Archives of real estate blog entries for January 26, 2012

Featured blog posts


"Um....I Think I Love You?" - 11:45 PM
I'm just not 100% sure. Don't get me wrong, you're almost exactly I've been looking for. 
I mean, who wouldn't think you're great, right?
You're big and open and suit my lifestyle perfectly.
You're clean and modern.
You don't have alot of baggage, seem like you'd be pretty easy to live with, definitely not high maintenance....
So why am I afraid to pull the trigger?
Why can't I commit?
Honestly, I think it's because I've been burned. I've put myself out there before only to be told "no" you're not good enough.  
Higher bidders, big bankers and deep pocket investors have made me gun … (25 comments)

I remember the first time I ever … - 08:27 AM
I remember the first time I ever …
Saw a color TV. It was at my great-uncle’s house. I was told that he was very wealthy!
Used a touch-tone phone. We all marveled at the fact that we no longer had to “dial” the phone number.
Ate my first piece of shrimp. I was eighteen years old. Back in those days, we didn’t get around much, and shrimp was not as readily available as it is today.
Warmed food in a microwave oven. We take it for granted now, but it was quite a revolution back in the day!
Used my … (69 comments)

Answer the DAMN Phone! - 03:07 PM
Answer the DAMN Phone!  I apologize ahead of time if this doesn't flow with everyone. 
 
I am tired of agents so called "Realtors" who don't respond to emails or answer the phone.  I have had a good run with agents not returning emails or not returning calls.  What I hate the most is when I submit an offer and it dies.  The agent never responds or confirms receiving the offer.  I always make sure I write in my emails to respond via email or phone confirming they got the offer.  I believe it is only the right thing to … (38 comments)

English Thatch---or start from scratch. - 07:34 AM
As I was leaving an inspection the other day I drove by the house pictured here.

I have seen many attempts at putting roofs on these houses designed to look like old English Thatch roofs.  While I can appreciate the desire to mimic the old look, I have to say that I have never seen one pull off the mimic with much degree of success.
What is it about human beings that we have to make "new" things look like "old" things?  There is no end to the number of faux materials out there.  We see it in non-wood flooring … (31 comments)

Correctly Identify the Sites and Win a Kindle - 12:10 PM
Want bragging rights and a Kindle?  Yeah, me too!  Correctly identify 6 Websites based on Facebook recommendations and the prize could be yours. Leave a comment below with your best guess for A, B, C, D, E & F by midnight on Sunday, January 29th, Pacific Standard Time.  All correct answers will be entered into a drawing with one lucky winner getting a Kindle (not a Kindle Fire but still a very cool prize).
This is a tough one so I wish you much luck Rainers!
 
A                B

C     … (49 comments)

What Brad Pitt Can Teach Us About Real Estate - 09:41 AM
Sounds fishy, right? While surely Brad Pitt has purchased and sold a number of homes, it is Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Billy Beane in the movie Moneyball that can really teach us a lot about the way we think about real estate.
Don’t worry. If you have not seen the movie yet, we won’t be spoilers. For those that are unfamiliar with the storyline, Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, a former professional baseball player, current General Manager and minority owner of the Oakland A’s. The movie depicts the real life challenges faced by this team when competing in a field (pun … (17 comments)

How to Avoid the Handyman - 08:45 AM
People are usually surprised when I tell them that I’m one of the least handy homebuilders around.  It’s not that I can’t do the typical maintenance items around the house.  I just don’t want to.

Just to be clear, I’m not lazy.  My dad instilled in me a solid work ethic and I live by it, but I generally abhor home maintenance.  It always takes longer than I expect, and more importantly, it takes me away from my limited time with my family.
It seems the more people I talk to, the more I realize that I’m not an alien … (16 comments)

Advanced Blogging Strategies Webinar on ActiveRain University - 10:20 PM

Advanced Blogging Strategies
5 Ways to Enhance/Improve Your Blogging Success
Coming this Friday January 27 (9:00am PST) to ActiveRain University!
Advanced Blogging Strategies: 5 Ways to Enhance/Improve Your Blogging Success
So you've been blogging here on ActiveRain for a while now. You've got a fairly good grasp on the basics of conversational blogging; compiled an impressive archive of published articles; garnered a respectable number of readers/comments; and amassed an equally impressive amount of points. But points don't bring home the bacon, do they Bucko?
Then it's time to step up your blogging game and begin converting your content into $$$!
Join … (84 comments)

Dropping the Ball - 08:43 AM
There are times when we put forth our best effort and come up short of our goal. If it’s a personal goal, we have usually disappointed no one but ourselves. When working / playing on a team, it can be a let down for the entire group. Reminds me of the kicker from the game on Sunday. Who would want to be that guy?
It seems of late I have been inspecting quite a few modular homes. First of all I do not think they are inferior to stick built homes. In fact there are some qualities of the construction process … (48 comments)

Focus, Focus, Focus! - 09:12 AM
How's that New Year's resolution working out for you?  As we approach the end of January I just wanted to check in to see if you are still on track with those resolutions you made just a few short weeks ago.
Have You Fallen Off The Wagon? Although I am an optimist, I would have to say that you have probably fallen out the wagon...if not totally, than a little.  I'm here to remind you to focus, focus, focus.  If you plan on achieving those goals you just set, than you have to keep your eye on the prize.  Success doesn't just happen, … (54 comments)

Ancient Ironwood Tree at Sunset, Tucson, AZ - 07:23 AM

~ Ancient Ironwood at Sunset ~
While Seattle is dealing with an unusually snowy winter, Tucson is basking in glorious warmth, and today will be in the mid-seventies.
This sunset photo, taken at the Ironwood Picnic Area in Tucson Mountain Park, is a visual blanket to wrap around yourself as you're pouring the morning cup of coffee.
Come visit!  We have great home prices, world-class real estate agents, and some of the best interest rates available since you were born.
Oh!  And I forgot to mention that Tucson has the lowest gasoline prices in the nation!
...and world-class golf resorts.
… (30 comments)

Why didn't my house sell? - 07:47 AM
You had your house for sale in Litchfield County... and it didn't sell. (You might be thinking.. why is she writing about that again?) In a nutshell, NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TALK ABOUT IT, WRITE ABOUT IT, WE STILL GET THESE PHONE CALLS! We have some tough questions for home owners. It is our roadmap, so to speak.
Did you have a dollar amount already set when you priced your home? Did your price reflect what you want to get for the sale of your home? Did your price reflect the current local real estate market activity? Do you … (34 comments)

Major Changes to YouTube and Facebook - What Do You Think? - 09:19 PM
Will the Major Changes to Facebook and YouTube create a loss in Users/Viewers?  YouTube says that they get 4 Billion hits per day.  Facebook claims 800,000,000 User Accounts.  But many Users are miffed and not happy about Recent Changes. 
 
__________________________________________

YouTube



      The recent change to YouTube has left many people perplexed and annoyed. 
     Some YouTubers spent a lot of time and money designing custom backgrounds and graphics.  Now, those customizations are gone, and YouTube looks like a stainless steel kitchen appliance top. 

     On March 1, every Channel will be forced … (43 comments)

Honest mistakes happen... - 11:31 AM
... but, how we respond to them is what really matters.
I was out with some clients yesterday morning, and in my notes I had transposed a show anytime house with an appointment only home. Absolutely, my fault, and it could have made the owners particularly mad had they been home.
I discovered this mistake when the listing agent called me while we were still in the house. Rightfully so, she was mad and wondered why we were there with no appointment. I am just as protective of my appointment only homes, and understood the impetus of the call. But, did … (15 comments)

APPRAISER GUIDANCE REGARDING DISTRESSED VALUATIONS - 08:37 AM
“Appraiser Guidance Regarding Distressed Valuations”

The appraiser world feels that they are being wrongly blamed for any decline in real estate values. We see 100 appraisals a month and can certainly speak from real life experiences. When there is an appraisal issue and we look closely at the values, the comparables that are used are very often the root of the problems.

I know that most appraisers to a really good job, they don’t go out of their way to come up with the lowest possible value. However, AI speaks to the issue about using comparables that are distressed … (19 comments)

Uh Well, Yes I Am The Same Person Who "Sold" You The House......The One Underwater Today - 03:38 PM

 
Yes.....I've been working in real estate long enough to have lived through some boom and bust. As a result, some of my buyers are underwater today, and along with lenders, we are the face of the industry. But blaming us? I'd rather you didn't.
I had a shocking phone call yesterday. I was making some phone calls to past clients to check in with them, say "hi" and of course....ask for referrals.
Although I do become quite fond of my clients when we are working together, it's still a business relationship.
I almost always end the transaction on a … (39 comments)

Why Properly Pricing Is Important - 10:22 AM
   
We love our homes! We invest our time, talent, and tender loving care into them. It’s a “Pride of Ownership” thing. I know many a seller whose home displays this attribute…neat, clean, meticulous, with timely upgrades and improvements, and that suits their personal style. Of course they want the highest dollar for their home when selling, who wouldn’t?
But what determines the selling price in any market is what a qualified and able buyer is willing to pay for it. If you’re not getting any action, you’re priced too high. To determine the best price we mine data; … (16 comments)

I Swear I am Being Tested.... - 01:08 PM
On the heels of my announcement that I am studying for my brokers' license, I have been made aware of a situation with one of the agents that I have been mentoring.  Here is the situation:
The listing agent, my mentored agent, has a new listing that is ultimately controlled by a relocation company.  She is not new to the relocation process, though she does not the know the process as well as a seasoned agent might.  In this scenario, once an offer is verbally accepted by all parties, the relocation company takes over to complete the executed contract.  But hold on, it is … (122 comments)

Old Timers in Real Estate..What About us? - 10:27 PM
I have been in the real estate industry for 32 years. I still find it exciting because I never know what’s coming next.It seems like current classes and the need to buy “this and that” to be successful are geared to mostly the newbies. What about us old timers? Don’t forget us..we also need a boost to keep things interesting and to stay in the positive mode. How about classes geared  to longevity in the business?What technology do we REALLY need? Trying to keep up with it all will not really bring us new business just make what business we have … (44 comments)

Sleepless in Yardley - 07:19 AM
Sleepless in Yardley I haven't slept for a year.  At different times in my life, I have gone through periods of not sleeping. The worst was during the 1993, the year of the ice storms on the East Coast. I vividly remember waking up each night in the wee hours, and then being up for hours, usually the rest of my very full day.
When my sleeplessness returned just about a year ago, I was understandably very concerned. I have tried all kinds of remedies in the last few months. Warm milk, no help. Reading until feeling drowsy, no such luck. Counting … (56 comments)

Hey, you can't do that - A tale of a lost listings photos - 10:31 AM
Seeing a property you had listed and didnt get sold relist with a agent sucks sometimes. Sometimes it sucks a bit more, Here's how.
 I ran into a girl I went to high school with a couple years ago, got to talking and she wanted to sell her house. Awesome, cause I just so happen to sell houses! Listed her property a week later. For a higher price than what I comped the home out at. Fine, We have all been there. It didnt sell (seen that one coming a mile away, right). It sat off the market for some time because … (105 comments)


Blog posts


USA Hotel for Sale - Area/Market: Deland/Stetson University/Daytona Beach/Orlando - FL Real Estate - 05:45 AM
Florida Franchise Hotel for Sale … (0 comments)

Michael Pacheco Where Are You? - 08:56 PM
Michael Pacheco Where Are You?
Today I want to apologize.  I have been out showing houses all day and have a flu comming on.  My wife is foisting medicinal herbs - Sadly it is just tea!  Today I will be the king of "Get R Done" crappy content.  I am crawling towards the finish line of this contest and am not going to miss a day.  
As I noted yesterday I have only had two invitee's accept my invite.  I talked about one yesterday.  The other one is Michael Pacheco and I have no idea who he is!  I thought he … (4 comments)

You're Invited to a B.T.'s Smokehouse Pig Roast in February! - 09:03 AM
You're Invited to a B.T.'s Smokehouse Pig Roast!  When:  February 4, 2012 Where:  Sturbridge Coffee House Time:  Starts at 4PM Food at 5PM Cost:  $20 - Tickets can be purchased at B.T.'s Smokehouse, Sturbridge Coffee House or Pioneer Brewery  Pig Roast in February?  I think YES!  Come on down to this Pig Roast in Sturbridge on February 4th.  Music by local band Livestock, beer provided by Pioneer Brewery, Pig & all the Fixins by your local favorite purveyor of all things delicious - B.T.'s Smokehouse! This is a fun filled family event that you WON'T want to miss! … (2 comments)

3 Bedroom Young Colonial For Sale in Douglas - Just Move In! - 03:30 PM
Young Like New Colonial Ready To Move In … (0 comments)

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Rustic Ranch For Sale in Charlton on 11 Acres - 03:42 PM
Rustic Charming Ranch on 11 Acres … (2 comments)

HAR TOOLS Overview with Danny Frank - 11:53 PM
Do you want or need to learn about the FREE tools that HAR.com offers its members?  Danny Frank, Chairman-Elect HAR, will be giving a class on the tools of the trade and how to use them in your real estate business. The class will be held at the Keller Williams Realty office in Pearland from 10 to 11:30 on Friday, Jan 27, 2012. The class is free to Realtors. You can RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/236531279760558/Become part of something biggerKeller Williams Realty is a company that changes lives. The culture is as diverse as the countless ways in which associates and market centers … (1 comments)

10 reasons to live in Colonial Village and the Perfect Home Located at 7014 Deerfield Rd - 12:16 AM
 
     10 reasons to live in Colonial Village and the          perfect home located at 
7014 Deerfield Road in Pikesville, MD 21208.                                                       
 
                                    
This Colonial Village home at 7014 Deerfield is a wonderful Brick home with a two story addition. There have been numerous updates in the last five years including the roof, hot water heater, the furnace with  3 zone heating, central air, all wood floors, level back yard with privacy fence, large shed and a first floor … (6 comments)

Please Keep Your Pets Safe! - 11:22 PM
 
                                                  
 
… (7 comments)

Experience OUTSTANDING Oriental Cuisine at MEIJI in Waukesha Wisconsin - 07:39 AM
 
     It was our very great pleasure to celebrate Chinese New Year at MEIJI Chinese and Japanese Restaurant in Waukesha, WIsconsin with  our very happy sellers who just received an offer on their home. Mrs. Seller is an oriental gourmet cook and in fact teaches cooking classes so we knew that their menu recommendations would be wonderful and  we were not at all disappointed !
 
     We followed our guests recommendation in their restaurant choice….a new restaurant owned by an experienced restauranteur,, a friend of our guests who paid meticulous attention to every aspect of our dining experience.  We … (10 comments)

Sleek Sophistication in Burlingame - 02:32 PM

… (0 comments)

Remodeling Your Bathroom This Year? - 10:12 AM
Thinking of a bath remodel this year, either for yourself or to increase your house value?  Check this link for some great ideas on how to do it while bringing it "GREEN"!    http://bit.ly/oEbo99       … (1 comments)

Just Listed! Fabulous Fox Chapel Rental with Fantastic Amenities -Welcome to 129 Fort Evans Road SE, Leesburg - 10:33 AM
Fabulous Fox Chapel Rental with Fantastic Amenities! … (0 comments)

Great Rental in Skyview Park! Make 8451 Byers Drive, Alexandria, Yours TODAY! - 10:39 AM
Fabulous Rental in Skyview Park! … (0 comments)

21731 Ladbroke Grove Court, Sterling, is Under Contract! - 10:44 AM
Missed your opportunity to get into this single family for less than a townhome? No problem! Give us a call and we can help you find your very own dream home! 703-574-3487 Single Family Home at Townhouse Price! … (1 comments)

Dominion High School & Velocity 5 Stick-It to Sarcoma - 01:05 PM
Dominion High School & Velocity 5 Stick-It to Sarcoma

 
Cancer sucks. That’s why the Dominion High School Ice Hockey team is joining forces with the Velocity 5 Restaurant, located in the Great Falls Plaza in Sterling, to Stick-It to Sarcoma! A fundraiser will be held February 7th from 5PM-10PM at the restaurant and 10% of all proceeds will be donated to Sharon Heiden, wife of coach Brad Priver, who is in recovery from the disease.
In addition to food and fun, musical talent will be provided by our one and only, Andrew Tufano! Andrew plays on the hockey team … (3 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:2103 Campbell Road Montgomery, Al 36111 - 07:15 PM
… (2 comments)

Living In Paradise – Naples, Florida, Pelican Bay! - 07:54 AM
 

From the exclusive shops of 5th Avenue, to unique dining experiences, to world-class level championship golf courses, Naples is THE most sought after luxury living location in Florida.

What exactly does Naples have to offer? Not only does Naples have miles of pristine beaches, but it is situated right at the edge of the Everglades, making it a perfect location for people who love both the best of the city and the raw beauty of the natural environment. The combination of gorgeous homes, luxurious neighborhoods and outdoor living makes Naples second to none in terms of daily … (3 comments)

442 tips to keep your house in tip-top shape - 10:35 AM
 
 
Book Review: 'What's a Homeowner to Do?'  
 
 
The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about it, here's your opportunity. 
 
If you've ever bought one of those little gift books that has a year's worth of daily inspirational messages, this book will remind you of one of those. It's a small-format book filled with 442 tips, diagrams, and easy-to-use, bite-sized tutorials for do-it-yourself home improvement, maintenance and safety projects.
 
Fanuka, the star of the show … (0 comments)

Beautiful 2 Car Garage in Coppermine Crossing Townhome for Rent in Fairfax County/Herndon VA 20171 - 10:54 AM
… (4 comments)

mickey mantle - 06:34 PM
"A Revolution in Public-School Design:
The Legacy of Charles B. J. Snyder"   
A Slide Lecture by Jean ArringtonIntroduction by Fran Rosenfeld, P.S. 166 alum and LW! Education Committee member   
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Macaulay Honors College, 35 West 67th Street
Click here to purchase tickets
 
Visionary and innovative, the Progressive-Era architect Charles B.J. Snyder made more changes to New York City's schools during his 31-year career (1891-1922) as the Superintendent of School Buildings for the NYC Board of Education than have occurred in the subsequent 90 years.  Responsible for the planning, design, and construction of … (0 comments)

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