Archives of real estate blog entries for January 24, 2012

Featured blog posts


How to Sell Like a Six Year Old & Exceed Your Goals - 12:37 AM
Yes, it's that time of year.  Young girls across the country are descending on doorsteps to sell Samoa's, Thin Mints, and Do-Si-Do's.  That's right.  It's GIRL SCOUT COOKIE season.
My daughter just turned six and is a Daisy (Girl Scout in training).  This is her first year as a Daisy.  She was really excited and very motivated to sell cookies.   I am not sure if it was a curse or a boon to be the daughter of the CEO of an Internet sales & marketing company.   I know some of you are rolling your eyes at this, but I truly believe that … (51 comments)

How do MULTIPLE OFFERS affect the way we LIST and SELL REAL ESTATE Today? - 09:27 AM
As the Real Estate market continues to strengthen across the county, the amount of buyers is rising and the amount of homes on the market is declining. Here in the Manchester NH area we have seen close to a 30% decline in homes currently listed. We have seen our sales increase 10-20% in most areas. The newest Real Estate trend is called a "MULTIPLE OFFER SITUATION". Multiple offers can be a great thing for Listing Agents and Sellers but a complicated one for Buyers and stressfull time for their agents.
With the near complete stoppage in foreclosures last year to fix … (24 comments)

The Milkman is Dead, Yet We Drink More Milk Than Ever - 08:49 AM
The Milkman is Dead, Yet We Drink More Milk Than Ever
Seth Godin, author and guru of Marketing, emphatically gave advice to Realtors back in 2008, "Quit Now."
Many of us Realtors didn't listen to Seth's advice. Real estate agents tend to hang on longer than most when the market slows. That said, there are less Realtors today than in 2008. How many is hard to determine. We have about 30% less Steamboat Springs Realtors today compared to 2008.
Many say if you survived the last 4 years you're skills and client base is vast and you should do well going … (57 comments)

Obama Housing Fix: Live in Your Car - 10:55 PM
I'm seldom political-I'm a capitalist, not a ideologue- and while I like President Obama, I have to say that I am incredibly disappointed by the State of the Union speech this evening for one good reason: he barely touched on housing or what he'd do to fix the industry. It is among our biggest problems and he barely went there.  I could also do without the camera on the person Mr Obama was just about to mention, because it made the whole thing seem like a choreographed effort between journalists and politicians, but I guess that's nothing new. 
It was a … (60 comments)

Why the relief valve at the water heater is leaking, and what to do about it - 05:54 AM
When a temperature and pressure  (T&P) relief valve at a water heater leaks, it's usually a simple fix; just replace the valve.   These valves cost less than $15, and replacing the valve is a very basic job - just drain some water out of the water heater, remove the discharge tube, and replace the valve.  No big deal.
Unless it starts leaking again.
If a recently replaced T&P relief valve starts leaking again, it probably means that the relief valve is only doing it's job; it relieving excess pressure in the water heater.  When this happens, the fix gets a … (35 comments)

Do Not Open - 09:02 PM

 
One of the interesting aspects of being a home inspector… Is that you never know what the next home inspection may bring.
Most of my unusual photos come from the garage or under the house.
It’s not too often that a sign is posted on a bedroom door: “Do Not open or touch this door Very important that you follow this request Do Not Touch!! Thank You!!”
Many things come to mind… If the house is occupied and there’s a Do Not Open sign on a door… does it mean there’s something in the room that will come after … (21 comments)

Real Estate Agents - Make Sure Your Support Staff is Supporting You (and Your Customer) - 10:03 AM
Many real estate agents are busy so they have assistants to coordinate the little details.  And with so many short sale transactions there can be a lot of coordination and follow up required.
I am attempting to work a short sale transaction right now.
After submitting the offer I contacted the listing agent and was advised the short sale offer would be signed off on by the seller  we will let the bank decide.
[Letting the bank decide is not what I consider to be the best approach especially in this case where I really expected a counteroffer.]
Included was … (13 comments)

Homes For Hippies, Beatniks, Aging Boomers, or Anyone Else 50 and Better... - 08:48 AM
Homes For Hippies, Beatniks, Aging Boomers,
or Anyone Else 50 and Better...
Let's face it folks, we're all getting a little older each and every day. We consistently forget where we left our glasses...only to find out they're right on our head where we left them! Our keys seem to be lost every time we go to look for them! We used to be hip.... and now we just need one!!!Even your humble Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area Real Estate agent is sporting a little touch of gray these days!So, maybe it's time to downsize from your present home to something … (58 comments)

Seller decides to do a short sale....what shouldn’t he stop paying? - 11:33 PM
Seller decides to do a short sale....what shouldn’t he stop paying?We’ve seen sellers walk with their tails between their legs, feeling defeated. What we can do for them, besides offer empathy, is to advise them on what they can and cannot do to make the short sale move forward.Part of that counseling is to ensure they don’t do anything to jeopardize the sale.
Please note, no one will or should tell the seller to stop making their home mortgage to qualify for a short sale

Seller is financially strapped and would like to stop paying for several things. So what … (44 comments)

Setting Up Your AR Hit Router - Capture Buyer Home Search Leads From YOUR Content by Driving Them to YOUR IDX! - 03:28 PM
A couple of people have noticed with AR's new change that consumers can search for listings when they are on your profile, blog or individual posts:

Note that Hit Router IS FREE to set up for your profile, blog or individual posts and you can lead consumers BACK to YOUR IDX when they are searching for homes on your profile, blog or individual posts.
How can you do this?
Click on "MY HOME"
Look on the left side and click on "other" to get a drop down.  Click on "hit router".
<<<<<<<<<<<
When you are in the hit router section … (66 comments)

Things That Make You Go ... HUH?? Getting Your Social Media Right ... - 09:54 PM
 
Things That Make You Go ... HUH??
Getting Your Social Media Right ...
 
 
 
     Do you  Facebook?  Twitter?  LinkedIn??  Blog?? More social media venues??  Do Email blasts too??
     If you're in real estate or mortgage lending ... or almost any business these days, you do.  To some extent and in some manner.
     And if you've been doing the social media "thing" and Email blasts for awhile, you've probably accumulated quite a following.  Exactly what we're ALL after.  Loyal followers.  Relationships.  Business contacts and Business itself!
     But something I've been noticing fairly often, as … (42 comments)

Is DOCUSIGN doing more harm than good to new relationships - 06:14 PM
I recently picked up a new buyer and the first thing they asked me was if I met face to face with my new clients. I always conduct the first meeting in person unless that buyer is out of the area. I answered honestly that I meet with most clients several times in person whenever possible. In addition, I have a customer service pledge that says I will present offers in person when the sellers agent agrees. In the case that I cant meet with someone Ill even try to get another agent to meet on my behalf.
 It appears that this first … (28 comments)

Appraisals and Organic Market Recovery - 04:31 PM
 
Over the past several years, appraisals have impeded our market's ability to recover naturally. Stricter underwriting guidelines are resulting in appraisers taking an ultra-conservative approach to value and often discounting factors such as the nuances of a particular neighborhood that might support a higher value and provide better comparable data for the next appraiser. The result is that buyers seeking financing for a purchase often have to re-negotiate price with the seller in order to salvage the deal. The larger impact of low appraisals is a flat market and would-be sellers who are reluctant to list their homes.
 
It was … (34 comments)

Active Rain Point Challenges – What Happened to Blogging for Business? - 11:38 AM
Active Rain Point Challenges – What Happened to Blogging for Business?
Has ActiveRain Lost Focus or is ActiveRain Re-Focusing?
Following the many December challenges leaping into January 2012 with three new point challenges has caused me to ponder … what happened to blogging in AR for business?
I understand that we all have a choice to participate or not participate in challenges. My concern regarding challenges for points is that dangling the carrot for points is what inspires and motivates the community to participate. If you feel that is not true, then that means we don't need points for challenges.  … (75 comments)

The Threat of An Offer - 11:36 AM
 
The Threat of An Offer
 
Don’t you love it when Realtors threaten to bring an offer on one of your listings?  This happens so frequently. 
 
We received a call from an agent on Sunday asking if one of our listings was still available.  She said that she would be writing an offer for her client and sending it over by Sunday evening.  It is now Tuesday and no sign of an offer nor was there another phone call from the agent retracting her threat.
 
I have called listing agents to see if they were currently working … (89 comments)

NewsFlash: LAPD Warning Against Hiring Unmanned Aircraft Operators for Aerial Photos - 04:50 PM
The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® electronic legal information service, Realegal®, sent out an article today about Los Angeles area real estate agents using unmanned aircraft operators to take aerial photographs of high-end properties for marketing purposes.  It seems that using these unmanned aircraft, also known as "drones", are in violation of local ordinances requiring permits for commercial filming or photographing.  The drones are also in violation of the FAA's policy, as well. 
It seems the uproar is really about the commercialized use of the photos.  As a former pilot who would fly photographers around the greater Los Angeles basin, I know … (42 comments)

SO, YOU THINK I'M NOT INTERESTING! - 02:07 PM
Shortly after reading the AR blog post about answering your phone while with people,  I then read a great article by Scott Feschuk, published in the January 30th issue of McLean's magazine, about this very subject.
The author had a very different take on this, and one that I happen to agree with.  In it he says a number of very funny (but true) statements such as:
"I see you think I'm not very interesting but would it kill you to leave your cell alone for 30 seconds while we're together?"  
He speaks of a new gimmick "meant to restore … (124 comments)

What Qualifications Do You Have? - 08:43 AM
Recently, I went on a listing appointment with an angry seller. Frustrated with the housing market, frustrated with the economy. Frustrated with the way America has become in a few short years.
The seller wanted an experienced broker, therefore was prepared with many questions and I was so pleased to answer the questions after I gave my listing presentation.
I explained that after my thorough listing presentation, which would answer many of the questions that the seller might have with a promise that if I did not answer any of the questions on the list, I would open the discussion with … (153 comments)


Blog posts


USA Excellent CAP Rate Hotel for Sale - Central Florida Mid-Scale Property Has Tremendous Upside Potential - FL Real Estate - 10:32 PM
USA Hotel for Sale for $3,500,000 - Florida Hotel for Sale … (0 comments)

Starting in Los Angeles; but coming to a city near you! Government Attacks on Realtors - More Dumb Government - Less Common Sense! - 02:14 PM
Starting in Los Angeles; but coming to a city near you! Government Attacks on Realtors – More Dumb Government – Less Common Sense!
Today I read the California Association of Realtors newsletter. The Big Head Line - LAPD Warning Against Hiring Unmanned Aircraft Operators for Aerial Photos.
The Article goes on to state that this may violate FAA Policy on flying unmanned aircraft without a license. There is also an LA County Policy about needing permits for Commercial Filming and Still Photography!
Now first off I want to state I am all for safety and technology always presents new challenges.
… (10 comments)

Another Newbie! Does Scandal Lurk! - 04:20 PM
Another Newbie! Does Scandal Lurk!
Yesterday I wrote a post about the definition of Newbie being somewhat subjective when you have been around for a while.
There is a guy that is a Newbie and I have traded messages and things with him. Great guy. He is a REALTOR in Albuquerque. He joined in July of 2011.
He has some insightful post. He was doing a lot of Reblogs and I would stop by and catch those. Lately he has been doing more original post.
My only concern is we have had a recent scandal here at ActiveRain. A fake … (11 comments)

Summerset Homes - Brentwood Ca - Boomers Top 10 Tips To Let It Go! - 04:34 PM

Summerset Homes - Brentwood Ca
For those over 55 looking to down size and simplify life Summerset Homes in Brentwood Ca is a great place to look with affordable quality housing with a community designed for those over 55.
Here is a great post for people looking to make that change in life.
For more information on Summerset Homes or Beyond go to Home Point Real Estate.  
Via Larry & Sheila Nassau/Suffolk LongIsland Relocation Certified~631-805-4400 (Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr,Plainview NY 11803):
Boomers Top 10 Tips To Let It Go!    Larry and Sheila do a considerable amount of business … (1 comments)

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca - Home Staging, how a front door can sell your house. - 05:00 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
If you are Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca and want to know what small staging things you can do to really increase your chances of Selling Your Home you need to read this post.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond and for a Free Home Evaluation go to Home Point Real Estate. 
Via Chris Twing (Twing Staging & Redesign):
Everyone knows first impressions mean a lot. When it comes to selling your home the first thing potential buyers see is the front of your house. For some this begins at … (0 comments)

The Seven Levels of Communication - A MUST Read - 09:12 AM
Hi All!  I wanted to take a few minutes to help enhance your life.  If you're like me and you don't spend much time on reading, you MUST read this!  This year I made a goal for myself of reading more.  Aiming to average a book per week or roughly 50 books for the year.  I started off with The Seven Levels of Communication by Michael J. Maher.  I can't tell you enough good things about this book!  First off, it is such an easy read.  I am a slow reader as it is.  It takes me awhile to absorb stuff. … (9 comments)

Collinsville IL Villa Home for Sale, 895 Lester Ave - 10:11 PM
… (1 comments)

Belleville IL Home for Sale, 1914 W Main Street, Foreclosure - 10:40 PM
… (2 comments)

10 Reasons to Live at 8930 Church Lane 21133 Baltimore, MD - 12:15 AM
  10 Reasons to Live at 8930 Church Lane 21133 Baltimore, MD ================================================================================
   10                            Fieldstone is Baltimore's Newest  Historic Community
                                      

===================================================================================
 9 Walking distance to CCBC...just 1/2 mile.     Community College of  Baltimore County CCBC
 ===========================================================================================
8 Olive Garden Good Italian Food
===========================================================================================
7   Like to shop? You will be able to walk to the new SuperWalmart (2013)!                           
========================================================================================
6  Like to hike? Soldiers Delight Park is less than 3 miles away.              … (14 comments)

1031 CLEAR CREEK CIR, CLERMONT Fl 34714 Clear Creek - 03:12 PM
1031 CLEAR CREEK CIR, CLERMONT FL 34714                                                                   $$$ 140,900 $$$
Great location!!!Lovely 5bed/3bath home is fully Furnished. Zoned and ready for short-term rental. This home has a split open floor plan, lots of natural light and high ceilings. Repainted inside and re carpeted July 2009. Enjoy swimming all year round in the heated Southfacing pool. Relax on your shaded covered screen porch enjoying the gorgeous conservation behind. Close to shopping centers, restaurants, easy access to major roads and highways, 429, 27, I-4, 192... 10 min from the new Posner Park Mall, Walt Disney, 30 min from Downtown Orlando, Universal & Sea … (0 comments)

2173 CALEDONIAN ST, CLERMONT FL 34711 Summit Greens - 03:15 PM
2173 CALEDONIAN ST, CLERMONT FL 34711                                                                   $$$ 169,000 $$$
Bright & sunny tiled lanai with enclosed windows & shades, where you spend most of your time. NO traffic, cul-du-sac & golf frontage in rear of property. Johanna model, newest St. in Summit Greens, paver sidewalk & driveway. Open floor plan, large great room with crown modeling, rounded corners & 2 sets of sliding patio doors. Dining area has mirrors & a designer chandelier. Kitchen has 42" cabinets, electric stove with a granite counter-top, a closet pantry & tile. Carpet is in main areas & bedrooms. Beautiful landscaping in rear. Master bedroom … (0 comments)

2884 HIGHLAND VIEW CIR, CLERMONT FL 34711 Summit Green - 03:19 PM
2884 HIGHLAND VIEW CIR, CLERMONT FL 34711                                                     $$$ 274,900 $$$
Like new Doral model. Welcome home to this very spacious and open floorplan that is well suited for entertaining your guests. You will love the large family room that opens up to the kitchen and formal dining area. Split floorplan with large master suite to include, dual vanities, garden tub and separate shower, his/hers closets. Great breakfast nook area that looks out over the very large and private lot. No rear neighbors. Very large den that could easily be used as a 4th bedroom. Upgrades include, Crown Molding, Central Vac, pre-wired … (0 comments)

2437 MYAKKA DR, ORLANDO FL 32839 South Pointe - 03:24 PM
2437 MYAKKA DR, ORLANDO FL 32839                                                                        $$$ 90,000 $$$
As you pull up to your home you are welcomed by a mature tree in the front of the home which provides ample shade from the Florida Sun.  Enter through the foyer and the realization that you finally found your home sets in.  Your eyes are drawn to the airy floor plan and across the living room to the sliders that expose the natural surroundings in your back yard.  An ideal setting to have all of your friends over for a Sunday bar-b-que.  Your eat in kitchen is the perfect place to … (0 comments)

5341 SILENT BROOK DR, ORLANDO fL 32821 Somerset - 03:29 PM
5341 SILENT BROOK DR, ORLANDO FL 32821                                                                 $$$ 124,900 $$$
Nice quiet community, same owner since 1995.  No short sales or banks to deal with, community pool, spacious screened room, and more!  Great location, near Sea World, 528, I-4 and Publix Plaza.     
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 … (0 comments)

5018 HONEYNUT LN, WINDERMERE FL 34786 Silverwoods - 03:35 PM
5018 HONEYNUT LN, WINDERMERE FL 34786                                                                   $$$ 185,000 $$$
Put this spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with BRAND NEW ROOF on the top of your list!  From your foyer, you'll notice all the extras this Windermere home has to offer.  Your great room offers the perfect place to entertain, or just hang out with that special someone in front of your fireplace.  With breakfast bar open to the kitchen, you won't miss any of the action while whipping up a feast, or devouring it buffet style.  For more casual dining, imagine your bistro table adorned with your morning coffee waiting … (0 comments)

2656 SLAGROVE CT, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787 Stoneybrook West - 03:42 PM
2656 SLAGROVE CT, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787                                                       $$$ 200,000 $$$
Traditional Sale! Tired of waiting for answers on the short sales? If you are looking for a home that has been well maintained and lovingly taken care of then this is the home you have been looking for. Tucked away on a cul-de-sac street, wonderful backyard that overlooks the conservation. Sit on the screened in lanai and enjoy the nature and beautiful blooming trees in the Spring. Formal living room and dining room as you enter this home. Split floor plan gives you a seperate area for guest room or office. … (1 comments)

Happy Chinese New Year ! - 10:23 AM
HaGong Xi Fa Ca! That’s the traditional Chinese New Year greeting that means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin. Happy New Year !  Today begins the Chinese New Year and the year of the Dragon. The dragon is perceived as a mystical and auspicious creature in Chinese cultures and this year is expected to bring prosperity and transformational change.You need not be of Chinese descent to begin a positive approach at this time of their celebration which extends through the next two weeks.
     We are not the experts on Chinese culture for sure ...ask Loreena Yeo who knows first hand all … (4 comments)

Second Home Opportunity in Palm Beach, Florida - 09:32 AM
a
I explored this new development yesterday.  It is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Great location with easy access to shopping, I95 and just 6 miles to the ocean.  It is called Paloma and is built by Kolter Homes.  Paloma is a gated community with over 30% of its space preserved as open space. It offers both single family homes to the south and town homes to the north on 2 different sides of the road and each with their own club house and gym. Shown below is the entire site plan.
There are 7 different models to choose from … (0 comments)

Bank Owned Home in Knox County Ohio - 09:52 AM
Country ranch home and located on 3 acres of gorgeous land and among some impressive homes.  If you would like additional listing information be sure to visit 11178 Braddock Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
If you are interested in Knox County Ohio homes with acreage you won't want to miss our extensive inventory of available homes with acreage and larger lots.
If you are interested in viewing and comparing all of our available Knox County Ohio Bank Owned Homes feel free to view our available bank owned listings.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real … (1 comments)

Knox County Ohio Bank Owned Homes by Email - 03:31 PM
KnoxCountyBankOwned.com is a FREE service which emails you regular updates featuring our newest bank owned listings throughout Knox County Ohio.  If you are interested in purchasing a bank owned home in Knox County Ohio or if you are just looking for a home of exceptional value you owe it to yourself to take to take 60 seconds and register at KnoxCountyBankOwned.com.  You can also view all of our currently listed bank owned homes by visiting:  http://www.knoxcountyohio.com/Properties/BankOwned

Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (2 comments)

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