Archives of real estate blog entries for February 19, 2012

Featured blog posts


Buying a Home is Like Marriage - Easy In But Tough Out - 11:16 AM
I often compare buying a home to getting married; there are many parallels if you take a second to think about it. This comment often raises eyebrows and once a few of the obvious one are pointed out, I get to the one that buyers miss.
If buying a home is likely to be the single most financially important thing that you’ll do, getting married has to be the single most socially important thing you’ll do (with a big foot in the financial camp). A few of the more obvious similarities:
- Both are significant social milestones- Both are significant financial … (24 comments)

DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT THE ONLINE APPLICATION BEFORE VIEWING THE RENTAL? I JUST WANT TO LOOK AT IT. - 06:07 PM
DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT THE ONLINE APPLICATION BEFORE VIEWING THE RENTAL? I JUST WANT TO LOOK AT IT.
I talk to several people on a daily basis inquiring about my available rentals from online advertising. The Phoenix rental market continues to get stronger as more and more people continue to relocate to the Valley. Owners want their homes filled with qualified tenants as soon as possible to start cash flowing a property. No Problem! Easy? The beat goes on.
Here is the normal communication between the potential tenant and myself.
Tenant: Hi! May I speak with Harry.
Me: Hi, … (36 comments)

Prepare Your House For Sale With the Guest of Honor in Mind - 06:17 AM
The Home Buyer is the Guest of Honor
When selling your Birmingham Alabama home, you should apply that same tenacity as if you wereplanning a party for a guest of honor.  Think about it:  Don't you want the guest of honor to be pleased enough to make an offer on your house that is for sale?  That is your goal right? 
Have you ever planned a party for someone at your house?  If so, then I'm sure that you try to think of everything that might make it a pleasant experience for the guest of honor.  Right?  If you have … (30 comments)

Sometimes Learning a Valuable Lesson Can Be Painful - 01:13 PM
I have recently learned a very valuable lesson (although I really should have known better).  I have a new Mac computer (which I love).  However, because it was new, I slacked off on backing up my information.  DUMB!! My hard-drive crashed.  OK, I thought.  I'll just send it to a data recovery company who charges an arm and a leg but specializes in retrieving lost information.  No Problem right?
Well, I received a call from the data retrieval technician who told me she was very sorry but the data was unrecoverable.  What?? What do you mean unrecoverable?  That information contains things … (60 comments)

"Gift Money" Acceptable Donors & Required Documentation - 05:55 PM
A couple of days ago I posted a blog on "Seasoning Money", and ended the blog stating that I would post another blog on "Gift Money" Acceptable Donors & Required  Documentation.  After thinking about that a little more, I will actually be posting at least a couple of blogs on this topic, because the documentation does change between Conventional and FHA Loan, and one blog would simply would be to long.  I will start with Conventional Loans, and what Fannie Mae considers to be an acceptable donor, and the documentation that Fannie Mae requires.
Fannie Mae allows for an acceptable … (26 comments)

I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You- February 12-February 18, 2012 - 05:01 AM
I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You.  February 12-February 18, 2012I learn something new every day at ActiveRain!  With this series I try to highlight one post per day that gave me that “lightbulb” moment.
 It may have been about something techie... about blogging and SEO.... anything having to do with Staging or Real Estate... about the world or even about the Blogger.  
February 12-   Charles Buell -  Like Charles, I use my camera on Staging consultations or when I’m out to give a Staging Bid.  But I not only … (50 comments)

The Voice of San Diego Real Estate | Staging a Townhome on a Small Budget - 01:45 PM
The Voice of San Diego Real Estate | Staging a Townhome on a Small Budget
Staging a property and adding some good light sources can make all the difference in how the property looks to the Buyer. When I looked at this townhome for the first time, I could see the potential but the client was really not interested in putting any money into it for staging purposes but I did convince the owner to budget $500 for miscellaneous items such as pillows and a few colorful objects with several new light sources.
I found a large rusted bird in the … (43 comments)

Why Do I Have To Decide So Quick When Buying an Intown Atlanta Home? - 04:34 AM
I was out with a first time home buyer this past week. They were uncertain if they even wanted to purchase a home, but they took the first necessary step and were pre approved with one of my lenders. An important first step, so, as a Buyer, you are comfortable with the price of the homes we are going to look at.
So off we went. This particular Buyer had already identified for homes they wanted to see. From the time our initial conversations started until we hit the street, one of those 4 homes went Under Contract. So, there were … (26 comments)

How to "Interview" Potential Buyer Clients - 08:30 PM
How many times has a potential buyer wanted to meet you in order to "Interview" you?
Every time someone wants to meet me so they can "interview" me I fall out of my chair laughing.  
Why???
Because it's funny!!! (At least to me).  It's quite humorous, and ironic, don't you think?  How in the heck can someone with no experience in real estate "interview" an agent with any semblance of knowledge?  .
But, I love to meet people and while meeting I have my own set of "Interview" questions.  They are:
What's your experience in real estate? Have you worked with … (73 comments)

Last Week's Favorites February 12th-19th - 06:27 AM
It's been a fun and busy week, and each night at about 9-ish, I sat down to do my Active Rain reading and commenting.  And here are the posts I loved - well, some of the posts I loved:
1.  Debbie Gartner: Phew...at least they didn't tow my car away  This almost happened to me while showing a condo in Arlington.  They took the ten minute limit seriously. Glad you didn't get towed, Debbie!
2.  Holly Weatherwax: You Know You Are a Blogger When...  I'm trying to think up ten more!  Cute, Holly!
3.  Martha Brown:  Somedays I Have To Ask … (22 comments)

The HARP Deal 2.0 - 08:59 PM
We are finally getting more specifics regarding The HARP Deal, the most recent version of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refinance program.  Fannie's version of The HARP Deal 2.0 is called the DU Refi Plus.  Freddie's version of The HARP Deal 2.0 is called LP Open Access.
Here are some of the details:
INELIGIBLE LOANS FOR THE HARP DEAL:
any loan currently in default existing loan delivered to Fannie or Freddie on or after 6/01/2009 government loans reverse mortgages not a 1st lien MAXIMUM LTV AND LOAN AMOUNT FOR THE HARP DEAL:
LTV and CLTV is unlimited for all Occupancies and all … (17 comments)

"You're mocking me, aren't you?" - 07:04 AM
"You're mocking me, aren't you?"
Truly, that was one of my favorite scenes in Toy Story. Woody is most definitely mocking Buzz, making fun of his delusions about being a space ranger and not a toy.  I have used that line on my husband from time to time, though I lack the great delivery of Tim Allen...  
Mocking can be funny, or it can be hurtful...depending on the circumstances and the people involved.  When my husband mocks me, it is usually in response to something I said or did that was sorta dumb, and I am laughing at myself along … (46 comments)

Where is the “Customer” in Customer Service? - 10:16 AM
 Where is the “Customer” in Customer Service?
  We all talk about “customer service.” What does customer service really mean?
Most importantly, what does it mean to you?

What it means to me in my San Jose Real Estate business is putting the customer first. It means listening to their wants and needs and being in-service to those needs.  In doing that, it is my goal to create a memorable experience for the customer. 
 If I have met or exceed expectations and the customer is satisfied have I provided excellent customer service and a memorable experience?   Will the … (55 comments)

An Open Letter to Zillow - Clean Up Your Data! - 08:20 AM

I'm almost to the point I hate talking to people who are searching for homes on the  Zillow website. It's not the Zestimate that bothers me-it's the outdated and bogus data that I despise.
As I research these properties I typically find the property has long been sold or expired. Some agents just don't update their websites while many post these bogus listings on purpose to attract buyers. Not only is this behavior a disservice to consumers, it's a violation of the NAR Code of Ethics.  I do what I can locally by emailing the agents and their brokers, but it's so wide-spread … (54 comments)

Inspiration. Or Not. - 01:48 PM
Lately, I have been searching for inspiration on my blog posts. 
 

I have used the Inspiration Tab, but I find listings there.  I find everything but something I can use.  Open houses, etc.
All I wanted was some great ideas.  But, guess where I eventually found some ideas I can use?  
My Favorites Tabs.  What a wealth of creativity there. 
Another good source seems to be my Bookmarks.  I have way too many of them, but there are some great posts there that I can use to create some content.  Notice I didn't say good content.  But, content, nonetheless. 
… (46 comments)

Do you shine your shoes? - 08:48 PM
Do you shine your shoes?
Seriously.  How do you present yourself to the public as a real estate professional?  
Today I went to the local sports store in order to buy my kid a baseball glove.  It was your typical all-in-one sports store with shelves not exactly neat and some of the football stuff somehow mixed in with the baseball stuff.  It was normally nothing to write about.


But, when I went to pay, the young man behind the counter impressed me. He was wearing a collar shirt, a matching tie and slacks.  He carried himself very well and very much … (51 comments)

Pinterest for Real Estate: Inspiration or Promotion? - 09:26 AM
I have been addicted to Pinterest for months. I have several creative hobbies, I love to cook and my husband and I enjoy DIY projects. Pinterest is total eye candy for me (and incidentally has saved me tons of money in magazines which I don't buy at all anymore)!
There has been a lot of buzz lately about Pinterest being the next great thing for Real Estate. I have connected with and am 'following' lots of friends and clients. I share my pinned finds on Facebook and invite them to follow my boards on topics like DIY Projects, Interior Design, Backyard … (22 comments)

Taking Care of Business is the Name of the Game - 12:34 PM
I have read, and been told, that as a professional, I should run my business like a professional. I have no problem with that statement. But, it goes on, certain coaches, and other real estate professionals, compare real estate agents to CPA's and attorney's, and those professionals don't answer their phones on weekends and after hours. Let me add my voice to: what a load of BS! 
And, I have the proof. Okay, an anecdote, and a true one at that!
When my husband injured himself on the job last year, his employers Worker's Compensation insurance company was great. But, some … (38 comments)

I’ve Carried your Phone Number for 5 Years - 06:54 PM
I’ve Carried your Phone Number for  5 Years
 

I started working with a new/old client this past week. I had listed and sold his house 5 years ago. It was a sale forced by divorce, and we got it done just before the market started to turn, and within 55 days.
One of the houses we viewed today was an Open House, and the agent that hosted the event greeted me with a big smile and a hug, and as she introduced herself to my client she told him that I was her mentor, and that he was in … (29 comments)

Find your Niche - 12:13 PM
I found myself sharing a table with another Realtor the other day and she was excitedly telling me about the three commission checks sitting in her purse. I was impressed and asked her how she had generated the business.
She said it was just luck. I remember walking away and thinking that luck was not a very good business plan even it had worked this one time.
Is Real Estate luck? I don't think so. I think you can make it more predictable. It takes a little time and effort but it can be done.
Find a niche. I remember hearing … (78 comments)

It's official the housing crisis is over! - 10:20 AM
It’s official the housing crisis is OVER! How do I know? I saw it on the internet and I was told all it took was $431 to do it! The end of the housing crisis has been a topic of discussion since before it really began. As far back as 2008, the Wall Street journal was predicting an end to the housing crisis. “It is very likely that April 2008 will mark the bottom of the U.S. housing market.” In September of 2008 (9/11 to be exact) CnnMoney said: “A handful of economists and analysts predict the slump will bottom out, … (49 comments)


Blog posts


Timberlakes Shelton WA 2012 Market Report - 11:04 AM
Timberlakes Shelton WA February 2012 Market Report 
Timberlakes Home Sales - Last 180 days
8 - Total Sales last 180 days- Timberlakes - Shelton WA
Price range - $33,000 for a "fixer" to a high $167,000 for a 3 bedroom/1.5 bath with 50 ft of lakefront.
This is an increase of 4 sales from a year ago where 4 homes had sold during the same six month period.
Timberlakes Listings - Shelton WA
Currently there are 29 home listings in Timberlakes ranging from 3 bedroom/ 2 bath manufactured home for $79,900 to $429,000 for a 3,328 sq. ft. waterfront home with 70 feet of waterfront. There were 2 new … (0 comments)

Fawn Lake Market Report Located in Mason County WA - 11:32 AM
Fawn Lake Market Report Located in Mason County WA
Fawn Lake is a gated community located on the Olympia side of Shelton. The community is built around private 70 acre lake.
Homes
There are currently 9 homes for sale in Fawn lake ranging in price from $39,000 - $199,000 for a 2008 waterfront home.

In the past year, seven homes have sold in the community with sale prices ranging from $140,000 to $232,500 for a waterfront home. This is an increase of two sold homes from the prior year when five homes sold.
Vacant Land
Currently there are 7 lots for sale in … (0 comments)

Build Real Estate Investor Teams to Get Started in Real Estate Investing - 09:38 AM
Real Estate Investors.  Here is an interesting concept.  I think Real Estate Investing Groups are a good idea.  This sounds a little complex and not sure how you would work out all the details.  On the other hand I think it is a real good idea to have people in the group that know about these things.
Via Mike Cooper (Winchester Real Estate Sales, Cornerstone Business Group Inc):
I've been working with real estate investors since the early 90s when I started buying real estate for my own investment portfolio.  Working with investors can be extremely easy or extremely difficult depending on how … (1 comments)

Wordless Wednesday (almost!): The sun shines on yonder side. - 09:41 AM
Just another great picture of the South West Utah by Wanda.  I love the South West and go by and catch her great pictures on occasion.
There are 3 or 4 National Parks in that area.
Via Wanda Kubat-Nerdin, REALTOR® St. George, Utah (Prado & Kramer Real Estate, St. George, UT 435.632.9374):
 Wordless Wednesday: The sun shines on yonder side.

Luminous skies cast off billowing clouds inviting the warmth of the sun for a short stay as mist turns to rain. Southern Utah has just begun the monsoon season, offering much needed moisture that promises to nurture the high desert plant material … (2 comments)

Should You Refinance That Underwater Home Instead of Doing a Short Sale? - 09:45 AM
Short Sales in Brentwood Ca.
There are alternatives to Short Sales available.  However, a Short Sale may be the best alternative.  Here is a great post on why the Short Sale maybe the best alternative for you.
For more information on Short Sales go to ShortSalesInBrentwood.com or call me directly at 925-260-4321.
Via Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Short Sale Agent, Land Park, #00697006 Lyon RE (Lyon Real Estate #00697006):
Reporters have asked me this question. Do I believe the HARP refinance program is a good deal for homeowners who owe more than their home is worth? I guess they think everybody is jumping on … (2 comments)

Dos and Don'ts for Borrowers During the Loan Process - 10:26 AM
Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca
Finding a Home and Getting into Escrow is just the start when Buying a Home.  You need to close the Escrow and that means completing your loan.  Lots of things can go wrong.  This post is on what to do and not to do while in that closing process.
For more information on Buying a Home in Brentwood or Beyond go to Home Point Real Estate.
Via San Francisco Real Estate Professionals:
Dos and Do Nots provided by Marci PipesCompiled by: Amber Cook   
     You’re ready to buy a house; you’re pre-approved. Now what? Now it's time … (0 comments)

What is KILLING All the SHORT SALES!!! - 10:36 AM
Brentwood Ca Short Sales.
Short Sales are a tough business and most of them do not close.  Here is a good post on Short Sales and why they do not close.  
For more information on Short Sales in Brentwood or Beyond go to ShortSalesInBrentwood.com.
Via Scott Godzyk, One of Manchester NH's Leading Brokers (Godzyk Real Estate Services):
The one thing most people agree on is that Short Sales will continue to be a large part of our market for at least the next year. I work on a lot of Short Sales both as a Listing Agent and a Buyer Broker here in the … (1 comments)

Repair, Remove or Remodel Your Pool - 10:38 AM
East Contra Costa County Pool Homes.
I often help buyers into homes where the pool is old or has problems.  Some people love a home, but don't like the pool that comes with it. They just don't want a pool.
Here is a good post on the pool dilemma.  
Via Richard Yates - Broker (Coldwell Banker Real Estate):
Repair, Remove or Remodel Your Pool
These are not easy options, but no matter how much or how little time you spend in your pool, at some point, you will have to make a choice to either Repair, Remove or Remodel Your Pool.
In our … (3 comments)

Color Coordinating... - 12:18 PM
Be careful about being too creative or too cheap when updating the home.  Minor short cuts or over sites can do damage or even be dangerous.  
Anyway here is a nice little post written by a Home Inspector on problems like this.
Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297 (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Color Coordinating...                  Every now and then I run across a home owner who likes to color coordinate. While color coordinating is okay, there are some things, such as outlets, that should be left alone. This is definitely not a good idea and … (1 comments)

Nailed or Screwed - 12:38 PM
Great post on Home Repairs and some things that are not always done right that can lead to big problems.
I like these home inspector post as I always learn something about home care, repair, or problems to be on the watch for.
Via James Quarello - Connecticut Home Inspector (JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC):
Fasteners, not a fascinating subject by any stretch. I have listen to engineers talk about nails and screws on several occasion, wishing I had went and got a root canal instead. Yes fasteners are not all that interesting, however where they are used and what type can be … (0 comments)

An Open Letter to Zillow - Clean Up Your Data! - 12:44 PM
I get frustrated with people who search homes on Zillow and other 3rd party sites.  Mainly because the data is outdated and often very inaccurate.  
Most Agents, myself included, have data that is a direct feed from the MLS.
Via Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 (RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs):
I'm almost to the point I hate talking to people who are searching for homes on the  Zillow website. It's not the Zestimate that bothers me-it's the outdated and bogus data that I despise.
As I research these properties I typically find the property has long been … (3 comments)

Nelson Riemenschneider at Liberty Wrestling JV Title Match 2012A - 04:58 PM
Nelson Riemenschneider at Liberty Wrestling JV Title Match 2012
Yesterday my son Nelson wrestled at the JV championship matches. This has not been Nelson's best year, illness and injuries caused him to miss a lot of practice and matches. He did take home a gold and a couple of Silvers at some tournaments.
This is him wrestling for the Gold at Yesterdays tournament. Steve Waddel, his opponent is a good guy and they have wrestled several times in the past.

As you can see it did not go as I would have liked, but he will be back next … (1 comments)

What Font Do You Like? - 05:10 PM
What Font Do You Like?
When I first went into business for myself in the early 1990's I was working on my old Mac (no internet to speak of). I was typing lots of reports and the biggest task of my computer was Word Processing.
I had read somewhere that the easiest font on the eyes was Helvicta which I have used almost all the time sense.
However, now I use OpenOffice – a Free Office Suite – and it does not have Helvicta. I have been writing stuff in Times New Roman.
Do you have a font you prefer? Why? … (10 comments)

Custom Built Brick Home in Cul-de-Sac for Sale in Jacksonville, FL - 04:47 AM
… (1 comments)

De-CowPie Your Home the Rome Way - 08:12 PM
De-Cow Pie Your Home the Rome Way This post was inspired by two very special people  Linda Davis,  a fellow CyberProfessional  and my friend  Carra Riley.   Just tonight I received a delightful call from Carra and in the course of conversation told her about Linda Davis. Before I knew it, I had the title for tonight's blog! De-Cow Pie Your Home the Rome Way When speaking to clients who are thinking about selling their home, I find them overwhelmed with the thought of packing up a lifetime of stuff, memories and many years in their home.  It is such a … (13 comments)

29 Surrey Run Dover NH | Lovely Home In a Wonderful Dover NH Community! - 05:02 PM
… (3 comments)

Fabulous 4 Bedroom Almost New Mukwonago WI Short Sale ...WOW ! - 04:50 AM
… (3 comments)

32505, Pensacola Short Sales, REO Foreclosures, Bank Owned Homes, 833 S MADISON DR S - 03:03 PM
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All MLS Listings CLICK HERE  32505, Pensacola Short Sales, REO Foreclosures, Bank Owned Homes, 833 S MADISON DR S
Sellers Flat Fee of $2995 when one of our agents sells your home or if you want MLS (where you home is available to all realtors to sell) then the best program TODAY is $1495 to us +3 % offered to Buyers Agent for bringing the buyer.  When you understand how agents work you will clearly see why we sell 94% of our homes at or above asking price … (2 comments)

32505, Pensacola Short Sales, REO Foreclosures, Bank Owned Homes, 904 CRANBROOK AVE - 03:18 PM
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All MLS Listings CLICK HERE
Sellers Flat Fee of $2995 when one of our agents sells your home or if you want MLS (where you home is available to all realtors to sell) then the best program TODAY is $1495 to us +3 % offered to Buyers Agent for bringing the buyer.  When you understand how agents work you will clearly see why we sell 94% of our homes at or above asking price and why REALTORS would rather sell our homes than anyone else’s. The realtor gets … (2 comments)

32505, Pensacola Short Sales, REO Foreclosures, Bank Owned Homes, 6327 LOUISVILLE AVE - 03:44 PM
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All MLS Listings CLICK HERE 32505, Pensacola Short Sales, REO Foreclosures, Bank Owned Homes, 6327 LOUISVILLE AVE
Sellers Flat Fee of $2995 when one of our agents sells your home or if you want MLS (where you home is available to all realtors to sell) then the best program TODAY is $1495 to us +3 % offered to Buyers Agent for bringing the buyer.  When you understand how agents work you will clearly see why we sell 94% of our homes at or above asking price and why REALTORS … (2 comments)

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