Archives of real estate blog entries for August 29, 2011
Featured blog posts
Good News is Good For Business, the Contest Results Are in. - 06:24 PM
Good News is Good For Business, the Contest Results Are in. Wow, we have been so impressed and amazed by the out pouring of not just good news, and the real estate recovery that is so clearly happening in so many areas all over Canada and the United States, but the quality of the writing, and the creativity of the solutions and opportunities shared. If you have not already done so, we would very much encourage you to read not just the 5 very deserving top award winning articles, but we would also want you to visit the Recovery Train Group
(44 comments)
|
He said to me, “I didn’t know you were still in Real Estate”… When he sold with another agent… - 12:06 AM
He said to me, “I didn’t know you were still in Real Estate”… When he sold with another agent… Oh boy oh boy… Have you ever heard this line? One of your past clients, or friends, or SOI saying that they didn’t use you, because they thought you were no longer in the business. At first you think they are lying, and making up some line to feed you… Like with a guy says that his wife did something without him knowing trying to pass along the blame to someone else when in reality it was his choice not to use
(138 comments)
|
Fore! - 11:02 PM
Last week I was out on the golf course.... Oh how I love saying that since it sounds like I’m actually “a golfer”, which I’m not. I’m a golfer in the making….a “wanna-be golfer” It was a little hectic getting things wrapped up before our Tee-time. I had four short sale files to follow up on, one short sale contract to rescind (buyer wouldn’t match the bank’s counter), one offer to get over to Escrow for preparation of the HUD 1 so I could submit a package to the lender and finally, a market analysis on a Maple Valley property.
(17 comments)
|
Basement flooding? Looking for a water proof solution? Westchester NY - 03:20 PM
Did your basement flood from the most recent storm in Westchester NY? Many low lying areas of Westchester, got hit hard, including Mamaroneck, Rye, Scarsdale, Bronxville, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Dobbs Ferry, Mt Kisco, Peekskill . We've had a lot of customers calling due to drenched carpets. And, if you don't remove them soon enough, they really start to smell...and if they sit too long they could develop that forbidden word...mold. Yuck! Sometimes, the water damage is covered by insurance, especially if it was due to an electrical failure. Usually, the insurance will compensate you for replacement value of what you
(44 comments)
|
Thank You, Mrs. Buyer For Giving Me The Opportunity - 07:50 PM
Thank you Mrs. Buyer for giving me the opportunity to show you 37 homes over the last five weeks in record high triple digit temperatures. I now know how to fix my hair and what clothes to wear to best hide the sweat dripping from my body. Thank you Mrs. Buyer for giving me the opportunity to run comps on 17 of the 37 homes we looked at in record high triple digit temperatures. I've gotten quite good at it and can whip them out in no time at all. Thank you Mrs. Buyer for giving me the opportunity to write
(45 comments)
|
Sometimes You've Just Got to Stop, Drop and Roll - 12:38 PM
Have you ever gotten up in morning and just had a strange premonition that it as going to be one of those days? You know it's going to be one of those days when, You see a "Sixty Minutes News Team" waiting in your office Your twin sister forgets your birthday You turn on the news and they are just playing emergency routes out of your city You're following a group of Hell's Angels down the freeway when your horn goes off and remains stuck You wake up to discover that your water bed has broken - then you realize you
(88 comments)
|
Hardcore Advice: Working Internet Leads (Not For The Meek, Mild, or Faint of Heart...) - 11:17 AM
** Disclaimer -- Hard-knock, old school advice contained within. (I usually write things with humor, sarcasm, and a certain lilt that most enjoy... This has none of that. Toughen up. This is about as serious as I can get without thinking I need coffee...or a vacation...) “Internet leads are the new office phone call!” One of the folks that follows me on Facebook said that the other day. And, to be totally honest, I couldn't agree more. The truth of the matter is that the internet lead is here to stay. (DUH!) And according to a recent NAR stat, 94%
(160 comments)
|
Are Psychological Price Breaks Real? - 06:47 PM
Many years ago, when we were learning our trade, some distinguished authority explained to us that buyers like to think in chunks of money. They will, for example, tell their agent, "We’re willing to go to $225,000", or some similar number that comes in $25,000 increments, so that there would be, in effect, a stepped pricing ladder. And we were also informed that above a certain level, depending on the specific market, those increments might be $50,000 steps, and at even higher levels, perhaps $100,000 steps. So there’s these pools of buyers out there are they’re neatly arranged in discrete groups.
(37 comments)
|
Before We Show You Our Listing, There's Something You Need to Understand! - 09:28 AM
Before We Show You Our Listing, There's Something You Need to Understand! We've mentioned before, when someone calls wanting to see one of our listings, we're going to ask "Are you working with an agent?". It's NOT so that we have an excuse NOT to show our listing, but so we know from the start exactly what our relationship will be with you. In real estate speak it's called agency relationship. It defines how we'll be interacting with you and the rules are significantly different if you have an agent representing you versus running solo.And perhaps it's just a perception, but
(86 comments)
|
Get Organized Before Applying For A Mortgage - 09:56 PM
What should be one of the simplest steps in purchasing a house sometimes turns into one of the biggest problems. When I Pre-Qualify someone for a loan, I tell them that they need to start organizing the documents that they will need, especially if they plan on purchasing soon. I then go over the list of documents that they will need for the type of loan that they will most likely be applying for. Some documents may differ based on the Loan Program, but there are some documents that are needed regardless of the Loan Program, such as: One month
(22 comments)
|
The Short Sale Listing.....How Are Our Duties To The Seller Different? - 09:10 PM
I'm working on an offer for one of my short sale listings. It started me thinking about how different I exercise my Fiduciary Duty to the seller when it's a short sale vs equity sale. When I first got my license, the term short sale was never mentioned. The Fiduciary Duty to the seller seemed to be clearly defined in terms of activities.....those you did and those you didn't. Do: Do....Market the home at the best list price you can. Do....Negotiate the highest offer price you can. Do....Negotiate the repairs request and other terms to the best financial
(34 comments)
|
Greener Grass - 12:55 PM
Not to get all Dolly Parton on you but would you like to work 9 to 5? You'd be completely free from 5pm on Friday to 9am on Monday to do as you wish. Sound good or could you foresee bigger obstacles than what you're currently experiencing? If a Corporation offered you a high paying position, would you leave Real Estate? Recent Chatter Questions Open and Shut Case Right Hand Man Are Flyers Useful
(41 comments)
|
It's The Unemployment, Stupid! Why Buyers Remain Uncertain Even With Incredible Housing Prices and Great Mortgage Rates (Sorry, I don't usually say "Stupid") - 12:29 PM
Many experts are trying to put their finger on why buyers are not flocking to the great housing buys they can find right now coupled with historically low mortgae interest rates. Dr. Mark Dotzour doesn't say it exactly like this - but the message he brings is clear to me ... "IT'S THE UNEMPLOYMENT, STUPID." (And I usually don't say "Stupid"!) Dr. Mark Dotzour is Chief Economist for the Texas Real Estate Center and has for years noted unemployment as one of the "most destructive factors in housing..." However, in my humble opinion, it is not simply the unemployment numbers
(37 comments)
|
IRENE: Why are You So Annoyed At All The Media Coverage?? - 03:36 PM
IRENE: Why Are You So Annoyed By All The Media Coverage?? Forty-eight hours out from Irene's entree, and twenty-four hours after her exit, both local events and reactions are all over the road. While unaccustomed to, and weary from the 24/7 media coverage, this no-so-mini-rant comes down on those whining about it. In fact, I argue their annoyance was preventable, and largely self-induced. (And before anyone gets their panties all knotted up, please note the use of both singular and plural pronouns) In our super-caffeinated, overly-stimulated world, too many have lost the ability to prioritize and unplug themselves from the stream when appropriate. Information is king, and yes there
(27 comments)
|
Twitter This, Craiglist That...Why Should You Care? - 06:21 PM
We've had Chad Hyams from IMSD joining us each Tuesday for a conversation with some folks who are much smarter than I am as it relates to real estate marketing. Tomorrow (Tuesday August 30th) will be no exception as Maya Paveza will join us at ActiveRain University to talk about Twitter and how she's using it in her real estate business. Don't know who Maya is? Then you are probably not very active on Twitter. Maya has over 26,000 followers on Twitter and has sent almost 92,000 tweets into cyberspace. Has this investment paid off in her business? I'll let her
(74 comments)
|
Like any good referee---even when they are wrong they are still right. - 09:09 AM
There seems to be a general lack of understanding about the building codes and the enforcement of codes. They are touted as the "final" word while at the same time they are known to be a "minimum standard" to which structures must conform.Home inspectors are often chastised for quoting codes and most Home Inspectors do not put code references in their actual reports. I refrain from doing so myself. However, when pressed by a builder, I have no problem resorting to" public information" to support my opinions---whether it is the Building Codes or Manufacturer's Instructions. With many builders, it is not
(37 comments)
|
Is Presentation Everything? - 10:06 PM
Well, no it's not but it does have a lot to do with getting you into a door. They say you have to open the door of opportunity if opportunity knocks. Do you hear it knocking? If you do and you have not yet perfected your presentation in Real Estate, maybe now is the time to do it. How are you presenting yourself? As a Listing Agent/Buyer's Agent? A Listing Agent only or a Buyer's Agent only? Those questions are up to you. My question is: Are you presenting yourself properly and to the best of your ability?
(41 comments)
|
ABC Always Be Closing - 12:49 AM
ABC Always Be Closing "Always Be Closing" is the mantra of every good sales manager. We are taught in sales classes that every question you ask a prospect should be a closing question. You ask a question the answer to which brings the customer closer to or further away from making a decision. One question we are taught to ask our clients is "Do you know of someone who can use my services/Can you refer me to anyone who needs to buy or sell real estate" or some variety of this theme. Many agents think this may be a little pushy
(27 comments)
|
What Do You Mean I Can't Use The Pool? - 02:56 PM
Those are fighting words here in Tucson - especially in the summer, you have kids in tow and pay your rent on time - that includes community facilities covered by HOA fees - and you need some relief from the heat. Which by the way - is up near 108 these days. So what's the deal? Can an HOA restrict access to the pool to a tenant? Sure - if it's in the CC&Rs and most do have a clause that restrict use of facilities if dues aren't paid. What can a tenant do if an owner is delinquent on HOA
(51 comments)
|
Good thing I put a date on my CMAs - 09:14 AM
I got a call the other day from a Bowie resident wanting to list their house. I thought it was a new opportunity until they said, "Rich, your CMA shows we can get the highest price for our house, we're ready." I know I'm a step slower than I used to be, but not remembering a potential client's name and address is pretty bad. Of course, what I didn't know was that they were talking about a CMA I did in 2006 on their house. They kept a CMA that was five years old, done at the height of the market,
(49 comments)
|
Is an agent who coordinates repairs acting as a Contractor? - 04:40 PM
Are Agents acting as a General Contractor when repairs are made? As I'm around and about quite a bit.. I have seen a pattern of the agents "coordinating" repairs.. to the extent that I wonder if they are acting as a General Contractor. The state that I'm in.. California, I'm nearly certain that they are. We have * a lot * of REO's that are being "fixed up"... Is the risk worth the reward? Well then, what is the concern? Well, quite frankly, depending on the area you live in... you could be violating the law or *even committing a crime*.
(34 comments)
|
It is a September 30 day Localism Challenge at Active Rain...... - 09:17 AM
During the past year many of us have taken part in some or all of the 30 day Challenges... Participating in the challenges keeps us on track and helps to create consistency in our blogging. To spice it up a bit we have put together a bit of a different challenge for September.... We all know SEO is important and Vital to our Real Estate Business... One of the easier ways to become more recognized in your community is to do Localism Blogs! For the 30 Days in September the Challenge is to do a Blog every single
(278 comments)
|
Those VERY busy real estate agents, my gripe post - 07:27 AM
This is inspired by Jean Hanley's blog titled, Why Can't Agents Acknowledge That My offer has at Least Been Received? I gave Jean a short comment and vented a little but thought I need to vent some more. I have an offer in on a bank owned. The listing agent has some clear instructions and frankly I thought they were quite good, spelling out what the lender requires etc. So the agents voicemail says she won't return calls, will only communicate by email. Oooo-Kkkkkk. I can handle that and I hope I don't need to speak with her live to discuss
(45 comments)
|
Blog posts
Twitter This, Craiglist That...Why Should You Care? - 06:21 PM
We've had Chad Hyams from IMSD joining us each Tuesday for a conversation with some folks who are much smarter than I am as it relates to real estate marketing. Tomorrow (Tuesday August 30th) will be no exception as Maya Paveza will join us at ActiveRain University to talk about Twitter and how she's using it in her real estate business. Don't know who Maya is? Then you are probably not very active on Twitter. Maya has over 26,000 followers on Twitter and has sent almost 92,000 tweets into cyberspace. Has this investment paid off in her business? I'll let her
(74 comments)
|
Brentwood Ca 94513 Home For Sale - Price Reduced - 845 Boltzen - 02:30 PM
Brentwood Ca 94513 Home For Sale - Price Reduced - 845 Boltzen This Home has a Brand New Granite Kitchen - Just put in in July. Now the Price is reduced to $350,000.00. This is the best buy on a 3000 + SF Home in Brentwood. Not a Short Sale or REO - Come and see this home now! Luxury Living - Reduced
(1 comments)
|
Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513: What to look for in a Real Estate Agent - 05:54 PM
Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 takes an experienced agent. Buying a Home means having an agent that knows the territory. Here is a great post on what to look for in an agent when Buying a Home. For more information on Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 or beyond and to Search Homes on Line go to HomePointRealEstate.com. Via Shannon Coe: Short Sale Specialist Brentwood, Oakley, Lincoln, Roseville (WR Properties: Brentwood CA): The 2011 Brentwood California Real Estate market feels like the Wild West. Buyers have to navigate many different types of sales. In Brentwood California Real Estate market
(1 comments)
|
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 - List It Once - Sell It Twice - 06:03 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 Selling a Home can be a challenge with all the lending issues buyers face these days. This post is about how you might have to go through more than one buyer when Selling a Home. For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 or beyond and for a Free Home Evaluation go to HomePointRealEstate.com. Via Karen Crowson, ABR, SRES, Livermore, CA (Alain Pinel Realtors, Livermore, CA): List it once, sell it twice. Once upon a time a statement like that would have no context whatsoever. But unfortunately it probably rings true for
(1 comments)
|
You Might Have to Jump Through Hoops to Close the Deal - 07:05 PM
I have a closing tomorrow... well, I have four closings, but this one in particular has been interesting. The seller is a "Living Trust" with a trustee signing the documents. No problem, right? Well... only one of the parties is still living. What happens to a Living Trust if not everyone is living anymore? The Trust states what happens to everything and how things should be handled. The trust, because it encompasses more than just real estate, is very long and private. The title company was demanding the entire trust to clear title. Behind the scenes, the trust was selling the
(7 comments)
|
Stanislaus County Short Sales - All Work And No Play - No Way! - 04:40 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales - All Work And No Play - No Way! What's the old saying about all work and no play? Working Stanislaus County Short Sales can be stressful and frustrating at times. As I write this post I have been on hold for nearly 10 minutes with one of the major banks. I'm just trying to get an update on a short sale. The music they play on hold doesn't help either. Back to the all work and no play. This past Friday I took the day off and with my girlfriend I headed over to Santa
(7 comments)
|
Calling All New England Real Estate Professionals To This Special Event - 01:11 PM
Hi All! Please take a moment to check out this AWESOME event coming to our area! Myself and a ton of other local & national talent will be educating and inspiring other local professionals. Our guest motivational speaker is Jairek Robbins. This is something you DON'T want to miss! Please mark your calendars and get your tickets now! Hope to see you there! Via John Saari "The Mortgage Buddy" (Home Savings of America): Consider this your invitation to the biggest real estate business event of the year. Real estate business minds are meeting Monday October 3rd from 8:00 AM to 6:00
(2 comments)
|
An Elegant Escape in Southlake, Texas - 10:24 PM
Living in Southlake, Texas is an experience that seems to come right out of dreams. The extremely affluent suburb offers luxury neighborhoods that are known for some of the largest and most elegant homes in the North Dallas area. Part of the Dallas metroplex, there are great amenities that are offered to residents of Southlake, making it a perfect residential suburb to call home. So, what kinds of homes are present in the area? There are homes that can range from 3 to 5 bedrooms, sometimes even more, with up to 6,000 sq. feet to the properties, and up to 3
(0 comments)
|
The Morning After...Good Night Irene! - 12:43 AM
The Morning After...Good Night Irene! It was a long Saturday following the reports of Hurricane Irene..how high the winds, how many inches of rain and the entire preparedness for the worst. I finally went to bed about 3AM...to be awakened at 5:30AM with that boom sound alerting us that the power has just been lost. No problem...we have a back up gas generator. Waiting a few seconds I hear it trying to start, a few seconds more another try and then another few seconds...and I realize three strikes and you are out...out of power that is. A call to the
(20 comments)
|
Caution ....When the Traffic Lights Are Not Working...Treat Like a 4 Way Stop Sign!! - 10:24 PM
Caution ....When the Traffic Lights Are Not Working...Treat Like a 4 Way Stop Sign!! The Baltimore area along with the entire east coast has felt the effects of Hurricane Irene. We were fortunate there was not more damage. Lots of trees and debris all over our city and most has been cleaned up. What we are finding is power outages...not only in homes, condos and business but in our traffic lights. There has been an increase in accidents at intersections with non functioning traffic lights. Do you know the procedure when approaching a light that is out?
(21 comments)
|
2617 GINGER MILL BLVD, ORLANDO FL 32837 Ginger Mill - 02:40 PM
2617 GINGER MILL BLVD, ORLANDO FL 32837 $$$ 89,000 $$$ Short sale. 3rd party approval required. This home is the normal 3/2 in Gingermill, but it has a 19x15 a/c room on the back that is the play room or family room. Home is close to all major attractions, Home Depot, and other main attractions. NEEDS TLC For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply you can also email me at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com. Prospective U.K. Buyers please call: 020-3239-7286.
(0 comments)
|
7339 MILLSTONE ST # 7339, WINDERMERE FL 34786 Lake Burden South - 02:43 PM
7339 MILLSTONE ST # 7339, WINDERMERE FL 34786 $$$ 145,000 $$$ Short Sale. Best location in Lake Burden! Great opportunity to own at an affordable price in an unbeatable neighborhood. Located just minutes from Disney's backdoor, this community features new and existing homes and townhomes, picturesque lakes, tennis courts, playgrounds, playing fields, even a baseball diamond. And this townhouse offers a front row seat for all the action. The home features the popular floorplan of an open first floor kitchen & family room combo with three bedrooms and the laundry room upstairs. You will love the large private fenced grassy backyard
(0 comments)
|
8666 SAN TOCCOA DR, ORLANDO FL 32825 Rio Pinar - 02:46 PM
8666 SAN TOCCOA DR, ORLANDO FL 32825 $$$ 159,000 $$$ Not a short sale or foreclosure! This house is move-in ready with a flexible floor plan. Lots of room for the whole family. Bonus room is perfect for getting the kids out from under foot. Kitchen opens to family room making it easy to keep an eye on things while getting dinner ready! Large kitchen with newer stainless steel appliance. Located near Rio Pinar Country Club with easy access to shopping, 408, airport and downtown. Formal Dining and Living rooms for entertaining and large, private, fenced lot for kids, pets and
(0 comments)
|
2421 S MONACO COVE CIR, ORLANDO FL 32825 Monaco - 02:50 PM
2421 S MONACO COVE CIR, ORLANDO FL 32825 $$$ 192,500 $$$ Beautiful, move in ready home with upgrades galore in southeast Orlando, convenient to 417 and 408 and Lake Nona & Waterford Lakes Mall area. This 3 bedroom 2 bath PLUS 2 additional rooms, with french doors, that could be used as office, bedroom, or additional play area. Great room has been upgraded with drop ceiling accented by the custom entertainment center and upgraded 7.5" baseboards. You will find tile flooring throughout, wood flooring in master suite and laminate wood flooring in bedrooms. Crown moulding throughout, except 2 bedrooms. Spacious updated
(0 comments)
|
4521 N HIAWASSEE RD, ORLANDO FL 32818 MUNGER WILLIS - 02:53 PM
4521 N HIAWASSEE RD, ORLANDO FL 32818 $$$ 324,990 $$$ Welcome to your secluded and very private Spanish style estate. This beautifu home is situated on over two acres, zoned A-1, and offers mature landscaping, including oak trees and a variety of fruit trees. This Spanish style two story home is concrete block on the first and second floor. French doors lead to the three sided balcony and canopied patio which is great for gatherings. Follow the wrought iron spiral staircase down to the private courtyard. Located close to downtownn Orlando and within ten miles of Universal Studios and the International
(0 comments)
|
Listing/Selling Creatively....One Room at A Time - 07:15 AM
Sometimes homes present a challenge to both listing and selling agents because of the custom design of the house and/or the way the Sellers have chosen to use/furnish it. It is not practical or economical to change a room to meet what "might make the expectations" of buyers. We recently had an agent who critiqued the layout of the house suggesting furnishings and changes that would be a healthy five figure expense to the seller....hmmmm....not happening. The responsibility for Imagination is HUGE. - When there is a room that is used as a study/office but has a closet, it
(14 comments)
|
Mount Vernon Ohio Condo For Sale at Colony Condominiums Community - 02:20 PM
509 East Gambier Street Condo Unit B in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. We have created a special listing link so that you can view all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio condominiums for sale. Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
(4 comments)
|
Encouragement Corner.....feel free to use and share... - 11:59 AM
ENCOURAGEMENT CORNER... The Sin of Omission by: Margaret E. Sangster It isn't the thing you do, dear, Its the thing you leave undone That gives you a bit of a heartache At setting of the sun. The tender work forgotten, The letter you did not write, The flowers you did not send, dear, Are your haunting ghosts at night. The stone you might have lifted Out of a brother's way; The bit of heart-some counsel You were hurried too much to say; The loving touch of the hand, dear, The gentle, winning tone Which you had no time
(0 comments)
|
Quick Weekly Santa Monica Real Estate Market Update – August 19, 2011 to August 26, 2011 - 12:57 PM
Santa Monica Real Estate – Single Family Homes: Active Listings: 94* Short Sales – 7* Bank Owned/REO – 5 Of the 94 active Santa Monica homes for sale, 31 had their List Price decreased, and 1 actually increased in list price...read more
(0 comments)
|
Home Repairs - Security Items - 01:18 PM
Home repair is always challenging, some days you are fixing it as it breaks and can hardly keep up let alone do preventative maintenance, and then you have to decide what preventative tasks are most important. In my last post I discussed safety issues, today we are looking at security issues: • Electrical outlets: Outlets should be periodically tested to ensure the ground-fault circuits are working. SecurityAddressing security concerns should be another top priority when considering home repairs or upgrade projects. Protecting your home, your family and your possessions often involves investing in your home's indoor and outdoor security. Some common
(0 comments)
|
|
Related links
New Members for 2011-08-29
|
|
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
|