the list … (43 comments)

Olympia Pet Parade - Even a Flying Monkey!! - 05:14 PM

Olympia's annual pet parade was this morning and the downtown streets were alive with kids in costumes, dogs in costumes, decorated bikes/trikes/wagons, cats in cages (not looking happy), a hamster running on his wheel in his cage - even the Olympia Highlanders bagpipe band! 
Note the very patient dog above in the clown hat!!

 
 
There were lots of creative themes from Wizard of Oz...  Oh I guess it is Wizard of Ozzy...

 
More long-suffering dogs patiently wearing their skirts, hats etc ...
 

to maybe my favorite Wizard of Oz entry complete with wicked … (24 comments)

Staring Down Big Horn Sheep on Mt. Evans, Colorado - 06:02 PM
My husband and I recently drove to the top of Mt. Evans to participate in our youngest son's engagement celebration. Josh suprised his girlfriend by proposing after they had climbed to the top. While waiting for them to ascend, I hiked close to the parking lot only to encounter a herd of Big Horn Sheep.  I found myself staring down the sheep as I crept closer and closer.  These creatures truly were bothered a bit by my presence and allowed me to get some close-up photographs:



I love how the background in some of these photos looks like … (40 comments)

2 Things Listing Agents Should Never Say on Accompanied Showings - 08:59 AM
Earlier this summer I was contacted by a Manhattan resident who found me on the Internet and wanted me to show her and her husband some seven figure priced homes in an affluent suburb about 2 towns over. They chose me for a number of reasons, and our communication prior to our first meeting was promising. I scheduled 5 homes that fit their criteria and met with their approval, and we met at the first home, which was one where the listing agent was to accompany the showing. This is rather common in higher priced homes, and all but one showing … (280 comments)

New agent in the making. - 09:42 AM
After a month of reading Active Rain posts I have decided to take the class (for real estate licensing) and move ahead to sell homes. I have over 30 years selling and building behind me and loved selling and building, but frankly never enjoyed running my own remodeling business. Its time to move on.
I have read enough about real estate sales to understand new agents seldom make money, the drop out rate is very high and established agents can and will attract most of the better clients. It seems clear that in this market there are more agents than needed … (66 comments)

Adding Google Analytics To Your Profile - 12:26 PM
Step 1: Login to Activerain

Step 2: Enter Username and Password

Step 3: Click Edit on My Proflie

Step 4: Go to first box, and click the HTML button

Step 5: Login to Google Analytics

Step 6: Go to bottom and click Add Website Profile

Step 7: type in your Activerain URL with your username and click Finish

Step 8: Copy code

Step 9: Click Save and Finish

Step 10: Paste into your proflie and save

 
Once you have the Green Check mark that means that Google Analytics is tracking … (97 comments)

How to Put a Link to your website on YouTube.com - 07:43 AM

 How to Put a Link to your website on YouTube.com  Videos are today what blogging was 4 or 5 years ago. . .you better use videos if you want to set your mark and dominate your local market
After seeing some excellent videos being posted here in Activerain. . I hate to see them uncompleted . . missing the whole intended effect. . 
 
The video is an invitation for coming into your world. .  YouTube.com  does not let you put links on their site very easily. . .
unless you know some short cuts like this. .
 
Here's how you do it :
Put … (90 comments)

To Niche or not to Niche - 06:55 PM
I have a target market, and I love it.  Horses, horse property, horse people.  Marketing decisions become very easy when you have a select niche.  It is great to have phone calls or emails from new clients that want my service simply because I "speak their language."

 
I want to know what other "niche" markets are represented here?  I heard of a "nudist" community niche once in Florida.  That is pretty unique, and awkward.
Do do you have a niche that you focus on?  If not, why?
What is your niche?  I would love to hear the creative focus from … (47 comments)


Blog posts


A day Trip From Shelton WA - 02:25 PM
Wanted to get away for the day and walking on the beach sounded good. Westport is just 90 minutes away so away we went. On the way we were fortunate to see the elk herd frequently seen just 20 minutes away from Shelton WA. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Westport is known for it's Boardwalk with it's fishing fleet, public docks, and of course gift shops.  Fishermen and sightseers frequently visit this attraction. You can watch boats enter and exit the Westport Marina right next to you. There is also a very scenic view of Grays Harbor from the boardwalk. … (1 comments)

Breaking Short Sale News: Chase List Assist Short Sale Program | New Chase Shortsale Process - 01:48 PM

Via Tim and Julie Harris (Harris Real Estate University):
Important annoucement for Realtors who have Chase and Bank of America Short Sale Listings.
Realtors, listen NOW to the FREE Replay of this week's emergency Accredited Short Sale Designation webinar (or teleconference). Everything is changing (again) about short sales. Thanks to the NAR’s HAFA Guidelines the servicers are finally making significant moves to truly streamline the short sale process.
Note: This is an advanced short sale training call. Be ready to take pages of great action oriented notes.
Listen to replay of the advanced short sale training call NOW: http://AttendThisEvent.com/?eventid=14385639 <------Click HERE to … (0 comments)

Brentwood California Short Sales - 02:03 PM
Brentwood California Short Sales
Short Sales are becoming the dominate part of the market. You cannot ignore what is going on in with the Short Sale Market.
This report looks at Single Family Home Brentwood California Short Sales by comparing the Active Market to the Pending Short Sale Market and the Short Sales for the last two months.
There are 96 Brentwood California Short Sales on the market now with an average asking price of $313,901.00 and a median price of $323,875.00. These Short Sale Homes are listed at an average of $127.00 per SF and have been on the market … (0 comments)

Discovery Bay Short Sales - 02:39 PM
Discovery Bay Short Sales
Short Sales are becoming the dominate part of the market. You cannot ignore what is going on in with the Short Sale Market.
This report looks at Single Family Home Discovery Bay Short Sales by comparing the Active Market to the Pending Short Sale Market and the Short Sales for the last two months.
There are 33 Discovery Bay Short Sales on the market now with an average asking price of $352,775.00 and a median price of $325,000.00. These Short Sale Homes are listed at an average of $138.00 per SF and have been on the market … (0 comments)

The Diet Continues - Week 48 - Wacky Wacky Scale - 02:47 PM
I have been in a holding pattern for some time.  Dieting has been like running in place for the last couple months.  up - down - up - down!  This week I am up 1.2 pounds.
Now we have a scale problem.  My wife bought a nice digital scale when I started the diet.  It is supposed to turn on when I touch it lightly.  Well lately I have had to stomp on it a number of times to get it going and sometimes it does not want to go at all (Yes I changed the batteries).
So I do question … (2 comments)

Belleville IL Home for Sale, 1921 Galaway Belleville IL - 10:38 AM
Looking for Belleville IL Real Estate
 
My Bookmarked Listings My Saved Searches Settings Sign Out New Search Property Details Bird's Eye View Get Local Streetview
$184,900 - 1921 Galway Drive, BELLEVILLE
4Bedrooms3Baths2,250SQ. Feet0Acres OPEN FLOOR PLAN-2 STORY ENTRY FOYER WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS-SPACIOUS KITCHEN W/ISLAND-LARGE FAMILY ROOM WITH GAS FIREPLACE-LUXURY MASTER SUITE & BATH- BASEMENT IS STUDDED OUT FOR A 3/4TH BATH AND 3 ROOMS-PROPERTY BEING SOLD "AS IS" CONDITION-SELLER TO DO NO INSPECTIONS NOR REPAIRS-PROPERTY IS OWNED BY DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS-ADDENDUMS TO FOLLOW ONCE CONTRACT IS ACCEPTED. (less)
OPEN FLOOR PLAN-2 STORY ENTRY FOYER WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS-SPACIOUS … (3 comments)

O'Fallon Illinois Real Estate Market Report - 10:52 AM
Looking for a home for sale in O"Fallon, IL?
There are currently 239 Active Re-Sale homes for sale in O'Fallon, Illinois

Displaying matches 1 through 235 of 235
from a low price of $15,000 to a high price of $744,900 and with an average sales price of $193,483

… (0 comments)

Our Airplane is for Sale... Fly your Clients Quickly and in Style! - 08:05 PM


Our Airplane is for Sale... Fly your Clients Quickly and in Style!

 Our Airplane is for Sale... Fly your Clients Quickly and in Style!
Would you like to fly your clients and customers quickly and in style? You could display your real estate logo? 
Most of you know we love to fly and I have written a few posts on ActiveRain about this.

Making a Quick Getaway to Cambridge, Maryland 
This Listing Will Have To Wait......I Had to Make a Pitts Stop
The RAIN......On The PLANE 
The Flying Dozen Discover Nemacolin
Wheeee What Fun! This is Flying...the Rest … (33 comments)

Virginia Highland Statistics 30306 - 08:55 PM
Virginia Highland Statistics 30306 The desirable neighborhood in Atlanta of Virginia Highland, is experiencing the same trend in the market as most of the others. Days on market are a little shorter, but prices are also going down. What this means to the seller is he will need to reduce his price in order to sell in the quickest time period. Buyers in this market are all looking for the deal. They hear that Atlanta is a hot spot for the "super deal" and many buyers won't even look at a home unless it is a foreclosure or lender owned property. … (6 comments)

Price Reduced on 1206 Sunset Ave. Caldwell, ID - 07:24 PM
1206 Sunset Ave. Caldwell, ID
Price REDUCEDon this 1632 SF Single-Level home in Caldwell!
3 Bed, 2 Bath, Extended 20x20 Family Room, Fenced Corner Lot, 1-Car Garage + 3-Car Carport & RV Parking!
Now just $60,000!
Check out 1206 Sunset Ave. Caldwell, ID today!


1206 Sunset Ave. Caldwell, ID is Listed by Don Wixom, RE/MAX Advantage (208) 880-5039
Find other Caldwell ID Homes For Sale
What is a Short Sale
Idaho Short Sales Video
Search Idaho MLS Listings in the Boise Valley


… (4 comments)

1408 Holly Street Nampa ID Now only $50,000 - 08:07 PM
Nampa Idaho Homes: 1408 Holly Street
Check out this little Idaho short sale buy! Cute, 3 bed, 2 bath home with a 1-car garage just across from Liberty Park in Nampa Idaho!
This split-bedroom plan was built in 1992 and has 1010 SF! The lot has alley access with 3 additional parking spaces!
This Idaho short sale has just one loan with Chase Mortgage and is now vacant & easy to show!Drive by 1408 Holly St. Nampa, ID 83686 and take a look!



For only $50,000 this would make a great buy for your personal home or for … (5 comments)

Stowe Vermont Real Estate - Just Listed Homes and Condos - 8/21/2010 - 10:19 PM
Stowe Vermont Real Estate - Just Listed Homes and Condos - August 21, 2010
Click on the Map Below to see homes and condos just listed since August 17th, 2010.

If you have interest in any of these properties or if you would like to be set up to receive updates on new listings in Stowe, Vermont - or Waterbury, Morristown, Elmore, and Hyde Park, let me know.  I'd be happy to keep you updated!
… (0 comments)

Now We can see what/why our condition is in the condition it's in...Yikes ! - 07:35 AM
  After you have been a part of real estate for a decade or more... you think you may have experienced all of the  "Been There/Done That" there is,....the characters vary but the stories have the same...we always hope, happy ending...some just take a few detours along the way.      We had a closing for a short sale...happy days...our seller had pre-signed and as we always do, David attended the closing for the buyer....with a co-broke at an attorney's office...with our closing attorney....which is "normally" (whatever is normal these days...) takes a half hour or so....get our check...made out to … (19 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Country Ranch (SOLD) - 01:11 PM
The owner of this Knox County Ohio property is a motivated seller and just reduced the price by more over 10% to $89,900 for a quick and smooth sale.  For additional photos and for a quick tour around the property property be sure to check out the virtual tour of 14240 Eldon Drive in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
Contact Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  www.KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (3 comments)

Home for rent in Pensacola Florida 32503 - 88 MONARCH LN - Pensacola State College - 02:22 PM
Home for rent in Pensacola Florida 32503 - 88 MONARCH LN - Pensacola State College. $750.month, 3 bedrooms 2 bath,move in ready with lots of charm. Fenced in backyard, carport, centeral heat and air, appliance package for kitchen and lots of added space for storage. Great neighborhood, shaded lot and great school system. For more pictures and application click here. Home for rent in Pensacola Florida 32503 - 88 MONARCH LN - Pensacola State College  located close to I-10 and 110 exchange as well as minutes from downtown area. 5 mintues to Rave Theatres, shopping malls, garden centers and grocery stores. 15 … (3 comments)

Where Are Home Prices Going? - 10:30 AM
What are your thoughts on this blog? Is your area recovering??
Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):
We’ve all heard the news reports about the potential for a double-dip in housing, and perhaps, the overall economy. Unemployment seems out of control; debt levels are becoming unmanageable; and many are wondering what the future holds for the housing market. Where home prices going and what is the potential for prices to recover to the levels of 2005/2006?
 
There are lots of opinions, but here are some points to consider:
● The recent meeting to discuss the future of housing, including the GSEs … (1 comments)

Walk Columbus "as the crow flies" not anymore... Walk Score - 08:01 AM
Columbus  ...  WalkScore.com's scores used to be "as the crow flies."  Recently I thought there had been a change in at least one address I care about, on WalkScore.com
The home at 301 Girard Rd. Columbus Ohio 43214 in the Delawanda Park neighborhood lost a point in the change to WalkScore.com  The Walk Score for that north Columbus address is now 71.  A Walk Score of 71 is still considered 'Very Walkable'  byWalk Score.  301 Girard Rd. is very walkable.
Worthington WalkScore
I wrote a old post long ago about Olentangy Hills, a neighborhood in Worthington having a  great WalkScore.  … (2 comments)

Village of Forest Ridge - Open Sunday, price reduced to $149,000 - 08:28 AM
Village of Forest Ridge - Open Sunday,  August 22, 2010 and price reduced - 184 Cameron Ridge Dr. Columbus Ohio 43235
Price reduced to $149,900.  $149,000!!!!!  ooops edit 8-23-2010
Click the address link above for details on 184 Cameron Ridge Dr.  Columbus Ohio 43235 including:
Status Photos Map More...  
Sunday August 22, 2010 open house hosted by Maureen McCabe of Real Living HER Worthington;
Village of Forest Ridge is a condominium community in the Worthington City School District, and the City of Columbus.  The Village of Forest Ridge is off Flint Rd. north of 270.  

 
Worthington condos for … (1 comments)

Fox Lane Worthington Ohio 43085 - 11:24 AM
Fox Lane Worthington Ohio 43085  I had an appointment to show a home on Fox Lane in Worthington on Friday and I got stood up...
: - (
I had tried to schedule the showing the previous day.  The seller declined the showing down. I thought gee did the buyer get the 4:00 on Thursday and the 3:00 on Friday confused?  I called.  I waited and waited.  
I watched Fox Lane Worthington the movie...
The view out the back:
I wanted to sit in back and watch the Olentangy River going over the dam.
The seller had the movie playing … (0 comments)

Golf Course Condos and Townhomes - Lake Barrington Shores - Lake Barrington Illinois 60010 - 05:59 PM
Golf Course Condos and Townhomes - Lake Barrington Shores - Lake Barrington Illinois 60010 What's you preference? Out on the golf course playing a round with friends on a warm autumn day or back at home tidying up the yard, mowing the lawn and raking leaves as they fall?
At Lake Barrington Shores your yard, lawn and leaves are not your job. The association will take care of all that so you don't have to feel guilty. Load up your clubs and set off to the golf course for a round on a late summers day. Or if you don't … (0 comments)

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