Archives of real estate blog entries for April 20, 2012

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I just insulated the floors over my crawl space and now the floors still feel cold. Why? - 12:26 PM
 
Today I am going to take on a common problem that is both complicated and simple. 
It is complicated in the sense that our attempt to make floors feel warm over unheated spaces is a band-aid on a problem---as opposed to a cure. 
It is simple in that there really should not be any cold spaces under floors.
The term we are dealing with is “cold floor effect” and the same thing can happen with walls as well.  Our feet are warm---somewhere above 95 degrees F.  In the best of scenarios the floors are always going to be … (23 comments)

Active Rain-It's All About The Secret Sauce - 08:36 AM
KFC has it's secret herbs and spices.  Coca-Cola has it's secret formula.  Not as well known or publicized is Active Rains's Secret Sauce.
What goes into the Active Rain Secret Sauce?  Well if we knew the answer to that question we'd all be lounging on a beach instead of selling real estate.  However there is one ingredient that is obvious.  It's the willingness to share.
This photo was taken on Friday April 13, 2012 in Dulith GA.  Talk about an unlikely location.  Let's get to what's even more amazing.  These are all Active Rain members from around the country.Michelle Gibson-Wellington FLDebe … (52 comments)

Put on your best Columbo face when talking to a drunk - 05:49 PM
I think one of the things I love about real estate is how days can be so different.  There are those days where it is mundane with hours behind a computer loading data, hours on the phone and hours previewing properties.  That can be fun, but it also gets a little boring for me, and just about the time I'm ready to doze off something fun happens.
Today was a typical day.  I started in the electrical field with one of my technicians, but in a hour after starting I changed hats and headed off to do a little real estate … (43 comments)

Awards Don't Sell Homes - 12:23 PM
Ok, I know this is going to be another one of these posts that get allot of attention but here it goes, I found that there are several factors a Home Owner takes into account when choosing an agent to sell their home we all know the first one and the first thing a home owner wants to know "How Much Is Your Commission?" is always the first question, the second one would be "This is how much I want to get" (which is usually not inline with the market at the moment) and the third would be "How long is … (32 comments)

as one buyer put it “I don’t even have time to do the three s’ before there are multiple offers... - 06:34 AM
The local market has exploded with buyers.  They are everywhere and they are bidding on everything.  A traditional seller who prices their home correctly will surely have multiple offers.  My buyers have been in multiple offer situations from the price range of 60,000 all the way up to $400,000.  Below are this weeks quotes:“Forget it, there are even multiple offers on homes that need to be knocked down.  I’m done looking until more homes become available to look at.”“ I’m taking a break.  I can’t compete, I can only offer what I can afford.  I will never beat out people who … (33 comments)

Real Estate Graph Shows Home Values "Back Where They Belong" - 03:24 AM
If you ever wanted to see what a real estate market opportunity looks like, look no further than at a graph of average home values in Tallahassee.
While it is all but certain that average home values in Tallahassee will continue to fall due to the imbalance between supply and demand, our latest graph shows that we have dropped below our "normal" real estate appreciation levels, indicating a solid buying opportunity. With thousands of homes for sale in Tallahassee, the opportunities are there.
Average Home Values In Tallahassee Below "Normal" In the real estate graph below, we can see that … (17 comments)

Even A Seller's Market Needs Home Buyers - 05:36 PM

Even A Seller's Market Needs Home Buyers
 
Mission Viejo and the surrounding cities in Orange County, California are in a solid sellers market at this point. What is that? Simply put we have multiple offers on most well-priced homes.
Although the real estate market has gone through some rough times over the past few years, this uptick of activity is a normal occurrence in April. With the lovely spring weather, comes real estate sales.
But I'd like to remind the Mission Viejo Home Sellers, that even in a Seller's Market.....you still need those home buyers.
More and more I … (31 comments)

The deal sank faster than the Titanic, but they had a coupon! - 07:40 PM
The information that was passed on to the potential buyer was inaccurate at best. Inaccurate and totally irresponsible. Things like... the heating system looks original to the home... which would have placed it around 50 years old. HUH? Try more like 15 years old. How did that mistake happen? The papers documenting the age of the system were neatly placed in an envelope hanging next to the system, the papers had even been pulled out and stuffed back in. Yet the system was not evaluated properly. How about the panel box that was removed and not replaced correctly. It was told … (58 comments)

I AM A MORTGAGE BROKER, HOW CAN I HELP YOU? - 06:28 AM
“I am a Mortgage Broker, how can I help you?”
They say timing is everything, so let me share the experience I had this morning, that's relevant to the article below.
I received a call from Frank, kind of a gruff sort of guy. The conversation started out kind of simple and easy. He told me that his attorney had referred him. I asked him what his attorney said about me and he went on to say some nice things, but I could tell that he had a chip on his shoulder.
Frank went on to tell me that he has been … (21 comments)

Activerain Twitter Blast for Scott Stratten's Birthday - 02:08 PM
Scott Stratten's Birthday Blast
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the presenters at yesterday #Raincamp! We are so fortunate to have so much pertinent information presented to us so quickly and concisely.
Scott Stratten is a shining star in the social media world. His passion and comments are timely reminders of what we should and should not be doing if we want the best return from our social media efforts. 
After hearing Scott several times i went out last evening and purchased his book "UnMarketing" It is a great read and i highly recommend it.
Now for the real purpose of my … (8 comments)

Numbers Without Context, It's All About Presentation! - 05:45 AM
Numbers Without Context, It's All About Presentation! It happened again yesterday while listening to the radio.  The announcer reads off "The National Association of REALTORS® reports homes sales were down 2.6% last month".  And don't quote me on the exact number, but that was the whole statement.  Nothing extra.  No context Meanwhile my brain is going, down 2.6% COMPARED TO WHAT??  Compared to February?  Compared to March 2011?  Compared to the best month ever??  What sales?  All sales?  Single family residences or condos or farms?  Was it 60 year old post-war brick ranch homes that dropped 2.6% or new construction that … (53 comments)

RainCamp - Making History! - 02:42 PM
Yesterday was a bit of a nail biting morning behind the scenes.  Armed with Grande lattes we had visuals of our set-up, diagrams, headphones, extra help, all hands on deck, twitter a buzzing, and fingers crossed that nothing would crash.  And 3 1/2 hours later we said our last goodbyes to over 1,600 attendees while sounds of high fives filled the room.  The LARGEST RainCamp in history ladies and gentlemen, a hot line-up of 4 Avengers bringing you everything Social Media.
What do Avengers do?  They fight to save you from wasting your precious time and efforts on anything less than … (69 comments)

Dear REALTOR, What does ABR, GRI, CNE, CRS, CRE, SRES mean? - 08:43 AM
Dear REALTOR,
It was nice meeting you at the open house this past weekend.  You really seem to know the area but I'm a bit confused by all the terminology on your card.  Frankly, the only two I recognize are "broker" and "REALTOR".  What's the story with the rest of them?  I Googled a few of them and I think I get it.  So, let me see if I understand how this works.
Back when I was a software programmer, I took a 3-day course in advanced HTML programming.  I got a nice certificate at the end and I learned a … (49 comments)

"Stop looking at other websites! I'm already emailing you homes!" - 05:45 AM
I currently have a buyer that I adore. She is also my seller in which I close on her home in May. I set her and her husband up on a search for homes so after they close on their home, we already have a date/time we will begin the search for their new home!
I set them up on a search with their exact criteria. I have location, price, number of bedrooms, baths...the whole nine yards.
EVERY SINGLE DAY my buyer emails me MLS numbers or addresses of homes that she wants me to look at and send her. Of … (45 comments)

Helpful Tip For ActiveRain MeetUp Hosts - 02:46 AM
Helpful Tip For ActiveRain MeetUp Hosts
One of the biggest challenges I've found when it comes to hosting ActiveRain MeetUps is inviting a large number of AR members in the local area...to the first MeetUp...then again to the second MeetUp...and finally the third MeetUp.
I've tried sending messages through their AR profile and after so many, I got tired of the captcha requirement. Then I tried leaving comments on their blogs with a link to my MeetUp announcement post. This worked, except for the following quirks:
Not everyone has entered posts in their blog yet. Sometimes I feel a little funny … (44 comments)

My Day at (Rain) Camp! Part 1 - 01:06 PM

 
Dear Mommy,
I LOVE RainCamp!  Yesterday we learned LOTS of really neat stuff!
First, the nice man Chad Hyams introduced us to Scott Stratten.  He is the author of a book with a kinda funny name "UNmarketing".  He was sorta growly like a bear at times, especially when he said people were doing stuff that they weren't sposed to do with Social Media.  He really growled when he talked about people using QR Codes that didn't go where they should or went to websites that weren't made for mobile devices like Daddy's smartphone.  He also told us about lotsa fun … (25 comments)

Voice Mail Greetings: Maximizing its Effectiveness - 05:40 AM
"Fernando, I need help short selling my property in ____________ I hope you can help me, please give me a call @___________ my name is ________  Love your message by the way. ."

Today I was reminded once again about how my voicemail greeting works for me and how possible clients may perceive it. . 
In a given day, do you know how many phone calls go directly to your voicemail? In my case, my numbers are around the 25% I wish I could improve this number but I found out over the years, being distracted time after time … (57 comments)

A Temporary Pause From Active Rain - 06:18 PM
Since starting my part time appraisal job this month, I have had less and less time to see and visit my friends on Active Rain.
I realized how much I missed the interaction that had been so much part of my habit for a little over one year.  Sadly, I know that there is only 24 hours in a day..not a minute more, or a second more...and I am just letting all my beloved and dear friends on Active Rain know, that it's not that I don't love reading your blogs anymore, or care about what you have to say, but--that … (28 comments)


Blog posts


Burke County Lodging/Conference/Dining/Special Purpose Facility for Sale - Rehab/Health, School, Spiritual, 60,000+/- s/f - 48 acres of Quiet and Green - Retreat - Morganton NC Real Estate - 12:47 PM
Rehab/Health, School, Spiritual, 60,000+/- s/f Lodging/Dining/Conference - 48 acres of Quiet and Green, Special Purpose Use - Retreat … (0 comments)

Oh What Happened to G-Mail? - 04:11 PM
Oh What Happened to G-Mail?
G-Mail is one of my favorite tools. I cannot imagine running my business without it.
They have made some changes; of course I resisted going to the new format until it changed automatically.
I am wondering what other people think of it and if there are any hidden gems in this new format I should appreciate?
I am getting used to it. I do not like the overlapping drop down menus on the left side. Not sure how to describe them and they never seem to work right. Perhaps I will get used to … (2 comments)

Be Careful with those pills! - 07:39 PM
Be Careful with those pills!
I am going to share my sad story with you – that could have been a lot worse.
I shared a very public battle to loose weight here on AR. I lost 65 pounds – then in classic fashion put on 75. I was depressed and desperate and I thought I would consult with my doctor. It is not time for my usual physical so he did not give me a full work up.
What he did tell me is my Blood Pressure was high. Now for a fat guy I normally do pretty good … (8 comments)

Have you heard about the shadow inventory of .... Short Sales!! PART 2 - 04:14 PM
Have you heard about the shadow inventory of .... Short Sales!!  PART 2
 
In yesterdays post I talked about where short sales have been and where they are now.  I wrote about how we have been hearing about the SHADOW INVENTORY of bank owned homes now for a few years.  It's my opinion that we have a SHADOW INVENTORY of potential short sales.
 
Based on the number of short sales completed in January 2012 it looks like we are going to start to see a lot more short sales this year.  Another trend we are seeing is the number … (3 comments)

Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do - 03:20 AM
 This is the best recap of a MeetUp and the meaning of relationships formed on ActiveRain.
From my first  Open House Weekend, Bridget has always been there for support. Never once asking for business but alway earning it with her  knowledge, efficiency, caring and special touch that my clients appreciate. 

                                                 
Via Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee (CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc. 410-960-2061):
Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do
If you haven't been to or scheduled to attend an ActiveRain … (7 comments)

Short Sale Designations - 01:18 PM
I wanted to check with my Active Rain friends to find out your thoughts on different short sale training that is around. I was considering the CDPE. They have a class scheduled in Atlanta next week. I know they have the online version also, but I seem to learn better in a class room situation.
NAR has the SFR designation. I haven't heard much about this, but see that CRS has a class for it. I would love to hear opinions if someone has taken this course. It would be nice to have one sanctioned by NAR, but my main goal … (3 comments)

Need a Mentor for Short Sales - 04:39 PM
I was just introduced to this new group and contest by Joni Staples. I am interested in learning more about short sales and wrote a post about training and designations. Then Joni suggested I try to find a mentor through this new contest. What a great opportunity to learn from the best and what perfect timing for the contest.
It would be a great privilege for me to find someone that is willing to share their expertise about getting into the short sale business. I am registered for the CDPE class in Atlanta next week and look forward to learning more. … (6 comments)

Model Quality Colonial in Waterford Wisconsin - Great Short Sale Price ! - 04:17 AM
… (6 comments)

A Little Bit Country....A Lotta Great 4 bedroom Home in Muskego, WI ! - 04:56 AM
… (9 comments)

Apple Valley Lake Home by Schlabach with Massive Garage Space - 07:25 AM
You can view additional listing details and view a very extensive virtual tour by visiting 113 Northridge Heights Drive at the Apple Valley Lake.
We also created a real estate listing link which contains all of our Apple Valley Lake homes for sale in price order.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
… (1 comments)

PRICE REDUCED!!! 3Unit Home In Bronx, NY - 08:17 PM
… (3 comments)

Miami, FL Events this Weekend - 07:46 AM
Miami has it all:  fun in the sun, music, fundraisers, entertainment and more.  For a list of hot events in Miami, FL this weekend, scroll down.
                                                                                       
Miami Golf Month
When:  April 20 – 30
Where:  Various Locations around Miami
What:  Enjoy special offers and events for the entire month of April at participating golf resorts.  Visit the official website, www.MiamiGolfMonth.com for a list of participants and more.
 
The Price is Right LIVE
When:  April 20 – 29
Where:  Seminole Casino Coconut Creek at 5550 Northwest 40th St., Hollywood, FL
What:  The producers of The Price is Right have been … (0 comments)

National Open House Day Feedback - 09:24 AM
Is it really National? How is your open house traffic?
Do you promote and encourage open houses on your Marketing Plan and listing appointment?
What is your tipical traffic ?
What is the average sale price of the open homes that you are doing?
What is your convertion rate on the open house that you normally do.
I am teaching a class on open houses and would like some input and comment on your take on open houses in different markets throughout the country.
I appreciate any feedback or good stories about exeptional open houses.
Thanks
… (0 comments)

43 Appleview Ct Howard, Ohio - Apple Valley Lake real estate for sale - 04:57 AM
Apple Valley cottage a block from Sutton Beach! … (2 comments)

3 Finished Levels*4 Bdrm/3.5 Bth*Regular Sale*Town home for sale Fairfax County/Centre Ridge Centreville Virginia 20121 - 07:57 AM
… (2 comments)

Win a TV: Real Living HER Open House List - 06:02 PM
Win a TV?
Yes it is that time of year again.  Visit a Real Living HER Open Houses this Saturday and Sunday and enter to win a 42 inch TV.
The Real Living HER Open House event runs for the next three weeks.
See TV contest details online at http://herrealtors.com  Its weekly random drawing. 

The Real Living HER Open House List (it's a search for open houses actually)  is in the right sidebar of this site... if you are on:
 
DiscoverColumbusOH.com - Columbus Ohio real estate 
or
SDelawareCoHomes.com  - Delaware County,  Ohio Homes
or
WorthingtonOldandNews.com - Worthington Ohio real … (4 comments)

Cathlamet, Washington River View Home for Sale - 01:11 AM
Cathlamet, Washington River View Home for Sale
HOME SOLD
Amazing river view property! Every room was designed to take advantage of the Columbia River ship channel and Mount St. Helens. Custom designed dream home with 3 bedrooms and office/den, 4 full bathrooms, gated entrance, 2 heat pumps, Brazilian cherry wood floors, tile elevator and much more.....
Directions: West on Ocean Beach Hwy (SR4) about 2 milse past County Line Park on right hand side.
View full details and more photos
1663 E State Route 4 Cathlamet, WA 98612

Columbia River ship channel view

View of Mout St. Helens

… (2 comments)

Open House in Rocky Point Condo with 40 Foot Deeded Boat Dock - 04:03 AM
Open House in Rocky Point Condo with 40 Foot Deeded Boat Dock Port Manatee Condo in Rocky Point
Join us on April 22, from 1 to 4 P.M. to view this exceptional opportunity for the serious boater or investor!

 
Looking for a full time home or just a getaway? Are you a boater or fisherman? This is the perfect place for you. Spacious first floor, 2 BR, 2 BA condo in the Manatee Pocket with a deeded 40′ dock (water and electric). Only minutes to the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean to fish, or to take a quick trip over to the Bahamas. … (9 comments)

Homes for Sale in Holiday Florida - 08:17 AM
This 3 Bedroom Home in Holiday Lake Estates sits on a Large Corner Lot and Features a Newer A/C, Water Softner, Florida Friendly Landscaping, Large Master Bedroom, Fully Enclosed Rear Florida Room, New Tile in Bathroom and Updated Kitchen. Offered at $54,900. To See This or Any Home in West Pasco County Contact Me www.gogallo.com … (0 comments)

Another Home SOLD in Summertree, New Port Richey Florida - 08:27 AM
Just SOLD! Another Beautiful Home in the 55+ Community of Summertree in New Port Richey. 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath home on a Cul-De-Sac. Large Screened Lenai that overlooks the Golf Course. Under contract in 17 Days. Closed in 25. SOLD in just over a month total time. I would also Like to Welcome Bob and Lee to Summertree. They just picked out a brand new DR Horton Home to be constructed on the conservation in Cross Creek at Summertree. They will be moving into their brand new home in September. Base Price on this 3 Bedroom new construction home is $151,000. … (2 comments)

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