Archives of real estate blog entries for March 12, 2012

Featured blog posts


Quick Sale? Bonus Points If You Don’t Cook And Have Great Timing - 09:12 PM
Why do some properties go under contract faster than others?  Recent blogs have discussed contributing factors that influence quick sales and/or multiple offers.  When I listed my condo for sale, there were several other available units in the same building.  Some had even been on the market for months.  And, although the units were located in various spots throughout the building, they were otherwise comparable in square footage and floor plan design. I received a full price offer in less than 30 days.  Was my condo priced too low?  No.  It was priced in line with other similar units.  Was it … (35 comments)

Do I Get to Stay in My Home For A Week After Closing? - 06:13 AM
 
Do I Get to Stay in My Home For A Week After Closing?
This is a question I get asked quite often when I bring a signed offer back to my sellers. They may have originally moved to Florida from a state where their contracts gave them time in the home after the closing.
In Florida, at least my area of New Port Richey to Hudson, day of closing is day of possession - it says so in our contracts. Thinking about that, I thought of the complications of seller possession after closing;

The insurance nightmare. Insurance companies … (140 comments)

Danger Will Robinson! Think Before You Pin! - 11:34 PM
Danger Will Robinson! Think Before You Pin!
Pinterest Safe Pinning rules can help you from making BIG mistakes with copyright violations.
So many social media sites and so little time!
Learning yet another social media platform is almost too much for anyone today.  It seems like we just get comfortable with how things run on facebook, twitter or Google+ and they change the format along the rules so it's like a never ending journey of new information. I am sorry to say this is the norm and in the 21st century as the Cosmic Shift Happens™ this is just the … (69 comments)

How To Create A Great Start-Up Business - 03:34 PM
There are but a few critical pieces needed to create a successful start-up business today. In this example, you'll see that it doesn't take much and that it all stems from a simple GREAT idea that you can expand on and yet still have fun at the same time.
Here's five important pieces of the puzzle for a successful start-up business.
#1 - You'll need a niche, a group, or a target of people or prospects that need your product, tool, or service.
#2 - You need to be economically competitive, a price people won't think twice about, they … (40 comments)

Does Maximum Rent Equal Maximum Cash Flow? - 08:56 AM

I was out finalizing a lease for one of my clients yesterday. The listing agent was not available so I met with the owner of the property. My clients got stuck in traffic so we had some time to chat. The conversation turned to investment homes.
Many investors confuse rental rates with cash flow assuming that getting the maximum amount of rent equals maximum cash flow. I'll argue the opposite is usually true.
There are at least two hidden costs that need to be factored into the cash flow equation. The first is vacancy rate and the second is the … (12 comments)

... Oh he's a relative of yours? ... then you must be in good hands then right? - 08:56 PM
Well today I had yet another example of why your choice of service providers is so critical to your real estate transaction.
This is the 9th situation where I have recommended specific provider options (attorneys, mortgage brokers, & home inspectors), and have been told, "Oh it's OK, we have that covered, we're going to use our Uncle, Cousin, Neighbor or Friend". At the end of the day, the client always makes the choice - as they should - but regret is a real tough pill to swallow, and flippant choices without thinking it through, can bite your butt like a pitbull, … (46 comments)

Financial Planner in Upland with a great business card - Check it out. - 03:30 PM
Clients looking for a smart, hardworking financial planner in Upland will find him right here.  I thought my Realtor associates were clever with their marketing and branding, but this is the best business card I’ve seen!I met Josiah Salser because he was doing some research on Reverse Mortgages in order to help guide his clients on the mortgage structuring part of their financial picture.  He found me through my AR “Outside Blog” and also on LinkedIn. Being the proactive sort of guy that he is, he contaced me through LinkedIn, and we wound up setting up a face to face meeting … (38 comments)

My neighbor, John, got X for his house, he told me so... - 10:29 PM
 My neighbor, John, got X for his house, he told me so...
I had a listing appointment today and I decided to approach the price question in a different way.  I often get shot down when I give my price opinion and I thought I would ask the seller what she thought her house was worth and then I would give my opinion and justify it with my data.

How refreshing it was to have the seller say, she had no idea what her house is worth and that is why I was sitting at her table.  Most of the … (33 comments)

Property Tax Assessments and Tax Rates - Be the Source - 11:50 AM
How does someone go about challenging their property tax assessment? How do they find out what the millage rates are for the area they are thinking about buying?
You tell me. In fact, while you're at it, take a chance to tell anyone and everyone that may be searching for that kind of information in your market. We recently received a letter in the mail from the county informing us that the assessed value of our home had changed for the purposes of our next property tax cycle.
If I had wanted to dispute those property taxes I would have immediately … (68 comments)

Some People Don't Like To Celebrate Success In Others - 01:05 PM
I have written about jealousy and envy of others before but again a reminder that
   Some People Don't Like To Celebrate Success In Others.
Whether it is points from blogging, featured posts, sales numbers and dollars earned, or the next door neighbor just got a brand new car better than yours. What do they say with envy? One of the deadly sins?
It is called covetousness, and beyond some moral view of it, it truly stems from some kind of: INSECURITY
You can't flip a switch and undo what is going on in the mind of another when YOU achieve … (38 comments)

Why My First Time Home Buyers Didn't Make an Offer on Your Home - 10:08 AM
Here's a List of Reasons Why My First Time Home Buyers Didn't Make an Offer On Your Home 
Ah the joys of househunting with first time home buyers.  No matter how much I coach and advise them before setting out to please look beyond the home seller's clutter, wall colors and furnishings when viewing homes because those items are easy fixes, they nod vigorously in agreement and then oftentimes shutdown when they physically see or smell the reality of the home in person.
Here are just a few things that have recently come up while home shopping with buyers this year and these weren't even my picky … (37 comments)

Agents: Don't Lie to Your Buyers Because You will Get Caught. - 10:14 AM
Here’s a lesson that some Buyer’s Agents forget while living in the Information Age: you cannot lie to your Buyers because you will get caught. When I list a home on the MLS, there is not one field left blank. All the information that a Buyer’s Agent would need to know is given, plus attachments that give further disclosures and guidelines. I understand that there’s an occasional question or two that may not be addressed; I also understand that sometimes an Agent may miss some of the information provided on the listing.

 
What I don’t understand, however, is … (41 comments)

How Active Rain Pays it Forward - 10:35 AM
We are all on Active Rain to increase business.  We have also been able to get priceless information and education   There have been strong friendships forged and as of now I have no knowledge of weddings.
There is another feature of Active Rain that people should be aware of.  Active Rain pays it forward.  An example of this is the blog that Tammy Lankford did the other day about Spring Ahead and replacing batteries in your smoke detector.  It was a pay it forward kind of post and so I re-blogged it.
Later that day I thought hmm, my kids … (30 comments)

The Ones I Strive to Be Like - 03:55 PM

I have learned a lot over the past ten years since I joined the world of real estate. But one of the biggest things is that I have the utmost respect for those in my industry who experience great success and yet somehow maintain a high level of humility and kindness.
They don't consider themselves worthy of special treatment or deserving of a special set of rules.
They share ideas, offer a shoulder to lean on, and provide encouragement when you didn't even realize you needed it.
They make you want to emulate them.
They make you happy for their success … (48 comments)


Blog posts


It's a Loan Officer, Not a Serial Killer! - 10:01 AM
Buying a Home in Brentwood
If you plan on Buying a Home you better see a loan office right of the bat.  I know several fine loan officers and if you need a referal or I can send you to the right one for you.  If you current loan officer is not telling you what you want to hear I may be able to find one that works for you.
For more information on Buying a Home give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Eric Michael, CDPE -Real Estate & Short Sale Professional 734.564.1519 (Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI):
It's a Loan Officer, … (0 comments)

Is that the smell of sweet success in your home ... Or ??? - 12:47 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
We have had some post recently on the importance of the smell of a house when Selling a Home.  Here is an interesting post on the subject.
For more Tips on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Gene Mundt Mortgage Lender Chicagoland Mortgage Lending (815.277.4036 www.genemundt.com):
 
Is that the smell of sweet success in your home ...
Or ???
 
 
     I'm an advocate of staging services when selling homes.  I think, especially in the present challenging housing market, that sellers often-times need every advantage possible … (1 comments)

Painting with a Twist - New Art Craze in Town - 09:30 AM
This weekend, I decided to do something new and exciting. Some of my friends in Dallas discovered this new craze called Painting with a Twist.  I looked them up online, and they have an Austin location, so I signed up. What is Painting with a Twist? It's a place where they walk you through painting a picture. You have to go to their Calendar to see what the picture is for the day you want to go, and then everyone in the room paints the same thing. The instructor tells you step by step what brush to use, what paints to … (5 comments)

2012 is More Efficient and Effective - 04:35 PM
2012 has been about working smarter and more efficiently.  I made a few changed to help run my business a little better, since it is a business and not a hobby.  One change is that I hired an assistant again. She used to work for a couple different National Builders on the Internet sales team, so she knows a thing or two about following up with internet leads. That's exactly what she's doing. She's going through my database(s) of hundreds and thousands of leads and finding the gold! It was so inefficient for me to do all that follow up when … (6 comments)

Turlock Ca Short Sale - On Market 48 Hours - 10 OFFERS!! - 05:22 PM
Turlock Ca Short Sale - On Market 48 Hours - 10 OFFERS!!
 
I'm sure a lot of people believe that the current real estate market is terrible.  If you watch the nightly news, listen to the radio or read the newspaper most of the time you are being told how terrible the market is.   Of course the saying is that bad news sells.  The problem with these news reports is that they all try to paint all markets with the same brush. 
 
There is another saying and that is that "All Real Estate Is Local."  What I mean … (0 comments)

Do I Sell Now or Wait? - 12:11 PM
We are fast approaching that time of year where home owners decide whether to put their home on the market. After all, the onset of Spring begins the peak season of each year.
A recent phone call from a seller quickly reminded me of the outstanding question of the past 5 years, ‘Do I Sell Now or Wait?’
This poor gal bought a new Downtown condo in 2008. What have prices done since then? You guessed it, they’ve gone down. Her life is outside of the county at this point, and she wants very much to move on and not … (0 comments)

Pendleton Home Just Reduced $284,000 - 03:02 PM
… (1 comments)

Calling Buyers looking in St. Augustine,FL ready to buy!! This one is a must see! - 11:14 AM
This Home sweet home has a formal dining room, large family room and tastefully updated throughout. Located on a large patio home lot, there is a large kitchen overlooking the family room, that has silestone countertops and stainless steel appliances that any great chef will definitely appreciate including a convection oven. All bathrooms have been completed redone within the last year, along with a new staircase. Tile throughout the main living area and bamboo vinyl flooring in the bedrooms that look fabulous yet are so easy to maintain. There are beautiful built-in on both sides of the wood burning fireplace, loads … (0 comments)

Kick Butt Listing the Rome Way works! - 10:15 PM
 
                          Kick Butt Listing the Rome Way works for me! Being a solo broker and listing agent,  THE MOST AMAZING KICK BUTT LISTING PRESENTATION CONTEST was right up my alley. Since most  listings are from past clients and referrals, I have a steady stream of sellers to choose from and the luxury of interviewing the potential listings to make sure I want to take them on. I love what I do and give so much to each transaction, I need to make sure it is a good partnership. … (14 comments)

17408 MAGNOLIA ISLAND BLVD, CLERMONT FL 34711 Magnolia Island - 12:38 PM
17408 MAGNOLIA ISLAND BLVD, CLERMONT FL 34711                                                             $$$ 495,000 $$$
If you want to retire in style or raise the family, don't miss this immaculate custom built home in Magnolia Island.  This family friendly gated community has a waterfront park and provides access to pristine John's Lake. As you enter the home, an open view out to the pool with summer kitchen invite you right out for the party, but don't forget to check out the rest of this wonderful home first. The great room with wood burning fireplace is perfect for snuggling with your "furry buddy" or watching a movie … (0 comments)

19934 VILLA ISLE DR # 206, ORLANDO FL 32821 Mirabella - 12:42 PM
19934 VILLA ISLE DR # 206, ORLANDO FL 32821                                                          $$$ 73,900 $$$
Fall in love with this amazing 1 bedroom, 1 bath home!  Step into your first floor foyer with door to your garage, ready to store your bikes, roller-blades, or golf bags after a fun day in the sun.  Head up the stairs to grab a cool drink in your galley kitchen with laundry room.  Will you grab a seat at your breakfast bar, or sink into your sofa?  Better yet, head out to your balcony to enjoy the great view of walking trails, sand volleyball court, playground, community pool … (1 comments)

4927 WALDEN CIR # 45, ORLANDO FL 32811 Cypress Creek Golf Townhomes - 12:45 PM
4927 WALDEN CIR # 45, ORLANDO FL 32811                                                                      $$$ 80.000 $$$
NOT a Short Sale OR Foreclosure - Easy transaction with this Townhome - You finally found your new home. This 2/2.5 townhome in Cypress Creek Subdivision offers a High Quality Living. Eat in kitchen with breakfast bar, dual sink. The appliances stay.  Practical storage under stairway. Its landscaped backyard with a magnificent lake view will take your breath away. You will love it. Private garage and guest parking. Exterior block construction on both floors for your peace of mind. Easy to preview. HOA includes water and sewer. Community pool and … (0 comments)

10342 MATCHLOCK DR, ORLANDO FL 32821 Montpelier Village - 12:48 PM
10342 MATCHLOCK DR, ORLANDO FL 32821                                                                     $$$ 96,900 $$$
Check out this charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath home!  Your screened front porch welcomes you in, a perfect place to greet guests, before showing them into your spacious great room.  Imagine your personal touches, as you create conversation areas, set up the big screen, or set an elegant table for 2 or 20.  Your kitchen offers ample counter space to prepare that meal,  while serving it buffet style at your breakfast bar.  Spend a quiet afternoon on your screened back porch with a great book and a glass of ice tea, or … (1 comments)

5247 MARBELLA ISLE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837 Hunters Creek - 12:53 PM
5247 MARBELLA ISLE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837                                                         $$$ 199,500 $$$
Short Sale.  A beautiful home which is sure to please!  Spacious & open floor plan.  Beautiful laminate flooring throughout - granite counter tops - no rear neighbors...just to name a few of the features!  Make a splash in the sparkling pool while enjoying the private setting.  Enjoy a quite evening by the pool while watching the Disney fireworks! 
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando  Area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply you can also … (1 comments)

3519 EDLINGHAM CT, BELLE ISLE FL 32821 Windsor Place - 12:57 PM
3519 EDLINGHAM CT, BELLE ISLE FL 32821                                                             $$$ 285,000 $$$
Traditional Sale! Windsor Place - Gallimore Custom Built Home,Shows like a model from the street to the interior! Very appealing Florida style Screened Pool Home with spacious covered Lanai & lovely rear yard. High vaulted ceilings with generous crown molding throughout,lighted planted ledges, stunning clear glass French doors with Transom windows, custom cabinetry and beautiful neutral colors. Textured ceilings and walls too! Gorgeous raised spa tub,His and Hers vanities & walk-in closets. Roof & pool screening replaced in 2005. Updated outside a/c Unit,hot water heater,disposal & kitchen faucet.  Plenty of yard … (2 comments)

Bank of America to Reduce Some Loans - 11:54 AM
The Associated Press reported a couple of days ago that Bank of America will likely provide some relief to about 200,000 home owners who are underwater with their mortgages, meaning they owe more than their homes are worth. It was stated that the relief may be as much as $100,000 per home.
Bank of America's incentive to do this is to reduce some of its 850 million in penalties it owes the governent.  Seems like a win win situation.  Less penalties for the bank and some much needed relief for homeowners.  It will be interesting to see how this is implemented.
… (4 comments)

Bank Owned Homes in Knox County Ohio by Email - 02:16 AM
We recognize there can be some amazing opportunities available when a buying bank owned home.  Our team has been working closely with banks, mortgage companies and other vendors who work with bank owned homes and this why we created Knox County Bank Owned.  Our Knox County Bank Owned real estate website is designed as a website registration service which lets us know you are interested in bank owned homes and other homes of exceptional value.  Our website will notify you of available Knox County Ohio Ohio bank owned and foreclosure homes.  There is no charge for this service and all we ask … (1 comments)

Obtain The Newest Real Estate Listings in Knox County Ohio by Email - 02:23 AM
The Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty offers an easy way to search for homes in Knox County Ohio without ever leaving your home.  Our system utilizes an interface that works with the Knox County Board of Realtors MLS system.  This is very beneficial to you because the moment a new real estate listing is entered into our Knox County Multiple Listing Service it will instantly send you a new listing notification e-mail with a link to the listing details.  The system works so quick that in most cases you will know about the new listings as Fast if not faster than … (3 comments)

The Monday Morning Message for my Active Rain Members - 06:34 AM
GOOD MORNING:   Welcome to this edition of The Monday Morning Message.....This week we have the opportunity to keep doing all the great things we have been doing and dump a few bad habits.   Pick two habits that you are not happy with and stop doing them.  Yes, cold turkey - just stop doing them this week.  Maybe it is eating late at night.  Stop doing it. Maybe it is going to bed late or sleeping in.  Stop doing it.  Whatever it is identify it this week and stop doing it.  We do not need to stop every bad habit at … (5 comments)

Bring an Old Post Back for a New Chance - 06:58 AM
Appreciate the timely blog and a reminder that any great content can resurface and help others that may have missed a blog or comment reply...thanks again for keeing me sharp and my team...
 
cheers... - Jay McHugh 
Via ActiveRain Inspiration Station ~ Find Inspiration for your Blog (ActiveRain Corp.):
Eventually you are going to run out of ideas for what to write about in your blog. It may only be for a few days or a week, but at some point it's going to happen. Sure, eventually if you leave your blog abandoned for long enough, you'll come up some more ideas.
… (1 comments)

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