Archives of real estate blog entries for July 1, 2011

Featured blog posts


A real life scenario - Seller accepts lowest offer to negate impact of Short Sale (no joke) - 02:14 AM
So you either are reading this because you want to see who the idiot is and don't believe me OR you just liked the picture.  Either way it caught your eye...and its TRUE there are situations where the lowest offer can be in the sellers BEST interest (real life example below).  Or said another way, the seller needs to ensure they get a below average offer on their property to put them in the best situation to minimize the impact of the short sale.  And it was my good friend Jeff Watson that first took the time to explain this to me years ago.
If … (51 comments)

POW WOW - ActiveRain Foursome - No Golfers Apply - 01:29 PM
POW WOW - ActiveRain Foursome - No Golfers Apply.  Pow wow, get together, business confab, tech learning session, and a chance to catch up since our first meet at RainCamp in Atlantic City in April, the foursome of Ginny Gorman, Dagny Eason (hostess), Judy Klem and Debbie Gartner converged early afternoon to early evening to break out the toolbox!   When I arrived at 1 pm, Debbie was connected and pounding away on the laptop ready to go.  We had a pre-format to our meet so we were assured of making progress and just not spending time laughing and having a great … (43 comments)

Questions Callers Had This Week.... - 07:34 PM
This week I am starting a blog series called This Weeks Caller. Everyday, I get calls from home buyers and sellers who have questions about the market. Over the past month, I have featured one call a week on the front of our website in the yellow box called This Weeks Caller.
These are some of the calls, questions I answered this week:
#1.-I would like to see a Foreclosure Home. It is Vacant. Can't you just give me the code?
My answer to this one is absolutely NO.The caller said but my other REALTOR® ( friend of the family who I … (38 comments)

This 4th of July Weekend Make Sure It's a Safe One - Please Buckle Up. - 10:06 AM
This 4th of July Weekend Make Sure It's a Safe One
Please Buckle Up.
 

About a thousand years ago, when I was in my late teens, and before seat belt use was mandatory, I was the first person on the scene of a deadly accident. I won't go into the details, but suffice it to say that I saved two people's lives that night... Two other people didn't make it.
 
They probably would have if they were wearing seat belts.

It was from that moment on that I have worn my seat belt … (89 comments)

Another Spectrum - 07:45 AM
Diversity in your business is really a must to longevity and survival. Similar to diversity in a species of animal helps it to survive adverse environmental conditions, so it is true of business. When the business climate changes those who have put all their eggs in one basket, may find nothing left to for breakfast one morning.
Years ago the real estate business was booming, houses were selling almost as soon as they hit the market with multiple buyers lining up to make offers. Ah yes the good old days. The prognosticators were saying in the midst of all this insane … (23 comments)

Success in the Rain - 05:38 PM
Does everybody have their hot dogs, sparklers and macaroni salad ready?  I sure hope so....you guys work your bottoms off and it's time to celebrate our country's freedom!  Make the most of your days, smile and BE SAFE! 
Just as a quick note that AR Headquarters will be closed on Monday with the staff returning recharged and ready on Tuesday. 
The six firecrackers below share their stories.  Hopefully they'll light a fuse under you if you need it!
If you have yet to write your own success story, I urge you to do so. Simply go to your profile page and … (26 comments)

Am I Sensing A Disturbing Trend? - 06:09 AM
Over the years I have noticed tricks builders play with their clients when it comes time to get inspections.  For example, they will call at 4:55pm and say they forgot that the schedule had changed and are sorry for the mix up but if the client wants that inspection they were considering they need to have it the next day between 9 and 11am.  Or they will apologetically call and say there was a snafu and the inspection needs to be postponed one day after having been scheduled for a week.  There are many such tricks.  When people call me to … (218 comments)

Piece of AR History Winners - 04:41 PM
Thanks to all who entered the contest.  Your hyper local posts makes us want to journey to each and every place.  While we had quite a few entries, only 20 lucky members won.  I thank you all for your participation and congratulations to the winners.
We put each fabulous entry into a hat and picked 20.  Here they are in no particular order:
Ken Cash                                               
Cindy Edwards
Jay Markanich                                                   
Bob Gilbert                                         
Debra Brooks
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman
Ed Silva
Barbara Martino-Sliva
Stacey Smith
Donnie McKinney
Shar Sitter
John Hrisco
Kathy Streib
Cynthia Larsen
Mimi Foster
Amy Hahn
Ralph Gorgoglione
Barbara Hensley … (67 comments)

When does a BPO constitute jail time? - 07:51 AM
You might be surprised at the answer... I know I have vented aired my opinions about "BPO's" here. An agent comes from another part of the state, doesn't understand the local market, gives an opinion of value on a short sale which has no relevance to the home or local market, on and on. And there goes the deal, flushed down the toilet...
Ever thought the agent that provided this wacked out price opinion guilty of a crime? Well they just might be, read on... According to the Connecticut Association of Realtors, we can give an opinion of value, as … (99 comments)

What Does a Full Price Offer Look Like? - 10:24 AM
This year has been extremely busy for my business partner, Will and myself. We had so many listings, we had to order additional signs. What a great problem to have.
The real estate market in Denver has been very strong.  This is great for anyone who has been thinking about selling their home. The number of showings this summer as compared to last summer is significantly higher. 
When Will and I go out to a listing appointment, he does extensive research and prepares a detailed market analysis which he presents to the seller.  After much discussion, we help the sellers decide on … (98 comments)

You've Never Fired a Client? Really? - 02:00 PM
Last week I had the opportunity to interview with Redfin for their referral program. Though I thought the interview went well - my past interview experience was when I worked for Schwab and I was wholely invested in the decision, versus this where whatever happened would be fine - I didn't end up getting accepted into the program.
C'est la vie.
As I look back at the interview, there are questions that still are ringing in my ears, questions where I'm certain I didn't provide the answer the interviewer wanted to hear.
One was about my use of Active Rain, which … (57 comments)

How To Increase Your Staging Business... Some Suggestions... - 02:05 AM
Earlier tonight I read a post by one of our Active Rain Stagers... Amy Bly.  In one of the comments on one of Amy's posts... Amy mentioned that she wished she had more response from the local Realtors in her area.
I have heard this comment before from quite a few of the Stagers on Active Rain.  I've thought of doing this before... but reading Amy's comment inspired me to try and come up with some ideas on what I would do... if I were a Stager trying to grow my local Realtor business.  Here are some of my ideas:
1)   … (80 comments)

Splurging. . .is a necessity? - 07:10 AM

 
Most people may find a little guilty when it comes to splurging. .
At what cost?
Is it wrong to splurge?
I say it is not..
On the contrary, it is a necessity if you want to be inspired and ready to continue in achieving your financial happiness
The pleasure you provide your important self is almost as important as the act that birthed your splurge.
You can’t be good for others if . .you can’t be good to yourself.
A splurge does not have to cost you any money. . a walk in the park, being alone. … (95 comments)


Blog posts


Price Improvement - International Real Estate - Spa for Sale - Mexico Real Estate - 04:48 PM
Delightful Mineralized Hot Springs Retreat - Resort REDUCED TO $3,250,000 … (1 comments)

International Real Estate - How Much Island Do You Want? - Ecuador Real Estate - 05:12 PM
Create your own Pacific Island Community - Oceanfront and Timber … (0 comments)

Piece of AR History Winners - 04:41 PM
Thanks to all who entered the contest.  Your hyper local posts makes us want to journey to each and every place.  While we had quite a few entries, only 20 lucky members won.  I thank you all for your participation and congratulations to the winners.
We put each fabulous entry into a hat and picked 20.  Here they are in no particular order:
Ken Cash                                               
Cindy Edwards
Jay Markanich                                                   
Bob Gilbert                                         
Debra Brooks
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman
Ed Silva
Barbara Martino-Sliva
Stacey Smith
Donnie McKinney
Shar Sitter
John Hrisco
Kathy Streib
Cynthia Larsen
Mimi Foster
Amy Hahn
Ralph Gorgoglione
Barbara Hensley … (67 comments)

No Fireworks for Austin - 10:10 AM
So we're in a pretty serious and damaging drought and the July 4th holiday is right around the corner.  With conditions so dry and breezy, fireworks have been banned in much of Texas and Austin has cancelled its downtown fireworks display.
So people, don't be stupid and set off stuff you bought last year or for New Year's Eve.  Texas, as well as other states, has seen some very serious fires including one in Oak Hill, a southwest Austin suburb, that took out a number of homes and damaged others.
I have a bad feeling that a lot of people will … (0 comments)

Drought - Time to Look at Lake Travis Real Estate - 10:10 AM
OK, Lake Travis is low - very low.  Much of Texas is in the midst of the third worst drought in the history of the state.  So why is now a good time to look at Lake Travis real estate?
Many properties on Lake Travis have decent lake frontage, but one thing may buyers do not realize is that the lot may not extend very far into the lake.  If someone wants Lake travis waterfront and they wayt to have a dock, they need to make sure the lot extends far enough into the lake so they will actually have a … (1 comments)

Austin Getting Formula 1 Race Track and 2000 More Hotel Rooms - 03:18 PM
Yes, you read that right.  There is a Formula 1 race track under construction in southeast Austin and that should drive a lot of traffic (ouch - pardon the pun) our way.  In addition, two new downbtown Austin hotels with over 1,000 rooms each were announced recently.  That will give the Austin convention business a huge boost.  Read more about new hotels in Austin.
Oh, to the left is an image taken a few years ago when downtown construction was booming.  Looks like we will have two more towers going up within a year.
Thinking of moving to Austin?  Search Austin … (0 comments)

The Best 4th of July - 01:23 PM
This is an update and a rewrite of a post I wrote in July 201 Called The Best Place for Fourth of July.
There will be a lot of debate about where the best Fourth of July Celebration will be this year and who has the best fireworks and/or parade.
I thought about a very special 4th of July weekend I had about 12 or 13 years ago. I had gone on a camping trip by myself that Fourth of July weekend.  On the morning of July 4th I started home. As I was winding through a small narrow mountain road … (6 comments)

Four Great Patriotic Films for the 4th! - 02:01 PM
Here are Four Great Patriotic Films for the 4th you might want to watch this weekend:
The Patriot - A great fictionalized account based on real American Revolutionary Events and People. 1776 - A musical based on the events around the Declaration of Independence.  Historically interesting dialog and events. The Last of the Mohicans - Although dealing more with the French and Indian war it certainly provides background on many of the issues and shows American Frontier Character. Gettysburg - This film is a great film and the battle and the men involved.  Although not the from the Revolutionary Period the … (6 comments)

Every Market is Different - Some are doing very well! - 05:45 PM
It seems that every time you turn around there is another negative story about housing prices going down.  Although I am not sure that dropping housing prices is a negative story for families that are now finding an affordable home for the first time.
In fact the latest news reports show an increase in housing prices in March - April. 
Here is an article from the Wall Street Journal that talks about one market where things are booming.  The boom is for certain economic reasons that may not apply to your market - the point is that each market is different … (0 comments)

What do you think of Wall Paper? - 05:54 PM
Generally I do not like wall paper.  I have heard stagers say - it has to go!  In the last home I owned I tried to Wall Paper my kids rooms - It was a pain to put on - looked bad (due to my poor skills) and my kids tore it up.
Then when I went to move of course it was a pain to get it all off so I could paint.  I will probably never do it again. If I do I will hire someone that really knows what they are doing to put it on.
However, the … (1 comments)

Investment Property - Pittsburg California - Turnkey 13% Cap Rate - 06:01 PM
Turn Key Investment 13% Cap Rate … (1 comments)

Stanislaus County Short Sales - June 2011 Sales Stats - 08:30 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales - June 2011 Sales Stats
The sales numbers are in for Stanislaus County Sales for the month of June 2011. While sales are down from last year, houses are still selling in Stanislaus County and Distressed properties (Bank owned and Short Sales) are still dominating the market.
Here are the June 2010 and June 2011 Sales Stats.
Total Sales June 2011: 611  sold  * 49% (302) Bank Owned  * 21% (131) Short Sales
Total Sales April 2010: 717  sold  * 44% (315) Bank Owned  * 28% (206) Short Sales
So while the total number of … (2 comments)

Pearland TX City Council Position Three decided in run-off election - 10:57 AM
PEARLAND, Texas -- City council Position Three was finally decided Saturday in a run-off election between candidates Susan I. Sherrouse and Tammy Dexter.In a still close race, Sherrouse won the election with 744 votes, or 53.64 percent. Dexter received 643 votes, or 46.36 percent.The run-off election was held because the city of Pearland requires a candidate to receive more than 50 percent of the votes in order to win the election, said Sonia Webb, deputy city secretary. Sherrouse and Dexter were the first and second place candidates, respectively, in a five-candidate race for the position. The incumbent, Steve Saboe, did not … (0 comments)

A Pleasant Surprise On a Home Finding Trip - Sculpture in Coupland - 05:56 PM
Yesterday I went on a homefinding expedition with a client that ended up showing a 1907 house (a beauty in need of some love and attention) in Coupland, Texas.  It was our  last house of the day, and we parted ways.  As I drove back towards the highway, a block away I saw something I hadn't noticed on the way in, because I was looking for road signs.  It was so intriguing that I had to stop and find out what it was. 
Turns, in tiny Coupland, there's a sculpture garden.  International sculptor Jim Huntington makes his home, and the home … (1 comments)

565 Lori Dr. #7 Benicia, CA 94510 - 04:52 PM
… (1 comments)

Auction News Flash! EPIC Community Services/BBBS of St. Johns County St. Augustine, FL - 02:17 PM
Hey all! Start your bidding! Byron Capo Photography has a Signed Print of your choice on Auction along with other items available! Please check out the link below! http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Browse.action?auctionId=136832237#.Tg4K3UqHqrA.facebook
… (0 comments)

8271 Streamwood Drive, Pikesville, MD. 21208 4 Bedroom Colonial With Swimming Pool - 11:34 PM
 8271 Streamwood Drive, Pikesville, MD. 21208
                                                                    
4 Bedrooms
3 Full Baths
1 Powder Room
 
 
4 Bedroom Colonial With a Pool .
 Baltimore County Location
 
 
                                         Beautiful curb appeal with mature landscaping.
                       
Original owners have taken such good care that pride of ownership shows in this four bedroom 3.5 Bath Center Hall Colonial located, in the Willow Glen North area of Pikesville, off of Old Court Rd.
 
There is an abundant amount of storage both inside and out....large closets, pantry, finished lower level with hidden toy storage … (12 comments)

Will I Have A Deficiency Judgment If I Do A Short Sale In Florida? - 02:47 PM

Good question. I'm glad you asked out. Here's what I think.
There is NEVER an automatic Deficiency Judgment with a Florida Short Sale. However, they is ALWAYS a deficiency. What you are really wanting to know is "What will happen to that deficiency after the Short Sale?" In an ideal world it is forgiven as it is with a FHA Pre Foreclosure Sale.
In order to get a Deficiency Judgment the Lender has to go in front of a Judge and ask for it. It is not a given. In Florida, which is a deficiency State, the Lender has … (10 comments)

We Have to Pay to get the Fish Nibbling at our Own Bait?- How did this happen? - 09:07 AM
This is definitely worht a reblog. I wonder why you have to write at least 25 words to be able to reblog a comment. This much be at least 25 words now so let's see if it works. ;)
Via Kevin Vitali- Helpin Massachusetts Home Buyers and Home Sellers (EXIT Realty- Massachusetts Short Sales & Residential Sale):
I have only been in real estate for about 10 years.  Our local Multiple Listing Service here in Massachusetts, in that time has been privately held.  My question to the real estate community is....  How have we allowed a company like Trulia or any number of … (5 comments)

Stowe Vermont - Come Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July! - 08:35 PM
Come Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July in Stowe, Vermont!
For such a small town, Stowe loves to put on a great Fourth of July Celebration.  This year's events include:
 
10:00 a.m. - The Moscow Parade - Moscow Village's "very local" event with marching music, the Ladies Lawn Chair march, floats, Stowe Fire and Rescue vehicles.  Be early.  It's a short parade!  Here's a slide show of last year's parade:
 
 
 

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Old-Fashioined Village Festival - Celebrate with street performers and musicians.  Face painting, caricature artests, and bouncy house for the kids.  … (2 comments)

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