Archives of real estate blog entries for April 13, 2012

Featured blog posts


An Unusual Silicon Valley Wells Fargo Short Sale Just Closed - 08:41 AM
I just closed a Wells Fargo Short Sale that is not typical. It was a nice 3 bedroom townhome in North San Jose, close to Santa Clara. The owners were divorcing and neither could afford to buy the other one out or afford the property alone. This constitutes a hardship in most lender's minds. I have closed other Wells Fargo short sales with similar circumstances. The current owners had been able to pay the mortgage but they will not be able to in the near future because of an impending change of circumstance. These owners were current on their payments, and were … (13 comments)

A Changing Real Estate Market In Tucson - 08:35 AM
If you were to watch the news and trust that they are right you would think that the Tucson real estate market is prime for the picking for buyers. Touting that there are so many foreclosures and short sales on the market that there are super great deals to be had. There are good deals out there. The lower end of the market is drying up though. Buyers are faced with a similar dilemma they faced in 2004 through 2006 before the bottom fell out. 
The absorption rate has dropped to as close to normal as has been seen in months. … (12 comments)

New Rules Being Proposed For Mortgage Servicers - 05:01 PM
New Rules Being Proposed For Mortgage Servicers by the The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), personally I see this as just more red tape.  I am all for meaningful changes, but I fail to see the need for this in today's market.
Maybe I am missing something, but I can't remember the last time I had anyone looking to do an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM).  Just about all the Lenders an Servicers that needed to be regulated like this are gone or very few left.  But the CFPB feels that there is a "lack of accountability and a lack of transparency".  … (24 comments)

Top 5 Tips for Successful Real Estate Photography - 05:10 AM
There are several steps I take to prepare for successful real estate photography; some well before the photos are ever made.
Here are my Top 5 Tips for Successful Real Estate Photography:   1. Communication - Finding out what the client is hoping to achieve and by when. Will the shoot strictly be photos for MLS, or will I produce multimedia content such as panoramas, 360's, video or a photo flight in addition? Among other things, this gives me and idea of the camera gear I need to bring, and how much time I need to allow for post-production, and additional coordination.   2. Lighting - What time of day … (82 comments)

Bye Bye PICNIK, Hello ipiccy.com - 11:11 AM
Bye Bye Picnik and Hello ipiccy.com
 
Those of us who have used Picnik for photo editing are very sad to see it leaving.  It was a great format and very easy to use.
 
So, today, because of the advice of so many ActiveRainer's, I decided to try ipiccy.com.
 
Since I barely know how to turn on my computer (yes, I know, I really must get caught up with technology,) I'm always a little afraid to try new things.  If it takes more than a click or two, I'm usually lost.
 
Well, I really liked how EASY ipiccy.com … (80 comments)

Unlike Jerry Maguire, My Motto Isn’t ‘Show Me The Money’ - 08:11 AM
Unlike Jerry Maguire, My Motto Isn’t ‘Show Me The  Money’ There are numerous parallels that can be made for the activities of a sports agent and a real estate agent. In the movie, Jerry Maguire, they were quite obvious:
The effort to get a clientThe work to get the best deal for the clientThe continued support for the clientThe reward at the conclusion of the negotiation with a commission
 

Unlike the portrayal that was made as agents being money hungry and dollar motivated, with little care for their clients as people, a true professional works to get the best … (39 comments)

Are Ceilings Making A Comeback? - 02:29 PM
Are ceilings making a comeback? For many years now ceilings have been painted white. But lately I've been seeing color on the ceilings. High ceiling are especially beautiful when painted a color since it tends to bring it down, creating a more intimate feeling. As a home stager and redesigner of Abella Home Staging & Redesign I have always recommended painted ceilings white but lately I've had a change of heart. And with good reasons!!
 

HomeInteriorDesign.com
Here is a great example. This ceiling makes a statement!! Done in traditional design, the color works beautiful and create a space you soon … (83 comments)

Appraisers will appreciate this: Bracketing square footage - 08:20 AM
 
My fellow appraisers, I would love to share with you the following addendum that I added to a report this morning. I know you can appreciate the humor and frustration in this.
 
 
 
 
 
Addendum to Appraisal Dated 4/13/2012
 
Regarding the underwriters request to add two comparables which bracket the subject's square footage.
 
The subject contains 950 SF. The appraisal provides seven (7) comparables that have the exact square footage as the subject (950 SF). As shown in the aerial photo above, the subject's market consists of many 950SF ranch style homes. Using homes outside … (44 comments)

REAL ESTATE AGENTS SHOULD BRIEF YOU ON WHAT TO EXPECT - 07:53 AM
I love having dialog with people who know their stock in trade. Doesn't matter what the subject is either. Anyone who is good at what they do brings value to any discussion. I recently met up with a lady who cleans homes and she is well-organized and thorough on what she does. During conversation, she shared that she was in foreclosure and had to move right away...
TELL ME MORE SAYS I
I have heard this story many times. The subject matter is a common one while the persons circumstances remain unique. That is what makes this business fascinating is that no … (43 comments)

STILL The #1 Factor In Value In Real Estate - 09:37 AM
How much should I pay for this house over another one across town or somewhere else in the country? Or this building or piece of land? You need to be aware of
STILL The #1 Factor In Value In Real Estate
Some think it has shifted to school district, condition of property, local economy, projected growth trends, supply and demand only, the name VILLE in your town's name, you hear a million things. It is STILL
Location, Location, Location.
God's dirt.
Where is it on the planet? A view? On a golf course? Next to a cement plant? Power lines over … (47 comments)

ActiveRain and IMSD Getting Cozy - 07:01 AM
If you are reading this on our blog, you most likely know a little bit about ActiveRain. But you may not be familiar with IMSD, the Internet Marketing Specialist Designation, so I want to share a little history.
In October of 2009, we hosted our first live RainCamp in Seattle Washington. Ben Kinney and I would carry the majority of the 8 hour presentation that day (OK, Ben did the heavy lifting, I just smiled and looked pretty) We presented to a full room of 300 real estate agents about what Ben was doing in his business that had allowed him … (53 comments)

The Refreshed Home, Defending Your Life (HOUSE!!) - 08:25 AM
Thank you Roger Mucci for coming up with this great idea for a contest-the movie that is most like your business.  If you haven't heard of this yet, follow the link, and check it out. Lots of fun, and plenty of time to get on board. Many teriffic entries already, here is mine.
 In 1991 Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks starred in a sweet, wise, and poignant movie called Defending Your Life.
Quick set-up: It's modern-day LA, and Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks' character) meets a sudden demise. In a blink, he finds himself riding on a tram, in a place that … (32 comments)

I Sell Real Houses in Key West - 04:52 AM
Prices are rising, sellers are getting greedy again, and the dream of buying a place in Key West may start to fade for those who waited too long.Instead of buying a big house (or small cottage) you might consider purchasing the next best thing: a reproduction of a real Key West home. Consider the 718 Eaton Street's look-a-like home shown above. It is the creation of local artist Ronny Bailey who I have blogged about before.Ronny grew up in Key West and was a carpenter for 30 years. His re-creation of Old Town Key West homes in miniature sizes is now … (15 comments)

Using Social Media While Avoiding the Pitfalls - 10:11 AM
… (43 comments)

There Should be Negative Rants on Active Rain - 08:09 AM
There Should Be Negative Rants on Active Rain Notice how this post is Member's Only- as I feel most negative rant-style posts should be.  Why do we rant?  Because we can!  I'm all for rants.  (This post was inspired by today's featured post "Insulting the Public May Not Be the Way to Get Business" by Jane Grant.  
Her post is for those who write negative articles demeaning the general public and I agree completely.  But let's keep those rants alive -they just need to be posted as Member's Only (no transparency needed here, I think.) We have this forum of … (70 comments)

No, I'm not going to split the cost with you! - 05:41 AM
I'm negotiating an offer right now. I spoke to the agent (who hadn't even talked to her seller yet) and said everything looked good but there was no way the seller would pay for the home warranty we were asking for.
I explained that my buyer is buying the property as-is and would be more comfortable having the home warranty.
The agent then surprised me by saying "Well, you and I can just split the home warranty to get this deal done." 
I said "What?"
She said "Well, in this market I have to always pay for something to get … (82 comments)

Are You Taking Advantage of All Your Company Has To Offer? - 03:17 AM
Are You Taking Advantage of All Your Company Has To Offer?
It seems like a silly question doesn't it?   After all, I have been affiliated with this company Remax Executive Realty for more than 15 years.  
I am continually getting offers in my in box for courses that the company is offering.   I've taken advantage of a few and are always surprised at how much I enjoy not only the information but the professional interaction.   Even still, for the most part, I sit on the sidelines, doing business as usual.  
This week, I received several notices of … (45 comments)

Pending VISIT USA ACT Proposes "Homeowner Visa" With Restrictions for non-US Buyers - 02:18 PM
I wanted to summarize my understanding of the pending VISIT USA Act for those in the AR Community who may not be aware of its potential implications for their non-US buyers.
The pending VISIT USA ("Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America") Act was introduced by Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Mike Lee (R-UT).  If enacted, the VISIT-USA Act could grant any foreign buyer of certain qualifying US real estate a "homeowner visas" when a purchase price of at least $500K is paid in cash (i.e. no mortgages or home equity lines permitted). The expanded title of the proposed Act suggests that a … (9 comments)

The Return of the Little Guy - 05:29 AM
Not to long ago in the dark crevices of the unknown, the evil menace known as "The AMC" was born. It was sent to destroy all that was good about the appraisal industry. To take over and put those who wish to stay in the business under it's control. The fee that they would receive would only be a pittance of their previous pay, and would be required to do nearly twice the work.
Then a rebellion, an uprising was started, and just when it looked like the innocent would be freed from the shackles of the tyrannical "AMC," he sent … (22 comments)

can an association require you to submit all offers to lenders??? - 02:46 PM
Mike Linkenauger started a very interesting conversation on a blog at the Short Sale Specialist Network.  Apparently his local association is inserting language into contracts they requires members to submit all offers tot he lenders.  Please read and chime in wit your opinion.
 
This is insane in our opinion! As a member of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, I'm outraged at what our association has just put into our short sale addendum.  I'll save some of my comments and views until I settle down some, but this is what our short sale addendum will read starting Monday.
Out of … (32 comments)

One Quick Way To Protect Yourself When You List A House For Sale - 04:54 AM
Here's the scenario.  You list a house and somehow the owner of the house thinks that it would be fun to post on Craigs List their house for lease "just to see what would happen".  They price it high and sure enough some rental broker calls and gets to see the house...even shows the house...it happens.  Eventually while you have a contract for sale all of a sudden you have competition....for rent.  Yup....you got it...the seller that gave you an exclusive for sale gives this other broker an exclusive to lease the property.  You are screwed.
All you need to do … (22 comments)


Blog posts


$2,000,000 - Retreat - Luxury Home - Lot: 10 Acres - Historic Area, Mountain Lake Resort for Sale - Mexico Real Estate - 07:45 PM
Historic Area, Mexico Mountain Lake Luxury Home, Retreat or Resort for Sale … (2 comments)

ActiveRain and IMSD Getting Cozy - 07:01 AM
If you are reading this on our blog, you most likely know a little bit about ActiveRain. But you may not be familiar with IMSD, the Internet Marketing Specialist Designation, so I want to share a little history.
In October of 2009, we hosted our first live RainCamp in Seattle Washington. Ben Kinney and I would carry the majority of the 8 hour presentation that day (OK, Ben did the heavy lifting, I just smiled and looked pretty) We presented to a full room of 300 real estate agents about what Ben was doing in his business that had allowed him … (53 comments)

Austin Lifestyle Search - 07:29 AM
I changed my Austin home search feature a couple of months ago.  The property search feature is about the same as the one I used before, but the really cool part of this is the Austin lifestyle search.  For example, I can search for publie high schools, medical offices, movie theaters, coffee shops and more.  Click any of the links below to see how this works.
 
… (1 comments)

You have to be Joking – Why do you want to see a copy of the deposit check? - 11:14 AM
You have to be Joking – Why do you want to see a copy of the deposit check?
It is standard business almost everywhere to request a copy of the deposit check. Now things may work different in different parts of the country, but this has to be a hold over from the good old days.
Here is the reality – I never touch any buyer funds. I will not take the check from them. I don't want to log it and track it as required by the DRE. I don't have a Trust account and at this time do not … (3 comments)

Antioch Investment Properties – Try the Big Box Approach! - 11:44 AM
Antioch Investment Properties – Try the Big Box Approach! Antioch Investment Properties are hot in fact they are so hot it is hard to buy many types of homes that Real Estate Investors like. Most Real Estate Investors like the more economical and older Ranch Style homes and such – nothing wrong with these. I have helped investors by lots of homes like this. However, many Real Estate Investors have taken this approach and it is driving up the prices of those obvious Real Estate Investments and lowering the profits. Profits are still excellent – maybe just not as good as … (1 comments)

El Cerrito Youth Pitching Coach – It is working for my son - 03:15 PM
El Cerrito Youth Pitching Coach – It is working for my son So far my son has had 9 Pitching Lessons with Kenny Salyer of Game Plan Allstars. Kenny is a former pitcher from El Cerrito High, he pitched in college and the minor leagues. He works in a facility in Treasure Island – part of San Francisco. But he works with lots of East Bay Kids, from Oakland, Fremont, Pinole, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Walnut Creek and as far away as Brentwood.
Why a Pitching Coach: Everyone told me my son looked good as pitcher and had lots of potential … (2 comments)

Brentwood Karate Lessons for Kids - 04:09 PM
Brentwood Karate Lessons for Kids
My son Weston Takes Karate at American Karate in Brentwood Ca. He has been taking lessons for about 6 months and just got his Blue Belt. I will tell you Karate has been one of the best things for my son. 
Why Karate?  My son has minor learning disabilities – he has a sensory processing disorder. So far he has not done well with other sports. (Surprisingly he did learn to ride a bicycle amazingly fast – but that is another story.) He lacked the eye – hand coordination for baseball. In wrestling he would … (3 comments)

Fountain Hills First Time Buyer Tips - 11:14 AM
Buying a Fountain Hills home is an exciting and important life event. Being a first time home buyer means you will have many decisions to make -- and just as many questions that need answering. Ask yourself, "Is it cheaper to rent than to own?" Do you have a cushion for those unexpected repairs? Do you have enough money for a decent down- payment? If the answer is yes than you will be likely to be putting more money in your pocket instead of your landlords.
Buying your first home is a huge step. So what do you do first?
1. Get … (1 comments)

Waiting List for the Baltimore ActiveRain MeetUp Wednesday April 18th at Noon..Look Who's Coming! - 08:25 PM
Waiting List for the Baltimore ActiveRain MeetUp Wednesday April 18th at Noon..Look Who's Coming!    Waiting List 
   If you would like to attend please let me know right away. Just like  a Waiting list for clients , there is a waiting list for our Baltimore ActiveRain MeetUp.
 G&M Restaurant  
                                 
Look who's coming to the Baltimore ActiveRain MeetUp April 18th at Noon 
 
 Right now we have a waiting list so please confirm that you are attending !

Here is the … (23 comments)

GRAB THIS NOW! SUPER AFFORDABLE 3 BEDROOM HOME IN NEWBURGH, NY! - 10:28 AM
… (0 comments)

287 Days... and Counting! - 05:02 AM
I find it so ridiculous that we have elected officials that just keep getting in the way of LIFE. I don't mind the lying, cheating and stealing that goes on in Washington as much as I mind the fact that they don't care that they hurt the middle class at every turn. BTW we are not a class we should all demand to be treated equally. I don't mind the rich or the poor as long as they have equallity. I have had money and been broke and it my life choices that made it that way not the government. Depending … (0 comments)

Common Foreclosure Myths - 05:13 AM
Common Foreclosure Myths in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze. Here is a list as it may effect our area. If you are struggling with a real estate need of anykind, be it foreclosure, short sale, need refinancing or whatever give me a call. I will find the solution you need.
THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com
Charles Stallions, CRS, CSP, CBR, CDPS, SREE, EREI - 800-309-3414
Charles is a Real Estate Investor of 25 years, a Real Estate Broker for 15 years while holding several degrees in management, an expert in the buying and selling of real estate. Whether you’re … (3 comments)

Upcoming Titan Events - 10:02 AM
Upcoming Titan Events

Hard to believe it, but the end of the school year here in Loudoun County is just around the corner. Wasn’t it just Winter? Time stops for no one! Below are some of Dominion High School's upcoming spring events:
Saturday, April 21: Health Fair at DHS, 11am-1pm
Monday, April 30: Tee Off for the Titans, Dominions 7th Annual Golf Classic held at Trump National Golf Course
Saturday, May 12: Titan T-Market, Community Yard Sale at DHS
Get them on the calendar so you are sure no to miss out on some of Dominion High School’sbest events!
Thinking … (0 comments)

Under Contract! 1535 Youngs Point Place Herndon, VA - 10:15 AM
I know, I know. This one went under contract fast! Sorry you missed out on this great home, but don't worry! We have lots of other fantastic homes to show you that are very similar to this one! Want to learn more? Contact your Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today! 703-574-3478 … (0 comments)

Just Listed! Open House Sunday, April 15th from1PM-4PM - 04:32 PM
Model Home Worthy Brick Front Rivercrest Home for Sale … (0 comments)

Events in Miami, FL this Weekend! - 08:48 AM
If you are searching for events in Miami, FL this weekend, then search no more.  Scroll down to see what’s happening:  whether you are single and ready to mingle, or a family looking for fun-filled activities, Miami has it all!
 
Miami Golf Month
When:  April 11 – 30
Where:  Various locations
What:  Visit some of Miami’s renowned golf resorts and enjoy special offers and events.
 
Moscow
When:  April 13 – 15
Where:  Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County at 1300 Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL
What:  A play by South Florida’s award-winning playwright, Michael McKeever, brings … (2 comments)

You’ve Got 5 Seconds To Sell Your Local Home - 07:42 AM
 

As a whole, we Americans are an interesting group.  We are smart, educated, involved in our community…and, not unlike the rest of America, our attention span about 5 or 10 seconds.  It follows that when you put your home on the market and your agent places it among the Pelican Bay Proprties, your home has about that long to grab potential buyers’ attention. 
Time and time again, studies show that realty listings with superior curb appeal get markedly more attention than those with run-of-the-mill photos.  First impressions count. It’s how advertising agencies can charge hundreds of thousands of … (0 comments)

New Construction Town Homes in Loudoun County Chantilly/Aldie area 20152/20105 - 07:26 AM
New Construction in 20152: Here is a snapshot of all the new construction town homes available in and around Chantilly 20152 and Aldie 20105 including Stone Ridge. Toll Brother –South Riding –Low-Mid. $400-Sq.Ft.2800 Pulte Homes-East Gate - Mid-High $300- Sq.Ft. 2200 N.V.Homes-Avonlea-Mid-High $400K-Sq.Ft. 3000 Richmond America-East Gate Sq.-Low $400K-Sq.Ft. 2500 M/I Homes-Reserve at Tall Cedars-High $300K-Sq.Ft. 2200   Off Gum Springs : Brookfield-Little River Preserve-Mid-High $300K-Sq. Ft. 2400 Van Metre Homes-Stone Ridge- High $300-Sq. Ft. 2200 Richmond America-Providence Glen-High $300K-Sq.Ft. 2700 Ryan Homes-Virginia Manor-Mid $300K-Sq.Ft. 2000 Winchester -Stratshire Crossing- Mid –High $300K-Sq. Ft.2300
Contact Loudoun Virgina Real Estate Realtor to … (1 comments)

Scams on Home Loan Foreclosures up by 60% - 01:23 PM
The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), an independent country wide nonprofit, says that described home loan foreclosure cons have risen nearly 60 percent this year in the wake of recently launched federal schemes. Besides free foreclosure advising, HPF works a nationwide hotline for distressed household owners who want to report alleged fraud. Around fifty percent of the mentioned scams involve lawyers or parties claiming to offer specialized "legal services." HPF refers the details to a nationwide data source accessed each regulators and law enforcement agencies that have control in the home-owner's city. "Regretfully, every new federal government project generates a slew of … (0 comments)

Friday Fotos: New York's Finest | NYPD - 05:15 AM

iPhone photo courtesy of Mitchell Hall
In the last two decades, New York City has seen an unprecedented reduction in crime. NYC now ranks as the nation's safest big city. Among the top ten most populous states in the U.S., New York ranks first - with less than half the number of crimes per 100,000 residents as Florida.
 
… (10 comments)

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