Archives of real estate blog entries for March 4, 2011

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Active Rain Blog Brings National Exposure - 05:08 PM
I got an email earlier today from Bob Stewart, Active Rain, congratulating me on my mentioin in a new Washington Post article and thanking me for mentioning Active Rain, too.
I had almost forgotten about the interview for the article. Last weekend I headed off to Savannah, Georgia to meet my college girlfriends. Waiting for them to arrive, I made myself comfortable on a bench in front of the fountain in Forsyth Park (the one in the picture to the right which I took while sitting there).  As I enjoyed the sunshine, I received a call from a real estate reporter, … (68 comments)

Do I Really Need To Do A Walk Through? - 02:35 PM
Most definitely is my answer!
Absolutely always before closing on a transaction it is very important to go back to the home you are purchasing in a few days or hours and walk through the home.
Why you ask me?  Buyers sometimes ask me why do this before the closing?  We did the home inspection and the sellers agreed to do the items we requested or we didn't do a home inspection, so what is the purpose of having a walk through?
A walk through before closing is done right before closing to walk back through the home and make sure … (29 comments)

Why I Took the CDPE Course - 11:04 PM
Yesterday morning, as I was at the sign in table for the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) course, the agent behind me heard my name and said "Why are you here? You could teach this class." I turned to her and said that was very kind of her to say. But believe me, I was there to learn. I may have closed dozens of short sales, but arrogance is not a good mix with the financial well being of my clients. I have 20 agents and 45 listings in my company, and they expect me to be cutting edge. Yesterday's accolades … (72 comments)

Deferred Maintenance - 06:52 AM
I do a lot of inspections for investors.  One of the criteria they use to calculate what they will need to do to the house, beyond the broken or damaged things we find on a home inspection, is something they call
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE
Deferred maintenance is exactly that - things that should have been done regularly to a home to maintain its appearance and value.
Calculating the costs of what it will take to bring a house back into a sell-able condition is part of making an offer toward its purchase.
One thing that is routinely let go by homeowners is … (55 comments)

Success in the Rain - 01:30 PM
Helllooooooo Rainers!!!!  As I sit here in the oil change shop, patiently waiting my turn, I am already ecstatic with the service received.  I have had one employee grab me coffee, another guy called my insurance to see if the chip in my window was covered (which he is now going to take care of for me) and they've given me a lifetime of free car washes anytime I'd like to come by.  Holy moly....if only every experience could be like this one.  I expect service like this at Nordstrom or a fancy restaurant but an oil change place?  Wow!
Sometimes … (50 comments)

How to Sell Your House in a Declining Real Estate Market - 01:09 PM

Homeowners faced with the necessity of selling their house must also accept the state of the market. These days, the #1 question is, How do you sell your house in a declining market?
More times than not, as soon as homesellers pay for the ticket (list their property) and strap themselves in for the ride (set an initial list price), the lead car of their rollercoaster angles on a downward trajectory and drags all the other cars along for the ride. Price reduction after price reduction follows. Before they know it, those eager and once hopeful homesellers have psychologically lost … (27 comments)

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) Changes Collection Payoff Policy - 11:01 PM
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) Changes Collection Payoff Policy.  CHFA has always had a strict policy when it comes to judgments and collections, so it was a surprise to me to see them changing their policy on the payoff of collections.
Effective today, March 4, 2011, all loans being registered with CHFA will not be require show proof that outstanding collections under $1,500 have been paid off.  For example: 
A single outstanding collection account with a balance less than $1,500.00 do not have to be paid off in order to be eligible for financing. A single outstanding collection account with a balance equal to or … (24 comments)

Is It Me Or Is There a 600 lb Gorilla In The Room? - 04:03 PM
Birmingham has some of most gorgeous homes.  As true to our southern roots, they are some of the most formal, traditional and ornate homes:  Old World/European, Georgian Revival, Colonial, old and new.  They are exquisitely decorated with some of the world's most beautiful and ornate furnishings and artwork.  At first glance, these are the homes that are scrupulously clean, well -appointed and need no decluttering They have been professionally decorated by top interior designers and are stately in their presence.  They have pomp and circumstance, as we like to say. 
But, therein lies the 600 lb. gorilla - one that homeowners and … (47 comments)

Video [#6] - YouTube Captioning - 06:23 PM

Funny how sometimes things come in waves. I had been reading recently about Google doing automated transcriptions of YouTube files... Then I got an email from a subscriber asking me for info on captioning a video for hearing impaired... then just this week Brad Andersohn mentioned captioning in YouTube in his most excellent video webinar on Zillow Academy, highly recommended - be sure and go check out his schedule. (but only after you first finish reading my post, of course!)
So that was enough, I had to figure it out now! So I did.
I recently did a screencast where … (55 comments)

I Would Never Be a Realtor! - 11:17 AM
I can't, I won't....no way, no why, no way in hell!  My wife was one....for the sole purpose of being able to buy and sell properties that she owned before we were married.  I work with them all the time.  I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather eat a plate full of worms that do real estate for a living.
WHY, YOU ASK?   Seriously!!!!  First, you guys have patience.  I know that I have patience, heck, I have a great marriage and 5 kids.  But I don't have realtor patience.  In lending, I know that people are going to be … (215 comments)

Throw Me Something Mister! - 06:10 PM
It's carnival time!                                                                                                                                      

The Mardi Gras festivities are underway throughout Lafayette, Louisiana and Greater Acadiana. So raise your hands real high and scream as loud as you can, "throw me something mister" to catch those coveted Mardi Gras throws.
Listed below are the dates for the many parades and area events, as well as, a parade route map to help you plan your carnival outings. 
As we say in Acadiana, "Laissez les bon temps rouler" (Let the good times roll!). 
 

2011 Parade Schedule
Friday, February 25, 2011   Krewe of Andalusia Parade, New Iberia, 6:30Saturday, February 26, 2011   Krewe des Chiens Parade, 2 pm, Downtown from          … (22 comments)

Friday's Fotos....The Log Barn! - 06:34 AM
Friday's Fotos....The Log Barn!

Best I can find out this log barn was built back in the 30's or 40's.....A lot of sweat went into putting this structure together!
This is just another of those images of time going by in the Bristol Tn Va area!
I feel like we are so lucky to still have these images occupying some of our landscape!
And Remember For All Of Your Real Estate Needs...GoWithRobThomas.com
************
View Larger Map … (66 comments)

What Realtor Doesn't Make House Calls? Me! - 06:39 PM

 
There has been some discussions in Active Rain this week as to how the public perceives  the average real estate agent.  Elizabeth -Cooper Golden wrote a post this week titled, “How are WE going to FIX this?”  Elizabeth was at a round table discussion, where a lady who was very dissatisfied with her agent past five agents opened a can of whoop ass on her.A friend of mine who is also a past client, often discuss this topic.  When we first started to have our discussions, I would have my guard up, and be on the defensive.  These discussions … (136 comments)

Working with a new buyer....not so fast! - 11:45 PM
Working with a new buyer....not so fast!
I've been working with a buyer for the past couple of months.  I've gone to new construction sites to gather builder and community information.  When she shifted to only wanting to purchase land to have a custom home built, I searched for suitable building sites for her and worked with her custom builder.
She changed directions again and decided that starting from a dirt site, wasn't after all what they wanted to do.  They started looking at houses again.  She cautioned me they had little time to look for the next several weeks because … (82 comments)

I blew it and I don't want you to blow it! - 02:40 PM
I blew it and I don't want you to blow it!
Active Rain friends and family; after attending a big social networking class that I thought taught me to always include all my social media sites and contact information, I commented on several blogs and included my contact information!
What a way to get comments on your comments from your fellow industry partners! ( I am not suggesting that you do this!) In fact I want to warn you not to.
This morning my email was full of people pointing out what I had done. "Ouch and surprise and what did … (89 comments)

The Appraiser Called. . . - 06:55 PM
The appraiser called . . . OK, so I find myself really having to ask this question.  If an appraiser calls a Realtor and leaves a message to please return the call. What is the correct action? (a) Ignore the call    (b) Return the Call    
There are only two choices and this is not really a trick question. If an appraiser calls to verify contract terms, why would a Realtor NOT return that phone call? I had this discussion with a Realtor who advised me that the appraiser had left a message for the listing Realtor, but the Realtor did not … (89 comments)

Sandbox Rules - 09:36 PM
There has been a lot of “chatter” related to playing in the Sandbox lately.  I thought I would share of few of my Do’s and Don’ts since I (thus far) am still allowed to play in the sandbox!
Do:
Comment on the comments in your post and when you can wander over to the other person’s blog and comment there too.  It’s thrilling for the commenter to see you over on their blog commenting.  It’s called reciprocating. Thank people for Subscribing to your blog. Read the post and the comments before you comment.  I remember when Greg Nino wrote a post about … (80 comments)

EVEN A BORING BLOG CAN BE EFFECTIVE - 02:17 AM
EVEN A BORING BLOG CAN BE EFFECTIVE
Not too long ago I took a blog class on ActiveRainUniversity.com.  I learned a lot and knew that I was ready to write the world's most interesting blog.  I fired up the laptop, strategically placed some scratch paper and a pen, and set off to blog my heart out.  I picked a topic that I knew a lot about and that I thought would generate a great amount of interest.  The CalSTRS Home Loan Program for Teachers was my subject matter and I was on fire.  Through personal experience I knew that most lenders … (95 comments)

Language Barrier & No Email - 06:41 PM
I am struggling with a inspection prospect.  I had an agent email me on behalf of a client (normal I know) and ask the typical questions.  I replied with a price and general summary and then received a phone call the next day asking to schedule.  He informed me that the client does not speak English, but will be present the day of the inspection.  Without thinking about it I accept the job, but email the agent right away asking for the client name and email address so I can contact them with an agreement.  Over 24 hours later,  I recieve … (20 comments)

My Real Estate Business Saves My Sanity in Times of Chaos - 10:44 PM
Last week I had to call hospice in to work with my dad as he is failing.  Today I had to do the same with my mom.  My parents share the same room in the nursing home.  It is amazing that someone can go downhill so fast in one week.  My mom was completely coherent a week ago and we carried on an intelligent conversation.  She no longer has the stomach bug that caused her so many problems, that passed over a week ago, but the aftermath is too much for her 98 y.o. body  She has stopped eating or drinking.  She's … (45 comments)

10 THINGS TO TALK ABOUT ON YOUR REAL ESTATE BLOG - 02:50 AM
When faced with the prospect of writing a regular blog to promote your business, you might think you don't have much to talk about other than post your featured homes. While it is good to show some of your best listings from time to time, the main purpose of your blog is to create an interesting way for people to get to know you and your local area. Here's a list of topics ideas to get you started:
1. Choose a neighborhood and feature it. Take a walk around video. Describe what life is like in the area, talk about the … (111 comments)

Airport Stamp Collecting in Virginia.... - 08:06 PM
..What a great day to network thorough out the state of Virginia by airplane. Our day started off at Stafford Regional Airport(KRMN) at 1030am or 1530 z.We took off to fly to Warrenton Airport(KHWY) to pickup a friend then it was to New Kent County Airport(W96).,we all collected a stamp at this airport in our Ambassador Passport Book given to us by the Aviation Department of the state of Virginia.Every time we go to an airport either by air or by car we can get the airport stamp.If you fill out the entire stamp book about 66 airports plus some musems … (9 comments)


Blog posts


Nicaragua Real Estate - Nicaragua Condos - Nicaragua Land for Sale - Nicaragua Lots for Sale - 03:23 PM
Oceanfront Nicaragua Condos & Casitas … (1 comments)

Let's all go to Sesame Street! - 12:39 PM
Recently Lynn Friedman posted in support of continued funding for Public Television.  In fact her post garnered her a feature in the Rain Drop.  Not being politically correct this post will probably not get as much exposure.
It has been said if you watch the dimes the dollars will add up.  Support for public broadcasting is approaching a mere 1/2 Billion Dollars a year.  While we watch our government give away literally trillions of dollars to the wealthy, powerful, and well connected this seems like a minor amount.  However, a Billion here and a Billion there and we are talking about … (6 comments)

Liberty High JV Wrestling Championship - 02:31 PM
The Liberty High School Lions in Brentwood California has one of the best high school wrestling programs around.
My son is a Freshman and wrestles in the Heavy Weight Division.  He has come a long way since he was in the 6th grade and I had to watch him loose every single match; often sadly and painfully so.
Our Varsity cleaned up and ran away with the BVAL Tournament. 
Here is my son Nelson Riemenschneider winning the JV Heavy Weight Division.  He is in the Red Singlet.
 
… (0 comments)

The Constitution - What Does it Really Say - Part 2 - 04:33 PM
I am taking a look at what the Constitution actually says in relation to what people think it says. 
Take a look at Part 1 if you want a little more background.
One of the biggest controversies that will not seem to die is where was Barak Obama born; and presumably if he was born in Kenya he cannot run for or be President.  It is well documented that one of the candidates in the last election was not born in the United States - John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone.
What does the Constitution Say?  In Article … (10 comments)

Tech Toys I would Like to See! # 1 - 05:06 PM
Periodically I think of some tech toy I would like.  I am not talking science fiction like a teleportation devise or a laser gun; but things that I think we could do now.  In fact they may exist now and I just don't know about it.  Well I am sure someone here at Active Rain would know.
Here is my first problem - My kids and a few young clients have finally got me using text messages on a regular basis; I have even come to liking text messaging.
Here is the problem.  I am old, my fingers are fat, and … (3 comments)

Dear Buyer I remember you! - 05:59 PM
Dear Buyer,
I remember you, glad to get your e-mail and that you claim you are now ready to buy.  I honestly am surprised you would have the courage to contact me again. 
I hope you got another pre-qual letter.  I remember you had one last time from a major American bank.  Of course I could not seem to get a live body at the call center.  I will talk to someone this time and get details before we go out again.
For your proof of funds on the large down payment; if you are going to show me two separate … (11 comments)

The Constitution - What Does it Really Say - Part 3 - 09:52 PM
This series looks at the Constitution and what it says.  Frequently we think we know what it says, but when we actually read it we are surprised by what it actually says.
You may want to read Part 1 and Part 2 first.
Early in the Days of the Republic in the famous case of Marbury Vs. Madison the Supreme Court Established the Right of Judicial Review and declared something "unconstitutional" for the first time.
Basically the Supreme Court set the Court System up, with them at the top of it, as the arbitrators of what the Constitution means and how … (1 comments)

Dear Active Rain, Please let me Reblog Again . . . - 10:01 PM
When I first started at Active Rain I rarely reblogged something.  Occasionally I reblogged something kind of like a Bookmark, just another way to keep an informative piece handy.
But then it dawned on me!  I get points for reblogging! Twenty-five points each up to 10 post per week, or 250 Points.
But then it wasn't just the points!  I had to find quality post - something I would want to share with my readers.  I also find getting reblogged the highest compliment I can get.
Every week I would search for 10 quality post to reblog.  If you cannot find … (19 comments)

February Home Sales: Saratoga, Fort Worth, Texas - 01:40 PM
In the month of February, 10 homes sold in Saratoga in Fort Worth, Texas. These homes ranged in price from $168,000-$282,724. The home that sold for $168,000 was a four bedroom, three bathroom relocation sale with approximately 2688 square feet. The home that sold for $282,724 was a four bedroom, 3 1/2 bathroom brand new Standard Pacific Home with 3999 square feet. The average sales price in Saratoga was $239,912, and these properties averaged 135 days on the market.
There are currently 27 homes for sale in Saratoga ranging in price from $165,000-$299,900. Saratoga is a wonderful master planned community by Hillwood … (3 comments)

How Strong are You? - 06:43 PM

Matthew 5:5 (New International Version, ©2011) 5 Blessed are the meek,    for they will inherit the earth.
I went to my Websters Dictionary (abridged with over 350,000 words) and the word meekis not listed! 
 
I know it is an "old fasioned word", and not spoken often in our lanquage anymore! Searching on the computer it has lowly, mild, modest, humble.
Well Jesus was certainly had all of those qualities. And He even said that He was meek and lowly, or in some translations gentle and humble in heart.
Matthew 11:29 (New International Version, ©2011) 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn … (0 comments)

Points Not Being Awarded on Active Rain - 11:42 AM
Not that they are good for anything other than a meter of how active you are on Active rain, I am not getting my points from them... Is anyone else having this issue?  I am getting them when I post, but not when I respond. Am I missing something or what? **************************************************************
Whether you're interested in buying your first home, your next home, or just want to know more about home-ownership in general, I encourage you to check out a couple of great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/. And for all of your Pearland, TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County … (4 comments)

CCA habitat Program Targets Texas Mid-coast - 02:43 PM

News Release
 Coastal Conservation Association
    6919 Portwest, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77024
Email: twvenker@joincca.org     Website: www.joincca.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2011                                CONTACT: Ted Venker, 1-800-201-FISH
 
CCA habitat program targets Texas mid-coast
 
Latest reefing effort brings partners together to create near-shore reef fish habitat

Coastal Conservation Association has announced plans for a $100,000 reef project off the Texas mid-coast, funded by CCA Texas, CCA National’s Building Conservation Habitat Program, Shimano and in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Artificial Reef Program. This latest step in CCA’s reefing program will bring valuable … (0 comments)

The J.D. Roberson Benefit - 03:20 PM
 
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Whether you're interested in buying your first home, your next home, or just want to know more about home-ownership in general, I encourage you to check out a couple of great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/. And for all of your Pearland, TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at: http://www.danfrankrealty.com. All of these sites offer tons of useful, real estate-related information geared specifically for Texans.
Remember, Danny Frank is a local Pearland, TX Real Estate expert! You can see my entire blog at:  http://www.pearlandrealtyblog.com
 

 
… (1 comments)

Cash Rebates on New Home Sales - Get Yours Today - 03:51 PM
Buy a New Home In Texas & get a CASH Rebate Paid To You at Closing  
**Be sure list me, Danny Frank with Keller Williams Realty, as your Realtor® at your very first visit with the builder, or we will not be able to claim our commission, which means we cannot offer you a rebate!**
http://www.danfrankrealty.com/New_Homes_-_Rebates/page_1867351.html
 


Hire me, Danny Frank, to represent you and you may qualify for up to a 2% Cash Rebate on any NEW HOME

 
*************************************************************
Whether you're interested in buying your first home, your next home, or just want to know more about home-ownership in general, … (1 comments)

March update for the Las Vegas, NV area - 12:30 PM
Home prices continue to weaken since the beginning of the year.  Las Vegas houses have lost, on average, more than half their value since 2006.  They're now selling for less than they did in 2000.  Sales activity remains focused on the low end as investors seek out available opportunities.  We're not alone, with other cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Phoenix, Seattle and Portland, OR, among others also hitting their lowest prices since the market high point.
… (0 comments)

If It Rolls Like a Duck...ACC in Baltimore. - 09:58 PM
Following up on more of the handmade art objects  from American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, take a look at  some of the pieces from the wood artisans.
I love this wooden duck. Notice how the  position of the egg changes as the duck rolls along. Fell in love with this piece and bought if for Doug's new baby boy. Can't wait to give him the gift.
 
                             
 
 
 
This sculptured jewelry box in closed form and then a similar one opened. The artist has also incorporated a hidden compartment for that special treasure. I happen … (12 comments)

Not All Short Sales Are Pre-foreclosures - 08:36 AM

Did you know that? It seems many folks don't. If they did they wouldn't tell me  "Your Seller needs to accept my low offer because it's better then being foreclosed on".
Pre-foreclosure means a Notice of Default has been filed. Payments haven't been made and the loan is in default. Foreclosure is imminent. There are many Short Sales on the market where this is not the case.
Being in default IS a requirement on some Short Sales but not all. For example:
FHA requires the borrower to be 31 days delinquent at time of closing on the PFS (Pre Foreclosure … (11 comments)

What's a short sale? - 07:06 PM
If I hear it once, I hear it a hundred times a week, what's a short sale?
The best place to start is probably to answer what it isn't.  It isn't in most cases, short in duration!
It's not always fun and games like the photo shows.  The usual way it goes is the listing agent should meet with their seller and educate them on what a short sale is.
1. The property is the primary residence of the seller and the amount they owe exceeds the amount a buyer with current market data would be willing to pay;
2. The … (2 comments)

Be yourself........on your Facebook business/fan page that is. - 10:50 AM
So now you have a Facebook business/fan page but when you post something on it you always showed up as whatever you named your page if you were an admin and most of us are.
Happily Facebook has now made a change and you can post on your business page not only as the name of that page but also as yourself.
Here's an example that explains it better. Portsmouth NH Real Estate is our business page. On my personal Facebook page I'm Realtor Jim Lee and my partner is Ann Cummings. Before the change anything either of us posted on … (5 comments)

Spacious 4 Bed / 3 Bath home in North Ridge , Clermont FL - 12:06 PM
211 WILLOW BEND DR, CLERMONT FL 34711                      $$$ 124,900 $$$
 
Short Sale. Stop the car honey! This home has so much to offer! Conveniently located close to shopping, hospital and dining. You will love this open and spacious 4/3 w/ huge fenced back yard and pond frontage w/ no rear neighbors. Enjoy this great floorplan with jack and jill bathroom, large family room and open kitchen. Master Bath has dual vanity w/ Garden tub and separate shower.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Clermont area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or … (1 comments)

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