Archives of real estate blog entries for January 6, 2012

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The Lender Has Locked me Out of My Listing !!! - 09:50 AM
     I just had to write about a first time experience that happened yesterday. It has been very cold in PA this week ! And a national lender has had a contract vendor scoping out a number of delinquent mortgage accounts to determine if they are still owner occupied. Well my sellers moved out of my listing several months ago and when the bank vendor inspected the property he determined it was abandoned(unoccupied). He went in and winterized the property(thank you), but also changed all of the locks !
     This brings me to my current dilemma. We just had a … (198 comments)

Should you make an offer based on recent sales and current listings? - 10:03 AM
There are still markets where buyers feel that any offer is a good one.  Some sellers would agree, especially in difficult markets.  In others, the recovery has put the market into a balanced state where offers are more consistent with what is determined by a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA for short).  That means, offers tend to match the listing price.  As a home buyer, you need to weigh how the offer you make will be received by the seller and their agent.  So, how do you decide if you should make an offer based on recent sales and current listings?
Is … (27 comments)

Remembering Trust - 07:55 PM

Yeah, I remember that Trust guy. He was something else - seemed like he was everywhere. You couldn't do anything without him being involved, and just having him there made everyone comfortable and happy. We sure don't see him much these days, and I, for one, sure miss having him around. Why, I remember my grandmother investing her whole life savings in General Motors and GE - ol' Trust made that possible and it couldn't have worked out better. Can you imagine anyone today investing their entire life savings in any big corporation? And when my dad needed to borrow … (76 comments)

Who told you it's a buyer's market? - 11:27 AM
It's a buyer's market ...To that, I say "really? who told you this and do they even know your set of circumstances better than your own Realtor?"
Everybody thinks it's a buyer's market. I cringe when I here a buyer say that. As a Realtor I wear two hats because I represent both buyers and sellers. Working different sides of a real estate transaction is what makes me a well rounded agent.  I can be objective at all times.  It's not that I don't fight for my clients, but I do help them to put things into perspective. 
One of the … (35 comments)

Save On Your Taxes With Ohio Homestead Exemption Program! - 02:11 PM
Save On Your Taxes With Ohio Homestead Exemption Program!Turn 65 this year?  Did you know you're entitled to a break on your Ohio real estate property taxes?  But YOU have to do something or the Ohio government isn't going to cut you a break!  And we're going to make it easy for you with the information you need to understand the program and what YOU need to do to save yourself some serious dollars! And don't we all have places we'd rather spend our money before filling the taxman's purse?
To go directly to the governement website click for details on … (26 comments)

Do I represent my client or my pocketbook? - 06:41 PM
Do I represent my client or my pocketbook?
Representation is the one and only concern when a Realtor works with a buyer or seller, period!  Most Realtors understand the incredible responsibility taken on when representing another in what may well be the largest transaction of their life.  However there are certain practices that may be interpreted as representing their own pocketbook far ahead of representing the best interest of their client.  Keep in mind that a Realtor has a Fiduciary relationship and responsibility to those they represent.  A Fiduciary is, in the eyes of the law, the highest degree of trust, … (41 comments)

Bring on the Success 2012! - 03:43 PM
We are 6 days into the New Year.  A blank chapter of your life is currently being written by you.  One day you'll look back and say "Oh what a great year 2012 was, one of the best years in real estate".  It's up to you to make that a reality and with the educated minds of our Community leading the way not a hard one.
Check out the first batch of 2012 superstars and their stories.  Bring on the Success 2012!
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you … (58 comments)

Citi - VA Compromise Sale in Navarre Florida - Approved in 24 Days - 06:12 PM

This home in The Meadows, in Navarre Florida was just approved as a VA Compromise Sale.  The gorgeous 2008 property with in-ground pool and three car garage, went under contract in about 30 days.  We prepared the VA short sale package for Citi Mortgage, faxed it, followed up and received approval for our seller in 24 days! What is normally included in a simple VA Compromise Sale package? Hardship Letter Dodd-Frank Certification Two years tax returns Financial worksheet Proof of Income Bank Statements Preliminary Settlement Statement Listing Agreement Buyer Proof of Funds Contract (purchase and sale agreement) Authorization to speak … (6 comments)

Why You SHOULD Care about the School System Even When Moving WITHOUT KIDS - 12:48 PM
Why You SHOULD Care about the School System Even When Moving WITHOUT KIDS
Its not uncommon for buyers moving without kids to not worry about the school system but the reality is that there are reasons why you should care about the school system even when moving without kids.
For starters, are kids in your future?  Maybe you don't have kids today but if kids are in your future, the school system will then be important.  Maybe your intention would be to sell in a few years prior to your kids attending school but keep in mind, circumstances can change and you … (34 comments)

Ethics Getting In The Way Of Representing Your Clients? - 11:36 AM

 
 
I've read a few blogs recently about agents who have "fired" their clients due to situations they find unethical. Miss-behaving clients. It's caused me to think a bit about my own career in real estate and some of the clients I've had to work with....how I handled these situations.
One thing all the situations have in common is that I have not bowed out of the transaction. My feeling is that I'm there to do my job and do it honestly. I can do that regardless of how my client behaves.
I've seen it all....I hope!
I've had … (95 comments)

Manhattan Market Report Fourth Quarter 2011 - 05:01 PM
Manhattan Market Reports
Although sales experienced a seasonal slowing in the Fourth Quarter, the value of Manhattan real estate continues to be stable.  Overall, the average price per square foot in Manhattan was off only 1% from last quarter and the year before, at $1,044. 
In the case of condominiums, limited inventory resulted in the highest pricing levels since late 2008.  Cooperatives held steady, with mild decreases or unchanged metrics. 
Thankfully, as I have been blogging about for years, the Manhattan sales market is stronger than most of the rest of the country with foreign buyers, a diversified employment … (14 comments)

Carlsbad Homes for Sale - What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in December 2011? - 06:40 PM
What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in December 2011?
The Carlsbad real estate market continues to shift, and the statistics for December show a number of changes from last month. These data do not include private sales or manufactured/mobile/multi-family housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.
READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBAD: 
 Carlsbad Village by the Sea 
101 Things to do In and Around Carlsbad
Carlsbad California and Historic Route 101 - The Coast Highway
Media reports speak in general terms, so their information may not represent the reality … (11 comments)

Five Realtor Secrets Home Buyers Should Know - 06:28 AM
When preparing to purchase a home, whether you’re a first time home buyer or looking for an investment home, it pays to do your homework before house hunting. But where do you start? Do as the experts do! Here are some insider tips Real Estate Agents follow to know where to find great homes for their clients.
Study The Local PricingEvery agent knows to study current house price trends in their areas, and you should too. See what the average home price is in the town you’re looking at, then compare them to the average price in neighboring towns. This will … (45 comments)

When A Furnace Blows Cold Air - 06:14 AM
It is always interesting when a furnace blows cold air. 
I get interesting phone calls all the time.  This one was from somebody who felt cold air blowing on her as she slept in her bed at night.  She had paid more than one HVAC company to come to investigate her furnace, which, they determined, was working properly and blowing hot air.
So, I asked, "Does your house warm up when the furnace comes on?"
"Yes, but it blows cold air."
I don't know about you, but that doesn't add up to me.  So I made an appointment and went over.
… (72 comments)

How to Choose a Successful, Reputable Home Stager - 02:33 AM
 
How to Choose a Successful, Reputable Home Stager
Just like any profession there are steps to follow when choosing a top-quality, ethical home stager with a proven track record.
Follow these steps BEFORE you hire a home stager:
The first thing you want to see is their portfolio of work. Make sure they have before and after photos, preferably at the same angle, but at least so you can see it’s the same room. If they don’t have before photos, it’s a big red flag and suggests it’ may not be their work. Any reputable home stager will have a … (72 comments)

Blogging About Listings.....A Smart Move.....Sellers Love It....Not Many Agents Do It!!! - 05:27 PM
It’s only 5:10 p.m. and after reading the compliments that Paul Henderson wrote about my blogging, I thought I’d better step it up a bit!!  One of the commenters mentioned that he assumed that most of the posts were only listing posts.
When I read that comment I had to respond with my thoughts on that topic.  In my opinion, the “guts” of blogging is about inventory.  We want our sellers to feel that they have a wonderful presence online and what better way to prove that than to add a rider to their sign that says “Google This Address?”  One … (96 comments)

I touched the HOT STOVE again and got Burned! - 02:14 PM
  I touched the HOT Stove again and got Burned! 
I swore in 2008 I would not do this again.  It hurt and it hurt bad.  
I worked with a buyer without having a buyers agreement for over a year.  Shame on ME!  
Back in 2008 I was a new Real Estate Agent and would drive people all over the county and show people homes without a Buyers Agreement.  Back then I was desperate to make sales and would take anyone out that would let me.  I was burned by a buyer and lost $11,000 that year and the … (56 comments)

Does the Stripper Pole Convey? - 08:15 AM
While browsing some listings this morning for one of my clients, I came across a house that seemed really promising...until I got to the picture of the master bedroom.  Umm, does the stripper pole convey?
 
I'm not judging homeowners for having a stripper pole in their home, but I'm wondering if it is really necessary for them to leave it up while trying to sell their place?  I'm not a very conservative person myself, but certainly this may be a turn off for select buyers.  When preparing their home to place it on the market, did the listing agent really … (73 comments)

Where do YOU want to go today? - 07:59 PM
2012 brings with it some high expectations - can't get any worse, right? Doing well in 2012 is going to require some goals, and some SMARTS.
Goals must be SPECIFIC. That is, "Be happy" or "Make more money" are not so much goals as wishes. "Increase my income by 50% in 2012" is a specific goal. "Spend 4 mornings a week prospecting" is a specific goal. If you don't know exactly where you're going, how will you know when you get there?
Goals must be MEASURABLE. "Have more appointments" isn't as measurable as "Have 3 listing appointsments per week" or "Show … (52 comments)

Do You Pursue Expired & Canceled Listings? - 07:42 PM
I haven't in a long time. The reason was I had a seller who's listing expired. They wanted it to expire and for me to create a new listing so it would be new on the MLS. During that whole 2 days that it wasn't listed, they said they received 28 letters either mailed thru the post office, left on their door or under their doormat, stuffed in their mailbox, and even had some agents knock on their door. They told those agents they were relisting with me.
Their impression? VULTURES. They actually told me it was like 28 vultures after … (92 comments)


Blog posts


Mexico Real Estate: Special/Multi Purpose uses may include Holiday, Nature Retreat, Hot Springs Spa, Eco Retreat & More! - 04:17 PM
Mexico Spa Haven - Special Purpose - 24 acres (10 hectares) of land in the Primavera Forest … (0 comments)

New Hampshire First in the Nation Primary - A Bit of History - 09:06 AM
New Hampshire has the distinction of holding the First in the Nation Primary and it all started with a small town farmer back in 1913.  He felt he should have the right to vote for the person to represent him and his party at the national convention so he introduced legislation which was passed into law and thus made the way for a primary election. 
New Hampshire didn’t become First in the Nation until 1920 when State law required that the New Hampshire primary must be the first in the nation.
Although, New Hampshire has had very little snow this … (58 comments)

2128 Seville Avenue - Balboa Peninsula Point - Newport Beach CA - $1,995,000 - 06:01 PM

Unlimited MLS Access at: OC-CoastalProperties.com
"Your gateway to exceptional service"
This property marketed in association with Tim Carr.
© Copyright 2012, Allan E. Heller. All rights reserved.  DRE #00464662 … (0 comments)

VA Short Sale Program - 01:13 PM
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a Compromise Sale Program for VA Loans if the borrower is unable to sell the property for an amount that is greater than or equal to what he/she owes on the loan, including closing costs.  VA may pay a compromise claim for the difference in order to allow the private sale to go through.  For more information go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/roanoke/RLC/forms/COMP-SALEProgramTrainingVaBeach.pdf.
 
I always want to know what is available to help folks get out of mortgages they cannot afford.
… (1 comments)

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca - "I'm Mayhem, and I'm Your Worst Nightmare!" - 12:28 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
If you are selling a home there are some steps you should take to protect your home and family.  This post outlines a few of them.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca or Beyond and a Free Home Evaluation go to Home Point Real Estate.  
Via Julia Maher, Connecticut Home Stager Staging Fairfield & New Haven Counties (Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes):
"I'm Mayhem, and I'm Your Worst Nightmare!"

I like small children.
I surf the internet looking for them.
I don't have to bother with social networking sites.
I can use the … (0 comments)

Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca: Adding life and warmth to your listings over the winter. - 12:33 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
If you are selling a home here are a few simple staging tips that will enhance your home and help you to sell your home.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca or Beyond and a Free Home Evaluation go to Home Point Real Estate.  
Via Vanessa Helmick (Fiore Interiors):
I specialize in vacant home staging. I own a warehouse full of inventory and arsenal of staging accents. Some of the most valuable ones are my accessories-quality silk plants, dried hydrangeas, and other accents that warm up the house in the cold darker months. A few well … (2 comments)

Reaching People Across a Culture! - 02:35 PM
Reaching People Across a Culture
I have a friend named Matt Vance. Matt came from a pretty rough background. I will let him share his story with you if he wants. But Matt met a man named Jesus and it turned his life around and saved his family.
I got to know Matt when he was one of my sons leaders back in Ranger Kids five or six years ago and latter him and I had some heartfelt talks at a men's retreat. Matt ministers and works with other men coming out of the gang and inner city culture.
Matt … (1 comments)

Active Rain Blogging is Getting Much Better – But Re-blogs are Harder to Find! - 03:43 PM
Active Rain Blogging is Getting Much Better – But Re-blogs are Harder to Find!
When I first started with Active Rain most of the post were much more general in nature. I have no empirical proof – just my impression. There were also a lot more political and social post not related to directly to real estate or lending.
What I have seen happening is a lot more hyper-local post. This is not a bad thing, it is due to good training her at Active Rain on how to reach the community.
Often times there are good general knowledge post … (0 comments)

The Change at G-Mail is On! - 04:25 PM
The Change at G-Mail is On!
For a long time it was an option to make the change, but yesterday was the Day My G-Mail account was switched to the new format.
I notice the cosmetic changes, but I am not sure about more relevant changes to how it might work. Honestly I do not like change just for the sake of change. This kind of stylistic change seems poor to me. Fewer words and more symbols; but I am old and stupid and do not always get the symbols. (I refer to this type of “writing” as ancient Egyptian … (8 comments)

Lake Travis High School Parade of Champions - Hill Country Galleria - Elmo - January 7 2012 - 12:26 PM
I know where I'll probably be this Saturday, January 7, 2012!!
 
Since the Lake Travis Football team won their 5th straight state Championship, the Lake Travis Girls' Volleyball team won their second in a row State Championship, the Boys Golf Team won State Champion, the Girls' Golf Team were the runner-up, the Lake Travis Tennis Team were state runner-up, in addition to the State Finalist Lake Travis Cavalier March Band and 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program Honorees... the city is having a Parade of Champions for the Red and Black!!
 

 
WOW! That's a lot of excellence in … (1 comments)

Lake Pointe - Bee Cave Austin TX - Market Report 2010 vs 2011 - 04:47 PM
Lake Pointe in Bee Cave Austin TX has some great year-end sales for 2011.  People always ask if the real estate market is getting "better".  What does "better" mean? It's very subjective... I decided to pull up sales data in Lake Pointe for all of 2010 to compare it to all the sales data for 2011.  For full disclosure, the charts and data below do NOT include the custom section in the back nor the gated section of Lake Pointe. Here is the data for the Days on the Market: 
   
The big blue sections in both charts show … (4 comments)

Stanislaus County Home Sales for December 2011 -TURLOCK - - 04:58 PM
Stanislaus County Home Sales for December 2011 -TURLOCK - 
 
The sales figures for Turlock California for December 2011 are in.  The totals below are for single family homes sold in Turlock.
 
Total Sales - 79  (84 Homes sold in December 2010)
 
Bank owned Sales - 28  which was 35% of all sales.
 
Short Sales - 24 which was 30% of all sales
 
Overall, distressed sales (Bank owned and short sales) made up 65% of all sales.
 
The lowest price home sold in Turlock during December 2011 was $42,000.  
 
The highest price … (0 comments)

Your video has gone viral on Hanoi - 10:21 PM
One of my friends received this comment on a YouTube video: "Your video has gone viral on Hanoi" I know its probably just nonsense, but does anyone know what "Hanoi" is? A video sharing site? Googling didn't reveal anything..... … (7 comments)

10 Common Short Sale Mistakes And How To Avoid Them - 03:34 PM

10 Most Common Short Sale Mistakes And
How to Avoid Them
Not Qualifying the Seller Their financial situation (current assets etc) Hardship (will give clues to how you will get approval) Type of mortgage If it’s FHA loan and other types, can try to get pre-approved Is Fannie or Freddie? Not preparing the seller for cash contribution and/or promissory note (part of #1 but so important!) Not doing preliminary title search Not controlling the list price and subsequent price reductions Advising your seller to accept an offer that is too low Not controlling the terms of contract – buyer end, … (5 comments)

Sources of Internet Leads - 09:45 PM
I've been focusing on internet leads for some time now. I would love to be in a position to refer leads out to other agents.
I now have three websites for lead generation, www.FindAtlantaHomes.com, www.SearchConyersHomes.com and www.SearchCovingtonHomes.com.  The FindAtlantaHomes.com site is on a wordpress platform that I, along with Candace Robinson designed. I was not diligent last year in writing posts for it nor for my active rain blog and my results have really fallen off. I am working on more posts this year and really want to bring this site back up in the search engines.
My SearchConyersHomes.com site is … (3 comments)

Have The Winter Blahs? Pick Up A Paintbrush - 11:51 PM
There is no better antidote for the winter blahs than picking up a can of paint and refreshing a room.  It's inexpensive and the impact can be huge.  Whether you're planning on putting your home on the market or just want a little update, you can't get a better return on investment.
Think color when you head for the paint store.  When your walls are white, or off white, you're always fighting to warm up the space.  The new neutrals, the tans, taupes, beiges create a beautiful backdrop for your design, no matter what your style preference.  Many urban settings are going … (6 comments)

All Burgers are NOT Created Equal...Come to Matty's And Experience the Difference ! - 06:29 AM
       Matty's Bar is soooo not just a bar...not just a sports bar...not "just" anything....and proprietor, Matt Anderson is always on a perpetual quest to please customers....great atmosphere...super service....and the ever changing delicious menu. Something for everyone....whether you are Vegan....Prefer fish, enjoy an appetizer...you will always find something on Matty's menu to please your palate.
        We heard the raves all over Waukesha County and had to find out more....and taste the latest culinary delight...The Smokehouse Burger....what is everyone talking/tasting about ?  Matty also has a catering service and the building next door has an ample kitchen where some of his … (11 comments)

Utica Ohio Car Wash For Sale - 12:48 AM
This may be your opporunity for you to become your own boss and own a cash flow business.  Automatic car washes typically generate and prosper in even slower economic times.  This particular automated car wash features an fully automated wash bay with dryer plus an open air powerwash wand outside bay which is ideal for commercial vehicles and utility trailers plus there is a coin operated vacuum and fragrance dispencer.  There is public / city water available but this car wash utilizes a private water well water and a softner system which enhances profitability yet it still utilizes public sewer.  Utica … (4 comments)

New Hope For Real Estate? - 03:43 PM
Maybe it’s that usual New Year’s hopefulness induced by the popular belief that the new calendar year brings good luck. Or maybe it’s the emotional need to dig ourselves out of what has surely been one of the more depressing times in the U.S. economy. My opinion? There is still hope in real estate...continue reading … (0 comments)

IPad Discoveries Christmas Day, Yeah! - 09:38 PM
Cheryl has done a great job of discovering uses for the IPAD and I am enjoying the reads to see what mine will do. Will the ipad replace the computer or what. There is so many things we can do.
THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com
Charles Stallions, CRS, CSP, CBR, CDPS, SREE, EREI - 800-309-3414, a leader in real estate investing, buying and selling. Lead Real Estate negotiator for several investment clubs as well as investors throughout the US. Call Charles for a list of references before buying or selling you what some consider being their largest investment.
 
Via Cheryl Ritchie, … (1 comments)

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