Archives of real estate blog entries for February 17, 2011

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Members of the Media reporting on the housing market - would you shut the hell up?!! - 03:57 PM
Members of the Media reporting on the housing market - would you shut the hell up?!!
Members of the Media reporting on the housing market are giving the public a very skewed view of the reality of our real estate market. It may be a "Buyers Market" in some areas and a "Sellers Market" in another. While home prices have declined in some markets, they are completely stable in other areas.
It's my job to educate my clients in my geographic area and it's YOUR job to report the news accurately. You can't talk for five minutes about how … (71 comments)

Wise Agent | Easy to Use Software Backed Up By Unbeatable Support - 03:34 PM
The online solution to all your business and contact management needs. Easy to use software backed up by unbeatable support.


… (131 comments)

Some Important Points if You are Buying a Home with a Homeowners Association - 09:55 AM
Over the years I have listed and sold many homes where there has been an HOA, a Homeowners Association.  This article is specific to single family homes. HOAs are typically formed by the builder/developer to set forth the expectations for the neighborhood. I live in a neighborhood with an HOA and these are some of our restrictions:no shedsno RVs, boats, in the driveway overnightpermission is needed for exterior projectsno signs other than for sale signsThere are provisions in place if our HOA wants to make changes, If  for instance, there was an indication that many owners wanted to put up sheds, … (65 comments)

Equipping The Modern Kitchen In The Arizona Desert (Circa 1750) - 10:08 AM

 ~ Every Indian Kitchen Needed One ~
The kitchen is the first room I want to see in a new home.  Ease of food preparation has a lot to do with the home's value.  I've toured beautiful homes and been captured by the modern conveniences that have been installed in the kitchen.  Maybe the subject resonates more with me because I dearly love to cook.
It's been the same throughout history. Cooks everywhere want conveniences.
I took these photos southwest of Tucson, in the Sierrita mountains.  I was bushwhacking (exploring where no trails exist) in the valley at the base … (35 comments)

Who's Been Sleeping in YOUR Bed? - 08:24 PM
A seller would most definitely want the best representation in selling their home, right? How's about having wonderful pictures on the internet for all to see?  It has to be displayed on www.realtor.com and our local www.hicentral.com site for all the public to see as well as any other sites that we can add that listing to.
I came across a complex and property that I knew my client would be interested in. It had the number of bedrooms, baths,  parking stalls and ammenities to accommodate the lifestyle of this client and I just knew that it could be that ‘dream home … (87 comments)

Are you selling the bat cave? Killer Ceilings - 06:55 AM
There was an era when plasterers were hired during house construction to finish off the lath and plaster walls and to do decorative swirls and curls and strange designs on the ceilings.  If I had to guess the time frame, it would be around 1920 - 1970.  Do you know what I mean? 
You can see some these designs in older homes in Sandy Hill, the Glebe, Ottawa South, etc. Some of them are beautiful and reflect real craftsmanship.  Others - well - not so much.   I was out with a buyer looking at homes built in the 1950s.  In the basement of one home … (54 comments)

Thank you ActiveRain, that was a pretty cool anniversary present you sent my way! - 07:52 AM
Very excited here... Free publicity! Two days ago marked two years I have been blogging, and what a two years it has been! From making new friends to learning all sorts of things about marketing, short sales, real estate in general, on and on, blogging is an important part of my daily activities. I blog to get myself noticed, to rise to the top, to be found in the search engines, to show off my knowledge and expertise. And apparently it is working! Yesterday I got a call from a reporter at the Danbury NewsTimes. She wanted to talk to me … (89 comments)

I Am Just Plain STUPID!!!!!! - 07:46 PM
I am just plain STUPID!
 
stu·pid  (st p d, sty -)
adj. stu·pid·er, stu·pid·est
1. Slow to learn or understand; obtuse.
2. Tending to make poor decisions or careless mistakes.
3. Marked by a lack of intelligence or care; foolish or careless: a stupid mistake.
4. Dazed, stunned, or stupefied.
5. Pointless; worthless: a stupid job.
n.
A stupid or foolish person.
 
 
Last October, I went on a listing appointment for a home in Carmel, Indiana, one of the areas in which I specialize.  The seller is a ‘semi-celebrity’ in the Indianapolis area.  He is … (94 comments)

One Strong Suggestion For Helping You Sell Your Home - 07:12 AM
I enjoy looking thru various stores! In fact, while browsing in a furniture store a while back, something enlightened me as to why some home sellers seriously annoy prospective buyers thereby possibly delaying the sale of their home. Here is my story and please read to the end so that you will understand how to sell your home without frustrating your potential buyer and then perhaps delaying the sale of your home. I decided to take a brief, momentary break in the middle of the day. I observed a furniture store I hadn’t been in before. It was in a prime … (98 comments)

Morris County Staging: Why Are Emotional Connections so Important for Buyers? - 01:42 AM
Morris County Staging: Why Are Emotional Connections so Important for Buyers?
One of the main goals of Elite Staging is creating a strong emotional connection for buyers to desire,  and envision themselves living in your home. When a buyer feels a strong psychological link to a seller's home, it creates a conscious and/or subconscious desire, and 90% of buyers report that they purchased their home based on this emotional connection, even though they were warned it can affect their negotiating skills.


Once buyers feel this strong connection to your home, they will go to great lengths to purchase it because … (72 comments)

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUBSIDIZE YOUR COMPETITION! IF AN AGENT WANTS TO LIST YOUR EXPIRED LISTING, LET THEM EARN IT!! - 06:13 AM
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUBSIDIZE YOUR COMPETITION!
A provocative post by ERICA RAMOS inspired this post for members to think about those photos that are added to their MLS listing reports.  The post and comments are worth a read.  MLS systems have their own individual rules and regs about photo use.  Read the rules for your individual MLS for photo use. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ERICA WROTE:
My Photos are Not Free for Your Use
Dear Listing Agent: 
Congratulations on your new listing that I saw added to the MLS. As you probably know, I listed and sold that property last year. I am sure you know … (124 comments)

Success in the Rain - 02:25 PM
Success posts usually go out on Friday but I'll be away for a few days and couldn't fathom a week without Success in the Rain!  This series is as much for the people who have experienced success here on AR as it is for the people who need a reminder that it's possible.
If you take a look at the highlighted members below, you'll see a few different forms of success.  New clients, friends, knowledge, gaining exposure....the list goes on and on.  I hope everyone finds theirs and shares it with all of us!
If you have yet to write your … (60 comments)

Are facebook and Twitter killing America? - 11:21 AM
This past weekend we had brunch with a few of our friends.  Nowadays when you get together with friends you always end up talking about the economy, real estate and the job market.  And the discussion can get emotional and heated sometimes. 
We all know people who have been laid off, downsized or their company went out of business.  It's sad when it's people who are good friends or family.  So our brunch conversation this past weekend was not as lighthearted as it's been in the past.
One of my friends kept bringing up the point that the U.S. is not … (93 comments)

It's a Bit of an Awkward Situation - 01:10 AM
I recently received a couple of requests for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). As I did the basic research, I discovered that both of the properties were already listed with other brokers.

In both cases, the seller was feeling “awkward” because the listing agent had brought a buyer for the property they listed. In each case, the offer brought by the listing agent was substantially low. This left both sellers felling like their agent was not representing them in the best way possible.
In Texas we do not allow dual agency. We handle it in one of two ways. The … (84 comments)

Welcome NEWBIE John Doran to Active Rain, We have a Great One Among us - 02:04 PM
I want to extend a warm welcome to John Doran to the Active Rain community. 
John is a 30 year veteran of the real estate community and is excellent real estate educator, trainer, coach and consultant for the  industry.  John is to GO TO guy in New Hampshire real estate.
John serves on the NH Public Policy Committee and has for years done expert witness work, is currently Chair of the Legal Committee for our local board and he is known thorughtout New England for his expertise in our business.
I attended one of his core classes this morning and as … (27 comments)

Who is the Most Awesome Person Today? My Version of ActiveRain's Daily "Member Spotlight" (Part VI) - 10:42 AM
Who is the Most Awesome Person Today?
  My Version of ActiveRain's Daily "Member Spotlight" (Part VI)

It's that time of the week again folks!
As promised, I've decided to make 2011 a year in which I introduce you, my dear readers, to a Rainer who you might not know, but probably should.
ActiveRain posts a "Member Spotlight" in their "Daily Drop" newsletter. This is my version...
For this week's post, that person is ActiveRain's very own:
Kerrie Greenhalgh

Kerrie is one of the folks who makes ActiveRain as special as it is.  She's dong … (85 comments)

Are You Thin? - 09:09 AM
It is not the first time I see on agents’ business cards that they serve 3 or 4 counties. It is like a wide net to catch as many customers that you can get.
I understand that market has changed and the way we work has also changed. With everything on the net, we can afford doing things we could not imagine before. We can immediately check county records, check court records and receive a lot of other information we did not have previously access to.
But even with all that, does it change the basics of Real Estate, and … (55 comments)

The Results Are In! - 11:31 PM
HomeGain surveyed about 600 real estate agents from all around the country to determine the top relatively low cost, do-it-yourself  home improvements for homeowners getting their house ready to sell. (low-cost is defined as under $5,000).
In my opinion, a home is properly "staged" when all of these items have been addressed, but for the purpose of this survey, it is given its own category and ranks #3. The top five home improvements that Realtors nationwide are recommending (based on those that offer the best return on investment) include:    1. Cleaning and de-cluttering    2. Lightening and brightening    3. … (71 comments)

How Far Should Social Media Be Spread? - 12:58 AM
Hey Everybody,
How Far Should Social Media Be Spread?
This is a question I've been asking myself a lot lately as I've been working to integrate my social media marketing.  I've set it up so that everything I post on ActiveRain auto-forwards to my Twitter account and my Twitter account automatically re-posts on Facebook.  Kinda cool, kinda interesting from a technical standpoint, but it's also kinda geeky.  -  Well maybe not "kinda" geeky.
The big question that I can't seem to shake from my head is "So what?".  I'm a big fan of the power of Social Media.  The sheer numbers … (33 comments)

I'm starting to feel like some kind of Rainiac. - 07:16 AM
For many of you getting on the Rain is almost like a conditional reflex. For me it's the first thing I do in the morning, part of my lunch hour and it has replaced television almost exclusively.
There's nothing better than having a place you can go to share ideas, get insight about market conditions plus get support.
This network of professionals is something I hope we all encourage others to be a part of.
… (35 comments)

Howcome some agents can't close a deal? - 09:38 AM
The other day, someone came to me and said some agents seem to have hard times getting a deal together, they keep showing houses after houses.  They possess good quality like friendliness, honesty, just good people, but somehow they can't get someone commits to buy from them.  We are not talking about losing 1 or 2 deals occasionally, we mean all the time. Why is that?
Will that because of :
They are not familiar with the market? They keep showing the wrong houses, not what the buyer wants, but they pick what they think is the best for the buyer instead? They don't … (202 comments)

I would pay my Realtor 10% if they asked me too.... - 03:25 PM
Here is an interesting little experience I had a little while ago. I spent the am going to appoints and running errands. It was getting to be well past lunch time and my tummy was telling me so. I decide to pop into a little sandwich shop I happen to like. Even though it is well past lunch the place was full. I order my sandwich and go to find a table while it is prepared. Looking around I see a small table open . I go for it.
Well as I am sitting and waiting I over hear the guys … (52 comments)


Blog posts


Florida Real Estate - USA Hotel for Sale - Business for Sale Florida - Hotels for Sale in FL - 08:41 AM
USA Hotel for Sale for $3,500,000 - Florida Hotel for Sale … (0 comments)

NAR releases opinion on Fannie and Freddie ReOrg - 12:49 PM
What happens next in the financial markets of the mortgage industry is up in the air. Our current system is a failure when markets go down. It cripples our industry, the financial markets, and millions of consumers.
The National Association of REALTORS released their reform recommendations. As one of the chief lobbying groups in Washington DC, you can bet that government is listening. They highlight the issues. Government Sponsored Entities are problematic. Anytime you have an artificial business that shares profits when times are good, and gets bailed out by taxpayers when times are bad - risk of collapse is high. In … (0 comments)

Wind Towers to Be Built Near Cheyenne, WY - 10:21 AM
Governor Matt Mead and state business officials announced Tuesday that construction will begin this spring on a $40 million wind tower manufacturing facility near Cheyenne.  This is hoped to be the start of a flourishing industry in Wyoming.
The 30-acre facility will be a milestone in efforts to build a manufacturing sector around the state's growing wind energy industry, and will be Wyoming's first-ever wind energy manufacturing facility.  This project should create about 150 new jobs.
Wyoming was chosen to serve as the North American headquarters for Worthington Industries' wind energy division because of its low business costs, work force and … (1 comments)

Bad Marketing - 11:46 AM
I am always in unbelief how some agents can actually use pictures as this one to market properties. A simple moving of things around would take about 30 seconds in this case! Ahhhhh!

… (1 comments)

Are we all caught in the Same Web? - 02:30 PM
Are we all caught in the same web?
Today in this country we are seeing a battle between those that want to cut government back and those that want to expand the power and scope of government. 
For those of us that want less government we get mocked by the other side for having trouble defining what we want cut; although there have been some very good and specific proposals, the left has a good point.
What brings this to mind is I frequently see puff pieces by the NAR on what they are doing for us on a lobbying level … (10 comments)

Buyers - Don't swim naked...put your blue fin on - 12:30 AM

 
So, you went ahead and found yourself a house to buy.  Maybe, you walked into an open house and the helpful agent told you that he or she could present your offer and you would save a bundle of money.  Maybe you just don't trust real estate agents.
From the outside looking in your choices do seem limited. On one hand, you can go with your old college pal that is now a real estate agent.  Of course, you get a little nervous when you have flashes of him partying with you or you have memories that are best … (1 comments)

Great Post - Prospect Mortgage Drops Minimum FICO Requirements on FHA Loans - 12:18 PM
Prospect Mortgage Drops Minimum FICO Requirements on FHA LoansI'm sure most of you have heard about lenders dropping their minimum FICO requirements on FHA loans to anywhere from 620 all the way down to 500.  While this is great news, it is not as simple as many think.  The lower the credit score the more stringent the guidelines become.  Prospect has lowered theirminimum FICO requirement to 580 for now, but here are the key points to remember in regards to responsible lending that are specific to the sub 640 FICO lending.Guideline Highlights
Single Family and 2 Unit OWNER OCCUPIED properties ONLY (no 3 … (1 comments)

Uncle Sam Wants Your Money - By Wendy Burdett Prospect Mortgage - 12:22 PM
UNCLE SAME WANTS YOUR MONEY Americans  who took advantage of the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit in 2008 of $7500 will have to depart with some money. You now have to  increase your tax liability when filing your tax returns by $500.00. This being the first of the next 15 years of your life, providing you still own the home in 15 years. For those who sell their home prior to the 15 year mark, the total balance will be due the year the house is sold. The best part of the tax credit is, it is like an interest free loan. For … (1 comments)

Calling for Cuts and Borrowing Billions in Illinois - 03:41 PM
I swear that in Illinois, we have the dumbest leadership in the country. How is it we get stuck with these idiots in office? If you look at Illinois voting patterns it is only Chicago and East St. Louis that pull in enough votes to elect these liberal minded politicians that bow down to unions. How is it you are making cuts, you have raised state income tax rates, you already know we have a DEFICIT problem and you come out with a budget that will increase the deficit by "spending more money than the state has in it's bank".
 
… (3 comments)

New Construction Homes for Sale by McBride & Sons Homes, Swansea Illinois - 07:11 PM
… (0 comments)

Buyers switching loan companies - 09:14 AM
Today I got some very interesting news from the loan officer from the buyers of one of my listings.  She informed me we would have to extend the contract date at least one week...  Understand this house has been under contract since Nov 16th with a close date of Feb 18th. The house is listed at $459,900 and the buyers had a pre-qualification letter from loan company “A” and I have talked to that company several times.  Now, loan company “B” is handling the loan and they, the buyers, had to start from ground zero with this company.  Company “B” just … (3 comments)

Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure vs. Short Sale ... Which Is Best Option for Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch Homeowners Seeking Florida Foreclosure Help? - 02:50 PM

CLICK to register for our next FREE Florida Foreclosure Help Seminar

Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure vs. Short Sale ... Which Is Best Option for Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch Homeowners Seeking Florida Foreclosure Help?

"If" you can get the bank to go along, a deed-in-lieu-of foreclosure is almost always the superior option over a short sale. That said, given current real estate market conditions in Florida, the chances of a mortgagee actually accepting a deed-in-lieu are slim indeed.

To review, a deed-in-lieu-of-foreclosure occurs when a lender agrees to accept the deed for a property in exchange … (1 comments)

The Four Cardinal Rules When Facing a Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch Florida Foreclosure – STOP, Communicate, Avoid, ACT! - 02:58 PM

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The Four Cardinal Rules When Facing a Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch Florida Foreclosure – STOP, Communicate, Avoid, ACT!

While we all know that the burst of the so called "housing Bubble" has hit property values on the Florida Gulf Coast hard, it's especially true in the Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch communities. Anyone who either purchased, or refinanced during the "boom years" knows that the amount they owe on their mortgage is significantly more than the amount they can currently sell their home for. That, combined with … (1 comments)

Get Your Short Sale Questions Answered in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch Florida By Experts for Free! - 03:03 PM

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Get Your Short Sale Questions Answered in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch Florida By Experts for Free!

The SaraMana preForeclosure Short Sale Assistance Team offers a free "Ask Our Expert" service wherein you can submit your questions for free. We can answer all manner of questions relating to foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, short sale, deed-in-lieu-of-foreclosure, reinstatement, and loan modification and we also maintain close ties with Florida licensed attorneys for questions relating to bankruptcy, tax implications, and a range of other legal issues.

If you are a Florida homeowner seeking … (1 comments)

Big Beautiful Home In Quail Lake Subdivision, Venice Florida 34293 - Now Offered for Short Sale at Only $169,900! - 03:07 PM

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Big Beautiful Home In Quail Lake Subdivision, Venice Florida 34293 - Now Offered for Short Sale at Only $169,900!

Great home! Great Condition! Great Neighborhood! Great price! What more could you ask for . . . Click the image below to go to the property details page . . .



… (1 comments)

Many Country Club of Lakewood Ranch Residents Seek Short Sale Instead of Foreclosure in Manatee County Florida - 03:13 PM

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Many Country Club of Lakewood Ranch Residents Seek Short Sale Instead of Foreclosure in Manatee County Florida

The nationwide foreclosure crisis is affecting homeowners at all socioeconomic levels and in all communities. The Country Club of Lakewood Ranch homeowners are themselves coming to grips with the realities of today's Manatee County Florida real estate market.

More and more of the residents are coming to realize that the issues created by the bursting of the housing bubble are neither their fault, nor a reflection of their personal integrity. … (3 comments)

Silverlake Homeowners Facing Foreclosure May Benefit From Short Sale in Bradenton Florida - 03:17 PM

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Silverlake Homeowners Facing Foreclosure May Benefit From Short Sale in Bradenton Florida

The mortgage crisis that is plaguing Florida Gulf Coast homeowners throughout the Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice region has hit several properties in the Silverlake subdivision. Many of these property owners are turning to Short Sales as a viable means of Stopping Foreclosure and minimizing the long-term damage to their reputation and credit.

If you would like to learn more about your foreclosure options and how you can avoid foreclosure virtually guaranteed, you can … (1 comments)

Riverplace Property Owners Bracing for Foreclosure Find Short Sale the Superior Option In Bradenton Florida - 03:24 PM
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Riverplace Property Owners Bracing for Foreclosure Find Short Sale the Superior Option In Bradenton Florida

The national economic slowdown is an "equal opportunity crisis" in that it knows no boundaries with respect to race, religion, political beliefs, or socioeconomic status -- the higher unemployment rates and rapid decline of home prices are touching all communities equally.

So, it comes as no surprise that many Florida Gulf Coast communities, including Bradenton and the River Place subdivision, have seen many homeowners falling behind on their mortgages, and coming face-to-face with … (1 comments)

The Country Club of Lakewood Ranch Owners Who Are Facing Foreclosure Determine Short Sale Is the Better Option In Bradenton Florida - 03:28 PM
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The Country Club of Lakewood Ranch Owners Who Are Facing Foreclosure Determine Short Sale Is the Better Option In Bradenton Florida
The bursting of the housing bubble has led to falling property values, a historic rise in unemployment, and increasing foreclosures throughout the Florida Gulf Coast region, including Manatee and Sarasota Counties. The mortgage crisis knows no boundaries and cuts across all social and economic lines. Unfortunately, many homeowners at The Country Club of Lakewood Ranch are finding themselves in a position they never would have expected to be in just … (1 comments)

Free Venice Florida Foreclosure Help Tele-seminar . . . How To Short Sale Your Home and Avoid Deficiency Judgments! - 03:31 PM
CLICK to register for our next FREE Foreclosure Help Seminar
Free Venice Florida Foreclosure Help Tele-seminar . . . How To Short Sale Your Home and Avoid Deficiency Judgments!On Tuesday, February 22nd, at 6:30 pm, Venice Florida homeowners facing foreclosure are invited to a FREE Tele-seminar that will explain exactly how to avoid foreclosure, the right way to Short Sale your home, and the truth about Avoiding Deficiency Judgments (the difference between what is owed and what a property is sold for).
This free community outreach effort is presented by nationally recognized preForeclosure and Short Sale Expert John Michailidis, GRI, CRS, … (1 comments)

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