Archives of real estate blog entries for January 9, 2011

Featured blog posts


ActiveRain - Sidebar Content - 10:08 AM
In your ActiveRain blog, there are quite a few customizable elements that you have control over. It is like moving into a house though, there are so many things on your "to-do" list that you start with "first-things-first" and then eventually you get to the other things. So in AR, you probably start right away with your profile page. Perhaps you pick a background color or image for your blog. Eventually, you create a nice looking header graphic. Finally you start noticing "everyone else" has little widgets and gadgets and gizmos over there on the right hand side in what is … (113 comments)

What's the Difference Between Foreclosures and Short Sales? - 11:45 PM
What's the Difference Between Foreclosures and Short Sales? You've got to love reading through some of the questions and answers on Trulia!  I always love to clear up the consumer's questions that seem to be so simple for us but, not so elementary for those who are not in the real estate business.  Here's the short version of a recent question that I thought needed a bit of clearing up: 
What is the difference in a foreclosure and a short sale and which is the best one to buy? In response to the initial question - The difference between a … (79 comments)

SELLING YOUR HOME IN FRANKLIN NC? HERES HOW! - 08:20 AM
 
Your FRANKLIN NC Real Estate ExposedNeed to sell your home .. there is only one WAY TO EXIT!TOTAL EXPOSURE
SELL YOUR HOME IN FRANKLIN NC
There is only one way to get a home sold in Franklin NC or Otto NC, or anywhere in the World, and that is TOTAL EXPOSURE! The business paradigm for Real Estate has changed world wide with the advent of the Internet. This paradigm shift is not exclusively found within the realm of real estate, but in every business application in existence today. Perhaps a simple observation would help to illustrate this point? Remember the … (11 comments)

I’m sorry, I’m not going to sell your home, here is your listing back! - 07:42 AM
Many times the seller is the one that wants to cancel a listing with an agent in Beaverton and that is how I get a lot of my listings, I’m the second agent. But, how often does it happen that I’m the one doing the firing? One of the questions I’m asked when I take a listing is, “How easy is it to cancel the listing if I’m not happy?”
Well, the simple answer them is, “Give me a call and tell me you are unhappy” But, then I have a follow up question for them “How easy is it going … (230 comments)

Selling Your Home On Long Island - Why Can't We Price It Higher? - 11:49 PM
After a recent visit to a home on Long Island soon to be listed for sale, I've had several conversations and emails regarding different aspects of the proposed marketing plan and pricing.  The seller understood, at our meeting, just how crucial proper pricing is in the current real estate environment.  I have to assume, after speaking with some family members, he found himself questioning the rationale of positioning the property to be the best value in town.
"Why can't we ask a little bit more?" he asked in his email, saying he understood he'd have to take less, but this would … (23 comments)

I really don't want a sign in my yard. It's none of my neighbors business if I'm selling my house. - 11:48 AM
I really don't want a sign in my yard.  It's none of my neighbors business if I'm selling my house.
With all due respect, you are incorrect.  It is in your best interest to have as many people as possible know that your house is for sale.  No one can buy it, if they don't know it's available.  With over 160 homes currently for sale in Wrightsville Beach, NC, we need to take advantage of any form of advertising we can.
First, let's deal with the neighbor issue.  Your neighbor may be just the person to help sell your house.  Think … (133 comments)

Stuck in the Same 5 Groups? Here's a Great Way to Find More - 09:13 AM
Stuck in the Same 5 Groups? Here's a Great Way to Find More If you are like me, I have browsed the groups and can't seem to find anymore interesting ones then the 5 I seem to post to everyday. Then I started looking through veteran ActiveRain member's blogs and started noticing all these groups I had never heard of before!
In case you were unaware, under the blog is all the information that writer wanted you to know about the blog, for SEO purposes and other things. In that information is the 5 groups the writer posted the blog in. … (82 comments)

Cap Those Faucets Before You Move - 01:49 AM
I've been meaning to write this blog for a while but I had forgotten about it. I was showing a home today and there was water everywhere in the laundry room at one of the properties. As I looked around I noted a small trickle at one of the laundry room washing machine faucets. The water was running down the wall soaking the sheet rock and puddling up on the floor. I made a quick call to the listing agent to let her know. It reminded me of a listing I had had in Frisco. The owner had painted the house … (67 comments)

Wood And Oil, Should They Mix? - 09:05 AM
Here in Connecticut we heat our homes a good part of the year. Right now Connecticut has just experienced its second major snow storm of the season and baby its cold outside! With the ever increasing and volatile cost of traditional fuels for home heating many people in Connecticut have turned to wood to supplement or even replace their heating system.
Sometimes as a Connecticut home inspector I find a wood stove in the home during a home inspection. When a wood stove is found there are certain things to look for as far as a good and safe installation. One … (41 comments)

You Gotta Play The Game To Win! - 09:00 AM
You Gotta Play The Game To Win!If you watch sports at all, you know there's no such thing as the "mortal lock".  Time and again we see evidence of the team that "shouldn't" win, doing just that!  Davids knock off Goliaths regularly.  If you'd have told me yesterday morning that a sub .500 team would knock off the defending Super Bowl champs, I'd have thought the Seattle fans were crazy.  Final score, 41-36, Seahawks!  WHOAAA! In real estate, we may often be the underdog, but we gotta play the game to win.  It would be easy to say that you can't … (60 comments)

5 Reasons Why You And Your Agent Should Leave While Your Home is Shown - 12:37 PM
5 Reasons Why You And Your Agent Should Leave While Your Home is Shown
In some real estate markets, having the seller or the listing agent present is the norm.  It is not the norm in the Central Coast real estate market, and if the seller or the listing agent is present for a showing it can detract greatly from viewing the home.  This is especially the case in today's real estate market where more than likely your competition is a vacant home that the buyer can linger in freely for as long as they desire.  So, if the buyer has to look … (88 comments)

Some Members on ActiveRain Are Just Plain Snarky and Mean - 02:03 AM
I have been reading blogs here on ActiveRain from newbie members mentioning about the mean comments members are making on others' blogs.  Also arguments.  I have read comments where members call others names.
I just received a comment that was really mean on my blog post from a member who I subscribed to.  The comment is what is called "snarky."  Why do some members wish to leave nasty comments?
Some reasons may be:
1.  They are jealous
2.  They have nothing better to do
3.  They have no real estate business to mention
4.  They want to discourage others from participating in the ActiveRain … (200 comments)

Question: At What Point Do You Call Your Listing "Sold"? - 06:43 PM
I'm looking for input on this one ... but first, let me explain why.  This morning I read a post by Richard Iarossi called Question: Why are you telling me it's not available, I see it on Realtor.com and added a comment about a client got mad at me because the homes they were finding on 3rd party websites were no longer available.  In my case, I scheduled a showing with the showing service and as we pulled up, the property had a "SOLD" rider on it.  When I called the listing agent to inquire, she admitted that she was hasty … (58 comments)

Don't Let Your Clients Out-Technology You - 06:15 PM
We all know a guy like Steve. I've known Steve for nearly fifteen years, and in that time, he's had about fifteen jobs. Packaged foods salesman, mortgage broker, insurance guy, and for several of those years, he sold cars. In almost all of those jobs, he made a habit out of ripping people off. When it came to car sales, he did a pretty good job of it, before this little thing called the internet became pervasive.
His inability so sell, seemingly changed overnight. One day he told me, that he wasn't happy with *all these people studying off the internet, … (60 comments)

I know I’m a Active Rain Blogahaulic because… - 04:39 PM
I know I’m a Active Rain Blogahaulic because…
I lay in bed at night, after logging off Active Rain and my mind begins to spins, as I conceptual my next blogging topic. I become so excited I can’t fall asleep. I keep notepaper near my bed and in the dark write down my ideas. These days, with my husband’s recent illness, it is the only guaranteed satisfaction I can rely on.
My kids keeps saying, “Are you on Active Rain again?’ and I try to deny it! I realize I’m just as addicted to social networking as them, who can be … (65 comments)

Who You Calling Addicted? - 06:47 PM
Who You Calling Addicted?Something is wrong with me… 4:00 a.m. From solid sleep I’ve jolted awake, thinking, “Did I get back to Valerie Zinger?”  I remember reading her blog post and sending her an email.

Then she answered. Did I write back?!?  Better get up and check. I’ll just turn over for a minute… 4:06 a.m. I’m dreaming about a tiny little shoe repair store in Wilton, CT. I’m roaming its basement.

Basement?!? In what amounts to a hut? How did I let Dagny Eason convince me there’s a basement here? 4:14 a.m. This basement sure has a … (84 comments)

Get Your Undies Out of A Wad.... AR Members Are Too Mean? - 02:26 PM
Earlier today a post about how "mean some Activerain members are" was featured. It drew a nice crowd of comments, opinions and supporters who agreed that many people are just too gosh darn crummy in the Rain.
As a Realtor we deal with the general public. We are subject to all different kinds of personalities, opinions and levels of "rudeness."
Personally, I don't see how an agent can close a lot of deals if they are too sensitive. You aren't going to love and adore every client you close. If you eliminate those that make you tear up or or get … (107 comments)

Facebook Faux Pas: Avoid Being a Social Media Social Outcast - 06:54 PM
 
Do your Facebook status updates welcome interaction?  Do they provoke thoughts among their readers? Do they show how much your care about a topic or for others on your friends list?  You may have noticed that when some people post status updates, comments flood in, but when others post comments, no one has a thing to say about it.  Do you ever wonder why?I know of an agent who is distraught over noticing she is the one struggling to make connections via the social media world.  Taking a look at her profile, I noticed a few faux pas that will … (104 comments)

THINGS THAT DRIVE THE CLIENT CRAZY - 11:13 PM

REALTORS® strive to be professionals, but on occassion, we do things that drive the client crazy!  The best way to keep those moments to a minimum is to spend time reflecting on the little things we do--even unwittingly.
By no means is this an exhaustive list; but maybe it gets us thinking about our habits, mannerisms and attitudes.  Many of these are things I've discovered about my self over the past 40 years of working with the public in many capacities.  I've sold Bibles, Furniture, Cookware, Dust Control, Insurance, in addition to years in ministry and real estate.  I don't … (133 comments)


Blog posts


Transfer Request - Scam Alert - 11:05 PM
I just received this an email from someone posing as an associate of mine and a member of ActiveRain. If I wasn't previously aware of this scam I might have been compelled to reply to this scammer and potentially even transfer the money.  
Here is a screenshot of the email:

… (57 comments)

Help with Foreclosure in Lancaster Pa, Foreclosures Rising - 11:59 AM
Welcome Back Readers.  Today we are touching on a timely topic for many.  Foreclosure.  Timely for many, as an article about it in today's paper was titled "Record number losing homes".  Ouch.  Record number. 
The article cites 2010 Lancaster County Pa Foreclosure filings as setting a new record at 1,334.  This is an increase over 2009 at 1,319.  But who really expected differently?  With the state of the economy, I look at those numbers and am surprised they aren't higher.  That figure represents an increase of 1.21%. 
That's the new record, up 1.21%.  If all we are going to do is talk statistics, that is nothing, an anomaly, barely … (2 comments)

Activerain made me #4 on the first page of google within 30 minutes! - 02:02 PM

The magic of Activerain never ceases to amaze me!
I wrote a post this morning, a Sunday, about foreclosures in my area ( you can read it here ) and within 30 minutes it was the #4 organic search result on google for what I imagine will be a very common search term in my area in the coming months "foreclosure help in Lancaster Pa" !
As a bonus, the AR post I wrote in March on that topic was #9 on the first page as well.  Twice on the first page.  Amazing!
 
 
photo courtesy of moonlightbulb via flickr
 
… (7 comments)

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY JANUARY 9 IN NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES - 02:32 PM
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the 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)

The Diet is Blown - Week 68 - Gearing Up! - 02:31 PM
I may start my diet again next Saturday, the camping trip I thought I might be going on was called off.  I have to go over a few things with my wife and get ready.  I am off the Caffeine and feel better for it; but I have been sugar and carb binging.
This week gained 1.6 lbs.
… (9 comments)

Real Estate Investing - The 10% Solution! - 02:46 PM
I am a big advocate for Real Estate Investors getting the best return possible on your money. Well we have all been taught (or are learning right now) to avoid credit and pay cash when ever possible.
However, this does not hold true for Real Estate Investing. When it comes to Real Estate Investing you want to maximize your return on investment. This means borrowing as much of the purchase price as possible for your Real Estate Investment.
The initial reaction of many Real Estate Investors is negative. The two main objection I hear is the interest rate is higher when … (17 comments)

5 Reasons Why You And Your Agent Should Leave While Your Home is Shown - 03:44 PM
This is a great post by a really great Blogger on why you should leave your home (and your agent too) when it is being shown.  Hanging out while people are looking at the home can be very awkward.
Via Tni LeBlanc REALTOR® Santa Maria Homes Central Coast:
5 Reasons Why You And Your Agent Should Leave While Your Home is Shown
In some real estate markets, having the seller or the listing agent present is the norm.  It is not the norm in the Central Coast real estate market, and if the seller or the listing agent is present for a showing it … (3 comments)

Twitter Me This! - 04:01 PM
This will probably seem dumb and basic to many of you.  I however, really struggle with how to use Twitter.
Well yesterday as the sad events in Arizona were unfolding I was at my sons wrestling match.  His coach and I were trying to follow the events on our Smart Phones.  I was going to all the news sites I could find and try to get the latest.
He had all the News Sites feeding into his twitter and clicked on them as the topic popped up. 
I am starting to get it.
… (11 comments)

Stuck in the Same 5 Groups? Here's a Great Way to Find More - 11:23 AM
ActiveRain Groups are a great way to make new friends and get your blog read.  A lot of time I post stuff that I want to see interaction on and posting the the right groups makes a world of difference.  Here's a post on how you can find more groups to post to.  Happy Blogging! 
Via Inspector David Snell (Snell Experts):
Stuck in the Same 5 Groups? Here's a Great Way to Find More If you are like me, I have browsed the groups and can't seem to find anymore interesting ones then the 5 I seem to post to everyday. Then I … (6 comments)

Speechless Sundays - My Big Eyed Boy - 12:07 PM
Speechless Sundays - My Big Eyed Boy


This is my 3 year old son Zachary with his big eyes and his big eyed frog.  So cute!    Today we're enjoying about 3 1/2 inches of fresh snow, warm hot cocoa and a toasty fire going inside.  Had my first showing on 12 High Street in Brookfield and have a final walk-through on 5 Rice Corner Road in Brookfield with the closing scheduled for tomorrow.   Enjoy your Sunday afternoon!  
… (2 comments)

Belleville Illinois Home for Sale, 2027 Celebration Park Circle - 05:19 PM
Belleville Illinois Real Estate Town Home For Sale
2027 Celebration Park Circle, BELLEVILLE $102,900 2027 Celebration Park Circle, Belleville IL 62220Priced at $102,900

2BEDROOMS2BATHS1,148SQ. FEET0ACRES Very nice townhome with 2 Bedroom, 1 1/2 baths in Reunion-Celebration Park. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances, upgraded maple cabinets, upgraded laminate countertops. Living room has exterior sliding door to patio. Brushed nickel lighting, 6 panel colonist doors. Upstairs laundry room, l (more)
Features Total Baths: 2 Water Heater: Gas Bedroom 2 Flooring: Carpet Living Room: Main, Carpet Kitchen: Vinyl, Main Utility Room Dimensions: 8 X 5 Roofing: Comp Shingle Exterior Features: Curbs/Gutters, Sidewalk, Street Lights Parking: Attached Garage Sewer: Public Sewer Property Features: Foyer Entry, Patio, … (1 comments)

You Can Win a CD and Help Fight Amyloidosis ...Enter Gail's Contest! - 12:38 AM
My friend Gail has a Contest Going . It is my favorite kind of contest on ActiveRain. It highlights someone special, her husband, Rich Harris. And this contest  brings publicity for a much needed cause...a disease called Amyloidosis. 
Over the years, I have been encouraged by Gail, her struggles and her sense of humor. I love to hear her laugh.. here is what she worries about ... AR points and I am laughing.
And another post  tells how we met. Can you believe that this sweet man with the happy smile actually yelled at us?
         
 
 We … (6 comments)

SHORT SALE CONTRACT ADDENDUM FOR 2010 - THE GOOD AND THE UGLY - 09:18 AM
 
Hi folks. Be careful what you sign. The Short Sale Addendum to the Purchase Contract is a VERY impotant document. Most agents in Florida use one of the 2 addenda below.
As Richard points out there are vast differences in the two. As your Florida Short Sale Broker I will make sure that the right addenda are used and that the Short Sale Purchase Contract will protect you.
And since I am NOT an Attorney and cannot give legal advice I will let Richard's explanation below do it for me.
Are you facing foreclosure in Florida?
Do NOT be foreclosed … (5 comments)

Independent And Foreign Movies In Chicago Northern Suburbs - 04:05 PM
While searching years ago on where to see an independent movie, the answers were and still are the same. Landmark Theaters!
Landmark's Renaissance Place in downtown Highland Park is my first choice and it looks like the only one. The theater is located at 1850 Second Street. There is 3 hours free parking in the underground garage. If you come early you can have a quick slice of NY pizza across the street as an idea. I did drive to Landmark on Clark Street to see A Single Man by Tom Ford, since it was a limited release.
I visited many … (2 comments)

31 Days of January - 10:52 PM
As we go through this new challenge, I have not had the inspiration for the blog posts that I wish I could have. I want to be clever and interesting and really make a difference. I suffer from paralysis of analysis for sure.
We are watching the weather in the Atlanta area as the sleet is coming down with promise of snow and more ice. Businesses and schools are closed tomorrow and interstates are closing down due to the weather. We are paralyzed when we have this type of weather. So my mind is stuck in "bad weather" mode and not … (10 comments)

What's all this chatter about ACRE®? - 11:42 AM
Since Margaret Rome's post:
Give Yourself a Gift of Education..Consider Real Estate Consulting! we've had lots of enrollments from AR. But we've also received some questions regarding what ACRE® is all about and more importantly why are we offering it at no charge??? So, if you've been wondering, here's a short video which explains a bit about the ACRE® (Accredited Consultant in Real Estate) program:
 
Regarding, why we are offering the course for free (we AR types are a skeptical bunch!) the answer is simple: Our mission is to transform the Real Industry toward providing CHOICES to consumers in both … (3 comments)

Speechless Sundays - Winter On Long Island - 10:06 PM

Winter made itself known loud and clear on Long Island this year, much as it has in other parts of the country.  The second significant snow fell right on cue Friday with huge, flakes obliterating the view as I drove home from the supermarket.  I was so disappointed to discover my camera, my constant companion, was not sitting beside me on the front seat.  This was undoubtedly a Kodak moment in the making, crying out to be captured for posterity.
We were lucky this time, with no additional accumulations adding to the two feet plus dropped by the blizzard two weeks ago.
… (11 comments)

Selling Your Home On Long Island - Why Can't We Price It Higher? - 11:49 PM
After a recent visit to a home on Long Island soon to be listed for sale, I've had several conversations and emails regarding different aspects of the proposed marketing plan and pricing.  The seller understood, at our meeting, just how crucial proper pricing is in the current real estate environment.  I have to assume, after speaking with some family members, he found himself questioning the rationale of positioning the property to be the best value in town.
"Why can't we ask a little bit more?" he asked in his email, saying he understood he'd have to take less, but this would … (23 comments)

Top 10 Posts of 2010...? - 12:27 AM
Thank you, Karen Bernetti, for posting What were YOUR 10 Best ActiveRain Posts in 2010? After reviewing my statistics, here are the Top 10 Best Active Rain Posts in 2010 for the Idaho guy who is “Looking out for your next move…” sm Call the Waiter... Great Advice!  
 
New Policies for Taking Short Sale Listings 
 
Showing Your Listing to Another Agent's Client....?  
 
Where were you nine years ago today?  
 
I got this Blog Idea From a Spray Can...  
 
Best Practices Tip #10  
 
Best Practices Tip #4  
 
You … (10 comments)

6 Useful Tips Using Coffee Filters - 08:37 PM
  
6 Useful Tips Using Coffee Filters
 
In 1908, the first paper coffee filter was created in Germany.  The concept was simply to extract the bitter taste of the coffee caused by boiling loose grounds.
 
Today, the paper filters are very common and over the years, have found to be useful in a variety of other methods: 
 
1.     Use a coffee filter to pour wine into a carafe after the cork has broken to pieces.
2.     When re-potting a plant, place the filter at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to eliminate soil from … (16 comments)

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