Archives of real estate blog entries for October 2, 2011

Featured blog posts


You Might Consider Another Line of Work - 04:21 AM
Jeff Foxworthy has, “you might be a redneck.”  I have, “you might consider another line of work.”
If you are a real estate agent or a loan officer and:
1)      You don’t put your client’s needs ahead of yours; you might consider another line of work.
2)      You don’t return phone calls on a timely basis; you might consider another line of work.
3)      You are not getting properly trained; you might consider another line of work.
4)      You don’t like people and you can’t treat everyone exactly the same; you might consider another line of work.
5)      If you … (66 comments)

My 300th Blog Post on Active Rain! - 05:59 PM
I know, but I couldn't wait. 
This is my 300th Official blog post on Active Rain.
Self-congratulation is not my modus operandi, but sometimes when you hit a milepost like this, you need to advertise it!
                                     
That is quite a number.  I can't believe I have written or reblogged that many.  And, I have been here for nearly 3 and a half years. 
Some of you can do that in ten weeks. 
But, I felt I had nothing to say for virtually the first year.
So, learn from my mistakes.  Don't wait for a year to start.  Find something in … (55 comments)

Some common pitfalls of postcard marketing - Do's and Don'ts. - 05:28 PM
When reaching out to distressed homeowners in pre foreclosure, one popular marketing vehicle is a postcard, because they are cheap to print, cheap to mail, and a postcard doesn’t have to be opened – they stare distressed homeowners in the face. Yet despite the advantages of this “tiny billboard”, there are potential pitfalls to avoid. In this post, I’ll hopefully give some insight when planning a postcard campaign to upside down, struggling homeowners that are eager for hope and solutions.
Focus on Benefits, Not Features
One of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen with postcard campaigns is the tendency to focus on features, … (69 comments)

Redfin: Cease and Desist - 07:22 PM
Redfin: Cease and Desist.
Your "Scouting Report" says I have represented two sellers over the last 12 months and zero buyers. You have the audacity to publish this even though you know your data is incomplete.
 

 
Yes, you are indeed missing data. 95% of my business takes place in SONOMA COUNTY and you are reporting NONE of it. Missing data = wrong data. Wrong data = one pissed broker. It isn't any of YOUR business to report MY business in the first place.
You want ruffled feathers? You'll be getting a lot more than that, trust me.
 
… (127 comments)

ActiveRain and Orajel - 09:23 AM
There has been much "chatter" of late about the effectiveness of ActiveRain. I listen in, like our national security checking on terrorist chatter... I listen and decide if it is a credible threat to me or not. Initially blogging was painful for me. I was so afraid no one would read what I was saying, I would look like a fool, that everyone else knew more than I did. There was a wicked, pathetic little voice inside saying... "who cares what YOU have to say". Even after 2.5 years I am still cutting my teeth with social media and ActiveRain is … (67 comments)

Hartford Connecticut IRS Innocent Spouse: IRS Announces the Two-Year Limit No Longer Applies to Many Innocent Spouse Requests - 07:47 AM
We frequently assist taxpayers with IRS tax issues to seek innocent spouse relief.  The Internal Revenue Service announced that it will extend help to more innocent spouses by eliminating the two-year time limit that now applies to certain relief requests.
"In recent months, it became clear to me that we need to make significant changes involving innocent spouse relief," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "This change is a dramatic step to improve our process to make it fairer for an important group of taxpayers. We know these are difficult situations for people to face, and today’s change will help innocent spouses victimized … (10 comments)

Texting - An Epiphany - 08:55 PM
I may be an old fart, but I'm still a reasonably tuned-in techie - I've always worked hard to stay that way, ever since my first computer - a room-sized IBM 1620 that consisted of a card punch machine, a card sorter with a manual cable-connect control board, a huge console with lots of blinking lights, and a very primitive printer. I had to learn Fortran, Cobol and PL1 to operate that monster. But technology moves fast and it's always a struggle to keep up. I text. I even have some stupid little emoticons I can insert. If I need to … (63 comments)

Want More Visits to your Blog Posts? Use your Active Rain Short URL! - 01:31 PM
Want to dramatically increase the visits to your blog posts?
Here's one SIMPLE way...
 
Over the last 6 weeks, I've been using the ActiveRain "short url" to promote my blog posts on Twitter and WOW what a difference it makes!

THE RESULTS:
>>  I used the short url to promote 18 of my 21 blog posts on Twitter.  On average, it increased the # of visits to the blog post by 28%
>>  The lowest traffic increase was 18% and the highest was 49%
>>   "Real Life" Example -- Posted "New Listings in Grant Park Atlanta" on ActiveRain … (59 comments)

Last Week's Favorites: September 25th - October 1st - 09:26 AM
Last week, I learned how to cope with my almost perfect guy's love for listening to Right Wing Talk Radio while tooling down the highway.  He got me some adorable pink ear plugs, which I slipped into my ears while blogging on my I-Pad.  So I got to read a whole lot of posts.  Here are my favorites:
1. Marte Cliff:  "Hey You Guys!!" - a Marketing Mistake!  This just never occurred to me, and it should have by now! 
2.  Richie Alan Naggar:  PEARLS FOR THE SOUL BOOK IS TO BE SIPPED NOT GULPED SAYS AUTHOR  I'm sipping.
3.  Richard … (30 comments)

Benevolent-Transparency-Bringers? I don't think so! - 11:02 AM
Well, now that the smoke has cleared and the dust has settled from the "shot heard round the real estate world", as Redfin announced that they are now publishing the sales statistics of every agent in the marketplaces they serve in a format called a Scouting Report.
You can go on Redfins' website and view the Scouting Report without even the need to register on their site.  So they're not even cloaking this one in "they're our clients" camouflage as they did when they allowed their agents to "review" other agents and agencies listings.
It's a controversial move, to say the … (109 comments)

I'm a Tire-Kicker - Should I Register at Your Site? - 09:39 AM
My husband and I plan to move to a lakefront property here in the Florida Panhandle... someday. Definitely not today or tomorrow, probably not next year or even the next (although you never know) ... but... someday.
Well, it's Sunday morning and all is quiet here at the homefront, and I couldn't think of anything I'd rather do than surf the 'net looking at lakefront properties. I'm seeing some Good Stuff - properties I'd like to know more about, if for no other reason than to start identifying and learning about neighborhoods in the area that offer waterfront homes.
But of course, in order … (112 comments)

Redfin Can't Get my Full Scouting Report Right. So I'll Give it to You Here. - 09:17 PM
Redfin is now offering scouting reports ("Complete performance metrics") on 1 million real estate agents! This is causing quite a kerfuffle in the real estate world, but I have to say that I don't mind my numbers being published by Redfin or anyone else. 
That is, so long as they are accurate. If you click on my scouting report, it is missing over 90% of my data, and a curious regular guy who searches for me will not find a top-10 producer in Westchester, but rather two lonely transactions in Queens and Nassau county. They'll also see a banner ad for … (47 comments)

Dismal Swamp State Park, North Carolina - 04:42 PM
 
Dismal Swamp State Park, North Carolina
I have lived in North Carolina for years, and never knew about the Dismal Swamp State Park until this weekend.  My family and I headed up to Williamsburg, VA on Friday afternoon to meet up with some great friends for a fun-filled day at Busch Gardens (more to come on that later).  On the drive up, we pulled into a rest area off Hwy. 17 near the Virginia State border to find the entrance to the Dismal Swamp State Park.  As we left the rest area, we grabbed a brochure and hit the road.  … (25 comments)

Hidden Dry Rot in Sacramento Apartment Complex - General Contractor Called - 04:28 AM
Hidden Dry Rot in Sacramento Apartment Complex - General Contractor Called
 
I received a urgent call from an apartment manager concerned about a dry rot issue that they had. Apparently the storage closet was damaged to a point where vandals were able to literally tear open the wood siding of the storage unit. That’s right, the rotten wood was so bad that someone could push though the bad siding and walk through the wall.
The repair of this area was necessary to secure the area from future problems. I got a kick out of the temporary solution to this problem. … (25 comments)

I’M CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week - 100211 - 12:16 PM
 

Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across.  First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to my fellow rainer for their gold star features that I was happy to "call the shot" on.

I'll Show You Mine. Will You Show Me Yours?  by Broker Bryant Tutas

This was an excellent post that had some really great comments, which is one of the best things I love about great posts.  With … (47 comments)

A Few Bricks Short of a Happy Meal... - 04:44 AM
A Few Bricks Short of a Happy Meal...     I ♥ new construction - never a dull moment. You know the drill, the lowest bid gets the job. And, along with that comes the short cuts to profitise the project.     As we all know, home inspectors are not "Codes" inspectors; however, we must know and understand the "accepted trade practices" for the various professions in the municipalities in which we serve.     The HVAC contractor who installed the furnaces and air handling units for this property must have either been a few bricks short of a Happy Meal or was … (53 comments)

Mistakes Can cost you more than a Client! - 01:53 PM
Mistakes with paperwork can cost you.
Today I had to inform an agent their work was free!  They had shown many homes to a buyer.  The buyer was very happy with the agents work.  The buyer had the agent make an offer and it was accepted.
So what's the problem?
The agent didn't dot his i's and cross all his t's.  Ever heard that term?  We are in real estate and just because something is on the listing does not mean you will get it!
For example, if appliances are listed on an MLS listing that does not mean they are … (61 comments)

Time to Blog - 02:33 PM
October 1, 2011
Day 1: So here goes. As of today (and yes I did check with RECA website and my license has been renewed), I am starting my 7th year in the real estate industry. I thought it might be time to learn a new skill (and this time I'm not taking a course to learn that new skill!). I've decided to blog.
Now if you really know me, you know I don't like writing. I especially don't like writing sentences with punctuation and grammar and all that other stuff. (However I am a bit of a stickler for spelling!!) … (43 comments)


Blog posts


USA Franchise Hotel for Sale - Central Florida US-98 - 68 Units on 1.55 Acres - FL Real Estate - 05:04 PM
Florida Franchise Hotel for Sale … (1 comments)

16 Forest Drive - Price Reduction - Merrimack, New Hampshire - 12:08 PM
… (0 comments)

What Makes a Good Coach? - 12:10 AM
What Makes a Good Coach?
There are lots of types of coaches; probably as many types as there are personalities in people.  Often what I see is those that are very successful at what they do are not good coaches.  In sports I see this at the proffesional level, college level, and even at the youth level.  
I have 6 boys and the four oldest have and do all compete competively on some level and at some sport, the younger two will.
For a person to be incredibly good at something they have to be driven - very driven.  We … (1 comments)

Going through a lot of Crap - Be optimistic! - 12:52 AM
I know a lot of us feel like we are going through a lot of crap lately.  Life is hard and every transaction is a battle. 
Well it reminded me of a story about attitude.  There were twin brothers; one was an optimist and one was a pessimist.   The parents noted these characteristics and decided to test the boys.
For the boys birthday they gave the pessimistic son a brand new high end bike.  The optimistic son got a huge bag of horse manure.  
The pessimistic boy looked at the bike and began to wonder if they bike might … (13 comments)

The Obama Economic Team at Work! - 01:52 AM
The Obama Economic Team at Work!
If this skit does not make you think of the Obama Economic Team I don't know what will.  I remember when these piece was first performed and have not forgot.  It is hilarious comedy about people who cling to failure.
… (13 comments)

Government Loan Changes Effective October 1st - 01:37 PM
Government Loan programs are changing once again.  This post was written by an agent in DC, for local limits give me a call and we will let you know.  
Via Markita Woods FHA and VA Loans Woodbridge Mortgage Lender (WestStar Mortgage NLMS#196099):
Government loan changes effective October 1st, will bring some tricks and some treats (in the spirit of Halloween)

Photo from Vegnews.com
FHA Loans will have lower sales price limits in the Washington DC Metro Area from $729,750 to a $625,000 for a single family home purchase.  This decrease is definitey a trick as many homebuyers will find it difficult … (1 comments)

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 - Even a "Neutral" Paint Color Can Be the Wrong Color. - 02:43 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513
Selling a Home means getting that home to look as good as possible.  Painting is a great way to add value economically.  Here is a great post on color selection.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 or Beyond and for a Free Home Evaluation go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
Via Ginger Foust-Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging (CSP, RESA):
Even a "Neutral" Paint Color Can Be the Wrong Color.   
Frequently our Oakhurst and Fresno area company is called in to help clients with paint color selections.  Sometimes it is for … (0 comments)

Ceiling Fans - 03:18 PM
This is just a really good post on something so basic and yet something that can confuse us all.  
I can never remember which direction my ceiling fan should be spinning let alone rarely do I think about changing it.
Via Scott Warga (ACSI American Construction Specialists & Investigations):
Ceiling Fans Tip of the week. I check the operation of ceiling fans during a Phoenix home inspection. But one thing I noticed is most people pay no attention to which direction the fan is spinning.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ceiling fan users can bump up their thermostat by 4 … (3 comments)

Thank You - 09:56 AM

Paul Foster
Vice President Long & Foster
          It seems like only yesterday, but it was back in the fall of 2007. I was working as an agent with Long & Foster in Rockville, Maryland.  It was time for a change.  Back then, I thought the manager could really stop me from changing offices. I asked and was denied. So, at 3:00 am in the morning, I snuck in and packed my things and set out to find a better place.
          I ended up in Olney Maryland. It was another Long … (2 comments)

Speechless Sunday - Landon or Kari the Dog - Who Wins? - 10:13 PM
This is hilarious... who's gonna get the food?  We're at my mom's in Dallas.  At our house, we have a "food box" that protects the food and Landon likes to climb on and bang on the windows... that's a picture for another day...

**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comDonna@DonnaHomes.comaustin-texas-homes-for-sale.com
Austin TX Real Estate
and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Hill Country Austin TX Real Estate and beyond. Whether you're buying or selling an Austin home, I'll be with you every … (20 comments)

Happy Birthday Hailey Grace - My Baby Turns 3! - 10:36 AM
Happy Birthday Hailey Grace - My Baby Turns 3! Today my youngest baby turns 3.  It is definitely a bittersweet feeling for a mom.  She's growing up and I can no longer technically call her a baby.  I can still remember the day I found out I was pregnant.  I could not believe it!  Hailey Grace was 100% surprise!    Throughout my pregnancy everyone told me that I'd be having a boy and not to get my hopes up for a girl since I already had 3 sons.  I knew in my heart that this was going to be my baby girl. … (4 comments)

October in Baltimore! The Color of Orange in a Small Pumpkin Patch - 11:46 AM
October in Baltimore was evidenced by the warm greeting of these guys at  the Saturday Open House . The owners of  8930 Church Lane in Randallstown, MD. 21133, have been following my blog since they bought my listing 3506 Gardenview Rd. 21208   I received a personal invitation to visit their first open house on Saturday. This property shows pride of ownership both inside and out and especially the lush grounds.   
These cute little guys with their smiles and bright outfits were making me feel very welcome!                
 
       
  If you … (11 comments)

Are Attorneys Ruining Homeowners? - 08:12 AM


"Short Sale Superstars
Advanced Short Sale Training"

Our goal is to provide you with best ADVANCED Short Sale Training available. We are not teaching you how to take a short sale listing and put a package together for the lender.
Instead this is advanced short sale training for experienced short sale negotiators.
The instructors for Short Sale Superstars Advanced Training are Broker Bryant and Wendy Rulnick......CHECK IT OUT

… (4 comments)

Celebrating 9 Decades of Life...Happy Birthday Mom ! - 08:29 AM
 
 
    Born Vera Laura Uldrian to Yugoslavian immigrants on October 1, 1921, the youngest of 3 daughters, Vera graduated from Lincoln Elementary School and Cudahy High School (as did her 3 children) and Marquette University. She went back to Cudahy High School to teach English and Speech before marrying her high school beau, Frank John Repa and becoming Mom to Sally Kathryn, Barbara Kate and John Joseph.  She still lives in the colonial built and designed by her father and her husband, warm cherry wood fills the house from the baseboards to the built in bookcases and china cabinets. … (16 comments)

Attention Renters! Is Your Landlord Up to Date Witih CCs? - 10:55 PM
In the Northeast where I am from, we have alot of foreclosures and short sales but it does not compare to markets like Florida where I have been looking to lease a place. 
This is going to be short and sweet.  What I discovered down here is that it is public information if a property is in foreclosure.  But because of our privacy acts, the condo associations cannot disclose if a homeowner is behind on his common charges.  Many can force eviction on 60 days late. I just met an agent who has 8 families who got 2 days to evacuate … (1 comments)

Pensacola Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 - 05:53 PM
 Pensacola, Florida Real Estate Pensacola Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 brought to by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services, we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Pensacola, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 . A Snapshot of the Pensacola, Florida Housing Market  
Available Homes                         = 1865
FORECLOSURES/ Short Sales        = 356
Current Homes Under Contract      = 456
Homes Sold In Last 30 … (1 comments)

Pace Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 - 05:54 PM
 Pace, Florida Real Estate
Pace Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 brought to by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Pace, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details.  What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 
A Snapshot of the Pace, Florida Home Market  
Available Homes                         = 287
FORECLOSURES/ Short Sales        = 45
Current Homes Under Contract    =88
Homes Sold In Last 30 Days       = … (1 comments)

Navarre Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 - 06:00 PM
 Navarre Beach, Florida Real Estate Navarre Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 broght to you by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Navarre Beach, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 
A Snapshot of the Navarre Beach, Florida Housing Market
 Navarre Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 
Available Homes                        = 198
FORECLOSURES/ Short Sales        =31
… (2 comments)

Gulf Breeze Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 - 06:01 PM
Gulf Breeze Homes For Sale. Gulf Breeze Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011 brought to you by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Gulf Breeze, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 
 
A Snapshot of the GulfBreeze, Florida Housing Market  
Gulf Breeze Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for September 2011
Available Homes                         … (2 comments)

Perdido Key Florida Condos for sale and Market Report for September 2011 - 06:34 PM
Perdido Key, Florida Real Estate Perdido Key Florida Condos for sale and Market Report for September 2011 is brought to you by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services, we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Perdido Key, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 3 
A Snapshot of the Perdido Key, Florida Housing Market
 Perdido Key Florida Condos for sale and Market Report for September 2011
Available Condos                        = … (4 comments)

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