Archives of real estate blog entries for August 26, 2011

Featured blog posts


Point bribery and market reports...are non-real estate articles hurting Activerain? - 09:42 AM
There has been some controversy about the latest contest in which anyone writing 3 market reports will get 3000 points per month.  Lloyd Binen wrote an article about coercing members to write good content.  He makes a good point, why do we need an incentive to write good articles.  Just like all the other contests for points, Activerain is inspiring us to write good articles.  The concern voiced by many is that all these contests and extra points DILUTE the value of the points and possibly the value of Activerain in Google rankings.  I disagree.
I suggest what Activerain really needs … (159 comments)

Four great ways to blow your home purchase - 11:18 AM
It happens almost every day. When you work in the regional office of a major lender you hear a lot of stories. When your wife handles a large portion of the files you hear even more. I have certainly had my share of these, too, even when the buyers are instructed, warned and threatened ... it happens.
Do not quit your job. This is the event that inspired today's post because it has happened on two of my wife's files in the last 90 days. The loan officer on this one is a seasoned veteran so they'll probably figure out how … (99 comments)

Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-What is a Pocket Listing? - 11:23 AM
Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-What is a Pocket Listing?
 
How do you define a pocket listing?  I have used this option for lake property at Fishhawk Lake with those sellers of mine who for a variety of reasons, don’t want to have the regular contractural listing that goes on MLS and the worldwide web.
 
Here is Wikipedia’s definition: A pocket listing is a real estate industry term used in United States which denotes a property where a broker holds a signed listing agreement (or contract) with the seller, whether that be an "Exclusive Right to Sell" or "Exclusive Agency" agreement or … (39 comments)

If the seller won't disclose, the pesky home inspector will! A warning to Mr. & Mrs. Seller. - 09:00 AM
When someone talks to me about selling their home, price is the first thing that comes up. My standard phrase is "price it accordingly", then we discuss what I mean by that.
Price it according to condition. Price it according to location. Price it according the the local market. You know all those issues you have just lived with over the years and chose to ignore? Well, they will come up. It is a given. And the buyers will not want to live with the issues, trust me on that one. If you can fix it, do so. If you … (66 comments)

In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is King! - 04:51 PM
Sometimes an interview gets published, and other times it gets left on the cutting room floor (wow, way to mix metaphors!). I give a lot of interviews, and most of them end up never being published.  This is one instance where an interview actually got into print, and on the front page of the real estate section, no less..
In this past Sunday's Chicago Tribune, yours truly was quoted as part of an article called College condos 101, by Jeffrey Steele, which discussed the phenomenon of parents purchasing a condominium for their child for the period of time they attend college.
… (53 comments)

I've Always Been Taught That If You Don't Have Something Nice to Say... - 07:29 AM
I've Always Been Taught That If You Don't Have Something Nice to Say...

I've Always Been Taught That If You Don't Have Something Nice to Say... ...then you just shouldn't say anything at all. Personally, I ALWAYS try to say something nice EVERY day to whoever I come in contact with. In fact, when I came across this video, I was prompted to call some
of my friends and some of my past Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area home buying clients...
just to say something nice to them!! I think every city should have one of these.... Say Something … (79 comments)

Someone Criticised Your For Sale Property: What Can You Do About it? - 02:11 AM
Selling property in any market can see you riding one of life’s biggest emotional rollercoaster. One of the biggest culprits of the negative emotions that arise from selling property comes from the inevitable buyer feedback.  Some will of course be magic, but some of it will probably get your hackles up. It’s because it feels so personal. It’s not...not really.
Negative buyer feedback doesn’t have to define your sale price. It all comes down to how you handle it.
 
Here are a few suggestions for working with buyer feedback.
 
Expect it: Someone said something unflattering about your place. … (63 comments)

Summertime Success in the Rain - 08:03 PM
It's a hot summer August day and we Seattleites are soaking up every piece of it!  A friend's parents are in town from NJ and we're having a big italian feast tonight.  I'm hoping they're Yankee fans so we can discuss the history made last night by the NY Yankees.  I don't know how they do it but they continue to amaze!
Another successful team are the faces below.  These members have personally succeeded in using AR and their drive to become successful.  Just as I love hearing the crack of the bat, I love hearing about the successes on AR … (39 comments)

Born to Fail - 08:28 AM
Sometimes when a person experiences a stretch of extremely bad luck or it seems perhaps that is the way of their life, the prevailing thought may be they were born to fail. It is a harsh and cruel assessment of any individual for sure because no one wants to fail. Children do not grow up aspiring to fail. They dream of being astronauts and movies stars or even garbage collectors, their idea of success not yet corrupted by society.
With building products and really any manufactured product failure is inevitable. Truly failure is the fate of everything, from a mountain to … (51 comments)

Hello, I'm calling to schedule a showing on your listing at............... - 12:21 AM
          Hello, I'm calling to schedule a showing appointment per YOUR instructions in MLS for your listing at XXX  St.
            My potential buyers love your subdivision and want to live there.  My potential buyers for your listing want to see this house on Saturday AM as their FIRST house to view because they like the pool, they like the larger lot, they like just about everything the MLS says about the home.  They don't really know much about the home because the ONLY photo in MLS is the FRONT of the home - a requirement per MLS guidelines.  But, … (60 comments)

Active Rain As Big Brother? The Points Debate - 05:21 PM

 
I read a featured post today by Bryan Robertson where he was advocating changing the points system of Active Rain to award points to only certain blog posts. Those which he considered to be real estate related.
I'm burning up!
I'm sorry Bryan....and I really do have a great deal of respect and affection for you...but you are exactly wrong. I believe what sets Active Rain apart from other "real estate sites" are the more personal posts. Whenever someone wants to find a real estate professional in another part of the country, I always suggest they get on Active … (93 comments)

Would you go grocery shopping if you didn't have any money? - 09:19 PM
Would you go grocery shopping if you didn't have any money? I would feel so foolish if I went into the grocery store, got a shopping cart, and starting looking through the aisles... gathering up food that I like, for buying consideration if I didn't have any money.  Maybe I had brought a friend along that I was going to ask her if I could borrow some money to buy the groceries AFTER I had picked out what I wanted to buy...but I had not asked her yet if she would lend me any money and nor did I know that … (194 comments)

THERE'S SOMEONE IN THE HOUSE!!!! - 10:36 PM
My client came screaming up the steps and she was terrified.
"There's someone int he house!!!!"
I heard the bang of a door and he was gone.  A look around and I could tell he was a squatter, no damage just some dirty clothes and a bed roll.
I alerted the listing agent, who didn't seam real concerned..."Yea, we here about these every now and again."
My client then proceeded to grill me on what I would have done to protect her and her husband.
I told her that first off that is why I tell you to follow me thourgh … (96 comments)

NEW EYES NEEDED? - 09:47 PM
 
 
"The real act of discovery is not in finding new lands, but in seeing with new eyes."
-- Marcel Proust Does that include old, stale listings too?  
I have a Buyer client who, in the spring, rejected every property he was shown.
Too old   Too small   Too big  Too much yardwork  Not enough yard . . .
YA DA YA DA YA DA
Meanwhile, his own home (in another province) was stagnating . . .  no offers, no showings . . . rotting on the vine if you will. 
He called me and started spouting off about … (62 comments)

I’m NOT Listing Some Good Friends' House. So What?! - 01:50 AM
I’m NOT Listing Some Good Friends' House.  So What?!  
I am not going to be listing the home of some very good friend’s house when they relocate.
 
Who cares?! I don’t mind at all.
 

 
OK, I'll fess up. That is not entirely truthful. It would be a terrific listing in a great neighborhood and a very decent price point in our market, so there is a tinge of disappointment that it will not be me acting as their listing agent.
 
But it is the right decision to not list their home. For several reasons.
 
First of all … (202 comments)


Blog posts


Airport Area USA Franchise Hotel - Atlanta GA Real Estate - 81 Units with 62,000 sq ft on 1.78 acres - 05:12 PM
Franchise Hotel … (0 comments)

The Mentor - Should I Say This? - 03:25 PM
I got a note from a guy on Linkedn yesterday explaining he was looking for a Mentor to help him with certain types of real estate investments.
I wrote him back and gave him a little of my background, what I want to know about him and his goals, told him what I was doing with investors right now and how he might fit in with some higher end projects we were working on if he is interested.
He comes back and says he is looking for "Mentor."  To help him in a certain area.  I looked this guy up and … (7 comments)

Real Estate Investing - How to Get the Best Deals! - 09:34 PM
Real Estate Investing - How to Get the Best Deals!
Every one is going to think I am going to give an easy answer or some simple formula.  Well it is easy and simple to say, but it takes dedication to do:
Be in the Right Place at The Right Time!
Now before you get mad at me for stating the obvious I want to point out it is not so obvious.  Real Estate Deals (and by deal I mean excellent opprotunities) come to people that position themselves in the right place, the right time comes when it is ready.  You … (0 comments)

Texas Longhorns - Football Schedule 2011 - 09:49 AM
For all you die-hard Texas Longhorn Fans, below is this year's schedule.

**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comDonna@DonnaHomes.comaustin-texas-homes-for-sale.com
Austin TX Real Estate
and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Hill Country Austin TX Real Estate and beyond. Whether you're buying or selling an Austin home, I'll be with you every step of the way. 
For real time Austin TX listings,click here.
** Multi-Million Dollar Producer Year after Year **
Copyright© 2011 By Donna Harris, All Rights Reserved. You may re-blog … (3 comments)

Texas Association of Realtors Implements Citations - 02:15 PM
The Texas Association of REALTORS®, known as TAR, as adopted a Citation policy when dealing with the Code of Ethics. TAR Leadership team appointed a Citation Task Force Committee to evaluate the California Association's Citation program that was previously approved by NAR.  I'm part of the TAR Professional Standards Committee, and I've already been on a Grievance panel for a few of these complaints.

Starting January 1, 2011, TAR put the citation policy into effect. What's good about this Citation Policy? It makes the process move along faster. If found "guilty", there is no Professional Standards Committee hearing as a … (8 comments)

Robert's Auto Clinic & Tire in Holland - Great Place to Get Inspections, Tires & Gas! - 03:01 PM
Robert's Auto Clinic & Tire in Holland - Great Place to Get Inspections, Tires & Gas!  I packed up all of the kid's bathing suits and headed out to the car this morning to notice I had a flat tire.  Bummed out I was determined to get it fixed up before my nigh time plans to meet up with some girlfriends for a birthday party tonight in Worcester.  We took the car in to Robert's Auto in Holland located at 2 Mashapaug Road and they got me right in & out in less than 15 minutes!  $15 and my tire is … (2 comments)

Bradenton Condos - Florida Gulf Coast Real Estate Listings! - 08:49 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**
… (9 comments)

Another Active Rain Success! - 05:47 PM
The contract offer was written on June 18th, the contract was accepted on July 7th, bank approval was given on July 13th and closing took place today August 25!
A Quick Smooth Short Sale is No Big Deal...as long as you have the right team. So glad Bridget is on my team! You do know that Bridget and I met through ActiveRain!
Via Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Corp 410-960-2061):
Another Active Rain Success! 
Back at the end of February I got the call from Margaret Rome about a lovely family interested in moving in Baltimore.  They were not first time homeowner's, … (6 comments)

FREE Short Sale Q@A With Wendy and Bryant - 05:37 PM

FREE Short Sale Q @ A
 
With Wendy and Bryant
 
Wed 7 September at 4pm Eastern  


Advanced Short Sale Training Is Launching 14 September
 
DETAILS
 
… (4 comments)

Beautiful New Duplex For Sale in South Redondo Beach - 11:20 AM
This is a beautiful, new Duplex for sale. The front unit is almost 3100 sf, 5 BR, 4 Ba with high ceilings and wood floors. The rear unit is 1800 sf, 4 BR, 3 BA and very stylish. Walk to the beach, shopping and Schools. http://412AveF.com

… (0 comments)

Jump into the Random Lake Sports Pool and Pay it Forward One Game at a Time ! - 10:24 AM
   If you were born in Wisconsin, lived in Wisconsin...visited ...OR know someone who lives in the Badger State...you know that sports....most especially Football and the Beloved to most, Green Bay Packers, are religiously revered.  My parents were married for 56 years....my Mother always says it was only 28 because the other 28 my Dad watched the Packers...    We tailgate in GreenBay...party at bars, restaurants and each other's homes...invent "green and gold recipes" of all kinds from cakes to "adult beverages."     Now....we can encourage all of you to do what we do to make the Sports Fanatic in you...help … (4 comments)

Stamord Ct Hurricane News - 11:37 PM
… (4 comments)

Another Mount Vernon Ohio Homes SOLD in August - 07:18 PM
Residential home sales in Mount Vernon and Knox County Ohio are on the rise and August already appears to be the top home sales month for our real estate team.  This month the real estate industry received an unlikely surprise and that surprise was the federal goverment made a public announcement that they would try their best to keep the interest rates low.  What we didn't expect was that within 48 hours of the feds making that announcement we would experience the lowest interest rates in more than 25 years.  
What this means to motivated and qualified home buyers is … (2 comments)

Gary V coming to Boston- http://www.crushitforacure.com/ Jay McHugh-RE/MAX Unlimited - 08:16 AM
 
 
Jay McHugh announces a great event that all should attend....
 
www.crushitforacure.com
 
 
This event will sell out and if you want to win business in 2012 then you need to know how to use appreciation marketing in your business and how to Thank the Economy...

 
Contact Jay for any questions.....or learn how to become a Sponsor and learn from the best who get it and who love to share what they know....
 
P3 Coaching, www.sendoutcards.com/60885, Short sale companies and others have stepped up to sponsor this event...this event will sell out and the social … (0 comments)

New Construction Quick Deliveries Available - 07:52 PM
New Construction Quick Deliveries Available

 
Have you been dreaming about a new construction home but don’t have the luxury of time to build it? We have you covered! Craftmark Homes, one of Virginia’s premium home builders, is currently offering several homes that are completed and just waiting for YOU!
There are three communities with quick deliveries available and they include: The Village of Waxpool in beautiful Loudoun County and Stonewall Manor and The Meadows at Morris Farm, both located in Prince William County.
Ready to take a tour? Contact the experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let … (4 comments)

Good-Bad-Absolute Truth"About buying a builder's model home "-Northern Virginia Home Buyer Guide - 07:05 AM
Don't we all love beautifully decorated model homes? I know clients in Northern who spend hours going around Fairfax /Loudoun & Prince William County new construction to get decorative ideas. Many of my buyers are all drooling when I want with them at the model homes...and are intimated to pop the question "How about selling me this house to us?" Why you should buy Model Home: Let's start with a positive note. a) We all know model homes have that extra cherry on the top ...i.e...all the bells and whistles that would cost thousands of $ to upgrade if you are … (2 comments)

Should you go- For Rent By Owner (FRBO) or Hire a Realtor® - 07:49 AM
Northern Virginian home owners are known to be internet savvy. Past couple of year many of the home owner have either became an investor (not by choice), few have move up into their dream home but decided to keep their baby as an investment or few have venture into the world of being a landlord.  I ran into a dear friend of mine whom I have known for years...I knew they were planning to relocate out of this Virginia area to be close to their family in West Coast and they had bought their home at the peak of the market. … (8 comments)

Four great ways to blow your home purchase - 11:18 AM
It happens almost every day. When you work in the regional office of a major lender you hear a lot of stories. When your wife handles a large portion of the files you hear even more. I have certainly had my share of these, too, even when the buyers are instructed, warned and threatened ... it happens.
Do not quit your job. This is the event that inspired today's post because it has happened on two of my wife's files in the last 90 days. The loan officer on this one is a seasoned veteran so they'll probably figure out how … (99 comments)

Be Prepared for Hurricane Irene: NYC Safety Checklist - 01:14 PM

(iPhone photo taken Friday 9/3/2010 in anticipation of Hurricane Earl - fortunately Earl turned east out to sea)
 
A hurricane watch is in effect for New York City indicating hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.  Irene is currently a Category 3 hurricane and is expected to reach the North Carolina coast on Saturday. Irene is the strongest Atlantic storm to threaten the U.S. since 2005.
All residents are advised to take the following steps to prepare themselves and their residences.
If your apartment has a terrace or balcony, make sure nothing can become airbourne during a high wind … (2 comments)

Beechcroft High Football 2011 - 07:06 AM
Beechcroft High School football schedule 2011
The Beechcroft Cougars 2011 football schedule is availabe on a site called MaxPreps.com.
Beechcroft High School website
Date / Home or @ Away  / Opponent & School District - Beechcroft Cougars
08/26  HOME Independence H.S. (Columbus City School District)09/02  @ Bishop Watterson H.S. (Schools of the Diocese of Columbus)09/09  HOME St. Charles H.S. (Schools of the Diocese of Columbus)09/16  HOME Centennial H.S.  (Columbus City School District) 09/23  @ Whetstone H.S. (Columbus City School District)09/30  @ Linden-McKinley H.S. (Columbus City School District)10/07  @ Mifflin H.S. (Columbus City School District) 10/14  @ East H.S. (Columbus City School … (0 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2011-08-26

 Archives:

31 Aug
30 Aug
29 Aug
28 Aug
27 Aug
26 Aug
25 Aug
24 Aug
23 Aug
22 Aug
21 Aug
20 Aug
19 Aug
18 Aug
17 Aug
16 Aug
15 Aug
14 Aug
13 Aug
12 Aug
11 Aug
10 Aug
9 Aug
8 Aug
7 Aug
6 Aug
5 Aug
4 Aug
3 Aug
2 Aug
1 Aug
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006