Archives of real estate blog entries for April 30, 2011

Featured blog posts


This Blogging "Thing of Ours" -OR- How to Take Over North Jersey One Building at a Time - 05:34 PM
I'm gonna' tell ya' a little story about this blogging "thing of ours"... or how to take over North Jersey one building at a time. (& end up in the New York Times)
My name? Don' worry about that right now.
C'mon in...Have a seat. Oh!! on this side of the table... You wanna' see what's comin' at ya', no?!
(Hey, I have to poke a little fun at New Jersey. Look at the television any given night & it seems like everyone else does! There's a difference. I was born here and I never left. There was that one … (45 comments)

Escondido Short Sale Sellers Learn About Time Frames - 10:34 PM
 
Escondido short sale sellers and prospective local San Marcos and Vista short sale sellers always ask the same question, “How long does it take to get a short sale approved?”
Prospective short sale sellers or borrowers who are thinking about participating in a short sale when selling a home in Escondido, San Marcos, and beyond often hear about how long it takes to get a short sale approved. In a short sale, the bank must provide an approval letter for the short sale after a purchase contract has been received and before closing the transaction. Some banks, however, are more … (28 comments)

Door-knocking, Cold Calling and Farming - 07:08 PM
Door-knocking, Cold Calling and Farming 
Subtitled Lions and Tigers and Bears!
Like Dorothy and her friends in the Wizard of Oz I have feared Door-knocking, Cold Calling and Farming. Three forms of Lead generation which many Realtors disparagingly refer to as Old School techniques in this day of internet exposure, SEO and social media. I will admit I  have searched far and wide for an alternative lead generation model bitterly fighting against the idea; but this past month I made the commitment to give them a try and learned some interesting facts about myself and the process.
Today I actually went door-knocking in my farm, which happens to be my own … (206 comments)

Yikes(I Thought To Myself) Did You Really Say That To My Clients? - 08:09 PM
Yikes(I Thought To Myself) Did You Really Say That To My Clients?
One of the homes I planned to show my clients this week had a lot of showing restrictions but certainly fit their requirements --- number of bedrooms, size of living room and kitchen, nice location and wow---in their price range.
The showing restrictions were quite extensive for a home in this price range but still worth the effort:
24 hours notice for any showings because of dogs Special alarm code Agent must accompany The house has been on the market about three weeks.  I called the listing agent with more … (48 comments)

We Learn To Share At A Young Age...Many Rethink That Lesson Later In Life!! - 09:18 AM
After reading a post written by Conrad Allen regarding providing help for competing agents, I thought I'd share my opinion.  We are certainly in one of the most competitive professions.  It's survival of the fittest in the real estate business!!
Why would an agent want to help a newbie get off the blocks?  Many agents do not share information.  Their mentality is that if fewer know how to do the task, the competition will be less intense.  They may have a point. 
However, sharing and guiding others, in my opinion, is a non-threatening provision.  If one is secure with how he/she … (105 comments)

I just took a listing 400 miles from my office. - 08:46 AM
OK maybe not quite 400 miles but way out of my area nonetheless. This article was inspired by Jeanne Gavish who wrote.....
Make Sure you Know the Area When you List  Pop over and give her article a read.
Anyway.....
I have been a Real Estate Broker in Poinciana Florida for 17 years. For the first 14 of those I would rarely leave my community for a listing. Then the market crashed. The average home sale went from $225,000 down to $64,000! Do you have any idea how many $64,000 properties you have to sell to run a brokerage? A … (74 comments)

So You Want to Be a Home Stager: Top 10 Things to Consider - 12:26 AM
I read a featured post today called  'So You Want to Be a Real Estate Agent? Some Unsolicited Advice written by Liz and Bill Spear and it really resonated with me. Reason being is that every week we get anywhere from half a dozen emails or resumes or phone calls from people who want to become a stager and work for our company or they want to start their own staging business and would like to be mentored. I like to help people and appreciate the inquiries but it is a little overwhelming.
Its really easy to become a home stager - … (62 comments)

Selling Your Deerfield Home - 06:58 AM

During the last 12 months, Deerfield real estate values declined 5% when compared to the prior 12-month period.
For an average-priced home, this works out to a loss year-over-year of $28,000.
 

Data provided by the Midwest Real Estate LLC (MRED) multiple listing service and includes properties listed and sold by various participants in the MLS. Data supplied does not reflect all market activity in the area.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression
When your house first goes on the market, the list price must be exactly right for current conditions. If it … (13 comments)

Video Series [#9] - Ideas about Intros - 05:13 PM
This is not really going to be a teaching post. I just wanted to check in and give a little glimpse into something I have on "the drawing board." I've been thinking lately about videos that our VBloggers group is creating. You know we are learning lots from each other there! Some in the group are frequent video bloggers, take Nyssa or Steve as just two examples. What I find interesting foremost is of course their content, it is interesting and relevant to the consumer and their market. Each of these vloggers has used an intro clip before the main video. … (75 comments)

Always make A Lasting Impression! - 07:17 AM
Always make A Lasting Impression!
After a closing yesterday where I represented the sellers I started thinking about how important it is as a seller and listing agent....to leave a really good lasting impression on the buyers!
We all know that the home is to be left in broom swept condition prior to closing.....I personally think the seller and listing agent should go a little further before the close. Some of the below suggestions should be done after the final walk-through but, before closing so that there's a little WOW factor when the buyers come back to their New HOME!
… (79 comments)

If you can't Listen, you won't Last in this business - 04:38 PM
First, on the DISC I am an S...the Aunt Bea from the Andy Griffith show type.  Most mistake me as a D, Dominant and bossy...lol  But, deep down in my heart of hearts I am an S.  It keeps me from getting too involved in other people's lives...which is unfortunate...but I would live their lives in my waking hours and dream about their lives in my sleeping hours and try to troubleshoot them and feel miserable if I couldn't fix the situations...
But, that is where we often land as a REALTOR...smack dab in the middle of their lives. I had a situation today … (59 comments)

Big Time Google Juice from Pictures - 02:09 PM
My AR friend William Johnson wrote a fabulous post on April 1st this year about photo blogging: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About PhotoBlogging But Were Afraid To Ask
I chimed in with a few comments and mentioned I usually embed the photos I use in my blogs to get extra Google Juice. William called me out to share how I do that. I’m a little tardy, but here goes...
Search engines like Google and Bing love pictures! We hear this all the time but most bloggers don't take advantage of it. If we host our photos online at places … (135 comments)

The FICTIONAL Story of House Seller Mark - Chapter 12 - Thank Heavens for Good Neighbours - 08:40 AM

House Sellers Mark and Lou finally had their home on the market.  Home Stager, Judy Klean, had planned and organized a fabulous remake inside the home.  Inspectors had arrived and left with excellent results - the Grow Op had not destroyed the house and all systems were in good shape.   A professional photographer had taken photos of each room and videos of the principle rooms.  The home looked and smelled good.  For her part, Agent Valerie had the home priced, agreement in place and the home listed with her sign in the lawn.   It was time to
Let the Games … (56 comments)

I work for YOU! It's okay to tell me what you're thinking! - 08:00 AM
I work for YOU!  It's okay to tell me what you're thinking!

As your Wrightsville Beach Buyer's Agent I'm working for you.  I'm looking out for your best interests, not mine or the Sellers.  Finding the right home for you is my priority and focus. 

When we're looking at homes, and you find one you like, it's okay to tell me.  You don't need to play it close to the vest.  I am working FOR you, and what we discuss is confidential and will not be used against you in any way.  Knowing what you're thinking is important … (70 comments)

Question to Agents: Could Smells in a Home Be Considered a Material Defect? - 01:34 AM
Question to Agents: Could Smells in a Home Be Considered a Material Defect?I know in our business, we come across homes that have “funny” smells. I’ve read blogs on ActiveRain too numerous to mention about how a house smells and that can be a turnoff to buyers. Some smells, such as smoke, cooking, or strong pet odors, we may consider bad, and so may our buyers. 
The use, or overuse, of Bounce dryer sheets, scented candles and plug-in air fresheners may signal a cover-up of these more odious smells.  I’ve read varying opinions: some like these fragrances, others do not, and … (114 comments)

When Home Buyers Play Hard To Get - 02:03 PM
The anonymous buyer. As Realtors who promote online, we have all gotten our share of Internet inquiries from time to time.  There is nothing more frustrating than an inquiry from a potential buyer who has enough interest in a property to submit the online request form for additional information - BUT, he/she doesn't provide a phone number or ask us their questions. 
We know immediately that following up will be a challenge with these consumers when email is the only method of communication starting out.
I always wonder WHY?  Why inquire at all?  You either want information or you … (87 comments)

Short Sale Nightmare PART 2 - 05:46 AM
PART II: This was dictated to me by my Dad: Mike Bolaski (although written in my words)This is probably going to be one of the most bizarre stories you have encountered about short sales. Bear with me. I realize this is long, but truly an anomaly if there ever was one!!READ PART 1 to bring yourself up to speed.I was told by the bank that we had funded, closed, and recorded. About a month later he got an e-mail in equator asking him to initiate a short sale and the property that had just recorded!! They said due to a change … (36 comments)

BE THE NEIL ARMSTRONG OF ACTIVERAIN - TAKE ONE SMALL STEP!! - 06:03 PM
George Souto RANTS about ActiveRain members who abuse the ActiveRain point system. 
WHY DO MEMBERS GAME THE POINT SYSTEM?  HA!  To get more points!WHY DO MEMBERS POST CONTENT THEY DIDN'T CREATE?  To get more points!DON'T THEY KNOW ANY BETTER??  Of course they do!DO YOU BELIEVE THAT MAKES ANY DIFFERENCE?  No!
How old is the youngest ActiveRain member?  I don't know but I suspect that there are few members who are less than 18 years of age, meaning old enough to know what they're doing and when they break a rule or law, it's done intentionally, not innocently. 
HOW OLD DOES A … (101 comments)

Are required forms costing you clients? - 02:10 PM
In New York, we're legally required to have our clients sign a NY Agency Disclosure form at our first substantive contact.  If we're signing up a new buyer client, we discuss the form at that time.  If we're taking buyers out to view homes and have to meet them at the first property, we discuss the form there.  If we're conducting an open house, and someone is interested in the home and starts asking detailed questions, we need to let them know we're representing the seller, via this same form.

The form doesn't talk about commission, it just covers the … (98 comments)


Blog posts


Hotel for Sale - AL Real Estate - WynnDcorp - USA - 07:58 PM
USA Hotel for Sale for $3,000,000 - Alabama Hotel for Sale … (1 comments)

Messing with the beast---thinking outside the box. - 12:38 PM
This is an interesting Post by Charles Buell a Home Inspector up in Washington.  He covers some electrical issues from one of his inspections.  When Buying a Home you should always get a Home Inspection.  No matter how nice the house looks you never know what you are getting when Buying a Home.
For more information and help with Buying a Home go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
Via Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com):
Electrical defects in homes certainly make up the largest portion of most inspection reports and usually represent the biggest portion of the Summary as well.
Considering that … (1 comments)

San Diego home inspections — Here a crack, there a crack (part 8) - 12:52 PM
I have been reposting this great series for people Buying a Home from Russel Rey a home inspector.  Russel is writing about cracks - a big concern for those Buying a Home. 
If you are considering Buying a Home or have questions about Real Estate please go to HomePointRealEstate.com for more information.
Via Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray):


Here a crack, there a crack....(part 8)
DISCLAIMER: This discussion is based on several decades of experience in real estate, including as a home inspector and general contractor. I am not a licensed structural engineer, so if you are … (0 comments)

Here a crack, there a crack (part 9) - 12:56 PM
For those Buying a Home this is the 9th in the series on Cracks by Russel Rey.  Not sure if he will do any more.  But if you are considering Buying a Home this is something you might want to read.
For more information on Buying a Home go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
Via Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray):


Here a crack, there a crack....(part 9)
DISCLAIMER: This discussion is based on several decades of experience in real estate, including as a home inspector and general contractor. I am not a licensed structural engineer, so if you are not … (0 comments)

What is a Life Estate . . . - 01:05 PM
If you are older and need funds, and have to consider Selling a Home that you have lived in for many years a Life Estate might be an alternative for you.  Selling a Home is always a tough decision.  With a Life Estate you will have some time in the home after you sell.
If you are considering Selling a Home please go to HomePointRealEstate.com for further information.
Via Carla Muss-Jacobs Principal Broker/Owner EBA Portland LLC | 503.810.7192 | (Exclusive Buyers' Agent for the Portland Metro Area):
What is a Life Estate
Many years ago, when I became licensed I had my "first" … (0 comments)

Stanislaus County Short Sales - SOLD!!! - 04:23 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales - SOLD!!!
We closed another Stanislaus County Short Sale on Friday 4/29/11.  This one was located in Modesto and was a Bank of America Short Sale.  This one took longer than most of my Bank of America short sales but in the end we got it done.
The first buyer changed her mind on the property.   It seems she really didn't want to pay what she had offered.  And this was after getting the trustee sale postponed and the approval from BofA.  So we put it back on the market and got another offer on it right … (3 comments)

Weekly Market Update - 08:43 PM
Great market recap from Mike Dutra of Shamrock Financial.  Make sure that if you are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate you do your research and always call your Best Option!  Thanks for stopping by!  
Via Michael Dutra (Shamrock Financial Corporation):
… (4 comments)

Great Day at the Circus Courtesy of Shamrock Financial - 09:40 PM
Great Day at the Circus Courtesy of Shamrock Financial  Today I had the pleasure of bringing my 4 kids to the Circus for the first time courtesy of Shamrock Financial.  Mike Dutra invited me, my 4 kids, my real estate partner Kim and her family for a fun filled day.  We enjoyed private boxed seating and all you could eat pizza, hot dogs & popcorn.   William described the event as F - A - B - U - L - O - U - S!  It was so great to spend a day with real estate friends outside of the normal … (3 comments)

Bird Key Homes - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 03:48 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 Bird Key Home Listing Bargains**
 
Bird Key Homes - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
Bird Key is unquestionably one of Sarasota County's most exclusive island communities and now is the time to find some great deals!
If you are looking for luxury living, all you have to do is click on the link to find the best deals currently available (live links, … (0 comments)

Bradenton Condos - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 03:58 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 Bradenton Condo Listing Bargains**
 
Bradenton Condos - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
Sure, the market downturn has hurt some sellers due to lower prices, but the timing couldn't be better for Bradenton condo buyers looking for great deals!
Search the entire Bradenton Florida Realtor® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) just like agents do, anytime, anywhere!
 
**CLICK HERE for Bradenton Condo Listing Bargains**
… (0 comments)

Bradenten Houses For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 04:11 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 Bradenton Houses For Sale**
 
Bradenten Houses For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
Prices are way down, which means opportunities for buyers are way up! Follow links to find the latest bargains on Bradenton House listings ("real-time" links, so check back often for updates).
Search the entire Bradenton Florida Realtor® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) just like agents do, anytime, anywhere!
 
… (0 comments)

Downtown Sarasota Condominiums - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 04:24 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 Downtown Sarasota Condos For Sale**
 
Downtown Sarasota Condominiums - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
If you've got the cash, or good credit, Downtown Sarasota Condos are selling for HALF of what they cost to build just a few years ago (the builder's loss is your gain)!
Search the entire Sarasota Florida Realtor® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) just like agents do, anytime, anywhere!
… (0 comments)

Golf Course Condos For Sale: Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 04:35 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 Golf Course Condos For Sale**
 
Golf Course Condos For Sale: Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
The beautiful Florida Gulf Coast is the land of Fun, Sun, Surf, and Golf! Now is the time to find yourself a great golfing community bargain!
Search the entire Sarasota & Manatee County Florida Realtor® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) just like … (0 comments)

Golfing Community Single Family Homes For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 04:45 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 Golfing Community House Bargains**
 
Golfing Community Single Family Homes For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
Florida is one of the best places for Golf lovers and the Florida Gulf Coast ranks among the best of the best! If you are looking for a single family, golfing community home just click on the "links" (no pun intended) to begin searching instantly!
… (0 comments)

Lakewood Ranch Condos For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 04:54 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 Lakewood Ranch Condos For Sale**
 
Lakewood Ranch Condos For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
Looking for deals on Lakewood Ranch Condos? You've come to the right place! Find every condo, listed with any agent, with any company, right HERE!
Search the entire Lakewood Ranch Florida Realtor® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) just like agents do, anytime, anywhere!
 
**CLICK HERE for … (0 comments)

Lakewood Ranch Houses For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 05:08 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 Lakewood Ranch Houses For Sale**
 
Lakewood Ranch Houses For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
View EVERY Lakewood Ranch Single Family Home for sale here! All sizes, and all price ranges!
Search the entire Lakewood Ranch Florida Realtor® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) just like agents do, anytime, anywhere!
 
**CLICK HERE for Lakewood Ranch Houses For Sale**
 
… (0 comments)

Lido Key Condos For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 05:16 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 Lido Key Condos For Sale**
 
Lido Key Condos For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
Savvy real estate buyers are snatching up the many great property bargains that can be found on the Florida Gulf Coast, including those right here on beautiful Lido Key!
Search the entire Lido Key Florida Realtor® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) just like agents do, anytime, anywhere!
… (0 comments)

Lido Key Single Family Homes For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 05:28 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 Lido Key Single Family Home Listings**
 
Lido Key Single Family Homes For Sale - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings!
Lido Key house prices are at historic lows and smart shoppers are walking away with terrific buys! Simply click on the link to "instantly" view all currently listed Lido Key properties for sale.
Search the entire Lido Key Florida Realtor® Multiple Listing Service … (3 comments)

3738 Bixler Church Rd.... Too Late ! Another HomeRome Listing Under Contract! - 07:08 AM
38 Bixler Church Rd.... Too Late !  Another HomeRome Listing Under Contract! 
One of my favorite homes, also called The Chocolate House, has found  new buyers. They love this house and will be taking possession in less than thirty day. I think it was love at first sight. I am thrilled that these buyers found me through the internet and I was available to show the property this past weekend. They have even agreed to love and feed the two kitties.
 

A Year Round Vacation in Westminster, MD 3738 Bixler Church Rd. 21158
3738 Bixler Church Rd, Westminster, … (23 comments)

Inspired By New Agents! - 09:36 AM
Reading a post of Barbara Tadaro about sharing..
I am inspired by new agents with enthusiam. I speak to new agents and to seasoned agents. There may be only one with that real potential in an entire class and that's what I am looking for. Sharing with other agents makes us better agents. They see things from a fresh point of view and they ask questions...this keeps us all sharp.
… (0 comments)

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