Archives of real estate blog entries for February 27, 2012

Featured blog posts


Just Because We’re Both Available Doesn’t Make Us A Good Match - 07:18 AM
Many years ago, one of my girlfriends fixed me up on a blind date.  Without much coaxing, her 'inner cupid' emerged as she convinced herself of the following:  “Carie is single.  He is single.  Sounds Like A Perfect Match!”  Well, the blind date was a huge disappointment, primarily because we had absolutely nothing in common.  Yet, although my girlfriend had good intentions, she didn't pay much attention to our individual styles or interests and instead, hoped we would somehow be compatible.  Coincidentally, after a recent experience with my cousin and her real estate agent, I was quickly reminded that it takes … (33 comments)

January 2012 License Exam Pass Rate Trend for Certified Residential Appraisers - 03:58 AM
Below is the number of test takers who are getting Certified as Residential Appraisers and the Exam Pass Rate Trend for Florida.



Not much seems to be increasing in the way of Florida Certified Residential Appraisers. There were only three exams given in the state of Florida in January of 2012.  Out of those three, two passed and one failed. 
There were 0 retakes on the state exam.  The overall Passing rate in Florida for the month of January 2012 is 66.67%, leaving the overall failing rate at 33.33%
As far as Certified General Appraisers, there were no exams given and only one … (10 comments)

Must You List Properties To Profit From An Expired Listings Campaign? - 04:04 AM


I don't think so. Recently I received the following email from an agent asking about my expired listing letter.

Broker Bryant,

Thanks so much for posting that Expired Listing letter. I've already started using it!

Would you mind telling me about how many of these you send out in a day, week, or month? You mentioned that you get about 2 listings per month from it so I want to mimic what you are doing. If you are sending a lot I may need to expand my market area.

Also, any other tips would … (50 comments)

Are you shy? - 03:28 PM
Are you shy? Most of the time I’m not, though on occasion I can be. Sometimes when I least expect it. I speak publicly all the time and I still get those pre-show jitters. Sometimes it’s triggered by someone in the room, other times it’s just the mood I'm in or maybe what’s going on leading up to the event.
I have a standing joke with myself, “Am I an extroverted introvert, or an introverted extrovert?” You’d have to be me to get the joke I guess, but it’s ironic I’m still not sure. As a guy who’s lived a lot … (48 comments)

So, how do we pay you? - 10:26 AM
"So", asked my new buyer, as we finished talking about the offer we had written on a property "how do we pay you?"
We'd been working together for a little while, and even though i'd covered that aspect in our "How we represent you" meeting where we talk about agency and how it works, clearly it didn't sink in.  They were so overwhelmed with information that how I get compensated had slipped through the cracks in their minds.
I thought it was so sweet that after writing the offer, they were concerned about how I was going to get paid, and … (89 comments)

Rip that bandage off quickly, bad news doesn't age well. - 07:25 AM
I’ve been blessed last week with multiple applications on a rental listing, and multiple offers on two resale listings. Anecdotally, the market here in Crofton, MD is picking up considerably.Whenever you’re in multiple offer situations, somebody is going to get a call with good news, and somebody will get a call with bad news. Both for the agent and their client.I don’t take any pleasure in calling another agent and having to tell them their client’s offer wasn’t accepted. I do it because it’s part of the job. I don’t hide behind a text message, or an email...it’s a phone call … (33 comments)

Nashville Lawn and Garden Show Thursday March 1 to Sunday March 4! - 11:00 AM
Nashville Lawn and Garden Show Thursday March 1 to Sunday March 4!

The 23rd Annual Lawn and Garden show is presented by the Horticultural Association of Tennessee. Taking place at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, this is one of the Largest garden shows in the South.

There will be over 20 displays by Professional Landscapers with many featuring waterfalls or fountains or decorating structures. There will be 20 free lectures on a variety of landscaping subjects along with 250 booths selling everything from Products to Services to help you achieve the Landscape you desire.
The hours are: … (13 comments)

Going Green in Bristol TN-VA ...Unplug to stay Plugged In! - 04:31 AM
Going Green in Bristol TN-VA ...Unplug to stay Plugged In!
In order to stay PLUGGED in to going GREEN in The Bristol TN-VA Area you need to remember this one simple tip ...UNPLUG to stay plugged in!  Yes ...it's as simple as UNPLUGGING those household devices when not in use!

Appliances and other home devices that are plugged in but not in use still draw power and can account for up to 20% of your monthly electric bill!
Here are just a few of those items to consider pulling the plug on ...
Phone Chargers Decorative Lamps Coffee Maker Game … (38 comments)

Island Encore in Indian Beach, NC - 04:22 AM
Island Encore in Indian Beach, NC

A couple days ago, Mom and I were out taking pictures of a new listing in Indian Beach, North Carolina.  On our way back to the office, mom slammed on the brakes and made a quick u-turn to check out a shop.  I complained, I didn't have time, I needed to get home, I must do this, blah, blah, blah......

 
Well, She insisted that we check it out and man, oh man, I am in LOVE!  Island Encore Consignment Shop is Fabulous.  I am currently in the process of "sprucing" up my … (27 comments)

The Battle Between Bank of America And Fannie Mae Continues - 04:59 PM
The battle between Bank of America and Fannie Mae continues.  Bank of America announced late last week that it will cease to selling off its refinance mortgages to Fannie Mae.  This battle between Bank of America and Fannie Mae is not good for anyone, especially present and future Bank of America Borrowers.
This latest decision by Bank of America comes as a result of buybacks imposed on them by Fannie Mae.  For those who are not familiar with the term "buyback" it simply means that Fannie Mae made Bank of America take back what Fannie Mae deemed to be bad loans … (33 comments)

When Should Appraisers Use Distressed Properties For Comparable Sales - 05:01 PM
Choosing Comparable Sales When choosing comparable sales for an appraisal, often times there is more analysis done than most realize. The use of distressed properties for an appraisal should be avoided if possible, however, if the concentration of distressed sales is so prevalent, then their use can't be avoided without creating a misleading appraisal report.
Why Distressed Sales May Be Needed The appraiser should indicate as to why distressed sales were needed within their appraisal report, which is why for every appraisal I estimate the concentration of distressed sales within the subject’s market area. 
The chart above is for cities within … (24 comments)

We Aren't In Preschool Anymore Toto! - 07:25 AM
In preschool it was accepted to question the world's, the class, even the teacher's purpose as it related to the simple task of meeting our specific needs. The mats would magically appear when slumber loomed, the Kool-Aid and cookies were kept in eternal snack supply, and in the unlucky event that a knee, elbow, or a shin met an untimely introduction to our personally designed sidewalk, each and every individual within a mile radius rushed to our assistance with a safety kit created for our exclusive use. 
 
It was a time when the world literally revolved around our needs, our … (12 comments)

"You Can't Fix Stupid" - 05:29 AM
I was showing homes to a client last week. He seemed to be unusually well prepared for every home he saw. It was puzzling me how he came up with so much detailed information so quickly. He seemed to have all the information I could provide before I could even provide it. He even asked me once what MLS area we were in ... why would he care? However, I was hesitant to ask how he was getting his information.
As the day went on and we became more comfortable with each other, he finally told me.
As he put it, … (226 comments)

Follow The Clues - 02:40 AM
Older house, two-story ranch, where on one half the roof was raised, a third floor, with a perpendicular two-story addition, built off of one end.  The house is now L shaped.  The new section has no basement.
Outside there are two AC compressors.  That usually means one system is in the attic, but not always.
System two is speaking to me.  Follow the clues.
Clue #1 -
A tube is sticking out from the fascia under the soffit holding the roof.
The end is very rusty.
It's winter, so the AC system probably has not been used since last fall.
Under … (19 comments)

My Last Open House… - 05:20 PM
My Last Open House…
I remember it well. The sun was shining. Birds were chirping. There were even the scent of freshly blooming flowers in the air.
I put signs up all over town. With balloons. Filled with helium. Matching the color of our company logo.
I stayed up for 2 days making cookies and cupcakes. Oatmeal, chocolate chip, snickerdoodles. I can still taste the pink icing and sprinkles. Yumm.
I took out a half-page ad in the local newspaper. Full color. Huge picture of me in the corner. Nice.
I knocked on every door for 75 houses in every direction. … (84 comments)

My Mother Taught Me So Many Things - 04:33 AM
                                         My Mother Taught Me So Many Things      Do you remember ???????????Growing up there were many lessons in life I learned from my mother. I’m sure you remember many of the same teachings. They were lessons many of us carried over in the raising of our children. Sometimes we even still hear the same messages…......just worded a little differently!                                   ************************************** 1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE . "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning." 2. My mother taught me RELIGION. "You better pray that will come out of … (48 comments)

The most amazing KICK BUTT Listing Presentation contest EXTENDED!! YEAH!!!! - 11:28 AM
The entries for the MOST AMAZING KICK BUTT LISTING PRESENTATION CONTEST we have gotten in so far are amazing, truly kick butt if you ask me. The judges and I have decided to extend the contest for 2 weeks. You have until midnight PST on Monday March 12, 2012 to get your entry in!(No, I am STILL not telling you who the judges are, they are sequestered until all entries are in and the winners are chosen! The thought did occur to me that the fact they were sent to a warm island location until the contest was over might have … (33 comments)

4 Simple Strategies to Gain & Retain More Leads - 07:44 AM
 

Your overall success is a direct result of your ability to network and not only generate new leads, but gain their trust and retain their business.  The more leads you bring in, the more people you talk to, the more sales opportunities you create.   The key is to proactively connect with the right people and then follow up consistently.  Consistency builds trust and establishes you as the go-to professional within your market.
However, lead generation is not a task for the weak of heart. It is a daily commitment that can include cold calls, drip email campaigns, direct mail, search engine optimization … (68 comments)

Does the price of a property, determine what your level of customer service will be? - 02:20 PM
I got an interesting voice mail yesterday which turned out to be an eye opener.  The person who left a message was from Oregon. He gave me 30 minutes to answer his call. I looked at my watch and found the message was left 20 minutes earlier so I pulled my car over and called him.

 
I haven’t been on the stopwatch for a long time but this person knew what he wanted and that was customer service.  Our physical office is closed on Sunday’s, so by the time this client had reached Paul Henderson on the automated phone system, he was … (41 comments)

Why I don't burn bridges with clients! - 09:58 AM
Why I don't burn bridges with clients! I think we've all had those clients that we wanted to tell off and while I fire clients from time to time I have always done so in a professional manor.  In my opinion being nasty or rude will get you absolutely no where, yet I see a lot of it in this business.  While it may make you feel better to tell a client or another agent how you feel do you really think they care? If I had to guess I would say NO. Here's a prime example of why I always keep it … (32 comments)


Blog posts


USA Lodging - Western North Carolina Riverfront Rental Units - 1.31 Acres on the Edge of a Mountain Town - NC Real Estate - 01:31 PM
Enjoy life while earning money - All year or Seasonally - North Carolina Riverfront Lodging for Sale for $695,000 … (0 comments)

Eliminating Inefficiencies In Real Estate - 11:48 AM
For March's sponsored contest, our Friends at DocuSign are encouraging you to take a look at your business and figure out what kind of inefficiencies are wasting your time and resources, and then come up with a plan to eliminate them.
DocuSign's product is designed to eliminate the inefficiencies associated with getting documents signed during your transaction. If you aren't using electronic signatures by now, this would be a great place to start getting more efficient in your business.
Are there other places you are less than totally efficient? Of course there are. Maybe it's how you go about collecting feedback … (0 comments)

ActiveRain Maintenance at 7pm Pacific Time Tonight - 06:29 PM
We will be doing some recently scheduled maintenance at 7pm Pacific Time this evening, Monday February 27th on the database for ActiveRain.
We don't know the exact amount of down time for the site, but we will have a full team working on some upgrades to work out some of the error screens you have been receiving the last couple of days.
The infamous 'lost my keys' and 'pear shaped' messages you have undoubtedly seen will be getting some ironing out so that the actual pages that are to display will begin showing.
For the better part of today, many members … (31 comments)

Shaping up For Spring at Best Fitness - 05:29 AM
 
Best Fitness, located at 55 Northeastern Blvd. in Nashua New Hampshire just completed a $1million dollar renovation.
Join in the Grand Re-opening Celebration and Cancer Awareness Day on October 15th from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.   Admission is Free Tour the fitness club and try out the equipment ~ enjoy the demonstration classes.  You can Get a 14 day free pass too!
For each person who joins Best Fitness during the reopening celebration, the enrollment fee will be waived, and the 1st month’s dues will be donated to charity. This offer is only available on Oct. 15.
Several Local Restaurants … (0 comments)

Can You Get Me the Listing Agent Information? - 08:37 AM
Can You Get Me the Listing Agent Information?
Yes this is the question I got from a prospect this morning that I have been mailing homes to for some time. Now for those of you not agents my biggest fear kicks in – This person thinks they will save time and money, and have a better shot at the house, buy going around me to the Listing Agent.
What most buyers do not understand is that a Listing Agent will not represent them. The Listing Agent has no fiduciary obligations to the Buyer. But they have a Fiduciary Obligation to the … (11 comments)

Separation of Church and State? - 09:53 AM
Separation of Church and State?
I have been watching the primary with interest. The topic of Separation of Church and State has become a big issue because of some of Rick Santorum's beliefs.
What I find odd is Rick has some beliefs and some really well thought out ideas about the roll of the family, the problems with birth control and how the Sexual Revolution has been so destructive. I would agree with much of what he says, I am not Catholic and do not have a problem with contraception as part of family planning – but his thoughts are … (15 comments)

An Open Letter to Nikish - 11:45 AM
An Open Letter to Nikish
Nikish,
This morning I received a very disturbing call from ActiveRain/Market Leader. I recently purchased the Local Expert for my community on RealEstate.com from Market Leader. I have not been happy with Market Leader in the past, but decided to give this a shot as I am so pleased with ActiveRain.
So far the launch of RealEstate.com has been delayed and it is somewhat unclear to me what is encompassed in what I purchased. I understand I will be able to link my own website. There a few other things that I will address after I … (10 comments)

Must You List Properties To Profit From An Expired Listings Campaign? - 04:04 AM


I don't think so. Recently I received the following email from an agent asking about my expired listing letter.

Broker Bryant,

Thanks so much for posting that Expired Listing letter. I've already started using it!

Would you mind telling me about how many of these you send out in a day, week, or month? You mentioned that you get about 2 listings per month from it so I want to mimic what you are doing. If you are sending a lot I may need to expand my market area.

Also, any other tips would … (50 comments)

If it isn't broke, don't fix it may not be the best advice always! - 08:36 AM
 
Fix It Anyway "If it isn't broke, don't fix it" is certainly popular advice, but if you've ever had a serious plumbing leak, you certainly wished you had taken care of the problem earlier.
Washing machines, like all appliances, are supposed to work and when they don't, it's time to have them fixed or replaced. However, there is a critical connection from your water supply that may even be older than your washing machine itself.
Ask someone whose hose broke while they were asleep or out of town and you'll hear stories of how quickly the water can damage walls, … (1 comments)

1550 REFLECTIONS ST, CLERMONT FL 34711 Lakeview Pointe - 06:24 AM
1550 REFLECTIONS ST, CLERMONT FL 34711                                                                      $$$ 134,900 $$$
SHORT SALE Listing price may not be sufficient to cover all encumbrances, closing costs, or other seller charges and sale of property at full price may be conditioned upon approval of third parties.  This home is in excellent condition with neutral colors throughout.  Fabulous open floorpland and minutes to shopping and restaurants.  Don't miss out on this fabulous home.  Sellers are being relocated due to work. 
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Clermont Area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. … (1 comments)

1001 GLENRAVEN LN, CLERMONT FL 34711 Knottingham at Legends - 06:28 AM
1001 GLENRAVEN LN, CLERMONT FL 34711                                                           $265,000 $$$
This fabulous floorplan is filled with lots of natural light and has a nice open feel with the custom pool and spa feeling like an extension of the home.  This home has a large gourmet kitchen with all appliances being included and features an amazing breakfast nook area great for the home family to sit at.  The kitchen is open to the family room and dining room and there is a nice large den/study with French Doors and crown molding.  The entry way is warm and welcoming and features 12 ft. ceilings along … (1 comments)

812 HAWKS BLF, CLERMONT FL 34711 Summit Greens - 06:32 AM
812 HAWKS BLF, CLERMONT FL 34711                                                                      $$$ 299,000 $$$
Great view & Gorgeous Doral model on the 7th green at Sanctuary Ridge.  Beautiful tropical park-like landscaping ($30,000.), with oversized driveway & 3 car garage. Paver sidewalk approaches the double doors which opens into the breath taking view, 20" diagonal tile throughout except guest bedroom/suite, granite counter-tops, 42" cabinets, stainless appliances, vented hood over gas stove, designer light fixtures, tray ceilings, large screened lanai (with a gas line for grill) & a bright cheery breakfast nook. Master bedroom/bathroom has double sliding doors to lanai, double walk-in closets, double vanities, garden tub, separate … (2 comments)

5445 BAYBROOK AVE, ORLANDO FL 32819 Shadow Bay Springs - 06:37 AM
5445 BAYBROOK AVE, ORLANDO FL 32819                                                                            $$$ 177,900 $$$
Don't miss this desirable Dr. Phillips 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath pool home!  Your formal living room lies just beyond your foyer, waiting to greet family and friends.  Usher them to your formal dining room to celebrate that special occasion, or lead them past your staircase to your family room opening to your breakfast nook and kitchen beyond.  Chat indoors before heading out to your  pool deck to grill out and take a refreshing dip.  For none swimmers, there's plenty of fenced yard for a game of catch in the shade on your … (4 comments)

Another Mount Vernon Ohio Condo SOLD By The Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty - 04:51 AM
Knox County Ohio homes and condos are selling and our team is excited about the direction that the local housing market is headed.  There are more home showings taking place on our listings, we have more online website traffic than we did during the same period in 2011.  Our local Knox County Ohio economy is experiencing a boost, fixed rate interest on home loans are at a 50 year low and the affordability hasn't more better during the last 25 years of my real estate career.  If you have been dreaming of purchasing a home this may be the perfect time … (1 comments)

401 Hillcrest Drive in Mount Vernon Ohio - 04:54 AM
Our newest listing and this home features quite a bit more living space than you might think by driving by this home.  The main level features an amazing sized living room with fireplace and you won't believe the amount of bonus living space in the walkout lower level.  If you like the looks of this home from the photos be sure to view our addtiional listing details by visiting 401 Hillcrest Drive in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Listing details available at 401 Hillcrest Drive in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
We created a special real estate listing link Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale which features all of … (3 comments)

Gorgeous Lake View Home at the Apple Valley Lake - 08:00 AM
This is an impressive home filled with upgrades and lots of bonus features.  Apple Valley Lake View Home at 348 Lakeview Heights Drive in Howard, Ohio.
You can view additional listing details about this exceptional Apple Valley Lake View Home at 348 Lakeview Heights Drive in Howard, Ohio.  View and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake homes for sale and organized in price order from the highest to the lowest price homes.  
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800  AppleValleyOhio.com
… (1 comments)

My Favorite Mount Vernon Ohio Historical Home Just SOLD - 11:39 AM
I have been selling real estate for more than 25 years in Knox County Ohio and during that time I have listed and sold some amazing properties.  When I think about all the historical homes I have been inside or and sold this home at 602 East High Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio is my favorite.  It is my favorite not only because the house is so amazing but also because of the love and care that went into the restoration.  
Feel free to view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio Homes For Sale on KnoxCountyOhio.com
Sam Miller Team … (4 comments)

$30,000 Home on Sycamore Street in Mount Vernon Ohio - 06:43 PM
It is not often that you can find a Mount Vernon, Ohio home that is priced at only $30,000 that includes newer vinyl siding, a reshingle roof, fresh drywall and the majority of the updates have already been completed.  If you like the looks of this home be sure to visit 18 Sycamore Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Additional listing details are available at 18 Sycamore Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio.  You can view all of our Knox County Ohio bank owned homes and we also created a special real estate listing link which contains all of our more affordable Knox County Ohio … (6 comments)

Jay McHugh - The Monday Message..... - 02:09 PM



GOOD DAY:
 
Welcome to this edition of The Monday Message.....This week we have the opportunity to not let any poor decisions in our past affect our future.  The only time that we should be concerned with is now.  What actions can we take today to improve our life and the lives of those we care about?  What decisions can we make now that will change the course of our life for the better?  Will you accept what happens to you or will you make the choice of what kind of life you will live?  Let us all get … (2 comments)

Quick Weekly Santa Monica Real Estate Market Update – February 17 to 24, 2012 - 05:43 PM

Santa Monica Real Estate – Single Family Homes:   Active Listings: 62* Short Sales – 2* Bank Owned/REO – 1   Of the 62 active Santa Monica homes for sale, 18 had their List Price decreased, and 2 of them actually increased in list price...continue reading
… (0 comments)

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