Archives of real estate blog entries for January 22, 2011

Featured blog posts


Video Tutorial: The Easy Way to Add a Video to Your ActiveRain Blog Post - 08:30 PM
A number of people have asked me how I get YouTube videos into my blog posts.  I put together this quick video tutorial to show you the tricks I use to get all my formatting just right.
For me, the easiest thing to do is write my entire post, then format all my text and insert any other images I want.  I put a placeholder in for my video and then save my post as a draft.  From there it's easy to edit my post in the HTML tab and insert my embed code in where my placeholder was.
Take a … (69 comments)

Picasa Photo App Series [Part 9] Blog Header - 11:48 AM
Today I'm going to teach you more things that you can do with the amazing (and free) photo app called Picasa. If you want to see other articles I've written in the Picasa Series, you can click that link to see a list. This post will be about how to use the collage and text tools in order to create a custom blog header graphic that you can use for your ActiveRain blog.
In order to illustrate the points in this blog, I worked with Leah Stern in order to update her blog page. You can see below, the page makeover … (96 comments)

Have You Hugged Your Snow Shovel Today? - 10:01 PM
Many years ago, I shared an office with a very sweet woman who was married to one of Washington, DC's toughest lawyers.  He was sort of famous - the kind of guy that litigants would hire so the other side couldn't have him.
Well, one day, this very sweet woman was showing houses after a snow storm.  And one of them had a layer of snow and ice on the sidewalk.  To make a long story short, she fell down, broke her knee, and the sellers and the listing broker were tied up in some particularly nasty litigation for a really … (61 comments)

If you're a professional, you'd better get tech. Like it or not. - 02:06 PM
We ARE in a world of technology overload.  I think so. But technology is here to stay."I hate technology."  "I don't have time for all this techie stuff."   "I make plenty of money without it."  I hear this from other realtors all the time.Real estate is a second or third career for many of us.  The average age in our industry is 52.  Folks resist change, and for many of the 1.3 million realtors in the U.S. it's considered a supplemental income.  I think it's ironic, when talking about the cost to invest in technology, some agents will spend $30,000 - … (77 comments)

Life on Lake Oconee-"An Active Rain Newbie Contest - Jump into 2011 with a BANG" - 09:51 PM
I am a huge fan of where I live. Lake Oconee in Georgia is one of the greatest places in the world. I would have never moved back here and transfered my real estate license from a town as great as Charleston, SC if I didn't have faith in Lake Oconee's ability to continue to grow. It's been two months since I've been back in the real estate business. I'm encouraged by the turnaround in the economy and as we continue to grow I would love to see new faces around here. Prestigious neighborhoods such as Reynolds Plantation & Great Waters, … (13 comments)

YOUR HOUSE IS FAR BETTER? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? - 07:11 PM
I took a referral client on a magical mystery tour today - NOT!
It ended up not being so magical and not a tour because I don't believe you can count ONE house as a tour!!!!! Grrrr
This particular client feels her house is far more valuable than it is. Can you imagine? [insert sarcasm here!]
Providing the comps of what has actually SOLD and what is lingering on the market still, did nothing to convince her at our meeting on Thursday so I arranged a tour today to actually let her see her competition and perhaps view these homes … (96 comments)

Just What Does Supportive Mean? - 10:04 PM
I sung out loudly in my last post that the people on Active Rain are super supportive. So what exactly does that mean?  Does it mean that the people in the office where I work are not supportive?
No, not at all!  But keep in mind that it is a  different  relationship than here.  Even though we are all on the same  Century 21 Real Estate Center   team, we are also each others'  direct  geographical competitors.  So we walk a very fine line between comaraderie and respectable boundries.
I have found the people I work with to be more than helpful - sharing maps, clause pharases, advice, local real estate customs and … (28 comments)

Dear Homeowner, You have expired ... - 06:32 PM
 

 
 
 
 
My seller received a letter from a competitor, actually a follow-up letter, and gave it to me to read.  Her comment to me was "Barbie, why would I even consider interviewing this real estate agent when nothing she says is about protecting my interest but putting you and me down?" Disclaimer:  I am looking at this letter, not as a Realtor but as a seller.  I could care less what you guys do out there except stay within the confines of the Rules and Regulations. I looked at this letter from a marketing standpoint and … (136 comments)


Blog posts


Europe Villa for Sale for $4,900,000 - Portugal Villa for Sale - Luxury Villa for Sale - 09:29 AM
Brand New Luxury Villa with Garden Views … (1 comments)

Prepare for snow - 01:56 AM
Even if you may not have as much sidewalk in Crest View in North Boulder, snow days just may make you tingle.  Not only do you have to leave for work early with the snow, but also shovel your driveway, and any sidewalks. 
On our site, 8z.com we recently had an article for Boulder home owners on alternative services to spare the back-breaking work of winter walkway care. Here is a list of these professional services in Boulder: 
Professional Snow Removal – “Who Likes to Shovel? We do!” is their mantra. They can plow, haul, clear sidewalk and add ice melting … (1 comments)

The Diet Restarts - Week 70 - (re)induction - 08:55 PM
OK today I am back on induction.  I am also trying to go with zero diary, yeast, and artificial sweeteners in the first week or two.  Atkins allows limited artificial sweeteners, some diary and generally no restrictions on yeast; but yeast has caused me problems in the past.
However taking all that out really limits me.  My goal was to only eliminate those items for the first two weeks.  There is only so much protein you can eat without some flavor from those items involved. 
My carb snack today was 1 1/3 cups of soybeans mixed in with cut up bacon … (6 comments)

What is Shadow Inventory? - 09:01 PM
Here is an excellent post talking about Shadow Inventory in the Las Vegas Market.  The same issues are prevelant here in East Contra Costa County.  Just like the writer I do not think all these homes are going to show up on the market at one time.
Click here for Information on Buying a Bank Owned Home.
Via Renee Burrows - Las Vegas Real Estate (702-580-1783) www.ShackDiva.com (The Force Realty -Realtor-Estate-Probate-REO-Short Sale):
What Exactly is Shadow Inventory in the Las Vegas Real Estate Market?
Shadow Inventory has been a HUGE boogeyman in the Las Vegas Real Estate Market.  Experts wring their hands and have been telling … (1 comments)

Age of maturity - 09:46 PM
I was just looking for some good real estate post to share with you.  This is not real estate, but it is funny and will give you a laugh today.
If you have any real estate questions contact me now!
Via Nancy Larson (Greater Coastal Realty, Inc.):
THE OLDER CROWD A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office.'Is it true,' she wanted to know, ’that the medicationyou prescribed has to be takenfor the rest of my life?''Yes, I'm afraid so,' the doctor told her.There was a moment of silencebefore the senior lady replied,'I'm wondering, then,just how serious is my conditionbecause this prescription is marked'NO … (4 comments)

Are you Righteous? - 07:01 PM
BIBLE MEDITATION:Romans 4:5 - “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”We are justified because of God's action whereby He declares those who have trusted in Christ to be as righteous as His Son is righteous. Salvation is not based on our works.Do you know what God sees when He looks at me today? He sees Jesus Christ. You may be thinking, “That’s arrogant" , but it's not! It is the word of God.  I am in Christ and therefore God cannot see my sins (see 1 Corinthians 1:30). He … (5 comments)

Are you looking for a home to rent in Altadena, California? - 07:34 AM
Frances will be holding an Open House today, Saturday, January 22 from 2:00 to 4:00
at 2200 Maiden Lane, Altadena, CA 91001

2200 Maiden Lane in Altadena
is offered for lease at $1,850.00 per month
This is a wonderfullyspacious mid-century ranch style homewith 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.
The large living room with fireplaceopens out to a private back yard.


Ample kitchen and dining area.

2 car attached garage.
For more information, please call Frances Muralles at323-369-1985 or 323-344-5585
You can also email us at bobtaylorprop@gmail.com .
The Bob Taylor Properties Network of informative blogs and websitesBob-Taylor.com Our … (1 comments)

New HAFA short sale guidelines effective 2-1-2011- do they apply to most short sales - 11:20 PM
I kept hearing and reading (in Active Rain blog posts and elsewhere) about the new HAFA guidelines that are to take effect 2-1-2011, and the improvements they will make to the short sales process.  Here are some of things I've heard and read:
1. Mortgage payments no longer have to be more than 31% of borrower's gross income.
2. Property no longer must have been occupied as primary residence within the last 12 months (previously, had to be owner occupied up until 90 days before closing). 
 3. Now first lender can allow $6K to a second lien holder, regardless of what … (0 comments)

Do You Know Who You Are Dealing With? - 12:18 AM
Thanks to Charita for reblogging a post by Laura Salinsky's  three offers.
From experience, I can relate to this post from a buyer's agent point and from a listing agent's point.
Many years ago, my buyer clients were viewing a home with me and the owner was home. This buyer expressed serious interest asking specific questions of the seller.
                                                    
About an hour later, the listing agent called with a hurry up and stating she had 2 offers and was presenting at 7 PM. When I relayed this to the buyer, her response:  "I am not interested in a  bidding … (22 comments)

Bixler Church Road Impromptu Open House 1-2 PM TODAY! - 11:21 AM
3738 Bixler Church Road Impromptu Open House 1-2 PM TODAY!
I have an unusual situation but exciting in today's market. It is my listing and I have interest from several buyers so I am holding an impromptu open house and everyone is invited. The sellers are aware. it's in the MLS as open as well as on Craig's List.
                               
                           I have two showings scheduled so while at the home, I will have it OPEN from 1-2 PM
                      
It is also 16 degrees with a windchill. Yes I will be at 3738 Bixler Church Road in Westminster … (14 comments)

Tips To Help Handle Junior Liens During A Short Sale Transaction - 07:55 AM
Hi folks. I wrote an article a few weeks ago titled "If You're Going To Work Short Sales.....Know How To Get Paid" It was a simple post basically just giving agents a few ideas on how we can get paid when the lender/investor wants to slash the real estate commission. Pop over and give it a read if you haven't.
In the comments section the conversation made it all the way around to POC (paid outside closing) items on the HUD. There are a couple of folks who seem to be having difficulties with POC items and Short Sales. Specifically when … (26 comments)

Selling Your Home with a Home Office? - 11:09 PM
Selling Your Home with a Home Office?So many people are working from home now, it is almost a necessity to have a home office. But the problems with having a home office is that it is also a place to work. And with work, comes clutter and mess. So what do you do if you want to sell your home? Make sure you stage it like any other room in the house. It should appear well-organized and and very neat and tidy. It should not look unattractive and messy by having cords hanging everywhere. Make sure they are out of sight.Now … (9 comments)

Selling Your Home In Today's Market? Don't Shoot Yourself In The Foot - 10:04 PM
Selling homes on Long Island is not as easy as putting a sign on the lawn and waiting for buyers to appear.  Finding the right buyer in a challenging market is hard enough, but if you're doing any of the following, you might just be shooting yourself in the foot, and guaranteeing that your home doesn't sell:
Pricing your home emotionally, not analytically
Pricing in today's market, based upon anything other than the most up to date information about market conditions can be committing real estate suicide.  The best way to get what your home is truly worth is to position your … (0 comments)

Are You Planning To Sell Your Home? Don't Shoot Yourself In The Foot - 11:51 PM

Selling homes on Long Island is not as easy as putting a sign on the lawn and waiting for buyers to appear.  Finding the right buyer in a challenging market is hard enough, but if you're doing any of the following, you might just be shooting yourself in the foot, and guaranteeing that your home doesn't sell:
Pricing your home emotionally, not analytically
Pricing in today's market, based upon anything other than the most up to date information about market conditions can be committing real estate suicide.  The best way to get what your home is truly worth is to position … (7 comments)

Nampa Idaho Market Summary for Fall River Estates - 12:24 PM
Nampa Idaho Market Summary for Fall River Estates
 
From January 1, 2010 through January 1, 2011
 
5 homes are currently for sale
     Average Price $244,760
     Average price per SF $89
     Average Days on Market 265
 
 23 homes have sold in 2010
     Average price $177,726
     Average price per SF $71
     Average Days on Market 119
 
1 home is currently pending sale
     Average asking price $192,500
     Average price per SF $63
     Average Days on Market 21
 
Great buy on 2982 SF Home at 548 Bayhill Dr.
 
Contact Don … (4 comments)

How do you systematize your lead follow up? - 11:28 PM
Following up on Internet leads…
 
It seems my website leads are building up & I wonder how many deals I am letting slip through the cracks…
 
After spending most of the day working on catching up on my Internet inquiries, I have been working on a revised system to manage the leads.
 
I’m looking for a little advice, as to maybe how YOU might manage your incoming leads.
 
As I receive an e-mail notification from my website, I will respond immediately, either answering their question or providing them a link to the property listing with more details.  … (13 comments)

Pay it Forward....Technologically Speaking... - 06:34 PM
  In this ultra techie business we are all proud to be a part of....we replace the equipment that no longer suits our needs...sometimes it is not that it is dysfunctional....we just have a less than ultra functional relationship with it....the computer does not run as fast....the printer resolution not as sharp as it could be....the fax is tad toooo slow for the mega faxes/emails that fly to the lenders withher  short sale packages.....and we find that spending money on better hardware saves us more money than the cost of the hardware....and we have another write off for office equipment.     We … (16 comments)

What is called shots? - 05:20 PM
Hey all!
Just poking around on my home page, under where it lists our points, I noticed something called Called Shots.  Mine says 0 but I don't know what that means or is for.  There is a little question mark to click but when I click it I only get the first line of whatever it is trying to tell me. 
So does anyone know what it it?  Or even if it is good or bad to be 0.
Thanks in advance!
… (10 comments)

Where's your best Chicken Wings?? - 08:11 PM
Im writing this blog thanks to Karen's inspiration of making a Fellow Foodies group.  I love to cook and eat too.  What a challenge at the gym!  lol!  Anyway, my son and I are true critics of good wings and have even helped a couple of new restaurants get them right.  So where are the best wings in town?  After a little restaurant burned down 2 years ago, my son and I agree, it's hands down Bobby Valentines Restaurant.  Yes the baseball player opened his first joint here over 20 years and after expanding then downsizing, it's the last.  And still … (7 comments)

Quitting Smoking, I am, help! - 09:01 PM
Ok all, I'm 3 hours from tossing the disgusting stuff away and giving it an all out try.  Looking for tips from those of you have succeeded in quitting and not gaining pounds.  i feel like I've smoked most of my life, sad I know.  But I'm committed in my head to be done.  But it's strange because I feel like I'm about to loose me best friend.  I know some of you out there know this feeling.  So send me your tips.  I want to truly succeed this time and never go back!!!!
… (7 comments)

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