Archives of real estate blog entries for July 5, 2011

Featured blog posts


What you don't know about hiring a real estate agent... - 07:50 PM
Many home buyers and sellers (the client) in the Winston Salem and Lake Norman areas are often clueless when it comes to working with a real estate agent. Nine times out of ten the client will hire the first agent they meet. Typically the rule states that if the client likes you and it appears you know what you are talking about then you get the job. This article is dedicated to educating the public about the five things they should know before hiring an agent:
1)      Know what kind of agent you want. In North Carolina there are 3 types … (40 comments)

Everybody talks about real estate, but nobody ever does anything about it! - 08:09 AM
 
With all due respect to Mark Twain, real estate has replaced the weather as the main topic of conversation at social gatherings.
I attended several functions over the Independence Day weekend and everybody wanted to talk about the market and what was being done to fix it.
After all, everyone has to live somewhere, and whether renting or owning, all seem to have a keen interest in the direction of the market and they endeavor to seek some insight as to when the winds of change will commence blowing.
But recent experience has taught us that very little can be … (44 comments)

Does having a license make you a professional? - 04:59 PM
How many people go out, take 1-3 online courses at Joe's Funny Online Real Estate School, take their real estate agents exam, and call themselves a professional real estate agent.  I'll bet it's a pretty high number.  It's funny how so many folks think taking a test of any kind after high school somehow, magically, makes them a "professional".  Is there some sort of magic transformation from "blue collar" to "white collar" simply by passing an exam with the real estate board?  No.
Professionalism is defined as:
1: the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a … (75 comments)

The Home Inspection Blues - 01:50 AM
Heard of the home inspection blues? After viewing dozens of homes over many weeks, you've selected the perfect house. The price is negotiated! The contract is signed! Plan the house-warming party! Call the movers!
But what's the REALTOR® droning on about...home inspection? You shush her while you dream of serving pancakes to smiling children on a sunny morning. You can see the Christmas tree in the front window....the gardens you'll plant in the spring.
In the blink of an eye your REALTOR® changes...from the chirpy cheerleader who loved every house to a dour-faced skeptic who is muttering about "material defects" and … (121 comments)

How to Write a Catchy Blog Post Title that POPS - 04:25 PM
Blog post titles are powerful. They are the deciding factor between a widely read article and one that dies an immediate death.
The cold hard reality is that no matter how great your blog content might be, if you don’t come up with a catchy title, your article may never see the light of day.
Why a Catchy Title is SO Important Think of your title as the front entrance sign to your business. Do you want a flashy sign that drives traffic to your blog or a lackluster sign that encourages those who might have been interested to keep on … (66 comments)

Why Can't We See That House NOW? - 10:52 AM
Having just spent part of my holiday weekend working with out of town buyers, this post was inspired by how difficult it can be to show property over holiday weekends.
Buyers want to be able to see everything that fits their criteria, and sometimes homes that don't fit their criteria. Why?Part of it is the vacation mentality, I think, where they are just so in love with the place they want to be part of the community sooner rather than later.
Sellers want to be able to have some kind of normalcy when they are selling, and chances are good they … (81 comments)

What will happen when your sump pump fails? - 06:49 AM
Most houses with sump pumps rely on the pumps to keep the basement from flooding.  When a big rain storm comes through, the sump pump will really be needed... and that's also the time that the power to a  neighborhood is most likely going to get knocked out, disabling the sump pump and allowing the basement to flood.  This happened to a lot of homes in North Minneapolis this spring after the tornado came through.
If your sump pump quits working, will you know about it before your basement floods?  Do you have a backup in place?  Does it work?  Are you sure? … (29 comments)

Neighborhood Home Sales Affect Your Home's Value - 10:52 AM
                                                     If you are a homeowner then you should know how Neighborhood Home Sales Affect Your Home's Value.Many homeowners will see a home in their neighborhood go on the market and wonder what the home is listed for.                                                             Then once they find out the asking price, they go about making the comparison to their own home in their minds.  But does this represent the reality?  Not necessarily.....  So you may wonder; what is the truth about this new phenomenon sweeping the country.
 
First of all the new trend in real estate isn't really all that new at all.  It's … (27 comments)

Crowding Control - 07:41 AM
One of the most unpleasant parts of attending a game, concert or other event, is getting into and especially out of the arena. Everyone is of course leaving all at the same time. You shuffle through the building, squished together like sardines in a can. Once you break free from the dense mass of humanity, you feel relieved and unfettered, the giddy high from the event returning.
Being crowded when working is just as unpleasant, actually even more so, than shuffling along with an event crowd. It can also be dangerous.
During a recent home inspection I opened the door to … (32 comments)

Remembering My Very First Blog in Active Rain - 09:05 AM
Remembering my Very First Blog in Active RainTalking about coming a long way in just six short months, I paused this morning to remember my very first blog in Active Rain. I signed up on January 2, 2011, and actually decided to be brave and write my first Active Rain blog about Texas Veterans. Like Mike Cooper pointed out in his recent post “So you Want to write a Blog???”. We all started blogging as beginners, and we certainly didn’t know very much about blogging styles, etc. If you take a look at my very first blog back in January,Honoring Our … (106 comments)

The Tuesday Morning Commute NO MORE! - 06:54 PM
I happened to find this blog post in my drafts (maybe I should check them more often). It was  great memories of what I don't have to do anymore!
Last week I moved to a new Brokeage and moved the office home!
What a absolute joy it has been to walk a short 100 steps to my beautiful new Home ofice. 
I dont miss the 2 hours drive time out of my day. And I sure don't miss the the huge amount of $$$ i have put in my gas tank over the last 5 years.
I must admit though bing … (46 comments)

What happens next with our short sale listing? - 08:39 AM
What happens next with our short sale listing?
We've sent our paperwork to the bank and are waiting for the bank to assign a person to the file. In the meantime we have the house on the market. What is going to happen now?
Well, the house will be put into the system with a notation that it is a short sale listing. The price in the system reflects current market value, which is less than the outstanding balance on the mortgage but a fair representation of values in the system.
After a few weeks, a new analysis will be … (35 comments)

Who is the Most Awesome Person Today? My Version of ActiveRain's Daily "Member Spotlight" (Part XV) - 03:32 PM
Who is the Most Awesome Person Today?
  My Version of ActiveRain's Daily "Member Spotlight" (Part XV)

It's that time of the week again folks!
As promised, I've decided to make 2011 a year in which I introduce you, my dear readers, to a Rainer who you might not know, but probably should.
ActiveRain posts a "Member Spotlight" in their "Daily Drop" newsletter. This is my version...
For this week's post, that person is ActiveRain's very own:
  Lenn Harley

Now I know that each and every one of you know Lenn. After all she … (85 comments)

Have You Lost that Wonderment and Excitement for Your Business? Laura S. Baker, Ready? Set,...Sell! Home Staging & ReDesign, Jefferson County, Waukesha County, Dane County, WI - 05:42 PM
 
 
Have You Lost that Wonderment and Excitement for Your Business?
 

 
I will never forget as a child the excitement, the anticipation, the fear,  of the upcoming fireworks!  Laying on the blanket on Bradford Beach in Milwaukee.  The fireworks so enormous and brilliant, they filled the sky.  So intense I had to watch through squinted eyes.  So loud they vibrated the earth.  I had to keep my ears covered from the thundering bangs and booms I could feel throughout the depths of my body feeling as though they could actually stop my heart from beating! 
 
… (60 comments)

"Extreme" Mortgaging and .... Couponing. Time and Effort Well Spent ... - 02:29 PM
     Sunday's Chicago Tribune ran an article  regarding a woman named, Jill Cataldo. Jill is considered a coupon queen. She offers, via her website, a blog, news venues, and both live and dvd seminars, instructions on what has come to be known as "extreme couponing".  What she prefers to call coupon-advice.
       One of her recent live presentations (a four-hour event held in South Carolina) was attended by over 2500 people that wanted to hear her advice and learn her methods for saving money through utilization of coupons.        Here are a few interesting statistics I found regarding today's  popular "couponing":       Every hour spent couponing … (42 comments)

60 Seconds in Real Estate Cary NC: Preinspect the Home prior to Listing it For Sale - 11:35 PM
Prelisting Home Inspections Home Inspections Prior to Selling It is becoming more common for Sellers in Cary to have a home inspection prior to listing the house for sale.  I think that is a great trend, and a great marketing tool, particularly when all repairs are already made too.  This method allows the Seller to perform repairs with chosen contractors, and without the rush of a closing deadline.
When the Listing Agent can advertise as much, and the Buyers Agent can tell their client that the home has been inspected and repaired, it is a HUGE confidence builder for the Buyer.  The Buyers … (24 comments)

Aren't We All Just A Collage - My First Post on AR! - 05:15 PM
I just finished uploading the background and header for my first blog post!  Yes, this is a milestone!  After 6 months of watching, commenting, and gleaning from my fellow AR bloggers I have decided to dance in the rain.....Active Rain that is! Mimi Foster was so great as direct me to Craig's Classroom where I was able to learn how to create a header and background.  Alas I must confess, I enlisted the help of my 11 year old daughter, Matti!  Together we created a header in Picnik!  
I really began to think about the fact that we are all … (59 comments)

Limited Representation + no sign or lockbox = VERY hard to sell home in this market! - 10:34 PM

Limited Representation + no sign or lockbox = VERY hard to sell home in this market!
 
If you've not heard of the words Limited Representation, it's basically a For Sale By Owner (FSB0) that has hired a listing agent..most likely paying a flat fee to put their home on the Multiple Listing service.
Basically, the listing agent only gets contacted when a deal has been worked out between both parties and then does the required legal paperwork. Often times, the listing agent hasn't even been inside the home. Other than that, the buyer's agent must go through the seller … (40 comments)

"Nothing Happens By Accident....If You Want It Plan For It"......FDR - 08:15 AM
 
Returning to work after a long weekend and a major holiday is sometimes a difficult task.  Once a routine is interrupted, it’s often difficult to establish that same schedule and blend back into the fold. 
There was activity at our listings over the long weekend, and the penthouse condo is pending with a September closing.  Yes, we are now working on our September transactions.  July has 18 closing for the team and August has 10 closings at this time.  We will need to add a few to August and continue to work on September and October. 
This is … (52 comments)

It Costs $$$ to Do Business - 11:23 AM
Chris Somers wrote on his blog yesterday about Zip Realty eliminating Buyer's Rebates and he questioned about the Rebate business model. Great thoughts there.
Before I share my thoughts on the subject, I thought I'd make this disclosure: I love CAPITALISM. I love that consumers get to choose the type of businesses they want to engage in and various types of business models to support consumers' desires. I love consumers get to change their oil by themselves, or bringing it to Walmart, Kwik Lube or high-end auto dealerships to get the same thing done.
I do not want to go into … (77 comments)

Have you "Bing"ed yourself lately? Here's a little tip - 06:41 AM
I have focused so much on Google lately, that I often forget to go to Bing and Yahoo and check how I rank there.  I mean, I see the hits on my website via Google Analytics, but I don't usually physically go in there and do a search to see what pops up and how I rank.  I know Google accounts for way more searches and hits, but it's also a good idea to do a gut check on the others.
I tried it yesterday, using one of my key terms "Wetchester Hardwood Flooring," and the results surprised me...and, more importantly, … (123 comments)

Half way to 2012: Reality Check! - 10:16 PM

As the holiday weekend fades and we all get ready to go back to work (yeah, I know--many of us worked on the 4th--me included) try to carve out a few hours this week to evaluate where you are in your 2011 goals/plans. I spent a fewhours this morning doing just that and I was surprised by some of the numbers, and not surprised by others. I evaluated my personal numbers, and those of my company, plus the Schuylkill Real Estate market in general.
Now you may or many not be a numbers freak, like I am. But even if … (38 comments)

A Star is born...drats I still need my day job! - 06:24 AM
I spent the better part of last Monday in angst waiting for my big TV moment, you know, the one you saw me mention on my Facebook Fan Page about 10 days ago.  You did see that right?  If not, click that big blue rectangular button below (middle one) and you won't miss my next big Hollywood "moment".  
To catch the rest of you up, Bob Stewart challenged AR members awhile back to either get published in a local magazine, newspaper, or some other local forum to help us get our brand to the masses.  I ran with that challenge … (79 comments)

Tough decision, but urged seller to withdraw listing and wait for market to turn - 06:50 PM
You guessed it, the seller did not want to "give their property away", meaning that after we had his property on the market for well over a year, it did not sell. Yes, we did lower the price at some point, but it just was not enough. It won't matter that we are going into the summer season and more buyers are looking. He just won't go down low enough to meet the market where it is NOW.
We have no clue, really, when the market will turn in our area. Well, actually we do: when there are no more Bank Owned properties for … (43 comments)

Would You Trust A Realtor Who Can't Spell "Real Estate"? - 09:24 PM
One of my biggest pet peeves is Realtors who cannot spell "Realtor" or "Real Estate" correctly on their marketing, business cards, or email signatures. When I used to network several times per week I would collect contacts and emails from people I met. I would also meet Realtors who could not pronounce "Realtor" correctly. We are not "Realitors".
Last week an agent passed me his business card: "Resential and Commercially Realtor" No that is not a typo. I wish I could scan the card here without embarrassing the agent. I wonder how many cards this agent gave out and how many … (46 comments)


Blog posts


Mountain View Luxury Condos for Sale - NC Real Estate - Townhouses for Sale - USA - 10:41 AM
Mountain View Luxury & Leisure Condos … (1 comments)

Hey! That's Comin' With Me! - 02:13 PM
 
Selling a Home is tough and it is important to decide if some fixtures and appliances are going with you when Selling a Home.  This post is about that.
My advice is if it goes take it down/out/off or other wise remove it before you put the home on the market.  If the appliances go make it clear in the MLS.
For more tips on Selling a Home or for a Free Home Evaluation go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
 
Via Tim Brown - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale (Hines & Associates Realty):
In the world of real estate there are many … (1 comments)

Forbes: List with the Guy Driving the BMW - 02:31 PM
 
Selling a Home is tough.  Some people think they will save money by Selling a Home themselves.  I have posted on this before and here is an interesting post on the subject.
If you are thinking of Selling a Home, even if thinking of Selling a Home yourself go to HomePointRealEstate.com for a Free Home Evaluation and other information about Selling a Home.
 
Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. LLC) Westchester County NY:
Forbes.com has published one of those silly For Sale By Owner glorifying articles we sometimes see and the advice in it is so poor it borders … (1 comments)

Stanislaus County Short Sales - Buyers, What Are You Waiting For? - 03:42 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales - Buyers, What Are You Waiting For?
I don't know anyone that can accurately predict the future.  People ask me if home prices are going to fall any further.  Honestly I don't know, and I don't think anyone else truly does either.  I think the only way we will know for sure that we hit bottom is after home prices start rising again. 
If you are waiting for home prices to hit bottom before you buy that may not be a good idea.  Prices are low now, less than half what they were just few short … (9 comments)

Collinsville Illinois Homes For Sale, 297 Harding St - 06:41 PM
… (1 comments)

Girlfriends, Do You Need To Reboot Your Brain? - 09:03 PM
Attention, Attention.  Girls only...This is such a fabulous opportunity. I would adore being with Carra and Joeann. That would be such a good three days and such delightful company. IF...only...maybe next time.
 
 
There is a very cool contest to enter and 2 lucky ladies are going to have a place at this event for free.
Go register for this 3 day event...to learn, laugh and be inspired to a new way of thinking!
You know what they say about all work and no play!
 
Margaret Rome
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
mrome@HomeRome.com
410-530-2400
 
 
 
Via Carra … (17 comments)

draft caylee - 11:48 PM
I'm profoundly saddened tonight as I sit writing this through a veil of tears.  My heart breaks for the little girl, Caylee Anthony who never had a chance to live the life she was entitled to or to fill the promise of a life cut short by an evil and purposeful act. 
… (0 comments)

Kenyon College Community in Gambier, Ohio - 04:41 PM
It is very rare that a ranch home in Gambier, Ohio and within the Kenyon College Community becomes available especially at only $150,000.
If you would like to view more listing details and to see our extensive virtual tour photo slideshow be sure to visit 103 West Woodside Drive in Gambier, Ohio.  
We have additional community details about Gambier Ohio and we also have a nice Kenyon College highlight with photos that might interest you. 
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (4 comments)

These words came in well this weekend...feel free to share.. - 11:47 AM
ENCOURAGEMENT CORNER...
SuccessBy: Unknown
Success is speaking words of praise, In cheering other people's ways. In doing just the best you can, With every task and every plan.
It's silence when your speech would hurt,Politeness when your neighbor's curt. It's deafness when the scandal flows,And sympathy with others' woes.
It's loyalty when duty calls, It's courage when disaster falls. It's patience when the hours are long,It's found in laughter and in song.
It's in the silent time of prayer,In happiness and in despair. In all of life and nothing less, We find the thing we call success.
… (5 comments)

Which is Better: A Short Sale or a Foreclosure? - 12:33 PM

Would a short sale be really better than a foreclosure?
Yes, and there’s no doubt about it.
For the longest time, many homeowners have gotten so upset and disappointed with getting by financially and not having enough money to cover expenses that they end up just letting their home go back to the bank as a foreclosure instead of short selling their home. It’s really sad that they have to let their homes go after working so hard to get it.
There is so much stress involved when a homeowner has to go through with facing a foreclosure; Most of … (2 comments)

Fun Loudoun County Facts You Never Wanted to Know - 01:01 PM
Fun Loudoun County Facts You Never Wanted to Know

Loudoun County is great for all of it's beauty, history, and job growth, but we think it should also be noted for it's sense of humor! Have you checked out the Loudoun County Government website lately? If not, you are missing out on some fun facts!
Below is a sample of their "Never Asked Questions" and "Seldom Asked Questions" section of their website. Go ahead and look at these things you never wanted, or seldom wanted to know!
"Isn't "Loudoun" misspelled a lot? - Unfortunately, yes. As a matter of fact, … (8 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 2451 Price St #C Montgomery, Al 36111 - 10:00 AM
… (0 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 181 Barnes Court Wetumpka, Al 36092 - 12:18 PM
… (0 comments)

Northern Virginia Things to Do with Kids in-Fossil Hunting - 09:16 AM
While I am an Associate Broker/Realtor in Virginia .....I am also a parent who is looking for fun way to spend summer or any other weekend as a family time. This fun place is not in Northern Virginia area but not too far from our area. Brownie's Beach lies at the northern most tip of the famous Calvert Cliffs in the Chesapeake bay area. This place on google and other website is listed under Bayfront Beach. While on our day trip my kids found good number of shark tooth, fossils, dolphins bone, and beautiful shells along the coast. Speaking to some … (5 comments)

Seville Country Club Home For Sale- Home For Sale Seville Country Club - 03:23 PM
… (0 comments)

Your Central Ohio real estate market - 10:51 AM
Central Ohio real estate market reports brought to you by Maureen McCabe of Real Living HER
The Columbus Board of REALTORS ® mls (multiple listing service) covers a huge part of the middle of Ohio. 
Monthly I try to share some information about home sales, inventory and home prices in part of Central Ohio.
Columbus Ohio real estate - Columbus and northern suburban Central Ohio

Worthington Ohio real estate - the Worthington City School District

Delaware County, Ohio real estate - southen Delaware County 

I use Trendgraphix market reports to create the graphs for the market reports.  Trendgraphix … (0 comments)

Home Prices in Buckeye Valley Schools - May 2011 - 09:39 PM
Home Prices in Buckeye Valley Schools brought to you by Maureen McCabe of Real Living HER

The graph shows home prices for single family homes for the last 15 months through May 2011. The $242,000 average sale price is up 14.7%  from both  May 2010 and April 2011 when the average sale price was $211,000. 
Delaware County Ohio Home Prices - May 2011
Home prices in Buckeye Valley schools a market report for May 2011
Average active price -$319,000 Average sale price - $242,000 Median sale price - $275,000 The average active list price in May 2011 was down … (0 comments)

Dublin, Ohio 43016 home prices - May 2011 - 10:46 PM
Dublin, Ohio 43016 home prices brought to you by Maureen McCabe of Real Living HER

The graph shows Dublin, Ohio 43016 home prices for the past 15 months through May 2011.  Average sale price of $265,000 is identical to a year ago.  The average active price was down 12.1% from May 2010.
Dublin home prices are up!  - May 2010
Franklin County home prices - May 2011
Dublin, Ohio 43016 home prices a market report for May 2011
Average active price - $356,000 Average sale price -$265,000 Median sale price - $212,000 Dublin, Ohio 43016 home sales
Homes for … (0 comments)

The Dump. - 11:39 PM
When sporadic & meandering synapses wonder alive, I call it The Dump.  When I start thinking about things that stretch anywhere from ways to help the world's fiscal situation, to waxing ESPN on who would be the true Dream Team if I were to name my own starting line-up for the best five players I could put on a Basketball Court, to how a unethical soul could make money off a potential OJ/Casey Anthony Sex Tape, I call it The Dump. 
That's only because "Diary of a Madman" was already taken.
I give you, The Dump:
If you haven't backed-up everything you have written here, you may … (11 comments)

Cook County Tax Cheats - 09:24 AM
Still don't have anything to worry about!  If you are still illegally claiming your homeowners exemption in Cook County on multiple owned properties don't worry one bit!  If past experience tells of future action the Assessor's Office won't be bothering you anytime soon.  Just keep cheating fellow citizens out of millions in tax revenue!  No problem, we'll just turn a blind eye.Wow Lyn, why so negative?  VIDEO HERE    I recently saw the absolutely fragmented Channel 2 Investigation by Pam Zeckman on this very subject.  Shock value being the number one objective here, Channel 2's investigation found a gentlemen that had claimed 9 homeowner … (5 comments)

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