Archives of real estate blog entries for September 27, 2010

Featured blog posts


Why RainCamp San Jose is just the beginning for me! (Yes, I made it!!) - 11:47 AM
The title of this blog post says it all! After 24 days of blogging 2-5 times per day, I finally have made it to Raincamp San Jose!
I am very excited to be here today (1st row, last seat on right). Activerain has lit a fire inside of me, and it has instilled a passion back into my Real Estate career. I not only want to utilize Activerain to be #1 on Google anytime someone searches ANYTHING to do with Temecula (Yes, a lofty goal), but I want to network, and really befriend the community so that it can become … (31 comments)

Content Is King and I Am the Queen - 09:13 PM
Just a little while ago as I was reading my daily dose of real estate related blog posts, I happened upon a post by a real estate agent and novice blogger who says that he is writing 5-7 posts per day. (By the way, I still consider myself a novice but this individual is even newer to the novitiate than myself.) But, in any case, my point is that five posts per day is a lot of posts. I do not think that it would be possible for me to have a life with some semblance of normalcy and post five … (52 comments)

New Advertising Rule to Cost Texas Real Estate Professionals Millions - 04:25 PM

The Texas Real Estate Commission has proposed a rule change to 535.154. The new rule would require any advertising placed by a salesperson to contain the license number of the sponsoring broker. Brokers will be required to place their license number on any advertising they place.
Click here for the proposed rule change on the Texas Secretary of State website
The current rule requires the broker's or brokerage's name to be included in all advertising placed by a salesperson or broker.
While TREC rules require licensees to promptly file assumed business names (DBAs) with the commission, the concern revolves around DBAs not being … (64 comments)

Why Short Sales Fail And How To Avoid Short Sale Denial - 05:44 PM
Original Source: Why Short Sales Fail And How To Avoid Short Sale Denial
Short sales are complicated, time consuming, and stressful to all parties involved. Depending on the bank you’re dealing with, it could take up to a year for a final approval on a short sale.
The fact that it takes so long makes it that much more difficult to find a buyer who is willing to wait months before they know if they can even buy the home.
In 2009, it was believed that only 20% of short sales were approved and finalized. That stat tells you, getting a short … (31 comments)

I Love a Prepared Buyer, Don't You? | Are YOU a Prepared Buyer? - 11:41 PM
I Love a Prepared Buyer, Don't You? Are YOU a Prepared Buyer?  
I love working with a prepared buyer. One who has gotten their act together, and is ready to make a decision, and move through the transaction. 
Sadly, it can be kinda rare these days. There are many hopefuls who are simply not prepared for the challenges our market presents. 
But there are folks who ARE appropriately prepared and ready to go.
 
WHAT DOES THE PREPARED BUYER LOOK LIKE?
 
They are pre-approved, or have the cash wherewithal with proof of funds
 *   *   *   *
They know … (89 comments)

Mortgage Pro Week in Review 9/19/2010-9/26/2010 - 02:55 PM
Well, after a long sabbitcal, I'm honored that Mr. J.B, a/k/a Sir Jeffrey Belonger has asked me once again to do this week's Mortgage Pro in Review.  Jeff Belonger....THANKS A TON!  I hope that you find this information to be useful as well as educational!
 Let's start off with something that may be viewed as a hometown favorite. 
Jeff Belonger In spite of the fact that I use the term, "The Honorable" Jeff Belonger, loosely when tagging his photo, Jeff comes out on top again with two pretty strong posts that talk about the advantages of buying versus renting.  Check … (8 comments)

Buying A Home Is A Series of "Yeses"....Helping The Buyers Understand This - 09:07 PM
Buyers are nervous....especially in this environment. As agents we can help our buyers take the steps with confidence by our explanations. I like to tell my buyers that the buying process is a series of "yeses"....we keep moving forward until we hit a "no."
1) Finding a home and writing an offer: "yes, we like the home enough to submit an offer"
2) Accepting a counter offer, or opening escrow: "yes, we accept the initial terms, subject to contingencies"
3) Reviewing the home inspection: "yes, the condition of the home is one we accept, or we ask for repairs"
4) Request … (31 comments)

Do you remember your first job? - 02:00 AM
 
Do you remember your first job? 
I’m always intrigued by the answers I get when I ask that question.  They usually begin something like this:
 
“I worked at the local donut shop part-time when I was 14” or, “Fresh out of college, I started as an assistant at…”
 
My answer is quite different.  I don’t remember ever not working.  What I remember is that before I started first grade and for many years after, I picked cotton.  Mama took an old pillow case and sewed strong straps onto it to make my very own cotton sack.  I … (72 comments)

In This Day and Age - What Good is Owning a Home? - 05:28 PM
A recent cover of Time Magazine featured the phrase, "Rethinking Homeownership" and dwelled on the downside of owning a home since we have been through some turbulent times.
This is doom and gloom of the worse kind.  A home may not be the ultimate piggy bank that it once was, but does that mean we should become a nation of renters?
Before we turn in our welcome mats and put away the "Home Sweet Home" plaques we may want to look at the opportunity that is here and the reasons to buy a home right now.
Quality of Life.  A rental property is not going … (66 comments)

RainCamp San Jose (ROCKS!!!!!!) - 02:24 PM
You know it, I'm here at RainCamp San Jose, here at the Computer History Museum in Mt. View CA.  What a day!
Starting clockwise from the top. 
I finally met Ralph Gorgoglione, what a great guy!  He truly is an ambassador to us bloggers here at ActiveRain!  The next picture is my flying through the rain!  The second row is Ben Kenny is the speaker today, and he rocks!  Everyone is enjoying his personality and expertice on the subject.  Then there is me and Lottie Kendall.  I have read her posts, and enjoyed them.  Great to meet her finally!  The third row is … (38 comments)

WAIT! Please SLOOOOOW DOWN.. - 10:57 PM
WAIT!  SLOOOOOW DOWN.. We often live such hurried lives...
We have a need to be efficient...
There are things waiting to be done...
The phone is ringing, a text coming in, email alert is going off...
You want WHAT yesterday??
 
I know.. 23 CEUs must be completed, 20 are finished and deadline is this Friday...
Your websites badly need updating... 
Photographs are waiting to be post processed and input into listings online...
Your parents think you've forgotten they exist...
Your children think they want you to forget they exist...
Maybe (if you're old enough) your grandchildren all … (66 comments)

What A Brand Is & Isn't - 10:22 AM
A brand extends far beyond colors, font styles and replication throughout all marketing aspects of a business. A brand represents YOU, Inc. whether you are a real estate professional, a stay-at-home mom, a pastor or a student.
As Chris Brogan explains in his recent blog, Personal Branding Basics for 2011, Chris mentioned that a BRAND is a PROMISE. It's where you start. He quoted Lance Armstrong about Yellow. Lance is not only a cyclist, he lives, breathes and promotes healthy living - the extension of his BRAND.
What BRANDING ISN'T is: a logo, the same photo repeated everywhere, a slogan, a … (84 comments)

Want To Be A Realtor? ...First, You Must Have A Tough Skin! - 01:31 PM
I have never met a Realtor who isn't ready to express an opinion.  After all, this is an industry of pretty opinionated people, and most of us will never waiver.  So if you are a new agent, one bit of advise - grow a thick layer of skin - FAST. I see too many newbies in the business getting upset when they can't win a debate.  Maybe it's because they don't know how to go about disagreeing.  There really is a way to argue a point without losing the respect of your colleagues. 
I've grown to admire and respect those who can … (35 comments)

Do you post the same blog on other sites? - 08:11 PM
I recently signed up with Trulia.com and have been actively answering questions in their Q&A section, as well as posting blogs on their site. I know that I can get wider exposure by covering as much as I can in different sites outside of ActiveRain.
 
So, aside from posting new articles on Trulia, I re-blog the same articles that I have posted on ActiveRain. These are my own original articles, so no copyright infringement to worry about.
 
I’m sure you will agree that while AR and Trulia may have common readers, there are readers exclusive to Trulia … (44 comments)

The Perfect Showing......A Seller's Perspective - 09:38 AM
Last week, Greg Nino wrote a great featured post entitled 'The Perfect Showing'.  The topic discussed was advice for the seller in order to have a perfect showing.  Today, you will hear the seller's perspective of the same topic.
Mr. and Mrs. Buyer and Buyers' agent PLEASE:
   1.  Arrive and Leave ON TIME!  If your appointment is from 2:00 to 3:00, please do not come at 3:15 and plan to stay an hour.  By then I will have put the baby down for a much needed nap and started dinner.  No, you are not invited to dinner.
   2.  We left … (54 comments)

The Huntington Library in San Marino, CA - 06:03 PM
The Huntington Library in San Marino, C A is not a Library in the conventional sense; rather it is a beautiful park with unusual flowers, rare vegetation and a serene sanctuary. It is the perfect get away for a peaceful afternoon or day. Depending on how much time you would like to devote to this serene sanctuary from the everyday hustle and bustle of activity.

 Henry E Huntington (1850-1927) is mostly known for being one of the biggest Land developers in the San Gabriel Valley.  He built this magnificent Mansion in San Marino, CA.  Here he kept a large collection … (20 comments)

NO!! NOT HAPPENING!! NEVER!! FUHGETABOUTIT!! - 08:17 AM
We're not usually in the business of saying "No". Yes, we can sell your house! Yes, we can give you great service while we're selling your home! Yes, we can negotiate calmly while the other side is being an absolute knucklehead! BUT...when you ask us to do something NOT in the best interest of our clients, well the REALTOR© Guardian mode is engaged! No, Nein, Nada, Nyet...you CAN'T do that and we won't let you! We're the Gatekeepers, standing watch over our clients.  You're not going to get information from us that hurts them.   Why they're moving?  Not relevant.  Where … (149 comments)

Buyers: You Have an Accepted Offer...Now, What? - 11:59 PM
Sell a house in Sharon, MA, Buy a house in Sharon, MA, Live in Sharon, MA!
Let me set the scene:
You're interested in buying a home in Sharon, MA. I've been showing you and your spouse homes for sale in Sharon, MA that meet your criteria and your budget. Then, it finally happened! You made an offer last week and it was accepted today. Congratulations! You love the house and can't wait to start redecorating. 
But, wait...before you get the keys to your new home there are several steps that have to take place. My job is to make sure … (22 comments)

SMARTER THAN THE AVERAGE BEAR?? MORE WILEY THAN WILEY THE COYOTE?? OR, A LAMB WAITING TO BE SHEARED?? - 10:28 AM
Liz and Bill Spear got my attention with their savvy post about buyers who have the very sadist of negotiating skills.  See:  NO!! NOT HAPPENING!! NEVER!! FUHGETABOUTIT!!
CONSUMERS' QUESTIONS REVEAL THEIR INEXPERIENCE.  Do prospective buyers really believe that  practicing agents would disclose the most valuable information about sellers that would then give these buyers a distinct negotiating advantage????  It appears that they do. 
CONSUMERS ARE JUST LOOKING FOR THE TREASURE CHEST OF "INSIDE" INFORMATION!
I'm often posed these question when prospective buyers call for information about homes for sale. 
"How much negotiating room is in this price?" "How low will they go?" "What is their … (47 comments)

South Kingstown RI Homes for Sale - 06:31 AM
South Kingstown RI homes for sale have been selling all summer and into fall at a steady rate.  South Kingstown has been the bright spot in home selling in the southern RI area.  Deals are to be had, made and negotiated at this time of the year. A year ago many sellers still were not getting the market value of their property had decreased.  Now there are more honest and presentable selling prices for South Kingstown RI homes for sale for buyers. If you enjoy the beaches and ocean front properties in South Kingstown now is the time, since it is … (23 comments)

RainCamp San Jose: Did you drink the Kool-Aid? - 09:16 PM
OK, so I made a stop by RainCamp San Jose today.  I signed up for the Platinum Pass but arrived late by 2 hours because I was hosting a legal forum on issues we face doing business.  So, I get there about 15 minutes before lunch and listen in.
 
COME ON, WHO HAD A RAIN-GASM?
At this stage, it's not rocket science but for newbies it's well presented.  The speaker is a fellow Realtor and he's good.  I've done a lot of speaking and can spot folks who feel comfortable on-stage.  At this point, the attendees are glued to their … (38 comments)

Listing presentations - fluff or fact based? - 06:18 PM
HAVING BEEN A BUYER'S AGENT many times I am beginning to understand how the Buyer looks at a perspective home. Also, over the course of listing homes (when you actually GET agent feedback) you understand what Buyers do and do not like (can I  say "1980's wood panelling?).
RECENTLY I WENT ON A LISTING APPOINTMENT and I came armed my comparables, neighborhood statistics etc. I walked into the very tiny home on 2 acres and realized immediately, its the land your selling, not this home. With dark purple walls, very dated wood panelling in hallway, backyard fence being only view from kitchen slider … (52 comments)

How to Tell if Your Clients are Headed for Divorce - 04:52 PM
How often have you felt like a marriage counselor?  Moving won't solve marital problems but we've seen firsthand a number of couples moving to solve or avoid problems in their marriage.  But whatever the underlying issue, it rears its ugly head after the move or even makes the problems worse (especially in the case of over-extending financially to make a move).  These are classic signs that a marriage is in trouble.
One spouse (or both) is insisting on the move even if it means becoming house poor.
We saw this with very close friends of ours.  When they first started looking, … (21 comments)

Why don't you just call yourself "Joe Schmo ~ N.B.I. " as in ~ NOTHING BUT INITIALS? - 01:30 PM
You guys all know the person that I am talking about, the guy (or girl) in your market, or in my case ~ in my office, that prints new business cards and changes his email signature every time he completes a class. 
At the moment his card is so full of designations he can barely fit his email address on there, let alone his phone number.
Currently his business card looks like this:
Joe Schmo ~ REALTOR, QSC, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, AHS, ASR, CBR, CREC, ECO, ASP, CFS, CNE, CNS, CSP, CSS, MSP, RECS 555-555-5555 joe.schmo@j.s-brokerage.com
I've got 10+ years in … (67 comments)

Your you kidding me? A $950 counter offer! In this Market! On a Drug house! - 12:15 AM
My wife just wrote a $229,000 offer on a $229,950 home that has been on the market for 60 days.  The only other thing the buyers were asking for in their offer was help with 3% in closing costs.
By the way, there are also 20+ homes on the market within 2 miles of this home at this price. 
The buyers had basically boiled their choice down to two homes. This one, and a nicer home on an inferior lot (same price).
The buyers made their offer on Thursday afternoon.  The Sellers and their agent finally responded with a counter-offer Saturday morning.  The seller had … (113 comments)

I Don't Work Weekends! - 06:17 PM
Today is Monday and it seems to actually mean something to my friends and neighbors. For me, I've been on the same workweek since I decided not to leave the real estate business seven weeks ago! It's not like I work 8-10 hour days every day of the week...but I do some work every single day, even if only a few hours.
Is this unhealthy for my business long-term? Am I supposed to force myself to take a day off once each week even if I don't want to? Does taking a day off do any good if I'm still thinking … (52 comments)

Pretend like your Boss is coming to dinner. Or The Boss, if it helps... - 12:34 PM
Disclaimer: this agent is not a home stager, does not represent a home stager, and does not play a home stager on tv.  This agent is highly qualified to comment based on extensive viewing of hgtv and current active properties in her farm area, which is not to say that she visits farms very often.  This agent also has her own home that is not on the market, because no way is it remotely ready.
After reading Valerie Zinger's hilarious blog about bathrooms (Don't Flush Away a Sale), I got to thinking about what we "see" - and don't see- in our … (71 comments)

Hello, My Name is Lisa and I'm An Activerain Addict. - 08:40 PM
Hello, My Name is Lisa and I'm An Activerain Addict.
 
I actually thought that I was going to take a couple of days off after the 30 Day Challenge.  I wasn't even going to turn on my computer yesterday.  But there I was, at 8:00 last night, actually feeling kind of stressed because I hadn't posted anything!  All day I had been writing posts in my mind, and they were trying to get out. 
Oh dear...what have I created?
The really funny thing is that while the last week of the challenge was, well, REALLY challenging...now that I'm not under … (48 comments)

5 Ways To Prevent Getting Bored With Active Rain...... (Stalk Someone) - 10:10 PM
In No Particular Order..
 
1. Update & change your profile regularly. Keep the message consistent, yet new. Most of the people that look at your profile are interested in the area YOU work. There's nothing wrong with rotating your profile picture, banner and overall color scheme. Have fun with it. Some might argue that this is initself, "inconsistent." The message is what needs to be consistent, not the look. Remember, most of your visitors are unique. Activerain isn't your website, but YOUR BLOG.
 
2. Don't be afraid to debate and assert your opinion with your actual thoughts. All too … (94 comments)


Blog posts


"You're not smart enough, you're not good enough, and you'll probably fail." - 01:27 PM
However...
Whether it's a quiet whisper, or a loud dominating roar, everyone has that negative and pessimistic voice inside of their head that holds them back from greatness. When it tells you that you're not good enough and you'll probably fail, how do you respond? 
Please share in the comments below, what specifically you say to yourself to overcome the fear and doubt?
… (34 comments)

Western North Carolina Lodging for Sale for $695,000 - NC Lodging for Sale - 04:15 PM
North Carolina Lodging for Sale for $695,000 … (0 comments)

Shelton Washington/ Mason County Market Report for the Capital Hill Community - 01:41 PM
Shelton Washington/ Mason County Market Report for the Capital Hill Community

Capital Hill Community - September 2010
Market Report
Homes on the Market - 3
priced from $94,000 - $189,900 New listings in September -1 Home sales in the last 180 days - 0
Last sale November 30, 2009 - $112,000 If you are interested in finding out more about real estate in Shelton Washington or Mason County Washington, just give Jim a call at (360) 250-6255 or visit his website at www.sheltonhomesnow.com. Specializing in real estate in Shelton, Fawn Lake, Timberlake, Lake Limerick, Hoodsport, Liliwaup, Lake Cushman and the surrounding area. Please feel free … (0 comments)

New Hampshire Seventh Annual Pet Wellness Festival - 11:52 PM
Pet Wellness Festival - A Celebration of Pets and Well Being (edit/delete)
 
      Join us at the 7th Annual Pet Wellness Festival and treat yourself and your pet to a day of joyful celebration of health, education and networking.        The Pet Wellness Festival (PWF) brings together contributors from all over New England who offer  healthy approaches to well-being such as Reiki, TTouch, Massage, Homeopathy, Acupressure, Counseling on Healthy Nutrition, Grooming, Training and Behavior, Healthful Products.
      The proceeds from the festivial will benefit New England Pet Partners, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3), bringing people and pets together to enhance well-being and education through pet-assisted therapy.        Come to  meet the therapy … (13 comments)

It Matters Not for Whom You Work. It Matters What Kind of Job You Do - 11:31 PM
 
Thought this was an excellent post!  Clients choose agents not brokerage firms.  How often does a client call a company and say "Just send one of your agents out to list my home?" Never!  They choose an agent based on his/her personalized service & skills.
While every Agent/Independent Contractor is responsible for his/her own business, it's very important to choose a firm with an experienced broker whom you respect and trust, one who has "your back", one you can learn from, one who encourages sharing and learning from each other, one who has a selective group of agents with similar … (4 comments)

REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS 09/19/2010 – 09/26/2010: NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES - 09:29 AM
New listings entered
Price reductions
Reported pending
Reported sold and closed
These zip codes include the Northeast Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
… (0 comments)

LOT - Glenalbyn Drive, Mt. Washington - 04:42 PM
LOT - Glenalbyn Drive, Mt. Washington
 
LOT - Glenalbyn Drive, Mt. Washington, offered for sale at: $64,500
Vacant land: Prime Mount Washington building site: 4,480 square foot upslope lot in the 3900 block of Glenalbyn Drive. Woodsy and lush with lovely views.
The Bob Taylor Properties Network of informative blogs and websites  
Bob-Taylor.com Our original website BobTaylorProperties.com The company blog NelaLive.net Community events and opinions EclecticAngelino.com A headline newsfeed from around Northeast Los Angeles TaylorHotSheet.com Real Estate Market updates and Open Houses WeMarketRealEstate.com Learn about our intensive marketing strategies for selling your home RealEstateHomeBuyersGuide.com In depth information for Home … (0 comments)

Summerset Homes in Brentwood California - 05:35 PM
Summerset Homes in Brentwood California
Brentwood California has some of the finest 55+ Communities in California in Summerset Homes. There are four Summerset Homes communities in Brentwood. These fine 55+ Communities all feature gated security, club houses, pools, excersize rooms, golfing, and many social activities.
Most but not all of the Homes in the Slide Show are from Summerset or 55+ Communities.
 
Right now there are 27 Summerset Homes for sale priced from $258,000.00 to $599,950.00 with an average price of $428,982.00 and a median price of $419,950.00. The average asking price per SF on Summerset Homes is $206.00 and … (0 comments)

AARP is Already Trying to Recruit Me - Do I Look 50? - 03:22 PM
I know I had a birthday a couple of months ago which always means you're getting older, but did AARP really need to send me an email for a membership today? Aren't they a couple of decades too early?
 

Are they hurting for membership that much that they're signing people up early so they're locked in at today's rate instead of paying their rates in 15+ years? I think I feel a little insulted right now... do I look anywhere near 50?
**Graphic courtesy of the email I received.
**Are You Packed Yet?** 

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comaDonna@DonnaHomes.com
… (14 comments)

Everybody needs one... - 02:35 PM
A mental health break that is.  Every once in a while I just need to get away for the day, away from short sales, REO's, loan docs, disclosures, etc.   Yesterday I took the day off and headed to Yosemite National Park for the day.   It was a beautiful day, actually pretty warm. 
 
While there we had the Sunday brunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel.  The food was awesome as usual.  The Ahwahnee Hotel Dining room is a spectacular setting inside and out.  The view just outside the dining room is gorgeous.   And the food is the best anywhere. 
I can't wait … (7 comments)

George Blanda - 07:10 PM
One of my childhood heros passed away today.  George Blanda died today at the age of 83.  I remember watching the Oakland Raiders as a kid and seeing George Blanda kicking field goals and occasionaly coming in off the bench and leading the Raiders to victory as the Raiders Quarter Back.  And man did he seem old to me then.  I really had no idea at the time what a great player he had been and for how long.

George Blanda played in the NFL from 1949 through 1975.  When he retired he was just one month short of his 49th … (3 comments)

My Best Friend's Wedding - And Funny First Dance! - 12:43 PM
CONGRATS KATIE & JOE BEER! MARRIED SEPTEMBER 25, 2010 Check out this wedding video of Katie & Joe's first dance!  It's the funniest and coolest one I've ever seen at a wedding before!  No one saw it coming!  Great job guys! We see Katie & Joe on a weekly basis and they didn't even hint to the fact that they had a big surprise coming in the wedding dance.  Never knew you guys could dance!  I'm still laughing just thinking about it!!!   … (4 comments)

House Hunting Hints and Tips - 12:28 PM
Very nice house hunting hints and tips. Perhaps, some of these things can wait until a "second" viewing, but certainly all of these things should be done before writing an offer on a home that you really like. They will save heartache by finding out potential problems beforehand.
I like to suggest that if you are really interested in a home, to go back to that home for a second look before writing your offer, if at all possible. The first time you see a home you are learning it's floorplan and seeing things that you perhaps don't expect, etc. But … (0 comments)

St. Clair County IL Real Estate, Scott AFB Area Realtor - 06:15 PM
… (0 comments)

Countdown to Eagle Rock Music Festival: October 2, 2010 - 07:54 AM
Eagle Rock Music Festival, October 2, 2010 4:00 - 11:00PM
This year, Free the Robots will appear on Low End Theory Stage (located near The Coffee Table Bistro)
"Chris Alfaro is Free the Robots. The genre-defying artist pulls together heavy doses of traditional jazz, psych, electronic and hip-hop, with progressive melodies and devastating drums into a rich pot of sound. His techniques create harmony between genres with the blending of obscure samples with analog and digital compositions."

 
Free the Robots at the 2009 Eagle Rock Music Festival:
 
P.S. In this Eagle Rock Music Festival 2009 video, Free the Robots is … (0 comments)

Android Apps - What is Hot and Not - 09:51 AM
I am using the T-Mobile My Touch Android phone. I think the Android platform will surpass the iPhone in popularity very soon.
Don't get me wrong, I have an iPad and love it. But I jst think with the Android platform and all of the different carriers using it, it will pass the iphone numbers early next year.
Something I have found too is the apps on the Android are MOSTLY free where the Apple apps almost always cost you something.
I have found an app for the Android call App Brain http://www.appbrain.com This app allows you to search for and … (6 comments)

So Many Books So Little Time ...Baltimore Book Festival...I Wasn't the Only One with a Camera! - 06:10 AM
So Many Books So Little Time ...Baltimore Book Festival
The MidAtlantic Book Publishers Association booth was at the base of the Washington Monument, right in front of the Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church with its gingerbread spires.
      
Anyone who has followed me knows about my Book, Real Estate the Right Rome Way, and my friend and publisher Peg Silloway.
If you want a refresher, here are some posts from the previous years.
Baltimore Book Festival is this Weekend. A Free Autographed Copy of Real Estate The Rome Way
The Baltimore Book Festival - A Signing! 
Books and Blue … (12 comments)

Farmers Market In Glenview And Surroundings - 10:52 PM

Unfortunately the Farmers Market season in Chicago-land is almost over. Few weeks ago I was at Glenview Farmers Market and took a couple of shots. I can't get enough of those steak tomatoes and all the other great produce. 
If you missed the season, there are only two weeks or so left.
I highly recomend the apple cider!
Skokie Farmers Market
Northbrook Farmers Market
Morton Grove Farmers Market
Mount Prospect Farmers Market 
Park Ridge Farmers Market

Schaumburg Farmers Market
Willmette Farmers Market
 
 
 
 
 
 
Feel free to contact me for any real estate needs.Homes By … (2 comments)

What's On Your Walls? - 12:04 AM
What’s On Your Walls?
As you look around your home evaluating how a buyer will be looking at it, look at the walls. The first thing you should do is make sure all the walls are clean. Make sure the trim is clean too. More than likely though, you will need to paint and make the rooms fresher.
Most people will suggest just painting all the walls off-white or builders white. Better than that though, go to a paint store and find out what the new “neutrals” are and use some of those colors to promote a warmer feeling in … (52 comments)

Merrick Street Fair - 04:07 PM

The planets aligned this past weekend to create the perfect backdrop for the Merrick Street Fair, a familiar rite of passage, ushering in the fall season.  Closed off from vehicular traffic, Merrick Avenue between Loines Avenue on the north and Sunrise Highway on the south, became a welcoming walkway for enthusiastic visitors of all ages.
Children lined up for rides, tickets in hand as their parents surveyed the many booths that lined the streets, flowing into the railroad station parking lot.  Aromas wafted through the air, carried by a gentle breeze, beckoning the hungry to stop and sample their wares.  Not a great environment … (8 comments)

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