Archives of real estate blog entries for March 29, 2012

Featured blog posts


RainCamp: More Social, Less Media - TOMORROW! - 03:26 PM

 
Registration now open for RainCamp: More Social, Less Media When: April 19th 9:00am to 12:30pm Pacific Time (12:00pm to 3:30 Eastern Time)Where: Online, join us from your office, couch or even your bedHow much: Free (thanks to our sponsors)What: Learning to use Social Media tools to increase your businessWho: A great lineup of speakers, check them out below

Social media is a buzz word for 2012. It was a buzz word in 2011. But how does it actually impact your business? How do you use social media to create more value for your existing clients and to potentially … (105 comments)

If you overprice your house, you will lose money! - 07:47 PM
As Realtors, we talk about overpricing a lot.  An overpriced house is a lonely house.  It soon becomes stigmatized and ignored by most Realtors.  If it receives low offers that are countered by an insulted seller it will also acquire a reputation as a house that is not worth the trouble.
I had a seller in 2010 that wanted to list his house just slightly too high.  It was about 10% over market, and we had discussed a system of moving it down over a designated time.  That never happened, of course.  It was the last house I ever overpriced.
… (54 comments)

What is the "Goldilocks Zone" for pricing a house to sell? - 06:42 AM
In astronomy, the "Goldilocks Zone" refers to the range of distance from a sun where habitable planets exist.  It's the sweet spot where all the good stuff can happen.  There is such a zone in real estate too.  It's the price range where offers start to come in and you have a chance to negotiate.  Let me preface that this zone will vary around the country and depends on market conditions.  In the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley specifically, it's a little challenging since there are huge price variances within a few miles.
What is the "Goldilocks Zone" price … (31 comments)

I am sorry, but I am unable to write the contract at this time. - 01:57 PM
I showed up at my buyers home to write of the contract on a property that they love.
They knew I was coming.  I even told them that if we dont' get this in by tomorrow morning, it will be to late....Per selling agent.
When I walk into the house, something just was not right.  Both husband and wife were laughing and very relaxed.  They were very excited that the search was finally over.
I sat down and told them that I could not write the contract at this time for they were not of sound mind.  they looked at me..."What … (108 comments)

Are Realtors® Here To "Protect Homeownership"? - 03:34 PM

 
 
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has an ad campaign claiming that Realtors® are here to protect home ownership. It's a bittersweet conversation between a grandfather and his grandchild while they sit on the grandfather's porch. The child hopes to have a home just like it someday....and the wistful grandfather says "I hope so......" It's clear that we are to get from this that the future is so uncertain that owning a home is no longer a fixed fact.
The advertisement then goes on to explain that the members of the NAR are here to protect home … (31 comments)

The Warm Weather is Here! And the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area is Just a Short Drive to the Beach! - 04:09 AM
The Warm Weather is Here!
And the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area is Just a Short Drive to the Beach!With temperatures expected in the mid 80's today here in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex area, it's time to start thinking about weekend trips to the beaches! Here in North Carolina we have some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. Whether you like white powdery sand, rough waves to do a little surfing, or a serene spot to get in some fishing, the beaches in North Carolina have it all. Most of our pristine beaches are just about a 2 … (28 comments)

Use The 4 D's To Manage Your Email InBox - 10:57 AM
In order to cut down on the NOISE of so many messages in your InBox
  Use The 4 D's To Manage It
Decide what to do with each and every message. Know your company policy (4 years?) of how long to store messages for legal reasons. The technique:
Delete it - Generally you can delete half the email you get as not important at all after you read it. Will you need it for a project or in the next 6 months? Can you find the information elsewhere? Is it required to keep? Do It (in less than two minutes) - … (64 comments)

What Exactly is a Buyers' or a Sellers' Market in Real Estate - 12:03 PM
When buying or selling real estate in Los Angeles  we often talk about the market as being a buyers’ or a sellers’ market, based on the absorption rate.
The absorption rate is the number of months it will take to sell the existing inventory based on prior months’ sales.  6 months is a balanced market, under six months a sellers’ market, and over six months a buyers’ market.
However the market is neither a buyers’ or sellers’ market if no one is buying or selling, and ultimately we rely on sellers putting new homes on the market to spur the buyers out there who … (30 comments)

Daymond John - 05:35 AM
Ever heard of Daymond John? He is the CEO and founder of the clothing line, FUBU. He is also on the great TV show Shark Tank, which airs on Friday nights on ABC. The show features entrepreneurs coming to these 5 millionaires looking for them to invest in their companies. Daymond is one of these guys.
I sat and listened to Daymond speak last night for about 2 hours, and loved every minute of it. He spoke of his life and how he failed multiple times before hitting it big. He said he has 5 rules for making it in life, … (40 comments)

Dont Let Your Neighbors Sell You Out - 03:06 AM
We've done this before: spilling the beans for the sake of having a friendly conversation, especially people here in Frisco TX. A recent experience brought a new awareness for me as a responsibility towards my Frisco TX home seller clients.
I usually advise my sellers not to be at the house when the buyers visit. That's not hard to understand how their presence may make the buyers uncomfortable. But more importantly, by being there, sometimes the buyers may ask questions the sellers are not prepared to answer.
Why are you selling? Where are you moving to? How's your timing about moving … (122 comments)

Helping Buyers, When Purchasing REO's and Short Sales (Free ActiveRain Webinar) Wed April 4, 10-11am PST - 07:42 AM
Helping Buyers, When Purchasing Distressed Properties (REO’s and Short Sales)
New webinar on Wednesday April 4th, 2012.  10-11am PST.  (1-2PM EST)
FREE – ActiveRain University Presents
Instructor : Chris Alston / Host: Bob Stewart  

Join me for another training session with ActiveRain University and Chris Alston Training-Cunsulting-Speaking.  This week’s topic is on helping buyers understand the process when wanting to buy distressed properties.  This includes REO’s, Short Sales, HUD homes, FDIC homes and homes in disrepair.  What to expect, how to persue it, how to write offers, what banks and sellers are expecting and what mind set do you need … (15 comments)

Ugly Little Secrets about Selling a Home in Brentwood or Discovery Bay - 01:41 PM
Ugly Little Secrets about Selling a Home in Brentwood or Discovery Bay
Selling a Home is tough for people and they have lots of questions. Today on a bulletin board where I sometimes answer questions a guy Selling a Home post a question on Short Sales. I didn't think much of it. I rarely get clients off the bulletin board, but I like to help people out when they are Selling a Home and it was a reasonable question about Selling a Home.
One other agent in the area had responded before me and his Home Selling Information seemed reasonable too; … (19 comments)

Honey I want a Microwave- Wenatchee and Moses Lake Home Inspection - 08:36 AM
Honey I want a Microwave- Wenatchee and Moses Lake Home InspectionNot too common in years gone by that the home would not be equipped with a microwave. Hard to imagine now, we are a zapping society.So many older homes will not have a dedicated circuit for the microwave/range hood like is required by today’s standards.The microwave came about during WWII when working on radar technology Percy Spencer of Raytheon Company melted a candy bar in his pocket. Experiments later showed that microwave energy could cause the internal temperature of food to heat up. So the world had been introduced to the … (23 comments)

I Attend Active Rain Business College - 06:29 AM
I Attend Active Rain Business College
Now I can only imagine how stupid this is going to sound, but sadly it’s the truth.  When I started my home staging company I bought a WordPress website through my staging certification, added my portfolio ………………..and never did anything else!
Truth is I didn’t know any better until I joined Active Rain and started reading posts about Google Juice, the importance of working social media (Face Book, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google +)blogging, SEO and how to get found by search engines.   And that's just the tip of the iceberg!
Looking back I’m surprised I’m still in … (69 comments)

Home Warranties, are they worth it? You bet! - 02:33 PM
I am thankful for our Home Warranty. 
We are in the process of remodeling a home in Sun City West built in the 80"s..  Before we could replace the kitchen appliances we had the floors redone in hardwood.  I was ready to turn in for the evening and decided to run the dishwasher before I went to bed.  I turned on the dishwasher and went to my computer to check emails.  Fortunately, I did not have any new ones.  Went to get a glass of water and felt water on my feet!  Yep, you guessed it; water was coming under the … (42 comments)

Agent X I'm Sorry You Lost...But Bad Mouthing My Office Is Not Smart - 09:58 AM
There are some agents who never cease to amaze me.  Imagine an agent being so desperate for business that the agent openly defames another agent and that agent’s office. 
What are people thinking when they behave so unprofessionally.  Their real estate business must be horribly hopeless to feel they must degrade others and disgrace the profession? 
The victory was ours, and the agent who lost and bad mouthed us did nothing more than humiliate herself in front of a client and another agent.  I feel stronger than ever knowing that our victory was so irritating to another agent!!
Imagine … (99 comments)

WHY THE INCREASING POOR QUALITY IN REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS? - 03:35 AM
Picture your self in this scenario.  You have been working for a company for 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years or more.  You have been doing a great job.  Then someone else takes over the ordering.  You are not allowed to talk to the people you have dealt with over the years.
Oh and by the way you have to take up to a 50% reduction in pay.  You also have to have your work completed in half the time you used to have to complete the work.  Welcome to the world of the real estate appraiser.
AMC's (appraisal … (56 comments)

MEDIC! Somebody call 911! - 06:46 PM
MEDIC! Somebody call 911!
After Claire’s softball game I was walking with Claire to her bus when I overheard “they don’t need a Realtor® to go talk to a builder.” Huh? I hesitated and focused on Claire. She had an injury during the game and I was being my over-protective self. Making sure she was ok  until she got home. (She's fine, brused & upset she missed part of the game, otherwise ok)
UGH! I blew it! All I could think was are you crazy?! All the way home I kicked myself. I’m not the pushy type...I don’t usually stick my … (28 comments)


Blog posts


Private Resort, Family Retreat or B&B - Residential Real Estate - REDUCED FROM $1,500,000 - Waynesville NC Real Estate - 03:21 AM
Price Improvement - Private Home or Retreat - Lake Views & Mountain Vistas … (1 comments)

New Word Press Theme for Carolyn Loewenstein - 03:20 PM
Pretty new custom site built on Word Press.  Carolyn Loewenstein

 
Kind regards,
 
Cherie YoungWord Press ThemesCustom Maps760.994.0813
… (1 comments)

Registration Open for RainCamp: More Social Less Media - 10:55 AM

Now that you saved the date, read up a litte on Scott Stratten, the speaker we previously announced, and are excited to learn some strategies and techniques for utilizing Social Media in your business,
Let's open the registration.
And in honor of opening the registration, I'll take a second to let you know that our friend Ben Kinney (at least he's my friend, if you're an agent in northwest WA you probably don't like him because he's hogging a ton of the business) will also be joining us as one of the presenters for RainCamp on April 19th.
In addition … (0 comments)

RainCamp: More Social, Less Media - TOMORROW! - 03:26 PM

 
Registration now open for RainCamp: More Social, Less Media When: April 19th 9:00am to 12:30pm Pacific Time (12:00pm to 3:30 Eastern Time)Where: Online, join us from your office, couch or even your bedHow much: Free (thanks to our sponsors)What: Learning to use Social Media tools to increase your businessWho: A great lineup of speakers, check them out below

Social media is a buzz word for 2012. It was a buzz word in 2011. But how does it actually impact your business? How do you use social media to create more value for your existing clients and to potentially … (105 comments)

Orland Hills, IL Market Trends March 2011 through 2012 - 11:48 AM
The following graphs and the table show market trends for single family Orland Hills homes from March 2011 through March 2012.  The chart below shows that the amount of homes listed has seen a steady decline from the peak in April 2011.

The chart below shows the amount of homes that actually sold and closed in the village.  You will need to notice the difference in the left side as to the number of properties comparing the 2 charts.  The peak closing month was in November of 2011.  This number reflects homes that had accepted contracts around August to October.
… (6 comments)

What's Going on Temecula Real Estate? - 12:30 PM
What’s going On?
Well, it has been a while since I have been active in either real estate or blogging on ActiveRain.  Many of you know, and have wished me well in the past, that I lost my wife to cancer on December 10, 2010. 
For the 8 months leading up to her passing and for the year following, I was not at all active in Real Estate.  However, I have decided it’s time to get back on the horse and get back to the professional passion that has driven me for years.
The question is – where do I go … (3 comments)

Ugly Little Secrets about Selling a Home in Brentwood or Discovery Bay - 01:41 PM
Ugly Little Secrets about Selling a Home in Brentwood or Discovery Bay
Selling a Home is tough for people and they have lots of questions. Today on a bulletin board where I sometimes answer questions a guy Selling a Home post a question on Short Sales. I didn't think much of it. I rarely get clients off the bulletin board, but I like to help people out when they are Selling a Home and it was a reasonable question about Selling a Home.
One other agent in the area had responded before me and his Home Selling Information seemed reasonable too; … (19 comments)

Should I have my own IDX Solution???? - 07:16 AM
 
Should I have my own IDX Solution?  
It has been several years of trial and error for me when it comes to IDX on my site.    I have used the IDX provided by my MLS, and I have had it provided by my broker.  
Lesson 1: As an agent you should have your own IDX solution.  
It is worth it to ensure that your clients have immediate access to information they want -- what is listed for sale.  More importantly you don't want the consumer to connect anyone but yourself.   When you have your own solution on your website … (4 comments)

Top 10 Reasons to Live in the Baltimore Area - 07:22 PM
My friend and fellow Realtor® June  Piper-Brandon has come up with 10 good reasons for living in the Baltimore area.
I am sure, we could add a few more.
                                   
 
Via June Piper-Brandon CDPE, CIAS, ePro, Assoc. Broker (Century 21 New Millenium):
Top 10 Reasons to Live in the Baltimore Area
As many of you know I am not originally from Baltimore.  I moved here in 1997 and stayed. 
The Baltimore area has much to offer including:
1.  Education - Maryland has many of the best schools in the country and offers many opportunities for higher learning.  Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, … (16 comments)

Meet Up Wednesday but Where? - 09:10 PM
Fun times with great friend +Joeann Fossland At #G&M for ... https://plus.google.com … (0 comments)

Affordable Country Lot For Sale Just Slightly North of Mount Vernon Ohio - 07:47 PM
It is super rare that you can buy nearly an acre of land in Mount Vernon Ohio for only $15,000.  If you like the looks of this property be sure to view the additional listing details at Carson Road Land in Mount Vernon Ohio 43050.
You can view more listing details by visiting Carson Road Land in Mount Vernon Ohio 43050.  We have also created a unique listing link which features all of our available Knox County Ohio acreage for sale. 
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (1 comments)

Spacious 4 Bedroom Home at the Apple Valley Lake for $95,000 - 07:55 PM
Apple Valley Lake homes this nice and spacious that are priced under $100,000 are very rare and this home features lots of living space and it is  super impressive especially for only $95,000!!!  797 Royal Circle at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio.
If you like the looks of this home you will be seriously impressed once you step inside and take a virtual tour at 797 Royal Circle at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio.
We have also created a unique real estate listing link which features all of our available Apple Valley Lake homes for sale … (4 comments)

Utica Ohio Country Ranch on Acreage - 07:59 PM
20037 Arrington Road in Utica, Ohio.
20037 Arrington Road in Utica, Ohio.
Knox County Ohio country homes with acreage and larger lots organized in price order from highest to lowest.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (4 comments)

North of Wilshire – Santa Monica Luxury Condo Neighborhood – Perfect Place to call home for Santa Monica Lovers – Close to Shopping and Easy Beach Living in Santa Monica - 12:33 PM

North of Wilshire, but South of Montana Avenue, is mainly a residential neighborhood in Santa Monica, consisting of a lot of mid-sized homes, condominiums and apartment buildings. Characterized by beautiful tree lined streets, this neighborhood is home to many whose dream is to live in Santa Monica. On the westernmost end lies several well preserved Victorian duplex houses. Prices for single-family homes in North of Wilshire are of Santa Monica usually range from $1.3 million to $3 million; prices for condos and townhomes range from the $750,000-900,000, and typical two-bedroom units cost more than $2million for newer and lavish luxury … (0 comments)

109 Fox Ridge Road -- $84,999 -- SOLD! - 09:55 PM
… (0 comments)

What's Your Secret to a Good Broker's Open? - 05:27 AM
Continue with my Open House Post this week and I suppose NAR could use some ideas as well if your interested drop them a line.
I previously gave you an idea for an unmanned open house, the ole card trick open and sign in sheet open for sellers as well as buyers. Stay tuned for my broker open ideas as it is sure to rock your open
Via REALTOR® Magazine (National Association of REALTORS®):
REALTOR® Magazine's crowdsourced List Issue is right around the corner, and the editors here in Chicago and in Washington, D.C., are busy on the Web seeking the best real … (5 comments)

To Hold Or Not To Hold An Open House - 05:31 AM
Matthew has a few suggestions here as well but doing opens takes planning and will work if done with the results in mine. I am doing a series on open houses for my Monday Matters post so subscribe and let's share ideas. I gave you several this past week but the best is yet to come with a Brokers Open that will absolutely rock your world.
Via Matthew Monahan:
To hold or not to hold... that seems to be an on going battle of Realtor's.  I will admit I have heard more war stories worse then good on holding open house's.  Then … (7 comments)

Price Isn't Everything: Evaluating an Offer - 06:23 AM
Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze sellers should read this simple but great post. Buying and selling a home can be an emotional thing but we it comes to evaluating, sit down with a professional and crack it open to get a grasp of the details you never know what the best offer is till you see the bottom line
Sellers Flat Fee of $2995 when one of our agents sells your home or if you want MLS (where you home is available for all Real Estate Agents to sell) then the best program TODAY is $1495 to us +3 % offered to Buyers … (0 comments)

How to Hold an Open House, Newbie Agent Tip - 06:30 AM
Continuing with my theme on open houses here is a great post for newbies and olbies alike LOL. Most look at Open Houses as a lost cause but as this post covers and I might add Opens can be a great addition to ones marketing with very little cost but you have to plan correctly and this post may shed some light on that. Be sure to subcribe to my post as I will be sharing somemore tidbits including the Open House from Hell as well as a Brokers Open that brought the house down LITTERALLY.
Charles Stallions, CRS, CSP, CBR, … (0 comments)

Winning Wednesday - Do you Rotary? Welcome to Cantonment Rotary - 06:48 PM
Rotary the best hour of the week, we meet every Wednesday at Scenic Hills Country Club from 12pm to 1 pm, lunch is served at approximately 10 after. If you are a business leader and can set your own hour for lunch we would love for you to visit and have lunch on us. Check us out and see if membership is for you. We are a community based organization helping where needed, our biggest and only fund raiser is the Ted Ciano Cantonment Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament that is held every May and this year will be on May 11, 2012 … (0 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2012-03-29

 Archives:

31 Mar
30 Mar
29 Mar
28 Mar
27 Mar
26 Mar
25 Mar
24 Mar
23 Mar
22 Mar
21 Mar
20 Mar
19 Mar
18 Mar
17 Mar
16 Mar
15 Mar
14 Mar
13 Mar
12 Mar
11 Mar
10 Mar
9 Mar
8 Mar
7 Mar
6 Mar
5 Mar
4 Mar
3 Mar
2 Mar
1 Mar
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006