Archives of real estate blog entries for December 2, 2011

Featured blog posts


Latest Info in the Short Sale Arena - Webinar at AR University - 01:49 PM
Thanks to the gang at ActiveRain, I’ve been invited to conduct another short sale webinar here at ActiveRain University where I someday hope to earn an honorary degree. This short sale webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. PST.
Click Here to Register (It's Free!)
This particular short sale webinar has often been tagged as “Everything you ever wanted to know about short sales, but were afraid to ask.”
In this short sale webinar, we will get down and dirty and talk about all the little details that make short sales both challenging and rewarding at the … (13 comments)

Calling In All Favors Now - We Need Your Help - Help Clint Miller Have A Beer With Lance Armstrong - 08:33 AM
I have shared some amazing real estate training tips and have changed many real estate agents businesses and careers.  Right here on the rain, I've shared, coached and given away training as if I were wealthy..its just the way that I am but now I need to call some favors in...not for me..
I have my health, my free will and an incredible group of family and friends that support me.  So if you read my blog, utilized the free listing presentation or gained anything from me, I am really asking you to pay it forward 
@TheREALClint     @LanceArmstrong     @livestrong  … (36 comments)

Skipping 2 house payments - 03:13 PM
Skipping a house payment is actually used occasionally as a marketing strategy for refinancing.  It is especially nice around the holidays when extra cash is always needed.  It is pretty common knowledge that a payment is not necessary the month following a new mortgage closing, but there is actually a way to skip 2 payments.  If the refinance is closed by the 15th of January, for example, a homeowner can roll their January payment into the loan by just letting the accumulated interest due for December be added to the payoff.  Since the first payment on the new note is due in March, they skip the February … (63 comments)

CASE STUDY: Counter the REO bank's counter offer. DO or DON'T? - 03:27 AM
CASE STUDY: Countering the bank’s counter offer on bank-owned listing
First time buyer is preapproved up to $500,000 and wants to get the best possible deal, isn't shying away from short sales and foreclosures. A bank-owned property listing meets most of her requirements.
Buyer was cautioned and counseled about how to write an effective offer based on what is known about the property  
 
The property foreclosed at $495,000 The list price is at $485,000 Market value is around $500,000    
After much discussion, agent prepares an offer for $450,000 -- with the bank crediting buyer up … (93 comments)

Selling Your Home Over the Holidays - 03:05 PM

The holidays are fast approaching. Regardless of what denomination you are- the next couple of months are probably going to be more hectic than most as you prepare to conclude 2011 with friends and family. If your home is on the market, this time of year is also particularly tricky. Fortunately there is great advice for those of you looking to get your home sold during the holiday season (And it doesn't include taking your house off the market). 
Regardless of the time of year, most home stagers will advise a seller to remove as many personal items and decorations … (22 comments)

Why Buy A Home Warranty - 02:46 PM

Did you know that over 70% of Minnesotan's already have some type of home warranty? The majority purchase a service plan through their energy provider and have the cost added to their monthly energy bill. This is a good idea, although most of these service plans only cover repairs. If the item is damaged and cannot be repaired, the homeowner must replace it themselves. Our warranty plan offers either repair or replace coverage for pretty much the same cost.
Many of the real estate disputes that occur after the closing are caused by failure of some home system. Purchasing … (16 comments)

Success in the December Rain - 05:33 PM
How the heck is it December already?  Somebody call up Father Time and pause life for a second!!!  It's been a crazy week and I feel like the madness has only just begun. 
Even though life gets busy with all the extras this month, it's so important to not put your marketing and blogging efforts to the side.  Roll with the punches everyone, the strong ones will make butter out of cream and rise to the top!! That was a Catch Me If You Can Quote for all you scratching your heads.  Make all the other competition in your area catch … (51 comments)

December’s Season of Celebrations & Sharing: Grandma's Gardens and Trees For Troops - 06:17 PM
December’s Season of Celebrations & Sharing:  Grandma's Gardens and Trees For Troops If you know us, you know the military will always hold a near and dear place in our hearts!  So when a local business is doing something that helps our military heroes, you know we're on-board with the program!  And when it turns out to be one of the small businesses we personally frequent like Grandma's Gardens in Waynesville, then we're doubly happy to support! So what's happening you ask?  Grandma's Gardens is offering a special price on Christmas trees to be donated and shipped to our military around … (63 comments)

WISHING YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN YOUR NEW HOME. Holiday Greeting Card Contest. - 04:35 PM
The POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul group gives you the opportunity to share your creative side during the holiday season with a creative writing challenge. Join in on the challenge with the  ActiveRain Holiday Greeting Card Contest!
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Lenn's Entry~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
Wishing You Wonderful Holidays In Your New Home.

THIS REMINDED ME OF YOU! 
What is more exciting than harvesting your first Christmas tree for your new home from your own land?  Bringing in the tree cut from your own land gives adds a special holiday celebration.  I can't wait to see it decorated.  The first of many wonderful holidays in the … (97 comments)

Baldwin Harbor, New York Real Estate Trends-November 30, 2011 - 03:34 PM
Baldwin Harbor, New York Real Estate Trends-November 30, 2011
Baldwin Harbor NY Homes for Sale
Baldwin Harbor, New York Real Estate
Baldwin Harbor, New York 11510
The Baldwin Harbor, New York Real Estate Trends-November 30, 2011 report, prepared by Home Driven Realty, Inc, covers Baldwin Harbor New York homes for sale and Baldwin Harbor, New York real estate that have closed over the 12 month period ended November 30, 2011. The report includes analysis of Baldwin Harbor, New York Short Sales, Baldwin Harbor, New York Foreclosures, Baldwin Harbor, New York cooperatives and Baldwin Harbor, New York condominiums. A free search Baldwin Harbor NY Homes … (28 comments)

I am going to rip your head off.... - 09:17 AM
 Yesterday i had an appointment to get a new Listing in the Manchester NH area. I showed up on time, was greeted at the door and went inside. We discussed short sales, bank owned homes and foreclosures in the area. They thanked me for coming on short notice, they told me that i was referred to them and came highly praised by their neighbors up the road who sold and then bought their house from me last year. The seller was giving me a guided tour when i could hear this un-godly yelling. I was not sure what it was or where … (134 comments)

In my world, warm visits are better than cold calls! - 02:24 AM

I just read a blog about an agent who makes 50 cold calls in the morning....Brrrr! I applaud that agent, but I much prefer to spend my time out of the office, out in the world where I can meet people and talk to them and wear my Real Estate pin and name badge and hand out cards and go shopping and strike up a conversation and get in an elevator where I have a captive audience...you get the picture!

I once worked in a call center where I made a minimum of 80 cold calls a day, every day. … (78 comments)

Is there such a thing as CoBroke Etiquette? - 08:45 AM
Is there such a thing as  Co Broke Etiquette?
A couple of events lately have got me scratching my head and wondering if I am crazy or if some of us are not using common courtesy when we are dealing with each other.    I have and unwritten internal rule that I shall not get in between a co broke agent and their client.      
Recently, I have had two different and completely different scenarios that have made me think that a cobrokes response to a particular situation is totally inappropriate.   I  wonder if I am being over sensitive to their actions or … (185 comments)

December 2011 Blogging Challenge - Day 2 - Start my Dec. 15 Newsletter - 03:30 PM
I have a modest mailing list from people that have registered on my site in the past. These are the users brave enough to give me their contact information in exchange for the ability to see more than the ten detailed listing pages anybody can look at prior to registration. I ran them all through the opt-in process required by GetResponse.com and have been regularly emailing them this year.
Last month's newsletter was an epic fail as I tried with zero success to get people to visit and "like" my Sonoma County Real Estate Facebook page. I'm just as happy for … (26 comments)

Chasing Expired Listings and the Code of Ethics - 06:30 PM

I spent a couple of hours working on expired listings today. Before I mail anything I always check to see if the home has been relisted in the MLS. Why? It’s a violation of the Code of Ethics and our local MLS rules to solicit a listing for a property subject to an exclusive listing agreement with another REALTOR®.
During the day I bumped into another broker I know and she told me that they had just been fined $300 for a violation of Article 16 of the Code of Ethics.
Article 16 - REALTORS® shall not engage in any practice or … (131 comments)

Facebook Fridays - Does Your 2012 Business Plan Have Room for Social Media? - 05:50 AM

As the year winds down we are all busy putting together our 2012 business plans, right?  If you are like me you want to increase your business revenue and clients!  For me, Facebook will be part of that solution.  Will social media play a part in your 2012 business plan?  
It's really easy to jump right in to the Facebook arena and learn how to setup a business page, synchronize your accounts so blog content feeds your facebook page, and a host of other cool things designed to bring local residents to your page.  How do you do that?  … (39 comments)


Blog posts


USA 256 Unit Hotel for Sale - Off I-75 in Central Florida - 124,541 sq ft on 8.39 acres - FL Real Estate - 10:58 PM
USA Hotel for Sale for $3,500,000 - Florida Hotel for Sale … (0 comments)

Calling In All Favors Now - We Need Your Help - Help Clint Miller Have A Beer With Lance Armstrong - 08:33 AM
I have shared some amazing real estate training tips and have changed many real estate agents businesses and careers.  Right here on the rain, I've shared, coached and given away training as if I were wealthy..its just the way that I am but now I need to call some favors in...not for me..
I have my health, my free will and an incredible group of family and friends that support me.  So if you read my blog, utilized the free listing presentation or gained anything from me, I am really asking you to pay it forward 
@TheREALClint     @LanceArmstrong     @livestrong  … (36 comments)

Day 2 ~ 2011 December Blogging Challenge - 11:16 PM
 Day 2     2011 December Blogging Challenge
 Today was Day 2 of the December Blogging Challenge.  It was a much anticipated  day and it turned out to be a wonderful experience.
Today was the New Hampshire Association of Realtors®Public Policy Retreat.  I have served on the Public Policy Committee for over 10 years now and have numerous hours reviewing legislation and assisting in developing positions on bills which will have an impact on home ownership.
Today was filled with lots of very beneficial information which will be of benefit to my self and may clients in 2012.
We had a great line up of … (5 comments)

Nashua Symphony Hosts Annual Holiday House Tour 2011 - 11:51 PM
The Annual Holiday House Tour is a holiday event you don't want to miss. 
   The Friends of the Nashua symphony are inviting the public to attend the Annual Holiday House Tour December 3rd and 4th.  
  You can usher in the season by visiting homes throughout Nashua, New Hampshire that have been professionally decorated for the holidays.    
The Tour will end with complimentary refreshments, holiday music and a gift boutique at Langdon Place.
   The tours will take place from 12:00 - 4:00 on Saturday December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th.
    To find out more about the homes on this year's tour or where you can purchase tickets you … (6 comments)

Dripping Springs Neighborhood Dos Lagos Update - December, 2011 - 01:07 PM
Dos Lagos is a relatively small Dripping Springs neighborhood just west of downtown off of Highway 290.  As of today there are just 2 Dos Lagos homes for sale and there is one under contract.  The last home sold (in the MLS) in Dos Lagos was in April of this year.  There may have been others that were never in the MLS, but I do not have access to that information.
As for Dos Lagos lots, which are all one acre or larger, there are 2 home sites on the market and prices start at $55,000.  The last lot sold in … (0 comments)

Hidden Springs Ranch in Dripping Springs - 01:09 PM
I sold a nice, young couple from California a home in the Dripping Springs neighborhood of Hidden Springs Ranch in August.  They had looked in Dos Lagos, SaddleTree Ranch, Sunset Canyon, Highpointe and other communities, but settled on Hidden Springs Ranch for a variety of reasons.
First, it was almost the same distance between wouthwest Austin and the Bee Cave/Lakeway area.  She is planning on doing business in both areas so the location was perfect.  They also really liked the large home sites, with each one being an acre or more, and the lack of nightime light pollution thans to underground … (0 comments)

New Austin Search Engine - 02:04 PM
There is a new Austin search engine online and I love it.  It was added to Chris Lloyd's Austin Apartments website.  It is specific to Austin and the surrounding area and may be as effective as other larger search engines at helping web surfers find things in Austin.  Check it out here:  http://everythingaustinapartments.com/Guide-to-Austin.php.
And if you have an Austin area website and want to make sure it is included, go to the site.  There is a link you can click on to submit your Austin website.
… (0 comments)

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca - What Could Be Better Than Home Staging "Before & After" Photos? - 11:43 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
This is a great post on home staging that may challenge your thinking on the subject if you are thinking of Selling a Home.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond and for a Free Home Evaluation go to Home Point Real Estate.
Via Sharon Tara New Hampshire Home Stager (Sharon Tara Transformations):
 What Could Be Better Than Home Staging "Before & After" Photos From New Hampshire?




Before & After photos are crucial to a Home Staging business.  They provide the "aha moment" that most sellers and many … (2 comments)

Ten Easy Ways to Save on Energy Costs - 11:47 PM
Here is a good post on saving energy.  Not sure I like the dishes in cold water, you have to at least rinse them in very hot water.
Via Ginny L Gorman North Kingstown Realtor Expert (401)529.7849 www.RIHouseHunt.com (Phillips Post Road Realty- Waterfront homes, Short Sales):
Ten Easy Ways to Save on Energy Costs.  It is just beginning to get cold again in North Kingstown Rhode Island and since a long winter is ahead of us, I just wanted to cover 10 energy savers that will take you under 15 minutes to put into action...and begin to hear the coins saved! - Keep … (1 comments)

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca - To stage or not to stage a vacant house? - 11:52 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
If you are Selling a Home here is a great post that will give you something to consider in regard to home staging.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood and Beyond and for a Free Home Evaluation go to Home Point Real Estate.  
Via Cathy Tarrant CCSP (HOMESTYLING BY CATHY):
Why stage a vacant house?  Many people think it’s a waste of money…..just leave it empty so that the buyers can see how spacious it is, etc.  But recent statistics show that vacant homes do not sell as fast as furnished/staged homes … (1 comments)

Flipping an Antioch Ca Property - 11:58 PM
Flipping an Antioch Property
If you are thinking of Flipping a Property here is a great post to read on how to do it and some important Property Flipping Considerations.
Go here for more information on Flipping Properties in Antioch or Beyond and The Free Book of Real Estate Investing.
Via Malinda Montgomery-Realtor Singer Island, FL. (One World Realty Inc.):
Top 10 Tips for Flipping a House
FLIPPING is buying, renovating and selling a home for a profit.  Investors do it and so can you. There is no magical formula to ensure your success at flipping homes, however, here are some tips to help … (1 comments)

2011 December Blogging Challenge - 03:49 PM
What have I been doing the past couple of days to help ensure a busy winter and 2012? I've been finalizing my magazine that I send out to my past clients, friends, family, doctors, etc...
I've also been touching base with some builders for some buyers coming into town in a couple of weeks.
Today, I've been doing a rain dance. The Austin area has been in a HUGE drought and our main lake, Lake Travis, is at its third lowest level ever. It's been raining all day, so hopefully some of those waterfront properties become "waterfront" again!
… (4 comments)

Please Watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition TONIGHT For Our Springfield Mass Episode - 08:59 AM
Hi Everyone!  I hope you can all tune into ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition tonight to watch the Springfield, Mass episode I was honored to be a part of thanks to Capstone General Contracting.  We all worked very hard to build a house for the Walker family in 5 days!   Carl's story is heartbreaking, but what his mother & family did to turn a tragedy into something positive is amazing.  I truly look up to them and had the pleasure of meeting them a few weeks ago.  They are some of the most lovely people I've met.   Please watch … (10 comments)

Is Buying Cheaper Than Renting in Fountain Hills AZ - 09:14 AM
With home prices and mortgage rates at all time lows, the cost of owning a home is more affordable than it has been in 15 years. With many previous home owners losing their homes to foreclosures, the rental segment is rising along with prices, but did you know that the cost to rent in some parts of the country is higher than buying a home? The Phoenix Metro is one of those places, depending on your preferred location where you might just save some money in the long run by making a purchase now rather than later. If you have a … (0 comments)

Great New Price on Home For Sale, Troy, IL 62294 - 10:36 AM
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Luxury Home For Sale Near Scott AFB - 11:01 PM
… (1 comments)

Dancing in the Rain - No, Really! - 10:38 AM

 
We often read blog posts about dancing in the rain, meaning Active Rain, of course. 
However, this morning, I actually DID dance in the REAL rain! 
As most everyone knows, Texas has been suffering under one of the worst droughts in history.  I posted about it in September, complete with photo of the deep cracks that have appeared in our Houston Black (black gumbo clay) soil as a result.  It's been a long, hard, dry year, and the land is suffering for it.  And when the land suffers, we suffer - everything from shortages of hay to raging wildfires … (0 comments)

2011 December Blogging Challenge - Day Two, - 05:46 PM
Well, in spite of the terrible distraction of the first long, soaking, continuous rain we've had in - well, I can't remember the last one, frankly, it's been a terrible drought! - I managed to get something done towards growing my business today.
Besides buying lovely stamps with white roses on them and mailing the Christmas cards I addressed and signed last night, I did some work on the magazine that's going to start going out to my A List in January. 
Also, of course, did some work for current clients - that IS what all of this is in aid … (1 comments)

Highly likely to recommend - 12:11 PM
Some time ago, I wrote  Don't Forget to Ask for a Review...You Deserve It! One of my favorite sellers and now friend posted a very kind review of me on Zillow. It started off with...''Highly likely to recommend.'' This is the home located in Westminster Where You Can Live Like You are on Vacation All Year Round!  It is one of my favorite all time listings...a cantilevered contemporary on 28 acres.                                
And here is Lucy's summary of our relationship during the selling process. 'Highly likely to recommend Summary: Margaret is a hands down the best agent I've ever … (11 comments)

2011 December Blogging Challenge Day 1 and 2 - 10:28 PM
2011 December Blogging Challenge December 1st and 2nd.                                                                   
I will still be posting everyday but this December Challenge needs to have 5 posts a week stating what I am doing for business.   =I received a price reduction on one of my listings and blogged about it. =Signed up with the  Apple Store and took a workshop, set up  reminders on my iPad for the December challenge. This way it will be easy to keep track for me and for Kerrie. Learned some other goodies for the iPad but will save that for another day when I make time … (10 comments)

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