Archives of real estate blog entries for January 15, 2012

Featured blog posts


Nobody Can Kill My Newbie ActiveRain Buzz - 04:14 PM
As some of you may already know, I am a Newbie here -- having been a member of ActiveRain for all of 3 months.  Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of posts dealing with a variety of controversial issues.  Some of these blogs address the discovery of scandalous behavior.  Others address complaints about and dissatisfaction with perceived flaws in the ActiveRain system.  Still others express disturbing patterns emerging, whereby agents are attacking other agents by posting mean-spirited blogs and comments.  Phew!  As an ActiveRain novice, I have found all of this information to be a bit unsettling and a little overwhelming.  Nevertheless, … (102 comments)

Inside Flyers...... Do They Do Any Good For The Seller? - 02:47 PM
If a buyer see's my listing it means they got access with either their REALTOR® or with my assistance. Here's what this also means:
1. The buyer very likely saw the listing on our MLS. 2. Each listing on our MLS has the option to upload 32 photo's, a virtual tour, 10 minute video, and much more.3. An MLS printout with all the properties information.. and whatever else the showing agent may be providing.
So what good is an INSIDE FLYER?
An outside flyer for a listing can be helpful for buyers who are just cruising through a neighborhood. It's … (97 comments)

How to Use Pinterest for your Real Estate Business - 06:45 PM
WARNING: THIS CAN BE ADDICTIVE!! Have you heard of the latest hot craze among social media users? It’s Pinterest. And oh my goodness, it’s FUN! (Yes, I am addicted, can you tell?) You know how dreamers like to make scrapbooks of what we would like to do to our homes or gardens? Well, Pinterest is like a virtual stack of cut-out magazine pictures, only it’s organized, easy to sort through, and sharable with the world.
Now I have not yet seen many Realtors using Pinterest specifically for real estate listings, but you know what? Why not? It’s perfect! Your beautiful listing … (50 comments)

Roof inspection, after the fact. - 10:28 AM
Roof inspection, after the fact.
I was called to do a roof inspection on a home that had the work completed by a contractor and the contractor wanted to get paid.
There was only a couple small problems with the "work that was completed".
High winds tore off shingles and there was some water damage to the interior of the home.
Let's take a look at the work from the reputable roofing contractor. 

As you can see the "Patch" do'es not match the roof. Even though the roof is an older roof there are shingles available in the existing color.
… (56 comments)

ActiveRain Reflections - 10:37 AM
We've all heard the rhetoric out there about the various social media platforms--how some work, some don't, others may be among the 'up and coming.'  We've read ad nauseum about AR down-time and various complaints about the platform being different than it was in years past.  Well, I'm here to tell you, any experience in life is what you make of it.  So, I thought I'd share a little bit with you about my own ActiveRain experience.  
Nearly at the big 1M point mark, I've been reflecting lately about my tenure here--and let me tell you, there's nothing to worry … (79 comments)

Broadway Malls - The Centerpiece of Broadway on the Upper West Side - 10:12 AM
The Broadway Malls
From 60th Street to 168th Street, lies a history filled median of greenery and flowers called The Broadway Malls. The Malls were established in 1904 and have been a New York City park since 1904.
Eighteen whimsical and captivating sculptures have been placed for public view on the Broadway Malls from Columbus Circle to 168th Street.

The Malls are a 5.5 mile-long park that provides a welcome green space from the Upper West Side through Harlem to Washington Heights.

Art on the Malls is the Broadway Mall Association’s program to enliven the Broadway Malls with contemporary art. … (16 comments)

Client or Customer? If You Don't Know, Then How Do You Expect Consumers to Know? - 08:41 AM
Client or Customer?  If You Don't Know, Then How Do You Expect Consumers to Know?
It seems to me that while reading posts on ActiveRain, I read where agents refer only to "clients" and NEVER "customer."  Should I assume that we all only work with "clients" or do we work with "customers" as well?  Or could it be that some:
Just do so without thinking? Don't know the difference between the two? Want to sound more important by using the word client? Want to give the impression that we only work with buyers that sign Buyer Agency Agreements (even though that … (117 comments)

Getting Bent - 09:04 AM
Pipes, they’re straight, which would be fine if wherever a pipe was to be fit was unobstructed. Since that’s not how things are made, especially with houses, there are pipe fittings. There are countless types of pipe fittings, the most common is the good old elbow.
I would have to think the pipe elbow is just as old as the pipe itself. I can imagine some ancient inventor chiseling out the first pipe only to soon discover it didn’t fit around some obstruction. Back to the work shop he went and soon returned with the first elbow. Where would modern plumbing … (49 comments)

Hope You Will Love This Home as Much as We Did - 09:08 PM
No, this was not the parting sentiment from seller to buyer at a happy closing. It was wistfully painted above the front door, surrounded by an artistic vine of leaves and flowers, of a bank-owned property I showed to some first-time buyers. We didn't notice it until we were leaving, where it stopped us dead in our tracks. No one spoke for a long time as we resumed our places in the car for the ride to the next potential home.
Every day we Realtors are faced with the dregs of lives gone sadly wrong. Abandoned bedrooms gaily decorated with pink … (73 comments)

Be afraid. Be very afraid... my next offer could be on one of your properties! - 07:50 PM
Back in 2002 I had a client who wanted to buy this nice remodeled ranch.  It was a gut-rehab, and had been bought by a guy whose plan was to "flip" the house.
We wrote a low offer, and were very firm on our offer, and the seller reluctantly accepted our offer... it was a contentious negotiation, and the listing agent really earned her commission.  We did our inspection and there were lots and lots of issues.  In fact there were so many issues that our inspector, who arrived about 15 minutes before my clients and I, had already filled an … (116 comments)

Champions Know the "Rules" of the "Game" - 03:27 PM
 
Champions Know the "Rules" of the "Game"
 
       I can't tell you how many times, as a mortgage lender, I hear rumors or misconceptions expressed to me regarding the mortgage process.
        So much of my time is focused on promoting the "un-learning" of what a client thinks they know as they enter the act of obtaining mortgage financing. So much time is used addressing frustrations with the process itself.         No one needs to think too hard or long as to WHY there are so many misconceptions or frustrations.   If the process of mortgage … (28 comments)

Who let the dogs out?! Hoo hoo-hoo! / Huntington at Stonebridge Residential Market Snapshot / St. George, Utah / January 15, 2012 - 02:59 PM
Who let the dogs out?! Hoo hoo-hoo! / Huntington at Stonebridge Residential Market Snapshot / St. George, Utah / January 15, 2012
While door knocking in the Huntington at Stonebridge community in St. George, Utah and offering a personalized neighborhood flier showing recent stats, I came upon a house with a woman answering the door who had a phone to her ear, a huge duster in one hand a towel in the other.

She says, “Can’t you see I’m busy?!” Suddenly, two large dogs, one a puppy, come screaming out the front door, tails whipping, galloping down the walk toward … (20 comments)

Believe it or not, Water and Dry Rot Damage is not a Hot Topic. - 03:21 PM
Choosing topics and developing a theme.
 
When I sit down to post to my blog every day, the topics can come from many different sources. It can come from an experience that I had that day, a troublesome situation that others may be facing, or maybe my construction expertise that can benefit the reader in some way. It used to be a chore to come up with something, today I have a list of topics that I’d like to address. The chore today is in finding the time to post.
Since I am a General Contractor, I like to write … (43 comments)

You Win Some, You Lose Some, But It's Not For Lack Of Trying! - 04:29 PM
You Win Some, You Lose Some, But It's Not For Lack Of Trying! This weekend was mixed!  We got a listing under contract, added a new listing for a few weeks from now, BUT we had one seller decide to "seek other options".  We'd love to say we sell EVERY listing, quickly and for new records in their communities, but that just isn't the case. 
We do our best, but sometimes that best STILL can't get the job done.   A seller who can't come down on price and isn't a short sale candidate basically has limited options and once we've … (62 comments)

5 Reasons Why Your House Didn't Appraise For What You Thought it Should - 10:56 AM
Have you ever gotten an appraisal back on your home for a refinance (or sale) and found that it did not appraise for what you thought it should?  Unfortunately this does occur on occasion.  You may chuckle and say this occurs more times than not and you may think the appraiser is just a "deal killer", however you must realize that appraisals are based on actual market data and not a spin of the appraisal "value" wheel.  Please don't blame us, we don't make the market, we just report it.  Most people don't understand how we arrive at a value so … (58 comments)

Last Week's Favorites: January 7th-14th - 11:57 AM
The 2012 Big Jumpstart challenge is bringing out the best in a lot of the bloggers here on Active Rain.  So thank you, Lynn Friedman!  And of all of the great posts this week, here are some of my favorites:
1.  Liz & Bill Spear: If Girl Scout Cookies Scare You....You're In REAL Trouble Now! Busken's Paczkis Are Back!  This is a dangerous, dangerous post.  Great Localism.
2.  Richard Weisser:  Flying “under the radar” may be great in warfare but for business: not so much! What? We're not after subtlety?
3.  Kristine Ginsburg: What Road Did You Take? Frost's Thoughts  Kristine … (35 comments)

Weltanschauung - Our Guiding Principles, Part One - 03:11 PM
Weltanschauung: the guiding principles and philosophy of an organization; a world view
Isn't that a great word?  Some of you have probably seen quite a few articles or posts about this recently.  
Our challenge asks us to focus on an aspect of the Weltanschauung that we see as a special part of ActiveRain.  
My first choice is the last one in the guiding principles:
10.  ActiveRain believes that it is in the best interests of real estate professionals to build a community that is focused on educating one another. ActiveRain believes its future depends on members of all experience levels … (25 comments)

Hi, We Represent Realtors On Google - 08:47 PM
Have you had this call? I must get that same call from people representing Realtors on Google, Bing, MSN, Yahoo, etc. at least twice a week. So recently I decided to have a little fun with one of these guys. I asked him how he got my number. “I Googled Davenport Realtor,” was his reply. Strike 1. Then I asked how he could help me. “We help Realtors get recognized on Google.” Being the smart ass I am I said “Well it sounds like I’m already recognized on Google, you found me didn’t you?” At this point he started getting upset. … (42 comments)

Going Down With The Ship - 05:05 PM

 
 
I'm sure by now you've all heard about the cruise ship with sunk off the coast of Italy. This story has grabbed my attention....I'll be taking a cruise off the coast of Italy this spring. Among the accounts of terror and heroism was a "footnote" mention that the Captain had been arrested...accused of abandoning ship.
We've all heard of the old adage "going down with the ship" but I never knew that it was an actual DUTY of the Captain. Clearly it shows cowardice and lack of care for others....but an actual prosecutable offense? I had no … (140 comments)

When your life is a lie - 12:43 AM
and that lie has shaped your life.
(This post has been in Draft Mode for a while.  The details are going to be kept fuzzy because this is an ongoing investigation.  I thought it was timely to post it as we discuss recent lies and their affects here in the Rain.)It was the mid-1990s.  They had four children and their marriage was in shambles.  As a last-ditch effort, they went to Europe on a family vacation.  It was too little, too late.  When they returned, Dad's recreational drug use and indiscriminate spending had gotten out of control.Their older son was mid-teens, … (101 comments)

Listing to Live the Dream - 12:33 PM
 
Listing to Live the Dream
 
 
When I got my real estate license in 1996, the seasoned successful agents told me that I needed to List to Live in real estate.  Those words have stuck in my head ever since. 
 
Listings are my favorite part of real estate.  It gives me a chance to be creative with descriptions, pictures and brochures.  The best part of listings is the residual business you pick up off of the listing.
 
My business partner, Will Hamm and I have picked up so much business off of our listings.  We … (30 comments)

Trust. With Humor Attempted. - 08:10 AM



I trust that my dogs will sit when I tell them. Except in close proximity to a squirrel. Unless I have a TREAT. I trust that my cat will not sit when I tell it. Even if I have a treat. I do no have a cat. You cannot trust them.
 
 
 
 
 
 

I trust that my wife likes me. She has since she was 20. I like her too. Since I was 20. She is my first and last wife. This I trust. I generally want to be liked more than loved. … (72 comments)

Market Report December 2011 for Hunters Chase, San Antonio, TX - 04:28 PM
Market Report December 2011 for Hunters Chase, San Antonio, TXHunters Chase in San Antonio’s Northwest has been a highly sought after community for some time now. This community has some great neighborhood amenities, and schools in the Northside Independent School District.  Presently there are 17 Active Homes for Sale in this neighborhood with prices ranging from $70,000 to $150,000. The average listed price is around $123,000..The neighborhood amenities include a swimming pool, club house, sports court, and children’s playground. The schools are  Scobee Elementary, Stinson Middle , and Brandeis High School. December had a total of 4 homes that sold for … (42 comments)

Fly Fishing on the Sacramento River in Redding Ca. - 06:06 PM
Fly fishing on the Sacramento River in Redding Ca is known as a sport by many anglers and a creative outlet by most fly tyiers. Call it as what you want, fly fishing is an outdoor activity created out of the quests of the fishermen themselves, the waters, rivers and lakes they fish, as well as the prize fish that most will catch. Most fishermen often go on the weekends, happy to encounter a fish or during a holiday fishing adventure with their family and friends. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to access the Sacramento River for fly fishing … (33 comments)

Listing Marketing Approach What Are YOU Trying to Sell? - 04:49 PM
Listing Marketing Approach What Are YOU Trying to Sell?

Today I read a blog by a person I have come to respect and follow here on Active Rain our own Greg Nino.  Greg recently wrote a short blog on the topic of using flyers in our listings now on Greg's Blog.  While at first I thought about reblogging it, I then decided to write a separate blog since I had more to say on a larger topic.
 
So when you work on marketing a home to sell where is the focus?  I have been into quite a few homes … (35 comments)

Success is measured in bits and pieces. - 09:52 AM
Success is not one big accomplishment all at one time.  You don't just all of a sudden have something succeed.
Each success is one step at a time.
A phone call.
A meeting.
Setting of parameters.
Picking out the right product or procedure.
Then the final deal.
In Real Estate it goes more like...
Phone Call.Meeting.Show Homes.Write Offer.Offer accepted.Inspections.Obstacles overcome.Closing.CHECK IN HAND!!!
No matter what the success is, there is a build up to it.
But without that first initial contact...there is no success.   Want to be successful...MAKE THAT FIRST CALL!!!
Head in the sand will get you know where!
… (20 comments)

You Should Feel Guilty - 03:12 PM
 
 
 
 
You are gifted a day with no commitments.  No possible listing opportunity visits or buyers to show homes.  It’s the weekend and it is absolutely gorgeous with spring like weather in the 60s with sun shining bright. 
Yet a feeling of guilt looms as you look at your daily plans and it does not include any lead generating activity.  No open house, no behind the scenes works, just a day of taking care of you and personal errands. 
As I was visiting with my husband telling him I should have planned for this or that … (74 comments)

ACTIVERAIN IS NOT A GAME. IT'S A SERIOUS BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OFFERING BENEFITS TO MEMBERS. - 09:12 AM
ACTIVERAIN IS NOT A GAME.  IT'S A SERIOUS BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OFFERING BENEFITS TO MEMBERS.  WHAT IS YOUR FOCUS WHEN YOU LOG ON TO ACTIVERAIN??
Is it to use your ActiveRain blog in your business?  Or, it is a place to satisfy a drive to be on top even if it means "gaming the system" for your own advantage at the expense of all other members? 
In August of 2006, I realized that ActiveRain was a smart way to enhance my presence on the Internet.   I checked my server logs and "unique hits" from ActiveRain climbed daily.  I could see that Google … (128 comments)


Blog posts


Oh What Should I Blog About? - 06:47 PM
Oh What Should I Blog About?
Well in an ideal world with more time I have tons of things to blog about. Hyper local market reports on every city, area, neighborhood, and type of market (bank owned, short sale, etc) could easily take 40 or 50 blogs a month.
Then of course when I do research or answer tough questions for clients that gets turned into a post. Issues I am having with clients often get turned into post of some sort.
Now I also get involved in ActiveRain Contest which always give me plenty of things to write about. … (4 comments)

O'Fallon IL Homes For Sale, 1900 Windcrest Dr, OFallon, IL 62269 - 06:12 PM
… (2 comments)

OFALLON IL HOMES FOR SALE, 516 WILLOW BEND LN, NEW CONSTRUCTION - 09:26 PM
… (2 comments)

Greencroft...an Exclusive Hunt Valley Neighborhood and a New Listing Coming Soon! - 11:01 PM
 Greencroft...an Exclusive Hunt Valley Neighborhood and a new listing coming soon!  
 
                                                   
 
Greencroft  is known as the destination neighborhood for the affluent and remains one of the most beautiful areas in Hunt Valley.  The open spaces and homes on about  2 acre lots.. envelop passersby and residents in pure luxury. Take a tour of Greencroft’s most sought-after street, Clipping Tree Lane and one of only  88 homes in this exclusive neighborhood. Rarely available...but there is a very special home coming on the market soon. It is my latest and now favorite new listing.  Please stay tuned.                                                          … (9 comments)

How Many Short Sales Are You Closing? - 07:49 AM

 
This week's discussions
Need Training?
Visit the

OR
Join the Advanced Training Group
 
Group members have access to:
ALL training webinars.
Currently 10 Webinars with 4 more scheduled (Click to View) Short Sale Listing Package Expired Listing Letter Lis Pendens Letter FSBO Letter Sample HUDs Sample BPO Disputes Private Member Forum Direct Access to Wendy and Bryant For Short Sale Help Membership is Only $197.00



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This site is owned and operated by REGrow, LLC
A Licensed Florida Real Estate Brokerage
ShortSaleSuperStars@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER
REGrow, LLC does not … (3 comments)

What Ever Happened To Sweat Equity? - 02:28 PM
Carla has written one heck of a post about a subject dear to me as this is how I started in the investing business 35 years ago. I would but run down homes on contracts for deeds and fix em and resale em for a profit. The ones I had too much money in I would do contracts for deeds my self until I or they could refinace. If you are an investor in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida let's talk about the many ways I can make you the Next Millionaie.
Via Carla Muss-Jacobs - Exclusive Buyers Agent Portland | … (3 comments)

Time to File for Homestead Exemption on your Frisco TX home - 02:42 PM
Here in Florida as well you have to file for all the exemptions and if you  bought a home you have till March 31st. If you have had Homestead Exemption in the past then you will automatically be renewed. If you have any questions go tp www.ecpa.gov to ask questions.
Via Loreena Yeo, Realtor®| Frisco TX Community Ambassador (214)783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Frisco TX Real Estate Co.):
 

If you purchase a Frisco TX home, or a home in Texas this year, you can file for Homestead Exemption now - if you lived in the house on January 1st 2012. … (0 comments)

FSA - Farm Service Agency - Do You Use It For Your Clients? - 02:46 PM
This is a great post on the Farm Services agency and the going ons but what has that got to do with Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Florida well I thought you would never ask, you can you this website to check for available loan programs here as well and other things that are happening as we have as much farm land in the surrounding counties as any place in Florida
Via Mike McCann - Broker Nebraska Land For Sale Farm Specialist - 308-627-3700 (Mike McCann - Broker, Kearney, Nebraska):
This is a Great website for anyone involved with rural America or who … (0 comments)

All Things Real Estate Roundup: Success in the New Year - 02:50 PM
Did you miss Rebekah's post on all things Real Estate Roundup well here it is and what a bunch of great articles to sift through BOOKMARK for some great reading later if you like but it pretty much covers a lot of ground and well worth the read.
Via Rebekah Radice Social Media Marketing, Management & Strategies (Manager of Industry Engagement, Better Homes & Gardens RE):
This weeks roundup of All Things Real Estate offers a mix of marketing ideas, social media strategies and professional development tips that will help your business rock in the New Year!
Sit back, grab your cup of coffee … (1 comments)

32506 Just Listed 5708 Annette Street Pensacola Florida Home for sale - 03:08 PM
… (0 comments)

32503 Just Listed 5916 Duchess Rd Pensacola Florida Home for sale - 03:17 PM
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All MLS Listings CLICK HERE
Buyers are taking advantage of our Smooth Move Program at closing, Choose between 1% Cash Back, 1 year taxes paid, 1 year insurance paid, Free Home Warranty and Use of our Moving Van or Free Survey with Free Termite.   Renters are taking advantage of our Smooth Move Program, Choose between Free use of our Moving Van or a $25. or Gift Certificate and ask about FREE Rent. Call Now!! 800-309-3414 for over the phone evaluation and NO Obligation, you have OPTIONS, … (1 comments)

32563 Just Listed Home For Sale 4999 Berkeley Forest Blvd Gulf Breeze Florida - 03:31 PM
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All MLS Listings CLICK HERE
Buyers are taking advantage of our Smooth Move Program at closing, Choose between 1% Cash Back, 1 year taxes paid, 1 year insurance paid, Free Home Warranty and Use of our Moving Van or Free Survey with Free Termite.   Renters are taking advantage of our Smooth Move Program, Choose between Free use of our Moving Van or a $25. or Gift Certificate and ask about FREE Rent. Call Now!! 800-309-3414 for over the phone evaluation and NO Obligation, you have OPTIONS, … (1 comments)

32504 Just Listed 4210 Cherry Laurel Dr Pensacola Florida Home For Sale - 03:47 PM
… (1 comments)

32534 Just Listed 9070 Cove Ave Pensacola Florida Home for sale - 04:08 PM
… (0 comments)

32526 Just Listed 2839 Hidden Springs Circle Pensacola Florida Home For Sale - 06:29 PM
… (0 comments)

32507 Just Listed 7795 Grundy Street Pensacola Florida Home For Sale - 06:30 PM
… (1 comments)

32568 Just listed 3261 Highway 164 Mc David Florida Home for sale - 06:39 PM
… (0 comments)

32583 Just Listed 6644 Delhi Dr Milton Florida Home For Sale - 06:57 PM
… (1 comments)

32526 Just Listed Home For Sale 7016 Glendora Street Pensacola Florida - 07:24 PM
… (1 comments)

Can One Person's Name Be Taken Off the Loan? - 07:35 PM
This was an interesting question and I believe that one of the owners can refinance and take the other off or the bank will sometimes release the one if the other is strong enough to qualify. Some think a Judge through divorce can release one or the other but not so.
Via Randy Morrow Divorce Realty (Keller Williams Realty):
Can One Person's Name Be Taken Off the Loan?
Specifically, can this be done without the person remaining on the loan having to refinance?
This subject came up today in a call from one of my divorce clients.  She has moved out; the ex … (2 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2012-01-15

 Archives:

31 Jan
30 Jan
29 Jan
28 Jan
27 Jan
26 Jan
25 Jan
24 Jan
23 Jan
22 Jan
21 Jan
20 Jan
19 Jan
18 Jan
17 Jan
16 Jan
15 Jan
14 Jan
13 Jan
12 Jan
11 Jan
10 Jan
9 Jan
8 Jan
7 Jan
6 Jan
5 Jan
4 Jan
3 Jan
2 Jan
1 Jan
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
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