Archives of real estate blog entries for April 29, 2012

Featured blog posts


Still Alive & Well - A Heartfelt Thank You to My AR Friends - 12:13 PM
 


Yes folks, I’m still alive and well and working as hard as ever out here on the left coast and am sending a very heartfelt thank you to all my friends who have reached out to me to check in on me the last couple of months.  Words cannot express how much it has meant to me to talk to and reconnect with my AR buddies. 
Just goes to show that my time here on AR was more than just a business opportunity.  It has also been an opportunity to develop relationships with a community of wonderful … (73 comments)

Why Does It Always End With A Guy With No Shirt On? - 11:53 AM
We’ve all seen it on TV – police chases, hostage situations, domestic situations, etc.  The scene typically follows a common pattern:  lots of arguing, bunch of police and cars surrounding a house negotiating, emotional ups and downs, anger, stress and finally, the big explosion – the bad guy makes a run for it.  And when he’s caught – it seems it’s always a guy that doesn’t have a shirt on!  Why is that?!
Talked to a friend yesterday, she is in the middle of selling her home (not in Arizona!).  I couldn’t believe the things that were going on – realtors … (39 comments)

10 Scenarios When A Home Stager Should Walk Away from a Job - 08:02 AM
This topic has never been far from my mind or my business policies. As a small business owner of a Plano, TX home staging company one of the benefits of running my own business is knowing when I should walk away from a job if certain scenarios are in place or come into question.  Not only does this help my business (and often my sanity) it actually helps the prospective client know why their job is not one I'm able to assist them with and explains policies and expectations that all parties need to understand.  However I try never leave them without the opportunity … (92 comments)

The Advantage of a Personal Note to Accompany Your Offer - 02:10 PM
The Advantage of a Personal Note to Accompany Your Offer
Just a few days ago, I was helping buyers who had found their dream home.  Unfortunately, the couple we had been running into at every listing we saw that day, thought the same thing.  My buyers were going into a competitive situation with their offer and they heeded every bit of advice I gave them.  Go in with the highest and best offer.  Don't ask for anything you don't absolutely need.  Show you're serious with a good sized earnest money deposit.  And finally, write a personal note to the sellers.
The … (63 comments)

A Very Successful Franklin TN Open House - 09:47 PM
A Very Successful Franklin TN Open House This weekend was National Open House Weekend. So for the very first time, I decided to test the waters and work an open house. A good day at an open house for me may be 3 - 5 couples. Today, however, I had 18 couples, 1 agent previewing, 1 lender and 1 home stager come through my open house at 309 Applecross Drive in Franklin. At one point, I had four families in the home at once. Trying to give every buyer the attention they needed proved difficult but I was able to convince … (38 comments)

Infographics - Yea or Nay? - 05:44 AM
Infographics seem to be the coming rage as the new way to 'tell your story'.  Pictures offer a better and more pleasing way to offer up boring information.  So that brings me to my point about market reports and market graphs - maybe it's time that we figure out a way to 'transition' to this new approach? I have to admit that they are more visually appealing & I haven't seen a badly presented one yet.  Let's face it, the reason that most people don't want to read these things (market reports) is because they are just a block of numbers, … (33 comments)

Fake It Until You Become It - Happy - 07:18 AM

There is some advice that is so generic that it seems silly to write about it.  However, I recently was introduced to someone who had just moved to the city.  Like everyone else that she was meeting, I asked how her how she was doing and how she liked Ottawa.  I certainly did not expect to get a long diatribe of all that bothered her.  All I wanted to do was get away from her and her anger – sorrow – loneliness – feeling of resentment – etc,  etc.  What I wanted to hear was that she was coping and … (41 comments)

Hey let's go to San Francisco...Ok, why not? - 04:29 PM
Hey let's go to San Francisco...Ok, why not?
It was a typical Saturday morning doing routine errands.   We had finished up what we needed to do and had a quick lunch at In and Out Burger. It was just a bit after 1 in the afternoon.   Kelly and I realized that there was really no reason to go home.  Her kids were all gone for the day and wouldn't be back until late Sunday.   Of course there was always laundry and house work that could be done.  But where's the fun in that?
So we decided what the heck, let's get … (33 comments)

Exhibit A Why We'll Always Need Real Estate Brokerage - 07:30 PM
There is a a misinformed minority out there that is of the opinion that the data available on the Internet will eventually render real estate licensees obsolete. 
I disagree for many reasons, and I'll give you one good example: People say some pretty dumb things. 
I'll be the first to admit that I have heard some licensees say silly things. But at least the stupid things I have overheard were said by one agent to another. 
Today, at an open house for a rather upscale home one of my agents was hosting, we had one couple walk through and the wife noticed … (51 comments)

Cohousing - Would YOU want to live here? - 11:29 AM
This morning's mail brought an article about two new cohousing projects in the planning stages in Alaska. Apparently there are already about 120 such communities across the U.S. and proponents see them as a way to bring back old-fashioned small-town neighborliness.
I don't know...
I appreciate some of my neighbors and the fact that we look out for each other. And there are times when I wish at least one of my neighbors was someone who would enjoy taking off to do the things I like to do. But...
Would I want to live on a 6 acre parcel in one … (36 comments)

Lease lot? what does that mean for Lake Sinclair property? - 03:33 PM
Many times we get that question when people begin their Lake Sinclair property search and explain there are different types of overship found around our lake. 
* FULLY OWNED - (Also known as fee or fee simple) The property owner owns all of the land down to the lake. You may often hear us refer to this as "down to the 340", with the 340 foot elevation being full elevation of Lake Sinclair. Georgia Power maintains flood rights to the 350 elevation on this property and residents need a license agreement with Georgia Power for building or maintaining any seawalls or … (18 comments)

Last Week's Favorites: April 22nd-29th - 10:12 AM
This has to be fast.  I'm on my way to celebtrate National Open House weekend and have to leave the house really soon!  So here goes:
1.  Lou Ludwig:  Our Lives Are Shaped by Our Habits  Reading Lou's blog is my favorite way to start my day!
2.  Hella Rothwell:  Do you roll over?  This is a tale of chutzpah, and our girl Hella held her ground!  Good for her!
3.  Tom Arstingstall:  I Know What You Did Last Summer - The trickle effect of local posts.  OK, so Tom is preaching to the choir!
4.  Cherimie Crane:  The Water Was … (24 comments)

I've always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You- April 22-April 29, 2012 - 05:07 AM
I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You.  April 22-- April 29, 2012I learn something new every day at ActiveRain!  With this series I try to highlight one post per day that gave me that “lightbulb” moment.  It could be something techie, about Real Estate, about a place or person!
April 22:  Emmary Nicholson  Semi-Speechless Sunday: Bring Isabel Home. This is a little different but Emmary posted this last week and as of last I checked, little Isabel is still missing.  Please read this post. April 23: Marco Giancola   Not of This … (32 comments)

Have a Water Leak? Stop the leak and get it dried up quickly. - 01:34 AM

 


We are usually not ready when a water leak happens. It can be a water supply leak, drainage, flooding or a roof leak but it never seems to happen at a convenient time. Experts will all agree that it is most important to get the problem corrected as quickly as possible.

 
The most important thing to remember when dealing with a water leak is to get the area dry.

 
In order to do this, you must get the source of the problem corrected. Stop the water from leaking. Turn off the water, patch … (34 comments)

Homes with Pools in Warner Robins Georgia 31088 - 12:14 PM
Homes with Pools in Warner Robins Georgia 31088 Already in the 90s, it's heating up quickly in middle GA, and consumers wanting to preview homes with pools in Warner Robins are out in force. With plenty of choices, NOW is the time to by a home with a pool in Warner Robins GA!
Below is the current breakdown of Homes with Pools in Warner Robins. If an inground pool, above ground model, or community pool sounds refreshing, call me so we can get you into a home in-time to start the season off with a splash.
Warner Robins GA currently has 35 homes … (23 comments)

Sometimes you can't go it alone... - 08:16 PM
If you've ever climbed a hill that is taller than you are you know that having a boost is a really good thing. Why climbing this particular hill was so important I'm not sure, but it seemed to be. The boys really just wanted to see what was on the other side - so why would I argue, right?
Buying a house can be much like this. It sure seems like the process should be easy, but having someone 'have your back' just makes it so much easier. That's what we are here for. We are here to walk you through … (39 comments)

"I'm Going to Wait for the Market to Settle Down!” - 01:22 PM
”I'm Going to Wait for the Market to Settle Down!”
Yes that is what a client e-mailed me the other day when I told him what we would have to do to get him an Investment Property in this market.
Well there was only one thing I could say and it had to be said very bluntly, “No, you are waiting for the market to settle up!” Because when this market is not as crazy it will be because prices and interest rates have gone up and cooled it off.
The market is crazy right now because people believe that the … (65 comments)

Sorry, I Don't Care to Do My Job So Someone ELSE Can Get Paid! - 01:01 AM
Friday was an awesome and busy day on floor duty. Between scheduling morning showings and negotiating a contract, I had a pile of "to-dos" on my desk that I never even got to because of all the calls and walk-ins. I have to admit I LOVED every minute of it.
Some of my time was spent on an inquiry through our website. These folks were asking about one of our office listings and I was happy to send them the info about taxes, insurance, and rental income. At that moment, our office internet was down for some reason, so I went … (62 comments)

Why I Won't Refer You to My Buyers - 08:55 AM
Dear Mr. Lender,
Do you remember our first phone conversation? I do. And I remember every one after that.
You answered your phone in the most monotone, depressing tone you possibly could. I remember thinking you must hate your job to answer like that.
 
You were working on a loan for a first-time buyer of mine who was purchasing a listing of mine. We were getting close to the loan commitment deadline, and I was wanting to touch base with you -- see if you needed anything from me.
You told me you would likely not have loan commitment by … (41 comments)

Who do you Believe? IDX Registration or No Registration - Confusion? Yes! - 02:05 PM

 
Over the last few days I have been in conversations with other agents across the country, well maybe not "in" the conversation but following the conversation.  You see I very rarely offer my ideas into a conversation with agents and gurus that I don't personally know because it can be scary.  
So between some Facebook conversations, some training webinars and some blog reading I am now totally confused.  
 
Just when I think I have found the answer it seems to change.

This week I learned that I should HAVE FORCED registration.  I have both.  I … (51 comments)

This makes it all worth it... - 04:15 PM
This makes it all worth it...
We all go through peaks and valleys in both life and business but its those stand out moments that make it all worthwhile. Those special times and or special things that reinforce why you go the extra mile for everyone. Sure some dont appreciate it but the ones who do make those tough days so much easier.
So to my point. I rarely schedule Sat appts. Its not that I don't ever but its rare. I feel if you can find a time to meet me between my 8a-7p+ schedule then you probably aren't serious … (33 comments)


Blog posts


Northwest Austin Neighborhood Update – Nov. 29 2012 - 06:57 AM
When you think about northwest Austin, you should understand that the northwest area transitions from flat land to hills.  Some of the area has neighborhoods with dramatic Hill Country View.  Others may have Lake Austin frontage.  Yet others might be located in the hills near a golf course.  Take a look at current and recent real estate activity in several northwest Austin homes.Shepherd Mountain:  3 homes currently listed for sale in the Austin MLS.  Prices range from $675,000 to $1.1 million.  No homes in the neighborhood are currently under contract and the last home to sell in Shepherd Mountain sold back … (0 comments)

Our Job – Protect the Integrity of the MLS! - 09:38 AM
Our Job – Protect the Integrity of the MLS!
Right now the integrity of the MLS is a big but under appreciated issue. I know that in the past there have been anti-trust suits. Most of that was before my time. But as I understand it the upshot of this is that you do not have to be a REALTOR to use the MLS.
Right now any agent can become an MLS member and if not an agent you can get on the MLS rather inexpensive with one of the agents on a flat fee arrangement (I don't recommend but … (1 comments)

The Great Hot Dog Caper! - 10:09 AM
The Great Hot Dog Caper!
I wrote a post yesterday about having six boys. My friend Doug Commented on how he enjoys reading the stories about my kids. I really do try to be a good dad.
There are times when I have failed in big ways. Another thing you need to understand. I am a big guy – tall and wide. My hearing is a little off and I tend to talk loud; especially when I get excited. I am also very animated. So when you get a big guy talking loud and waving his hands around it can appear … (5 comments)

"I'm Going to Wait for the Market to Settle Down!” - 01:22 PM
”I'm Going to Wait for the Market to Settle Down!”
Yes that is what a client e-mailed me the other day when I told him what we would have to do to get him an Investment Property in this market.
Well there was only one thing I could say and it had to be said very bluntly, “No, you are waiting for the market to settle up!” Because when this market is not as crazy it will be because prices and interest rates have gone up and cooled it off.
The market is crazy right now because people believe that the … (65 comments)

Just a Simple Prayer Request - 09:20 PM
I am at a point where things seem to be coming to a head on some issues in my life.
Those that know me know I have two boys from a first marriage one that lives with me and another that lives with his mother.  I have made a real effort to be at peace with her for the last several years.  However, things are coming to a head and issues are heating up.  I did not want to be in further conflict, but at the same time I do not think it is avoidable.
She has changed jobs within her … (3 comments)

More Good News for Short Sale Sellers in 2012 - 09:47 PM
Short Sales in Brentwood
Short Sales are the largest part of the market and the Short Sale transactions are starting to pick up and go faster.  Here is a great post on Short Sales.
For information on Short Sales in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Melissa Zavala Realtor® North San Diego County Homes (Broadpoint Properties):
If you are considering selling your home as a short sale, 2012 may be the year for you. First off, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which protects certain short sale sellers from tax liability, is set to expire at the … (1 comments)

How to Write A Short Sale Offer In A Competitive Market - 09:48 PM
Short Sales in Brentwood
Short Sales are the largest part of the market and the Short Sale transactions are starting to pick up and go faster.  Here is a great post on Short Sales.
For information on Short Sales in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Tni LeBlanc REALTOR® Santa Maria CA Homes Central Coast:
How to Write A Short Sale Offer In A Competitive Market
 
The local real estate market in Santa Maria and Orcutt California is currently dominated by bidding wars and multiple offer situations.  So, no matter what type of listing it is (REO, short sale or traditional), the one certainty … (0 comments)

7 Mistakes Every Real Estate Investor Makes and How You Can Avoid Them - 09:50 PM
Real Estate Investing in Antioch Ca
Home Point Real Estate works with lots of Real Estate Investors finding the right Investment Properties.  We have free books and Investment information.  Here is a great post on Real Estate Investing.
For more information on Real Estate Investing in Antioch or beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Jason Stewart (Stewart Estates):
What sets truly successful investors apart from those who are only moderately successful or – worse – those who prematurely pack it in and decide to give up on real estate investing altogether? Mistakes do it every time. However, all investors are … (0 comments)

Investors Beware When Buying Properties That Are Tenant Occupied - 09:51 PM
Real Estate Investing in Antioch Ca
Home Point Real Estate works with lots of Real Estate Investors finding the right Investment Properties.  We have free books and Investment information.  Here is a great post on Real Estate Investing.
For more information on Real Estate Investing in Antioch or beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Anna 'Banana' Kruchten - Phoenix Short Sale Broker,CRS 602-380-4886 (Phoenix Property Shoppe):
Investors Beware When Buying Properties That Are Tenant Occupied

In 2009 the US Congress enacted the 'Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act. Basically the PTFA Act offered tenants protection of not being evicted in the case of a foreclosure.  There are four … (1 comments)

Proper Planning for a Mortgage Application - 09:53 PM
Buying a Home in Brentwood Ca
If you are Buying a Home you want to be prepared to get that Home Loan.  Here are a few tips on getting the loan.
For more information on Buying a Home in Brentwood or beyond and directions to the right loan officer for you give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Hal Timinsky (Wells Fargo Home Mortgage):
by Dean Hartman
With good preparation, most things are easier. That works in mortgages too! Today, I want to give you some ideas that can make your mortgage experience less painful.
Income Items: Gather your documents. Today, many people … (0 comments)

How do I make my home stand out ahead of the competition? - 09:55 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
I think staging is one of the best tools you can use when Selling a Home.  Here is a great post on Home Staging and getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional (Janice Ankrett Home Staging):
In today's competitive market, you need to show the buyer why they should choose your home over all the others.
If your home doesn't measure up, the buyer will simply move on to the next home.
You … (0 comments)

Selling Your Home... And The Magic Power Of Closets... - 09:55 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
I think staging is one of the best tools you can use when Selling a Home.  Here is a great post on Home Staging and getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Phyllis Lerner, Realtor - Broker / Owner - Westchester County NY (William Raveis Legends Realty Group LLC):
At first, when you are thinking of the closets in your home for sale they may seem very insignificant or unassuming rooms to you. Reality, however, is that closets can be real "magic" selling features. Homes must have storage. … (1 comments)

Difference between an Asking Price and a Selling Price - 09:56 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
Getting the most money for your home when Selling a Home does not mean pricing it high.  It means pricing it right.  Read this post and let me know what you think.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Kamal Salim (Keller Williams Properties):
Setting the Price The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious … (0 comments)

Speechless Sunday - Relaxing in the Hammock - 05:13 PM
This was a nice 2 minutes... before everyone starting running around and screaming again.

**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comDonna@DonnaHomes.comaustin-texas-homes-for-sale.com
Austin TX Real Estate and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, CedarPark, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Hill Country Austin TX Real Estate and beyond. Whether you're buying or selling an Austin home, I'll be with you every step of the way. 
For real time Austin TX listings,click here.** Multi-Million Dollar Producer Year after Year **** Platinum Top 50 Finalist 2011 out of almost 9000 agents in … (13 comments)

Hey let's go to San Francisco...Ok, why not? - 04:29 PM
Hey let's go to San Francisco...Ok, why not?
It was a typical Saturday morning doing routine errands.   We had finished up what we needed to do and had a quick lunch at In and Out Burger. It was just a bit after 1 in the afternoon.   Kelly and I realized that there was really no reason to go home.  Her kids were all gone for the day and wouldn't be back until late Sunday.   Of course there was always laundry and house work that could be done.  But where's the fun in that?
So we decided what the heck, let's get … (33 comments)

Being Lucky the Rome Way. - 08:00 PM
Being Lucky the Rome Way  This story reminds me about what it means to be lucky in real estate or in anything you do in life.  A teacher told his class of pottery students that he would grade half of them on the quantity of pots they produced, and the other half on the quality. In the "Quantity" group, it didn't matter how good or bad their results, only the total amount of pots they created would count. For the "Quality" group, all they had to have at the end of the semester was just one perfect pot to get that … (21 comments)

Tax Foreclosure In The Middle Of Short Sale? - 05:39 AM
 

 
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Need Leads? I'm Giving Them Away Today!! - 06:04 AM
Hi folks. I just read a featured post about being duped into spending $150 a month for a bunch of worthless leads. I made this video about 5 years ago but thought it would be perfect response.
… (24 comments)

" My Realtor friend thinks she could probably do a Short Sale" said the Distressed Seller - 03:38 AM
  Dangerous words..."Probably do...."...No distressed seller should sign up to be any Realtor's "Short Sale Experiment."  As a distressed Seller, you are looking at far more than selling a home...you are placing your financial future in the hands of someone you are entrusting to complete a short sale succssfully...to help you start over financially.
    No Realtor...make that no professional will ever be offended if you ask for "third party verification" of their experience and more importantly.....their success.  Many Realtors take an ipad or laptop with them on a listing appointment.  While we can't say what every MLS shows....we know that … (11 comments)

Another Mount Vernon Ohio Bank Owned Home SOLD in April by the Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty - 06:47 PM
The Mount Vernon Ohio and Knox County housing market is on the rise.  A higher number of Knox County homes have been selling this year than during the exact same time period in 2011.  
If you are in the market for a bank owned home or foreclosure property you can register to receive our latest bank owned listings by email as they come on the market.  Register at KnoxCountyBankOwned.com.  
Feel free to view and compare all of our Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale in price order for easy viewing
Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (0 comments)

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