Archives of real estate blog entries for April 4, 2012

Featured blog posts


Top 10 Odors That Homebuyers Hate - 05:40 AM
Every home has a predominant odor (sometimes there are competing odors) and most homeowners are so used to the odor(s), that they cannot perceive it.
However, according to researchers at UC Berkeley, it takes less than a hundred milliseconds for a person walking into a new environment to determine if an odor is pleasant or unpleasant.  But it then takes a few seconds for a person to determine the nature of the odor (i.e. sour, sweet, musty) and typically, many people cannot correctly identify an odor.  They just simply know if they like it or if they don’t.
http://berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2007/09/20_pleasantness.shtml
In our … (55 comments)

An Open Letter: I Understand Why Your Home Has Been on the Market So Long - 09:14 AM
Dear Home Seller,
I've been helping some friends look for a home this past month. We managed to find a great place for them, and we even got multiple offers on their home, which sold in less than two weeks, thankfully. We looked at a cross-section of neighborhoods in Round Rock, and we saw a number of places that were vacant. From the properties that were occupied, the vast majority were exceptionally flexible with showing times, and a couple of them allowed us to take a look even though we hadn't arranged anything in advance and spotted the home while driving … (175 comments)

I Shall Not But Love You Better After Short Sale Cancellation - 08:47 AM
If you want to listen to how many ways can I say no, ask me about repairs on a short sale. Or, price renegotiations after short sale approval. There are at least 50 ways to say no to renegotiations after short sale approval.
As a Sacramento Short Sale agent, I try to be explicit when I send the approval letter to the buyer. Often I explain to buyer's agents, just in case they've been living under a rock, that their transaction is an AS IS short sale. There are no repairs. No additional credits. No adjustments to price for unforeseen conditions. … (32 comments)

Is It Your Duty As A REALTOR® To Protect Home Ownership? - 04:50 PM
Is It Your Duty As A REALTOR® To Protect Home Ownership?  YES, IT IS. 
Karen Fiddler wrote a featured post called "Are REALTORS® Here To Protect Home-ownership?" 
First, let me say, that I absolutely love Karen. I consider her to be a fabulous contributor on ActiveRain and I am sure she is an amazing REALTOR®. She has a right to her opinion. I wrote a few long comments on her post and then received an email from another AR member to please put those comments into a post. This is in full respect of Karen. 
Let me clarify that being a licensed real … (47 comments)

YOU MEANT IT AS A COMPLIMENT? SERIOUSLY? - 08:01 PM
I recently posted a referral request on Active Rain, looking for an agent in another state to work with my client. Over the next couple of days, 20 agents responded that they would be happy to help me out.
As I always do, I proceeded to work through the list.  One by one, I looked over their AR Profiles, their blogs, and their personal websites.  
Imagine my surprise when I clicked on one  agent's Profile and found -- the exact same words that appear in my own Active Rain Profile!  It was a weird sensation.  
I pulled up my Profile … (54 comments)

9 Questions toward a better understanding of Passover. - 09:39 AM
Passover begins this Friday at sundown.  In an effort to educate the masses on the meaning of Passover, I have devised this little quiz:
Answers can be found in the red box at the bottom right.  No cheating now!
1. What does the word SEDER (the name of the Passover service) actually mean?
     a) Say There     b) Order     c) When are we gonna eat?     d) Okay
2. What do we call the "unleavened bread" that is eaten at the Seder and during Passover?
a) I can't believe it's not breadb) Matzahc) Matt Lauerd) Flatbreade) Cardboard
3. The story of Passover … (48 comments)

Catch the little signs before things get worse. - 03:44 PM

Catch the little signs before things get worse.
 
Don’t wait for the big, expensive water damage to happen when the little signs of water intrusion have started. Water damage can come in many forms, a broken water supply line, frozen pipes, or even a leaking dishwasher. But the water problems that can be the most troublesome are the leaks that happen slowly and gradually get worse.
The slow leaks can often times create mold and rot because is has been moist for a very long period of time. These are the moisture areas that are important to find. It … (42 comments)

Do Real Estate Agents Need Leadership Skills? Do Bears Poop in the Woods? - 02:16 PM
Do Real Estate Agents Need Leadership Skills?  Do Bears Poop in the Woods?  Are you thinking "why would I need leadership skills in real estate?" We're self employed.
The business of real estate ain't easy. It can be a never ending roller-coaster of emotions. A non-stop drive to deliver on clients ever-changing expectations. Throw in there the financial uncertainty of being a real estate agent. Yes, real estate agents need leadership skills.
I just read an interesting article on Inc.com regarding the six things “adaptive strategic leaders” do well. As I pondered these qualities in reference to Managing Broker/Owner core competencies, I quickly broadened my … (26 comments)

The Formula: Becoming A Millionaire the Rome Way! - 01:00 PM
 
                                     The Formula: Becoming A Millionaire the Rome Way! Back in 2006 when I joined ActiveRain, there were less than a 1000 members. I was number 845. From the beginning I was fascinated by this blogging platform. In all these years I have continued to log on daily.                                            
                                           
The daily blogging habit started with a challenge from another member...Karen Bernetti. She decided to post every day for a month. I called her right away, thinking she had lost it. No one has that kind of time if they are selling … (73 comments)

Dear BPO Mill, Let Me Show You Where To Stick That "Appraisal" - 09:17 AM

 It's not even lunch time and already this day ain't right. One of my agents is listing a foreclosure and the asset company has decided our subject home is worth more than it really is. The phone call I just had makes me question the sanity of foreclosure pricing.
 According to the asset manager, the price was selected due to a recent "appraisal" on the property. Why italics surrounding a common word? You will see in a second. When the manager mentioned an appraisal I started doubting myself. After all, it's not really a work day if I don't screw … (62 comments)

My first blog post! - 11:54 AM
So you want to start a BLOG? My neice has been doing this for years, but I on the other hand am new to this. Although I have been in real estate for 28 years now, in terms of technology, every year is different.
When I started, they used camera cards for listing information. If I depended on those today, I would not have much of a business.
Over the past 15 years, over 70% of my business has been repeat and referral. Lately, In order to increase my business, I have worked with more of the general public. No matter … (44 comments)

The Power of ActiveRain + Google Juice - 07:05 PM
Recently there have been a few blog out there talking about how ActiveRain really works. How does one really know that ActiveRain is working to bring in new business ? We see featured post saying that it really works and we should just believe what others are telling us..... Right ?
 Just today alone, I recieved an e-mail from a homeowner who is in urgent need of selling his home as he is in the military and was sent on a permant change of station (PCS) and now could no longer afford his home. He also owes more on his home … (30 comments)

Are They Worth The Time? - 08:54 AM
I recently held a broker open at lunchtime in cooperation with 3 agents from other companies in 3 other homes in the nieghborhood. We all had good food and many door prizes. When it was all said and done there were only about 20 agents that actually showed up which counted the agents that participated. That was actually less than 3% of our Realtor membership. With the cost of food and drink I am thinking maybe that wasn't such a good choice to get the property some exposure.
So I'm looking for some new ideas and venues to get agents to see … (71 comments)

We Have a Deal... If You'll Reduce Your Commission - 06:37 PM
I received an offer on one of my listings today. It has been on the market 21 days. The offer we received netted the seller $6500 less than a full price offer would have. I was pretty excited about the offer - starting out $6500 apart is pretty good when you're dealing in the $200-300k range.
The seller was disappointed with the offer. As we sat at his kitchen table I used all the evidence and angles I could think of to show him why the offer was good, but all he could see was the money he wasn't getting.
So … (79 comments)

The True Cost of Short Sales - 03:06 PM
There are parts of our industry that have become just plain weird.
Spend a little time here on AR reading posts and it won't take long to find another outrageous account involving a short sale. Browse through your own MLS and you'll see plenty of short sale listings that set off alarm bells in the minds of experienced agents.
We now have a work environment where we can commonly find:
Short sales listed at prices that are significantly below market value, and most likely won't be anywhere near a real sales price for the property Listing and selling agents with … (38 comments)

Will you be a Sensei Grasshopper in April? - 04:52 PM
 Will you be a Sensei Grasshopper in April? 

 
When I read Dick Greenberg’s April Challenge I immediately joined the Sensei Grasshopper Group and began reading the posts. 
I left a comment for a few people recommending who I thought might be able to help them. I did not feel that I could help based upon their need. 
I left a comment specifically for Curtis Van Carter offering to help.  The following morning I decided to give Curtis a call.  We spoke for 15-20 minutes.  We agreed that he would ponder our discussion and he would get … (18 comments)

Where your business comes from says a lot about you - 11:57 AM
Yesterday I met with a few other Realtors who got together to start a “masterminds” group to share marketing ideas. We all discussed where we get most of our business, and the results got me to thinking about where my business comes from, and what it says about me.
 
I’ve been in real estate for five years, and 62 percent of my business has been from friends, family, former students, past clients, and referrals from people I know – my SOI (sphere of influence). The next largest category for me has been referrals from my broker at 16 percent. Little … (41 comments)

Localism Long Tail- BINGO - 05:54 PM
Blogging for business has a place on Active Rain, it's called Localism Posts.  It's where you define your audience in  a niche format.  The tighter the niche, the better the Google juice results.  For example for me to try to capture Indianapolis Real Estate (even though I go by Cindy in Indy) would take a very long time and while I am a patient person...I have my limits!  It took about 8 months of consistent blogging to get placement for Fishers Real Estate!
But narrowing it down even more to a long tail search...something very specific is best.
I wrote this … (35 comments)


Blog posts


What is a Sheriff Sale - 08:55 PM
What is a Sheriff Sale
A sheriff sale is much like a foreclosure auction except that in some states in the country a sheriff is in charge of the sale. Other details about the sale are the same. For example, there will be a sheriff sale when someone forecloses on their house. A sheriff sale will occur when someone defaults on their house, as in if they are not able to make their house payments. The mortgage lender will take over the house from the owner when they stop making payments on it. They will then file a lawsuit. The home … (1 comments)

Residential Real Estate - Private and Secure - Wonderful BIG Views - Gated Setting on Mountain Ridgeline - Maggie Valley - Waynesville NC Real Estate - 12:20 PM
Offer Improvement: Fine Home For Sale or 1031 Exchange - For Your Own Home or As Income Property … (0 comments)

Eggstravaganza Des Moines - 11:13 AM
Eggstravaganza Des Moines Celebrate springtime, celebrate children and celebrate the joy of Easter at Des Moines signature event, Eggstravaganza. During this annual event, a variety of free Easter-related activities are offered in Des Moines Beach Park for families and children. From egg hunting to face painting, craft activities and bunny photos, there is a wide variety of activities and entertainment for kids of all ages. This event is extremely popular, creating long lines for many of the "giveaways" and activities.
Along with the egg hunt, face painting is always a favorite activity for children of all ages, a skilled face painter … (0 comments)

Pigs Get Fat, Hogs Get Slaughtered! - 02:17 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
This is a Post on Selling a Home and why it is important to have some flexibility when negotiating repairs or price.  Think long and hard before walking away from an offer.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via The Living in Lancaster Group - Cal Yoder 717.413.0744 (Keller Williams Realty Lancaster):
Pigs Get Fat, Hogs Get SlaughterThis idiom, as defined by usingenglish.com, is used to express being satisfied with enough, in contrast to be greedy and having it become your undoing. This is a … (0 comments)

Mr. & Mrs. Seller, Have You Actually SEEN Your Home's MLS Entry? - 02:19 PM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
This is a Post on Selling a Home and why it is important to check out what the agent actually lists on the MLS.  Take a look at the picture and what he puts on the MLS Sheets.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton (513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com):
Mr. & Mrs. Seller, Have You Actually SEEN Your Home's MLS Entry? Everyone has heard the numbers about how buyers start their home searches on the Internet.  They find whatever website … (1 comments)

Seven Best Investment Properties in Antioch Ca - 03:55 PM
Seven Best Investment Properties in Antioch Ca
This week I put together a list of the 7 Best Investment Properties in Antioch California. All have projected Return on Investment of over 8% (and we estimate very conservatively) and Cap Rates of well over 10%. Yes we have even figured in Property Management Fees - a sinking fund for repairs and future vacancy factor – and still get these great rates of return. Many companies provide great projections but never take into account these cost.
Would you like this List of Investment Properties?
Home Point Real Estate is committed to working with … (1 comments)

Thinking About a Loan Modification? Here's FREE help - 02:12 PM
Thinking About a Loan Modification? Here's FREE help
 
If you are falling behind or will be falling behind with your mortgage payment on your Stanislaus County Home your bank may be able to help you out with a loan modification.  I'm sure you have probably gotten mailings and phone calls from companies that offer to help you with a loan modification, for a fee of course.   If these companies are asking for an upfront fee they are breaking the law.  You should be able to contact your bank directly to apply for a loan modification.  Below are some contact numbers … (2 comments)

The Formula: Becoming A Millionaire the Rome Way! - 01:00 PM
 
                                     The Formula: Becoming A Millionaire the Rome Way! Back in 2006 when I joined ActiveRain, there were less than a 1000 members. I was number 845. From the beginning I was fascinated by this blogging platform. In all these years I have continued to log on daily.                                            
                                           
The daily blogging habit started with a challenge from another member...Karen Bernetti. She decided to post every day for a month. I called her right away, thinking she had lost it. No one has that kind of time if they are selling … (73 comments)

FREE Teleseminar: Short Sale Basics With Broker Bryant - 04:41 AM
Short Sale Superstars Visit Short Sale Superstars at: http://shortsalesuperstars.com
… (4 comments)

33 Steps REALTORs® do to complete a Purchase - 08:37 AM
What a great blog posted by fellow Buyer's Agent Cheryl Thomson, Real Estate in Northern Virginia, REALTOR®, Woodbridge VA. We all need to remind not only the consumer of our worth but also ourselves!
Via Cheryl Thomson, Real Estate in Northern Virginia, REALTOR®, U.S. Army (Retired) (Buyers Advantage Real Estate Corp.):
33 Steps REALTORs® do in order to complete a purchase residential sale from start to finish. That’s right there’s at least 33 steps. Never say no one told you so. You curious on what it is WE do to earn our commission, well here it is.  For us REALTORs® this is … (2 comments)

Home Maintenance Tip - Window Glass (Home Safety) - 06:51 AM
Did you know that there are window locations in most homes that require safety glass?  This could effect the sale of your Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze home, please read on. If we can help you with more information or in the sell of your home please contact me.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes For Sale.
Sellers Flat Fee of $2995 when one of our agents sells your home or if you want MLS (where you home … (0 comments)

6 Selling tips your Realtor NEVER told you! - 07:29 AM
6 Selling tips your Realtor NEVER told you on how to sell your Pensacola, Pace or ulf Breeze Home! Pricing your home is by far the most important part of selling your home and it is so easy to do 99% of the time ( if you live on 10 acres in the middle of town no so much but it can be sold). Don't be fooled by agents who go around bidding the price of your home. You know the ones a agent tells you 98K, the next says 105 and the next is 115 enough of these characters and … (0 comments)

Two For Tuesday - REO Foreclosures effect home sales in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze - 07:26 PM
Two For Tuesday - REO Foreclosures effect home sales in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze but just home much contact us it may surprise you. REO discounts to grow even bigger? What happens if more foreclosures hit the market? Many don't expect prices to drop further thanks to increased demand. Read more.
If an increase does occur, some housing experts wonder how it will impact overall home prices, and whether the discounts for REOs will be even larger this time around. For example, in metro areas like Las Vegas, the average foreclosure sells at 6.1 percent less than a non-foreclosure home. … (1 comments)

Winning Wednesday's - Cantonment Rotary - Free Lunch - come check us out! - 07:42 PM
Winning Wednesday's - Cantonment Rotary - Free Lunch - come check us out!
Rotary the best hour of the week, we meet every Wednesday at Scenic Hills Country Club from 12pm to 1 pm, lunch is served at approximately 10 after. If you are a business leader and can set your own hour for lunch we would love for you to visit and have lunch on us. Check us out and see if membership is for you. We are a community based organization helping where needed, our biggest and only fund raiser is the Ted Ciano Cantonment Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament … (1 comments)

Thursday for Knowledge - Pending home sales ease a bit in February - 07:53 PM
Thursday for Knowledge - Pending home sales ease a bit in February in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze are we on the right track. But overall, winter pending sales are the best in five years. Drop-off seen in 2011 not evident so far in 2012. Read more.
The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, eased 0.5 percent to 96.5 in February from 97.0 in January but is 9.2 percent above February 2011 when it was 88.4. The data reflects contracts but not closings.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales … (4 comments)

Retreat to this Amazing Herndon Single Family Home for Sale: 1535 Youngs Point Place Herndon - 08:18 AM
… (2 comments)

Divine Rivercrest Single Family Home for Sale: 47433 Middle Bluff Place Sterling - 08:20 AM
… (0 comments)

Amazing Reston Condo for Sale for Under $180K! 11627 Vantage Hill Road Reston - 08:22 AM
… (2 comments)

Rivercrest Living for Less! Welcome Home to 20414 Cliftons Point Street Sterling - 08:25 AM
… (2 comments)

Moving ‘Moving’ From Nightmare to Dream....Come to The Beach! - 09:19 AM
 


Remember when moving was fun?
 
If you share the sentiments of just about everyone in town, your answer to that is a definite “NO!” Picking up and moving a household has never been fun or easy -- and long distance moving can be even worse. When you need to relocate from another state to Naples Florida, you can’t just hop back across town to take care of a few last minute details: likely as not, you’re a jet plane ride away!
 
The logistical concerns of moving your belongings, coupled with the expenses and the … (2 comments)

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