Archives of real estate blog entries for March 26, 2011

Featured blog posts


How To Copyright Protect Your ActiveRain Posts? Questions Answered! - 01:43 PM
How To Copyright Protect Your ActiveRain Posts? Questions Answered!
I recently wrote two posts about copyright:
How To Automatically Copyright Protect Your ActiveRain Posts Speaking of Copyright Infringement: Lawsuit Dismissed I am very fortunate that both posts were well received, and even more fortunate that both posts had lots of comments... and a few excellent questions. I answered those questions in my original posts. Nonetheless, I thought it would be useful to share my answers in a new post.
I hope my fellow ActiveRainer’s find this info useful:
Q: A person identified as “Observer” noted, “...you don't have to do … (89 comments)

10 Great Mobile apps ---- Every agent or matter of fact anyone can use to make their life easier!!! - 12:50 AM
My top 10 Mobile apps to make your life mobile!!! AND THE BEST PART IS THEY ARE FREEEEE!!!
1) Google Maps for mobile - m.google.com/maps Use Google Maps on your phone, and never carry a paper map again. This program allows you the ability to Get driving, transit, biking, or walking directions in a list or on the map (where data is available).  Can be used on mobile phone or and Ipad
2) Hootsuite - http://hootsuite.com/android  - HootSuite for Android™ is a FREE app that helps you update your social networks, monitor conversations, and track results -- all from your Android™ … (31 comments)

"No I Won't Reduce My Commission! Do You Expect Me to Work for FREE?" (Um, let's do some math) - 09:21 AM
Bear with me this morning as I rant a little bit about one of the Sacred Cows of the real estate industry (specifically, the compensation model that pays us based on the price of the property).
I recently read an article written by a real estate agent bemoaning a potential buyer client's request that the agent reduce his fee by half. Seems the buyer found a property on his own and just needed help getting the property under contract and to closing.
The agent was, predictably, outraged and offended. How dare this buyer ask him to reduce his fee! How dare he imply that … (131 comments)

Bucking the Trend - 11:49 PM
A Shameless, Brazen Self Pimping Piece Follows. All sold data is taken from the Empire Access MLS: 
Much like the rest of the country, there is still a significant malaise over the Westchester County real estate market. From January 1, 2010 until March 26, 2010 there were 708 single family homes sold in Westchester County at a median sale price of $600,000. In that same period of 2011, only 662 single family homes closed, and they had a median price of $560,000. 
Prices are down 7% in Westchester and transaction totals are down 6% overall. Not good. 
J. Philip Real Estate, … (64 comments)

Kids. They Grow Up So Fast These Days! - 10:55 AM
Kids. They Grow Up So Fast These Days! I remember when she was just a little girl. It seemed like almost yesterday.
My how time flies. But, today is her special day.
 
And we won't reminisce about days gone by. No. Instead we'll just all wish ActiveRain's very own
Kerrie Greenhalgh a very Happy Birthday! Here's to you Kerrie on your special day. Happy Birthday to you!



About The Author Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the … (71 comments)

Redbud Winter... - 05:58 AM
Redbud Winter…While the blooming of the daffodils and crocus, are attributed as the first harbingers of Spring, the blooming of the Redbuds is the reminder that winter still lingers. Every year, just as I start getting used to the warm, sun-drenched days of Spring, and begin to think that Old Man Winter is a distant memory; he slaps me with his cool, icy breath, reminding me, that he is not about to bow out gracefully. His cold, harsh breath stings my cheeks, turning them a color only to be rivaled by those of the Redbud trees that dot the landscape here … (59 comments)

Does It Really Matter Why the Client Chose Another Agent? - 11:36 AM
An agent emailed me yesterday to say a buyer she had been working with suddenly dropped her in favor of another agent. She wanted to know why. In fact, she went so far as to email the client and ask -- in the interest of improving her communication skills and learning from her mistakes -- but the client did not respond. She wondered if I would be willing to call the client and find out why the client had hired a different agent.
It's human nature to wonder and to sometimes feel slapped in the face. Some agents might wonder what … (78 comments)

DO YOU PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD? - 12:18 AM


DO YOU PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD?
I had an interesting experience this afternoon in my market, Potomac, Maryland. Let me set the scene. I showed some clients a home for the second time. The listing price is just shy of $1.4 million dollars and the house has languished on the market for 6+ months. It's located in an upscale neighborhood.
Lessons To Be Learned At A Simple Showing
So you are probably wondering what's the story. So, it goes like this. The listing agents are well-established, successful agents. I was surprised that neither one of them showed up … (60 comments)

Why Associate? Why Subscribe? - 03:13 AM
 
 
Why Associate? Why Subscribe?
The lack of understanding is often the difference between success and failure.  In order to reap the full benefits of ActiveRain, let’s consider the following actions and the keys to your success: 
Why should I Associate With Anyone?
Associate:  Any member can Associate with another member.  This is the equivalent of handing out or receiving a business card.  It usually involves collecting a name, phone # and a brief description.  
Associates:  If two members Associate with each other, they are now Associates. You have simply exchanged contact information with each other.
  
That’s it, right? … (91 comments)

Didn’t get to Hollywood, but we still are awesome! - 07:04 PM

One thing I love about Knipe realty is they are always on the cutting edge of technology and even though I am always bringing new things to help agents in our company further their careers, this company actually brings things to me that are equally as awesome.
Check out our latest YouTube video from our technology department, these guys rock, just not enough to make it to Hollywood, doesn’t matter we love the Pacific NW anyway and really don’t want to leave!

If you work in the Pacific NW and are looking for a change to a company that … (29 comments)

Spring Marketing | It's Time To Plant the Seeds To Your Success - 05:14 PM
Hi everyone!Time To Plant Your Marketing Seeds!Photo Courtesy of William WegmanSpring is here and March is coming to a close soon. It's time for all good Real Estate Agents to start marketing themselves to prospective clients. Sellers are looking for you as well as Buyers. Springtime is officailly here and buyers are coming out in droves. Inventory is building and interest rates are still low. It's a great time to buy! Right Now!Pascack Valley in Bergen County NJ still has many wonderful opportunities available for the first time home buyer as well as move up buyers.Planting your marketing seeds now will bring you … (38 comments)

NO, I am sorry but I won't give you any of my Purchase Agreements! - 08:52 PM
A For Sale by Owner called and asked if I would give him the paperwork needed to finish his sale.
"NO!" was my reply
"I would be happy to pay for it." the caller said.
"Well, in that case, Sure, $5175 is the amount I need and oh, by the way I came with the deal."
"WHAT?!"
I told the caller nicely that I have paid to have these forms updated with the current law for over 15 years.   I have paid to learn how to fill them out correctly.   I have paid to learn which forms are legally required.  I … (65 comments)

Who's behind ActiveRain REALLY? - 09:49 AM
 

 
 
Just starting out in the Rain or having been here for a while, I'll bet there are some folks that you don't know behind the scenes...
 
 
Last week I thought it would be helpful to reflect on what it was like when I first started in the Rain and mayby pass along a tip or two that might help a Newbie or an alumni as well...As we all know it can be a tad daunting when you are just starting out here in the rain...
If you didn’t read last weeks post,  I shared that … (38 comments)

Part II - Navigating Active Rain, I Learned the Hard Way, You Don’t Have Too! - 07:16 AM
Part II - Navigating Active Rain, I Learned the Hard Way, You Don't Have Too!
 
1. Associate  vs Subscriber - When I was new to Active Rain (not so long ago) , I had no idea what the difference was.  Answer: If you want to keep up on someone's blog because you really like what they have to say, subscribe. If you want to endorse another Rainer and their business add them as an Associate.
2. If you add a fellow Rainer as an Associate, take the time to write a small referral - if you just add them as an Associate … (82 comments)

Do Consumers Really Read My Blog? Yesterday They Sure Did!!! - 11:56 AM
I want to tell you guys about the terrific consumer response I got from a post I wrote yesterday about a Building & Remodeling Expo that is going on in town this weekend. 
 
I had seen coupons in the newspaper that were good for free tickets to this event so I clipped them.  Then I poked around and found more newspapers and coupons so I could offer these to anybody who would call and request them.  After I published the post I sort of forgot about it.....until the phone started ringing!
 

 
Let me just say … (62 comments)

Listing Agents Versus Selling Agents - The Saga Continues - 10:39 AM

I read a featured blog this morning bashing listing agents for not answering their phones whenever a selling agent calls with questions.  Sigh. We've beat this issue to death over the past few years. I'm almost too tired of it to write this but the attitude really gets under my skin.
The post and comments argue that since the selling agent's schedule is driven by the buyer's schedule that somehow the listing agent should be available at all times to answer questions. After all, the buyer is ready to write an offer.
I do agree with the original post that if … (85 comments)


Blog posts


Texas Real Estate - Hotel for Sale TX - Business for Sale TX - TX Property for Sale - 01:06 PM
Texas Hotel for Sale for $7,250,000 - Branded - New in 2010 … (0 comments)

The Diet Continues - Week 79 - I have husband Eyes! - 04:44 PM
No weigh in this week as I did not go over to Kaiser.  The home scale I do not trust with my truck sized body says I am doing OK.
My wife has joined me on the diet and she is claiming a very good first week with a drop of about 6 pounds.  Now my problem of course is she does not look fat to me; so I do not know why she is on a diet.  Every time I look at her all I see is someone that loves me and puts up with all my cantankerous crap.  She … (9 comments)

Stanislaus County Short Sales - A Big Thank You! - 04:02 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales - A Big Thank You!
 
I just closed a sale with two brothers that I have been working with for about 8  months.  They are first time buyers and both pretty young.  They had made a couple offers that didn't go through.  One the home was foreclosed on and the other they decided they really didn't like the area.
Finally in early February we found the one.  This was a bank owned home here in Turlock.  This home had new carpets, fresh interior paint, and new appliances.  This one was move in ready.  We made … (2 comments)

Stanislaus County Short Sales - I need my car running its best! - 05:18 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales - I need my car running its best!
Being a Stanislaus County Short Sale Specialist I do a lot of driving.  In fact I also list and sell Short Sales in Merced and San Joaquin Counties.  I put on a lot of miles driving up and down the Central Valley.
Since I am in my car so much I need it to be running it's best.  I need to be sure I am going to get to where I need to be when I need to be there.  I also need to know that my car … (3 comments)

Our Lord, The Commander, Washes Our Feet, Makes Us More Than Conquerors - 03:50 PM
The Commander of the Lord's Army Speaks with Joshua
Joshua 5:13-15
 13When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you one of us or one of our enemies?” 14He answered, “Neither one! I am here as the commander of the Lord’s army.” Immediately, Joshua bowed with his face touching the ground and worshiped. He asked, “Sir, what do you want to tell me?” 15The commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals because this … (5 comments)

Foreclosures Frozen in February - 02:53 PM
Foreclosure filings were reported on 225,101 U.S. properties in February, a 14 percent decrease from the previous month and a 27 percent decrease from February 2010, according to the February 20111 RealtyTrac U.S. Foreclosure Market Report. The report also shows one in every 577 U.S. housing units with a foreclosure filing during the month "Foreclosure activity dropped to a 36-month low in February as allegations of improper foreclosure processing continued to dog the mortgage servicing industry and disrupt court dockets," said James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. Complete Story
… (0 comments)

34 Mark Circle, Berwick ME., $59,000 - 05:07 PM
Nice lot located in Berwick, Maine.  Lot has public eater and sewer in place.  Great spot for a mobile home and no park fees.
… (0 comments)

Don't Forget To Turn Out The Light! - 03:09 PM

 
Tonight, at 8:30 p.m. your time, people all around the world will recognize Earth Hour 2011 by turning off the lights.  It started as a recognition of climate change, but it's also a way to realize that artificial lighting, itself, is a form of pollution.   So, tonight, turn off all unnecessary lights (and think really, really hard about what is "necessary") for one hour and go out and look up and enjoy the natural night sky in all its glory.  This is our birthright, after all - do we really want to sell it for a mess of pottage? 
… (6 comments)

I Have The Buyers in Baltimore, MD Are You Ready to Sell? - 06:31 PM
I have the buyers in Baltimore! Are you ready to sell ? 
 
                             
 
I have just started working with a delightful couple. How long do you think it will take me  to find them a home?
Remember I always ask for their wish list.  Here are some of their requirements...quite practical,
''We are looking for a home  up to $250,000. Must be pet friendly for our two dogs, so a fenced yard would really be nice. We are a young couple and would  like a garage... but will consider a parking pad that would comfortably fit an 18 foot work van. It … (10 comments)

Celebrating...Three times Over ! - 09:07 AM
Last night it was our very great pleasure to take our Seller/Buyers to dinner at The Lakeside Inn in Mukwonago.  It is oru favorite place to celebrate and this was a week of great jubilation....we sold the listing in less than a week and got an accepted offer on the new house ,....everyone is soooo excited.
    This is especially fun because....our Seller/Buyer  Client/Customers will have three times the fun in moving to their new home.....meet the triplets....Connor, Patrick and Liam...
Here they are preparing for their homecoming to a home they won't remember...with ultra proud parents, Jean and Bryan

… (11 comments)

Office Design - What Do Agents Want - 01:52 PM
We are excited to announce the opening of our new office in Cherry Creek.  As we begin the construction process we have been listening hard to our existing agents to understand what features in an office are most important to them.
Our current office in the Denver Tech Center has almost 6,000 SF that includes 2 conference rooms and training center, 7 private offices, bull pen area and a small break room.  The new office is considerable smaller with just 1400 SF plus a 400 SF balcony.  Our goal is to provide all the services we currently do in a much … (1 comments)

Jay McHugh Newsletter - 12:11 AM
 
 
More and more good news keeps coming out...
 
http://www.jaymchughhomes.com/Newsletter
 
Share the numbers...this is the best time to buy a home in 30 years....lowest rates, voluminous inventory, and haircuts 35%-50% from top prices of 2005.....Why not scream this information in your blogs
 
Cheers...
… (3 comments)

4 Open Houses in Bucks County, Sunday 3/27/2011 Send your Buyers - 05:32 PM
4 Open Houses 3/27/2011 from 1 to 4 PM  
238 Kulp Dr. Perkasie Pa 18944 (Bedminster Hunt)
 
 
Meet Lisa Prebish,to discuss the purchase of this lovely home. Laura will guide you through the process to make your transaction as smooth as possible. If you also need to sell your present home, he can assist you with that too 
 
 
… (2 comments)

Apple Valley Lake double wooded WATERFRONT lots! - 175k - 07:24 AM
… (2 comments)

Apple Valley Lake, Ohio - Newer built home - Walk to the beach! - 07:32 AM
… (3 comments)

Mobile AL Real Estate Market Snapshot - 03/25/2011 - 11:29 AM

Below you will find a table that contains the Market Activity report for March 25, 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 03/25/2011
Single Family Homes and Condominiums
Steve Shaw Gulf Region Properties Team Keller Williams Realty … (0 comments)

IDX in iframe or not? Indexable or not indexable that is the question... - 09:26 AM
Maybe I should not even ask...
Should your IDX be in an  iframe or not?
spam from "Listingware" made me do it... made me ask today should your IDX be in an iframe or not?
" Check out Listingware's <a href="http://listingware.com">indexable IDX</a>. Anyone using it? "
The comment was on Jeff Corbett's Indexable IDX Questions post from January 2010.
Back in early 2010 Jeff C.  wrote:
"First things first…Why is this a big deal to begin with?  IDX solutions are typically framed in to web/blogsites and offer little to no SEO value.  An indexable IDX effectively creates separate posts … (36 comments)

Westerville Ohio, 43081 home prices - 04:56 PM
Westerville Ohio, 43081 home prices brought to you by Maureen McCabe of Real Living HER

Westerville, Ohio 43081 home prices a market report for February 2011
Average active price $202,000 Average sale price $172,000 Median sale price $175,000 The single family average sale price was down 2.3% from February 2011. Average active price for a home in the area was down 13.7% from a year ago.  Meidian sale price of $175,000 is up 8.7% from February 2011. Homes in Westerville, Ohio 43081 area sold within 97% of the final list price. 
February 2011 home sales in the zip code were … (0 comments)

Homes for Sale in Gainesville FL - Urban Location with Rural Setting - 02:23 PM
This is NOT a cookie-cutter home.  This home has character & personality with an artistic flair.   Located in Forest Lake Estates off East University Avenue as you are heading out of town.   It's just 3 miles to downtown Gainesville & Main Street.  It's a great urban location with a country feel.
Gainesville is a Great Place to Live!
Don't Miss this Eastside Gem.
 
Gainesville East Side Gem
… (1 comments)

How Does Google Street View Work? See Video - 05:43 AM
Did you wonder how Google takes all the photos for street view?  Well the video below shows you the "soccer ball" encased camera.  Are you using street view on your web site to engage your viewers like we do in Ann Arbor?  I think it is so cool that the viewer can drive through the prospective Ann Arbor , MI neighborhood from the house to the school. Have you found sites that effectively use this technology and can share wo we can check it out?
 
So you get to street view when you click on details of the property.  Power Search. … (9 comments)

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