Archives of real estate blog entries for September 23, 2011

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"Billboard Ads" are appropriate for our "Information Super Highway" and Selling Port St Lucie Real Estate - 06:27 PM

One Blog addreses the consistency of advertisements. Consistency in anything marketing you do pays dividends. It really adds the Branding touch. When you see a polarbear wearing red you think of Coca Cola. When I get weekly newsletters in my email, the ones I read are the ones I know and I know them because with in seconds I recognize them.
We call the internet our "Information Super Highway" but many don't write "Billboard" ads. As quickly as we physically drive our cars, we drive our fingers. I am not sure of that stats I bet on average the human … (14 comments)

Add an Associate - Trade a Compliment - Make a New Contact! - 09:16 PM
Add an Associate - Trade a Compliment  - Make a New Contact!

This was the name of a post we did a very long time ago but I thought it was well worth sharing again.  It was a post whose title basically said it all.  But for the sake of this post, here is the old post in it's entirety.
******************************************************************************************
 
Adding an associate is easy to do here in the Rain.  When you click on an Associate, there is a link above their photo that you can click on to Add that Associate to your list of Associates.  … (58 comments)

What's the Difference Between an Offer and a Contract? - 02:21 PM
What's the Difference Between an Offer and a Contract?
The language we use when talking about real estate transactions is important.  In fact, in some situations the difference in one single word used over another can be critical to understanding what is happening, or what is expected in a real estate transaction. 
You'll often see the word CONTRACT used when the word OFFER should be used.  There is a very big difference between the two words.  They are not interchangeable.  Real estate professionals know the difference, but so should you as a Buyer or Seller.
An OFFER is what a Buyer makes … (39 comments)

Making Money With Hyper-Local Posts - 02:34 PM



Five weeks ago I received a call from a man about the Westridge home pictured at the right. We went to settlement yesterday
Although he had a friend who was a REALTOR® he told me he called me because he had seen my hyper-local post on Westridge which is included below for your review.
I am well aware there are those who question the value of hyper-local neighborhood posts. If they are well structured they will produce results. My updated versions all include information aboutCommutingSchoolsIDX link to listingsVideo (the one below is being replaced by a new format … (218 comments)

Fixing Credit After A Sacramento Short Sale Step 9: Rinse & Repeat! - 12:47 PM
Sacramento CA – The next step in your path to an improved credit score is to do what they say on the shampoo bottles: Rinse and Repeat.In the Rinse and Repeat phase, you just keep working their system.Here’s what I mean: You send in a dispute, maybe disputing the date that the account was opened might lead to the credit bureau's inability to verify it, which could lead to them removing it from your credit report.You can’t keep submitting the same dispute reason over and over again to the bureau – they will view you as a nuisance and will dismiss … (15 comments)

San Dimas Rodeo and Western Days 2011 - 03:10 PM
San Dimas Rodeo and Western Days 2011
Okay, so coming up in the City of San Dimas, is the  44th annual WESTERN DAYS AND 17th annual SAN DIMAS RODEO!  This year the events will take place on October first and second.

If you've never been to downtown San Dimas, it's like something out of Gunsmoke or any of those old early westerns.  And it boasts intersting shops and businesses such as the old hardware store.  (I can remember going there when I was a little girl with my dad and buying a handful of nails out of a bin.)  And Roady's diner has been there literally forever … (12 comments)

Don't be Offended if your Search Criteria is Unrealistic! - 09:50 AM
Don't be Offended if your Search Criteria is Unrealistic! This week I was contacted by a renter who was looking for a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3 car garage home in Wellington Florida under $1,500 a month.  The home had to be in an active adult 55+ community that was gated.  This prospective tenant had 3 dogs and credit that "wasn't the best" because they recently did a short sale. First, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3 car garage homes under $1,500 a month don't exist in Wellington Florida.  For $1,500 a month a tenant can usually get a 2-3 bedroom townhome with a … (48 comments)

Engagement cancelled, the fat lady is NOT singing.... - 03:11 PM
Brilliant idea, let's sell the house on our own! We don't need no stinkin real estate agent! Especially ones who clearly don't understand the value of our home! I wrote a post recently about a market analysis I did for a relocation company. I did promise an update to my post "If that fat lady ain't gonna sing, should I?" The house has come on the MLS with one of those limited listing service companies that puts your house on the MLS for a fee. It popped on at a price that made my jaw drop! No comps that have sold … (54 comments)

New Homes for Sale at Solaire in San Marcos, CA - Solaire New Homes for Sale in San Marcos, CA - 11:50 PM
New Homes for Sale at Solaire in San Marcos, CA  - Solaire New Homes for Sale in San Marcos, CA
 
Buyers seeking new homes for sale in San Marcos have ore options, but time seems to be running out.
 
The new condo homes for sale at Solaire in San Marcos are selling quickly – 23 sold to date (within 1 month of the release) with more Solaire homes ready to move in next year in January and February.
 
A total of 140 homes will be built at Solaire.
 
The new condos at Solaire are available in … (10 comments)

It's Not Every Day You Get to Meet the President... - 11:15 AM
It's Not Every Day You Get to Meet the President... Last week President Barack Obama visited "The Peak of Good Living"
Apex, North Carolina.
Now, I don't care what your political bent is, but when someone of this magnitude (from either political party) comes to visit my tiny little town, it's big news.
 
And, your humble Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area Realtor got to meet the President.
 
After the President carefully jotted down some notes on a few policy changes I suggested, it was time for the photo shoot...
 

 
Oh well, It's Not Every Day You … (75 comments)

Dancing with the Mountain Stars 2011 - Keystone Colorado Event - 03:58 PM
Dancing with the Mountain Stars
Event in Keystone Colorado
October 1, 2011

Dancing with the Mountain Stars is back again by popular demand.  The 2011 Dancing with the Mountain Stars is being held at the Keystone Conference Center on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 5:30pm - Midnight.  This is the fourth year the event has taken place in Keystone Colorado.  The event is a fundraiser for the local hospital and every year the event sells out even though it is held in the largest ballroom in Summit County.
Dancing with the Mountain Stars a Keystone CO Event includes a cocktail … (12 comments)

Get Your Home Ready to Sell, It Is Worth It - 10:36 PM
Get Your Home Ready To Sell It Is Worth It. In preparing your house to sell, ask yourself over and over if your house looks like someone else's dream house. Houses in move-in condition tend to be inviting to buyers; houses that are in like-new condition typically sell fastest and procures the best price because it outshine the competition. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider as you look over your house when getting ready to sell: Please know that in the interest of space, the information within this report is summarized to the essential suggestions, we … (41 comments)

Autumn Success is Here - 02:40 PM
With the first day of Autumn upon us, I am drifting off to thoughts of all things Fall.  Leaves covering the sidewalks, fireplaces burning orange, grilled cheese and tomato soup dinners and of course what to be for Halloween!  I hope you leave behind a Summer of success and look forward to finishing off 2011 in a record-setting way.  The year is not over yet, there are still 3 months to hit your 2011 goals and make it a great year.
It is reasonable that a man should be something worthier at the end of the year than he was at … (39 comments)

Vintage Homes in Wilmette - 03:19 PM
The Village of Wilmette — population 27,000 — is a beautiful suburb on Chicago’s North Shore.

Just north of Evanston, Wilmette hugs Lake Michigan and boasts homes built just last year or a hundred years ago.

Known for its excellent school system, its close-to-the-city location, tree-lined streets, proximity to the commuter rail line as well as the Edens Expressway and the Wilmette-to-Downtown-Chicago el service from Linden Street Station, Wilmette has it all.

Find newer homes or vintage homes. Many have been rehabbed and updated, and some are left for new homeowners to do themselves.

… (16 comments)

Use-What-You-Have Home Staging: Milford, Connecticut - 06:14 PM
Use-What-You-Have Home Staging:  Milford, Connecticut
Most Staging Consultations take 1 - 1 1/2 hours; as I go through the house making notes and taking pictures.  I then sum up one or two primary themes, or reasons, for my Staging suggestions which I then email to the client the next day.
Sometimes, I get a little carried away when the seller is enthusiastic and already has her sleeves rolled up!  I couldn't resist making over the master bedroom while I was there, with its eclectic furnishings and magnificent view of the Connecticut countryside.  The seller had a mix of Old World and Country … (52 comments)

The Importance of Utilizing "ON TIME" as opposed to being On Time - 11:44 AM
Here's my one entry into the best practices contest.  Sure, I can't win, but I'm taking all of this great information and I have yet to add my secret to success to the group as my way of giving back!
Frankly, I think that this is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT TIP to going from good to great.  And Most People NEVER Do It! If you want to truly go from good to great you need to schedule "On Time."  Todd Duncan is a fan of On Time, but I have rarely done it.  You see, we're so busy working in our … (62 comments)

29th Annual Ocean County Decoy & Gunning Show - Celebrate the Culture of the Barnegat Bay - 07:37 AM
While the summer might officially be over at the Jersey Shore, there are still plenty of reasons to get outside.  This weekend Tuckerton hosts the 29th Annual Ocean County Decoy and Gunning  Show at the Tuckerton Seaport and  across Route 9 at Tip Seaman Park.  This two day event celebrates the culture of the Barnegat Bay.

New to this two day event is the  Delmarva Dock Dog competition.  DOCKDOGS® is a national organization which sponsors competitions for handlers and there dogs.  The first is 'Big Air', described as a long jump for dogs (off a dock!).  Then there's the 'Vertical … (15 comments)

3 Things To Know about Google's New Search - 02:24 PM
3 Things To Know about Google's New Search
This morning I decided to Google some search terms to see what would come up?  I try to do this as often as posssible with different keywords or phrases to see what shows up on the results page.  Now maybe this was there all along, but it's the first time I noticed it or maybe it's just the first time I was paying attention!  lol~
Google has added a new preview feature to their "Search Engine Results Pages" (SERPS) so here's some suggestions to keep your sites and posts at the top of … (100 comments)

Got Virus? - 03:37 PM
This isn't as great a tag line as "Got Milk?" but today it's a valid question. My husband tells me that I have the most expensive computers in the universe. We can get a great deal on a notebook and by the time I've had it for a year it's been to the shop twice. Maybe it's because I spend so much time on this thing? Or, maybe I'm just gullible. Over the course of time with trial and error I have learned quite a bit about self diagnosing a virus and going through the steps to clear it up. We … (78 comments)

Home Buyer Tips | Why Do You Need a Buyer’s Agent? - 10:25 PM
Charlotte Home Buyer Tips | Why Do You Need a Buyer’s Agent? I’ve had numerous calls from customers who are requesting that I show them my currently listed homes; they don’t want to see any other properties.  I am representing the seller, and I am asked by these customers if I can only show them my listings.  When I discover that the person is NOT represented by an agent, I engage them in a conversational review of the various types of agency.
MANY of them absolutely refuse to heed advice with regards to dual agency, saying that they “WANT to purchase from the listing agent so … (26 comments)

15 Cities Where Listing Prices Are Rebounding - 03:42 PM
This is good news! I just had to share! Can't wait to see Texas somewhere on this list.   Daily Real Estate News | Friday, September 23, 2011 Prices are rising in Florida: Florida cities have had the largest year-over-year increases in average list prices, according to the latest real estate data from Realtor.com. Florida cities make up 9 of the top 10 places for highest year-over-year list price spikes, based off of August data of 2.2 million listings in 146 markets.
Nationwide, the average list price is $320,325, up 2.36 percent year-over-year.
Here are the top 15 cities boasting the … (32 comments)

"I Told You I Could Get $XXX,XXX For the House" - 09:14 AM
"I Told You I Could Get $XXX,XXX For the House"
Well hell, you only had to wait three years to get it.  All the while, you've
been inconvenienced with showings for 3 years.  paid thousands in mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance gone through 6 real estate agents convinced them each to overprice your home spent the last 3 years in a state of denial lost countless opportunities to sell at a more realistic price (3 years ago) been foolishly prideful and held out for a single gullable buyer And now you want to boast "I told you I could get $XXX,XXX for … (123 comments)

Know what you are signing..............Part Three - 06:16 AM

Judge - Is there anything you'd like to say before I make my decision? Miss Tiara - (hands on swinging hips) Yeah, he got a ATTITUDE! Judge - (leaning forward on her elbows, looking over her glasses) He got a attitude?  Oh I think I'd like to hear this........go on.
Miss Tiara - (hips swinging more now, knowing she's got the judge on her side) Yeah, me and my baby needs a place to stay and  he don't understand that my baby daddy took off and we ain't gots no money.  The place where I was dancin'..... well, it closed, … (54 comments)

Active Rain - Associations? What is the purpose? - 07:18 AM
Good Morning AR friends,
This is more of a question, not a post.
I am still pretty new to Active Rain and I am trying to learn how to utilize it in the best ways possible. On our profiles we have that little link at the top for Associations. I have a few, but I really don't understand who and why we have them.
HERE IS THE QUESTION:
What is the purpose for Associations and how do we utilize Associations?  I tried searching 'Associations' but I really didn't come up with any good explanation, so if anyone has the answer, please … (59 comments)


Blog posts


Price Improvement - Come & See: This USA Luxury Home Is Where the Leaves Are Turning in the Western North Carolina Mountains - Waynesville NC Real Estate - 03:35 PM
Price Improvement - Private Home or Retreat - Lake Views & Mountain Vistas … (0 comments)

Bike lanes for Waialae Avenue? - 03:59 AM

Have you seen these cones on Waialae Avenue lately?  This week the City and County of Honolulu is conducting a study to see how a bike lane would affect traffic.
A long section of Waialae Avenue in the town-bound direction has three lanes.  Within this area, a lane is blocked off, leaving two lanes for drivers.
Some people are grumbling about the traffic disruption.  I believe we should look at the bigger picture and see how bike lanes will benefit Kaimuki and the surrounding neighborhoods.
In Palolo Valley there are a lot of people who are (choose one or more):
… (4 comments)

Web Trek Online Open House 1526 Ridge Road Lancaster, Pa 17603 – $669,900 – MLS# 182432 - 07:55 AM
Welcome Back Readers! Today we have a Web Trek Online Open House of 1526 Ridge Road, Lancaster, Pa 17603! This School Lane Hills home on lovely mature lot combines classic charm with modern upgrades!

A hardwood floored entry foyer leads to either the formal living room, dining room or tiled kitchen featuring cherry wood cabinetry and granite counter tops. The spacious family room features a cozy wood buring fireplace to keep away the chill of winter and connects to the confortable brick patio where you can enjoy quiet mornings in the shaded back yard. Upstairs, a grand master suite has … (3 comments)

Antioch California - The Major Shift in the Bank Owned Home Market - 06:25 PM
Antioch California - The Major Shift in the Bank Owned Home Market
A few weeks a go I wrote about Investment Properties in the 94509 Zip Code of Antioch (a popular area for investors).
I talked about one shift happening in the market with Bank Owned Homes being out numbered by Short Sales and Traditional Sales; but there is another dynamic Shift going on!
The New Shift in Bank Owned Homes is who is Selling the Bank Owned Homes.
Now it is hard to put together a list of exactly who is selling what as there is no one simply column … (1 comments)

The City of Austin Will Pay to Get Lead Based Paint Out of Your Home - 12:54 PM
The City of Austin is getting rid of Lead Based Paint for some lucky home owners.  In every real estate transaction for every house built before 1978, we have to attach a "Lead Based Paint Addendum" which basically states that the sellers have given any information they know about lead based paint in their home to the buyers, and that the buyers acknowledge the house likely has lead based paint and would like a period of 10 days to inspect the lead based paint in the property if they want. Buyers also have to acknowledge that they've received the pamphlet about … (5 comments)

Austin TX - Wildfire Survivor Concert - Frank Erwin Center - October 17 - 02:34 PM
The wildfires throughout Central Texas, and all of Texas for that matter, have been horrendous this year.  Fire after fire, and many in very unsuspecting places like in the middle of master planned communities.  To raise money for the victims of the Central Texas wildfires, the Frank Erwin Center is the host of a benefit concert on October 17, 2011 at 7pm! We're talking about an all-star lineup like Austin's own Willie Nelson, and the Dixie Chicks, and Lyle Lovett... The host is brand new Emmy winner, Kyle Chandler from Friday Night Lights. I always refer to him as the "Early … (5 comments)

Huntley Fall Fest - 12:20 PM
  Huntley Fall Fest 24 September Tomorrow, September 24, 10:00 am Deicke Park, 11419 S Il Route 47, Huntley, IL, $2
The Village of Huntley holds a Fall Fest September 23 - 25 at Deicke Park. Enjoy carnival rides, entertainment, a 1-mile fun run/walk and more
… (1 comments)

Razorbacks Hit The Spot After a Busy HomeRome Week - 11:31 PM
Razorbacks Hit The Spot After a Busy HomeRome Week! It has been a long and wonderfully busy week. With a showing this morning, a 12:00 walk through, a smooth 2:00 settlement and a near closing that took over four hours of negotiating at the table, I guess you can say this is a long day and the end of another week. The time was now  8:30 PM... time for dinner because there was no lunch. So I invited my sellers to stop and have a bite. I did the inviting...they picked up the check before I had the chance. This is … (6 comments)

My September Real Estate Newsletter - 03:16 PM
… (0 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Country Home with Acreage - 07:47 PM
This is a super desirable country Cape Cod home that is located within minutes of Kenyon College and Gambier, Ohio.  The land, outbuildings and country views are truly remarkable and with 3.25 acres you won't find a better buy near the college for only $110,000.  
You can view additional listing details and an extensive virtual tour photo slideshow by visiting 11937 McManis Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
We have also created a special real estate website link which features all of our available Knox County Ohio homes with acreage and we even organized them in price order for easy viewing.
… (4 comments)

Boston Invite from Jay McHugh to hear Gary V talk about what is needed to succeed in 2012 - 07:52 AM
Hey Active Rain members,
I'm writing to ask a favor of you!  This past spring I shared at our office meeting how I was absolutely blown away from a keynote speaker I saw at the RE/MAX Convention, Gary Vaynerchuk.  In seven years this 38 year old t-shirt and jean wearing kid, turned his dad's liquor store into a $50+ million online wine business using social networking and gratitude marketing.  He spent less than $55/month on marketing/advertising and he learned that he could build an empire using appreciation marketing, social networking, and great customer service.  HE IS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING … (0 comments)

Things to do in Santa Monica | Join and help the Santa Monica Firefighters in Fighting Childhood Cancer - 02:44 PM

 
September is known as “Childhood Cancer Month”. This weekend, a forthcoming annual event will be taking place, and it is definitely where we should all be.   Once a year, the daring and courageous Santa Monica Fire fighters get their heads shaved to support the cause of St Baldricks - an astounding and remarkable charity that holds fundraisers in order to help fight childhood cancer..continue reading
… (0 comments)

The First Day of Fall in Yardley - 10:33 PM

Lone bird in the rain, on the pond, in Yardley on the first day of fall.

First day of fall in Yardley, brought heavy, heavy rain. We have definitely had enough rain, but the pond in Yardley can still be beautiful, even in rain!
… (0 comments)

Fort Mohave AZ Commercial Land - 4321 Highway 95 .80 Ac $79,900 SOLD - 01:58 PM
Fort Mohave AZ Commercial Real Estate - Commercial Land Investments - 4321 Highway 95 .80 Acre $79,900
Fort Mohave AZ Commercial Real Estate and Investment Properties are priced right with easy terms right now.
Capitalize on the changing market and buy NOW! Important market indicators agree . . .
This Highway 95 parcel is located near EVERYTHING in demand - shopping, prestigious residential, golf, beautiful beaches, medical services and the fabulous resorts on the Beautiful Colorado River.
4321 S Highway 95 is a .80 acre parcel measuring 113.9 x 310.22 with 113 feet of Highway 95 frontage. Water taps are 2 … (0 comments)

Virginia First time Home Buyer Guide-What is Appraisal of a property? - 01:08 PM
Purchasing a home itself is one of the unique life changing experience. Investments, terms for loans, processes, and other parts of real estate can often be overwhelming for a first time home buyer in Northern Virginia.  Under many of my series I have explained terms that do come up in the discuss and here is one of the big component "appraisal" What is Appraisal? An appraisal consists of a professional opinion that is made about a property.  Included in this opinion are several factors that allow for this statement to be made.  Overall, the appraisal will lead to the conclusion of … (1 comments)

When are Real Estate Tax Payment Due in Northern Virginia? - 02:07 PM
When selling your home or purchasing a home in Northern Virginia many of us will read the line item for Real Estate Tax Assessment. This is where the real estate tax payment are escrow (in case of purchaser) and/or credited or collected from the seller/purchasers depending on the month and date of closing. Northern Virginia counties collect the real estate tax bill twice a year. However in most cases if you have a mortgage the lender gets the bill and they pay it from the escrow they collect every month. For few who are fortunate to have no mortgage or lender … (3 comments)

Buy another house, even if you are upside down on your current house!!! - 12:02 PM
View Larger Map … (0 comments)

Fully Rehabbed Home For Sale in Village Meadows - 10:26 PM
View Larger Map … (1 comments)

Fully Rehabbed Phoenix Home For Sale in Parkwood - 10:44 PM
View Larger Map … (3 comments)

Great Anthem Home For Sale in Gated Community - 10:48 PM
View Larger Map … (1 comments)

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