Archives of real estate blog entries for February 26, 2012

Featured blog posts


How Easy Is It To Get Out of a Contract? - 06:28 AM
You have been saving your money, watching your credit score, getting advice from friends and family and you think it might be time to buy your first home. Understandably, you are nervous. So much can go wrong; You might change your mind, you might select one house only to find one you like better, you might lose your job. Any one of these things make you wonder if you should actually buy a new house.  Are you wondering how easy is it to get out of a contract? Last year, I wrote a post about this; What if I Change My Mind Can I Get Out of … (52 comments)

An AMAZING FREE Program! - 06:34 PM
An AMAZING FREE Program!  
 
 
Yes in some cases in our business Free is a four letter word that begins with F.  But, in some cases that can also be good.  Last week I was struggling with work on designing a commercial space for a client.  You know how some clients are creative and can envision anything, whereas others only see what is in front of them and cannot see past the present and what they can see and touch.  
 
SO in order to help my 11 year old son introduced me to SketchUp by Google.  Simply … (39 comments)

Speechless Sunday – Eyes Transfixed on San Jose Peregrine Falcon Webcam! - 01:53 PM
 Speechless Sunday – Eyes Transfixed on San Jose Peregrine Falcon Webcam!
I first learned about the San Jose Peregrine Falcons nesting atop San Jose City Hall last year from a client. 
This morning I received an email from my client stating:  "Clara, the San Jose peregrine falcon, laid her first egg atop City Hall last night!  The fun again begins!"

Click on the Photo above to Visit the San Jose Falcon Live Webcam!

Click on the Photo above to Visit the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Webcam!
If you don't see Clara, be patient, she will return … (33 comments)

Your Bank Doesn"t Want to Foreclose on Your Central Connecticut Home - 08:35 AM
Your Bank Doesn’t Want to Foreclose on Your Central Connecticut Home   I received a phone call this week from a Central Connecticut home owner that is having problems in meeting their mortgage payments. They had talked to their lender and after some exchanges were advised to seek out a professional in their area that specializes in short sales, and try to get the home sold.
This is definitely an indication of a lender encouraging their mortgagees to get their home sold and not allow it to go into a foreclosure. A non performing asset or foreclosure on a bank’s inventory … (19 comments)

Web based versus Desktop Contact Manager/CRM Solutions - 01:49 PM
A statement is often made that having a Web based CRM is clearly superior to a desktop CRM. The reality is that there are pros and cons to both. While there are many arguments over which is better and why, let's address a few of the most common misconceptions.
The first thing to do to is to realize that desktop does not mean what it used to. It is likely that many people form their opinion on the limitations of having a desktop CRM based on the most well known original ones - Howard and Friends, Agent Office and Top Producer. … (21 comments)

What Are The Top 10 Signs That You Need A New Realtor... - 03:28 AM
What Are The Top 10 Signs That You Need A New Realtor Ever get the feeling that the Realtor you hired is not working out for you? Whether you're a Buyer or a Seller and are using a Realtor, here are Larry And Sheila's Top 10 Signs That You Need A New Realtor...   1. Your Realtor took your listing 2 weeks ago and it's not on MLS yet...Time to get a new Realtor.   2. Your Realtor can only show your home in the evenings after she/he comes home from full-time job...Time to get a new Realtor.   3. Your Realtor enters your … (55 comments)

Sharing Business Ideas - 08:02 AM
Sharing Business Ideas
Every now and then you hear a great idea for getting your name out to the public.  Recently a Realtor friend posted on Facebook that she was holding an Open House that weekend, and gave the dates and times.
Almost immediately a local Home Inspector wrote a comment and asked her how she liked her coffee and did she like donuts?  Seems he chooses five local Open Houses each weekend and takes the Realtors coffee and treats so that he can introduce himself to the Agents and get an opportunity to meet them face to face.  I thought … (47 comments)

Don’t Do Déjà Vu If You Want Us to Work with You - 08:09 AM
Charlotte Home Seller Tips:  If You Want the Best Marketing Team to Work with You, Don’t Do Déjà Vu
I recently met with and presented my listing strategies to a couple who previously had their home on the market with no success-twice.  I typically joke that it’s always wonderful to be the first love, the second wife and the third Realtor®!  Why, you ask?
Generally by the time the sellers have discovered that it wasn’t the first Realtor®‘s fault who couldn’t sell their home, nor the second, perhaps it was something that they, as sellers, needed to do all along–reduce their … (74 comments)

Not to be a complainer.... - 07:46 AM
Like most of the professionals on ActiveRain, I've seen a lot of houses.  A lot.  A ton really.  
Yesterday I took a client to see a home that was advertised as "Updated throughout...new slab granite, new flooring, carpet, designer paint & much more!"  Actually, there wasn't much more than new flooring, granite and paint.  The  appliances were original to 1988.  I joked with my client that the clock on the oven wasn't even digital.  

Seriously.  When did they start making them all digital?  The 90's some time?  
Then we moved on to the baths. There we found skillfully … (58 comments)

Crofton MD Real Estate - Distressed Home Sales, Foreclosures and Short Sales - 08:16 AM

Crofton, MD is ideally located for home buyers. Sitting almost equidistant between the large employment markets of Washington, DC and Baltimore, Crofton has a wide variety of home purchase options.One of the options to consider is distressed sales. These are both foreclosures and short sales. Take a look at the listings below and you may find that gem, at a really affordable price for Crofton.If you’re not already working with an agent to find an affordable foreclosure or short sale in Crofton, or anywhere in the surrounding area...I can help. Call Rich at 443-995-9595.
 
Showing properties 1 - 20 … (5 comments)

How Can a REALTOR Take Photos That are so Bad? - 08:43 AM
How Can a REALTOR Take Photos That are so Bad?  
This from an experienced buyer I know who was looking at houses in the Carlsbad area on-line.
 
“They ought to be shot.” (the REALTOR, that is).
 
In this age of inexpensive digital photography, one does have to wonder. We complain about it all the time but the reality remains that many agents either do not know how to take a decent photo, or they simply don’t care, perhaps because they don’t feel it makes a difference.
 
Perhaps with REOs and short sales, or price points where there … (76 comments)

Thankful Sunday! A Toast to my Friends & AR Colleagues in St Cloud Minnesota - 01:25 PM
Thankful Sunday! A Toast to my Friends & AR Colleagues in St Cloud Minnesota
Steve & Liz Baklaich


Imagine my total surprise when I walked up to my front door and there was a package from Liz & Steve Baklaich!
I wondered what it could be? So I hurried into the house and opened up the package.  It was kind of heavy so I wasn't sure what they had up their sleeve!  It was packed really well with lots of bubble wrap so it took me awhile to open the first package.  
Homemade Raspberry Jelly!  Are you kidding me?   … (32 comments)

Weston Florida Homes for Sale-Get the maximum out of your home...Tips that might help you sell. - 09:26 AM
Here are some tips to look for when a buyer is looking at homes for sale in Weston Florida
Weston Florida sellers... when selling your home there is one room that usually stands out as being the most important room in the house to buyers...the kitchen. It is important to maximize the qualities of your kitchen to maximize the amount of money you'll receive when selling your home.
One easy way to sell your Weston Real Estate with little or no expense is to remove kitchen clutter!
This is just one of a few examples of what a Weston Florida Buyer is looking for when … (8 comments)

Bouncy, Bouncy Wall Support - 03:58 AM
It probably isn't a good sign to go into a master bedroom and experience bouncy, bouncy wall support.
Entering the bedroom, from the windows, I noticed that the bathroom door was not squarely in its surround!  Interestingly, the door itself was level, the wall was not!  And under the door was a bit of a sag.  Well, a lot of a sag!
Well, somebody had been living with this because they moved the strike plate on the door down to accommodate the new position of the door against the wall!  Putty and all!
And, to top it off, when I walked … (54 comments)

Drip Campaigns Leave Me...Drippy - 05:25 PM
We hear it all the time..."put every lead into a "drip campaign."  I know those lovely automated email campaigns that can be customized for different types of clients are designed to keep us in touch and keep our name in the prospects' minds, but I have to admit that they really just leave me...well...drippy.
I know several agents who have great success with them.  If you are one of these, awesome!  
I'm not sure what it is about drip campaigns, but for me, they just don't cut it.  In the past, I have put a lot of time and energy … (20 comments)

An Active Rain Tip for Newbies - Are You Posting to Groups? - 08:12 AM
Happy Sunday Everyone!
Recently, I have read several posts and comments mentioning newbies starting out in Active Rain.  I am still a newbie but I started thinking about things I have learned that could potentially help other newbies.  Over the last few days, I have also noticed several posts that have not been posted to any groups.  Are you posting to groups?
At the top of each Active Rain page, there is a tool bar that includes groups.  In order to post to a group, you must first join the group.  For me, I have found groups to be like subscriptions.  … (48 comments)

Dont be a One Way Street (like I WAS) use AR properly and effectvely! - 09:00 AM
Are you a One Way Street? Intentionall or not you might be (like I WAS) and not even know it.
Here in the rain I learned the hard way that a commenting response to another comment in my blog may be good but simply is not enough. When I first joined, like many, I had a good amount of commenters and thanked each and every one of them for their comments "IN MY POST" but failed to look them up and reciprocate the comment exchange. Not only was this due to a lack of knowledge but it also reflected poorly on … (32 comments)

Do Sellers want to hear about feedback? - 12:30 PM
 
Do Sellers want to hear about feedback?
 
Last night, my business partner, Belinda Spillman, text me concerning one of our sellers.  He emailed her about the feedback that we sent him from another agent who showed his home that day.  He said he did not care about the feedback and just wanted us to contact him when we have an offer.  
 
Sometimes I wonder about people.  Most sellers are very anxious to get feedback from the agents showing their home.  I guess there is the rare occasion when a seller takes the feedback personally and just doesn’t … (25 comments)

I Only Want to Work With The Listing Agent - 10:41 AM
 
I Only Want to Work With The Listing Agent
 
How many times do you get calls from people on one of your listings and they want you (the listing agent) to show them the home.  We get these calls frequently and our first question is always “Are you working with a Realtor”. 
 
Believe it or not, there are actually agents out there who can’t be bothered to get in their car and show their clients homes.  They simply tell their client to call the listing agent and view the property through them.  Of course, they forget to … (187 comments)


Blog posts


They Couldn't Beat Us! So They Joined Us! - 08:41 PM
They Couldn't Beat Us! So They Joined Us!
I used to have a lot of trouble with SPAM Comments here on ActiveRain so I finnally turned off allowing out side comments. The problem stopped.
Then this week I had a featured post on Gas Prices and Why that means it is Time to Buy a House. Not a lot of comments, about 35. But three of them were SPAM comments.
How did this happen? Well it seems SPAMERS are joining ActiveRain. Has anyone else experienced this.
I am not sure what ActiveRain can do to stop this. I assume joining is … (5 comments)

Random Weird Stuff! - 09:08 PM
 
Random Weird Stuff!
Grandma raised 7 kids in the depression. They said she could squeeze a nickle so tight the buffalo would crap.
When I was 15 my dad was pretty stupid. When I was 30 he got really smart.
When we are young we look forward to being tenagers. When we are in our teens we want to be in our 20's. When we are in our 20's we want to be married. When we are in our 30's and married we sometimes wish we were in our 20's again. In our 40's we look forward to the … (7 comments)

How to remodel a pool: Selecting a Contractor - 09:13 PM
East Contra Costa County Pool Homes.
Pool Homes can be a great buy but sometimes those pools are a little old.  How do you handle it?
Well here is a great post on the subject.  For more info on pool homes give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Richard Yates - Broker (Coldwell Banker Real Estate):
How to remodel a pool: Selecting a Contractor

After making the decision to remodel a pool, the most important thing that we can do is to select The Right Pool Contractor.
This is not an easy task, but selecting The Right Pool Contractor will determine your … (3 comments)

Common Scents - 09:18 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood
Today I was out looking at homes with Buyers.  We went into a beautiful home that smelled horrible.  It may have cost them a sale.  Selling a Home is not easy.  Here is a post and a critical tip on Selling a Home.
For more information on Selling a Home give me a call at 925-260-4321
Via Karen Bernetti (Staging4Smooth Transitions Connecticut Home Staging):
Home sellers can create spaces that appeal to prospective buyers by employing a little psychology and by engaging the 5 senses......You see, our brain takes all the sensory data it receives and transforms it into … (4 comments)

Nine Staging truisms for selling your home. - 09:21 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
Selling a Home is hard work.  Here are 9 things to consider about staging when selling a home.
For more tips on Selling a home in Brentwood or beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional (Janice Ankrett Home Staging):
 
 
 
When I took my Staging course 6 yrs ago, I was given some Staging truisms.
Time and again I have seen these apply to homes in the Burlington area.
They apply to any style or type of home.
All homes deserve to be Staged. It doesn't … (0 comments)

Ageism – Three Old Guys and a Hearing Aid - 09:57 PM
Just feel like a good laugh on a Sunday night.  Well here are a couple of nice jokes for you.
Stop by and leave the comments for Kathy Daniels and subscribe she always has a nice joke or two.
Via Kathleen Daniels, Broker-Owner San Jose Real Estate 1-800-972-1822 (San Jose Homes and San Jose Short Sales):
Ageism- Three Old Guys and a Hearing Aid 


Three old guys are out walking.

First one says, 'Windy, isn't it?'
Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!'
Third one says, 'So am I. Let's go get a beer.'
 

***************
An old man … (2 comments)

Walnut Creek Short Sales Snapshot as of February 26th 2012 - 10:00 PM
Doug here is a great agent in the Central Contra Costa County area.  He has some numbers here on Short Sales.  If you want to take one thing away from this report it is that Short Sales are dominating the market.  You need to learn how to negotiate the Short Sale Market if you want to buy.  
Via Doug Anderson's Tri-Valley Real Estate Views (Executive Brokers Real Estate Group):
The following chart represents the current concentration of Short Sales in Pending Sale Status versus Traditional Sales in Pending Sale Status for Walnut Creek, CA as of February 26th 2012. The percentage of pending short sales dropped dramatically from the January Report. The difference in … (1 comments)

The difference between sale conditions such as Foreclosure, Short Sale, and other real estate terms ~ - 10:04 PM
Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Buying a Home sometimes the difference between the terms Short Sale, Foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, REO, Bank Owned and so forth can be very confusing to the Home Buyer.  This post covers those terms.
For more information on Buying a Home in Brentwood or beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321. 
Via mskathywoods:
The real estate market in Indianaand the whole country are coming to grips with terms that are relatively old, yet considerably relevant to our current market conditions. I am often asked to explain the difference between sale conditions such as Foreclosure, Short Sale, and other … (1 comments)

Buyers' Attitudes Can Bring Better Deal - 10:08 PM
Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca
Buying a Home is tough.  I have seen people be very critical of homes in front of a seller thinking they can get the price down.  It ussually doesn't work.  This post is pretty good on the subject. 
For more information on Buying a Home in Brentwood or beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Ricki Eichler,Broker,GRI,ABR,TAHS,ePRO your Texas Hill Country connection (Ricki Eichler Real Estate LLC):
Yesterday I received a contract on a home I own.  It is a beautiful house with lots of amenities.  I have received 3 offers in the recent past for … (1 comments)

Floored the right way! - 10:21 PM
                                                            
When touring the lower level, a piece of special flooring was shown to the buyer explaining the way the basement was  ready just in case of water penetration. There are channels under the flooring to drain.
… (0 comments)

Final Walk Through the HomeRome Way... 8930 Church Lane 21133 - 11:49 PM
 
Final Walk Through the Rome Way...8930 Church Lane 21133 You all know that I have the best sellers. We choose each other and we are 100% Sure we want to work together. My favorite clients  said there were 10 reasons to use Margaret Rome.    I think they liked my blogging and I did sell their home on the first showing. Today was the final walk through at 8930 Church Lane. We all met at the property... myself, the buyer's agent, the excited buyers and the homeowners. Our Maryland contract allows for a final inspection within five days of closing. … (12 comments)

You are No One's Judge...and Thankfully, Not a Short Sale Sellers' Realtor - 02:55 AM
   People who are losing their homes very often have multiple problems....in addition to financial problems there are health issues, women who have been battered....deaths of primary wage earners. The stories are many, the lives very sad and while we can't fix all of their problems and get them a new life...we believe that doing a short sale gives them a leg up on a fresh start in life. We sometimes have situations where sellers are working more than one job or long hours at a job and cleaning is not a high priority with children to take care of, multiple … (18 comments)

Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 10180 CANDLESTICK LN Home for sale - 05:33 AM
Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 10180 CANDLESTICK LN Home for sale
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes Fore Sale.
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 … (4 comments)

Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 1107 KATHLEEN AVE Home for sale - 05:48 PM
 
Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 1107 KATHLEEN AVE Home for sale
 
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes Fore Sale.
 
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 … (2 comments)

Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 2445 EASTMAN LN Home for sale - 06:05 PM
Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 2445 EASTMAN LN Home for sale
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes Fore Sale.
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 … (2 comments)

Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 536 QUAIL NEST LN Home for sale - 06:07 PM
Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 536 QUAIL NEST LN Home for sale
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes Fore Sale.
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 … (2 comments)

Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 3152 LOST CREEK DR Home for sale - 06:25 PM
Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 3152 LOST CREEK DR Home for sale
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes Fore Sale.
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 … (3 comments)

Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 1194 WOODLAKE DR Home for sale - 07:28 PM
Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 1194 WOODLAKE DR Home for sale
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes Fore Sale.
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 … (2 comments)

Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 11530 THOUSAND OAKS DR Home for sale - 07:29 PM
Zip Code 32533 Foreclosure Tips and Listings 11530 THOUSAND OAKS DR Home for sale
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes Fore Sale.
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 … (4 comments)

Ask Gina & Company Listings Featured on HGTV’s FrontDoor.com - 05:05 PM
Ask Gina & Company Listings Featured on HGTV’s FrontDoor.com

 
We all are aware of the popularity of HGTV, but did you know that if your home is for sale with Ask Gina & Company it is also listed on HGTV’s FrontDoor.com? That’s right, no matter if you are selling a single family home in Sterling or have a townhome for sale in Ashburn, Ask Gina & Company prominently features your home on the wildly popular FrontDoor.com site!
What does that mean for you as a seller? Maximum exposure! In addition to the numerous other sites we advertise your home … (0 comments)

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