Archives of real estate blog entries for October 13, 2011

Featured blog posts


Foreclosures are up and down - two stories and who to believe - 10:07 AM
The headline on MSNBC reads "Sharp Rise in Foreclosures" and another headline in the San Jose Mercury News reads "Bay Area Foreclosures Slow".  Both articles are taken from recently released data from RealtyTrac and both say completely different things.  Both articles claim that while numbers have been mixed or down, this latest report is a sign that foreclosures will rise in the future.  In fact, Santa Clara County (Silicon Valley) had a slight rise overall compared to the rest of the Bay Area.  Overall though, Silicon Valley foreclosures are down for the year and down substantially from their peak.  So, up … (33 comments)

Are You Reading in the Rain - Comments are Written in Gold! - 11:41 PM
It occurs to me at times that people are not reading my posts. They provide me a comment that is not derived from having read the post. That makes me sad and begs me to deal with if I am doing the same thing. I have to say that there are times when I skim a post to determine if I am interested in the "read" or if I will give a reciprocal comment because I like the member and want to encourage them.
It begs to ask the question if we should only comment on "worthy content"? I am always … (79 comments)

Caulking, The Universal Plumbing Repair - 04:43 AM
What to say when you find that caulking, the universal plumbing repair, was used to fix plastic CPVC plumbing?
Entering the REO the agent said to my clients and me that the bank will do nothing more to repair the house?
I asked, "Nothing more?"
"Yes, there were many plumbing problems and the bank already sent someone to fix them," she responded.
I got that "home inspector tingle" so many inspectors understand and even write about!
And I wasn't disappointed!!
My "Spider Sense" was right again.
This little gem of a repair was over the water heater.
The "repair" guy obviously … (84 comments)

Added Value or Sleazy Bribery? - 11:36 AM
So... a hypothetical for y'all.
You are the owner of an apartment building as well as a Realtor.  You tell all of your tenants, that one of the benefits of living here is that if/when they decide they'd like to purchase a home, you'd be available to assist them with that.
Oh, and an added benefit would be that you'd allow them to stay as long as it takes to find and close on their new property.  They could break their lease eariy, or extend it on a month-to-month basis, as long as they use you as their agent.
So... is … (210 comments)

Are We Moving Towards a Jetson's Style Home or Could We Be Going Back to the Basics? - 11:15 AM
Are we moving towards a Jetsons style home or could we be going back to the basics? I read an article in Yahoo Real Estate that looked into the home of 2015 in which it pointed out what we could expect to see more of and less of in the homes of the future. And, over the past 2 or 3 years, I’ve read that builders were seeing fewer McMansions being built.  Surprisingly, for those hoping to see George Jetson, they may have to wait.   Some of the features we can expect to see according to the article are:     -Spacious … (36 comments)

Are Brick & Mortar Real Estate Offices becoming a Dinosaur? - 04:45 PM
I just posted an article this morning over on The Geek Estate Blog entitled:
"Real Estate Outside the Box - Questioning the Value of Brick & Mortar"
Having just recently changed brokerages (you can read about it HERE), our owner/partners of Keller Williams West Sound Realty are in the process of identifying/evaluating potential office space here in Kitsap County WA.
At first, I naturally envisioned that this would be a traditional 'stand-alone' office space, just like all the other local players have.
But then, as I thought about it more, I began to question the value/benefits of having a traditional real estate … (100 comments)

Spam - A Thorn In My Side - 01:55 PM
We all roll our eyes when we see another dreaded ugg boot spam message or the new $77 coffee one that is going around.  Nobody cares that your cheap knock off Fendi shades are for sale!!  No I don't want you to write an essay for me.  So we hit "Report a Concern" and eventually they disappear. Most members have gone to Settings and unchecked the "Allow non-member comments" box but it's a never-ending cycle and one we'd like to do more about.
To further prevent the spread of spam, we have some options:
1.  Make it so that every comment … (104 comments)

Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head! One Year Old Blogger Is Out & About in ActiveRain! - 11:56 PM
Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head
Cause I'm Never Gonna Stop the Rain By Complainin'     One Year Old Blogger is Out & About in ActiveRain!      It has been one year ago today that I posted my first ActiveRain Blog post and, wonder of wonders, it was featured!  So you can see, even though I didn't have a clue what I was doing I was already hooked!  I have been on a fast tract every day since that October 13, 2010 post.  I did not even know enough to know I was supposed to respond to the comments … (73 comments)

Why is Teddy on the Roof? - 12:10 PM
Why is Teddy on the roof?
There is no yard---a landfill of blackberries,rubber Tires,abandoned cars.The roof is rotten---missing shingles,leaking,long forgotten.Why is Teddy on the roof?The windows and doors are junk----mostly foggy,one broken,jagged glass crunch.  The inside is not like outside---landfill removed, stains and rats remain, one can see they tried.Why is Teddy on the roof?The electric meter spins round and round---lights not working,fixtures missing,smoke alarms not found.The water meter is locked off---toilet filled with pink, water heater drained, rotting floor still soft.Why is Teddy on the roof?The gas meter has a lock---furnace rusted through,53 years old,vent pipe blocked.There is water in … (35 comments)

Sometimes it's REALLY hard to remain a Neutral Realtor! - 10:29 PM
Sometimes it's REALLY hard to remain a Neutral Realtor.  How often do we, as Realtors, also assume the role of sounding board, pieces ofa  psychologist, bits of a teacher, parents, guides, on and on...
Then again, there are times, when the situation calls for complete neutrality..and that for me, is even tougher.  I had a recent situation that really made me confront this dichotomy.  
Seller calls me, I list a property that I've been "working" for the past year.  I had hoped for the call, but never truly expected it.  Turns out, the woman I'd been working with had become … (31 comments)

Beaverton Oregon Real Estate: What’s in a name? - 12:00 PM
Beaverton Oregon Real Estate: What’s in a name? Oregon has many names both remembered day in and day out and others that have been lost to time for whatever reason. One of the ways I like to get back in touch with Beaverton history is to visit local cemeteries and check out the names. Often you can tell who the prominent families are by either large family plots or the large grave markers. If a person had a big marker, it usually meant their family had money.


But, what happened to some of these names, what happened to the … (14 comments)

Your Coffee Is NOT Stealing My Joy - 10:29 AM


On most days, I consider myself a pretty joyful gal. There isn’t much that throws me for a loop or takes my attitude sideways. After 16 years in sales, I’ve come to realize that on any given day we all have “stuff” going on behind the scenes that impacts our ability to think clearly. It also affects our attitude towards others.
My commitment to self-preservation and sanity was to make a conscious choice about my mood many years ago. I would rather own my state of mind than allow someone else’s nasty disposition to own me. It was … (55 comments)

I am ready to buy a house, does recent credit matter? An open letter to credit challenged borrowers. - 10:06 PM
I am ready to buy a house, does recent credit matter? An open letter to credit challenged borrowers.
 
When looking at a mortgage applicant, lenders look for two things:
 
1.       The ability to repay
2.       The willingness to repay
You have the ability to repay.  You have a good income, you have even saved money for the down payment and closing costs.  Unfortunately, your recent history is still not showing the willingness to repay.  I realize that you have recently paid many of these items in full. Unfortunately, even paid in full collections affect your credit scores. 
 
… (32 comments)

I Got a Call from Afghanistan, and Made My Day! - 09:44 PM

My phone rang this morning at 6:30 am and scared me to death!     I usually have my phone on from 8 am to 10 pm, and turn it off every night.     I am SO glad I forgot to turn it off last night!
Upon answering, a young man asked me about a HUD home in Denver he wanted to buy for him and his fiance.      We chatted for a little while, and joked about how early he makes calls.    He told me he was calling from Afghanistan and is deployed!   WOW, that gives me goose bumps just writing this!      He … (56 comments)

Moving with Pets - Schaumburg IL Area in the Northwest Suburbs - 02:00 PM
Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts offer these tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move. 1.  Update your pet's tag.   Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move. Be sure to at least have a working phone number with … (24 comments)

Please, No Politics or Religion.... - 11:48 AM
I have been in real estate for a long time and have seen many markets and met many different types of people. I learned early on never to discuss or promote politics or religion. Why, because it can and usually will alienate my clients. I remember a young colleague years ago who had a political bumper sticker on his auto and didn't understand why he was losing business. Duh....because anyone seeing your views who disagreed went elsewhere.
When I show property I don't give personal opinions because, a client may not agree with me and be embarrassed if they think I … (137 comments)

I Smell A Rat! - 03:21 PM
Plagiarism, Content Farms and Robo-blogging in the Rain I read a lot of posts here on AR. My daily routine is to read through my subscriptions first, to see what my pals are up to, and then go through the 39 groups I'm a member of, all the while strewing comments in my wake, learning some great stuff and having fun. I usually spend an hour or two doing this, and I try to get it done early. But the point is that I see, and read, a lot of posts. And something I'm seeing a lot more of is content … (117 comments)

You Want A Deal On The Commission?? We Want A Fire Sale Price On The House!!! - 12:26 PM
My team and I are listing agents, and I market for new listings every month.  The Franklin calls come to me, and I refer them to Lorraine.  Every listing call is unique and everyone has their own motivation, or lack thereof, for calling. 
The last call was yesterday and it went into my voicemail.  The message said that they are going to sell and is the commission negotiable.  That was the message!!  Obviously, it’s all about the bottom line.  This will be a seller who is not interested in how we market or where we market.
When the seller starts … (85 comments)


Blog posts


Blue Ridge Mountain View Luxury & Leisure Condos & Townhomes for Sale From $310,000 - NC Real Estate - 08:18 AM
Mountain View Luxury & Leisure Condos … (2 comments)

Lemont Supply & Demand First Half 2011 - 01:26 PM
Lemont Homes Supply & Demand for the 6 Month Period of January-June 2011

I expected to see more accepted contracts and more closings than what is shown since Lemont is one of the only southwest suburbs that hasn't gone down in price recently.  In fact, for the 1st half of 2011 the average price of single family Lemont homes appreciated by 4.2% although number of sales went down 5.2%.  Lemont is the only village I actively work in, besides Frankfort, that showed price appreciation this year.  Many southwest suburban real estate showed double digit price depreciation.
The good news is … (0 comments)

Best Fitness Gets In Shape for 2012 - 09:49 PM
 

 
Best Fitness, located at 55 Northeastern Blvd. in Nashua New Hampshire just completed a $1million dollar renovation.
Join in the Grand Re-opening Celebration and Cancer Awareness Day on October 15th from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.   Admission is Free Tour the fitness club and try out the equipment ~ enjoy the demonstration classes.  You can Get a 14 day free pass too!
For each person who joins Best Fitness during the reopening celebration, the enrollment fee will be waived, and the 1st month’s dues will be donated to charity. This offer is only available on Oct. 15.
Several … (21 comments)

Summerset Homes In Brentwood Ca 94513 - October 2012 Report - 02:42 PM
Summerset Homes In Brentwood Ca 94513
Summerset Homes are a very popular 55 + Gated Community in Brentwood Ca.  Summerset is divided into four different communities Summerset I, Summerset II, Summerset III, and Summerset IV.
Each Summerset Community is gated with a Pool, Club House, Billards, Tennis Courts, Walking paths, Green Belts and lots of social activities.  The different communities share facilities and activities to provide variety.  
Summerset Homes are near fine shopping, dinning, golf, fishing; and other exciting East Contra Costa Activities.  However, you are still within an hour to San Francisco and two hours to the High Sierra.   
… (1 comments)

First Time Home Buyers in Brentwood Ca 94513 - Caruso Killed It! - 03:28 PM
First Time Home Buyers in Brentwood Ca 94513
Here is a great post on what can go wrong for First Time Home Buyers, or any Buyers for that matter.  
If you are a First Time Home Buyer in Brentwood Ca 94513 or beyond (or a move up Buyer) or looking want to Search Homes on Line for Free go to HomePointRealEstate.com. 
Via Michael Caruso Real Estate Group:
So I didn't really "kill" anything. But, Real Estate deals get killed all the time, and buyers can't relax until they have keys actually in hand.  Here are three of the most common … (1 comments)

Platinum Top 50 Realtors - Austin TX - Donna Harris is Named as a Semi-Finalists - 04:44 PM
Real estate in Austin TX can be very competetive, like in other parts of the country as well.  There are almost 9000 members of the Austin Board of Realtors. Of those members, 150 agents have been chosen as semi-finalists for the Platinum Top 50 Realtors in Austin TX, and I'm one of them!! I received my notice this afternoon that I must attend the Breakfast Awards Ceremony at the Austin Music Hall on December 1, 2011 where they'll announce the PT50.  Platinum Top 50 has been in San Antonio for several years, but they just decided to branch out to Austin. … (19 comments)

I Want To Short Sell My House To My Son - 05:26 PM
I Want To Short Sell My House To My Son
Being a Stanislaus County Short Sale Agent on more than one occasion I have had a seller ask me if they can do a short sale on their home and sell it to their son or daughter or brother or some other family member.   I think in a round about way what the seller really means is that they are going to stay in the home.   They hope that a family member can buy the home and they can stay in it and make the payments for the family member.
… (6 comments)

Building a home in Dallas / Fort Worth - 11:55 AM
Building a home in Dallas / Fort Worth is an exciting process but can also be overwhelming and stressful. Having the right team of professionals – from realtor to builder to mortgage lender – is what can make all the difference. Having been in the real estate business for 10 years now, I have relationships with many home builders throughout Dallas / Fort Worth. This includes true custom builders who can design anything your heart desires!
When considering building a custom home, the first step is getting pre-approved for a loan. There are two types of financing available – traditional … (0 comments)

The Rolling Hills and Great Community within Lake Highlands - 12:50 PM
 
The rolling hills of Texas are found within several of the great cities and especially within many of the neighborhoods. These rolling hills become the central sight for these neighborhoods and areas, and offer residents that lovely lifestyle that they are going for.
 
Within Lake Highlands, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you can find these rolling hills. The neighborhood is a top choice residential neighborhood that many residents of the area choose to live within due to the cozy environment and very serene setting that it is laid within. The neighborhood enjoys great perks of various surrounding cities, … (0 comments)

Events in St. Augustine, FL - 12:39 PM
Hi All,
 
Here is a great link to events in St. Augustine, FL!! Fall is in the air and there is so much happening around town.
http://staugustine.com/entertainment/arts/2011-10-12/st-augustine-fall-events-oct-14-30#.TpcTL7KyBK0
Come one! Come all and enjoy the fun!!
… (0 comments)

draft - 10:59 AM
Patti, This is such an important subject to bring up in the beginnings when working with a client. It is part of my counceling. "Everyone who lives in a house is an expert and has their own opinion. They may try to give you suggestions. Please remember WE are the team. Please share those well meaning comments with me and any other concerns you may have."
Thanks for the reminder...funny one of my clients just dropped one of those 'little bombs' on me by saying " Well another agent told me....."
… (0 comments)

Our Airplane is Now Sold! - 10:00 PM
Our Airplane is Now Sold!  
 



 Our Airplane is now Sold and I sure hope the new owners get as much enjoyment, fun and good memories as we did over the years.
 
Most of you know we love to fly and I have written a few posts on ActiveRain about this.
 
Making a Quick Getaway to Cambridge, Maryland 
This Listing Will Have To Wait......I Had to Make a Pitts Stop
The RAIN......On The PLANE 
The Flying Dozen Discover Nemacolin
Wheeee What Fun! This is Flying...the Rest is Just Transportation !
In Case of Nuclear Attack.... … (31 comments)

Bank of America Short Sale Success In Kissimmee Florida - 07:25 AM

Tutas Towne Realty and Bryant Tutas just had another successful Kissimmee Florida Short Sale closing with Bank of America.
The property: 4 bedroom 2.5 bath single family home located in the Poinciana subdivision of Kissimmee Florida. This home has 2,113 sq ft of living area and was built in 2005. It was purchased new in September of 2005 for $158,000 then bought by my seller 8 months later for $230,000!! It was a primary residence.
Liens:
1st Mortgage with Bank of America for $184,000 2nd Mortgage with Bank of America for $23,000 Hardship:
Curtailment of income. Issues:
This was … (7 comments)

Disputing The Bad BPO. - 07:40 AM


Short Sale Superstars Advanced Short Sale Training Session 3
Wendy and Bryant discuss
Overcoming Bad BPOs   ***55 minute audio sharing tips and techniques for avoiding and disputing the Bad BPO. Forms and templates provided.Check it out Preventing Bad BPO’s Pricing Right Accurate MLS info Communicating with BPO Agent or Appraiser Is it allowed? Tactics OOPS Price Came Back Too High Property Condition Method Photos Inspection reports Bids Other resources Wrong Comps Used Method Independent Appraisal Factual Errors Wendy Rulnick
Wendy Rulnick is a licensed Real Estate Broker for over twenty years, and has sold hundreds of short sale … (5 comments)

Just Listed|Outer Banks Real Estate|305 E Driftwood St, Nags Head, NC 27959|MLS#71981|$575,000 - 10:40 AM
Nags Head Real Estate|Outer Banks Real Estate|305 E Driftwood Street Nags Head, NORTH CAROLINA 27959 MLS# 71981:  5 Bedrooms   5 Bathrooms   1 Partial Baths   2650 Square Ft.

 
What an opportunity to own a 5bd/5.5 bth Outer Banks beach house 2 lots from the beach. That translates to only 600ft ,which is a very short walk, to the beach access. Renters love this house and come back year after year, why not this house has everything. Pool, Hot Tub, Game Room w/Pool Table, 4 Master Bedrooms, plenty of decks, ocean views, walk to shops, walk to restaurants. The house sits on a larger than normal lot for this area … (4 comments)

Who Says Halloween is Just for Kids..Not in Milwaukee... - 06:47 AM
If you're hoping to run into some real ghosts this Halloween, there's no better place than Shaker's Cigar Bar in Harbor View. With today's spook-tacular deal, why not mix the mood of the season with the flavors of the Caribbean? Pay $10 for one ticket and one drink, or $15 for two tickets and two drinks, to Shaker's Haunted Bar event on October 30. There are no fewer than six spirits who roam the building (built in 1894 and converted from an old Schlitz barrel factory). The most recognized, and friendly, is named Elizabeth and there's even a raspberry martini named … (6 comments)

Wonderpole for PAP - 08:09 AM
Pole photography doesn't have to be ultra expensive and the "Wonderpole" looks like an effective alternative.  Increasing the camera elevation by 15 to 20 feet can change the perspective of our real estate photos and add an all new dimension to our real estate marketing. 
Via Lee Jinks (Greater McAllen Association of REALTORS®):


I recently evaluated a 21-foot Wonderpole from Polepixie that is particula
rly suited for Pole Aerial Photo
graphy (PAP).  The thing that makes it suited for PAP over other Wonderpoles is that it’s black.  Okay, that doesn’t mean you can’t do PAP with a Wonderpole of another … (3 comments)

Florida Enhanced Short Sale Relocation Assistance - 08:12 AM
 
Florida Homeowners May Receive $5,000 to $20,000 With Bank of America's Enhanced Short Sale Relocation Assistance Program
Florida Homeowners May Receive $5,000 to $20,000 With Bank of America's Enhanced Short Sale Relocation Assistance Program.  Bank of America has been sending out emails regarding Florida short sales that explain how Florida homeowners can recieve between $5,000 and $20,000 for relocation expenses.
The following are the details I recieved in an email from Bank of America regarding this new program.
Bank of America encourages distressed homeowners to explore a short sale as a viable option for avoiding foreclosure. To that end, … (1 comments)

3843 Nanlyn Farm Cir. End unit in Fireside. Buckingham PA - 01:58 PM
… (0 comments)

2050 Cathill Rd. 200 Year old farmhouse on 10 acres in Bucks County PA - 02:10 PM
… (0 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2011-10-13

 Archives:

31 Oct
30 Oct
29 Oct
28 Oct
27 Oct
26 Oct
25 Oct
24 Oct
23 Oct
22 Oct
21 Oct
20 Oct
19 Oct
18 Oct
17 Oct
16 Oct
15 Oct
14 Oct
13 Oct
12 Oct
11 Oct
10 Oct
9 Oct
8 Oct
7 Oct
6 Oct
5 Oct
4 Oct
3 Oct
2 Oct
1 Oct
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006