Archives of real estate blog entries for June 22, 2011

Featured blog posts


Google Reverse Image Search... Do you know where your photographs have gone? - 11:29 PM

Google Reverse Image Search... Do you know where your photographs have gone?
http://www.google.com/insidesearch/searchbyimage.html
Beginning a Google search with an image is rather interesting... I've been playing with my images for a while. All you have to do is drag and drop the image in the search box. Click on the link and check out a very cool thing that Google has done. ;-)


Stephen, the Blur Minion is on a health/exercise website he has no business being on...
Take him down please... That's my son on my old desk in 2008 NOT stock photography.
The wee people … (108 comments)

Inspiring Young People to Become Lifetime Musicians-Buffalo Creek Offers Summer Music Camp-School of Rock Band Camp - 07:27 AM
Buffalo Creek is offering a great opportunity called the School of Rock Band Camp.  This summer music camp program is hosted by Buffalo Creek Guitar Company and is hoping to inspire young people to become lifelong musicians. 
 
This will be the second annual School of Rock Band Camp and this year they have expanded the camp to 2 sessions.  The camp includes professional instruction, a songwriting workshop, a recording session, a CD of recording session and a final concert.  A camp t-shirt and snacks will also be provided.  Bring your youth to learn music, to feel music, to enjoy music!  … (20 comments)

Default Blog Post Visibility: Down drafts, Up Drafts, and Dental Drafts - 03:02 PM
Here's the nitty-gritty: Beginning this week, the default visibility for blog posts will start as "Draft." When you're ready for your post to be read by others, you must change the visibility to the appropriate setting. As soon as you change the visibility to something other than "Draft", every time you go back to edit that particular post, it will automatically default to the visibility setting you chose. Read on to learn more...
My favorite writer Anne Lamott says, "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts." This is meant as encouragement; "You have to start somewhere," she says. Don't expect it to be … (95 comments)

You Can Ask...But It's Not Going To Happen - 07:45 AM
A few years back at a settlement I was a part of I was surrounded by a smiling Buyers agent and the Buyers Lender. They were being overly friendly to me as it seems they had a request they were sure they could talk me into. You see, the lender said he had to change the buyers loan program at the last minute to make it all work out however it required some 'under the table' assistance from the seller in the amount of a few thousand dollars. Hmmmm. To add to the drama the sellers were anxious to get to settlement as they … (94 comments)

WORST Clients Ever...Finally Under Contract - 01:24 PM
I thought I would never get this couple under contract...their parameters have changed several times, other times they thought they were "close" but would never pull the trigger and write an offer. I found them house after house with all the things they SAID they wanted, but it was never "quite right."
The weeks dragged into months into more than a year...just thinking about going out to look at more houses gave me a headache.  On the positive side, they really didn't see THAT many houses in person, but they sent me listing after listing to discuss.
And then there were … (128 comments)

We're NOT SEO Experts, But We've Got an Idea.... - 11:45 AM
We're NOT SEO Experts, But We've Got an Idea...... We're not SEO Experts by any means.  We're not gurus and don't expect to be.  The only thing we want is for the consumers to find our posts.  We learn a bit here and there, we continue working on improving the effectiveness of our blogging without sacrificing readability for the consumer.  When the gurus start throwing out terms like H1 and h1 and h2 and alt-tags....well my eyes just may glaze over in confusion....and yes, I know there are classes to help with this....time...need more time!!! :) Our main non-blog website is … (74 comments)

I Heard it Through the Grapevine. But I Didn't Believe It... Until I Saw the Pictures! - 01:00 PM
I Heard it Through the Grapevine.
But I Didn't Believe It...
Until I Saw the Pictures! OK, my dear readers, I heard it through the grapevine that ActiveRain's 5th Birthday Party was a wild one! From my "reputable sources" I've been told that it all started out pretty tame. However, as the night wore on, and the frosty adult beverages started fulfilling their promise, things got a bit crazy! Apparently, our fearless leader, Niki got it all started when he arrived in a clown suit....
And then, as if that wasn't enough, and we all know it should have been, Bob … (77 comments)

New to AR after Rain Camp Seattle? Just jump in...the water is fine! - 02:52 PM
 
I just returned late last night from Rain Camp Seattle 2011!  It was in one word.......Superb! I just printed off my notes from this jam packed 2 day conference. Over 12 pages of type written notes.  I met old friends and new and had an amazing time.   And silly me...I don’t think I took a single picture!  I was simply on information overload and having WAY too much fun seeing old friends and meeting new.   I know some of you were new to Rain Camp and I am sure if I was overwhelmed, you were also.  Let me … (26 comments)

Surviving the Southwest Summer Part 2: The Heat - 12:35 PM
Yes.  The heat. 

 
Oh, come on.  It's not that bad.  Well, it might be if you're brand new to the southwest.
Tucson is usually 5 to 10 degrees hotter than Las Cruces.  Here's the 10 day outlook for both cities:


For reference, it was 113 in Phoenix yesterday, 6/21/11.
If you know the tips and tricks to surviving the heat, it's really no biggie. (Says the desert rat.)
*First and foremost, keep yourself hydrated with water and/or replacement drinks like Gatorade. Here's a great tip from a family member of mine: buy a few bottles of water … (21 comments)

We finally closed! I should be thrilled, but I'm actually kind of sad. - 12:58 PM
We finally closed!  I should be thrilled, but I'm actually kind of sad.
 
Last December I received a phone call from some folks in California who were looking to relocate to Oregon to be closer to family.  They had been working with a lender there locally, who informed them they wouldn't be able to obtain a new mortgage due to some past credit issues (which were erroneously reported) with regard to a loan modification they had done quite some time prior to that.
Well their son, who lives here out in Eagle Point, and who I've done several transactions for … (42 comments)

Active Rain's Got Talent and his name is Abe Schmidt. - 07:32 PM
 
Active Rain's Got Talent and his name is Abe Schmidt.
 

 

 
I only know one other person with the name Abe, and he was a former President of the United States.

I only know one other person, by name, that plays the Ukulele, and his name is Tiny Tim.
Somewhere between the President of the United States and a Ukulele playing icon, is Abe Schmidt.

Abe is originally from Arizona and completed an extensive search to find the right place that he wanted to be.  How I Found My Perfect City.  Moving to … (53 comments)

Take 5 Minutes to Do This - 05:05 PM
I lost two more friends to cancer recently. One of them was a hilarious girl I knew in college. She was 42 years old, and she had a phenomenally good attitude about her illness. The other was a friend I made originally on Twitter, then through a number of phone calls. She was also a guest on my radio show, and she wanted me to go into business with her at one point. She was funny, creative, and interesting. She was 59.
One of the downfalls to knowing and caring about a lot of people is the fact that you also get … (97 comments)

Looking for a WBFP! Beware! - 06:19 PM
Looking for a WBFP? Beware!
 
No, I'm not warning you against buying a home with a wood burning fireplace. I am making a point about deception.
 
Like this title! It's true.
 
If you are going to buy a home with a fireplace, you should have it inspected.
 
But... that's not REALLY what this post is about. The title is deceptive. Done so to make a point.
 
 
What I am warning you about is listings that may not be exactly what they seem to be -- and most importantly --I am warning you … (60 comments)

Our Long Island Closing Is Near ~ Buyer Asks: What Happens At The Closing? - 06:20 AM
On Long Island Closing Is Near ~ Buyer Asks: What Happens At The Closing?
Your Long Island house has been purchased, the movers have been scheduled and The Closing date is almost here.
Our First-Time Home Buyers, Bob And Wendy want to know "What Happens At The Closing"?
It's an exciting time for our Buyers at their first closing, and this is the final step in purchasing their new home.  This is the meeting where ownership of their home is officially transferred from the Seller to the Buyer. The closing is a formal meeting typically attended by the Buyer and the Seller, the Real Estate Professionals, a Representative … (26 comments)

Stop using ActiveRain for SPAM. Seriously!! - 03:10 AM
I recently had an ActiveRain user who I had never talked or blogged with before send me two messages using the ActiveRain "EMAIL ME" link on my blog page.
It was the same message twice, sent about 2 minutes apart, about his amazing ability to close the hardest loans and a link to a "valuable resource" which was a PDF about how to talk to homeowners of distressed properties.
As the Shania Twain song goes... "...that don't impress me much"
I wrote him back at the AOL email address he had included with the subject line "REMOVE" and … (94 comments)

Wake up Call(s) from Seattle...... - 04:10 PM
Wake up Call(s) from Seattle...... If you did not attend the Seattle Rain Camp June 20 and 21, but live in the area, you really missed out on a a Pfanntastic opportunity to obtain an advantage over your competition. After a couple of Sleepless nights in Seattle The wake up call(s) from Seattle for  me and our blogging practices can be summarized in a few very distinct area's.
Off course we are just past the rookie stage, and we try to keep it all as simple as possible.
Our education and learning about best practices, has been evolutionary, slow but steady, … (52 comments)

Are You Doing What You Hate To Survive? Or are you crying at night? - 12:51 AM
I know an agent who used to sell a lot of homes. Hell, I know a lot of agents who USED to sell a lot of homes. Business isn't easy and it's especially difficult for many right now.
 
Lets call the agent I'm talking about Ruby.
 
Ruby used to make 3 times what she's making now. Unfortunately for Ruby she hasn't changed, adjusted, or made drastic adjustments to her personal plan of attack in the game of survival. Here's what she refuses to do:
1. Open Houses - period, even for big listings where the listing agents said.. … (76 comments)

Working A Buyer Until He Buys Or Dies.....A Never Ending Journey....Are You On It??? - 11:50 AM
 
I’ll preface this post by stating that my team and I are listing agents and focus on sellers and marketing   their properties.  I’m always hearing stories about agents who are buyers’ agents and work their buyers until the buyers “buy or die.”  I have a very difficult time understanding why an agent would continue for months and months to devote hours of time, thought, travel expense and energy into working a buyer who wants nothing more than to see more!!
Everything comes to an end, even the task of showing homes to a buyer.  Again, we are listing agents, and … (113 comments)

Moses had his Tablets, can I have one too? - 05:40 AM
Ok, I'm mad, really mad.  At myself for putting myself through over two weeks worth of torture trying to decide which tablet to buy.  The only definitive in this equation is that I am buying something!  So, for those of you that have a tablet, below are a few questions I hope you can help me with.

Which model did you choose (i.e. IPad 2, Motorola Xoom, HP TouchPad, Samsung Tab, or BlackBerry PlayBook)? What are the pros/cons of your model? Are you still happy with your purchase? Do you wish you had purchased another model?  If so, which one … (77 comments)


Blog posts


Brand New Luxury Villa - International Real Estate - House for Sale Portugal - Europe Real Estate - 04:33 PM
Brand New Luxury Villa with Garden Views … (0 comments)

Pretty New Website for Best Columbus Agents - 08:56 PM
Used 2 IDX's on this site, wolfnettech.com and idxbroker.com, all built on Word Press.  www.BestColumbusAgent.com
 
Kind regards,Cherie Young - Word Press ThemesCustom Maps
… (0 comments)

Buying a Home near Austin? You Might Need a Septic Inspection - 01:54 PM
If you are buying a home near Austin, it may have a septic system. Some buyers who come from cities are not familiar with septic systems and some even fear them. A septic system is nothing more than a private sewer system and they are much more common in our area than some might think.
f a home has one and I have a buyer for the home, I always recommend getting a septic system inspection. A septic inspection isn’t inexpensive, but future failure of the system can be very expensive. Read more about the importance of a septic inspection.
Are … (0 comments)

SEO Does Work! - 02:05 PM
I am working with 4 buyers who just got in touch with me over the last month or so.  Three are moving to Austin from other parts of the country and one is moving here from overseas.
Over the last 6 weeks I have had 2 buyer closings and have another next week.  I also have 3 buyers I had to refer out closing within a month.  I hope to pick up a referral buyer looking for a home on Lake Travis as well.
All of activity except the buyer closing next week came through my Austin real estate website.  Search … (2 comments)

Is Your Home Listed to Sell or Listed to Sit? - 11:38 AM
 
Selling a Home involves more than putting it on the MLS and getting some signs up.  Selling a Home means being the best home around at the best price.  Here are some great tips on Selling a Home.
For more information on Selling a Home or a Free Home Evaluation go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
 
Via Leslie Ebersole (Baird&Warner Real Estate St. Charles IL):
After a few days of showing, I think back on what my clients and I saw and how it reflects on the real estate market. Many homes are beautifully presented and competitively priced...these homes make it hard for … (0 comments)

Is The Blues Killing The Sale Of Your Home? Part 1 Laura S. Baker, Ready? Set,... Sell!, Home Staging & ReDesign, Jefferson County, Dane County, Waukesha County, WI - 11:52 AM
 
Selling a Home means getting the home to look right and appeal to the buyers.  These Home Staging tips will help you with Selling a Home. 
For more tips on Selling a Home or for a Free Home Evaluation go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
 
Via Laura S. Baker Ready? Set,...Sell! HomeStage&ReDesign (rss.home.staging@gmail.com 920 728-4118):
 
Is The "Blues" Killing The Sale Of Your Home?
(Part 1)
 
I heard a phrase the other day while working on a house; "That house is blue."  I was puzzled for a moment.  Then I thought about it.  The phrase meant, the house desperately needs … (3 comments)

Buying a Home in Pittsburg CA 94565 - 01:11 PM
Buying a Home in Pittsburg CA 94565
Many people are thinking about Buying a Home in Pittsburg CA 94565 - Well it is time to stop thinking about Buying a Home and actually Buy a Home. 
Prices are low and interest rates are low Buying a Home is as easy and affordable as it has ever been. Pittsburg CA 94565 is popular with people Buying a Home for many reasons.  It offers affordable homes in nice neighborhoods, fine parks, revitalized downtown, new schools and it provides an easy commute to Central Contra Costa County and beyond.
If you are looking at … (0 comments)

Open House - Brentwood California 94513 - Garin Ranch Area - 845 Boltzen - 01:28 PM
Open House - Brentwood California 94513 - Garin Ranch Area - 845 Boltzen
This Beautiful Home with New Floors - Paint - and many upgrades will be open on Sunday June 26, 2011 form 1 to 4 PM. 
This home has 5 very large bedrooms, an over sized garage, den/bonus room, and in-law set up.  The park like backyard features a Gazebo that can be used for BBQ, out door dinning or a hot tub.  There is really too much to describe here.  Please come by Sunday or call Gene (925-260-4321) for an exclusive viewing at your convenience.
… (1 comments)

Buying a Home in Antioch CA 94509 - 02:18 PM
Buying a Home in Antioch CA 94509
Many people are thinking about Buying a Home in Antioch CA 94509 - Well it is time to stop thinking about Buying a Home and actually Buy a Home.
Antioch California 94509 is one of two Zip Codes in Antioch Ca.  If you are considering Buying a home Antioch California 94509 features many entry level homes in fine established neighborhoods with many single story homes this area may be for you.
Prices are low and interest rates are low Buying a Home is as easy and affordable as it has ever been. Antioch 94509 … (0 comments)

Buying a Home in Antioch CA 94531 - 02:33 PM
Buying a Home in Antioch CA 94531
Many people are thinking about Buying a Home in Antioch CA 94531 - Well it is time to stop thinking about Buying a Home and actually Buy a Home.
Antioch California 94531 is one of two Zip Codes in Antioch Ca. If you are considering Buying a home Antioch California 94531 features many larger homes and executive style homes; some near the golf course.
Prices are low and interest rates are low Buying a Home is as easy and affordable as it has ever been. Antioch 94531 is popular with people Buying a Home … (0 comments)

Buying a Home in Oakley CA 94561 - 02:49 PM
Buying a Home in Oakley CA 94561
Many people are thinking about Buying a Home in Oakley CA 94561 - Well it is time to stop thinking about Buying a Home and actually Buy a Home.
Prices are low and interest rates are low Buying a Home is as easy and affordable as it has ever been. Oakley 94561 is popular with people Buying a Home for many reasons. It offers affordable homes in nice neighborhoods, fine parks, new schools; and with many exciting Delta Water Recreation Activities like Boating, Fishing, Water Skiing and Swimming.
If you are looking at Buying … (1 comments)

Buying a Home in Brentwood CA 94513 - 04:33 PM
Buying a Home in Brentwood CA 94513
Many people are thinking about Buying a Home in Brentwood CA 94513 - Well it is time to stop thinking about Buying a Home and actually Buy a Home.
Prices are low and interest rates are low Buying a Home is as easy and affordable as it has ever been. Brentwood 94513 is popular with people Buying a Home for many reasons. Brentwood California is East Contra Costa Counties premier community.  Brentwood offers affordable luxury homes in nice neighborhoods, fine parks, new schools, golf course homes, 55+ Communities, gated communities; and many exciting Delta … (0 comments)

Pace Bend Park - Pedernales River - Lake Travis - Triple Digit Temps - 12:48 PM
Pace Bend Park in Spicewood TX is a great place to spend those triple digit degree days!!  Pace Bend Park is off the Pedernales River that is a branch off from Lake Travis.  The water is pretty low right now, but that just meant we had to be careful about some of the old tree stumps sticking up on the beach.  This is a park where many people bring their trailers and RV's and camp over night. Some people just bring tents, but there is 1000s of acres of land for camping and such.  We have a Travis County annual pass, … (1 comments)

FHA 203K On Site HUD Inspection in Worcester - Come & Learn With Shamrock Financial! - 03:05 PM
HUD Consultant Tour in Worcester, MA 6/24 … (1 comments)

Ensure Your Clients Have Access to Affordable Mortgages - 08:18 AM
As your constituent, and a REALTOR®, I urge you to act now to make the current loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae (the government sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) permanent. On October 1, 2011, the mortgage loan limits for FHA and the GSEs will decrease, lessening the availability of mortgage credit for hundreds of thousands of responsible and credit-worthy American families. What we need now is time for the real estate market and overall economy to heal, to self-correct, and stabilize. Reducing mortgage liquidity at this time will hurt our fragile economic recovery. H.R. 1754 has been introduced in … (1 comments)

Split Bedroom Ranch Moss Creek Concord North Carolina !!!!! - 01:02 PM
Type in your SEO text here... … (1 comments)

Heart of the University City Area of Charlotte North Carolina - 01:08 PM
Type in your SEO text here... … (0 comments)

What the Heck Is Roo Solutions? - 12:15 PM
 

 
 
… (0 comments)

'You Sold a Home For Us About 19 Years Ago...' - 10:55 PM
 
Received this email from a former client:
''You sold a home for us about 19 years ago in Randallstown.  I just became a Realtor® in W.V. and I have a client ..in the Navy... looking to rent  ....she will be working at John Hopkins for the next 2 years. Could I refer her to you?''
I picked up the phone and called. In no time we were caught up.
I was pretty new back then but I remembered Angie and I remembered the house.                                                                                           
 
 
                                              
I remember the homes sold for her brother in law, her mother … (30 comments)

Broker Open Feed them and they will come! - 04:52 PM
I had a successful Broker Open House.  I opted to serve Pulled Pork Tacos and 3 salads and a cookie for dessert.  Many requests for the German Potato Salad: 
 
Boil or Bake 5-6 medium sized Red Potatoes
1-2 bunches of green onion (more is better expecially if adding while potatoes are still warm)
slice them as far up the stem as possible.
Add 3/4-1 cup Real Bacon pieces (Kirkland brand is great).
Ranch Dressing to desired creaminess.
Pepper to taste, 1 Tbsp. Italian Herb mixture
Ideally, let the salad sit at least an hour before serving for best flavor!
This … (0 comments)

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