Archives of real estate blog entries for March 23, 2011

Featured blog posts


Getting a Mortgage After a Short Sale - 07:52 AM
Original article source: Massachusetts Real Estate Blog
As a Realtor who has been heavily involved closing Massachusetts short sales over the last five years, one of the questions that I get asked quite often from home sellers is how long will it take before I will be able to buy a home again.
Of course what people really mean is how long before I will be able to get another mortgage.
The answer to this question does not have any clear cut and dry answer. There are quite a few variables involved when trying to figure out when someone will be … (53 comments)

Why Am I Here?... Or Better Yet, Why Aren't You? - 10:17 AM
Why Am I Here?... Or Better Yet, Why Aren't You?
Of course I'm referring to ActiveRain and why you should be here. Yesterday one of my invitees to ActiveRain called me for some help. Naturally, being the good Ambassador that I am, I threw myself together, because I'm not a pretty sight before I get myself together, and headed on over to her office to lend a hand.
At my insistence, she just signed up to ActiveRain, but had no clue as to where to begin... or why she should even begin in the first place. Well, my dear readers, and … (78 comments)

Easiest commission you ever made - 01:11 AM
I just finished reading Pat Haddad's blog  You Sold My House in One Day - Will You Lower Your Commission and it reminded me of my most recent transaction.
A previous co-worker from Chicago who now lives out here in Scottsdale called and asked if I would help them find a home.  It seems they had been out looking and checking Craig's list and going to open houses - weekend, after weekend, after weekend.  I asked them if they were working with another real estate agent - no.  Then, I asked them why they hadn't called me sooner.  Well, they just thought … (226 comments)

(not so) Wordless Wednesday... - 06:25 AM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday…Have you ever been walking or doing something and get that feeling that you were being watched? Yesterday, while engaging my morning walk at Radnor Lake Wildlife Refuge a few miles from the house, I had that feeling. Who - Who-o-o-o-o's out there I queried?About 20 yards off the path, I saw the culprit nestled in the fork of a tree. Thankfully, I had long glass on the camera and was able to get a few good shots. Who-o-o-o knows, maybe I'll get lucky and see something different on this morning's walk...

… (68 comments)

Management Skills Are Essential To Listing Agents....Are Your Systems In Place??? - 09:59 AM
Everyone in business needs to have management skills.  Most agents will never manage or own a real estate office, but that does not mean that their management ability does not have to be developed.  Every agent is faced daily with management tasks, and his/her ability to perform those tasks properly with good decision-making will determine the success of his/her business. 
Listing agents have an order that needs to be maintained and controlled regarding their inventory.  This is especially true of new construction communities with a large number of units.  There has to be an organized system and routine applied continually without … (69 comments)

When a Solid Deal Melts Away - 06:09 PM
It happened last night. I got that call every real estate agent dreads. "My buyer wants out."
Ugh.
It was a solid deal. There was no reason to think things would take a turn over the next few days. But then the phone calls start coming in from the buyer's agent, and you can just feel that this solid deal is melting away.

Yet until you actually hear the words, you hold out every bit of hope that the buyer will see things clearly and meet you and your sellers at the closing table. But that just wasn't the case this time.
… (59 comments)

Meet Marco Pontillo - New Active Rain Member - Show Him the Love! - 11:39 PM
Meet Marco Pontillo, Realtor® - New Active Rain Member - Show Him the Love! A friend of mine contacted me about a week ago to say he knew a Realtor® that I might like to meet, as a business connection.  Now don't get me wrong, I was extremely grateful for this introduction, but there was a part of me that was a little nervous.  What if the Realtor® was only being polite, what if we didn't have anything in common, what if I couldn't think of a thing to say, what if, what if, what if... Well, we met at Starbuck's … (34 comments)

The IRS Filed A Lien on My Home, Can I Still Do A Short Sale? - 11:55 PM
The IRS Filed A Lien on My Home, Can I Still Do A Short Sale?
Has the IRS field a lien on your home for back taxes?  Are you wondering whether you still can do a short sale with the IRS lien filed on your property?  The answer of course depends on your individual situation.  But, generally the IRS will remove its lien on your property where it can be shown that the lien has no value.  If your property is worth less than the mortgage liens that came before the IRS lien, then the IRS lien probably has no value. So, yes, … (51 comments)

This Weekend In Tucson! Oh And There Is Also A Basketball Game! - 07:16 AM
Let's get March Madness basketball out of the way - Arizona Wildcats (#5)  are in the Sweet 16!  It's been 10 years since they've been up against Duke (#1) in a championship game that is set for Thursday, March 24th at 9:45pm eastern time.  If they win, they will advance and play in one of the games scheduled for the weekend!
 
While you are waiting for the games, here are some other things you can do in Tucson this weekend:
Tucson's CityScape Adventure Challenge on Saturday, March 26th at 11:00am.This Amazing Race event will begin with a check in at 11:00 am … (22 comments)

"Why I Am Never Going to Own a Home Again" - 12:39 AM
Yahoo News posted an article written by James Altucher, you can read the full article here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/why-i-am-never-going-to-own-a-home-again-536051.html#mwpphu-container
 Basically, James makes the case that it is a bad idea to own a home for 6 main reasons (I will summarize):
1)   Because the cash used for down-payment is tied up and can never be used again (as it will "just roll into the next house").
2)  The expense of closing costs when purchasing a home that can add up to 2-3%.
3)  The maintenance costs of owning a home (and how he can call the landlord when a dishwasher breaks, and have the landlord … (189 comments)

FEEDBACK. . . A HOLD OVER FROM A DIFFERENT TIME??. . . WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?? - 07:11 AM
Is a Little Feedback Too Much To Ask?  Perhaps it is.
FEEDBACK. . . Inspired by a thoughful post by Belinda Spillman about Feedback, I'm reminded again that "The more things change, the more they remain the same".  Feedback is, IMO, a relic from an earlier time when ALL AGENTS REPRESENTED THE SELLER, either as the listing agent or a sub-agent. 
ENTER BUYER'S AGENCY.  Real estate practices, real estate laws and the REALTORS® Code of Ethics have changed dramatically over the past 20 years.  However, there is some carry-over of old practices that have survived, whether or not they make any common sense.  … (136 comments)

NAR Realtor Party Political Survival Initiative - A Penny For Your Thoughts. - 02:42 PM

It's entirely probable you've heard about the new NAR Realtor® Party Political Survival Initiative introduced at the AE Institute this past Sunday. While NAR has not made a broad announcement of the program yet, our AE's are returning from their meetings this week with information on the initiative and word has been getting out from Inman, from the blogs, and of course on Realtor.org itself.
According to NAR, the initiative was launched partially in response to last years Supreme Court decision, the celebrated Citizens United Case. As forecast, that decision stands as a game changer in the lobbying world granting … (129 comments)

What Do Your Online Photos Say About Your Kitchener Home? - 12:19 PM
It’s amazing how connected people are today with the internet, iPhones, blackberries (I call mine my crackberry), iPads and more. They want information to be accessible everywhere, instantly. Virtually everything in our lives is touched by this hi-tech vibe and its revolutionizing the way people buy and sell real estate these days.

Did you know that over 95% of buyers shop online first before even going to see a property? Whether they are browsing through MLS listings at home or viewing them on their iPhone while they are out and about, people are doing their initial search first without even … (32 comments)

Should I Buy the Biggest, Nicest House on the Street? - 01:59 PM

Brevard County Real Estate and Investing
We have been getting calls from investors that are looking to purchase investment property. They want to take advantage of our low prices and interest rates. Some want to buy a beautiful house in a beautiful neighborhood, with top of the line appliances and amenities. The feeling is that the nicer the property, the better clientele will be attracted to the property, so the more money they will collect in rent, thus the more money they will make.
There are many fallacies to real estate investing, and owning the nicest and biggest house on … (45 comments)

NAR IS PROPOSING A $40 INCREASE TO OUR DUES - 05:15 PM
The proposed increase is for them to raise 80 million dollars for their political action committee.  This is a 50% increase in national dues.  If memory serves me right NAR membership is down almost 25% from their highs of a few years ago.  There is a reason for the loss of membership.  Business is down.  They keep reporting on the loss of sales volume.  Yet they are proposing this kind of increase.  Are we going to be like the teachers union and be forced to watch our dues support candidates that we would never vote for never mind send money to their … (55 comments)

Have You 'Googled' Your Name Lately? You Might Be Surprised By What You Find. - 07:50 PM
 
 
How often do you 'Google' yourself or your company name?  If you haven't checked for a while, here's your friendly reminder to take a few moments to do so.  Who knows what you'll find! 
I try to make it a habit to check on a monthly basis, but as life gets in the way, that doesn't always happen.  In the past when I've checked, of course my website comes up as well as all of the social media sites that I belong to.  Many times I'll even come across articles that I've written for REALTOR® Magazine that have been posted by REALTORS® across the U.S. and … (96 comments)

WHAT'S WITH YOUR 'TUDE, DUDE???.....Attitude Will Define Your Success!...Or Your Failures!! - 10:07 AM
WHAT'S WITH YOUR 'TUDE, DUDE???...Attitude will define your success!....Or Your Failures!
One day last week, I had a listing all ready to sign up that I lost because of the acts of another person in my office--- He denied any wrong doing to management but what was obvious was that he discussed with the homeowner that she did not have to sign an exclusive agreement with anyone to get a listing sold. This is true--but he also interfered in my months long work. She had told him she was ready to sign an exclusive listing with me.
I was very upset, as you can imagine … (111 comments)

The Case of the Missing Plasma TV . . . Oh, No You Didn't!! - 01:06 AM
Every so often the Real Estate Agency here in the State of Oregon (our licensing board) sends out a publication.  It includes the latest news, updates, continuing education requirements, that type of thing. 
Also included is the juicy stuff . . . the civil fines, reprimands, license revocations, and suspensions they've recently adjudicated.  I thoroughly enjoy reading about who got into trouble and why.  I like to think of it as my little real estate version of the "National Enquirer"
So here's a good one.  I'm reading about a listing agent who took a short sale.  The owners moved out-of-state, leaving the house partially … (130 comments)

Should Agents Steer Buyers to Their Own Listings? - 04:05 PM

Today I received an interesting email from an on-site agent in a Destin Florida luxury home subdivision.  I happened to have a listing there.  (How dare I?) The agent asked if I wanted to co-list the house with his company.  I declined, saying I relied on my own extensive marketing to sell the property, but thank you very much.
The on-site agent asked me to re-consider.  He said if I co-listed with his company, I “would get a lot more showings that way.” 
Jaw Drop.
The implication was that his company steered buyers away from my listing.  So if … (84 comments)

Copycat Bloggers Right Here on ActiveRain - 08:06 AM
I recently ran across a blogpost here on ActiveRain.
It began like this --
Bankruptcy is one of the scariest words a lender can hear. A bankruptcy filing can stall their ability to foreclose by 6 months, and sometimes as long as a year. Discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale to avoid foreclosure by clicking here. The lenders know that most bankruptcies will cause them to lose the ability to pursue you for any losses.
The ActiveRain blogger had many posts just like this one, all posted just a day or two apart.
Looked suspicious to me. … (112 comments)

What Would Happen if............. - 12:54 AM
SCENARIO: You are a successful agent or broker. You have many escrows and many active prospects, both buyers and sellers, and like most, you do not have an assistant. You are a valued member of your clients and past clients circle and they consistently rely on you for services. Then......one day.......you get sick. And I don't mean a common cold or day in bed with the flu, I mean really sick, hospital sick, or, god forbid, unconscious, unable to respond sick! What happens to your buyers, your sellers, your offers in negotiation, your escrows!!!!!?
Recently in my office we had this … (19 comments)

EXCUSE ME!!!! That's MY Picture You're Using in YOUR Story! - 03:59 PM
After some recent uprisings in the real estate world over logos and such, as well as a local mess regarding the use of pictures, I've become more cautious about pictures. In fact, my series, Before And After, which I have not done in quite some time, will probably be no more because of this very issue. (Unless I go through the process to get approval to use some of the pictures.
So, anyway, I've done many stories about the Doraville GM Plant since 2008 when it was announced it would be shut down. As a result, I know my blogs work...I've … (65 comments)

Clients are contact lenses - 12:01 PM
OK, I admit, clients are not actually contact lenses.  If they were, our eyes would hurt. 
But this morning the contact lens in my right eye disappeared.  While it was in my eye.  I'm not quite sure what happened but one minute it was sitting snugly on my eye, and then it wasn't.  It was somewhere behind my eyeball.  If you're squeamish about things like this, sorry, but it was.  I could feel it.  I knew it was there, but it just wasn't coming to light.  So I closed my eyelid and tried to jiggle it loose.  I tried from the left, … (38 comments)

Hey Realtors®! Hungry? I Got Bacon! - 12:53 AM
I received the following email today.  It went out to no less than seven real estate agent email addresses (not hidden from view) including the general email box for a major brokerage in town.  Can you say cattle call?:
Hi, my name is xxxxx xxxxx and I am an investor in the local area. [Congratulations!]  I not only represent myself but I also have several investors in and out of the area that I help find, rehab, rent out and manage properties.  [Wow you sound BIG TIME!]  Because of the money backing me, I have set the goal to buy 20 properties within the … (70 comments)


Blog posts


Atlanta GA Real Estate - Hotels for Sale Atlanta GA - Business for Sale Atlanta GA - 04:46 PM
Franchise Hotel … (0 comments)

What is The Best Way to Get Rainmaker Support? - 11:41 PM
Every day, new folks are joining ActiveRain and new people are upgrading their accounts to Rainmaker accounts. Coordinating the support of 200,000+ members can be a challenge. We've always prided ourselves on solving challenges faced by our members in a timely manner. However, as more and more people join the site, and more people upgrade their account to a Rainmaker account, those challenges become, well, more challenging.
Just as important to our plan for supporting our members is the ability to communicate how we can best support them. Today, we are adding a phone number to the top of the page … (0 comments)

My Wife Loves to Stop at Olympic Bakery and Deli in Shelton WA - 09:59 PM
Olympic Bakery and Deli in Shelton WA
She says:
I'm driving down Hi-way 3, on my way to Olympic Bakery and Deli.  How lucky am I that I get to enjoy miles of scenery of Oakland Bay on the highway. One of my favorite things about the bakery are their soups.  Each day of the week, they feature 2 different soups.  For me, I love Monday when they have Beef Borscht.  It is delicious, lots of vegetables, cabbage and chunks of beef.  It is delicious and served with a warm roll and butter.They also  feature many handmade sandwiches.  They also come … (1 comments)

Is it wise to limit a home search to distressed properties? - 01:55 AM
Many prospective home buyers believe if they want to get the deal of a lifetime in this market they need to focus on distressed properties, such as foreclosures or short sales, in which the lender accepts less than the mortgage amount. By focusing on just distressed properties, these buyers are making mistakes, I will detail below. 
The number of distressed properies on the market has changed the makeup of the real estate inventory. It used to be when you would think about the selection of properties you were looking for, it would be either resales or new construction. Now, you have … (6 comments)

2808 Manitou Avenue, Lincoln Heights - 06:56 PM
2808 Manitou Avenue, Lincoln Heights
 
 

2808 Manitou Ave., Lincoln Heights, offered for sale at: $294,500
Well maintained classic cottage, built in 1885, in the heart of Lincoln Heights. 2 story, 2 bedrooms, den, 1 bath. Fenced yard, 1 car detached garage with large storage area. Private patio area.
For more information, please visit: http://2808manitou.bob-taylor.info/
The Bob Taylor Properties Network of informative blogs and websites  
Bob-Taylor.com Our original website BobTaylorProperties.com The company blog NelaLive.net Community events and opinions EclecticAngelino.com A headline newsfeed from around Northeast Los Angeles TaylorHotSheet.com Real Estate Market updates and Open Houses WeMarketRealEstate.com Learn about … (0 comments)

Bad Loans Are Still Available - Watch Your Wallet - 05:21 PM
About a year and a half ago I helped my brother-in-law by a nice little home.  Four Bedrooms and two bath is not bad for a single guy.  It was a little on the older side and dated in parts but it was affordable for him and he seems happy there.  He bought this with a fixed rate 30 year VA Loan and put some money down to cover his DTI.
Well about 8 months ago he had to go out on Workers Comp and a number of other issues developed as they examined him at the VA.  It turns out … (3 comments)

12107 Red Stream Way Columbia Maryland $525,000 - 10:33 AM


It would be easy just to share the pictures of this home. People have been telling me that "a picture tells a thousand words". Maybe. But maybe pictures only tell part of the story.  You can visit the virtual tour by clicking on this LINK.  You will experience a snap shot in time.  The house has been cleaned and the kids toys have been put away.  The owners have dusted and polished. Everything was done to show the home in the photos.
I sold the Johnson's this house.  It was perfect for them at the time.  As I walked … (2 comments)

Stanislaus County Short Sales - Award Winning Year - 07:04 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales -  Award Winning Year
Pretty much anyone that knows me well, knows that I don't get too excited about awards in this business.   It's not that I am against them it's just that it's not awards that motivates me in this business.  Well last week I was awarded the Century 21 Ruby Award for sales in 2010.  I missed the actual awards presentation a couple weeks ago, because I had something else to do. 
Last week (on St.Patrick's Day) we had a luncheon for our office's award winners.  Those of us that did not make it … (2 comments)

Wash Us Lord, Whiter Than Snow - 12:50 PM
Psalm 51:7 ESV  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Isaiah 1:18 ESV  “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
 
Whiter Than Snow Lyrics:
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul. Break down every idol, cast out every foe; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Refrain Whiter than … (2 comments)

Texas Realtors Applaud Lawmakers for Efforts to Eliminate Private Transfer Fees - 10:11 AM
AUSTIN, Texas, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) today acknowledged leaders throughout the Texas Capitol for advancing a measure that would protect homeowners from hidden fees when buying and selling a home.
                                                    
The legislation, included within House Bill 8 and Senate Bill 1459, would prohibit private transfer fees on real estate.  These fees require a buyer to pay a percentage of the sales price of the home to a private entity each time the property is sold for a designated period of time, … (3 comments)

Who Needs A Realtor? I can Sell My Own Home! - 05:04 PM
Who Needs A Realtor? I can Sell My Own Home!
 
It appears that, at least for a period of time, you and I may be in the same business, finding the perfect qualified buyer and selling a beautiful home.
I have had the privilege of working with many sellers just like you—and many of those have been individuals and families that chose to sell their home without the services of a professional.
During this time, I've gained a tremendous insight into the process of selling real estate.Now, I'd like to share some of this knowledge with you to assist you … (0 comments)

Quiet, Convenient, Beautiful Carefree Crossings - 01:31 AM
Type in your SEO text here...

… (0 comments)

A Grab Bar can Hold Towels but a Towel Bar Cannot Hold Grabs! - 12:27 AM
A Grab Bar can Hold Towels but a Towel Bar Cannot Hold Grabs!
This is a very good grab bar which can be placed in many different areas. The most popular is the bath room where most accidents occur. No reason why this grab bar could not be used to hang towels..maybe even a magazine. One thing for sure it is sturdy enough for a person to hold onto and, if necessary, lift themselves up. Notice it is screwed into the ceramic tile not glued on.
 
                      
                                                              ##################
Another grab bar is placed vertical … (15 comments)

Carrboro Home For Sale - Immacuate in Tennis Club Estates - 11:47 PM
Immaculate, beautiful and move-in condition in Carrboro's Tennis Club Estates.  This 1300 sq. ft. house  is a perfect starter home. 

Click here to learn more about Team JodiClick here to view Team Jodi's Chapel Hill Real Estate and Durham Homes for Sale Click here to Search homes for sale in Chapel Hill and Durham and the surrounding Triangle NC area … (1 comments)

All Brick Colony Condominium in Mount Vernon, Ohio - 10:23 AM
Impressive all brick Knox County Condo at 505 East Gambier Street Unit C, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 and the price is really right at just $119,900.
We created this link so that you can also view all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio condominiums
Offered by Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (0 comments)

Fredericktown Ohio Country Cape Cod with 23 Acres - 10:41 AM
Gorgeous 23 Acres country showplace located North of Mount Vernon, Ohio at 14841 Lower Fredericktown Amity Road, Fredericktown, Ohio 43019
We have also created a special listing link so that you can view all of our Knox County Ohio homes with acreage
Offered by Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Homes For Sale
… (2 comments)

Can You Spare Some Fresh Air? - 08:36 PM
Can You Spare Some Fresh Air?

Can you spare some fresh air and a little extra space in your home this summer? If so, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency that provides summer vacations for low-income families in New York City, is looking for host families in Loudoun County who are willing to provide a child with a country or suburban experience.
Children in the program are boys and girls ranging in age from 6-18 and the volunteer family can request the age group and gender they would like to host. There are no financial requirements to be a … (3 comments)

Snow in the Spring - 10:10 AM
My todos today included taking pictures of our new and upcomming listing in Cold Spring Hunt,
Buckingham PA. but when I looked out the window there was an inch of snow on the ground.
Well, gloomy and grey for the outside, but with no sun the indoor photos are easier to take.
Happy Spring to all of you.
… (2 comments)

Best place to work in 2011. Philadelphia Area - 10:20 AM
WE ARE #1! Top Workplaces 2011
  
 In the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area
  
This is truly BREAKING THROUGH!!
  
We can't shout this loud enough...
 
Congratulations KW Associates and Leaders in Greater PA!
 
see the links below-  Send them to all your clients, vendors, recruits, family and friends
 
Let the world know our story!
 
 
*Voted BEST PLACE TO WORK 2011*
At Keller Williams, keeping the spirit in the housing market
  
Ranked list of companies | Philly | 03/20/2011
 
 
… (1 comments)

Mobile AL Real Estate Market Snapshot - 03/22/2011 - 08:49 AM

Below you will find a table that contains the Market Activity report for March 22, 2011 activity in the Mobile AL Real Estate market according to the Mobile Association of Realtors MLS system.
This information is derived daily directly from the local MLS System. For more free Mobile AL real estate information, reports, and statistics, please visit http://www.GulfRegionProperties.com or http://www.AlabamaBestHomes.com . Please e-mail me or call 251-215-9382 if you would like additional information on any of the listings shown.

Mobile AL Real Estate Market Snapshot 03/22/2011
Single Family Homes and Condominiums
Steve Shaw Gulf Region Properties Team Keller Williams Realty … (0 comments)

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