Archives of real estate blog entries for December 10, 2011

Featured blog posts


Is Your Agent Prepared When He/She Shows You Homes? - 08:18 AM
Is Your Agent Prepared When He/She Shows You Homes?
Many agents are all too willing to jump into their car and show listings to a prospect without any delay.  But is that the way to provide the optimum value to a potential Lancaster County home buyer?  In many cases, the best agents will take the time to preview the homes for themselves before they take buyers there.
Previewing a listing definitely gives both the agent and the buyer several advantages.
1)  Your agent knows exactly where the properties are relative to each other, so there's no hunting around  when you are … (125 comments)

Verification of Condition, aka, Buyer's Final Walk-Through - 11:12 PM
Today I took my buyers for their Verification of Condition, aka Buyer's Final Walk-Through, on their purchase set to close in just 4-days. This is a bank owned property. Approximately 3-weeks ago we had inspections as normally advised that buyers do. At the time of inspections the water was turned off to the inside of the house. To perform inspections, the water was turned on at which time we discovered the water heater had a major problem. Water was quickly flowing from the water heater out of the garage. We turned the water off again and completed our inspections.
It was … (44 comments)

Diehl Killerz ~ Blue Lagoon... - 07:17 AM
Diehl Killerz ~ Blue Lagoon...     Well after much much ado, Big Diehl, Flubber and the adventures of Diehl Killerz makes its debut. This and ensuing episodes were designed to make a parody of the serious business of home inspecting. The whole purpose was to make folks aware that not everything that shows up in home inspection world is the dreaded "Deal Killer".      Look for more episodes of Diehl Killerz and my mad marketing to come to a blog close to you sometime in the not too distant future...     I hope you enjoy the pilot...

… (93 comments)

Can you build "real" relationships through social media? - 04:10 PM
Update 12/11/2011 - Clint Miller passed away this evening. Godspeed my friend.
 
Mona Gersky wrote a great featured post yesterday titled, "Are We Losing Something "Real" With Our Obsession With Social Media?".
It's an interesting question, and one that comes up frequently in discussions about social media.
I don't think there is any question that real estate is ultimately a face-to-face, "belly to belly" business. 
But, social media platforms can and do provide some amazing tools to facilitate making those face to face relationships happen.
And there is zero question in my mind that very real, very powerful, relationships CAN … (70 comments)

Cortlandt Market Report November 2011 - 09:29 AM
The town of Cortlandt has many moving parts: The villages of Croton on Hudson and Buchanan, the Hamlet of Verplanck, Cortlandt Manor, and right in the middle, the separate municipality of the city of Peekskill. Croton and Peekskill have their own school districts, so the vast majority of Cortlandt is served by the Hendrick Hudson and Lakeland school districts. This is the November 2011 market report for single family homes in Cortlandt covering Hendrick Hudson and Lakeland separately. 
Hendrick Hudson Schools
November 2011- 6 homes closed at a median price of $427,500November 2010- 2 homes closed at a median price of … (10 comments)

The Quest To Create An Office Of Bloggers.....Make It A Goal For 2012 - 10:10 AM
Just as agents need to review and redesign their marketing goals and their objectives for 2012, so, too, do broker/owner/managers need to follow suit.  I manage the Franklin MA office of RE/MAX Executive Realty and my goals as a manager have been set for 2012, and I’m now preparing to execute them for the New Year.
My main priority is to create a real estate office where the majority of its agents participate in online marketing.  This is a feat that will require constant attention.  I have to admit, I have a jump start on this task.  Several agents have joined … (125 comments)

Is It OK To Say THANK YOU By Email? - 07:46 PM
Personally, it's better than not acknowledging something or someone at all - and it's better than receiving a text message (because I think if your phones in your hand and you can text it - go one step further and just call to say thanks!)  But, I take the time to send a handwritten note to someone who is well-deserving of a thank you!
In general, people would agree that sending a handwritten is a nicer thing to do - but they don't do it for a variety reasons - the ones I've heard: "Who has stamps anymore?" and the other "Email is easier".
Some … (58 comments)

Warren County Ohio Foreclosure Update: Scheduled Sheriff's Sales through 2/13/2012 - 09:03 AM
Warren County Ohio Foreclosure Update: Scheduled Sheriff's Sales through 2/13/2012
The latest numbers show a significant INCREASE in foreclosures for Warren County.  With four additional weeks added, the range of approximately 30 foreclosures per week spiked to 50 per week.  However, this increase may be deceptive.  Due to holiday schedules, there have been three recent weeks with NO foreclosures.  If you assume the previously typical 30 per week, that's approximately 90 deferred foreclosures.  Spread those 90 over four weeks you get an extra 22 homes to add, which would explain the 50 per week.  However, if the upcoming weeks continue … (29 comments)

Magnificent MeetUp! - 08:31 PM
Magnificent MeetUp!

Today, My family and I drove to Wilmington, North Carolina to attend our very first official Activerain Meetup!  I could go on and on about how wonderful it was, but you probably already knew that it would be!

We were very fortunate to hold our meetup at the fabulous Kornerstone Bistro (thanks to Cinnamon Wright).  Not only did they open early for us, but when my family arrived extra early, they let us wait inside by the fire until the others arrived.  We had an all-star cast for the day:
 
Melissa McKinney, Cinnamon Wright, Tish Lloyd, Craig Rutman, Frank … (52 comments)

Article 11 of the NAR Code of Ethics - 07:04 PM
Article 11 of the NAR Code of Ethics
I wrote this post earlier this year after the National Association of REALTORS(R) modified Article 11 to include land brokerage to the code of ethics. Excerpt from Article 11:
REALTORS® shall not undertake to provide specialized professional services concerning a type of property or service that is outside their field of competence unless they engage the assistance of one who is competent on such types of property or service, or unless the facts are fully disclosed to the client. Any persons engaged to provide such assistance shall be so identified to the client … (50 comments)

This was Supposed to be a Celebration Post - 10:25 AM
This was Supposed to be a Celebration Post This week brought some major events to my world. Unfortunately one completely cancels out the other. This week I crossed over the 500,000 point mark on AR, something I thought was going to be a big deal for me, however this same week I learned of the loss of one our own here on Activerain. Irene Kennedy lost her battle with cancer and is gone. Let me say up front that I might say some things that might upset some people in this post, but I have never NOT been brutally open and … (49 comments)

Emergency or Fauxmergency? - 11:43 AM
Emergency or Fauxmergency?There seems to be a raging inability in our industry to discern between actual emergencies and fauxmergencies.  The following are typical scenarios that cause much confusion.  Are they true emergencies?  You decide.     I can’t find the lockbox!  Emergency or fauxmergency? Answer:  Probable fauxmergency.  Relax, breathe.  Channel your inner child and pretend you are on a treasure hunt.  Better yet, call someone in your office who can read the MLS agent remarks.     I can’t lock the sliding glass door in this listing.  The house is not secured!  Emergency or fauxmergency? Answer:  Possible fauxmergency.  Remember the stick … (69 comments)


Blog posts


USA 4,235 Sq Ft Private Home or Retreat - Price Improvement - Waynesville NC Real Estate - 11:11 PM
Price Improvement - Private Home or Retreat - Lake Views & Mountain Vistas … (1 comments)

Day 10 ~ 2011 December Blogging Challenge - 10:38 PM

 
 Day 10 ~ 2011 December Blogging Challenge
It’s hard to believe that this is day 10 of the December blogging challenge.  I accomplished a lot today. 
 
First was setting up showings for tomorrow. Then off to the office for uptime.  The phones were quiet so I had a lot of time to complete cards with personal notes to past clients.  They are on their way! 
 
I am continuing to update my database of business contacts.  This is an on-going project.  I hope to be able to st
 
I spoke with some buyers and helped … (4 comments)

Can you build "real" relationships through social media? - 04:10 PM
Update 12/11/2011 - Clint Miller passed away this evening. Godspeed my friend.
 
Mona Gersky wrote a great featured post yesterday titled, "Are We Losing Something "Real" With Our Obsession With Social Media?".
It's an interesting question, and one that comes up frequently in discussions about social media.
I don't think there is any question that real estate is ultimately a face-to-face, "belly to belly" business. 
But, social media platforms can and do provide some amazing tools to facilitate making those face to face relationships happen.
And there is zero question in my mind that very real, very powerful, relationships CAN … (70 comments)

How Low Can Lake Travis Go - 07:18 AM


I took both of these photos from close to the same place at the Lakeway Resort and Spa.  The top photo shows Lake Travis when full.  The bottom photo shows the lake a few days ago.  The drought has hurt the most of Texas and this photo of a very low Lake Travis tells the story well.  So how low can Lake Travis go?
Historically, Lake Travis is the lowest it has been in a very long time.  The level of the lake today is around 627 feet above sea level.  Full is 681.  The lowest Lake Travis has … (5 comments)

2011 December Blogging Challenge- Saturday - 09:31 PM
I'm up in Dallas today getting ready for a property Tax Arbitration hearing on Monday. My cousin just moved here and her fiance is getting into Commercial real estate. I called her to see if she can meet at my mom's house tomorrow as you never know when the fiance's commercial real estate investors might want to invest in some rental properties elsewhere, like Austin!
… (6 comments)

2011 December 31 Day Posting Challenge - Days 9 and 10 - 06:12 PM

 
Been a busy couple of days.  Yesterday was spent on planning and on coming up with some properties for a couple of clients to view - would love to have both of them close in January 2011!
Today has been a thinking day.  I need to be more organized (I can organize anybody perfectly - except myself!), and that involves figuring out what kind of workflow works best for me, not what the latest organization book or software thinks SHOULD work best for me. 
Think I'll clear out the extra room that we use for random storage, move all … (2 comments)

2011 December Blogging Challenge Day 9 and 10 - 05:15 PM
2011 December Blogging Challenge Day 9 and 10  
 
Day 9 and 10 of the December Blogging Challenge with thanks to Deborah Byron Leffler for putting this contest together. =Called Lynda Eisenman after she commented on my post. Lynda returned the call and we chatted for over an hour today. What a treat! Go look at her videos. =Called Richard Weisser in Georgia and we had a lovely conversation and mentioned a number of ActiveRainers. Now wouldn't you like to know who they are.
=Using a new app that I learned about at one of my Apple store workshops. … (6 comments)

Should You Replace Your Car Before You Do A Short Sale? - 08:10 AM
Hi folks. Recently I have had several Florida Short Sale sellers ask me the same question.....”We need to replace our car. Should we do that before we go through the short sale process?” The concern is that once they go through the short sale their credit will be dinged and financing an automobile will not be easy. One is even paying cash and is concerned how it will look that he went out and spent $15,000 cash on a car and then turned around and asked the lender to accept a short sale.
Interesting question. And one that certainly shows that … (18 comments)

"I just got my tax bill...Do I owe taxes for the WHOLE YEAR ?" - 05:47 AM
  It's that merry time of year when the phone is jing jingling too....and after exchanging what sounds like a little bit nervous pleasantries ....the caller....a buyer who we have had the pleasure of selling a home to during the year has just gotten their tax bill which of course runs from January 1st.....and they know that they bought their new home in......name that month....so how could they possibly owe taxes on a house that they didn't live in...had never seen...and golly gee whiz....
        We wait a minute or two while the new homeowner catches their breath...."Remember at closing...." the … (1 comments)

Becuz....it IS always..."All About the Party".....a Challenge SELL A BRATION ! - 06:22 AM
  If I were to have a tombstone...don't plan on it...it would read....

     If you envision the end result of whatever you want to accomplish....call it creative visualization, positive thinking...you can achieve whatever it is you desire....that doesn't mean of course...that "wishing and hoping and planning and dreaming" are the only ingredients to success....this is how we believe you start !
   Soooo tonite our party is for our very dedicated Short Sale team and their spouses on day 10 0f this challenge....our other passion for the kitchen becomes evident....new appetizer recipes...both hot and cold...and it's time to "uncork" … (9 comments)

Denver MLS – Stop the Madness! - 04:14 PM
Each and every month our local MLS sends each one of our agents a snail mail receipt for their payments.  They receive this statement even though all of our agents are directly billed, meaning that that they all have either a checking account or credit card on file for their monthly payment.  Our office currently has 71 agents, at .41cents per envelope that’s about $29 per month or $348 per year. I’m not exactly sure how many users are currently on our MLS, and I’m assuming each one gets a monthly statement since I have tried many time to get them … (0 comments)

Fairways Condominium in Mount Vernon Ohio - SOLD - 08:32 AM
The ideal luxury condo for those who don't want to give up the space of a traditional home yet want the conveniences and amenities of condominium living.  For more details and to view our extensive virtual tour be sure to visit 26 Fairway Drive in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. 
More listing info available 26 Fairway Drive in Mount Vernon Ohio.  If you are interested in condo living feel free to view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio Condominiums.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (1 comments)

Woodberry Condo For Sale in Mount Vernon Ohio - 08:44 AM
This is the ideal condominium for those who want a roomy condo that feels more like a traditional ranch home inside with the an impressive amount of living space.  For more details and to view our extensive virtual tour be sure to visit 17 Woodberry in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. 
More listing info available 17 Woodberry in Mount Vernon Ohio.  If you are thinking about condo living be sure to view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio condominiums for sale.    
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate.
 
… (3 comments)

All Brick Condo For Sale at Colony Condominiums in Mount Vernon Ohio - 01:45 PM
Quality all brick ranch condominiums are fairly rare in Knox County Ohio but they are very desirable because of the energy efficiency.  A benefit of an all brick exterior is that they typically offer an enhanced lifestyle because they tend to be more peaceful inside.  For more details and to view our extensive virtual tour be sure to visit 509 East Gambier Street Condo C in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. 
We are featuring additional listing info at 509 East Gambier Street Unit C in Mount Vernon Ohio.  If you are interested in condo living feel free to view and compare all of … (2 comments)

18 Top Agents Join RE/MAX Realty Group - 07:10 AM
Roy congrats on your success......your work and sharing ability is a testimony of why you are so successful....look foward to seeing you out at convention and have a happy holiday season to you and your family along with your new agents....cheers......
 

Via Roy Kelley, Montgomery County, MD Homes For Sale (Roy Kelley and RE/MAX Realty Group):
We represent home buyers and sellers as their exclusive agents in the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC and nearby counties. Your Real Estate Professionals In Maryland.
Roy Kelley Roy Kelley & Associates Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group 
Client Assistance:  301-670-8996    Recipient of the RE/MAX International Lifetime … (2 comments)

10 Do's and 10 Dont's For Homebuyers - 11:53 PM
Pensacola Florida: 10 do's and don't s for Homebuyers of Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE
Buyers are taking advantage of our Smooth Move Program at closing, Choose between 1% Cash Back,  1 years taxes paid, 1 years insurance paid, Free Home Warranty and Use of our Moving Van or Free Survey with Free Termite.   Renters are taking advantage of our Smooth Move Program, Choose between Free use of our Moving Van or a $25. or Gift Certificate. Call Now!! 800-309-3414 for over the phone evaluation and … (0 comments)

Dulles Town Center Mall Extended Hours - 03:03 PM
Dulles Town Center Mall Extended Hours

It happens every year. The holidays sneak up on us and we are left scrambling to get our shopping complete! But, lucky for us, the Dulles Town Center Mall knows we could use more time in a day and grants us just that with extended holiday hours. Times vary, but you can find some days when the mall opens as early as 7am and close as late as midnight! I don’t know about you, but I fully intend to take advantage of this much needed extra time!
To get your complete list of hours, … (0 comments)

MyNaplesCityGuide.com - 08:33 AM
 

Wouldn't it be nice to have a central location to find everything you need to know about Naples and the surrounding areas? Of course! Ginny Lee and and America's best real estate agents have sponsored MyNaplesCityGuide.com – the number one location to find everything you could possibly need or want in the Naples area. Truly a local community guide, you can find the best local restaurants, upcoming holiday events and even services that you might need – all at your fingertips. Check back regularly for new listings, special discounts and even coupons!
Best of all, as a business owner, … (0 comments)

Nashua Foreclosures-Nashua Homes For Sale -Twenty Terms You Must Know and Understand Before You Sign Off On Your Mortgage in Nashua New Hampshire! - 09:22 PM
 
Nashua Foreclosures Homes for sale New Hampshire
 
Buying a home in Nashua Foreclosures is a major achievement in most everyone’s life. Pride of ownership, tax breaks and equity are just a few of the many benefits you’ll enjoy with your new home. Your home purchase may also be one of the largest you will ever make. During the emotional excitement of buying your Nashua Foreclosures Home for sale New Hampshire , you may encounter terms with which you are unfamiliar. For some, it can be bit embarrassing to ask what they consider too many questions. Others may make a … (0 comments)

Tis the season - 04:47 PM
The holidays are going to come . . reasy or not.  I am not a fan of the winter holidays but they are such a big part of our culture that there isn't anyway to ignore them. 

The parks are all decorated.  I got this one before the snow came which I know is just wrong but it is unique and I like unique. 

There have been decorations in the stores since August.  It is good for us to spend money it helps the economy and I have been reading about how people are so tired of being broke … (8 comments)

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