Archives of real estate blog entries for October 7, 2011

Featured blog posts


I Got a Once in a Lifetime Staging Job Through Active Rain! - 12:36 AM
I Got a Once in a Lifetime Staging Job Through Active Rain!
I’ve done prior posts about my favorite Caribbean Island, Anguilla. it’s where I got engaged,  married and have returned to many times because of its stunning beauty and unrivaled beaches, rated as some of the best in the world by Conde Nast and the Travel Channel.
Seeing my Anguilla posts, Larry Lawfer , an Active Rain Realtor and great guy called me six months ago and we talked about a gorgeous Villa he was selling/and or renting on Anguilla. I knew right where it was located – … (171 comments)

NEGATIVE ADVERTISING CAN HAVE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. It may encourage folks to examine the advertiser!! - 07:03 AM
NEGATIVE ADVERTISING CAN HAVE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES.  It may encourage folks to examine the advertiser.Could it be that the production numbers published for these SCOUTING REPORTS for their own agents could result in unintended consequences???
These PRODUCTION NUMBERS advertises some Redfin Northern Virginia Redfin agents with a number of sales, over 80 in a month.  It appears that they equate the number of sales with quality of service.
TURNABOUT IS FAIR PLAY, isn't it??QUESTION:  How much quality service can a buyer's agent provide when they are closing 50-70-80 plus transaction in a month?
HA!  If I were a home buyer, I'd have to wonder how much time that agent … (70 comments)

Introducing the 'Inspiration Station' as a Guide for Your Blog - 07:21 AM
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
~Epictetus
I'd never heard of Epictetus before I went looking for a quote for this blog post. In fact, I wanted a quote that actually used the word 'inspiration' because that's what we are calling our new weekly blog assignments, the Inspiration Station. But something in the sage words of this Greek philosopher rang out to me.
I think in most of us, is an ability to be better. Better in what? Well, if Epictetus is to be believed, that's up to you. But … (106 comments)

It's not just the quality of the photo that counts... - 06:15 PM
Everyone knows that you need great photos of a home to advertise it on the internet.  But, it’s not just the quality of the pictures you use on the MLS that is important…the sequence of the pictures, and what you say about them, makes a big difference as well!
 

I received a notice today of a new MLS listing in Friendswood. I had not seen this house before, so I clicked on the pictures to see what it looks like. Then I got totally confused!
 
The agent had not placed the pictures of the house in any … (93 comments)

Understanding Buyers 101, A Primer for Selling Your Home - 10:10 PM
If you are thinking of selling a home in the greater New Milford, CT area you may want to take my short "Understanding Buyers 101 Course". It's free, don't worry about it. Just read below! Understanding Buyers 101 (a primer for sellers) First let me say, data is not just for sellers. Data is supposed to give us clear information and help us to make informed decisions. Charts and graphs should tell a story that allows us to see past and current trends. But as we all know, we cannot extrapolate future trends from data where the housing market is concerned. … (38 comments)

When you need to write a real estate marketing message and can't get started - 04:04 PM
When you need to write a real estate marketing message and can't get started...
You have an idea for a real estate marketing letter or perhaps a new web page for your site. It rumbles around in your head; you visualize plenty of good lines and important points you want to make.
So you sit down to write and… you can't get started.
Here's what to do:
1. Just start writing Start anywhere and write down all those random thoughts in any kind of order.  It doesn't matter - just get them out of your head and onto … (30 comments)

Success in the October Rain - 04:43 PM
Well hello Rainers!  It's Friday afternoon so we all know what time it is....Success time baby!  I'm really digging this week's highlighted members stories and hope you can get some inspiration from them to never, ever give up!
The faces below may or may not be familiar to you but their messages of success should keep you blogging, learning and sharing.  You're all a very special piece of this puzzle and a vital part of our Community. 
"From a certain point onward there is no longer any turning back.  That is the point that must be reached."  ~ Franz Kafka
If … (45 comments)

I told her that the more she lead generates, the more "no's" she will get... ??? - 01:40 AM
Strange huh?  Or is it that strange?
We tell (or we are told) to lead generate, lead generate, lead generate...  Day after day after day.  The more we lead generate, the more likely we will increase our business.  Get to that yes, yes, yes...  That we have to go through no's to eventually get to a yes.  We hear this...  We know this.
If we are idle with our lead generation efforts, we have then become comfortable with doing nothing.  And doing nothing is sometimes pretty comfortable.  When we finally get off our butts, everything becomes hard...  Maybe even harder than … (115 comments)

AR Success Story - My First Closing From Blogging - 09:44 PM
AR Success Story - Blogging Can Work For You!
I have been blogging since January 2010.  I was somewhat leary about the whole ordeal and honestly did not put too much effort into the process.  Then I became a Rain Maker in September 2010.  Once I became a paying member, I started to become much more focused on AR and committed to getting fruit from all of the seeds being sown (aka blog posts).  After all you do need some rain to help those seed grow.
Today was the first day of AR harvesting, and I have to say that I … (36 comments)

RE - the Wickford RI store - Harmony of Old and New- 7512 Post Road - 05:48 AM
RE- the Wickford RI store - Harmony of Old and New - 7512 Post Road.  When two partners have that as the tag line for their antique and home furnishing store outside of Wickford Village, it is the carrot to draw you in.  As they say, seeing is believing and this unique store balances exquisite furnishings with the newness of items of today.  Don't think cobwebs and dust- this store will enthrall your senses with its offerings.
Heidi Stevens and Kate Frate are the two owners who created this brainchild of a store three years ago.  Located well and with high … (26 comments)

Continuing A Thought On Stress - 04:07 PM

 
 
Barbara Todaro wrote a great blog post today on stress...or more accurately the way we react to stress. Her point is that real estate has stress and if you can handle it...she'd like to talk to you. Fair enough, but it made me think deeper on how we do manage stress...not just in our careers but in our lives.
My parents are a classic example of the "opposites attract." Not in their approach to life, or love of family, but in almost everything else. Mom loves to travel, dad doesn't want to see exotic places. Mom loves to eat out, dad eats meat … (46 comments)

Very upsetting - 04:32 PM
I represented a first time home buyer and put an offer in on a listing.  I received a call from the agent (on behalf of the broker who listed the property) who stated that he had some questions for my buyer's lender but that he had met with the sellers who had accepted and signed our offer.  He stated that he was holding onto that offer until he spoke with my buyer's lender.  Of course, he has not spoke with the lender and now has received a second offer on the house and states he has to go over the new … (54 comments)

Buyers are not fence sitters and fence sitters are not buyers - 04:17 PM
Not everyone who has signed a buyer agency agreement is a buyer.  Some are buyers, and some are shoppers or can't-deciders.  Some are wannabuy-buyers, but they can't afford next week's grocery bill.  So, who is a buyer?
First, a real buyer is able to buy.  One of my past faults was that I accepted the loan originator's definition of able.  I deferred the qualifying step to the loan originator.  That is not always a good idea, even with your most trusted loan guy.  As real estate professionals aspiring to help home buyers, we have to financially qualify our "qualified"  prospects.  The … (26 comments)


Blog posts


Get More for Your Money - Oceanfront Condos, Casitas & Land for Sale - Nicaragua Real Estate - 04:07 PM
Oceanfront Nicaragua Condos & Casitas … (1 comments)

Open House in Lacey WA Active 55+ Community - October 8, 2011 from 1-3:30 - 04:13 PM
Open House in Lacey WA Active 55+ Community -
October 8, 2011 from 1-3:30
The quiet elegance of this two bedroom/two bath Lacey WA home is warm and inviting. Enjoy your gas fireplace or relax under your covered patio in your private back yard retreat. Appreciate the well laid out kitchen with an abundance of kitchen cabinets and your choice of a formal or casual dining area. You are also within walking distance of the Jubilee's Community Lodge which has an indoor swimming pool, library, full fitness center, game room, and a slate of activities in store for you. You can also golf … (0 comments)

Open House in Olympia WA 55+ Community 10/09/2011 - 04:19 PM
Open House in Olympia WA 55+ Community 10/09/2011 from 1 -3:30
Light bright and updated! This 2 bed/2 bath home has been upgraded from top to bottom & is move in ready. Features include a formal living/dining room, large family room with gas stove, vaulted ceilings, bath off master and a great kitchen with eating bar. Outside you'll find a manicured landscape, covered parking for two and a large deck with a retractable awning. This super clean 55+ community features beach access, clubhouse and pool. Water, sewer, and cable included in Villa Shore Park fee of $630
Light bright and updated! … (0 comments)

Investing in Antioch Real Estate - Got an Exit Strategy? - 11:17 AM
Investing in Antioch Real Estate!
This writer makes a great point about buying a home with Good Resale Value.  When Investing in Real Estate I stress the same thing.  In the Antioch area I try to get Buyers to buy homes with at least 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage; 4 bedrooms are even better.
Investing in Real Estate is very profitbale right now.  Go Here and get my Free Real Estate Investing Book with the Investment Calculator.
Via Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - St. George, Utah Realtor® (Prado & Kramer Real Estate, St. George, UT 435.632.9374):
Got an Exit Strategy?
… (1 comments)

Is this a Scam? - 12:57 PM
I have an Investor Buyer trying to purchase a property.  It is a commercial property and the price is fairly high.
Two Lenders have advised me they cannot handle it, primarily due to the age.  
He has spoken with a Private Money Lender that is constantly sending me Fliers about their private money products. One of the documents we received was a outline of the process.  Buried in here is a Charge of $7,500.00 for Due Diligence that is paid before the closing of the loan and is non-refundable.
This just strikes me as wrong.  Buyers often pay for things … (6 comments)

Take Back the Constitution! - 02:02 PM
Take Back the Constitution!
I have been watching this Take Back Wall Street with interest.  This is not a spontaneous Grass Roots movement.  
There was a post on Active Rain before it got started promoting Take Back Wall Street.  I wish I had taken note of it. It looked like a pre-prepared press release cut and pasted in.  I am not sure who posted it and if they have a legitimate or regular spot here at AR.  If anyone can find it please post a link below.  I am curious.
What strikes me about this protest is it ceases upon … (6 comments)

Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 - You want a Discount! - 02:37 PM
Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 - You want a Discount!
A lot of people come out to Brentwood thinking about Buying a Home.  My job (which I love to do) is to help them find the the Perfect Home for them.
So we find that Perfect Home within the budget they have given me.  Then what happens?  They want to put an offer in way under asking price!  Well they have read the paper and they know that they housing market is down and this is a buyers market - they expect to save money.
Now don't get me … (1 comments)

Buying a Home "As Is" in Oakley Ca! - 03:06 PM
Buying a Home "As Is" in Oakley Ca!
I work with a lot of people Buying a Home in Oakley and other communities and the words "As Is" scares the living day lights out of them.
What does "As Is" mean?  Does it mean you cannot investigate?  Does it mean you are taking a chance?  Does it mean the seller will not negotiate?  
Although I am not a Lawyer, as I understand it legally it means NOTHING!  You cannot deny a buyer the right to do due diligence.  In fact we give people so many multiple, repetitive, and laboursly boring … (9 comments)

Foto Friday - Landon's New Friend - the Sting Ray - 05:14 PM
This is a picture of a Sting Ray coming right up to Landon when we went to the Dallas Children's Museum at the State Fair of Texas on Tuesday. It was amazing and Landon thought it was so cool. He stood there for about 20 minutes in addition to watching the sharks and other stuff in the other tanks.  They were his size!

**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 … (18 comments)

Awesome NEW Mortgage Application Just Released For iPhone Users - 01:00 PM
Awesome NEW Mortgage Application Just Released For iPhone Users Hey guys!  My friend and mortgage professional John Saari just released his new application for iPhone - FreeMortgageBuddy.  You all may  know John as the The Mortgage Buddy here in the rain.  John is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to share.  Please do yourself a favor and download his new app for your iPhone!  You can also scan the QR code to download.  Thanks for stopping by!   … (7 comments)

BREAKING NEW - FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS MAY QUALIFY FOR UP TO $20,000 INCENTIVE TO SHORT SALE THEIR PROPERTY. - 02:48 PM
BREAKING NEWS - SHORT SALE YOUR HOME AND GET PAID UP TO $20,000 BY YOUR LENDER! We have just learned that Bank of America is offering Florida homeowners as much as $20,000 to short sale their homes rather than allowing them linger in foreclosure. This limited time offer hasn't received very much promotion from Bank of America, but they sent emails to select Florida Realtors earlier this week outlining basic details of the plan. We have not seen the details yet but want to make our readers aware of the opportunity now! To qualify, the short sales must be submitted for approval … (1 comments)

Do You Like My New Grand Kits? - 06:12 AM
                                        
                    Do You Like My New 'Grand Kits"?                   
 
 
 
Erica fell in love with Calvin and Lily last April on her first day volunteering at the  Humane Society of Baltimore County Inc. which is located at 1601 Nicodemus Road  Reisterstown, Maryland 21136  410-833-8848 She still  spends time at the Humane Society playing with the cats on Tuesdays, and is the front desk greeter on Sundays.  
Erica felt a bit guilty because she spent more time … (9 comments)

Make Sure Your Offer Makes Sense - 07:24 AM

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I got to do the thing I enjoy most about Real Estate and that is negotiating. The good thing about negotiating is, that if I’m successful, I get to place one of my listings pending. That means that in 30 days or so, my Sellers can move on with their lives and I get paid. I love that, getting paid. One of my favorite things. The reward for all my hard work. Of course “The Lovely Wife” and the relative I never asked for, Uncle Sam, get most of it, but that’s OK, I … (13 comments)

HAFA #fail - 01:26 PM

I just read this:
"HAFA, which began in April 2010, has seen limited success with just 15,531 short sales completed nationwide through August."
I've been doing short sales as a major part of my business since 2008. I've closed on ONE HAFA and have another one pending. HAFA is a loser. It's really time they just yank this program altogether and quit giving homeowners false hope. Don't you think?
Are you facing foreclosure in Florida?
 

Do NOT be foreclosed on! Avoid foreclosure. Short Sales DO close.
Want to find out more? www.CentralFloridaShortSales.com
***I am NOT an Attorney … (7 comments)

14763 LONE EAGLE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837 Hunters Creek - 02:45 PM
14763 LONE EAGLE DR, ORLANDO   FL 32837                                                         $$$ 414,900 $$$
Awesome is an understatement! Upgrades, quality and innovation beyond your wildest imagination!  Completely renovated and modified design.  California closets in all rooms, high quality travertine and marble flooring, awesome kitchen, granite countertops, solid wood cabinetry, full extension drawers, crown molding, upgraded windows and doors, phenomenal summer kitchen on your faux rock pool deck including gas grill with owned gas tank, beautiful pool and spa, highlighted by rock water fall, picturesque screened enclosure, fenced yard overlooking pond, brick paver driveway, solar heat for pool. Also featuring Cast Iron Vintage Style bath. We … (1 comments)

14874 LONE EAGLE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837 Hunters Creek - 02:53 PM
14874 LONE EAGLE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837                                                                     $$$ 414,900 $$$
Drop dead gorgeous!  Completely renovated and updated, must be seen to be fully appreciated.  Photos and verbiage will not do this home justice!  Awesome media/home theater room, air conditioned garage, gourmet kitchen with granite, kitchen island, state of the art appliances, gas stove, prep sink.  Gorgeous cherrywood cabinets.  Awesome pool and deck, brick pavers, heated pool and spa, fenced yard and more.  A/C, plumbing, security cameras, electric have all been updated/replaced.  Upgraded and gorgeous travertine flooring as well.  Pool has been resurfaced and rescreened. Upgraded and energy efficient spray foam insulation.  … (0 comments)

5182 LAKE HOWELL RD, WINTER PARK FL 32792 Tanglewood - 02:59 PM
5182 LAKE HOWELL RD, WINTER PARK  FL 32792                                                        $$$ 209,000 $$$
ZEN in Winter Park...... completely remodeleded  , hardwood floors, designer kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances. 4 bedrooms with huge master. large backyard with Grande Oaks.A gorgeous rock garden and fountain welcome you home!
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Winter Park area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply you can also email me at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com. Prospective U.K. Buyers please call: 020-3239-7286. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed on the date posted. … (2 comments)

How Great Leaders Inspire - Powerful Video - 02:40 PM
Considering the timing with the passing of Steve Jobs this is an eye opening look at why companies such as Apple dominate in their space. I hope you enjoy! … (0 comments)

Reminder today in Boston Gary V for Crushitforacure! - 04:46 AM
 
 
Gary V not only gets it he shares it today in Boston...his innovation and understanding of the world we are in is necessary to understand what needs to be done in our real estate world....
Breast Cancer Awareness month, proceeds from this great event will help fight a deadly disease...
Not only attend this event, bring a friend or 3 and share what will be a great day of learning and awareness...
We look forward to seeing you all today in Boston....
 
www.crushitforacure.com
 
 

… (0 comments)

Important Dates For California Property Taxes - 06:20 PM
The following schedule lists some of the more noteworthy dates for California property taxes affecting property owners.  Please take note that this is an unofficial list; and is proposed to be used as a general guide..continue reading … (0 comments)

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