Archives of real estate blog entries for April 11, 2011

Featured blog posts


Trust but Verify * Even if your gut tells you a tenant prospect is OK!!! - 07:17 AM
A few years ago I had a really BAD tenant.  She was GOOD at first * sold her home and wanted to down-size after the death of her husband.  Everything was good for a few years, then her daughter had to move in because of a domestic issue and that brought kids and extra dog. Then her tutoring business fell off as Sylvan and other professional organizations came into town. Then I had to evict her as the owner needed to sell the home for tax reasons. Once she had left and provided me with a forwarding address I was curious … (64 comments)

How ActiveRain and SEO Helped My Gardener - 11:21 AM
How ActiveRain and SEO Helped My Gardener.
ActiveRain combined with SEO is pretty amazing.
My gardener, Jose Franco, has nurtured and manicured my yard and garden for years. He’s meticulous and reliable, showing up every week, rain or shine.
No joke... rain or shine. He showed up one rainy day during a downpour to trim trees, clip bushes, and weed planters. (He couldn’t mow the lawn because it was one large puddle.)  
I love Jose’s dedication, but I felt it was okay for him to take the day-off. So I went outside to thank him for coming despite the … (42 comments)

With Gas Prices Rising... What Options Do We Have?! - 07:20 PM
Here in Westchester County NY automotive gas prices have been rapidly rising over the past few weeks and have reached now well over $4.00 per gallon for regular grade gasoline. This represents the highest price ever for gasoline in the month of April which leads me to believe that we'll be seeing $5.00 per gallon or higher in early Summer!
This dramatic rise has affected my cost of doing business (like everyone else of course) and will definitely impact how I'll do business in the near future, especially if it comes to showing potential buyers properties around the county. I already replaced my aging, gas guzzling SUV with a newer, … (70 comments)

Bank of America Now Allows Initiation of Short Sale Process WITHOUT an offer! - 07:52 PM

Here is an email we received a little while ago regarding Bank of America short sale offers and the equator system. This is excellent news, and will hopefully aid in further streamlining the Bank of America short sale process.

… (69 comments)

BETHPAGE STATE PARK GOLF COURSE - 04:25 PM
BETHPAGE STATE PARK GOLF COURSE

In some parts of the country, golf is played all year round. New York also has courses that are open everyday, but in truth, the season really begins April 1st and ends about October 31st. At the very least, you hope for ground that has defrosted and enough warmth to shed the layers that will limit your range of motion as you practice that golf full swing.
The inspiration for this post comes from Coldwell Banker, Broker and Manager Extraordinaire, Cathy Hart, a true golf enthusiast whose eyes light up at the mere mention of … (14 comments)

Write a Great Blog and Features Will Follow: Tips and Advice! - 06:43 PM
Write a Great Blog and Features Will Follow: Tips and Advice!
According to Steven Graham , Active Rain's aficionado on blog training and coaching, an effective and  interesting blog should be a balance of four different topics:   
1. Blog about Hyper local content happening in your area/neighborhood: think of local events, great restaurants, parks, holiday celebrations and festivals - give your audience something of value.
2. Post regularly about commonly asked questions that relate to your business. For example, I'm a home stager and post about advice on preparing your home for the market and give tips on projects buyers can easily do themselves - again … (107 comments)

What is that Smell? - 09:49 AM

 
I recently had a conversation with a Seller over what types of smells are desired  when a buyer walks in the door.    She still maintains, she would rather smell the cleaning products, and KNOW it has been cleaned.      Using Pinesol,  Windex, Pledge are the smells she said she would prefer.
On the other hand, there are those environmentalists that would prefer not to smell chemicals, and the smell of vanilla or brown sugar, chocolate chip cookies or even baking bread can be a wonderful scent!   
Over the years, I have maintained the smell of vanilla or any variation … (95 comments)

The Walk of the Town: Philly's Most Walkable Properties - 09:36 AM
Why is walkability so important? Well, I don't know about you, but I'd rather not spend all of my time in traffic - waiting, spending money on gas, stressing the environment, and sitting when I could be getting some exercise.
So what's nearby? Are there schools, is there shopping, are there restaurants and parks? Is your neighborhood awesome? We feel so strongly about a property's Walk Score (which you'll notice in our listings) that we were recently quoted in the Metro newspaper in an article about residents preferring to walk.
According to Walk Score, "One point of Walk Score is worth … (8 comments)

Are Your Tenants Serious About Buying Your Home? - 09:46 AM
You rented your home a few years ago, but now you're interested in selling it.   Selling a tenant-occupied property has challenges, however, because you must rely on your tenant to keep it show-ready both inside and out (de-cluttered, clean, etc.) and to provide access to prospective buyers.  This co-operation is critical to selling the property.
When you mention "selling" to your tenants, they may express an interest in buying the property.  You'll probably think, "Wow, that's too easy to be true!"
In my experience, it IS too easy to be true.
I can't tell you how many times sellers have … (53 comments)

Pushing the Envelope - 06:51 PM
I just read a post by Richard Yates, Alan May is a cheater... and since I read Alan May too, I had to check in and read his shopping list post. Alan is not a cheater, except by Richard's definition of terms, maybe, but reading Alan's post took me to Billie Evans shopping list post. That's a good read too, but one can't leave that post without checking Margaret Woda's words of wisdom on reciprocating. Of course her post directed me, and probably you too, back to a post by TLW. I can't go any further than that, because something unusual … (54 comments)

“Los Angeles 411” Spend the day at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Santa Clarita, California - 07:27 PM
 



 
So you want to get out and play, why not spend the day at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Santa Clarita, California!
Located in between the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys sit the most beautiful transformation of large rocks one could ever dream of.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is owned by the Los Angeles County and is opened to visitors.
The amazing creation of these gorgeous rocks, were created by the San Andreas Fault.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is the perfect place to go hiking and to just enjoy the majestic … (9 comments)

Insulation Must Be Installed Properly - 05:12 AM
One of the most important things I look for on a pre-drywall inspection is properly-installed insulation.  A house lives with its insulation for a long time, so insulation must be installed properly.
During a recent pre-drywall inspection with Cindy Jones, the house was in very good condition overall.  But, as in so much new construction, the fiberglass insulation needed work!  
The biggest problem I see with new insulation installation is that it is not stapled.  In this inspection, some insulation was stapled, but some was not.  And some of what was stapled was done incorrectly.

First, how should insulation … (70 comments)

I'm posting a shopping list. - 02:15 PM
Billi Evans, of Springfield Missouri, posited that some people here in the rain can post a shopping list and somehow manage to get 100 comments.
Personally, I saw this as a challenge, so here I am with my shopping list.  But it can't be just an ordinary ole run-of-the-mill shopping list, oh no.  Cause then you wouldn't be right here on Alan May's blog, then would ya?
So here's my shopping list (no photos, no graphics) for my sellers when listing their homes:
Formula 409 (for cleaning up the whole house) Odor Eaters (to hang on the walls of that stanky, … (155 comments)

Do you Attack Potential Clients Like A Lion on a Steak? - 03:30 PM
I'll admit, real estate is a tough business to be in. With so many fees, classes and dues owed here and there you sometimes end the year in the red rather than in the black. The amount of money it costs just to be an agent much less a Realtor can really drain the pocket book especially if you don't have anything coming in. But then again, do you find yourself desperate and willing to sit anyones open house? Attacking a potential buyer when they walk through the door may seem tempting even if they are simply from next door. Why … (36 comments)

Don't Doubt the Power of a Real Estate Blog...Your Prospects Found Me There - 01:29 PM
Don't Doubt the Power of a Real Estate Blog..."Your" Prospects Found Me There
I am the oddball in my real estate office.  I blog.  And it was considered a novelty back in 2007 when I started, even for my former Managing Broker, until she saw the results I was getting from it.  I'd be walking past her office and I'd pop in to say, "Just got another Buyer from my blog," or "Just got a new listing thanks to my blog."  After one such comment in passing, that Managing Broker stopped me from continuing on my merry way and asked me … (173 comments)

REALTORS - GET a LIFE!! Helpful tips for regaining your own life! - 05:47 PM
After eleven years in the biz, I find that my clients are so much more respectful of my private and family time. This business will absolutely consume you if you let it! I was reflecting recently on what has changed - as I watch agents run ragged trying to meet their clients' every whim! Here's how I regained my sanity & avoided "burnout" I started by changing a couple things -
 
1. Changing my voicemail greeting every day as I leave the office - typically between 4:30-5:30 pm -My voicemail greeting is changed to - "You've reached (name) with (office … (60 comments)

HELP! I'm DROWNING in Properties!! - 09:04 AM
... that's exactly what I heard my client telling me as I read between the lines. After looking on and off for several months, this sweet young couple called me at 7 pm last night to tell me they decided to put an offer on something we saw for the first time that day AND they wanted to write it up immediately. You would think I might be thrilled that they were finally ready to make an offer, but my gut was telling me this was not the place for them, so I asked, "What made you decide on this place?" … (22 comments)


Blog posts


Villa for Sale in Southern Portugal - International Real Estate for Sale - 06:04 PM
Ocean Front Villa in Privileged Neighborhood … (2 comments)

WicklandGroup.com - Word Press Custom Site - 11:03 PM
Word Press. We just finished a full custom site on Word Press with an interactive map, this is the advanced version of what can be done: www.WicklandGroup.com. Cherie Youngwww.CherieYoung.comwww.BeautifulCustomMaps.com
… (4 comments)

Shelton WA Homes Under $100,000 - 11:49 AM
Shelton WA Homes Under $100,000
We still have homes priced under $100,000 in the Shelton area. In fact there are 84 of them on the market right now!
Click the following URL to see the homes priced under $100,000:
Priced Under $100,000 
Locations:
Allyn - 1
Elma - 4
Grapevierw - 6
Hoodsport - 15
Liliwaup - 3
Shelton - 47
Union - 8 
Photo courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1152
… (1 comments)

Waterfront Homes Near Shelton WA - 12:14 PM
Waterfront Homes Near Shelton WA
81 waterfront homes priced from $180,000 to nearly $6 million are currently for sale in the Shelton area.  If gathering oysters, crabbing and walking on pristine sand and pebble beaches appeal to you, then these homes are perfect for your vacation or full time residence.
Click the following URL to see the Listings:
Waterfront Homes Near Shelton WA
You can also browse my website for listings, reports and important Mason County Washington, Shelton Washingotn real estate information.  If you are looking for a home in Mason County Washington visit www.sheltonhomesnow.com Please feel free to give me a call at (360) 250-6255 or email … (2 comments)

San Diego Home Inspections — Here a crack, there a crack.... - 01:44 PM
Here is a great post about cracks in Homes.  People Buying a Home are often concerned about the cracking they see.  I am not an expert on the subject, but Russel here is a quality home inspector and has some ideas to keep in mind when Buying a Home. 
If you want more information on Buying a Home go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
Via Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant):


Here a crack, there a crack....
My first experience with cracks in our homes was on December 18, 1965, when I was delivered to my wise old grandmother's … (1 comments)

Real Estate - Lakeway TX - Year to Date Market Report - 04:25 PM
The City of Lakeway used to be known as a "sleepy" city. This is where people went to retire or to purchase second homes to get away from the hussle and bussle of the city life of Austin TX.  Now, it's a booming city just West of Austin TX and there are people of all ages.
Because of the influx of people relocating to the Austin TX area, and targeting top school districts, the Lake Travis ISD is a big influence for people relocating to Lakeway TX.
Since the beginning of the year, there have been 37 sales (these sales are … (1 comments)

Stanislaus County Short Sales - Turlock Ca Short Sales - 06:01 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales - Turlock Ca Short Sales
There are currently (as of 4/11/11) 270 single family homes listed for sale in Turlock Ca.  Out of these 270 only 36 are bank owned.  The big number that jumped out at me is that 148 of the homes listed in Turlock Ca are Short Sales.  This means that over half (54%) of the homes currently listed for sale in Turlock are Short Sales.
What does this mean to you as a buyer in Turlock?  First and foremost you will need to be patient.  Most short sales move slowly through the process.  … (1 comments)

ActiveRain Has it's Tenth Millionaire! - 11:33 PM
ActiveRain Has it's Tenth Millionaire!
I see today that ActiveRain has it's tenth millionaire.  This person crossed over the elusive 1,000,000 point mark recently.
Congratulations to Maureen McCabe of HER Realtors in Columbus Ohio.  One Million points on AR is an amazing feat and with only 10 millionaires out of over 200,000 members pretty rare!  So again a big CONGRATULATIONS to Maureen!
Who will be next?
… (13 comments)

30 Under 30 Results Video - Not This Year - 11:44 AM
30 Under 30 Results Video - Not This Year Hi Everyone!  Just wanted to update you on the 30 Under 30 Results.  I found out this past week that I did not get selected and did not make the Web's Choice, but I had over 42,000 votes!  Last year's winner had just over 35,000 votes so that's awesome!!!  You guys were great, thanks for all of the support and I will be trying again next year!  
… (10 comments)

Belleville Illinois Homes for Sale, New Construction near Scott AFB - 09:15 PM
… (1 comments)

Internet Explorer 9 is a BUST!!! Don't Download - 08:17 PM
Microsoft has just released Internet Explorer 9 as an important update. This means that if your computer is set to automatically download important updates, your computer will download and install this over other releases of Internet Explorer that you have currently installed.   

 
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT UPGRADE TO INTERNET EXPLORER 9 AT THIS TIME.

 
While the beta version of this program has been available and our IT team has been analyzing it's impact on our website, we are not able to support IE9 usage at this time.  We expect that it will … (6 comments)

Real Estate Investment Opportunities Abound In Sarasota & Manatee Counties On The Florida Gulf Coast! - 04:09 PM
You know you want to live in Paradise! What Are You Waiting For? Pristine white sands, crystal blue waters, and cool gulf breezes! Begin your FREE Florida Gulf Coast Property Search Now!

Click Here To Begin Searching Immediately! It's Quick, And It's FREE!
 
Real Estate Investment Opportunities Abound In Sarasota & Manatee Counties On The Florida Gulf Coast!
There is no question that Sarasota & Manatee Counties Florida (including the communities of Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice & Lakewood Ranch) have some of the best weather, beaches, shopping and dinning in all of Florida! Travel magazines consistently rank Siesta Key Beach … (0 comments)

Real Estate And Taxes: Get All Of The Information You Need Here! - 04:30 PM
You know you want to live in Paradise! What Are You Waiting For? Pristine white sands, crystal blue waters, and cool gulf breezes! Begin your FREE Florida Gulf Coast Property Search Now!

Click Here To Begin Searching Immediately! It's Quick, And It's FREE!
 
Real Estate And Taxes: Get All Of The Information You Need Here!
It's tax time once again and as every savvy real estate buyer, seller, and investor knows (or should know) understanding how to minimize the tax-man's impact on your finances is an integral part of real estate success.
The IRS has created a handy page … (0 comments)

North Sarasota County, Single Family, Waterfront Property Listings - Florida Gulf Coast Homes For Sale! - 08:51 PM
You know you want to live in Paradise! What Are You Waiting For? Pristine white sands, crystal blue waters, and cool gulf breezes! Begin your FREE Florida Gulf Coast Property Search Now!

CLICK HERE for North Sarasota County, Single Family, Waterfront Listings
 
North Sarasota County, Single Family, Waterfront Property Listings - Florida Gulf Coast Homes For Sale!
Now is the time to find fantastic bargains on Florida Gulf Coast real estate! If you are looking for a great deal on a single family, waterfront property in North Sarasota County all you have to do is click on the link … (0 comments)

North Sarasota County, Waterfront Condo & Villa Listings - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate For Sale - 09:14 PM
You know you want to live in Paradise! What Are You Waiting For? Pristine white sands, crystal blue waters, and cool gulf breezes! Begin your FREE Florida Gulf Coast Property Search Now!

 
CLICK HERE for North Sarasota County, Waterfront Condo & Villa Listings
 
North Sarasota County, Waterfront Condo & Villa Listings - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate For Sale!
People are flocking to the lush and inviting communities up and down the Florida Gulf Coast in order to take advantage of historically unprecedented real estate bargains! If you are looking for a great deal on a waterfront condominium … (2 comments)

South Sarasota Waterfront Single Family Home Listings - Florida Gulf Coast Homes For Sale! - 09:34 PM
You know you want to live in Paradise! What Are You Waiting For? Pristine white sands, crystal blue waters, and cool gulf breezes! Begin your FREE Florida Gulf Coast Property Search Now!

CLICK HERE for South Sarasota County, Single Family, Waterfront Listings
 
South Sarasota Waterfront Single Family Home Listings - Florida Gulf Coast Homes For Sale!
The bargains never end! To find a great deal on a South Sarasota County, single family, waterfront property all you have to do is click on the link to begin your search!
Search the entire South Sarasota multiple listing service (Realtor® MLS) just … (2 comments)

Challenging Listings That Are Not Clononials! - 02:59 AM
Challenging Listings That Are Not Clononials!
 
My dear friend   Anne Hruby sent me an email letting me know she was thinking about me when she saw these photos. Her message: Would you like some new HomeRome listings?  And my response:
'I could use a few more “unsaleable” challenging properties. They are definitely NOT  Cloneonials   and  knowing me, I would take the challenge on any one of them. Just think of the publicity and blog opportunities. Hey..this sounds like a blog already!'
 
                                  … (13 comments)

Special Topics in Fair Housing... Wednesday April 13th GBBR Taught by Jeff Margolies - 06:33 PM
 
Special Topics in Fair Housing.. Wednesday April 13th GBBR is being taught by Jeff Margolies! This is a great opportunity to network with other professionals, learn some new things.
 
 
I am pleased to announce that Jeffrey E. Margolies, Supreme Title Company,  is teaching "Special Topics in Fair Housing" at the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors on April 13, 2011.

Jeffrey E. Margolies, Esq. Supreme Title Company, Inc. 410-653-7700 (office)
www.supremetitlecompany.com www.supremetitle.net
 
 
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
 Special Topics in Fair Housing Time:  1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: GBBR Lutherville Office Member Contact: Mary Coyle Phone 410-337-7200 Email mary@gbbr.org Member $40.00/Non-Member $80.00 
 
… (3 comments)

Will Banks Soon Be Assigning Short Sale Listings? - 06:53 AM
 
REGrow, LLC
Wendy Rulnick and
Bryant Tutas
Brokers of Record
A Licensed Florida Real Estate Brokerage
407-873-2747
628 Grand Canal Dr
Poinciana FL 34759
ShortSaleSuperStars@gmail.com
… (6 comments)

8404 BLUE PINE CT, ORLANDO FL 32819 Sand Lake Hills - 01:13 PM
 8404 BLUE PINE CT, ORLANDO FL 32819                                      $$$ 184,900 $$$

Spacious 4 Bedroom 2 Bath split floor plan on Dr. Phillips area.  Master suite with walk in closet, formal living/ dining room, eat-in kitchen with all appliances included. Large screened in porch great for entertaining! You will love the oversized fenced back yard with an open pool. Property is located on a cul-de-sac.  Beautiful location, Great school! Close to Shopping, Restaurants, Major Highways, & area attractions.  
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. … (0 comments)

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