Archives of real estate blog entries for September 17, 2011

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Keeping Family Away From Buyers - 10:20 AM
One thing you often see with particularly younger age First Time Homebuyers is the family butting in with their two cents. It is a good idea to
Keep Family Away From Buyers.
Often Mom and Dad intervene cause they may want to APPROVE the new home purchase or have a part with co-sign or contributing some of their own money to a down payment and such. While the more financially invested they are the more the right they have to participate in the buy decision, often family becomes multiple DISTRACTING voices confusing the new owners about what is most important to … (154 comments)

I Collect People - Does That Sound Weird? - 01:54 PM
I enjoy reading posts about techniques and methods for staying in contact with past clients.  That's important.  That's one of those things that we can all benefit from, but as my day unfolded I realized something amazing.  I not only stay in touch with past clients, but I collect people.  Yep, as strange as that sounds, I collect people.  
One of things I see in life is that a lot of segments of life intertwine with other areas. I like to believe my steps are ordered by the Lord, and He develops connections for a purpose.  Selling a house builds … (54 comments)

Be Burglar Blockers - What To Do If You've Been In Your Home For A While - 05:30 AM
This is similar to yesterday's post - and suggests we be burglar blockers - what to do if you've been in your home for a while.
First of all, if you have not read yesterday's post and suggestions, you might.  It is a good place to start no matter who you are.
Remember, burglars are opportunists and predators.  As such, they are very good at watching and planning and moving at the right time.  Theirs is usually a practiced technique.  One friend of mine is a Washington DC detective.  He says that burglars know more about our homes than we do!  … (37 comments)

TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE and WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME. . . PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AT HOME. - 07:13 AM
HOME OWNER TO AGENT:  "I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE A LADY WITH A WONDERFUL FAMILY AND FAITHFUL TO YOUR FRIENDS I'M SURE, BUT CAN I RELY ON YOU TO HANDLE THE SALE OF MY HOME IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER??" 
Inspired by Tammie White's article, I am a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Friend and then a REALTOR®, I disagree.  However, it goes much farther than that.  No doubt, one of the features of real estate practice that attracts many women is the scheduling flexibility offered.  That said, when on the job or seeking an engagement by a buyer or seller, it may be a good idea to leave … (89 comments)

Original Owner . . . I CRINGE - 05:07 PM
Working with buyers here in the Portland Metro area, I can look at hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of listings in a week. 
When I begin the process of working for a new client, I scour the market and it's not unheard of to look at over 300+ properties . . . weeding through them to find suitable matches.
The listing sheets make for good reading fodder but I always CRINGE when I read:
Original Owner Home in the family for over 40 years Owner has lived there since 1971 Is advertising / marketing a property with "original owner" or "same owner for 40 … (76 comments)

First Your Home Inspector and then Your Contractor - 09:54 AM

I will be sitting through a home inspection in the next couple of days.  The home is in good shape so we are not expecting the inspection to turn up any major surprises.  These are Buyers who want to know how good the house it plus they want to renovate it.   They have a list of things that they want to do with the house. 
It is always prudent to have a home inspection.  It could turn up those things that you, the Buyer, just cannot see when looking at a home.  Now, as the new potential owner, if you are planning … (41 comments)

Different Inspections and Disclosures - Rural vs. City Homes - 08:15 PM
… (29 comments)

Makeup's Not Going to Cover That - 08:56 PM
Recently I had a scheduled meeting with a new potential business partner early in the morning, before normal business hours. I arrived at his office about five minutes early and waited. And waited. And waited.
Finally I sent a text to see if he was okay. He called right back and said that traffic was awful and he was almost there. When he arrived, he complained further about all the traffic problems.
What he didn’t realize is that my smartphone shows local traffic. It is very accurate and timely. I had looked at it right before texting him and no traffic … (32 comments)

I Couldn't Do Your Job - 10:07 PM

Today was the perfect day to show downtown condos with expansive lake and city views.  Very sunny and not too hot or too cool. 
As sometimes happens, several appointments needed to be changed on the fly in the middle of our tour.  One listing agent had to leave by a certain time, another could not be there before a certain time and another agent had a sudden family emergency and called an hour before our appointment to say he was driving out of town within the next 5 minutes and could not be there to show his listing.  He … (40 comments)

Keyboard Command Shortcuts - Power User Tips - 08:26 AM
I really like shortcuts. Shortcuts are quicker ways to get things done. We don't have enough hours in the day as it is, every little bit of time savings helps! Today's class I want to show you keyboard command shortcuts that you can use for common commands that you can do if you are using Windows (sorry Macs, although I have a feeling that you might have something similar if you look). This was one of the points that I demonstrated in a recent webinar, "So You Want to be a Power User". I will be recording these classes in the … (58 comments)

The HVAC Man, the Shocking Truth - 07:43 AM
Electricity, most people have the good sense to leave it alone. Most, not all. Tradesmen and contractors are by far the worst offenders in my experience for playing around with electricity and screwing it up. There is of course that pesky Uncle Bob, who makes appearances all over the country. There is always an Uncle Bob in every family. He’s the guy who has just enough knowledge to be dangerous and is always more than willing to help with any home project at your house.
Like I said it’s the professionals who I find muck things up more often than an … (30 comments)

How To Leave A Google Places Review - 01:35 PM
How To Leave A Google Places Review Now That Google Changed The Process Google Places Ranking Improved by ApexPredator on 2010/05/05 Reading time: 4 – 6 minutes
How to leave a glowing review of the quality services provided by Gordon's Transportation LLC on Google:

Step one: you must have a gmail account  AND a Google account. (it is possible to have one but not the other) If you don’t already have a gmail account, please go here http://gmail.com and signup for one it’s a good idea to list a secondary email that you use frequently to have the password sent to you should … (32 comments)

Listen to your little voice, your gut, your instinct... what ever you call it... listen - 03:50 PM
I had an appointment this morning and I had to get my Donald to come cover the office for me.  I got back from my appointment and he headed home and I began to search for the data to do my CMA.  I got a call to see one of my listings.  It's a vacant listing and the potential buyer lives in the neighborhood with the property so he wanted to meet me at the property and not drive to my office to only drive back to his neighborhood.  That's against the rules at my office, and I too follow the … (48 comments)

Prospect CT Real Estate Sales Report for August 2011 - 08:41 AM
Prospect CT Real Estate Sales Report for August 2011  

 
Currently in Prospect CT there are 79 active residential listings for sale, with 11 new listings being added in August. They range from an 840 square ft, 2-bedroom mobile home, listed at $23,000 to a 5300 square ft, 4-bedroom colonial with 18x36 pool listed at $599,900. The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Prospect CT is $306,398. The average days on market for these homes is 141 days.
 

 
There are currently 8 homes under contract in Prospect CT. The average list price … (11 comments)

Best Practices Contest!!!! Earn Some Points and Make Some Money Too! - 11:47 AM
  Why Do A Contest in This Environment? 
First, the environment that we are in is tough.  Really tough.  Some people are prospering.  Some people aren’t.  The fact is, even those who are prospering are doing it through work and effort and with a concerted effort to raise the production of their business.  The second motivator is theresources and giving spirit of the Active Rain Community as a whole.  There are so many great blogs, bloggers and writers, as well as successful business people in the Rain.  But has there ever been a forum for us to share all of our best practices in … (199 comments)

Best Practice: Publicity - It's Free and Credible - 12:52 AM
Why Seek Publicity?
Publicity is 100 times more valuable than advertising because it is credible.  Advertisers are out to promote themselves, we are all skeptical when we see an ad and often ignore ads in favor of reading the news.  Publicity gets your name known and can position you as an expert.  If you are savvy, you'll get your URL or Open House in the article, so that there is a next step readers can take.  Finally, publicity is free, whereas marketing and advertising is costly.
How to Get Publicity
Track down every reporter who covers real estate in your area, including … (30 comments)

Do You Know if this is a Fungus and What type of Fungus this might be? - 07:48 PM

Found this in a home inspection today... The carpet was wet, water is entering the home somehow.  As you can imagine, these growths scared my buyers.  The problem is they really love this home.  I think it is a fungus, and it looks to be growing right out of the baseboard and/or carpet. We are having a mold inspection on Tuesday for the whole home. They will do air sampling and also some thermal imaging and other test to determine the problem and the root cause of the problem. I was wondering if the collective wisdom of our Active Rain … (41 comments)

Elements of Advertising Are You Compliant? - 01:34 AM
The topic of advertising and compliance recently came up in a Continuing Education Class I was in. 
Most REALTORS  are introduced to the rules and regulations of advertising in Real Estate School.  I bet if you think back, there was probably a question on your Real Estate Exam pertaining to "correct" advertising.
Whenever I am drafting a new marketing idea I try to be very careful and make sure that whatever I am doing is compliant.  Most of the time, I will show a proof to my Broker because I don't want to be called by the "sign/advertising" police in my … (30 comments)


Blog posts


USA 28 Acre Gentleman's Farm with Luxury Home & Barn Hand Quarters - Western North Carolina Country Estate - NC Real Estate - 07:17 PM
Carolina Luxury Home Gentleman's Farm … (0 comments)

Wet and Dry in Texas - 11:32 AM
I saw something I had not seen in a long time yesterday.  I actually drove through rain for 15 minutes and it came down hard.

Having said that, the rain was only enough to green up the grass a little.  Check out the shot below of the Blanco River just west of the town of Blanco.

And how about the images below.  The first is how Bull Creek usually looks at the Bull Creek Greenbelt in Austin.  The next is how the creek looked yesterday.


Pretty amazing, isn't it?
… (3 comments)

Wrestling in Brentwood Ca 94513 - 09:47 PM
Wrestling in Brentwood Ca 94513
The Delta Wrestling Club is starting to take sign ups for the 2011-2012 season.  Practice begins on October 17th.
This is a great program for kids from 5 (sometimes 4) through the 8th grade.  Wrestling is a very popular sport in this area and Liberty High School has one of the best programs in the state.  It helps kids with discipline, coordination, and not only prepares them for high school wrestling, but can help them with other sports like football.

Nelson as a Jr. High Wrestler -2010-11 JV Heavy Weight Champ for the DVAL High … (3 comments)

Be Burglar Blockers - What To Do When You First Move Into A House - 10:07 PM
Brentwood Ca Homes
Here are some thoughts on securing your Brentwood Ca Home.  Brentwood is a great city to live in with a great police force, but you can never be too careful.
If you are interested in a Brentwood Ca Home or Beyond or just want to search homes on line go toHomePointRealEstate.com.  
Via Jay Markanich - Virginia Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
One thing you should do when you first move into a house, whether it's brand new or older, is make it hard for burglars to feel good about it.  So, be burglar blockers - … (1 comments)

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 - Old listings don’t die. They just fade away! - 10:20 PM

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513
Selling a Home can be a challenge.  Don't handicap yourself by over pricing the home in the long run it cost you money.  Here is a great post on Selling a Home.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 or Beyond and to get a Free Home Evaluation go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate:
In today’s real estate market, there are only two kinds of sellers. Those that have the ability to sell at market price and those that do NOT.
Every seller wants to sell, but many … (0 comments)

6 Months on the Market (Ho-Hum) Then Staged -- A Portland House Becomes a Home - 10:23 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513
Selling a Home can be a challenge.  Here is a great post on how staging can help you when Selling a Home.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 or Beyond and to get a Free Home Evaluation go to HomePointRealEstate.com.
Via Maureen Bray ~ Home Stager Portland OR ~ Home Staging Portland Oregon (Room Solutions Home Staging Portland OR):
     6 Months on the Market (Ho-Hum) Then Staged -- A Portland House Becomes a Home
You know how most vacant homes look and feel .... kind of boring and ho-hum?  After … (1 comments)

Short Sales in Brentwood Ca 94513 - Bank of America Short Sales - The $64,000 Question! - 10:34 PM
Short Sales in Brentwood Ca 94513
Selling a Short Sale Home can be a challenge. Here is a great post on why you need an alert agent to head of problems and anticpate issues Selling a Home, especiallly a Short Sale.
For Free information Packet on Short Sales in Brentwood Ca 94513 or Beyond and to get a Free Home Evaluation go to ShortSalesInBrentwood.com.
Via Kathleen Daniels, San Jose Short Sale Agent (San Jose Real Estate - 800-972-1822):
I received an offer on a San Jose Short Sale.  It was a full price offer with a full 3% deposit. Everything about the … (3 comments)

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 - Those very personal decor choices can come back to haunt you. - 11:02 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513
Selling a Home can be a challenge.  Here is a great post on how a stager can help you when Selling a Home.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca 94513 or Beyond and to get a Free Home Evaluation go to HomePointRealEstate.com
Via Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional (Janice Ankrett Home Staging):
I have a consult coming up on a home about to be listed by its second Realtor.
I took a look at the MLS photos and I could see right away even before visiting the home where … (2 comments)

85 Days in Triple Temps - Summer is Now Officially Over in Austin TX - 09:31 PM
I think Summer is now officially over in Austin TX.  We had 85 days in triple digits!! The old record was 69 days, and we didn't just break it, we smashed it!! And today was in the mid 90's. The rest of the week shows the temperatures going down to the low 90's.  It's still hot here in Austin, but it's not 100 degrees anymore!  That is a record that I never want to come close to again!  Rain teased us all day, but it never did actually rain where I was today.  40% chance of rain tomorrow, and we're all … (9 comments)

Buffalo Homes under $50,000 - 06:44 PM
Buffalo Homes Under $50,000  

 
City of Buffalo Communities sport a wide variety of places to live and a wide variety of prices from a few thousand dollars to million dollar price tag.   This market report focuses on a selection of all homes under $50,000.
 
Market Reports & Community Updates  
Allentown Market Report for Single Family Homes Buffalo Homes with a Pool Black Rock Real Estate Market Report Buffalo New York Condos for Sale Market Report Elmwood Village Single-Family & Multi-Family Homes For Sale Waterfront Homes of Downtown Buffalo Rivermist Condos Admiral’s Walk Gull Landing Portside The … (4 comments)

MeetUp Successes!!! - 02:51 PM
  Take a look at the video put together by Kerrie Greenhalgh.   Our  ActiveRain MeetUp in Baltimore Was a Success! -   I love when we all come together. And to Ellie McIntire who I didn't see in Kerrie's video... here is a picture of you and Carolyn at our meetup. Thanks for showing up in liquid sunshine and traffic.

Kerrie, The video is fantastic. I watched it a couple of times. Now if only I could name everyone...
Is it possible to have AR members get together and be unsuccessful? I think NOT!
 
Margaret
410-530-2400
mrome@homerome.com
Via Kerrie … (3 comments)

The Case of the Missing Flamingos - in Stowe, Vermont - 11:48 PM
The Case of the Missing Flamingos - in Stowe, Vermont
For the past two years, a flock of pink flamingos has been seen about the Town of Stowe.  Now flamingos are about as indigenous to Stowe as polar bears are to Florida.  The flamingos could be seen hanging out at Ye Olde England Inne, the Stowe Reporter, the Ski Patrol hut, the Stowe Community Church, Frida's, Blue Moon, FixPC, Commodores Inn and the Stowe Police Department.  The first time I saw them was when they had congregated in front of the Stowe Reporter.  I thought - what in the world?  A … (3 comments)

14506 PEPPERMILL TRL, CLERMONT FL 34711 Greater Hills - 11:53 AM
14506 PEPPERMILL TRL, CLERMONT  Fl 34711                                                       $$$ 130,000 $$$
Beautifully maintained 3/2 pool home in desirable Greater Hills community. All kitchen appliances included. Bedrooms spacious. Nice floor plan. Neutral colors - move right in! Seller can close quickly . . . don't miss this great deal!
 
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Clermont 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. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed on the date … (0 comments)

851 LAKE JACKSON CIR, APOPKA FL 32703 PIEDMONT LAKES - 11:58 AM
851 LAKE JACKSON CIR, APOPKA FL 32703                                                       $$$ 159,900 $$$
Spectacular, completely remodeled home with huge back yard at end of cul-de sac. Come home to  paradise and a home which feels brand new and very classy with great designer finishes. Dont miss this one ,wont last long!!!
 
 
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Apopka 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. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed … (1 comments)

2531 SAND ARBOR CIR, ORLANDO FL 32824 Arbor Meadows - 12:01 PM
2531 SAND ARBOR CIR, ORLANDO FL 32824                                          $$$ 185,000 $$$
Please be advised that this is not a Short Sale nor a Bank Owned. Fast response from seller in addition to a fast closing. This beautiful home is located in the gated community of "Sandhill Preserve" The home is complete with 4 bedrooms, 3 and a half baths & plenty of space to surround yourself with comfort. Family's, cooks and entertainers will indulge in a large kitchen which features double door refrigerator, glass top range, center island, and a walk in pantry. Kitchen is adjacent to a very large family room … (0 comments)

1252 PRIORY CIR, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787 STONEYBROOK WEST - 12:07 PM
1252 PRIORY CIR, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787                                                  $$$ 199,900 $$$
DONT MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY. Great Location! All Upgrades. Granite Counters and Tile Floors in all bathrooms. Carpet in all bedrooms.Hardwood Stairs and Marble Floors in the Great and Dining Room. Screened Lanai with pool and playground view. BUILDER 100% SOLD OUT. VERY FEW RESALES. CLOSE TO ALL SHOPPING,RESTAURANT,HIGHWAYS AND ENTERTAINMENT.
 
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 … (1 comments)

7418 COUNTRY RUN PKWY, ORLANDO FL 32818 Oak Landing - 12:12 PM
7418 COUNTRY RUN PKWY, ORLANDO FL 32818                                                  $$$ 209,500 $$$
Short sale; Approval of the seller's lenders(s) may be conditioned upon the gross commission being reduced. Any commission reductions will be shared 50/50 between listing and selling broker.
 
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. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed on the date posted. All Short Sale Properties are subject … (0 comments)

Best Buy In Naples,Florida,Pelican Bay Close To Beach! - 02:17 PM
… (0 comments)

A Great Video of Naples Florida and Pelican Bay - 02:30 PM
The Most Important Purchase and Investment In Your Life Is Your Home Because Your Home Is Where Your Heart Is. (This is where you and your family share YOUR most important memories) We Will Find You And Your Family The Best Home In The Best Neighborhood At The Best Price!We can also find you the best real estate investments for your wealth portfolio.When it comes to buying or selling any property you need America's Best Agents On Your Side! Ginny Lee is the Best in Pelican Bay since 1984! … (3 comments)

This is Paradise....Buy Now Before it Snows and Gets Cold Up North! - 02:49 PM
Naples Florida is One of " One of America's Best Cities" to Live in as reported by the New York Times and the Robb Report. It was voted the #1 Beach by the travel channel. Yet it is still a small quaint town close to the beach with perfect weather and close to Gulf Coast University and the International College! Pelican Bay and Bay Colony is one of the nicest communities in Naples Florida! Choose your perfect dream home, condo or villa priced from $400,000 to $18 million. Prices are not going down on beach front property so buy now! 2.5 … (0 comments)

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