Archives of real estate blog entries for March 9, 2012

Featured blog posts


Is that the smell of sweet success in your home ... Or ??? - 03:00 PM
 
 
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 to gain the sale they seek.
 
     I'm also the husband to a chronic migraine sufferer.  And to anyone that knows and loves someone that deals with this horrendous affliction ... you know that many things can prove to be a "trigger" for a headache.  And that includes smells.
 
     It has been said that nothing … (66 comments)

Mr. & Mrs. Seller, I Have Already Reduced My Commission 50%! And You Want More? - 03:26 AM
Mr. & Mrs. Seller, I Have Already Reduced My Commission 50%!  And You Want More?
 
I heard this request again yesterday!  It usually begins something like this.  “My house has lost so much and you want me to sell for even less.  I have this much invested and I NEED this much.  You need to reduce your commission.” 
My response.  You know Mr. & Mrs. Seller, I also feel your pain.  My home is worth less than one-half of what I paid for it 6 years ago.  However, the bank has not reduced its principal or interest rate.
 
So … (198 comments)

You Have Been Misinformed about a Realtor's Commission. - 05:27 PM
You Have Been Misinformed about a Realtor's Commission.
Real Estate agents get a bad rap. Everyone thinks we are the only professional that works on commission. Sellers try to sell homes themselves just so they don’t have to pay a commission.  But unless you happen to be riding down that street and see that home, chances are it will take a long time to sell... if at all!  And does that homeowner have all the information together to complete a sale?  No, many will forget that they belong to an HOA, and special work is required to switch ownership. The buyer is out a lot … (62 comments)

If I had known then what I know now... don't end up as real estate road kill. - 05:25 PM
I credit ActiveRain from keeping me ending up as "real estate road kill". Poor Andrea, she used to be a Realtor®, before she was turned into real estate road kill. Flattened like an opossum hit by a semi while trying to navigate the 16 lane highway of real estate, all alone. If I had known then what I know now.... I would not have gotten into real estate... I would have done things differently. I wish I would have really grasped the concept of linking much earlier. I tend to link willy nilly style, there needs to be a much, much … (67 comments)

Credit Card Collection Agencies are Preventing Short Sale Closings - 12:22 AM
 
Many collection agencies have resorted to recording liens against the borrower’s property instead of the bank levy or wage garnishment option.  What I don’t understand is how these collectors think that a lien for an abstract of judgment is of any real value when these properties are hundreds of thousands of dollars underwater.  There is not a dime extra for anyone who is party to a short sale.  The first lender is agreeing to accept only half of the original loan balance to release their lien (typical example), the second lender receives no more than $6,000 to release their lien … (38 comments)

Real Estate Market Report for Charlestown RI - 03:46 AM
Real Estate Market Report Charlestown RI. Pristine and unique - It is Quonnie time!
13 Charlestown RI homes have been sold in February 2012:
1 waterfront Charlestown RI home sold for over $1 million
1 home sold for over $400,000
3 homes sold between$300,000- $400,000
8 homes sold less than $300,000
There were 94 Charlestown RI homes for sale in February 2012 which another decrease in inventory.  This is the sixth month of a decline in real estate inventory in Charlestown RI (which is typical since many homes are withdrawn from the market for the winter months)..  Yet there were two more homes sold this month than the prior … (19 comments)

Watering restrictions for the Ormond Beach Florida area - 03:36 AM
Watering restrictions for the Ormond Beach Florida area Lawn and landscape irrigation in Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach and the rest of Volusia County have new restrictions in place. Beginning March 11, 2012 new watering restrictions took effect for the 18 counties within the jurisdiction of the St. Johns River Water Management District which includes Ormond Beach and Ormond By The Sea Florida. Watering is only allowed 2 days per week and only before 10 AM or after 4 PM. When daylight savings time ends watering is only allowed 1 day per week.
Knowing Your OK to water Days Mandatory lawn watering … (19 comments)

It's a Loan Officer, Not a Serial Killer! - 05:04 PM
It's a Loan Officer, Not a Serial Killer!
Scenario #1. You call a real estate agent because you saw a house online and would like more info. Agent describes the house and you get excited, it sounds exactly like what you're looking for. You say, "I gotta see this house! When can we go?" Agent's response, "Have you been in contact with a Loan Officer?"
Scenario #2. You and your spouse have been driving around the city, looking for "for sale" signs in front of houses that you're interested in. This is one of the areas you've always wished you could … (186 comments)

There is no right or wrong way to lead generate... But I bet there are ways to do it better! - 02:42 PM
It seems that ever day someone tries to tell you how to lead generate for business.  Someone calls you and tries to sell you something or get you to use this awesome new website.
It seems that someone always has an opinion on what to do, and how to do it.
And without fail, you try it.  You stop what it is you are doing to try this new thing that they are saying will give you success.  Having been convinced by them that the current lead gen ways you are using suck, and that you have to use theirs to be … (49 comments)

Tattoos, Facebook, and Unintended Consequences.... - 12:19 PM
Why is it that getting that "tramp stamp" at age 18, can seem like such a great idea, and yet at age 48, hmm...not so much? Sometimes that's just the way it goes with tattoos, and other pivotal life-choices, in general. Sometimes they can be all too permanent, and they always come with unintended consequences!
I've said lots of stupid things in my life, many of which I regretted so much, I just had to take them back! Fortunately, in those days, as embarrassing as it might have been, "taking it back" was relatively easy to do. Easy, because social networking, at that … (27 comments)

Excuse Me Mr. Repair Man, Just Letting You Know, I Work for the Seller - 05:36 PM
Excuse Me Mr. Repair Man, Just Letting You Know, I Work for the Seller
   And, right now, so do you.  When Buyers ask for certain repairs and Seller agrees, then unless you want to throw some work in for free, stick with the agreed upon repairs.  You see, I don't want you to do extra for the buyers at the cost of my seller's wallet.  I like the buyers...I do...but they have an agent and so does my seller...ME. I meet Mr. Repair man who has gotten a copy of the inspection report and not the amendment with the repairs, so he did … (84 comments)

Client Relationships Are What Matter Most - 08:33 AM
Read more on nurturing leads
The Internet is making some jobs obsolete, and once upon a time (way back in the late 20th century) it was feared that real estate agents would be among the professions tossed to the side of the road. But a funny thing happened on the way to the scrap heap. Figures show that membership in the National Association of Realtors has increased from 716,000 in 1997 to more than 1 million in 2011.
One of the reasons people thought the Internet would negatively affect an agent’s job was because of all the housing information that would … (35 comments)

Village Creek – an Historical and Architectural Wonder in South Norwalk - 04:36 AM
Village Creek – an Historical and Architectural Wonder in South Norwalk

This past year Village Creek in South Norwalk was named to the Connecticut and National Registries of Historic Places. This exceptional honor happened not just because of the wonderful history surrounding Village Creek, but also because of the beautiful architecture and design of the community.
Village Creek was not only created to ensure racial and religious equality in the midst of the 1950’s in America, but it was created to highlight the new modern Post World War II era in America. Many of the homes are inspired by the … (30 comments)

5 Things Your Listing Agent Won’t Tell You - 12:46 PM
5 Things Your Listing Agent Won’t Tell You
You home is overpriced
We are in a buyer’s market. That means that there are a lot more people who are trying to sell a home than people who want to (or can qualify to) buy a home. Home prices peaked, depending on where you live, sometime in 2005/2006. Since then prices have been on a steady (if you’re in a good market) decline. In some areas home prices resemble the scary side of a roller-coaster. In a declining market if your home is listed at the same price it was three months … (58 comments)

Does Keller Williams Get A Bad Rap In Our Industry? - 12:16 PM
It doesn't matter who you talk to in our industry you'll hear an opinion about KW. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's "called out." A lot snickering and praising. So what are people saying?
 
The positive:
1. KW has a strong culture.2. KW is one of the largest, if not THE largest brand in the business.3. KW has the best training program in the business.4. KW has an excellent way for you to make residual income with agents you recruit.5. KW has an active leadership board who is very involved with its members.6. KW is always on top of the … (51 comments)

Why doesn't NAR care about underwriting standards? - 08:55 AM
I'm in a transaction where an underwriter is going back around the track a third time asking for the same documentation on things that don't matter.  The duplicates are for account statements and pay stubs (which wouldn't be needed if they weren't late) and documentation of foreign assets which aren't being used as collateral in the transaction.  This is all combined with them taking 3-4 days to review these documents each time we send them, instead of the 10 minutes it would take to just read them and move on.  My clients are very concerned these delays will cost them their … (30 comments)

3 iPhone Apps You Cannot Afford Not to Have! - 09:48 AM
I guarantee you will get value out of this post (if you own an iPhone).  The transfer of information as easily & quickly as possible is rapidly becoming the way of the world.  How easy can something be accessed & how quick can it be sent to a client.  The following are 3 iphone applications that will help speed up your business...
Drop Box:  Drop Box saves all your files in cyber space.  There will never be the need to run to the office to pull up a file on your work computer.  Any file that you have saved on your … (38 comments)

And You Want Me To Refund My Fee Because You Changed Your Mind?? - 03:59 AM
And you want me to refund my fee because you changed your mind?I recently spent over 2 hours at a client’s home for a Staging Consultation.  We went through every room as well as the exterior of the home.  We were able to edit some areas  as I spoke and she could see an immediate difference.  My client loved her home but needed to move to something that would be easier and less expensive to maintain.   Like so many, with children no longer living at home and changes in circumstances my client said that selling and moving to something smaller would … (120 comments)

Do You Ask the Co-Op Agent if They Are "Representing" Their Buyer/Seller? - 03:07 AM
Do You Ask the Co-Op Agent if They Are "Representing" Their Buyer/Seller?
It appears, at least from what I read, that a great many agents refer to their buyer/sellers as clients.  Back in January, I wrote this featured post:  Client or Customer? If You Don't Know, Then How Do You Expect Consumers to Know?  But as I lay here reading an ActiveRain post titled, How buyer agency has changed real estate? And why that is good for you! prompted me to ask this new question:  Do You Ask the Co-Op Agent if They Are "Representing" Their Buyer/Seller? or as Bryant Tutas suggest the question … (57 comments)

Facebook Fridays - I LIKE It When A Plan Works! - 03:15 AM

Another big week in real estate here in Warner Robins and I owe some props to my Facebook presence.  I am working with a new buyer that found my FB business page, LIKED what she saw, sent me a private message, and 3 days later we began her dream home search.  With any luck she will be under contract very soon.
I know some of you have had similar success while others are hopeful FB will begin to pay off for them very soon.  I don't have the silver bullet, but I will say that regularly posting real estate content … (68 comments)


Blog posts


USA Hotel - Florida 68 Unit Mid-Scale - Central FL 1.55 Acres US-98 - Deland Area Flag Brand Close to Stetson U & Airport - FL Real Estate - 06:27 PM
Florida Mid-Scale Flag Hotel for Sale … (0 comments)

Lake Limerick Golf Course Rambler Mason County WA - 11:12 AM
Features just keep coming from this beautiful Lake Limerick fairway home. Inside you'll find a gracious floor plan inc formal living & dining, large kitchen & family room with views of the course, spacious master suite, gas fireplace with brick surround & hearth, bay windows throughout & new paint & carpet. Energy saving heat pump. Outside, enjoy the large deck with fairway view & low maintenance landscape. Limerick lifestyle comes with golf, tennis, parks & lake activities just for a start. 
Lake Limerick Golf Course Rambler … (0 comments)

Trouble with Captcha - 03:42 AM
I really appreciate Captcha and similar anti-spam software, but lately I have had a miserable time reading the text I am supposed to enter when making a comment on a blog.  My eyesight is fine, but I have to enter the text multiple times and that bothers me.  I know what the software is trying to do, but it seems like the program is making the text more difficult to read every day.  Anyone else bothered by this?
Please check out my Austin real estate blog and leave a comment.  Then leave a comment about whether or not Captcha was a … (2 comments)

Opening Day of Baseball is Here! East Contra Costa Little League! - 09:23 AM
Opening Day of Baseball is Here! East Contra Costa Little League!
I am talking about Opening Day for the real Ball Players, the tough ones, the ones that play for pride and a snack after the game. Yes those age 5 to 12 – It is Little League Opening Day!
Last week I told you about Pony League Jamboree– Well My kids played for a couple of years in East Contra Costa Little League too and it is a fine Baseball Organization. Although there are many fine Youth Baseball Organizations, Little League is probably the most well known and traditional one. … (3 comments)

Summerset Home Prices in Brentwood 2011 Trends - 12:06 PM
Summerset Home Prices in Brentwood 2011 Trends.
Summerset Homes in Brentwood are one of the finest and most affordable Gated 55+ communities in Northern California.
Each of the four Summerset Communities offers club houses, pools, Billiards, gyms, libraries, walking and biking trails, tennis courts, bocce courts and Golf course homes, and gates with guards on duty.

Summerset Homes range from small affordable duets priced under $200,000.00 to large Luxury Homes with 3 car garages. There is a Summerset Home for everyone 55+ (or with a spouse 55+). Find the right Summerset Home for you! Home Point Real Estate is here … (1 comments)

Summer Concerts Announced - Ironstone Winery - Murphys Ca - 02:55 PM
Summer Concerts Announced - Ironstone Winery - Murphys Ca
Yesterday March 9, 2012 the summer concerts at Ironstone Winery in Murphys Ca were announced.  As usual there is a variety of acts coming to the beautiful amphitheater in the foothills of Calaveras County.   This is one of the nicest places in the area to see a concert.   The amphitheater is located on the grounds of the Ironstone Winery.
I have been to several concerts there over the last few years and always have enjoyed myself.  Murphys is a great place to come up and make it a whole day of fun.  … (6 comments)

Northeast Los Angeles HomeBuying Seminar - 01:39 PM
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thinking about buying a home?
Then mark your calendar and please join us Monday evening, March 12 , 2012 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM  at  Universal Bank, 2575 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock for an intensive homebuying seminar.
 
We'll be talking about the the importance of pre-approval as a starting point of the loan process, and the many different types of real estate sales: Traditional, Short Sales, Foreclosure.
 
The panel of veteran real estate experts Dan Jordinelli, Pat … (1 comments)

7 Key Reasons Why NOW is the Prime Time to Buy a Home - 08:45 AM
7 Key Reasons Why NOW is the Prime Time to Buy a Home
1. Home affordability is at an all-time high.
The median mortgage payment on the median priced home as a percentage of the median household income is lower than it's been in a generation.

2. Mortgage rates have reached rock bottom.
As interest rates start to inch back upwards, monthly payments and total loan costs will spike upwards.

3. Buy Now; Buy Low!
After declining nearly three years, home prices are stabilizing.

4. Sellers are motivated.
This means that buyers have the upper hand! From … (2 comments)

The Maryland Home and Garden Show - 08:52 PM
The Maryland Home & Garden Show  Last two days...Saturday and Sunday !                                

                                    
The Maryland Home and Garden Show is an awesome time for future home buyers and sellers. For those selling it's your one stop and shop for services that you might need to do before putting your house on the market. For the future buyer it's the perfect place to find great deals and discounts on home improvements and upgrades, while talking to the actual contractors … (9 comments)

fha - 04:54 AM
f you haven't received the ATP (HUD 90045) Approval To Participate yet then you wont be closing this week. This is the first thing you will receive from BofA. this is form that approves the seller for the PFS (pre-foreclosure sale) and states the minimum NET that the lender needs to approve the sale. Once this is received they will need the contract and the HUD. The HUD at this time will be an estimate. However the figures do need to be very precise. Pro-rate taxes and HOA fees out at least 60 days. Once BofA has reviewed the contract and … (0 comments)

1434 BROKEN OAK DR # 31B, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787 Tucker Oaks - 12:25 PM
1434 BROKEN OAK DR # 31B, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787                                                    $$$ 104,500 $$$
Enjoy maintenance free living in this wonderful gated townhome community. This is a 2 story end unit with cathedral ceilings, 2 car attached garage with direct access, full size indoor laundry, central air & heat, breakfast bar overlooking family/living room, oversized bedrooms and more! Act fast - multiple offers expected on this rare find. Please submit all offers on the FARBAR As-Is along with all attachments, current proof of funds, copy of earnest money deposit check
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Winter … (0 comments)

502 DHARMA CIR, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787 Daniels Crossing - 12:40 PM
502 DHARMA CIR, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787                                                                      $$$ 109,000 $$$
There really is something special about this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home.  You'll feel it when you step into the your foyer and get your first glimpse of your spacious living room.  Check out that gorgeous floor, the plant shelves, and the archway into your formal dining room.  Imagine celebrating special dinners around your elegant table, or throw open the slider to your patio in your side yard, ready for grilling out and good times!  Did you miss your sunny kitchen off your foyer?  It'll be easy to keep track of … (0 comments)

1448 CEDAR LAKE DR, ORLANDO FL 32824 Cedar Lake - 12:47 PM
1448 CEDAR LAKE DR, ORLANDO FL 32824                                                              $$$ 224,900 $$$
Almost New Carpet!  5 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths in this large home with pond view! Interior features include vaulted ceiling, NEW carpet, Living and dining combo. Spacious kitchen and family room area with views of the pool and pond. Master bedroom on 1st level offers walk-in closet, his/her vanity, garden tub with separate shower. Inside laundry room near the kitchen and garage. Screen Enclosed pool and lanai area overlooking the serene water view.  All newer appliances are approximately 1 yr new.Additionally, includes bonus room/loft.
For the latest status on this property … (0 comments)

5808 WINDMILL CT, BELLE ISLE FL 32809 Windmill Terrace - 12:51 PM
5808 WINDMILL CT, BELLE ISLE FL 32809                                                                            $$$ 245,000 $$$
BELLE ISLE GEM! Move into your new traditional American style cozy retreat, enjoy the well maintained screen enclosed pool, play outside on a large yard featuring fresh fruit trees, or just relax in front of the living room burning fireplace.  Enjoy the warmth of a 12 home quaint and quiet neighborhood.  All close to great schools, churches, hospitals, and the Pine Castle District, 15 minutes to Orlando International Airport, 15 minutes to downtown Orlando, and 25-30 minutes to the Parks and Attractions.  Take advantage of this Traditional Sale, motivated seller, bring all … (0 comments)

7925 SAINT ANDREWS CIR, ORLANDO FL 32835 Metrowest - 12:57 PM
7925 SAINT ANDREWS CIR, ORLANDO FL 32835                                                               $$$ 250,000 $$$
A definite MUST SEE  home with pool in St Andrews subdivision in Metro West. Not a short sale or bank-owned; motivated seller ready to sell!!! Absolutely move-in condition featuring 5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms plus office/sitting room off of the master. You will love the built-ins in the large master closet and the beautiful tile throughout the home, not to mention the brand new top of the line air conditioning unit. The  "A" rated schools  are superior as well as the large sidewalks throughout Metro West for exercise and biking.
For the … (1 comments)

Spacious Country Home with 5 Acres and Big Pole Barn Outside of Mount Vernon Ohio - 05:48 AM
Knox County Ohio country homes with acreage are in strong demand and this beauty at 9199 Old Delaware Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio is one of the best overall values I have seen in over a year.  It is not every day that you can buy a home that is as nice as this with 5 acres of land and with a 50 x 30 pole barn for $159,900.
If you like the looks of this home be sure to check out our additional listing information at 9199 Old Delaware Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio.  We also included a special real estate listing link … (6 comments)

Ranch Duplex in Mount Vernon Ohio for $78,000 - 12:48 PM
Mount Vernon Ohio East End Duplex and priced to sell fast at just $78,000.  221 East Burgess Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio
If you like the looks of this ranch duplex be sure to check out the additional listing details at 221 East Burgess Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Knox County Ohio multi family homes for sale including duplex, triplex and apartment building listings. 
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
 
… (1 comments)

Another Mount Vernon Ohio Home SOLD in March by The Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty - 01:02 PM
We just SOLD this super nice home at 6 Madison Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio.  If you are in the market for a really nice and affordable home in Knox County Ohio for $100,000 or less be sure to visit this link.
You can also view and compare all of our available Knox County Ohio homes for sale at this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (1 comments)

Secrets To The Short Sale Hardship Letter From A Los Angeles Short Sale Real Estate Agent - 05:06 PM
A Short Sale Hardship Letter is a letter that you need to write to your bank or lending institution to request them to consider a short sale to prevent your home from being foreclosed.
After having assembled dozens and dozens of short sale packages, I have found that more than any other document, the hardship letter can make or break a short sale. Even though the banks care most about dollars and cents, it is essential to keep in mind that the package will be checked by an individual loss mitigator. Like all of us, this loss mitigator is a real … (1 comments)

Yardley Home Buyers and Sellers Update - 01:25 PM
I just received the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2011 profile of home buyers and sellers. As we move further into the spring real estate market in Bucks County, I always enjoy reviewing the NAR survey, which comes out around this time every year.
READ MORE HERE-->
The entire buyer and seller report is almost 200 pages, and includes interesting charts and graphs.  I can email the report, if anyone is interested in seeing it.
I like to look at the report and see how the national experiences of buyers and sellers, compares with what I find in my real estate … (0 comments)

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