Archives of real estate blog entries for July 29, 2011

Featured blog posts


I Forgot to Tell you Your Offer Was Not Accepted - 06:54 AM
I Forgot to Tell you Your Offer Was Not AcceptedI Forgot to Tell you Your Offer Was Not AcceptedPleasant agent on the phone.“I didn’t hear back from you. You said there were four offers. Did we get the house?”“What was the name of the buyer? ““Oh, yeah. Let me see where we are. We ended up getting 5 offers. Just got the last one earlier today. The phone has been ringing non stop.”I look in Equator under the property - and I can’t find the buyer’s name on any of the offers. A cold chill goes up my back. Did we … (168 comments)

Will Getting Rid of Realtors® Restore the Housing Market? - 11:49 AM
“Want to Jump-Start the Housing Market?  Get Rid of the Realtors®”  The waggish title of a recent post on “Freakonomics,” immediately caught my attention.  The website, which offers money-saving and investment advice, sometimes does so with clever and quick-witted banter.  And while the title did exactly as intended, driving me to click on the post, the content proved to be far short of particulars.  Worse, what it did was play to those who somehow believe that real estate agents have become an unnecessary and expensive appendage to the homebuying process.
 
The article references a paper, “The Costs of Free Entry: … (135 comments)

My 10 Seconds of Fame on NBC News - Using QR Codes in Real Estate! - 07:28 PM
My 10 Seconds of Fame on NBC News - Using QR Codes in Real Estate Marketing
What a day I had yesterday!  My broker-in-charge, Laurie Knudsen, is the current president of the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association.  She was contacted by NBC News, who was looking to interview a Charlotte Realtor who uses QR codes in his/her marketing.  I jumped on it - the only catch was, they wanted to interview me that afternoon!
Butterflies began roiling in my stomach, but I drove out to NBC Universal, and producer Mike Fomil immediately put me at ease.  He explained that NBC was doing … (42 comments)

Life is a Journey, Not a Destination... - 06:33 PM
During the course of this economic turn down we all have to minimize the potential damage to our businesses and to our personal financial conditions. Until about a year ago, I never believed that this bubble could actually burst. Now, don't get me wrong...it hasn't totally but it is threatening to. Since my husband and I work TOGETHER in our Real Estate business and Agency, we are finding less and less to do! The leads are coming in yet the bulk of the quality of leads are shaky at best. People are still wanting to purchase a home or to sell … (71 comments)

It's the Keys Please! - 01:40 PM
As a new agent, I once entered a vacant house for a preview using the lock box.  It was a cute house and had just been listed by a really nice woman who was a local real estate legend and, at the time, the top agent for Coldwell Banker in the whole entire country.
All went well until nature called.  I made a little pit stop in the fully renovated master bath on the second floor, and when I flushed, the key slipped out of my hand and was gone.
Oops!
There were no cell phones back then.  I had to … (107 comments)

How Prepared Are You For Commonly Asked Questions in Real Estate? - 07:18 AM
How Prepared Are You For Commonly Asked Questions in Real Estate?Our Broker sees to it we derive something of value from our Tuesday morning sales meetings.  No different than what our clients expect when meeting with us. This week we had a great Q&A sessions centered around 5 questions most commonly asked of us as Real Estate Professionals.  Whether we are out shopping, attending a sports activity, at a party or on an appointment these same questions pop up from friends, neighbors and clients:
1. How is the real estate market?2. Is now a good t ime to buy?3. Have prices … (53 comments)

Often Overlooked Hardship Letter Issue...CRITICAL to Short Sale Success - 03:07 PM
 
There has been a lot of discussion regarding hardship letters and their importance in short sale negotiations.  However, there is a frequently overlooked aspect of them that is vitally important.  The hardship letters will be different in a loan modification than a short sale.  You may then ask, “That is true, by why do I care?”
 
You should care and you need to care – especially if the loan modification was submitted and you do not have a copy of it.  The issue is what I refer to as “synchronicity”.  If I were a short sale agent, I would … (30 comments)

RI Real Estate Recovery- Home Building- Keep the Subcontractors Working - 08:36 AM
RI Real Estate Recovery- Home Building - Keep the Subcontractors Working.  One of the pleasures being a North Kingstown realtor and resident is the real estate recovery that comes from seeing the ultimate in new construction - the true custom designed and built home by local contractors.  And yes, they do employ many local subcontractors too.    The residential building site I was on yesterday had a number of subcontractors putting together the bones of construct and the veins of detail in this incredible 6000 square foot Colonial home.  It is about home building, not beginning home building, that makes this home stand out … (30 comments)

WHY I RECOMMEND A THREE STEP NEW HOME INSPECTION TO MY HOME BUYER CLIENTS. - 07:58 AM
IT OFTEN SADDENS ME TO REALIZE THAT PROBABLY 70% OR MORE OF NEW HOME SALES OCCUR WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF A BUYER'S AGENT.
FURTHER, PROBABLY 90% OR MORE ARE COMPLETED WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF A HOME INSPECTOR.  This one surprises me more because all one has to do is Google any builder in the United States and read about the bad experiences of that builders' product. 
This post is inspired by Jay Markinich's post  this a.m. about a serious design flaw in an unfinished part of the basement of a newly constructed home.  This obvious flaw is unlikely to be noticed by 95% of … (62 comments)

Success in the Rain, July 2011 - 03:25 PM
Every morning I drive along Lake Washington Blvd before hitting the floating bridge to get to my awesome job.  LW Blvd is always crowded with early morning runners, new moms strolling along Starbucks-in-hand and lots of groups of walkers.  This morning I saw a very old man bend down to pick up some garbage that wasn't his while his little old wife waited; probably took him a good 15 seconds to do it too.  It got me thinking..."Would I have bent down to pick it up?"  Sadly, probably not.  It's not my trash but it is my Community.  I want my … (39 comments)

Good News! Looks like I will be on TV thanks to my blog. Real Estate Recovery. - 07:51 AM

Now, this was lucky.  One of my customers found my blog, and she is selling her home in Yonkers.  It had been on the market for a year and they decided to take a break, make some improvements and switch agents.
She had some old carpeting upstairs and the dog ripped up some of it.  Well it turns out she has hardwood underneath, so we refinished the hardwood on the 2nd floor and steps - wow, what a difference.
Somehow, my very fun and bubbly customer got her home picked up by one of those big TV shows where they … (118 comments)

Why not allow buyers to designate services? - 04:15 PM
I am getting ready to submit an offer on a property in La Costa Valley, and as I typed up my contract I am hesitating to write "seller to select services" under escrow.  Honestly, title makes little difference, but the escrow is more important to the buyer, if the buyer is financing the loan.  Would it not make sense that the buyer be able to select the escrow company that works with the loan officer?  On the last few closings, I have struggled with subpar escrow companies.  With all the new regulations, the loan officer must also correctly quote the escrow … (59 comments)

THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY - 06:58 AM
Barbara Toldeo wrote another excellent blog on changing direction which prompted me to blog about my definition of insanity.  Doing the same task over and over and expecting a different outcome is crazy.
You have decided that you are going to be new housing expert in your community.  You bone up on construction costs and promote yourself.  You do mail outs, advertise in the local news papers, internet, radio, TV, etc.  No one calls you.  You do this for month after month and still no business.  If there is no demand and lots of supply you are out of business.  You … (37 comments)

To Succeed. .You Must First Conquer Lead Generating - 06:57 AM
LEAD GENERATION 
DO YOU DO IT EVERYDAY?
A lot of Realtors don't even realize that a day without LEAD GENERATING.. is a DAY when you went backwards. . . 
No matter how busy you are . . you are going backwards on your career when you do not lead generate.
You can say that LEAD GEN is the fuel for your business . . without it. .you are stuck on the mud
 
To succeed, you must first conquer lead generating . . . without it . . you are doomed
(that didn't lead generate. . . .RIP)


… (41 comments)

I Want Nothing to Do with A Realtor. But Can I Ask you Some Questions? - 09:10 AM
That is what an acquaintance said to me.  She made an offer on a home - it's a challenging home - lots of issues.  She likes me but dislikes Realtors.  Ok.  Doesn't bother me. 
The listing agent supposedly wrote the offer and is representing both sides.  After the past few weeks, she calls with updates on the home saying things like:  we need a surveyor; do you know how to pull permit information; we have to set up our own home inspection - but don't know inspectors, etc.
Sounds like she needs representation don't ya think?!
Again, she is an acquaintance … (147 comments)


Blog posts


Pacific Beachfront Boutique Hotel for Sale - Mexico Real Estate - Commercial Property for Sale - 06:56 AM
Mexico Beachfront Boutique Hotel … (0 comments)

Walking Distance to Johns Hopkins Hospital..A 2 Bedroom Townhouse...Under $50,000! 406 N Port St. 21224 - 08:22 PM
 
Walking Distance to Johns Hopkins Hospital..A 2 Bedroom Townhouse...Under $50,000! 406 N Port St. 21224 You can live within walking distance of Johns Hopkins Hospital and enjoy the white marble steps that are so...Baltimore...for under $50,000! 406 N. Port St 21224 is listed for $49,944 MLS #BA7660091 2 Bedrooms 1 Full Bath                                       
 
You did read that right!                                                   Here is a 3 level townhome (that we used to call a row-home) recently renovated with new windows, updated kitchen and a parking pad off your kitchen door for at least six cars! Gas heat, central air, wood floors … (22 comments)

Coolwater Creek Ranch and Events-What a surprise in Meridian, Idaho! - 11:32 AM
As I drove out to this destination, I wondered why didn't I know this was here?  The sixty acre ranch wasn't really that noticeable from the street.  As I drove in I saw an adequate parking lot for a large event.  I saw a barn looking metal structure and was greeted by Bob LaVelle and his wife when I came in.  Bob used to own Bogus Creek Outfitters and ran a sleigh ride in the winter in the mountains to a dinner served in a tent with a fireplace burning wood for heat.  They sold that enterprise and have owned the … (0 comments)

Any investors out there looking for good value in Boise/Meridian, Idaho? - 02:34 PM
I searched like I would look for myself today for homes that are active listings, at least three bedrooms, at least two baths and at least 1,200 square feet and at least a 2-car garage, priced under $100,000.  I initially had fifteen found my search but realized quickly that several were short sales or backed to busy streets or had some functional obsolescence so I reduced them to four finalists.
The first one is in Meridian.  It is bank-owned.  It was last purchased in May 2005 for $123,000.  In 2005 it had a new water heater installed, new carpet, and some … (0 comments)

A NOT So Funny Joke - US Debt Crisis - 12:03 PM
Not so funny joke - I am so tired of the American People being put in the middle of a political war!  Just do something already!!!!  Or is this a showdown for power where we will all pay the price?   One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a 'thank you' card and … (3 comments)

Knox County Ohio Country Home with Acreage on Yankee Street - 03:10 PM
Gorgeous country property with over 5 acres of land with impressive views.  If the photos of this property interest you be sure to check out our listing additional details and our extensive virtual tour slideshow at 11637 Yankee Street in Fredericktown, Ohio 43019.
We have also created a special real estate website link which features all of our available Fredericktown Ohio homes for sale.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (1 comments)

We JUST SOLD Another Nice Knox County Ohio Country Home - 08:36 PM
13280 Butcher Road outside of Mount Vernon, Ohio.
We have also created a special real estate link which includes our available Knox County Ohio homes for sale with acreage and large lots.
Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
 
… (3 comments)

Another Exceptional Mount Vernon Ohio Home JUST SOLD Today by the Sam Miller Team! - 08:38 PM
1011 New Gambier Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
You can view all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale and organized in price order from highest priced to the lowest. 
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (2 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio South End Home for $80,000 - 08:40 PM
You won't believe how nice and clean this super cute this home is and be sure to check out the addtitional listing details and the extensive virtual tour photo slideshow at 10 Delano Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
We have also created a special real estate link that includes all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale and organized in price order from highest to lowest.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (3 comments)

We JUST SOLD an Apple Valley Lake View Home at 379 Baldwin Drive - 08:51 PM
379 Baldwin Drive at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio.
We have also created a special real estate website link that features all of our available Apple Valley Lake homes for sale.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Apple Valley Ohio
… (4 comments)

5 Financing Tips for Buying Property at a Real Estate Auction in Santa Monica, Ca. - 12:34 PM
In the midst of foreclosures flooding the real estate market, it’s only fair to say that these days, real estate auction sales have full attendance. According to Inman news, “Foreclosure sales accounted for 28 percent of U.S. home sales in the first quarter of 2011,” with those properties selling for nearly “27 percent below the average sales price of properties not in foreclosure,” as recently reported by Realty Trac. Because of these figures, flocks of buyers and investors are being brought to real estate auctions, searching for the next great deal.
Those of you who are not familiar with the auction … (0 comments)

Home Inspections: Bats In the Furnace - 07:04 AM
Home inspections are an important part of the home buying process.  I have never heard of it before but bats in the furnace is probably more common in the mid-west than alligator in furnace  (and that was in Michigan.) Either bats or alligators would be grounds for Scary Furnace Friday for me though. 
Thanks to Greg, a home inspector in Omaha for allowing his post originally titled 'Home Inspections Omaha:  Bats Inside Furnace!'  to be Re-Blogged. 
Every Friday is Furnace Friday on this site, the first Friday of the month is Furnace Filter Friday, a reminder to change your furnace filter … (6 comments)

Endorse my Delaware County Ohio Homes blog? - 10:23 AM
Endorse my Delaware County Ohio homes blog? 
Please?  Pretty Please? I am begging asking for endorsements for my blogs on Empire Avenue. If you are a member of Empire Avenue, I am MoColumbusOH

 
I could be wrong but I don't think endorse on Empire Avenue means anything more than "yep" it's a blog...
Not a member?  Join - Empire Avenue *

I had heard about Empire Avenue but did not join until 9 days ago.  I had to make a rule, I could only visit Empire Avenue once a day, in the evening.  Broke that rule today....  It's … (2 comments)

Worthington HER - New Office Opening in "early August" - 11:43 PM
The NEW "Old Worthington" HER office is opening in "early August"

The Real Living HER sign is up.   The photo of the new sign on High Street in Old Worthington was taken about 10 days ago.
Sounds like the Worthington HER office in Old Worthington is opening in early August.  The press release we (agents in the Worthington and Lewis Center offices) and the press were sent today tells us so...I go by the building at 681 High Street to check the progress every week or so.  I have never before (I don't believe) shared a press release in a … (4 comments)

A House Full of Bugs in Barrington. Thanks Mr. Home Inspector. - 01:23 PM
This is almost comical coming on the heels of my last post about not letting dead bugs kill your sale. Well how about live bugs?
This week I attended a home inspection for my buyers on a home in Barrington. We knew that the property needed some work doing before going in with an offer. I highly recommended my buyers have a home inspection amongst other inspections because where there is known work to be done, there is likely unknown work to be done.
It was a hot day and the air conditioning was barely keeping up with the demands of … (2 comments)

Fraternity Row. - 11:57 PM
I don't know about you folks, but I certainly didn't dream of being a poet, a witty contributor to Facebook, a Loan Officer or even a Call Center Representative for a major Insurance Company.  Nope, I dreamed of being a dentist.  And I must say that I'll trade in having to deal with Halitosis with someone who isn't jovial because their premium went up any day of the freaking week.  Live and learn ... I did.  And I'm NOT a anti-dentite!
We aren't here because we wanted to be; we are here because it pays us to be.  That's a job.  … (0 comments)

Some Simple Rules to Help Control the “Email Spiral” - Part 1 - 05:42 PM
 
For REVStaffing's virtual assistants, and for our clients, working online has endless advantages. There's one clear disadvantage, though, and that's the ever-growing number of emails glutting our in-boxes! We all spend hours each week writing emails, and our recipients spend even more time reading and responding to them.
Last month, following a blog post that initially caught the attention of over 45,000 people, The Email Charter was created. In this and our next blog, we'll share the purpose and the content of the Charter; like its creators, we hope you'll share it with others! Today, let's look at why … (1 comments)

Custom Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club Pool Home for Sale in Palm City Florida – Price Reduced - 06:49 AM
Custom Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club Pool Home for Sale in Palm City Florida – Price Reduced
 
209 SW Hatteras Court

Exceptional, spacious custom home in one of Palm City’s showcase communities, the Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club. This spacious 3 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom plus office home features formal living and dining rooms, updated marble kitchen with stainless appliances, family room, fireplace, jetted tub, and ample storage space throughout. Screened pool enclosure with large covered lanai that’s perfect for entertaining. The large pool and spa overlook the Palm Cove Golf Course and some partial lake … (2 comments)

Why I Chose Real Estate, as the Accidental Realtor - 08:28 PM
Why I Chose Real Estate, as the Accidental Realtor
It was the spring of 2004 and I was in my 27th year of flying as a pilot for Delta Air Lines.  The news and the business was not good.  We were pretty convinced that Delta was going to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (which they indeed do in the fall of that year).I had seen other airlines go through this process and leave their employees with no pension, no retirement and a poor future.  So I decided to take what I could with the promise of medical benefits and a reduced … (12 comments)

Take a Tax Holiday in Virginia Next Week - 12:24 PM
Everyone loves a sale!

How about a state sanctioned sale?
From August 5th through August 7, 2011, there will be a Virginia state-wide tax holiday on purchases of schools supplies and clothing.  During the three-day timeframe, purchases of certain school supplies, clothing and footwear will be exempt from Virginia sales tax.  Each eligible school supply itme must be priced at $20 or less, and each eligible article of clothing and footwear must be priced at $100 or less.
You don't need to live in Virginia to take advantage of the sale tax exemption -- just shop here.
 
So, next … (1 comments)

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