Archives of real estate blog entries for February 5, 2012

Featured blog posts


Do you KNOW A Mrs. Murphy? You should if you WANT to Avoid Fair Housing Issues. - 05:58 AM
What every real estate agent has heard and few remember is that there are EXEMPTIONS to the FEDERAL Fair Housing Act.
One of those exemptions is the Mrs. Murphy's rule OR Mrs. Murphy's Exemption under the FHA.  This exemption provides that if a "dwelling" has four or fewer rental units and the OWNER lives in one of those units, that the home is exempt from the FHA.  There really is no Mrs. Murphy * she is a fictional elderly widow who has converted her home into a rental or boarding house to supplement her income.
NOW, with the economic downturn, there … (50 comments)

In Defense of the Short Sale Selling, Loan Mod Applying, Principal Reduction Requesting Public - 05:27 PM
In Defense of the Short Sale Selling, Loan Mod Applying, Principal Reduction Requesting Public
I just read the AR newsletter featured post entitled, “Rewards for being a debtor... Punishment for those that are not,” and it really got me going this Sunday morning. An agent sets out her opinion as a free and clear homeowner who is troubled as she watches the government continue to offer program after program to try to solve the housing crisis. It is an interesting read but I disagree strongly that those who are being asked to wait in line for a government program are being “rewarded.” I … (63 comments)

The 1,000,000 Things I've Learned from ActiveRain? - 02:11 AM
The 1,000,000 Things I've Learned from ActiveRain?
 
Well,  I'm way behind some of the big dogs like Lenn and Todd, but with this post, I'll be joining ActiveRain's millionaire club.
 

It's taken a little less than 4 years, and as I sit here tonight, I realize how much has changed, how much I've learned and how many friends I've made in those years.
I first joined AR in May 2007 and did exactly nothing other than set up a profile.  I didn't start commenting and posting until a year later.  Why not?  I didn't know what to do … (96 comments)

When You Go From Eggs To Bacon… - 02:36 PM
 
When You Go From Eggs To Bacon…
 
Have you heard the old joke…
 
A pig and a chicken were walking by a church where a gala charity event was taking place. Getting caught up in the spirit, the pig suggested to the chicken that they each make a contribution.
 
“Great idea!” the chicken cried.
 
“Let’s offer them bacon and eggs?”
 
“Not so fast,” said the pig testily. “For you, that’s a contribution. For me, it’s a total commitment.”
 
As a seller, you are either eggs or bacon.
 
One is total commitment. Do or … (90 comments)

Serendipity and my Chochkies! - 01:27 PM
Many things can always be learned along the way that sometimes just don't seem related. Here's a story about me selling my furniture and chochkies from my office. All the furniture, pictures, etc. have been placed on Craigs List & I've been selling up a storm. Cash only, ain't America great, come & get it! The last thing left to really sell has been an antique looking coat rack that I got years ago from Pottery Barn (I think?).  So time goes by & this ends up being the last thing & I decide that I'll keep the darn thing if … (30 comments)

For the Sake of Negotiating... Oh How Much Fun It Is to Ride - 04:11 PM
For the sake of Negotiating..... Lessons of Feet Dragging - yes, even in a Buyer's Market.
So, I've experienced the Lessons of Feet Dragging, Negotiating and Dragging just for the sake of Negotiating. It is not fun to witness buyers wanting to haggle just for the sake of haggling.
In the end, when the counter offer is not accepted and a new offer is introduced into the picture, it would be very disappointing when you lose the house, the house you've been talking about and the house you've been spending your time visualizing in.
So many times I wonder why buyers … (62 comments)

Bottom Line Is ~ Price It Right And It Will Sell! - 07:14 AM
Bottom Line ~ Price It Right And It Will Sell!
It's so easy really...Price It Right And It Will Sell. Seven little words, but many homeowners here on The North Shore Of Long Island can't or don't want to listen.
Case in point, let's talk about homeowner Joe. Joe is a young professional who purchased his home at the top of the market. Unfortunate as that is, no one had a crystal ball, his house is worth less than when he purchased it.
Joe has a good job, he's single, he doesn't "have to sell", but nevertheless, he would like … (70 comments)

I have excellent credit, but I'm not sharing my credit report with potential clients. Sorry, I'm just not. - 01:59 PM
Recently on Trulia Voices, a Realtor responded to a question about hiring an agent, with some of the following advice.
"Ask for a copy of the Realtors® credit report.  This may sound bold but you would be surprised how many are below 600, and then ask yourself do you really want to accept consul on one of the biggest decisions of your life from someone who can’t manage their own financial future? (note: this is not common practice and may offend many, but you are about to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, do your homework gather information)"
Ask for a … (114 comments)

Last Week's Favorites: January 30 - February 4th - 09:44 AM

It's another Sunday Morning, and once again, I've got my weekly picks all ready for you to check out.  So here goes:

1.  Scott Godzyk:  Should a Buyer or their Buyer Agent be calling former owners of Foreclosed Homes for more Info?  What will people think up next?
2.  Herb Johnson:  What Is The Result Of A Strategic Default On Your Mortgage?  This is something to print out and share with your short sale prospects.
3.  Jay Markanich:  Where Do Old Toys Go?  This was Willie the Labradoodle's choice for last week!  Your dog will love it, too.
4.  … (36 comments)

A nice hello from South Africa! - 03:17 PM
When I started blogging in 2010, I wasn't really sure what the benefits would be. At the very least, I was hoping to gain exposure in my community and ultimately drum up some real estate business.
What I wasn't expecting, among other things, was to be contacted by people from all over the world who were inspired from something I wrote. Some of these folks call me, some send an e-mail, it's always a pleasant surprise.
I've had many buyers and agents from all over the U.S. call or write because of a post I wrote about my frustrations with Bank … (38 comments)

New to Real Estate? Don't Believe Most of the Stuff the Old Guys Say. - 08:08 AM
OK, How do you get clients when you do not have any?
 
Most of the folks in the office will tell you that open houses, blogging and doing rentals are waste of time.
My guess is that the folks giving this advice have another source of family income or they would have been out of the business fast.
The agents that do really well NOW may not use these methods NOW, but my guess is they built their current referral based business on these methods.
 
 
 
 
 
Open houses: In my first two years of business I … (96 comments)

“Our agent is on vacation ….Can You Show us some houses ?” Asked the buyer. - 07:12 AM
 
   We could show you houses…but if we show you the house, we are also your agent for the houses we show you. It is better for you to decide to who you want to work with and stay with one agent.  The buyer said that they had another agent who had shown them a few houses but they really didn’t feel he was listening to their needs and that he understood what they wanted. He did not know the areas they had chosen based upon their commute to work….they were not comfortable with him and had no buyer agency … (149 comments)

What are your favorite kind of blog posts? - 11:45 PM
How many types of blog posts are there? Which blog posts have you NOT done yet?
1. How to/tutorial posts These kind of posts are pretty popular and readers usually love them. Pick one specific and fairly small issue or problem that you can solve for your readers. Describe it in written language or even better make a video clip. Maybe you want to use a screencast software such as screen-o-matic.
2. News Report about latest news in your  industry. Maybe you want to add your own opinion or keep it neutral?
3. Standard list post A post that lists various … (39 comments)

5 New Trends For 2012! Straight From the Las Vegas Design Market! - 01:22 PM
 5 New Trends For 2012! Straight From the Las Vegas Design Market! Even though the Vegas Market was overwhelming at times with it's sheer volume of beautiful decor ideas, I did spot a few trends that will influence some of my Property Styling this year.
The new colours; Tangerine and iced teal are huge! They're in every thing from glassware to art and accessories! I even wore it one day! Didn't know when I packed it was one of the new hot colours, I must be psycho psychic!  
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
… (51 comments)

"Romance is Dead" Murder Mystery Dinner at Kentlands Mansion - 03:37 PM
"Romance is Dead" Murder Mystery Dinner at Kentlands Mansion
If you love fine dining coupled with a good mystery, then Kentlands Mansion is the perfect setting for a romantic night out just before Valentine’s Day. 
In “Romance is Dead,” you’ll meet Mr. Rex Hallmark, the mastermind behind the entire Valentine’s Day agenda.  He’s called a meeting with this board of directors to discuss the final push for Valentine’s Day.  But trouble is brewing, with the heads of chocolate, flowers and jewelry feeling that changes should be made in how the business is managed … and maybe even by whom!  Even Cupid, … (36 comments)

I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You! - 07:19 AM
I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You. You know the old phrase “Put your money where your mouth is.”  Well I’m not offering any money but I did decide it was time to see if what I keep saying..you can learn something new every day at Active Rain... was actually true.   Last Sunday I set out to find at least one post each day that taught me something.... .....It may have been about something techie... about blogging and SEO.... anything having to do with Staging or Real Estate... about the … (73 comments)

Once the Offer is Made Is It Time to Stop Searching for Houses to Buy? - 08:26 AM
Once the Offer is Made Is It Time to Stop Searching for Houses to Buy?

 
Once a buyer has made an offer on a home, is it time to stop viewing other listings?  I am sure that there are multiple schools of thought on this and I'm hoping to get varied feedback on this subject. There may even be a shift in my opinion if someone makes a compelling case against my own thoughts.
When it comes to finding a home for a buyer, do you consider that part of your job to be over (even if temporarily), once an … (94 comments)


Blog posts


Sugar Creek Home for Sale Greer, South Carolina - 04:39 PM
$265,000 202 Stone Ridge Road, Greer, SC 29650 BEDS:4 Beds BATHS:2 Full 1 Half SQFT:3200-3399 LOT:0.43 Acres BUILT:1976 ON SITE:3 Days PRICE:$265,000 TYPE:Home COUNTY:Greenville AREA:022 MLS#:1235648 STATUS:Active UNITS: NEIGHBORHOOD: Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Homes for sale (10 more) ELEMENTARY: Buena VistaMIDDLE SCHOOL: NorthwoodHIGH SCHOOL: RiversideSCHOOL DISTRICT: N/A School Ratings and Info Offered by DANIEL HAMILTON of Keller Williams Realty Take Action: Add to Favorites Email this Listing Schedule Showing Request More Info Virtual Tour View Full-Size Photos Move-in ready with unlimited possibilities! The current oversized bonus room on the main level features three solid oak bookcases and with no steps it could easily be handicap accessible. Would make a … (0 comments)

What would Doctor Evil do? - 08:04 AM
Recession, Depression, Housing Bubble Bust, Foreclosures, and Short-sales.  I can hear it now, somewhere Dr. Evil's sinister plot to wreck the United States' economy has been well underway.  But, can American ingenuity beat Dr. Evil?  Without a doubt it can.  See, the way I figure it, is that if Dr. Evil can try and hold the world hostage for onemilliontrillionbilliondollars, and eventually have a water filled pit with Sharks with lasers attached to their heads, then can't we figure out a way to help ourselves?  The answer, by the way is a resounding "YES"!  To quote some other cartoon character, "Yes we can", … (1 comments)

You Cannot Just Read About Things – You need to Walk the Ground - 02:08 PM
You Cannot Just Read About Things – You need to Walk the Ground
I am a history buff and love to read about the Battles of the Civil War and the American Revolution, amongst other things. Now in California we do not have a lot of Battle Fields. There were a few Indian Battles and a few riots during the Civil War, but nothing to speak of like in the Eastern Part of the county.
I was privileged to visit the Battle Field at Shiloh where one of my Great – Great Grandfathers fought with an Iowa Regiment. No matter how … (0 comments)

This is Janson – All Boy - 02:35 PM
This is Janson – All Boy
My sister calls him “Denise the Menace” and he has been known to get in a bit of trouble. He is my one son that is small in stature, but he eats like a horse and sneaks food like a teenager.
Yesterday Janson had Baseball tryouts of Pinto Jr. I was filled with lots of trepidation as I know my son's talent level. I had considered seeing if you he could play down in a younger division this year. But you know he did OK at tryouts. Not a super star – yet, but no … (0 comments)

CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week – 012912 - 03:10 PM
Here is Donne calling her own shots.  I guess I did not make the list this week, but you cannot do it every week.  She has a good list and always a bunch of quality post to follow up on.
Go over and subscribe if you do not already.  
Via Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA):
Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggeras well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across.  First and foremost, I just want to give a … (0 comments)

How to paint a straight line on a textured wall - 03:12 PM
If you are trying to get your home ready to sell or just want to spiff if up paint is one of the best bangs for your buck. 
Now I have tried to paint lines using paint tape before and always get a bleed, but here is the seceret to doing it right.  And it is so easy.
Via Mimi Foster - Colorado Springs Realtor Managing Broker (EPIC Real Estate Group Colorado Springs Real Estate):
How to paint a straight line on a textured wallOne of the best ways to give new life to a room is by adding a splash of color.  … (4 comments)

How to Frustrate Buyers and Alienate Buyer’s Agents - 03:16 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
If you are Selling a Home it is important that you be accurate about the information put on the MLS.  Here is a great post why it is important to lay it all on the line as to exactly what kind of floor plan you have in a home.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond go to Home Point Real Estate. 
Via Tni LeBlanc REALTOR® Santa Maria CA Homes Central Coast:
How to Frustrate Buyers and Alienate Buyer’s AgentsTruth in Advertising. Simple concept, but in the real estate world it can get … (1 comments)

7 Home Improvement Projects for $1,000 (or Less) - 12:27 PM
Americans still think buying a home is one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. Here are some ways to increase your home’s value and comfort for less than $1,000.
 We knew reports of the death of American home ownership were greatly exaggerated (nod to Mark Twain), and now we’ve got the numbers to prove it.
A just-released survey by the Meredith Corp., which publishes Better Homes and Gardens magazine, says the vast majority of people polled believe owning a home is a smart financial move and a source of pride.Here are some results of the 2,500 people surveyed online:
86% of home … (5 comments)

Can Using Color Help Sell Homes in Baltimore? - 09:35 PM
Can Using Color Help Sell Homes in Baltimore? Many factors go into selling a home including things like pricing, photography, internet presence, presentation, marketing, condition and ease of making appointments. I have decided to experiment...Can using color help sell homes in Baltimore?  
 
My favorite color is sort of a non color. I love the color brown. But when it came to advertising my listings..I wanted the color to stand out against backgrounds of black and white. My "For Sale" sign is red so I again chose RED for my real estate advertising. I have always used black and white … (16 comments)

Short Sale Commission Disputes - 09:32 AM

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A Licensed … (2 comments)

How To Handle A Short Sale On A Property That Is Owned By A Trust - 11:34 AM


Hi Folks. I’ve ran across agents, several times this week, not sure how to handle a Short Sale when the property is owned by a trust. So I thought I’d take a minute to explain how this works. Actually I can do it in about 1 second........
 
…......exactly the same as you would handle any other Short Sale!!
 
Here’s why.
 
Short Sales are done for Borrowers. Even though the property is owned by a Trust the note was more than likely signed by an individual. The individual is the one you are doing the Short Sale … (8 comments)

Trafalgar Towers, Hollywood Beach Short Sale on Intracoastal, by the beach! - 04:18 PM
Trafalgar Towers, Hollywood Beach Short Sale on Intracoastal, by the beach!
2 bedroom/2 bath, across the street from the beach, short walk to the famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk!
 
 
 
Hollywood Florida Real Estate, Hollywood FL Real Estate, Hollywood Beach Real Estate, Hollywood Beach Condos for sale, Hollywood Beach Short Sales, Hollywood Beach Foreclosures, Hollywood Beach Realtor, Hollywood Fl foreclosures, Susan Weaver, real estate agent
For FREE Instant Email Notification of  Hollywood Florida Real Estate  &  Hollywood Beach Florida Real Estate  short sales, foreclosures and regular listings, as soon as they become available, please visit our website at http://www.Hollywood-Beach-Florida-Real-Estate.com  or … (0 comments)

“Our agent is on vacation ….Can You Show us some houses ?” Asked the buyer. - 07:12 AM
 
   We could show you houses…but if we show you the house, we are also your agent for the houses we show you. It is better for you to decide to who you want to work with and stay with one agent.  The buyer said that they had another agent who had shown them a few houses but they really didn’t feel he was listening to their needs and that he understood what they wanted. He did not know the areas they had chosen based upon their commute to work….they were not comfortable with him and had no buyer agency … (149 comments)

Please Reblog - Gail Wants Her ASUS Zenbook Back! - 07:16 AM
Everyone is entitled to good customer service....Let's help Gail get what she deserves....and the prompt over night at no extra charge of her formerly  "valued partner" in her business. Customer service is a valuable asset to any business....and as this company may soon learn, if you don't provide it...you will have much less business to give service !  Go Gail !
Via Gail Robinson, Black Rock CT Real Estate blackrockhomesforsale.com (William Raveis Real Estate, Southport, CT):
For those of you considering buying an ASUS Zenbook, I want to share my experience to save you the pain I've been through.  I paid $1,550 for … (0 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Duplex - 10:20 AM
There are so many advantages and benefits of buying a duplex!   A multi family home can be an ideal investment and it can create many financial opportunities that will benefit you today and also in your future.  Thousands of property owners have chosen multi family homes as their preferred housing choice and there are so many great reasons why:
Live in one unit and rent the 2nd unit for cash Live in one unit and family / friend in 2nd unit Live in one unit / use 2nd unit as a home office  Rent both units and enjoy the rental … (2 comments)

Condo Homes in Mount Vernon Ohio - 04:26 PM
Most real estate agents and brokerage websites feature homes, land and condominiums.  The problem is that most of these websites generally lump all of their homes AND the condominiums together which can make it very hard to sort,  locate and view the condos individually.  We have created a unique way for our condo buyers to view available condominiums with just a single click of a mouse.  Visit KnoxCountyOhio.com and highlight over the "Buying" button, Featured Listings and click on "Mount Vernon Condos".  Mount Vernon Condos.
Offered by Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty (740) 397-7800  Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (0 comments)

Website Listing Tags Will Increase Your Site Page Views - 04:33 PM
Most consumers visit real estate websites for quick and easy access to view specific homes that they are interested in.  The challenge is that most real estate websites including many templated sites is that they simply don't enable the buyer the flexibility to do more detailed searches beyond price ranges and zip codes / areas.  This is unfortunate because I believe that websites that do not emable the consumer to be more specific in their home searches have a high bounce rate.
Our KnoxCountyOhio.com website was designed and built by Real Pro Systems and they have a very powerful feature that we … (5 comments)

1120 Lake Lotela Dr -- $149,999 -- SOLD JUNE 2012! - 10:58 PM
… (0 comments)

Pensacola Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for January 2012 - 09:04 AM
Pensacola Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for January 2012  brought to by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services, we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Pensacola, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 . In my opinion the Pensacola Market will see a leveling off period beginning January 2012, depending on how the foreclosures are released into the market instead of 10 to 13% … (1 comments)

Pace Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for January 2012 - 09:06 AM
Pace Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for January 2012 brought to by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Pace, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details.  What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 
In my opinion the Pace Market with the growth spurt of the last two years has helped Pace to overcome some of the downturn that had a negative effect on the surrounding cities, … (2 comments)

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