Archives of real estate blog entries for September 15, 2010

Featured blog posts


A society of victims will never make progress, but a society of failures will rise again. - 08:34 AM
 
No one can argue that the economy has suffered some severe setbacks over the last few years. The total loss of accumulated wealth is astronomical.
But despite all of the problems facing economic growth, recovery will occur at some point. Many believe that the keystone to positive indicators is “consumer confidence.”
Confidence piggybacks attitude and as we have become a society of victims that believe that the SYSTEM failed us, and that there is nothing they we do to climb out of the doldrums of economic collapse.
Individuals that fail of their own volition, however, learn from their own mistakes … (49 comments)

Dear Buyers, Here's to Our Successful Working Relationship! - 11:53 PM
Buy a Home in Sharon, MA, Sell a Home in Sharon, MA, Live in Sharon, MA!
In Massachusetts, all real estate licensees are required to present the Mandatory Licensee Consumer Relationship Disclosure form to a consumer at the first personal meeting to discuss a specific property. You will be asked to sign this form to indicate that this disclosure form was presented to you. The form explains that the Licensee (the real estate agent) can represent you as a Seller's Agent, a Buyer's Agent, or assist you as a facilitator. The purpose of the form is to make sure that you, … (28 comments)

Your box is in the way! - 12:21 PM
For years we've heard the phrase "Get out of your box."  What exactly does it mean and why should I do it?  There are some very good reasons for getting out of the box and doing things differently.  One is called insanity.  You've probably heard this definition before too...doing the same thing and expecting a different result.
If you want a different result you have to take a different approach.  Which in turn means doing something you're not used to.  Which results in the whole "getting out of the box" deal.  I'm going to try to explain two pretty complex words.  The … (20 comments)

I'm sorry; but I don't have sympathy for EVERY SINGLE PERSON losing their home! - 03:28 PM
*Disclaimer* This is a topic I have been wanting to write about for quite some time, and whether you agree with my opinions or not, please take the time to read the reasons why, and digest the information, before commenting.
First off, let me start by telling you who this blog is NOT FOR:
This blog is NOT FOR the wife who lost her husband in Iraq This blog is NOT FOR the family who's child was diagnosed with Cancer This blog is NOT FOR the dad who is working 3 jobs to support his wife & 3 children This blog … (71 comments)

What Does Your ActiveRain Tag Cloud Look Like? - 05:54 PM

Here's another ActiveRain discovery I made today. I saw a reference that a person that I subscribe to learned alot about a particular topic from so-and-so. So I went to their blog and was looking for articles on that topic. Hmmm... On my own blog page, I can pull up articles by the "tags" list... but I didn't see that on any other peoples pages. Anyway, long story short, I did some URL digging around and discovered something I think is very cool. If you append /tags to the person's AR blog address and press enter it takes you to … (87 comments)

Drum roll please..... I'm About to Hit 100,000 Points on ActiveRain - 07:36 PM
Drum roll please..... I'm About to Hit 100,000 Points on ActiveRain
 Back in June 2009 I wrote my very first post. I went back to revisit it and had a little chuckle not only the way looked but because it still says "members only". After my first post I knew I needed to be a member. Why blog if you weren't going to make it public to the world.

I quickly found myself engulfed in ActiveRain. I loved the fact that so many Realtors had come to one meeting place to share what they know, think, and feel. Even if you never wanted to make a … (108 comments)

Nashville Home Inspection - Settlement Issues - 9.15.10 - 04:40 AM
Settlement around the outside of a home can show up in many different ways. Look at the picture below.  Can you see an indication of settlement at this front porch?
HINT:  Despite all the hype lately about the "green movement", going green is not always a good thing when talking about a home.

In the view above look across the front brick steps at the color changes.  Now look below at the closeup of the left corner of the entryway.  Hmmm.  Now something is suspicious.  Why is the brick so green?

ANSWER:  So what we have here is an area … (13 comments)

Say Goodbye To Real Estate Commissions Say Hello To Hourly Fees And Retainers - 05:58 PM
By Renee Porsia, Real Estate Girl
For as long as I've been a Realtor which is 10 years now, I've always heard sellers and buyers say that Realtors get paid too much money.  Easy to say coming from someone who isn't paid by commission only and who gets a paycheck every Friday.  It's always easy to judge someone when you do not walk in their shoes. Isn't it?
Too much money; seriously? How much is too much money anyway and who appointed those people the salary police?
Let's talk about this for a second. When someone contacts me to come to their home to possibly list it and I … (39 comments)

FAR SIDE OF THE ATTIC, Chapter 3 - 09:12 AM
(first bit)
(second bit)
Chapter 3
"Out of the Attic"
      Several days passed and I completely forgot my buyer and the agent outside the attic (man is my wife going to be pissed).  Sarcastically I thought to myself how great for business this was going to be and how it would probably be the last referral I would get from that agent.  My wife will kill me----but I will survive.  We always joke about her being an “inspection widow” when she has to watch movies alone due to my working on reports all night.  Relationships can be a whole other … (27 comments)

Top Agents Quit Real Estate - 11:59 AM
The Facebook post caught my attention.  It said,
"I heard today of 3 top real estate agents in Tulsa who gave in to our difficult market and quit real estate. It saddened me that they couldn't work through the hard times. No matter how upbeat I am on here, I am feeling the very same hard times as the majority of you."
It was written by Bonnie Baker, a nice lady who owns "Real Estate Essentials," a store in Tulsa that carries signs and other items for Real Estate folks. 
(Click Real Estate Essentials to see Bonnie's Facebook page)
I was surprised when … (71 comments)

Houses for Haiti -- Oregon is Helping . . . Housing to HELP THOSE IN NEED! - 03:37 PM
A wonderful project is in the works that is helping Haitians get back home. 
 
 Demonstration House

I saw this house on Cedar Hills Blvd., and the banner read: 
"1000 Homes for Haiti"
 
 
And when I looked into it, I realized . . . FINALLY, FINALLY people are coming up with SOLUTIONS!!
This demonstration house is a collaberation between the City of Beaverton, Portland State University and Pacific Green Innovations.  These homes are ideal for solving some of the short-term housing AND clean water problems facing countries -- such as Haiti -- after a natural disaster. 
Pacific Green Innovations, has partnered with … (30 comments)

If real estate was easy, I'd be out of a job! - 10:39 AM
I had an "aha" moment recently.  I had been whining to myself (nobody else will listen...) about some of my real estate transactions that seemed to be coming off the rails.  Buyers who didn't know what they wanted...or changed their mind midstream.  Properties that had issues.  Construction topics that needed extensive - and immediate! - researching.  Clients who were unreachable.  Home searches that had me feeling like an archaeologist searching for treasure beneath centuries of rock.  And showings that required an algorithm to time correctly. 
You know, the usual stuff.  But it was getting to me.
And then this thought jumped into my head and stormed … (61 comments)

WHY IS THE BANK FORECLOSING IF I AM DOING A SHORT SALE (OR LOAN MODIFICATION)? - 11:19 PM
Why does the bank file and aggressively continue a foreclosure suit even though you are negotiating a short sale or modification of the loan?  This is a most often asked question and although I have visited the question before; the concept of the lender dealing separately with the left hand than with the right hand needs to be addressed again.
My previous article on it had an esoteric title, FORECLOSURE EXPRESS VS. LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD. A picture of those ideas you may conjure up are shown right below.  
 
Except for a few re-blogs, you might have missed it.  It gave at the time a … (46 comments)

Where Are Our Manners? -- Soapbox Oration of the Day - 12:27 AM
One of the unbreakable rules in my household was always the golden rule "Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You" And I meant it whenever I'd see one or the other kids hammerin' on the other one!
As my career grew in various ways, it became apparent that, although most folks had heard the rule, most hadn't a clue what it really meant.
Years ago I managed a law firm. Kinda like Paul Lewiston (Rene Auberjonois) on Boston Legal (which I LOVE, by the way!). But I didn't have any of the power, of course. I later … (44 comments)

Bears in the Streets of New Bern... - 05:29 AM
Bear Town Bears, by local artists can be found throughout the historical town of New Bern, NC. 

The Colorful and fun bears will be on display during 2010, while New Bern celebrates it's 300th Anniversary.

During a recent day trip to New Bern, Tanner and I enjoyed running into the bears as we strolled around the city.  Next time, we will print out the Bear Track Map and try to see all of them....There are a lot of bears!

 

 
 
 
 
For more information about the Bear Town Bears in New … (33 comments)

REALITY BOTHERS PEOPLE....ESCAPE IS PREFERED..... - 09:24 AM
Many people throughout the day spend more time in their own minds than they do in the moment. They go over things or go from one thing to another not unlike a hamster who rides the old hamster wheel in their cage. It just spins round and round going no-where and the hamster is tired after every work-out. So are we when we do this
ARE YOU A LEGEND IN YOUR OWN MIND....?
Then, when a problem comes up, it comes as a shock to someone because they didn't see it or sense it coming. They were too busy in their … (24 comments)

Selling Your Home in Bucks County, PA - When You have Children at Home - 06:47 PM
Selling Your Home in Bucks County, PA - When You have Children at Home!
Oh, the little darlings are cute and all, but they sure don't help you keep your house in show condition, do they?
Selling your home when you have children living there adds a level of stress to keeping the house in show condition.
 I don't know about you, but it's nearly impossible to keep my house "neat" with three kids running around.  Showings on my house would necessitate what we like to call in our house, a "massive clean-up."  
Here are a few hints for getting, … (24 comments)

Navigating Through Multiple Offer Negotiations - 09:49 PM
Yes, it would be good if your listings receive at least 1 offer to negotiate in this real estate market. But I could tell you that all real estate agents should be prepared for multiple offer negotiations. I realized that this is not a skill something just anyone has.
A buyer's agent who's representing his/her client that goes up against other buyers and agents must know how to navigate these intricate negotiations. Yes, it happens even in this market.
You don't negotiate the same way as if you are the only offer on the table.
Sometimes, sellers ask for highest and … (24 comments)

More Housing MisInformation... When Will it Stop? - 11:26 AM
Poor REALTORS! The misinformation campaign about the housing market continues with yet another announcement of a “drop” that is entirely meaningless. When will real estate brokers take control of the information story?
<!--more-->Yet another announcement is making the media rounds today, lowering confidence and confusing the consumer. Trulia (amongst others) released data today indicating that home sellers “slashed” prices for homes "on the market" last month. The media, untrained in either economics or real estate, is churning this report as if the “market has dropped” once again. Even financial networks are making the mistake of saying this latest price reduction … (31 comments)

I Want To Buy A Foreclosure ! - 10:31 PM
"I Want To Buy A Foreclosure !"
 

You've heard from so many 'sources' that foreclosures can be bought for pennies on the dollar, so why cant you have a piece of that world right ?

You go to many of the major Real Estate Search Sites and they have a 'Foreclosures' tab. You get excited to see that there are 24 in the town you are interested in, ranging from $450,000, all the way down to $15,000 ! You quickly go to the $15,000 'Foreclosure' listing, and see that it looks exactly like the $350,000 listing your brother … (55 comments)

How Safe Are You? - 10:20 PM
September is Realtor Safety month.  We have talked about this topic several times in meetings this month.  There are lots of free handouts on Realtor.org for you to use in sales meetings and training meetings.  Safety is something we should never take for granted.                    
Make time in your office to develop a program of safety ideas for agents while in the office and when showing property.  Even going to take a listing, requires being careful.  Know who owns the home before you go to meet them.  Pull up the Tax Information, pull MLS data, neighborhood information, go prepared.  You might be … (47 comments)

A Great New Safety Tool Realtors Can Use - 01:31 PM
I just caught the announcement of this great new safety app on AgentGenius. Mymoby.com on your cellphone allows you to alert your chosen contacts and emergency services of an emergency with the push of a button.You can even schedule moby to ask you if you are okay and if you don't respond your contacts will be notified.  Sounds like a great tool for the elderly living on their own also.By the way, the basic package is FREE!  Read more at mymoby.com
… (64 comments)

Alan's top 10 things to do to keep busy during this merely temporary "lull". - 09:36 AM
I keep reading in the media, and in blogs that some Realtors are experiencing a modest downturn in business. (Not me, heavens no... I'm busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger)... and these people are finding themselves with excess time on their hands.
Some have suggested that they dedicate that extra time to calling expireds.  Some have mentioned that they should work their farm and send out more advertising flyers.  Others tout the value of Buffini-esque methods, of staying in touch with former buyers and sellers, and the value of "drop-bys" and lunches and other types of prospecting in order to build … (92 comments)

What a Pleasure - 09:29 AM
Sometimes you just have to tip your hat. It seems so rare these days, especially in New York, where terse tolerance of the competition is the most we expect in this market. With the State Association (NYSAR) in town this week, 4 kids just getting back into the school routine, and my admin out all last week, I haven't been the best P and Q guy around. So when it occurred to me on my drive home at a tad before 9pm last night that I hadn't set up a showing requested by a client for 3pm this afternoon, I sheepishly … (44 comments)

RENTAL MARKET HAS IT'S "DOWNTURN" DYNAMICS...TOO - 08:01 AM
As a result of all the foreclosures in today's marketplace, the rental market has picked up to a degree. People have to have a place to stay. Whether you own or not is not paramount at this point of transition. Between the unemployment dynamic and the housing defaults, it is making the renting of a property to a prospective tenant more challenging for all concerned
TWO YEARS AGO.....1 IN 40 APPLICANTS WERE NECESSARY TO FIND A GOOD MATCH
Employment was better. The housing industry was not its default peak, and business was below normal but operational in the rental arenas
NOW....1 … (41 comments)

Tampa Mortgage Loans and Shark Bait - 07:52 AM
As a Tampa mortgage lender, I seem to be shaking my head in disbelief a great deal; not at the clients...at the Fannie's and Freddie's of the world!
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, those telltale fins emerge from the depths ready to take down the unsuspecting home buyer. (Cue the shark music...)
We all know about how the underwriter-appraiser clashes can kill deals. But now, although underwriters can no longer just arbitrarily slash the value of an appraisal...which of course is good news; the bad news is that if an underwriter and an … (12 comments)

My First Ever Blog! - 06:19 PM
Alright, I've taken the plunge!  I'm in the blog world and the water is warm.  What to write about?  What do I know about that you in the blog world don't?  Nothing!  So, I will write about what I do know and hope enough of you will find it at least marginally interesting.  I am an educator turned realtor who is now devoted to educating home buyers.  My team presents monthly first time home buyer seminars in our area and I also present at the Dane County Housing Authority for new home buyers hoping to take advantage of county and city … (85 comments)

Simple Rules...But Ohhh So Difficult To Follow For Some! - 11:45 PM
This may sound like a rant, but it's simply an observation that I happen to witness several times each week and it's starting to wear on me. Okay...I think that officially makes this a rant then! I guess today marks the day that I've broken my ‘no rant' pledge!
I know we all have different rules to follow with respect to our state license law and local boards, but I can assume that some simple rules & regulations span across many of our markets. Some rules may seem like overkill, but most are in place for good reason and serve to protect … (49 comments)

Those memories you look back on, and shake your head! - 06:35 PM
This story starts back 14 years ago, in my first 3 months of being a Realtor.  I was in the office on a Sunday going over settlement statements so I knew "what they looked like", so going to closing the following week, I would have seen the documents before closing.    This was to be my first closing!    There were no other agents on "floor", and here comes a call.    WOW, what do I say --- go with the flow! The caller had asked about a couple homes in the same neighborhood and if I had seen the inside of these homes.    … (35 comments)

Twitter, Spam, Thank You Ma'am - 05:34 PM
Hello 'Rainers!  Just a few updates for all you curious minds: Twitter:  Automatic syndication of content to Twitter is broken.  Twitter changed their authentication API and we haven't had time yet to update our systems.  I have no ETA to give at this time and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. Spam:  Spam, spam, spam.  I have come to the realization this is a never ending battle and one that makes me shake my fist in the sky daily.  Anytime you see a spam comment, please click "Report a Concern" and our team will be notified.  We do our … (54 comments)

How Do You Title a Post? Finding the Write ... Oops .. Right Words - 01:36 PM
 
    
    
    
     Yesterday, I read a post written by AR member, Cliff Paulick entitled, "Give Your Blog Posts Better Headlines with One Easy Tool!  Use AMI's Headline Analyzer".  Cliff's headline caught my attention because I know I have a definite weakness when it comes to titling my blog posts.
     Okay.  So it's not just a "weakness" ...  
      I suck at it ... bigtime. 
      I'm a Hoover.
    
     And because of it, I have a real classic case of "Headline Envy".  I see some very creative, cute, innovative, eye-catching, heart-grabbing headlines here on AR .. and I'm … (55 comments)

Agents losing sight of the high standards they should hold dear - 05:39 AM
Just a short rant...
I'm a managing broker for a real estate company in Southern California.  A new hire signed up with the company and proceeded to vanish into the sunset (no time in the office, no internet presence, no neighborhood farming, etc.).  After some time she calls to tell me that she thinks she might have better luck at another company as she wasn't producing any deals at ours (hello... you need to work to earn money).  Incidently I looked up this new company promising unlimited listing leads.... of the 20 agents the broker has, ONLY 3 ACTIVE LISTINGS (LMAO).  Additionally, … (45 comments)


Blog posts


Mexico Spa for Sale for $3,600,000 - 30 Years Established Clientele - Hotel Resort - 02:52 PM
Commercial for sale in Thermal Hot Springs, ME … (0 comments)

Twitter, Spam, Thank You Ma'am - 05:34 PM
Hello 'Rainers!  Just a few updates for all you curious minds: Twitter:  Automatic syndication of content to Twitter is broken.  Twitter changed their authentication API and we haven't had time yet to update our systems.  I have no ETA to give at this time and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. Spam:  Spam, spam, spam.  I have come to the realization this is a never ending battle and one that makes me shake my fist in the sky daily.  Anytime you see a spam comment, please click "Report a Concern" and our team will be notified.  We do our … (54 comments)

Homer Glen Homes - 09:16 PM
There is a new and improved Homer Glen homes website page that shows you current listings without having to do a search.  You will immediately see how many homes are currently on the market (there are 250 homes for sale today) and you'll see one photo with a bit of information.

But it gets even better when you click on a property as you'll get all the data you need.  Multiple photos and virtual tours (depending on each listing agent), a description plus room sizes and more, a map, driving directions and local information such as Walkscore, demographics and school … (2 comments)

Hollis, New Hampshire Celebrates Annual Old Home Days - 10:28 PM
     New Hampshire's Old Home Days was established in 1899 by Gov. Frank West Rollins to bring folks who had headed to the west back to the small towns of New Hampshire.
    Old Home Days faded away in many parts of New Hampshire and was re-established in Hollis in 1996 in commemoration of the town's 250th anniversary.   Today, there are at approximately 57 Old Home Days events throughout New Hampshire.
    This year, the Hollis Old Home Days begins Thursday, September 16 starting at 5:00 P.M and ending at 9:00 p.m. on September 18th.   Old Home Days will be … (9 comments)

State of Economy: Recovery or Bust, Part 1 - 06:01 PM
Over the past year, the airwaves, TV, and blogosphere have been filled with Pros & Cons of government solutions to our present economic crisis and just as many with proposed solutions. Taking an independent view of the economy from the common man's view of the state of our economic recovery, I will discuss certain "hot button" aspects of our government solutions so far & offer a proposed solution from a main street viewpoint.
I)       Financial Markets.
a)      Much as been touted about the need to bailout AIG, banks and shore up Wall Street. Our elected leaders, both State & Federal, saw … (0 comments)

5314 N. Figueroa Street, Highland Park - 04:19 PM
5314 N. Figueroa Street, Highland park
  
5314 N. Figueroa Street, Highland Park, offered for sale at: $649,000
5314 N. Figueroa is an extraordinary mixed used (commercial-residential) property consisting of an office space, a retail store space, a bonus studio unit, all on the ground level, and a tastefully renovated 3 bedroom apartment unit on the upper level. Additionally, there is a separate bedroom house in the rear with private yard space. There is ample open parking. The retail space & the rear house are currently leased. The upper 3 bedroom unit will be delivered vacant. The office space may be … (0 comments)

Best Smartphone Apps for REALTORS - 03:59 PM
This will be as much of a question as a statement post.  What are the best smartphone apps for us to have as real estate professionals?
I have a Samsung that came with some of these and I have added others:
Instant radar that pulls via GPS the closest NOAA radar.Another more complete weather app.GPS - this is just a must.Facebook - great for mobile uploads and not so much for getting updates from friends.Texting - I have a 16 year old and work with a community service club at her high school.Compass.  Here in Austin it is nice to know … (3 comments)

America Needs Bigger Nuts - 01:35 PM
I do not know much about Christine O'Donnel.  They say she is a Nut.  She cannot explain how she earns a living, there are questions about her finances and how she lives, she filed a sexual harassment suit that went no where, and apparently she lies. 

Pic by TVOL on Flickr
I do not know if she goes to a church with a racist pastor, hangs out with known terrorist, threatens innocent citizens who disagree with her, or spends Trillions of dollars with nothing to show for it.  I do not know if she has driven off a bridge and … (14 comments)

Short Sales in Antioch California - 03:19 PM
Short Sales in Antioch California
Short Sales have become the dominate part of the market. You cannot ignore what is going on with Short Sales.
This report looks at Single Family Home Short Sales in Antioch California by comparing the Active Market to the Pending Short Sale Market and the Short Sales for the last two months.
There are 149 Active Short Sales in Antioch California on the market now with an average asking price of $210,789.00 and a median price of $205,000.00. These Short Sale Homes are listed at an average or $109.00 per SF and have been on the … (0 comments)

Austin TX Real Estate - Foreclosures and Short Sales are a Small Part of the Market - 09:39 AM
Austin TX real estate is low on Foreclosure and Short Sale Listings compared to the rest of the country. I get calls and emails all the time from prospective buyers wanting to buy a foreclosure or short sale property because they can get a "better deal."Really? What exactly is a better deal? And what happens if what you're looking for can't be found in a foreclosure or a short sale that we look at?"But Donna, there are so many to choose from, and this is what I'm looking for..."Really? So many to choose from?  Is that because you saw it on … (8 comments)

Business closings: Fort Myers Beach - 01:19 PM
Business closings on Fort Myers Beach.
The sluggish economy and a misconception about oil on our beach has put additional strain on local businesses to make it through the summer.   Several local businesses have closed while others have adopted restricted hours of operation to cope.   Thursday Sept 7, 2010 was the last day for the Beach Theater.  After 10 years in business as the only theater on Fort Myers Beach the owners decided they would have to close.  The last 5 years were a challenge !  Other businesses deciding to close include: Dixie Fish Company, Jimmie B's Rooftop Bar and Luna Rossa
… (4 comments)

Collinsville Illinois Real Estate, Collinsville IL Homes for Sale - 05:17 PM
Looking for a home for sale in Collinsville IL
Local Real Estate Guide
Metro East & Scott AFB Illinois Home StoreBe The First To Find Your New Home  
You may use this local Scott AFB - Metro East Illinois real estate website to search for every home for sale surrounding Scott Air Force Base and military family housing. So if you are considering selling your home or buying a new home, please use this website to find all homes for sale and the information you need, and if you don't find it here, please contact me. You will find homes for sale … (0 comments)

What Your Cell Phone Could Be Telling the Government - 10:24 PM
Our local news station carried information last evening about how cell phones are used to keep track of unsuspecting cell phone users. This data in the wrong hands can be very dangerous, including when it is in the hands of the Big Brother. They should how easy it really is for anyone to be able to track a cell phone user online. Some cell phones give the user the ability to turn off GPS data, at least on some programs.
Via NNN Triple Net Lease Broker- Greg Garver San Francisco Commercial Real Estate (Triple Net Lease NNN Brokers USA):
What Your Cell Phone … (2 comments)

National Trust for Historic Preservation Community Grant Voting Ends Tnoght! Please vote for the Southwest Museum! - 07:31 AM
Voting ends tonight.  Please vote today!
The organization with the most votes will receive a $25,000 grant towards their presevation work. Please vote for the Southwest Museum! Voting ends tonight!
Register at the National Trust for Historic Presevation and vote to show your support of the the Southwest Museum.
 
 
Charles Fletcher Lummis founded the Southwest Museum to be a comprehensive museum covering the history, science, and art of the American Southwest.
Founded in 1907, the Southwest Museum's permanent home was specifically chosen atop a hill overlooking the Arroyo Seco Valley and since opening in 1914, the Southwest Museum has remained … (0 comments)

Backing Up Facebook and Twitter - 07:34 AM
Thank you, Kathy, for pointing to this article on backing up social media! 
And The Chronicle seems to have a lot of other interesting information, too!

Via Kathy Toth Ann Arbor Realtor Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor Market Center):
What if you lost all your facebook photos and could not recover that article you tweeted - you know it was somewhere.
Backing up your own computer is easy, but another network, cloud or Google docs?  Read this article to have choices in your backups. A network failure will happen - but when and are you covered?
http://chronicle.com/blogPost/Backing-up-Your-Social-Network/26890/?sid=wc&utm_source=wc&utm_medium=en
I … (1 comments)

Home Loan Modifications can help you remain a homeowner. - 09:37 AM
 
Have you faced a layoff or major life change this year? Are you in a position where are you scared because you’re struggling to make ends meet? You are not alone. If you are concerned that you will not have the ability to make your mortgage payments you might want to consider a loan modification program? The Obama Administration's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) provides eligible homeowners with the opportunity to modify their failing mortgages to make them more affordable.
Under the home loan modification program, lenders lower a borrower's mortgage payments to 38% of the individual's gross income (monthly). … (1 comments)

NEW! Pearland TX Consumer Real Estate Web Site - 11:26 AM
I have just launched a web site that uses GIS mapping of every subdivision in the Pearland TX city limits. This new web site will let the real estate consumer search and see every new listing, both “For Sale” & “For Lease”. One thing unique to this new site is it also shows all of the SOLD listings in a given subdivision in the Pearland TX area.You can access the new site at pearlandrealestate.danfrankrealty.com. This link will bring you to the main landing page and will show every subdivision in Pearland. On this page, you will be able to search via … (2 comments)

How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home - 06:49 PM
How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your HomeBy: Carl Vogel Published 2010-08-05 08:25:52 Before you put your home up for sale, use the right comparable sales to find the perfect price. How much can you sell your home for? Probably about as much as the neighbors got, as long as the neighbors sold their house in recent memory and their home was just like your home. Knowing how much homes similar to yours, called comparable sales (or in real estate lingo, comps), sold for gives you the best idea of the current estimated value of your home. The trick is … (6 comments)

It Was In Your Price Range! - 03:09 AM
 
It Was In Your Price Range!
               
I took this photo today and figured it would look good on ActiveRain. Think this may have been the expression on my face when I heard these words: It Was In Your Price Range!  
Inspired by a comment I made on a recent post by my friend, Karen Karuschka's,  You And Your Client Were Meant For Each Other
How many agents really listen to their buyers?
How many agents really understand the buyer's needs?
 How many agents care about the buyer's dreams?
The answer is that most agents do care and do a wonderful job … (20 comments)

Are Open Houses Effective? - 08:20 PM
I just read an article on MSNBC on Open Houses in New York. It seems the author says that Open Houses bring out the neighbors so they can snoop at what the sellers have in their house. The author said that New Yorkers like to see how they are doing in relation to their neighbors. People like to go to them and take advantage of the free food. Their statistics are over half the people that go to the Open House are not looking to buy but go there to check out the homeowners personal belongings, from artwork to notes on … (6 comments)

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